Sexual Health: The cause and reason for contraception use is to prevent pregnancy while remaining sexually active. Certain types of contraception like barrier methods work because they physically prevent sperm from entering the female uterus. Other forms of contraception are effective because they release hormones into the female body that prevents ovulation such as birth control pills or patches.
Causes of STDs include different bacteria and viruses that enter the body through unprotected sexual activity and intercourse. STDs may be caused by either vaginal sex, oral sex or anal intercourse. There are over 20 types of STDs, some caused by bacteria which can be treated by antibiotics or by viruses which have no cure. Certain viruses can turn to more deadly diseases later. For example, HIV may progress to AIDS and HPV can progress to AIDS or varied types of cancers.
Reproductive Health: The menstrual cycles is typically 28 days long but can range from 21 to 35 days. At the start of a female’s menstrual cycle, hormone levels rise which causes the uterine lining to grow and thicken. An egg then begins to mature in one of the ovaries then travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. If this egg is fertilized by a male sperm cell via sexual intercourse, the result is pregnancy. If it is not fertilized, the uterus realizes it does not need this extra thick lining and it therefore begins to shed. This shedding results in the menstruation women experience monthly.
Menopause: Menopause is caused by the loss of estrogen in the female body. Because of the fluctuation in female hormone levels, the body adapts, transitioning to compensate for the lack of estrogen and progesterone being produced.
However, other events and conditions in a female’s life can bring upon menopause and menopausal symptoms much earlier in life. Surgery to remove the uterus or a hysterectomy will cause periods to stop, the definition of menopause. However, because ovaries are untouched, symptoms such as hot flashes may not begin to occur immediately. Over time as ovaries begin to create less hormones, symptoms and signs of menopause could begin.
Sexual Health: A diagnosis can be made for almost any sexual health concern by scheduling an appointment with your regular doctor. A full physical examination will allow your physician to make a proper and accurate diagnosis and prescribe the best treatment for you. Your doctor may recommend that you see a gynecologist for further specialized testing. For sexual health conditions, an accurate and honest medical history may help your doctor significantly in providing a diagnosis. Be upfront about sexual partners and activity. Certain tests may include taking samples of discharge or urine for further testing. A PAP smear may be used in the attempt to diagnose a certain STD.
Reproductive Health: The most effective way to determine pregnancy is through a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter at many drug and grocery stores and are considered highly accurate. Your doctor or health care provider can also do a pregnancy test. If you take a home pregnancy test and receive a positive result, schedule an appointment with your doctor to follow up. They will be able to confirm the diagnosis at this point.
Menopause: As menopause happens at different ages for many females, it is difficult to diagnosis exactly when onset will begin. While the average age of menopause is 51, it could start in the 40s through the late 50s.
Experiencing symptoms may be the strongest indicator for when menopause begins for you. When you reach middle age, pay close attention to your menstrual cycle and note any irregularities or changes. This could be an early sign of menopausal onset. Slight changes to the body such as weight gain, thinning skin or stiff joints may be unnoticeable but these symptoms combined with hot flashes and changing periods may be the symptoms needed to confirm menopause.
Women’s health is generally covers the topics of reproductive health, sexual health, and the changes of menopause. A woman’s body is unique as it goes through many changes throughout her life in order to prepare her for having a baby, and the end of her childbearing years.
Sexual Health: Contraception or birth control, are preventative measures taken to avoid pregnancy while still being sexually active. Some forms of birth control include barrier methods to block fertilization and hormonal birth control such as pills, patches and vaginal rings.
STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, can develop as a result of unprotected sex. While some are treatable, others have no cure. Regular STD vaccination and testing is essential for those who are sexually active.
Reproductive Health: The female reproductive system begins preparing early in a woman’s life for the eventual need to carry a child to term. Menstruation begins at puberty and the body again changes during the time of pregnancy. Human pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks or nine months from the start of the last menstrual cycle to the time of childbirth.
Menopause: Menopause is a normal and expected time in a female’s life when the monthly menstrual cycle ceases, although symptoms can appear several years before. The average age of a female’s last period is 51 but can range from her early 40s to late 50s. Symptoms of menopause can last months to years with the varying changes to estrogen and progesterone levels, female hormones created in the ovaries.
Sexual Health: Some forms of contraception can cause internal or external signs and symptoms which may be a hassle such as increased hormones with a daily birth control pill. Ask your doctor about all your contraception options as you may wish to change your method. A change in condom brand or sizing, changing birth control types (such as pill to patch or injection to vaginal ring) may lessen side effects and become easier to take each day. If one type of contraception has proved unsuccessful you may wish to look into more permanent options such as in intrauterine device. Sterilization, which permanently prevents a woman from getting pregnant and involves a surgical procedure that usually cannot be reversed, is available for women who have decided the do not wish to have children or have completed their family.
Many STDs are caused by bacteria and can be treated and often cured by antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. However, some STDs are caused by viruses which cannot be cured but instead must simply be managed. Some viral STDs include: HIV/AIDS, genital herpes and hepatitis B. Ask your doctor on how to manage a viral STD.
Reproductive Health: There is no “cure” for menstruation. This monthly period will occur regularly in a woman’s life until she reaches menopause. Over-the-counter products such as tampons and sanitary pads may be used to control bleeding and for cleanliness purposes. Mild pain medication may also be used to treat and control symptoms such as abdominal pain.
Pregnancy requires proper prenatal care which includes frequent visits to your doctor or gynecologist as well as dietary changes and increased vitamin intake. Most experts suggest you see your doctor about once each month for weeks 4-28, twice a month for weeks 28-36 and weekly for weeks 36 through the birth. If you are older than 35 years, or your pregnancy is high-risk, you’ll probably see your doctor more often based on his or her recommendation. Getting 400-800 micrograms of folic acid every day is incredibly important to a pregnant woman as to prevent many types of birth defects. It is also vital to quit smoking and drinking, and avoid toxic substances at home and work including chemicals and cat or rodent feces. Check with your doctor about medications you take to see if it is still safe to take them during pregnancy. Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date as well.
Pregnancy is also the time to be healthy, for yours and your baby’s sake. Eat a wide variety of healthy foods. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium-rich foods and foods low in saturated fats. Drink plenty of water throughout the day as well in order to keep hydrated. Make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need every day, including iron which prevents you from getting anemia (a condition linked to preterm birth and low birth weight). Protect yourself and your baby from food-borne illnesses such as toxoplasmosis and listeria by washing all fruits and vegetables before eating. Don’t eat undercooked or uncooked meat or fish and always handle, clean, cook, eat, and store foods properly and with care. Don’t eat fish with high amounts of mercury such as swordfish, king mackerel, shark and tilefish. Make sure to gain a healthy amount of weight, its necessary for you and your baby. Your doctor can guide you on how much weight to gain and what you should aim for during the pregnancy.
Menopause: As menopause is not an illness, it cannot be treated. It is an inevitable period within a female’s life where the body begins to stop production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. However, menopause does mean a woman’s body is more susceptible to aging and particular conditions without the protection these hormones can create. Therefore, it is important to stay healthy during and after menopause. Quit smoking and start eating healthier with a diet low in fat and high in fiber mixing in a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Incorporate physical activity into your life at least three days a week with weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging or dancing.
It is important to consult your doctor on the medicine right for you and your menopause. Pharmaceuticals for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and osteoporosis are important to consider as menopause increases the risks for these conditions. Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like substances that work in the body like estrogen but in weaker form. Regular ingestion of phytoestrogens may relieve some symptoms of menopause. They can be found in some cereals, vegetables, legumes (including soy) and various herbs. Over indulgence in phytoestrogens may carry risks and you should consult your doctor when considering using them. Menopause also indicates the need for regular pelvic and breast exams, PAP tests and mammograms.
Sexual Health: A sexually active lifestyle takes caution and responsibility. Besides practicing consistent “safe sex” (even if that includes your spouse), a change of diet and routine habits may allow for a healthier and more satisfying lifestyle.
Reproductive Health: Pregnancy, as well as regular prenatal care needs a firm commitment as you and your baby’s health depend on this frequent treatment. During pregnancy, it is important to put your baby’s health at the forefront of your mind. You may need to change your lifestyle, eating habits, and exercise regimen to a more healthy one in order to have the best chances for a healthy baby and easy delivery.
If you are pregnant, take action and receive the proper prenatal care. Get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day to avoid birth defects, vaccinate yourself against necessary diseases like chickenpox and rubella that could harm the fetus, maintain a healthy weight and varied diet and stop smoking, drinking and all drug use. See your doctor or gynecologist for regular and frequent check ups.
Menopause: Living with menopause may be troublesome but it is something that cannot be avoided. Taking advantage of the opportunity to get healthy as well as actively taking charge of your symptom management will give you control over the condition. It is essential to know your various options when considering treatment and regulation of symptoms. Quit smoking and begin learning how to incorporate high amounts of fiber and low fat foods into your regular diet. Knowing your options and taking advantage of how to bring them into your own personal lifestyle is key to managing menopause. Do not force another’s preferences for management onto yourself as you may find it difficult to adapt in the long haul. Do what fits your lifestyle as menopause affects each female differently.
Sexual Health:It is very important to keep safe and cautious if you are sexually active. While there are many benefits to being intimate with another, including the possibility of conceiving, there are many risks including the contraction of an STD.
Prevention is the only way to ensure you or your partner will not be infected with an STD. However, this means the avoidance of sexual contact. If you wish to remain sexually active, take precautionary measures and practice “safe sex.” Safe sex includes the dedicated usage of contraception especially the use of condoms. Condoms prevent the transmission of bacteria and viruses via semen. Use a condom for vaginal, oral and anal intercourse. Know your partner and his/her STD status. Have regular medical check-ups and receive the necessary testing available for all STDs, especially if you have more than one sexual partner.
If you are experiencing an irregularity or abnormality with your sexual health, talk frankly with your doctor, no matter your comofort level with the subject. Discussing your problem with a medical professional is the only way to ensure proper treatment.
Reproductive Health: Getting help is an important aspect of pregnancy. You may feel overwhelmed, under prepared or even like you have all the answers. You must remember that every pregnancy is different and no matter how much you prepare, you cannot anticipate every bump and turn you’ll experience during the ride.
Talk to your doctor, your mother, close family and friends who have been through the pregnancy experience and may offer guidance and helpful tips about every aspect of pregnancy. These may be helpful to your experience.
Menopause: Because menopause is something every woman goes through, having a support system may help in pitching ideas for symptom treatment, trading advice and discussing overall experience. Older female friends, relatives or family members may be able to provide guidance and remedies that have worked for them.
Consulting a doctor or health care professional is also important in receiving help. While menopause cannot be stopped or avoided, symptom management can alleviate bothersome aspects of this transitional period. Seeing specialty care-providers such as a gynecologist, geriatrician, or internist may help in providing specific answers and remedies to suit your needs.
My mother entered menopause much earlier than my own age. I still have a regular menstrual cycle and have therefore not started menopause. Is there something wrong?
- Menopause occurs at different times for every woman, family or not. While there may sometimes be similarities about the age women start menopause, it is not exact and cannot apply to everyone. The average age for the onset of menopause is 51 however various factors can affect that statistic. Some women start menopause in their 40s while others don’t experience it until their late 50s. If you or your mother are smokers, it may help to explain the difference as smoking can cause menopause at an earlier stage in life. Additionally, if one of you have had surgery to remove your ovaries and/or uterus, that could affect the production of estrogen and either helped to jumpstart menopause or delay it.
What are some conditions that may cause a high-risk pregnancy?
- Preeclampsia is a syndrome that includes high blood pressure, urinary protein and changes in blood levels of liver enzymes during pregnancy. It can affect the mother’s kidneys, liver and brain. If left untreated, the condition could be fatal for both the mother and her baby. Eclampsia is a more severe form of the condition that causes seizures and coma for the mother. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that only pregnant women can develop. If a woman gets diabetes while she is pregnant and has never had the condition before, it is gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes does not mean unhealthy mothers or unhealthy newborns. Many with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies because they follow a treatment plan from their health care professional. HIV/AIDS kills and damages cells of the body’s immune system, progressively destroying the body’s own ability to fight off infection. Women can give HIV to their babies while pregnant, while giving birth or through breastfeeding. Preterm labor is labor which begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The baby has not yet fully developed and grown at this time so it may be unable to survive outside of the womb. Doctors will often take steps to try to stop labor if it occurs before this time. Certain infections, a shortened cervix or previous preterm birth may heighten a woman’s risk of experiencing preterm labor again.
What are some more methods of contraception besides the daily pill and condoms?
- While conventional condoms and the daily birth control pill are popular contraceptive devices, they are not the only options available. There are other barrier methods available such as a cervical cap, which also physically prevents sperm from entering the uterus. An intrauterine device or IUD is another option. It is a small device inserted into the uterus and is 99 percent effective in the prevention of pregnancy. One IUD can stay active in the body for up to ten years. There are also more hormonal birth control options not including the daily pill. Skin patches, vaginal rings and implants also release hormones in a fashion similar to the daily pill. Sterilization is a more permanent choice that is typically non-reversal and permanently prevents pregnancy for the entirety of the woman’s life. It involves surgery which cannot be reversed.
Sexual Health: Contraception measures are meant to prevent pregnancy in those that are sexually active. Certain forms of contraception can create symptoms in one or both individuals. Hormonal birth control such as birth control pills, injections, skin patches, vaginal rings and implants work by releasing amounts of hormones into a female’s body that interfere with the fertility process by preventing ovulation. This influx of hormones may cause side effects which should be discussed with your doctor before using. Possible symptoms and side effects of hormonal birth control may include weight gain, moodiness or feelings of being ill.
Because there are multiple STDs that can be contracted through sexual encounter, there are multiple possible symptoms. Some common symptoms of STDs include: unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, sores or warts on the genital area, burning while urinating, itching, redness or pain in the genital area and anal itching, soreness or bleeding. Alert your doctor to these symptoms or any other abnormalities in your genital region.
Reproductive Health: Menstruation is categorized as vaginal bleeding that occurs monthly for females after the start of puberty. This monthly “period” may be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, irritability or moodiness, or abdominal cramps. Pregnancy’s most common symptom is the absence of this period. Additional pregnancy symptoms include: nausea, vomiting (morning sickness), sore breasts or nipples, fatigue, headache, food cravings or aversions, mood swings and frequent urination.
Menopause: A change in your monthly period is normally the initial sign of menopause. Your periods may lose their regularity, being shorter or longer than usual. You might experience less density to your period as well. Hot flashes are also typical of menopause as they are related to changing levels of estrogen. Hot flashes may last a few years following menopause. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat in the upper part or all of your body. Feeling flushed, red blotches on the skin, heavy sweating and cold shivering are all symptoms. Drier and thinner genital areas, an increase in vaginal or urinary infections, urine leaks, trouble sleeping, increased or decreased interest in sex, mood changes and weight gain are also common during menopause.