Probiotics are living microorganisms that, ideally, provide health advantages regardless of where in the body they are used. There are pills and powders that can be taken by mouth and suppository capsules that are injected into the vagina that contain these microorganisms.
We are led to assume by advertisements that vaginal probiotics, like douches, will somehow improve our health or make us feel "cleaner." Some ads say that these products help prevent or treat things like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections.
We are led to assume by advertisements that vaginal probiotics, like douches, will somehow improve our health or make us feel "cleaner." Some ads say that these products help prevent or treat things like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections.
Women screened early are less likely to develop colorectal cancer.
A new study shows that women who start testing for colorectal cancer at 45 are much less likely to get the disease than those who don't test or who start testing at 50. The study's results, which were published online by JAMA Oncology on May 5, 2022, back up new national guidelines that say colorectal screening should start at age 45 instead of 50. This is because the number of young adults with colorectal cancer has gone up by 50% over the past 50 years.
The study, directed by Harvard researchers, analyzed 111,801 women (average age: 36) from the Nurses' Health Study II who were followed from 1991 to 2017. Every two years, participants reported whether or not they had undergone a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, examinations that use a flexible tube and a camera to examine the colon and rectum. The tests allow doctors to find cancers early on and remove polyps that could turn into cancer.
The transition through menopause is indeed a time of confusion, and it can be challenging to keep up with all the ways your body is transforming. When you listen to your body, you should not disregard anything truly unusual. Specifically, you should inform your gynaecologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Vaginal odour, itching, or burning. Irritants, such as perfumed pantyliners or new soap, can temporarily trigger these symptoms. But if they recur frequently or worsen, your doctor may want to check for a sexually transmitted or vaginal infection.
Menstrual changes. Even though irregular periods are common during perimenopause, your physician will want to know if your menstrual cycles occur more frequently than every 21 days. She will also investigate if your menstrual cycles have become noticeably heavier or longer.
Vaginal odour, itching, or burning. Irritants, such as perfumed pantyliners or new soap, can temporarily trigger these symptoms. But if they recur frequently or worsen, your doctor may want to check for a sexually transmitted or vaginal infection.
Menstrual changes. Even though irregular periods are common during perimenopause, your physician will want to know if your menstrual cycles occur more frequently than every 21 days. She will also investigate if your menstrual cycles have become noticeably heavier or longer.
Pelvic discomfort or pain. Menstrual cramps and occasional pelvic twitches are normal. However, if pain or discomfort, including bloating, worsens over time, you should speak up. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and (rarely) cancer are potential causes.
New bleeding. If you haven't had a period for at least a year, unexpected bleeding could indicate uterine cancer or another potentially serious condition. An ultrasound or biopsy may be necessary.
When should you see a gynaecologist? In some ways, the answer is simple, while in others it is more complicated. Experts recommend that women and people with female reproductive organs visit a gynaecologist as soon as they become sexually active or at least once before the age of 21.
Good gynaecological care, as this type of medical care is known, is essential for a variety of reasons. Depending on your needs and insurance coverage, you may receive gynaecological care from a gynaecologist, a primary care provider (PCP), such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, or a nurse practitioner. Consider this post "Gynecare 101. In it, I will describe the fundamental reasons for a gynaecological care visit and how to choose between a gynaecologist and a primary care physician. I will also talk about what happens during a visit to a gynecologist, what will be talked about, and how to make the visit as comfortable as possible.
A Pap smear to help prevent cervical cancer (this screening test examines cells on the cervix for abnormalities or precancerous changes);
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as burning when you urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, urinating more frequently than usual, or having an intense urge to urinate, consult your doctor.vulva (outer portion of the vagina) rashes, bumps, or irritationSymptoms of perimenopause or menopause, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness.
Should you visit a general practitioner or a gynaecologist?
Numerous primary care teams, particularly family medicine practitioners, are equipped to provide fundamental gynaecology care. They can do Pap smears and test for STIs, give you medicine or advice for UTIs, vaginal infections, and urinary tract infections, and help you choose the best way to prevent pregnancy.
Nevertheless, a gynaecologist is the best person to address certain issues. For instance, you should consult a gynaecologist if you have a vaginal discharge.
Periods that are painful or irregular
Severe pelvic pain or pain during sexual activity.
Consult a gynaecologist about birth control if you want to use long-acting methods, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or a birth control implant, or if you have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or lupus, that make certain birth control methods unsafe for you.
What occurs during a visit for gynaecological care?
As with any physician, a gynaecologist will inquire about your medical history. They will also inquire about your sexual history, including when you first had sex and whether you are sexually active, as well as your desire to have children.
When I see a new patient for a gynaecological exam, I perform a comprehensive examination that includes a breast exam, an abdominal exam, and a pelvic exam. The vulva and labia (lips) that form the outer genitalia, inner thigh, and buttocks are examined during a pelvic exam. I then use a speculum to examine the vaginal tissues. This examination may be slightly uncomfortable due to a feeling of pressure, but it should not be painful. Always inform your provider if you are experiencing pain during the examination.
If you have symptoms, you may be tested for vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, or urinary tract infections. Any vulvar skin issues may necessitate a small skin biopsy or lesion sample.
Good gynaecological care, as this type of medical care is known, is essential for a variety of reasons. Depending on your needs and insurance coverage, you may receive gynaecological care from a gynaecologist, a primary care provider (PCP), such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, or a nurse practitioner. Consider this post "Gynecare 101. In it, I will describe the fundamental reasons for a gynaecological care visit and how to choose between a gynaecologist and a primary care physician. I will also talk about what happens during a visit to a gynecologist, what will be talked about, and how to make the visit as comfortable as possible.
Common types of gynaecological care
Visiting your health care team or a gynaecologist for gynaecological care is advisable for the following reasons: A Pap smear to help prevent cervical cancer (this screening test examines cells on the cervix for abnormalities or precancerous changes);
a discussion of birth control options;
remedies for painful, heavy, or irregular periods;
and changes in vaginal discharge, which may indicate a vaginal infection (for example, a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis).
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as burning when you urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, urinating more frequently than usual, or having an intense urge to urinate, consult your doctor.vulva (outer portion of the vagina) rashes, bumps, or irritationSymptoms of perimenopause or menopause, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness.
Should you visit a general practitioner or a gynaecologist?
Numerous primary care teams, particularly family medicine practitioners, are equipped to provide fundamental gynaecology care. They can do Pap smears and test for STIs, give you medicine or advice for UTIs, vaginal infections, and urinary tract infections, and help you choose the best way to prevent pregnancy.
Nevertheless, a gynaecologist is the best person to address certain issues. For instance, you should consult a gynaecologist if you have a vaginal discharge.
Periods that are painful or irregular
Severe pelvic pain or pain during sexual activity.
Recurrent vaginal infections, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
Urinary tract infections that reoccur.
Sexual assault.
Consult a gynaecologist about birth control if you want to use long-acting methods, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or a birth control implant, or if you have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or lupus, that make certain birth control methods unsafe for you.
What occurs during a visit for gynaecological care?
As with any physician, a gynaecologist will inquire about your medical history. They will also inquire about your sexual history, including when you first had sex and whether you are sexually active, as well as your desire to have children.
When I see a new patient for a gynaecological exam, I perform a comprehensive examination that includes a breast exam, an abdominal exam, and a pelvic exam. The vulva and labia (lips) that form the outer genitalia, inner thigh, and buttocks are examined during a pelvic exam. I then use a speculum to examine the vaginal tissues. This examination may be slightly uncomfortable due to a feeling of pressure, but it should not be painful. Always inform your provider if you are experiencing pain during the examination.
If you have symptoms, you may be tested for vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, or urinary tract infections. Any vulvar skin issues may necessitate a small skin biopsy or lesion sample.
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What Are Postnatal Vitamins?
Principal Ingredients in Postnatal Vitamins
Getting the right nutrients is crucial for mothers both during and after pregnancy. While postnatal vitamins give you the micronutrients you need after giving birth, prenatal vitamins are taken during pregnancy. The major nutrients in postnatal vitamins are shown below.Omega-3 Fatty Acids
For a healthy brain, eye, and nerve cell development in developing infants, omega-3 fatty acids are essential, particularly the longer chain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found in fish or algal oils. There is some evidence that taking fish oil supplements can also help with mood and stress management after giving birth.Choline
An essential vitamin for a healthy infant's brain and memory development is choline. Choline requirements rise during pregnancy and are greatest for breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, choline helps maintain digestive and immunological health in pregnant women.Eggs, organ meat, caviar, salmon, shitake mushrooms, and soybeans are among the foods high in choline. A postnatal vitamin containing choline is a good substitute if some of these items are a little too exotic for you to regularly eat.
For the first year after giving birth, lactating moms are advised to take 550 mg of choline daily.
Iron
Due to blood loss after childbirth, iron levels can drop. Iron is a crucial mineral for breastfeeding mothers to restore for both themselves and their children.
Iron helps your baby's thyroid function develop properly. To generate haemoglobin, a protein that delivers oxygen to your red blood cells, your body needs iron. You can get iron deficiency anaemia if your haemoglobin is low due to low iron levels. You experience fatigue and poor energy when you have anaemia, which can influence your mood and make it more difficult to form a bond with your child. Additionally, you can become more agitated and more prone to postpartum depression.
Cereal with iron added, lentils, lima beans, oysters, and chicken liver are a few examples of foods high in iron. A good source of iron is a postnatal vitamin.
Due to blood loss after childbirth, iron levels can drop. Iron is a crucial mineral for breastfeeding mothers to restore for both themselves and their children.
Iron helps your baby's thyroid function develop properly. To generate haemoglobin, a protein that delivers oxygen to your red blood cells, your body needs iron. You can get iron deficiency anaemia if your haemoglobin is low due to low iron levels. You experience fatigue and poor energy when you have anaemia, which can influence your mood and make it more difficult to form a bond with your child. Additionally, you can become more agitated and more prone to postpartum depression.
Cereal with iron added, lentils, lima beans, oysters, and chicken liver are a few examples of foods high in iron. A good source of iron is a postnatal vitamin.
Autoimmune diseases like lupus can change which methods of birth control are safe and effective.
It goes without saying that you are not the only person who has an autoimmune condition. There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis affect about 7% of Americans.
Autoimmune diseases seem to disproportionately affect women for unidentified reasons. They frequently start before or during prospective child-bearing years, so it's likely that you'll need to think about the following significant questions: In a previous post, we talked about how family planning and pregnancy are impacted by autoimmune diseases like lupus. And what birth control methods are best for me?
The American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have both endorsed guidelines that might assist you and your medical team in finding the answers to these queries. These recommendations are supported by professional judgement and medical research.
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune condition that can harm and inflame many organs throughout the body. Lupus usually happens between the ages of 15 and 35, and 90% of the time it affects biologically females. Family planning is crucial for those with autoimmune illnesses since an unexpected pregnancy can be harmful to both the mother and the foetus and because some medications can interfere with birth control tablets.
Fortunately, there are a variety of secure and reliable birth control methods available for those who want to avoid getting pregnant. Each has significant benefits and drawbacks to consider (see the Harvard Health Birth Control Center for details). But if you have lupus, there are other things you should talk about with your health care team, such as:
How active or aggressive is your disease? Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are two types of potentially harmful blood clots that can develop when lupus is active. You may become more prone to developing blood clots if you use birth control that contains oestrogen, such as many birth control pills, the ring, and the patch. So, a birth control pill without oestrogen or an intrauterine device (IUD) might be safer.
Are there any antiphospholipid antibodies in your blood? These antibodies may also make you more likely to develop a risky blood clot. People with these antibodies should not take estrogen-containing birth control, even if their lupus is dormant.
What birth control methods do you favour and have you used them before? Some people favour the most sensible course of action (such as an IUD or birth control implant). Others might prefer a condom or a diaphragm because they want to avoid surgery or medications. If a particular method of birth control, like condoms, didn't work to prevent conception in the past, you might prefer a different one moving forward. Talking with your medical team about your preferences and past experiences could help you make a choice you feel good about.
A biopsy is a sample of tissue taken from the body and inspected under a microscope. A doctor performs a breast biopsy to remove tissue from a problematic location so that a pathologist may assess whether the sample contains malignant cells.
Previously, biopsies were only performed by making an incision in the breast and removing the suspicious tissue as well as some normal tissue from around it. The scars from these surgical biopsies may affect the size and form of the breast.
Doctors can now frequently employ novel procedures. Fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy are two options that do not leave scars or alter the form of the breast. This is a substantial benefit because four out of every five women who have biopsies are cancer-free.
If your health care facility does not perform needle biopsies, seek to be referred to one that does, unless this operation is contraindicated for you.
What Is It Used For?
A bigger needle is utilised for a large core needle biopsy than for fine needle aspiration. Because the needle is bigger, more tissue may be extracted and inspected. Large core needle biopsy is frequently conducted using x-rays or ultrasound to ensure that the tip of the needle has reached the questionable area. It can aid in the evaluation of abnormalities revealed on a mammogram but not felt by touch.
If you have, a core needle biopsy may not be appropriate.
an abnormality at the chest wall, nipple, or breast surface particular types of calcium deposits in the area of concern very tiny breasts.
It can be difficult to obtain appropriate results from a core needle biopsy under certain circumstances. Instead, your doctor may advise you to undergo a surgical biopsy.
We're keeping an eye on the research.
According to recent research, women who enter menopause early – before the age of 40 — are more likely to develop dementia later in life than women who experience menopause later in life, around the age of 50.
The study, which was presented at an American Heart Association meeting on March 1, 2022, looked at health data from 153,291 women in the United Kingdom. Between 2006 and 2010, participants (average age 60) gave their genetic and health information to a big biological database.
The researchers looked at which of the patients went on to develop dementia of any kind, including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia (caused by impaired blood flow to the brain). They then calculated the relationship between dementia risk and menopausal age.
It happens to a lot of menstruating women: you go about your daily routine until you discover you've just gotten your period. You feel frightened, vulnerable, and exposed after the clumsy search for a restroom and the ardent hope that you had a menstruation product with you. This is exacerbated by the fact that our society stigmatizes menstruation — or, for that matter, anything having to do with the uterus — and these topics are forbidden.
If you're one of the almost 22 million women in the United States living in poverty because they can't afford menstrual hygiene supplies, you're experiencing period poverty. According to a study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 64% of women have had trouble purchasing period items like pads, tampons, or reusable goods like menstrual cups. And 21% said they couldn't afford to buy these items on a monthly basis. People who are homeless or incarcerated are more likely to lack proper menstrual hygiene supplies.
Why is it considered a luxury to use period products?
Menstruation is an unavoidable aspect of life. Menstrual hygiene items should be considered necessities rather than indulgences. Menstrual products are not covered by food stamps or WIC (women, infants, and children) subsidies.
Protect yourself from chronic inflammation's harmful effects.
Chronic, low-grade inflammation has been demonstrated to be a silent killer, contributing to heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. From Harvard Medical School experts, learn simple ways to reduce inflammation and stay healthy.
People who have heavy periods and need to change their pads or tampons frequently experience financial difficulties since they need to buy more pads or tampons than the average menstrual person. They may have vulvar irritation and vaginal discomfort if they try to extend the life of items by using them for many hours at a time. They may also be more susceptible to toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal infection.
Why is it vital to talk about period stigma?
To understand and address the issues people confront when it comes to access to menstrual hygiene products, we need to eliminate the stigma around menstruation. Poverty is a reality. Period equity should also be genuine. Embarrassment or taboos may hinder people from speaking up for themselves, but if that stigma is removed — or even alleviated — we can move forward as a society to fulfil the needs of half of our population. When half of the population suffers financial and physical hardship as a result of the reproductive cycle required to guarantee human survival, there is no equality.
While you normally love having sex with your partner, lately you haven't been able to get off. They know your vagina like the back of their hand but nothing seems to work. What is going on here? There could be many different problems. Thankfully, a great vibrator could help you out here.
Is Your Partner Letting You Down?
You love your partner and your intimate times together. However, you haven't been able to get off lately and you aren't sure what is going on. They do everything that you like and you find them incredibly attractive. But there's just something that's holding you back from this emotional connection.
What is happening here? There are many different things that may affect your sexual drive and cause you to lose all pleasure. Not all of them are your partner's fault, either. Some may be tied more to your overall emotional and physical health. For example, you may be experiencing problems like:
- Anxiety: High anxiety, especially related to sex, may make it hard to get off. This ironic cycle is a hard one to beat. You may struggle to get off one time, feel nervous about it the next time, and find yourself continually unable to orgasm. It isn't your fault: that's just how the mind works sometimes.
- Depression: Have you felt depression about anything lately? If so, you might have a lower sex drive than anticipated and could struggle to get off. This depression is often quite hard to combat and may affect other aspects of your physical health, including your appetite and energy levels.
- Health Concerns: Some health problems may make it hard for women to orgasm, such as high blood pressure and much more. If you feel you're experiencing any of these problems, it is important to learn more about how they may affect your overall state of mind.
- Emotional Conflicts: Did you and your partner have a fight recently? Are you feeling upset at them about anything, and you aren't sure why? This situation can be very troubling and hard to predict and may also cause sexual dysfunction that can be hard to combat.
During childbearing years, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) disproportionately affects women, as do many autoimmune illnesses. Lupus is one of more than 80 auto-immune diseases that affect an estimated 23 million Americans and close to 350 million people globally. If you have lupus or another autoimmune disease and you wish to have children, it is prudent to plan ahead.
In the past, it was advised that individuals with lupus or other autoimmune illnesses avoid pregnancy. The belief was that it was simply too dangerous for mother and child. no longer accurate; in the majority of cases, a successful pregnancy can be achieved by adhering to the current expert guidance. These recommendations outline best practices for a variety of family planning difficulties. Below, we address some frequently asked questions regarding conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
How can my fertility be affected by lupus or its treatment?
Approximately 90% of lupus patients are naturally female, and the disease often manifests between the ages of 15 and 35. Thus, family planning is an essential aspect of lupus treatment.
Historically, physicians believed that active lupus impaired fertility to such an extent that conception was unlikely. Despite the fact that this myth has been refuted for decades, women with lupus may take longer than expected to become pregnant. In order to conduct a thorough evaluation of your situation, your prenatal practitioner or rheumatologist may recommend that you consult a maternal-fetal medicine expert with experience treating pregnant women with reproductive concerns. In vitro fertilization may be a viable option for lupus patients who struggle with infertility.
Because certain medications, such as cyclophosphamide, may impair fertility, your physician may advise you to alter your dosage. Egg freezing is an alternative method. It could be done before starting medicine that lowers fertility or to save younger, healthier eggs in case pregnancy has to be put off for a while.
Because certain medications, such as cyclophosphamide, may impair fertility, your physician may advise you to alter your dosage. Egg freezing is an alternative method. It could be done before starting medicine that lowers fertility or to save younger, healthier eggs in case pregnancy has to be put off for a while.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-woman-sitting-technology-7089387/
When should you make an appointment with a gynaecologist?
In some ways, the answer is straightforward; in others, it is more complicated. If you're a woman or have female reproductive organs, you should see a gynaecologist as soon as you start having sexual relations, or at least once before the age of 21.
Good GYN care, as this form of medical care, is known, is essential for a variety of reasons. A gynaecologist or a primary care provider (PCP), such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, may provide gynaecological care, depending on your needs and insurance plan. Consider this a crash course in gynaecology. In it, I'll go over the basics of why you should see a gynecologist and how to choose between a gynecologist and a primary care physician. I'll also go over what happens during a visit to a gynaecologist, what to expect, and how to stay as relaxed as possible during the appointment.
According to new research, routine mammograms, which are used to check for breast cancer, may also reveal information about a woman's risk of heart disease.
On mammograms, white patches or lines indicate calcium buildup in the breast arteries. This type of calcification differs from the calcification of the coronary arteries, which is recognized to be a sign of increased cardiovascular risk. Researchers tracked 5,059 postmenopausal women (ages 60 to 79) for six and a half years for this study. They discovered that women with breast artery calcification were 51 per cent more likely than women without calcification to develop heart disease or have a stroke. Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging published the study on March 15, 2022.
Infections and discomfort can be avoided by maintaining a healthy vulva and vagina. Changes in vaginal discharge that are unusual are a sign that there is a problem.
What are the benefits of vulvar and vaginal care?
Many women suffer from vaginal infections (vaginitis) at some point in their lives. The area around the vaginal (vulva) entrance can also become irritated. Some steps can be taken to relieve vulvar discomfort and prevent vaginal infections.
Some types of vaginal infections can be made worse by home treatments. If the problem persists, contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your vulvar or vaginal health or notice unusual changes in vaginal discharge.
It's very normal to have some vaginal discharge. 🗣
It is not a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by an odour, irritation, burning, or other vaginal symptoms.
Normal discharge can be...
Clear, off-white, or white in colour.
🔸️Thick or thin inconsistency
🔸️Sticky or elastic in texture
🔸️Very subtle non-foul odour
Consult your doctor.
My last menstrual period was four years ago, yet I'm still experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. Is this typical, and are there other treatments other than hormones that could help me?
A. While many women experience menopausal symptoms for a short period of time, others may experience symptoms for years after their menstrual cycles have stopped. Heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are all possible.
There are various non-hormonal approaches that may be beneficial. Those that help you stay cool are some of the greatest solutions for hot flashes and nocturnal sweats. Dress in layers so you can rapidly remove clothing to change your body temperature; put a small fan nearby that you can turn on as needed; use cool-water compresses on your skin; maintain your bedroom at a lower temperature at night, and wear light clothing to bed (ideally made of fabrics designed to wick away moisture). In addition, make an effort to exercise on a regular basis. It has been demonstrated to lower overall menopausal symptoms and may assist in enhancing your sleep quality. Also, make an appointment with your doctor. Depending on what she can do, she may be able to give you more options for therapy and rule out other health problems that could be causing your pain.
Get a free consultation from the Melody Jacob Health Team. Send us an email at godisablej66@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks for reading.
Preeclampsia prevention may be as simple as taking an aspirin
Preeclampsia is a common and serious pregnancy condition that results in elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine. It is most common during the third trimester or just after birth, but there may be a simple approach to help prevent it.
Preeclampsia can cause kidney and liver irregularities, blood clotting issues, headaches, strokes, and even death if you are pregnant. It makes it more difficult for a growing fetus to receive nutrients and oxygen. Additionally, it has been associated with premature birth and low birth weight in infants. However, according to a recent statement from the US Preventive Services Task Force, daily low-dose aspirin may help prevent several of these disorders (USPSTF).
Who is at the greatest risk of developing preeclampsia?
While preeclampsia can strike without notice, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of it occurring:
Carrying multiples, such as twins or triplets.
Having diabetes.
Being 35 or older.
Being obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.
Having high blood pressure prior to pregnancy.
Having kidney illness, or having an autoimmune disorder.
Preeclampsia is also more prevalent in Black people as a result of systemic racism, which limits access to care, and can be a cause of chronic stress as a result of variables such as food and housing insecurity, which contribute to poor health and well-being.
Preeclampsia affects around one in every twenty-five pregnancies in the United States. It is responsible for nearly one in every five medically induced preterm births. Preventing it will result in the saving of lives.
Is breastfeeding truly effective at preventing pregnancy?
Having a child is a thrilling and life-changing experience. However, caring for newborns takes a lot of time and effort, especially if you're juggling family and work. Even the happiest and most proud parents may prefer to wait a while after the birth of one child before welcoming another.
It's possible you've heard that if you're breastfeeding, you won't be able to conceive. But that isn't the whole tale. Several factors influence how effective nursing is as a birth control method.
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| Pexel photo |
Experts advise waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies. This gives the uterus time to recover and is safer for both the mother and the baby.
There are numerous birth control methods available. Some alter the hormone cycles that control menstruation and pregnancy. Nonhormonal alternatives frequently inhibit or decrease sperm production, or prevent sperm and egg from contacting each other.
Breastfeeding is a natural method of birth prevention that many individuals find appealing. It has been shown in research to be a successful strategy during the months when a mother is frequently breastfeeding and an infant is eating exclusively breast milk—no formula, baby meals, or other foods.
This procedure is referred to medically as the lactational amenorrhea method, or LAM. Lactation is when a woman breastfeeds, and amenorrhea is when she doesn't have a period or a regular menstrual cycle.
How does this technique operate?
Breastfeeding a kid on a regular basis can prevent ovulation, the process by which an egg is released from the ovary. Ovulation is required for conception.
To avoid pregnancy successfully, all of the following rules must be followed:
- Your infant is less than six months old and exclusively breastfed (no formula or food).
- You breastfeed at least four times a day and six times a night.
- You are currently without periods (amenorrhea).
What is the efficacy of LAM (lactational amenorrhea method)?
A hormone-based method like the birth control pill can be just as effective when used properly, as LAM has been shown to be when used properly. It is 98 per cent effective for the first six months after birth. This means that if the guidelines are followed correctly, only two out of every hundred people will become pregnant while using this method. Otherwise, pregnancy is far more likely. Your medical team can assist you in determining whether this is the best method of birth control for you right now and can explain further options.
What are the benefits of this method?
This method of contraception is completely natural and poses no health risks or adverse effects. In addition, it is free and doesn't need an appointment or procedure with a doctor.
What are the drawbacks to this technique?
- It is not feasible or practical for everyone.
- You must be capable of and willing to breastfeed your newborn exclusively. Giving your baby formula or other food reduces the effectiveness of this type of birth control. As a side note, it isn't clear if pumping breast milk has the same effect on ovulation as breastfeeding.
- It is only temporary. Pediatricians recommend that babies begin eating solid foods at the age of six months. Additionally, babies will begin sleeping for extended periods of time at night.
- If you experience your period while using this approach, you are most likely ovulating again. People who don't use birth control may get pregnant if they don't change their methods of birth control.
If you choose to use LAM, be prepared to change birth control methods by the time your kid is six months old, or sooner if you find it impractical.
Is this technique right for you?
This strategy may be appropriate in the short term if you are willing and able to
- breastfeed your infant entirely for the first six months following birth—no formula or other foods should be added.
- At a minimum of every four hours throughout the day and every six hours at night, nurse.
This approach is not effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), such as chlamydia or HIV. It is not a smart choice for anyone who intends to use breast milk and formula in combination, or who has a health concern or takes medications that could harm a baby if spread or transferred through breast milk.
Choosing the best method of contraception for you
Birth control should be tailored to your lifestyle and health needs. Certain individuals, for example, desire to avoid procedures that contain any hormones. Individuals with a history of blood clots or hypertension should avoid estrogen-containing procedures. Busy people may benefit from a long-term method of birth control that is set it and forget it,' such as an IUD or implant. In addition, anyone who wants to protect themselves from STIs should think about using condoms with any method of birth control they choose.
Inform your midwife, doctor, or other members of your medical team of your preferences and needs. They can clarify your alternatives and assist you in making the best choice for you.
For additional information on available alternatives, contact the Harvard Health Birth Control Center.
Embryo donation, which is when a family donates their "spare" embryos to a couple or an individual, is a realistic option for becoming a parent.
So, who's on the receiving end of this? This option appeals to people who are considering adoption as well as individuals or couples who require donated eggs, sperm, or both in order to conceive. Check out the following questions and problems if you fall into one of these groups.
A few topics to consider when deciding between embryo donation and adoption pregnancy. Some prospective adoptive parents pursue embryo donation because they want to experience pregnancy. This could be crucial for you. It could be a life event you've always wanted to have or one you've always wanted to share with a spouse or partner. Perhaps you're worried about having your kid carried by someone else. For example, prospective adoptive parents are frequently concerned that a birth mother's drug and alcohol use, as well as exposure to inescapable circumstances, may have an impact on their future child before birth.
timetable and budget. The epidemic exacerbated already steep drops in the number of newborns available for adoption. If you want to adopt a newborn, you'll probably have to wait two years or more. Embryos, on the other hand, are easy to get, and most embryo transfers happen within six months of deciding to get donated embryos.
Embryo donation is significantly less expensive than adoption. There will be a price, as well as costs involved with moving embryos from one facility to another and (depending on your medical insurance) costs associated with drugs and the embryo transfer if you go through an agency. While prices are significant and vary across the United States, fees for baby adoption are significantly greater than those for embryo donation.
When comparing embryo donation to adoption, the shorter wait time and lower fees are appealing, but it's crucial to remember that embryo donation may not always result in a live birth, whereas adoption—through a reputable agency—will bring a baby into your house.
Did you know that over two-thirds of the 6.2 million people in America who have Alzheimer's disease are women? This means that women are nearly twice as likely to have Alzheimer's disease as men. Alzheimer's disease is more common among women, but why is this so?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain ailment that gradually impairs memory and thinking abilities, eventually impairing the capacity to do even the most basic tasks. In the majority of patients with the condition—those with late-onset symptoms—symptoms begin in their mid-60s.
Women live longer than men.
The primary reason is that women live longer than men. When actuarial life tables are consulted, it becomes clear that a baby girl born in 2019 is anticipated to live five years longer than a baby boy: 81 versus 76 years.
Age is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease; the older you get, the more likely you are to get the condition. For instance, the incidence (the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease each year) varies according to age:
Each year, four out of every 1,000 people aged 65 to 74 get Alzheimer's disease.
Each year, 32 people aged 75 to 84 develop Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease affects 76 out of 1,000 adults aged 85 and older each year.
Thus, one reason there are more women with Alzheimer's disease than men is that our society has 5.7 million older women than older men, and the older you are, the more susceptible you are to having Alzheimer's disease.
However, this is not the complete explanation.
Alzheimer's disease is more prevalent in women.
Women have a somewhat higher risk of having Alzheimer's disease later in life than men. One study monitored 16,926 people in Sweden and discovered that women were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease than men of the same age, beginning at age 80. Similarly, a Taiwanese study discovered that women had a larger likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease over a seven-year period than men. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of the Alzheimer's disease incidence in Europe discovered that roughly 13 women out of 1,000 developed Alzheimer's disease per year, compared to only seven men.
Thus, women living longer than men cannot be the whole explanation for why women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer's disease, as women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease even among individuals of the same age.
Women do not have a higher incidence of non-Alzheimer’s dementia than men.
One hint to the solution to this issue is that women do not have a higher risk of having dementia from causes other than Alzheimer's disease. For instance, a study of dementia rates in Sweden discovered that women and men were equally likely to develop non-dementia Alzheimer's as they aged. The fact that Alzheimer's disease rates vary by gender but not for non-dementias shows that there must be a unique connection between Alzheimer's disease and gender.
Amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease may represent a defense mechanism against infections.
Another piece of the puzzle comes from Harvard researchers, who believe that amyloid, one of the pathological components of Alzheimer's disease, is deposited in the brain to combat infections. If this hypothesis is right, we may consider Alzheimer's disease to be a result of our brain's immune system.
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