Women's safety: 6 things girls should keep in mind when going to pubs and discos

May 18, 2016, 5:48 pm

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Are you skeptical of going out to pubs and discos with your gang of friends and are your parents afraid of allowing you to go? Being a pubaholic, going to pubs and partying with your friends is absolutely all right, provided you stay safe and cautious. Here are a few things that all girls should keep in mind when you go to pubs and discos:

Enable the location mode- Enable the location mode on your phone and make sure your phone is fully charged and you are not running out of battery. Send your location to your parents or local guardian or someone who can come to your rescue when you sense trouble.
Go with reliable people- Make sure that the people you are going out with are trustworthy and reliable. Do not go out with someone who you don’t know or someone who is not a close acquaintance. Don’t go out with men who are not polite to women. It is important to distinguish here.
Look smart and bold- Look smart, sharp and clever. Be quick and do not act like a needy, desperate girl. You have to portray yourself as a sharp independent girl who is strong and bold enough to easily kick off somebody who is bothering you.
Don’t exceed your drinking limit- The most important thing is to be aware of your limit! Do not exceed your capacity of drinking. Keep in mind that you have to return back home safe and you cannot simply pass out in the pub.
Don’t just sit by yourself- Don’t sit in your own company over a drink. Get up, dance to the tune and interact with people. Having a good company will keep the creeps away.
Judge before approaching- When I say don’t sit alone, it automatically suggests that you should talk to people. But before approaching anybody, quietly judge them and check if they are actually worth your time.

Most importantly, you are not going out to cry over your ex or any other problem. Nor are you going out to simply get drunk. Dance, talk, sing, shout, and drink -- do everything, because it’s your time to have fun with your girls! Image source: Shutterstock

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Causes, symptoms and treatment of various types of vaginal infections

June 27, 2016, 4:45 pm

≫ Next: Vaginal wash, tampons + 4 risk factors of vaginal infections

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Read this in Hindi. The endless itching is causing you constant discomfort and embarrassment, and you have a sneaking feeling that something is not right with your vagina! You guessed it right. It is most probably a vaginal infection. Vaginal infections afflict females as young as 11 years old and it could keep bugging you post menopause too. Vaginal infection /inflammation is medically termed vaginitis. There are different types of vaginitis, the most common being –

Yeast infection
Bacterial vaginosis
Viral vaginitis
Trichomoniasis
Genital herpes
Chlamydia

Vaginal inflammation can also occur because of allergies. This type of inflammation is non-infectious though. Each one of these requires a different treatment, and sometimes more than one vaginal infection can occur at the same time. Get the infection treated as early as possible because untreated or incomplete cure and recurring UTI can lead to a shift from a predominance of lactobacilli to disease causing bacteria. [1] Lactobacilli are the dominant bacteria in the vagina. They have antimicrobial properties and help maintain an acidic pH in the vagina. These microbes are the ones that keep your vagina and urinary tract safe and free of infection. An imbalance will cause an infection. Here’s a cheat sheet on the various vaginal infections. Candidiasis or yeast infection The most common kind of vaginal infection is the candida or yeast infection or thrush. Almost 75 percent of women get this infection at some point in their lifetime. Although infection can occur after sexual intimacy, it is not a sexually transmitted infection. If you have more than four episodes, then it is called recurrent candidiasis. Read to know Expert tips to keep your vagina safe from infections Yeast infection is common during pregnancy. But normally, the infection does not harm the baby. Uncontrolled diabetes or HIV infection can cause, what is called, a complicated yeast infection. Symptoms include

Genital itching
Burning sensation, especially during urination or sexual intercourse
Swelling and redness of vulva
Vaginal rash
Cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
Nipple pain in the breastfeeding woman

Causes The infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. It is normal to have a small population of Candida, but when the pH of the vagina changes or there is hormonal imbalance, the fungus multiplies and you get the infection. Other factors that can cause or worsen the infection are –

Stress. Psychosocial factors, especially stress, is the primary cause of vaginal yeast infection, say researchers from University of Bamberg, Germany. [2]
High sugar and caffeine diet can worsen the infection. In a case study at Fontana Medical Center, California, the patient reported that her symptoms reduced after she reduced the intake of processed sugars and dairy products, and started consuming more of yogurt and probiotics. [3]
Overuse of antibiotics can cause antimicrobial resistance, so the infection can worsen.
Weather changes, using birth control pills, and even frequent douching can aggravate the condition.

Treatment Treatment can include a single dose therapy, a short course therapy, or over the counter treatment. Your doctor will prescribe the treatment best suited for you. Generally, antifungal creams or tablets are quite effective in stopping the overgrowth of the yeast. According to Mayoclinic, common antifungals used are butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and terconazole. A study found that clotrimazole (imidazoles) are more effective than nystatin and hydrargaphen. They found that a 7-day course was more effective than 4-day course. [4] Here's Baking soda — a natural way to keep your vagina bacteria and odour free Fluconazole injection is used to treat serious or complicated yeast infections. Your doctor will decide the dosage depending on how fast your condition improves. Then he will switch you to oral medication. It is important that you tell your doctor about any OTC medicine or herbal products /supplements or prescription drugs you are taking. [5] Fluconazole is not suitable for pregnant woman as it may harm the baby. You should not use the drug if you have cardiovascular problems, liver disease, or kidney disease. It may be right to point out here that traditional antifungal treatment influences only the symptoms of the illness, not its causes. To be really effective a complete re-orientation is required concerning the causes of vaginal mycosis. [2] Know more Coconut oil to ease vaginal dryness Bacterial vaginosis As the name suggests this type of vaginal infection is caused by bacteria. Here, the lactobacilli is replaced with bacteria such as E. coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma species. In most cases, it does not cause any other health problems but sometimes it may lead to complications such as preterm birth or miscarriage in a pregnant woman, continuous vaginal discharge, fishy smell, and HIV risk. Symptoms Sometimes you may not experience any symptoms, but if you do these might include -

Cloudy, grey, or yellowish watery discharge
Pain or burning sensation in the vagina
Abnormal vaginal odour

Causes Although doctors are not exactly sure why this happens, but it seems to occur more commonly in women who –

Have multiple partners, new sex partner
Smoke
Douche their vagina using scented soaps
Use contraceptives such as spermicides

Treatment A number of antimicrobial agents such as ampicillin, penicillin, and metronidazole are used in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. But metronidazole administered either orally or locally is the preferred drug. The use of antimicrobial tinidazole is also on the rise. Clindamycin is another drug used commonly. Studies have shown that intravaginal deliveries of clindamycin and metronidazole improved symptoms within 21–30 days of the starting of the treatment. However, there was no lactobacilli recolonization within that period. [6] Read more 5 expert tips to keep vaginal problems away Vaginal gels such as policarbophil-carbopol gels and chitosan-based lactic acid delivery gels have been found to be safe. The lactobacilli, present in curd and different milk products, are categorized under probiotics, and are no doubt one of the best treatments for bacterial vaginosis. Not only do they have the property of lactic acid, they also maintain the acidic pH of vagina (pH 3.5–4.5) thus not allowing the pathogenic bacteria to grow. Probiotics can be either taken orally, or as a vaginal application. Viral vaginitis Viruses that cause viral vaginitis spread mostly through sexual contact. Basically two types of viruses cause this condition -

HSV or herpes simplex virus which has symptoms that include pain in the genital area, lesions and sores visible on the vagina and sometimes inside the vagina found only during a pelvic examination. The lesions are painful and may take 3-4 weeks to resolve. Stress and emotional factors are known to trigger genital herpes.
HPV or human papillomavirus which differs from HSV in that painful warts are associated with the former. Sometimes the warts are not visible, so you may require a Pap test.

There is no cure for HSV and HPV infections. But these can be controlled with medications. You can prevent these infections, though not hundred percent, if you use barrier contraceptives such as condom. Management of genital herpes in pregnancy can be complicated. Check with your ob-gyn. If the infection is in the birth canal, vaginal delivery may not be possible for you. [7] Also like to read 4 natural vaginal washes to keep your vagina clean and infection-free Other common sexual transmitted infections Trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea are other sexually transmitted infections causing vaginitis. Trichomoniasis: Symptoms include -

Greenish-yellow discharge that can sometimes be frothy
Burning during urination
Soreness and itching of the vagina
Abdominal pain

Chlamydia: The disease generally affects 18 to 35 year-old women. Most women do not experience any symptoms. If you do, the symptoms could include -

Light bleeding especially after intercourse
Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis

Gonorrhoea: Here too you may not notice any symptoms, or the symptoms may appear after two weeks or months, or sometimes not until it spreads to other parts of the body. Symptoms include -

Watery, yellow or green discharge
Pain on urination
Lower abdominal pain
Bleeding between periods (rarely)

Although sexually transmitted infections can be treated with antibiotics, the best treatment is prevention. Atrophic vaginitis Atrophic vaginitis occur in up to 40 percent of menopausal women. The infection occurs because oestrogen levels decrease increasing the pH of the vagina and urinary tract, thereby predisposing them to infection. In addition to general symptoms of vaginal infection, you may also have symptoms such as frequent urination, not being able to urinate, or not being able to control the urge to urinate. As treatment for atrophic vaginitis, your doctor may suggest oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT). however, ERT is contraindicated in breast cancer survivors. [8] Lifestyle modifications may help to certain extent, but cannot significantly improve symptoms. References

Minardi D, d’ Anzeo G, Cantoro D, Conti A, Muzzonigro G. Urinary tract infections in women: etiology and treatment options. International Journal of General Medicine. 2011;4:333-343. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S11767.

Meyer, H., Goettlicher, S. and Mendling, W. (2006), Stress as a cause of chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis and the effectiveness of the conventional antimycotic therapy. Mycoses. 2006. 49: 202–209. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2006.01235.x

Hanna L, Cruz SA. Candida Mastitis: A Case Report. The Permanente Journal. 2011;15(1):62-64.

Young G, Jewell D. Topical treatment for vaginal candidiasis (thrush) in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD000225. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000225.

Fluconazole (By Injection) - National Library Of Medicine - Pubmed Health. PubMed Health. N.p., 2016. Web.

Kumar N, Behera B, Sagiri SS, Pal K, Ray SS, Roy S. Bacterial vaginosis: Etiology and modalities of treatment—A brief note. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences. 2011;3(4):496-503. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.90102.

Hill LV, Embil JA. Vaginitis: current microbiologic and clinical concepts.CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal. 1986;134(4):321-331.
Lester J, Pahouja G, Andersen B, Lustberg M. Atrophic Vaginitis in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Difficult Survivorship Issue. Armer J, ed. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2015;5(2):50-66. doi:10.3390/jpm5020050.

Image source: Shutterstock (Image for representational purpose only)

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Vaginal wash, tampons + 4 risk factors of vaginal infections

July 8, 2016, 10:00 am

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‘Don’t be fooled by ads that claim the use of vaginal wash helps you to maintain intimate hygiene and keep your vagina clean and healthy,’ says Dr Nupur Gupta, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Director Well Woman Clinic, Gurgaon. Instead, these ‘so-called’ hygienic products can increase your risk of vaginal infections. Right from the use of vaginal wash and tampon to having multiple sex partners, here are five common risk factors for vaginal infections every woman should be aware of. 1. Vaginal wash: If you have seen ads on TV or YouTube about vaginal washes, it claims that vaginal washes work by maintaining the pH balance in the vagina. However, in reality, commercially available vaginal washes are the main cause of vaginal infection as they not only alter the pH but also create a favourable environment for the bacteria and fungus to grow. In fact, cleaning the vagina with mild soap and water is the best way to keep the vagina healthy and free from infections. Here's more on is cleaning your vagina with a vaginal wash healthy? 2. Douche: It contains a mix of various products like vinegar or baking soda with water and used to clean the vagina. Just like a vaginal wash, douching disrupts the pH balance and changes the bacterial composition increasing the risk of vaginal infection. Moreover, it can put you at risk of reproductive tract infection, if you are already suffering from an infection. Hence, stay away from douching as it does more harm than good. 3. Poor personal hygiene: It is a known fact that even a slight change in pH of the vagina can trigger a bacterial growth, thereby leading to a vaginal infection. Do not fall prey to fake promos of scented soaps. Follow simple tips like cleaning the vagina every time you visit a washroom with water and wiping it off with toilet paper and also washing private parts after having sex might help you to prevent infections. Read more about tips to maintain better vaginal hygiene. 4. Tampon: Unlike sanitary napkins which normally cause skin rashes, tampons are very comfortable. However, it is important to change it regularly as keeping to for too long can up your risk of infections. Also, make sure you maintain hygiene and clean the vagina properly every time you change the tampon to lower your risk of vaginal infection. Wondering if tampons are safe? Here are 7 myths about tampons busted. 5. Low immunity: Low immunity increases the risk of fever, cough, cold and infections is a known fact. But what most people not know is that it can also cause changes in the vaginal pH, thereby increasing your chances of vaginal infection. This is because the vagina has bacteria which flourish in the alkaline pH and not cause any harm. However, a slight change in the pH can trigger bacterial growth leading to infections. Here are common signs and symptoms of vaginal infections. Also, if you want to boost your immunity try chewing tulsi leaves. 6. Sex with multiple partners: The last and the most ignored risk factor of vaginal infection is having sex with multiple partners. Not just females, even males with multiple sex partners can spread the infection to the partner. So if you have an active sex life with multiple partners, it is not only important to be hygienic, but you also need to make sure you do not indulge in sex if you are suffering from any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Image Source: Shutterstock

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Advantages and disadvantages of going commando

July 22, 2016, 1:43 pm

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Every woman anticipates that moment in the day when she can just take her bra off and free her boobs out of that cage. It's like every woman lives for that moment. While some of us might dare to go braless but not all of us must have thought of forsaking panties. Now, I can't really talk for men, but I am sure you guys too don't really like being caged down there. So how about going commando? Ever thought about it? But, before you decide to go bare, here are all the advantages and cons of going commando you should know! Let's begin with the disadvantages-- 1. No support--Like a good bra is all about support a good underwear too, offers support. You know how good it feels to wear well fitting clothes, right? It increases your confidence! Well, fitting underpants do the same thing. So go commando, and you are more likely o feel vulnerable! 2. Chafing--This could be another significant disadvantage. If there's no layer in between your pants and your organs, the seams of your pants are bound to rough up against your penis or vagina, and there are high chances of the skin getting irritated or you could also get a rash. 3. Clothes can get spoiled--It's very natural for the vagina and the penis to discharge its secretions throughout the day and when there's no barrier between your clothes and the organs, the discharge can stain the clothes and spoil them. 4. Accidental flashing--Nothing could be more embarrassing than flashing your privates to a bunch of people while bending down in a case of women and forgetting to zip up in the case of men. Wait, there's something more terrible than that. Getting arrested for flashing everyone in your way! 5. The zipper--Men, this one, is for you. Just imagine the agony if your member gets stuck in the zipper! This is definitely one of the things you should never do to your penis. Advantages of going commando 1. Better sperm production--Now, I couldn't find a study or a paper that says going commando promotes better sperm health, but it is widely believed that testicles work more efficiently when they are at a lower temperature than the body's core temperature. Now, wearing underwear that is fitting creates a hot, non-breathable environment for the testicles which might interfere with their functioning. Plus, you must have heard doctors advising wearing underwear that is loose for better sperm health. Going by that logic, if you want better swimmers, you've got to go commando! 2. Vagina breathes--You are more likely to get a candida infection when you are not wearing the right type of underwear (cotton or other breathable fabrics). Material such silk, satin, nylon traps the heat and raises the temperature of the vagina. This temperature is optimum for candida to grow and hence you become more prone to the infection. So if you go commando, you are less likely to get an infection. 3. No panty lines --No underwear, no panty lines, no peeping waistband! 4. No wedgies--You know what it feels like when the panty gets stuck up your butt, right? None of all that when you go commando. No trying to adjust your position hoping that the underwear might just slip out of that awkward place! Image source: Shutterstock

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Period delaying pills - everything you need to know

August 19, 2016, 5:33 pm

≫ Next: क्या प्रेगनेंसी के दौरान पेट में दर्द साधारण बात है?

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In many communities in India, menstruating women don't participate in religious functions or visit a temple. During such events or even before going on a vacation, getting your periods can come as a dampener. Period delaying pills - some woman take these to postpone their periods. But have you ever wondered if they are really effective? Of all the pills available in the market, which one should you take? Is it safe to take these pills? If you are planning to take period delaying pills, here are few things you should know. Our expert Dr Uma Vaidyanathan, Consultant Gynaecologist and Unit Head at Max Hospital, New Delhi sheds light on common queries about period delaying pills. Also, read about 10 commonly asked questions about periods answered. 1. What are period delaying pills? Period delaying pills are pills that contain the hormone progesterone, which when taken around 3 – 4 days prior to your expected date helps in postponing the periods. You can also read about natural remedies to prepone your periods. 2. What are different types of period delaying pills? There are different types of period delaying pills available in the market. However, progesterone pills are commonly used as they are effective and safer compared to other pills. The other commonly available period delaying pills are combined contraceptive pill (which are not usually recommended in routine OPD) and norethisterone (a type of progesterone pill). Although you can find phasic pills online, these pills are out of circulation and not used currently. 3. How do these pills work? The hormone estrogen is produced in the 1^st half of the menstrual cycle, which stimulates the growth of the uterine lining. The hormone progesterone is produced during the 2^nd half of the cycle, which aids in the growth of the uterus lining. So when progesterone decreases, the uteral lining sheds, leading to periods. But when you take period delaying pills, which contain progesterone hormone, the external progesterone does not allow the lining of the uterus to bleed thereby delaying periods. 4. How and when should one take pills? If you want to delay your periods, you have to start taking these pills around three - four days before your expected date of periods and continue till you want to postpone your periods. However, one should always consult a gynaecologist before taking these pills. As per your body weight, menstrual irregularities and other health problems, your doctor will decide the right dose of the pills. Also, read about 8 things your gynaecologist wants you to know. 5. Will I get periods after I stop taking pills? When you stop taking pills, there is a sudden withdrawal of hormones, which causes your body to bleed. In some cases, you can get your periods immediately (within few hours) after you stop taking the pills, however, in some, it might take 10 – 15 days to get your periods. It varies from person to person. However, if you do not get periods even after 15 days of not taking pills, then consult your doctor immediately to know the exact cause of it. 6. Is it safe to use these pills to delay periods? How long can you use it? According to Dr Uma, single time use of period delaying pills is perfectly fine. However, one should not make it a habit of using these pills quite often as these pills suppress the natural hormonal cycle of the body. One should use it till their purpose is served and get back to their routine as early as possible. Also, delayed periods can lead to severe pain. Here are 5 expert tips to ease pain during periods. 7. Are period delaying pills the same as birth control pills? Most people believe that period delaying pills and birth control pills are the same, which is not true. Birth control pills, commonly known as contraceptive pills, may not allow ovulation, and hence prevent unwanted pregnancy. Unlike birth control pills, period delaying pills act on the uterine lining and have no effect on ovulation, thereby not offering protection against unwanted pregnancies. 8. Do these pills have any side-effects? As period delaying pills contain progesterone, the side-effects of these pills are the same as caused due to excess progesterone. These include bloating or feeling of fullness, development of acne and mood swings due to hormonal imbalance in the body. 9. Do these pills always work? Well, in most cases, these pills have been found to postpone your periods without any complications. No cases have been reported on the inefficiency of period delaying pills. However, always consult your gynaecologist before taking these pills to know about its health effects and when to stop taking these pills to avoid complications. 10. When should you consult a gynaecologist? It is wise to consult a gynaecologist at least a week or 10 days prior to your periods. Do not take these medications over the counter as these pills have various side-effects on the body. Also, if your periods don’t come after 10 – 15 days of taking these pills then consult your gynaecologist without fail to know the cause. Remember these are period delaying pills and not birth control pills. Image Source: Shutterstock

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क्या प्रेगनेंसी के दौरान पेट में दर्द साधारण बात है?

August 26, 2016, 4:34 pm

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मेरी प्रेगनेंसी का 17वां हफ्ता चल रहा है। अक्सर मेरे पेट में एक तेज़ दर्द उठता है। क्या यह खतरनाक है? क्या प्रेगनेंसी में पेट में मरोड़ और दर्द आम बात है? इस सवाल का जवाब दिया न्यूलाइफ हॉस्पिलट एंड मैटर्निटी सेंटर, दिल्ली की संस्थापक डॉ सुतोपा मुखर्जी ने। प्रेगनेंसी के साथ कुछ मुश्किलें भी आती हैं। हर प्रेगनेंसी में स्थितियां अलग-अलग होती हैं इसलिए सवाल भी नये होते हैं। अक्सर शरीर के किसी हिस्से में उठनेवाला छोटा-सा दर्द भी हमें परेशान कर देता है। हालांकि पेट में तकलीफें प्रेगनेंसी के शुरुआती लक्षण बन जाते हैं और यह आम बात है। पेट दर्द क्यों होता है? प्रेगनेंसी के शुरुआती दौर में भारीपन और कब्ज़ के वजह से पेट में मरोड़ और दर्द हो सकता है। जब आप प्रेग्नेंट होती है तो आपके यूटरस या गर्भाशय का आकार भी बढ़ता है और इस समय आपको पेट में हल्का या तेज़ दर्द महसूस हो सकता है। यहां तक कि अंगड़ाई लेने या शरीर को थोड़ा-सा स्ट्रेच करने पर आपको पेट के नीचले हिस्से में दर्द महसूस होता है। अगर प्रेगनेंसी के दौरान कभी भी आपको लगे कि दर्द आपसे बर्दाश्त नहीं होगा तो अपने डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें। विशेषकर सेकंड और थर्ड ट्राइमेस्टर में अक्सर दर्द अधिक होता है। प्रेगनेंसी के दूसरे और तीसरे हिस्से में होनेवाले पेटदर्द को नज़रअंदाज न करें। ब्रैक्सन हिक्स कॉन्ट्रैक्शन (Braxton Hicks contractions) में जैसी स्थितियों में भी पेट में परेशानी हो सकती है। हालांकि अगर आपको प्रेगनेंसी के 37वें सप्ताह से पहले कॉन्ट्रैक्शन, हल्के पेटदर्द या गंभीर पीठदर्द महसूस हो तो यह प्रीटर्म लेबर पेन हो सकता है। पेटदर्द कब खतरनाक होता है? अगर आपका पेटदर्द पीरियड्स के दौरान होनेवाली मरोड़ों जैसा है और साथ में ब्लीडिंग या स्पॉटिंग हो तो यह गर्भपात भी हो सकता है। अगर पेट दर्द बहुत देर तक रहे, गंभीर हो या धीरे-धीरे तेज़ होता रहे। तो यह प्लेसंटल अब्रप्शन हो सकता है जहां प्लेसेंटा(गर्भनाल) यूटरीन वॉल से अलग हो जाता है। अगर आपको इस तरह के लक्षण दिखाई दें तो आप तुरंत डॉक्टर से सम्पर्क करें। Read this in English. अनुवादक -Sadhna Tiwari चित्र स्रोत- Shutterstock

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Hypnosis can improve the success rate of IVF

September 1, 2016, 5:53 pm

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Infertility is a very serious problem, which is often ignored. If statistics are to be believed, according to WHO (World Health Organization) around 8 – 10% of couples all over the world experience infertility. Also, it has been estimated that one in seven couples in India faces infertility problem and most of them are unaware of any medical cause. One of the most popular ways to deal with it is going for IVF (In-vitro fertilisation). However, most women are stressed about the procedure because they are not sure if they will conceive, after IVF, says Dr Shobha Gupta, Medical Director and IVF Specialist in Mother’s Lap IVF Centre. Also, read about how to protect yourself from IVF scams. But with hypnosis, the success rate of IVF has doubled and hence, hypnosis was introduced in IVF, according to a study conducted by Professor Eliahu Levitas and published in European society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Dr Shobha Gupta also revealed that from past one year, hypnosis, also known as progressive relaxation therapy, was done on 206 women at their Centre, of which around 68% women have conceived. Here are 10 dos and don’ts during IVF treatment to improve your chances of conception. What is hypnosis? The main part of IVF is the embryo transfer, which takes around 10 – 15 days and contributes to an increased clinical pregnancy rate. With several ideas bombarding the mind namely fear of miscarriage or treatment or whether it will help in conception or will it be painful or not, the chances of IVF turns out to be low to due excessive stress. This is when hypnosis comes into play. Just like hypnotism in which a person forgets about the current state and goes into a trance, hypnosis in IVF, helps the women to de-stress during the implantation process. This trains the mind to support the body throughout the IVF process and also enhances the natural conception by complementing IVF. At the organ level, hypnosis aids in the relaxation of the uterus, allowing the embryo to implant easily. It might be due to the changes in the hormonal uterine and immune activity, which causes improvement in the interaction between blastocyst (a group of cells which later gets converted to embryo) and the endometrium (uteral lining). Also, read about how many IVF cycles should a couple undergo and when they should give up. Does it really help? Here is a case study of a 31-year-old who underwent hypnotherapy with IVF. Shilpa Jindal (name changed on request), 31, a housewife was diagnosed with infertility in 2013. She underwent IVF treatment at Mother’s Lap IVF centre in 2014. So before carrying out the embryo transfer, the doctors informed her to perform deep breathing exercises. They also started the hypnosis therapy by taking into a deep trance and made her visualise that her baby is nearer to her. This technique worked for her as Shilpa delivered a baby girl. The aim of the therapy is to change any negative feelings (if any) and also release emotional blocks to help a woman conceive. Before you opt for IVF, check whether IVF is for you. Image Source: Shutterstock

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How to cope with periods while travelling

September 13, 2016, 4:23 pm

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When you have your periods, it is definitely not the best time to travel. Cancelling your travel plans is not an option. Instead, try these tips that will ensure that you sail through your periods with ease while you are on a vacation. Take advantage of the restrooms: Changing the pad frequently is crucial to avoid leakage so it is wise to use the restrooms whenever you find one. Also, every time you go to the toilet, gently wash your genital area and dab it dry with toilet paper. Avoid using wet wipes altogether since most of them contain alcohol or other irritants in the form of fragrances which can cause skin inflammation. Keep a few extra pads, tissues, plastic bags handy: If you do not find a place to dispose of your sanitary napkins, you might sometimes have to carry the used napkins along with you. So always carry a few extra tissue papers and plastic bag along with you. Also, carry a hand sanitizer. You might need to use it often. Wear comfortable clothes: With all the bloating and abdominal cramps, the last thing you want to be wearing is a pair of tight jeans. So dress comfortably whenever you are travelling. That does not mean you have to stay in your pyjamas. You can stay stylish yet comfortable in a pair of yoga pants or a loose gown. Also, wear cotton underwear. This will ensure that you don’t sweat excessively down there, and your genital area will stay well ventilated preventing those painful period rashes. Also, carry an extra pair of underwear. Snack wisely: You may often feel like grabbing a packet of chips or some French fries during periods. But junk foods and salty snacks can worsen your PMS symptoms and also lead to bloating. According to dietician Neha Chandna, the best way to keep your energy levels up during periods is to eat foods which give you natural sugars such as bananas, dates, grapes, and mangoes. So carry some fruits whenever you are travelling. Also, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Also, eat these foods during periods to make life easier. Pop a painkiller if required: Painkillers are the best way to get rid of the excruciating pain that you go through during your periods so you might just want to pop one while travelling. However, consult your doctor before travelling as some painkillers can also have side effects, says Dr Nupur Gupta, Consultant Gynaecologist, Director Well Woman Clinic, Gurgaon. Here are several other ways to manage painful periods pain. Image source: Getty Images

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सी-सेक्शन डिलिवरी के बाद क्या होता है?

September 29, 2016, 3:11 pm

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हाल ही में मेरी एक सहेली की सी-सेक्शन डिलिवरी हुई और मैं उसे गंभीर दर्द में देखकर घबरा गयी। मैं भी बच्चे की प्लानिंग और भविष्य में होनेवाली तकलीफ के बारे में सोचने लगी और इसलिए मैंने सी-सेक्शन डिलवरी के बारे नें जानकारी इकट्टा करने की शुरुआत की। इसी सिलसिले में मैंने गाइनकलॉजिस्ट डॉ. अनिंदिता धर से बात भी की जिन्होंने बताया कि सी-सेक्शन डिलिवरी के एक दिन बाद, एक हफ्ते बाद और एक महीने बाद क्या होता है। क्या डिलीवरी के बाद सोंठ के लड्डू खाने चाहिए? एक दिन बाद • सी-सेक्शन डिलिवरी के अगले दिन आपको चलने-फिरने में तकलीफ होगी। अगर प्रक्रिया के दौरान आपको एपीड्यूरल (epidural) दिया गया था तो आपकी शारीरिक गतिविधियां काफी कम हो जाएंगी। आपको 2-3 दिनों तक चलने-फिरने नहीं दिया जाएगा। • आपकी सेहत और सर्जरी के आधार पर हो सकता है कि आपको बहुत दर्द झेलना पड़े। आपकी परेशानी को ध्यान में रखते हुए हर 4 से 8 घंटे बाद आपको दर्द कम करनेवाली दवाइयां दी जाएंगी। इसी तरह आपको लेबर पेन हुआ या नहीं अथवा आपकी सी-सेक्शन डिलिवरी किन हालात में की गयी उस आधार पर आपको दवाइयां दी जा सकती हैं। • ऐसा भी हो सकता है कि सी-सेक्शन डिलिवरी के 48 घंटों बाद आपको बहुत ज़्यादा पेशाब या पसीना आए। दरअसल सी-सेक्शन की प्रक्रिया के दौरान आपके शरीर में बहुत ज़्यादा तरल पदार्थ प्रवेश करता है जो बाद में पेशाब और पसीने के रूप में बाहर आता है। • भले ही आपको लेबर पेन न हो लेकिन फिर भी आपको ब्लीडिंग या खून बहने की समस्या होगी। डिलिवरी के पहले तीन दिनों में बहाव बहुत अधिक होगा जो कि गर्भ में आपके बच्चे की सुरक्षा के लिए जमा अतिरिक्त खून उसे डिलीवरी के बाद आपका शरीर बाहर निकालता है। • आपको कुछ दिनों तक कब्ज़ की शिकायत हो सकती है। जैसे ही आप चलना-फिरना शुरु करेंगी यह समस्या भी समय के साथ ठीक हो जाएगी। एक हफ्ते बाद • ज़्यादातर डॉक्टर सी-सेक्शन डीलिवरी के एक हफ्ते बाद पेनकिलर देना बंद कर देते हैं। इसलिए आपको बहुत अधिक दर्द और असुविधा महसूस हो सकती है। • डिलिवरी के कुछ दिनों बाद तक आप घर के काम या कोई कठिन एक्सरसाइज नहीं कर पाएंगी। आपकी गतिविधियां आपकी रिकवरी की गति के आधार पर होंगी। • हो सकता है कि डिलिवरी के एक हफ्ते बाद भी आपको कुछ खाने-पीने का मन न करे। सी-सेक्शन होने के कुछ दिनों तक बाउल सिस्टेम सही तरह से काम करने की हालत में नहीं होता है। • सर्जरी के 10-12 दिन बाद आपको अपने डॉक्टर से मिलना होगा ताकि वह ड्रेसिंग, टेप और स्टेपल्स निकाल सके। एक महीने बाद • हो सकता है कि सी-सेक्शन डिलिवरी के एक महीने बाद भी आपको सर्जरी वाली जगह सुन्न महसूस हो। यह स्थिति कुछ महीनों तक ऐसी ही हो सकती है लेकिन यह धीरे-धीरे ठीक हो जाएगा। •अगर सर्जरी के 6 महीने बाद तक आपको ब्लीडिंग की समस्या रहे तो परेशान न हों। हालांकि अगर फ्लो अधिक है तो आप अपने डॉक्टर से सम्पर्क करें। • एक अच्छी बात यह है कि डिलिवरी के एक महीने बाद आप अपनी रोजमर्रा की ज़िंदगी जी सकती हैं। हालांकि आपको असुविधा और दर्द ज़रूर महसूस होगा लेकिन कीगल एक्सरसाइज करके आपके शरीर के मुख्यभाग को स्ट्रॉन्ग बनाएगी। Read this in English. अनुवादक -Sadhna Tiwari चित्र स्रोत- Shutterstock

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Yoga to balance your estrogen level and help you get pregnant

September 29, 2016, 4:39 pm

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Did you know what kind of impact estrogen imbalance can have in your life? It can lead to weight issues, infertility and even cancer. While many environmental factors trigger this, yoga can be helpful in managing estrogen levels. So practice these asanas recommended by yoga expert Raman Mishra. Paschimottanasana or seated forward bend: This asana stimulates the pituitary and adrenal glands and helps in the production of the hormone, estrogen.

Steps to perform:

Sit straight with your legs together and stretched out on the floor such that your feet are pointed towards the ceiling.
As you inhale, extend both arms upwards. Now as you exhale, bend forward towards your toes by keeping the spine erect. Hold the big toe of your feet with the index finger and thumb. Make sure you are breathing in as you do this.
Now, exhale and gradually bend forward to touch your forehand to the knees, ensuring that your elbows touch the floor.
Stay in this position for at least 10 – 20 seconds as you hold your breath. Now, slowly get back to the sitting position as you inhale. Repeat this asana for 5 or 6 times to attain its benefits.

Janu sirsasana or head to knee pose: This asana will not only help in the production of estrogen but also stimulate the thymus, thyroid, kidneys and pancreas and balance blood sugar.

Steps to perform:

Sit with your legs outstretched in front of you.
Inhale and bend your right knee. Place the right foot close to the perineum.
Exhale and let the right knee move out to the side. The right foot now rests against the inside of the left thigh. The right lower leg rests on (or towards) the floor.
Flex the left foot, press the top of the thigh down and lengthen the spine as you inhale.
While exhaling, turn a little to face the left leg and then bend forward from the hips.
Keep your spine long, chest open and shoulders down. Relax your face.
Stay in the pose for 1-3 minutes. Practice these yoga asanas to deal with thyroid problems.

Image source: Getty Images

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Heart diseases in women -- What every Indian woman needs to know

September 30, 2016, 11:28 am

≫ Next: Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) lead to infertility? (Query)

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Indian women have always ignored the severity of heart diseases. Did you know that one in 31 women die of breast cancer, but one in three women die because of heart disease. The more worrisome fact is that more than 50% present heart diseases are detected only after sudden cardiac death. Unlike men, heart disease in women is detected ten years later usually, after it peaks after menopause, says our expert Dr Gunjan Kapoor, Director Interventional Cardiology, Jaypee Hospital, Noida. Why are Indians more prone to heart disease? Asian Indians have 50% to 400% higher incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) as compared to people of other ethnic origins. India is in the middle of an epidemic of coronary artery disease, and urban Indians are four times at high risk of of coronary artery disease as compared to Americans. In last thirty years, the CAD rates halved in the West whereas they doubled in India and there are no signs of them reducing yet. The average age of first heart attack has decreased by 20 years in India. About half of all heart attacks in Indians occur under the age of 50 years and one-fourth under the age of forty years. This premature CAD in Indians is due to genetic susceptibility. About one-third of Indians have high levels of Lipoprotein (a), a result of lifestyle factors such as sedentary life, stress and changes in diet. How women are different from men Scientific studies have shown that females may often have symptoms of angina but less obstruction in the coronary arteries, and this is why it's hard to detect blocked arteries in angiography. Also, almost forty percent of women may not have chest pain during a heart attack and may more commonly have breathlessness and extreme weakness. Moreover, the pain during a heart attack may be in back or shoulders and not in the arm as commonly seen. Here are symptoms of heart attacks in women you should know! If you are diabetic, the risk of heart attack is three times more than women with no medical condition. If a woman suffers from high blood pressure during pregnancy or PCOS (polycystic ovary disease), it increases her chances of getting a heart attack. Women smokers have six times the risk of heart attack compared to three times in men. Low levels of good cholesterol (Low HDL) and high levels of triglycerides rather than high levels of bad cholesterol are more predictive of heart disease in women. Here are few unusual risk factors of heart diseases in women. How to reduce the risk of heart disease? The only way to lower the risk of heart disease in women is to follow a four step rule -- eat right, exercise regularly, quit smoking (if you smoke) and maintain a healthy weight. By following this, you can lower the risk of heart disease by almost 82 percent. Read more on simple tips to prevent heart disease. Image Source: Shutterstock

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Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) lead to infertility? (Query)

October 7, 2016, 2:51 pm

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I am a 24-year-old female. My friend said that pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) could put you at risk of infertility. Does it mean I can't conceive? What are the tips to prevent it? Please help. The query is answered by Dr Shobha Gupta, Infertility Expert from Mother’s Lap IVF Centre. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is one of the most ignored sexually transmitted disease, which can also lead to infertility. It causes infection of the womb, fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs, thereby putting you at high risk of infertility. Most cases of PID are caused by an infection that has spread from the vagina or the neck of the womb (cervix) to the reproductive organs higher up. Many different types of bacteria can cause PID, but most common one is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) due to chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Hence, having sex with a person infected with chlamydia, an infection caused by chlamydia trachomatis, might up your risk drastically. In most cases, PID affects sexually active women, under the age of 25 years. This is because, the cervix of a woman below 25 years is not entirely prepared to fight sexually transmitted disease, which can later result into PID. Other than that, women who choose to have multiple sex partners and the ones who are in the right age cohort of conceiving are also at most risk. It is estimated that one in every five women who have PID becomes infertile. However, most women can get pregnant without problems after a single episode of PID. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can lead to grave consequences including infertility, or pregnancy in the fallopian tube or elsewhere outside of the womb, sore formation, and chronic pelvic pain. And hence, seeking medical help with early detection can prevent severe outcomes. Here are a few tips you need to keep in mind to lower your risk of sexually transmitted diseases and also PID. 1. Consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms of vaginal infection or signs of sexually transmitted disease. As early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection from spreading to other reproductive organs. 2. Practise safe sex and always use a condom. Condoms not only prevent unwanted pregnancies but also lower your risk of infection. However, make sure you use superior quality latex condoms which can reduce the risk of STD. 3. Go for regular check-ups as this helps in knowing an infection at the earliest. Sexually active women who are 25 years old or younger, women who have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners and all pregnant women should visit a gynaecologist. 4. The genital symptoms such as an unusual sore, discharge with odour, burning sensation during urination or bleeding between menstrual cycles could mean sexually transmitted infection. In such a scenario, abstain from having sex and consult a gynaecologist at the earliest to get it sorted. Here are reasons to visit your gynaecologist. Image Source: Shutterstock

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What are the symptoms of breast cancer relapse?

October 18, 2016, 2:32 pm

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Breast cancer can recur even after you get treated. Whatever is the case, there is a high chance that it might relapse, but with regular screening and consultation, it can be prevented. As the recurrent rate is dependent on the stage of the cancer, timely treatment can help in improving the survival chance. As breast cancer can be localised or systemic (where the cancerous cells spread to different parts of the body), the symptoms of breast cancer relapse can be either localised or systemic , says Dr Pawan Gupta, Additional Director, Cancer Surgeon, Jaypee hospital and National President, ICanWin Foundation. Symptoms of breast cancer relapse Localised spread: If the breast cancer is localised, in the case of relapse, it can affect the same area. Even when there is complete removal of the breast or just a part of it, there are chances of recurrence. The symptoms might be the appearance of a lump in the local site, nodules in the breast or thickening of the skin around the breast. In some cases, it can also show signs of discharge and ulceration, which indicates a serious medical condition. In the case of complete removal of the breast, symptoms like thin and multiple nodules on the skin and lump in the neck (due to the lymphatic spread of tumor) might be seen. Here are a few tips to cope with breast cancer you should know about! Systemic spread: In the case of systemic spread, where the cancerous cells have migrated to different parts of the body, the symptoms will depend on where metastasises has taken place. The cancerous cells usually metastasized to the lungs, bone, brain and liver, can be detected only through proper investigation and regular follow-up. The symptoms of systemic breast cancer relapse are dependent on the site of the organ involved and are as follows – Lungs: If the lungs are affected, then symptoms like breathlessness, pain in the chest, cough with or without phlegm and pain while breathing are commonly seen. Liver: If the liver is invaded by the cancerous cells, the common signs include loss of weight and loss of appetite. Bone: The signs that indicate that the bone is also affected by cancer metastasis are pain at the site of metastasis, which is very different from joint pain. Brain: The symptoms that indicate metastasis of the brain are vomiting, headache, dizziness, seizures, convulsion and other neurological symptoms. The only way to detect breast cancer relapse is through molecular testing followed by estimation and assessment of symptoms. And depending upon the site of relapse, treatment options like localised surgery or hormonal therapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy are advised. Here's more on relapse of breast cancer. Image Source: Shutterstock

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Mammography for breast cancer -- 7 things you need to know

October 19, 2016, 1:30 pm

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Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in women in India. Although there is awareness about the symptoms of breast cancer and the risk factors, there is less awareness about screening tests to detect breast cancer. So if your doctor or gynaecologist has recommended a mammography, then before you go for one, here are a few things you need to keep in mind by our expert Dr Pawan Gupta, Additional Director, Cancer Surgeon, Jaypee Hospital and National President, ICanWin Foundation. #1. Mammography is not advised for women below 40 years of age. This is because the breast tissue of younger women is more dense than older women and appears as a white, dense area in the mammogram. As breast cancer also appears white, it becomes difficult to detect breast cancer through this screening procedure. Moreover, breast cancer is quite common in women above 50 years, and hence, women between 50 – 75 years should undergo mammography. #2. If you are young and have a family history of breast cancer, then your doctor might recommend you to undergo a mammogram. If you experience any symptoms of breast cancer likes a lump in the breast, leaking of breast or changes in the breast size and shape, then it is time you should go for mammography, even you are 25 years old or younger. Also read about risk factors for breast cancer. #3. Not many people know that there are two types of mammography – screening and diagnostic. A screening mammography is a routine X-ray of the breast in women without any visible sings of breast cancer. It is mostly recommended for women above 40 years of age. On the other hand, a diagnostic mammography is a breast X-ray where a woman shows symptoms of breast cancer or if the doctor suspects any abnormality in the breast. #4. One should never go for a mammography without a doctor’s referral. Hence, it is wise to consult a doctor first if you experience any signs and symptoms of breast cancer or abnormality in the breast before getting tested on your won. As your doctor might examine first and then, ask for specific tests to be done to screen and then confirm the diagnosis. #5. Mammography acts as an important screening tool for breast cancer in older women. During the procedure, an expert will position your breast in the mammography unit, which compresses or flattens the breast to spread the breast tissue for a clear picture. Most women might experience pain or discomfort as the breasts are compressed. If the pain is severe, do let the expert know about it so as to change the angle or minimise the pressure exerted on the breasts. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes, and the patient can resume his routine work after the test. Here's more about the mammography procedure and what the results mean. #6. The best time to go for a mammography is around a week after your periods. This is because, during menstruation, the breast becomes tender due to hormonal changes in the body, which further worsens the pain experienced during the test. Hence, anytime after the first three to four days of your periods is the right time for mammography. #7. In most cases, it is advised not to wear powders or deodorants on the day of the screening as these might appear as calcium spots on the mammogram. Also, pregnant women are not advised to undergo a mammogram, hence do speak to your doctor if you are pregnant. Image Source: Shutterstock

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Can a breast cancer survivor breastfeed when on remission after surgery?

October 26, 2016, 1:31 pm

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A common question that most breast cancer survivors and mothers have is --can a woman start after surgery and or during the remission. Well, the answer to this query is not a simple 'Yes' or 'No' because it depends on your current state, medications, therapy and how well have you recovered post surgery. And to give you an idea about when can a woman post surgery or during remission can breastfeed with minimum risk to the growing infant, read what our expert Dr Sidharth Sahni, Senior Consultant, Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon at Apollo Indraprastha Hospital has to say. 1. Surgery/mastectomy: If a woman undergoes double mastectomy or surgical removal of both the breasts, then it’s not possible for her to breastfeed. In the case of a mastectomy, when there is partial or complete removal of the cancerous breast, breastfeeding from the unaffected breast is advised, only if the woman doesn't have any preexisting medical condition or infection of the breast. A woman can nurse with the other breast if that is not affected and there is no chemotherapy/ radiation post surgery. Also read about if a breastfeeding mother has breast cancer, can she pass on cancer to the child? 2. Radiation therapy: If a woman is not recommended radiation therapy, then she can nurse the child from the other breast (and not the affected one). If the breast is conserved, a technique in which a part of the breast containing the cancerous tissue is removed, then radiation therapy post surgery is advised. Once radiation is done, the affected breast fails to produce milk. Breastfeeding from the other breast is advised, when on remission. 3. Chemotherapy: If a woman undergoes post-operative chemotherapy, then breastfeeding is not allowed as there is a high chance that the active ingredients in the drugs can pass on to the infant through breast milk. However, in the absence of chemotherapy, breastfeeding is possible without any restrictions. If a woman has had chemotherapy in the past and conceived when in remission, then it is advised to breastfeed the baby. If a woman is receiving chemotherapy during pregnancy and has delivered, then she should be off the drugs for at least a month's time before she starts with breastfeeding. Read more on what is chemotherapy and what are the side effects of the treatment? Image Source: Shutterstock

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Should a woman breastfeed if suffering from mastitis? (Query)

October 26, 2016, 12:38 pm

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My friend delivered a baby recently. When I visited her last time, she was suffering from an infection of the breast known as mastitis. She had a bad time dealing with it. Can a woman breastfeed if she suffers from an infection or mastitis? Is it safe for the baby? Is there a way to prevent the infection? Please explain. The query is answered by Dr Sidharth Sahni, Senior Consultant, Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon at Apollo Indraprastha Hospital. Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue, which causes severe breast pain due to an inflamed breast tissue. As this infection is commonly caused during breastfeeding, it is also known as lactation mastitis. However, this doesn't mean that the condition cannot affect other women. There might be many risk factors of mastitis, however, one of the most common is having a cracked nipple. This is because even a slight crack in the nipple acts as an effective medium for the infection to spread to the breast. Hence, it is advised that a woman should not breastfeed if suffering from an infection of the breast as the infection can spread to the infant. It can be painful for the woman as well. Just like any other infection, mastitis can be treated with medications, which usually involves a combination of ultrasound guided pus aspiration and antibiotics. Surgery is not commonly preferred now as it leads to a whole spectrum of post-operative complications. However, a woman can breast her baby from the unaffected breast if the antibiotics fall under the safe zone criteria as recommended for pregnancy and lactation by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Not just cracked nipples, here's more on common breastfeeding woes and tips to dodge it. Can it be prevented? Yes, mastitis can be prevented. As a cracked nipple is one of the main cause of mastitis, lubricating the nipples not only prevents cracking but also lowers your risk of infection. Hence, it is recommended that a woman should start lubricating the nipples from the 7^th to 9^th month of pregnancy, which can prevent up to 92% of infections seen in breastfeeding women. However, if you are diabetic or have gestational diabetes then the risk of suffering from an infection is very high. The risk of an abscess during this time can be also be prevented by lubricating the nipples. Here are a few ways to heal cracked nipples due to breastfeeding that can help. Image Source: Shutterstock

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How is breast cancer different in Indian women?

October 27, 2016, 2:32 pm

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It is known that breast cancer is seen in women as young as 25 years in India, unlike Western countries. Moreover, the type of cancer in Indian women is quite aggressive than that in Western women. And almost 50-60 percent of Indian women succumb to the disease as compared to the 20 percent of Western women. Of the 1,70,000 Indian women diagnosed with cancer each year [1], a sizeable proportion is in the age group of 35-50 years [2], which are the most productive years. Given that approximately 80,000 to 90,000 of those women might die of the disease, usually within five years of their first diagnosis, the issue demands urgent action. Dr Anthony V Pais, Clinical Director and Senior Consultant, Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgery, Cytecare Hospitals, Karnataka sheds light on how breast cancer is different in Indian women. #1. About one-third of Indian women suffer from a type of breast cancer known as Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). This type of breast cancer is not only difficult to treat but also less responsive to most forms of the therapy as the cancer cells do not have chemical receptors for estrogen and progesterone, the main female reproductive hormones. In the western countries, TNBC is seen only in 12-15 per cent of cancer-afflicted women (as compared to 31-33 percent in India). #2. Several studies have shown that first pregnancy in the late twenties or early thirties and fewer children as a whole, tend to increase the risk of breast cancer although breastfeeding an infant for at least one year does lower the possibility of a young mother getting cancer. Women who nurse their infants for less than nine months to one year do not have this added advantage. Read about breast cancer in a 25-year-old! (True story) Here are a few things you need to know 1. Maintaining a healthy weight, doing exercises regularly, eating a nutritious diet and restricting alcohol to a maximum of one drink per day are a few steps that experts recommend to lower the risk of breast cancer. Also, do not smoke, and if you have started already, quit as soon as you can. 2. If there are elders in your family (your mother or your aunt) who have suffered from breast cancer, a mammography exam once a year is a good idea. Also, a monthly self-examination of the breasts, if properly done, can go a long way in detecting cancer early. 3. New techniques like digital mammography are preferable over the conventional methods because they can detect 76 percent more cancers than the traditional way. Another option is a stereotactic biopsy, which is less damaging than a surgical biopsy. 4. As far as surgery is concerned, very small tumours (less than 5 mm in size) can be removed without leaving a scar through vacuum assisted techniques, while microvascular reconstruction of the breast tissue can help to maintain the overall body shape even after major surgery. Here are symptoms of breast cancer every woman must know! References:

ICMR study on Population-based Cancer Registries, 2012-14
Breast Cancer Risk Profile in Indian Women: Navnit Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Amit Attam, Sudipta Saha, S. K. Bhargava, Department of Surgery and Radiology, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, Delhi, India.

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5 ways menopause affects your heart health

November 3, 2016, 2:04 pm

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As you age, a lot of changes take place in your body. And one such phase in every woman's life is menopause, which causes drastic hormonal changes leading to mood swings, hot flashes and weight gain. However, what most women do not know is its impact on the heart health. Yes, menopause can increase your risk of heart disease. Although other risk factors like age and family history of early heart disease cannot be changed, one can lower the risk of heart disease in a post-menopausal woman following a few lifestyle changes. After menopause, women are more likely to get heart disease, partly because their body's production of estrogen drops. Also, women who have gone through early menopause, either naturally or because they have had their ovaries removed are twice as likely to develop heart disease as compared to women of their same age who have not yet reached menopause, says Dr Duru Shah, Director, Board of the International Menopause Society. While menopause is a completely natural occurrence, the decreased levels of estrogen have an effect on the body because the hormone helps protect women against heart disease. Here's how menopause affects your heart health. 1. High blood pressure: As the levels of estrogen decrease after menopause, the heart muscles and the blood vessels become stiff and less elastic. This causes the blood to exert more pressure on the walls of the arteries, causing the blood pressure to rise. And high blood pressure puts pressure on the heart increasing your risk of heart disease. Hence, make sure your blood pressure is under control post menopause by going for regular checkups to lower your risk of heart disease. 2. High cholesterol: A common culprit of heart disease, high cholesterol is seen in women post menopause. This is because a lack of estrogen hormone in the body causes an increase in LDL (low-density lipoprotein or bad) cholesterol and a decrease in HDL (high-density lipoprotein or good) cholesterol, which further increases the risk of heart disease in women. Not just cholesterol, menopause also causes a rise in the triglycerides, type of fats, which can put you at risk fo cardiovascular disease. So cut down on the intake of foods rich in cholesterol and include cholesterol-lowering foods in your diet as you age. 3. Weight gain: Women are at a high risk of gaining weight after menopause, especially around the abdomen. This is the because estrogen plays a key role in burning fats and lack of the hormone leads to storage of fat. Moreover, menopause slows down the metabolism, which further leads to weight gain as you age, which puts you at risk of heart disease. To deal with it, make sure you keep a tab on your weight by exercising every day or at least brisk walk for 30 minutes to lower your risk of heart disease. Here's more on how to lose weight in old age. 4. Diabetes: It is known that the risk of suffering from heart disease is high if you have diabetes. However, what most people do not know is that after a woman goes through menopause, you become more resistant to insulin. This is why most women are likely to become prediabetic or diabetic as they transition from premenopause to menopause. So check your glucose levels as you hit menopause and eat healthy to prevent heart disease due to diabetes. 5. Abnormal heart rate: Known as atrial fibrillation, abnormal heart rate can also up your risk of heart disease. As you reach 50 and the oestrogen levels fall, the functioning of the heart is also affected. The hormonal changes not only slow down the heart rate but also lead to blockages, which causes cardiovascular and coronary heart disease in woman. And if you have high blood pressure, then the risk increases further. Hence, maintain your blood pressure and consult your doctor if you experience symptoms of heart disease like dizziness and fatigue. Image Source: Shutterstock

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Is it normal to have vaginal discharge during pregnancy?

November 11, 2016, 3:48 pm

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As your pregnancy progresses, you are likely to experience a steady increase in discharge. Your hormones go out of whack during pregnancy, plus there is an increase in blood flow to the pelvis. While a white odour-free discharge is completely normal, a grey or a yellowish discharge could indicate infection. So, take note of these discharges you could experience during pregnancy, from gynaecologist Dr Sangeeta Agarwal. White odour-free discharge: The clear white discharge: This is common during pregnancy due to various hormonal changes in the body. In fact, a clear white and odour-free discharge indicates that the vaginal area is lubricated enough to save you from excessive dryness which could lead to painful itching and burning sensation in the area. Thin greyish discharge: During pregnancy due to shift in hormone secretions there can be an overload of bacterial accumulation in the sensitive area. This excess of bacterial accumulation can disrupt the normal balance of good bacteria and give rise to a type of infection called bacterial vaginosis. Consult your doctor if you notice any of it. Here are the causes of vaginal discharge every woman should know about. White-yellowish discharge: This kind of release is indicative of a yeast infection in the vagina. Like bacteria, a yeast called Candida is also present in the vagina naturally. However, due to an increased production of estrogen and progesterone in the body, the vaginal area creates a cosy environment for the yeast to thrive and grow, hence the yellowish discharge. If the discharge is accompanied by burning itching or pain, make sure that you consult your doctor. Spotting: This one is an important one, and you will be surprised to know this. If you are pregnant, you can get implantation bleeding 10 to 15 days after spotting. So ensure that you get a test done to confirm your pregnancy. Confirm your pregnancy with these three pregnancy tests. Image source: Getty Images

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How to identify PTSD and what triggers PTSD

November 29, 2016, 3:56 pm

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More than 75 percent of people suffering from mental health issues in developing countries do not receive any medical treatment.– World Health Organization India may have progressed by leaps and bounds but even though 20 million people are suffering from one or the other form of mental health problems, the subject is still a taboo and is exclusively managed at home! However, social attitudes are changing, and more and more patients are seeking professional help for PTSD and other mental health issues. What is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental disorder characterized by exposure to traumatic event that can drastically change one’s life and relationships. Psychiatrists define it as ‘debilitating condition that can affect every aspect of a patient’s life due to its multifaceted composition of mental, physical and social symptoms’. [1] Traumatic events generally involve threats to life, sense of personal safety or security, or physical integrity.The event causes significant distress to the affected person, and impairs the individual’s social interactions, capacity to work or other important areas of functioning. It is not something that results from another medical condition, medication, or drug or alcohol addiction, psychiatrists point out. [2] Read more about Yoga can help cope with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms PTSD is diagnosed only if symptoms persist beyond one month after the event. Triggers for PTSD PTSD can affect anyone irrespective of age, race, and gender. Although, earlier, PTSD was mainly diagnosed in the war veterans, this disorder can occur in anyone who has experienced or witnessed serious motor accidents, torture, kidnapping, natural disasters or even terror attacks. For example, one of the worst natural disasters in India after the Tamil Nadu tsunami was a cloudburst that caused devastating floods and landslides in Uttarakhand in 2013, affecting over 1,00,000 people and claiming more than 5000 lives. A psychological health study done with 86 survivors of the disaster, revealed that 58 percent of survivors had PTSD. [3] Similarly, in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2011, a study revealed that 44 percent of 560 adults surveyed reported substantial stress reactions within the first week, and 1-2 months later, another study reported that 4.3 percent of the 2,273 adults studied had PTSD after watching television coverage of the attacks. [4] (Read: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts brains of boys, girls differently) Physical assault or sexual abuse in adults and children, too, is now included in the criteria for diagnosing PTSD. Identifying PTSD in Adults The four hallmarks of PTSD in adults, according to the American Psychiatric Association, include –

Re-experiencing the event symptoms
Avoiding people, places, or situations that serve as a reminder of the trauma
Negative changes in mood and thoughts
Chronic hyperarousal symptoms

Dr. Cristopher Warner and his colleagues have suggested the following questions for assessing PTSD: [5]

Do you re-experience the event, even though it is not happening, during the course of the day?
Do you have nightmares or think about the event when you don’t want to?
Do you continue to get fearful or anxious when you remember the event?
Do you avoid the places, people, and /or situations related to the event?
Do you stay away from the associated conversations or feelings because they remind you of the event?
Do you find it difficult to recall an important aspect of the trauma?
Since the event, have you stopped doing things that used to enjoy doing?
Do you feel detached from your family and friends? Have they noticed this disconnect?
Have your life goals or plans changed since the event? How?
Since the event, do you have hyperarousal symptoms, for example,

Do you have trouble sleeping?
Are you angrier, or more argumentative, or violent?
Are you always on guard and feel unsafe?
Do certain things startle you that didn’t before the event?
Are you able to remain focused and complete tasks?
Are you hypervigilant to potential threat?

Identifying PTSD in children Children may experience a severe traumatic event if they are the victims or witnesses of physical or sexual abuse at home or in the community, dangerous illness, violence, natural disasters or man-made disasters, and situations where someone’s life, especially their parents’ lives, are threatened. Recognizing PTSD in children is far trickier, as manifestation of PTSDin children is different from that of the adults. [6] Re-experiencing the trauma can manifest as –

Repetitive play in which the trauma is re-enacted
Dreams which may or may not have specific trauma-related content
Actual replay of the trauma

Avoidance symptoms can be in the form of hyper-alertness, restlessness, lack of concentration, and behavioural problems. Symptoms of re-experiencing and avoidance do not generally occur simultaneously; rather, the periods of re-experiencing and numbing /avoidance alternate between each other, say psychiatrists at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. [6 ] Here are New wearable device can improve sleep and reduce PTSD risk Other symptoms include –

Hallucinations or disorganized thinking and behaviour;
Fear of monsters, anxiety on meeting a stranger, or avoiding situations that may or may not be associated with the traumatic event, especially in pre-school children;
‘Omen’ formation, that is, believing that there are signs which predict a traumatic event and if they are alert, this event can be averted.

Child abuse syndrome PTSD associated with sexual abuse in children can manifest itself with signs and symptoms such as –

Regression to thumb sucking or bedwetting or any age-inappropriate behaviour
Loss of interest in things they enjoyed doing prior to the traumatic event
Loss of talking skills
Developing a strong attachment to a parent or another person
Developing unusual fears, for example, of early death
Developing concentration problems that could interfere with learning and social activities
Developing suicidal tendencies in their adult life or developing addiction to food, alcohol, or drugs.

And recently, scientists have suggested that abused children with PTSD not only show changes in the structure and function of the brain, but also experience genomic alterations (changes in the DNA). [7] PTSD is a treatable disorder. Treatment includes psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and in some cases, medicine. Counselling the key family members and caregivers is also important in the recovery of the PTSD patient. “Always remember, if you have been diagnosed with PTSD, it is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is proof of your strength, because you have survived!” ― Michel Templet Reference

Cichocki-Goss K. Taboo Topics: Depression, Anxiety, Sexual Assault, and PTSD; the Influence of Stigma on Help Seeking. 2014.

American Psychiatric Publishing. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/PTSD%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Sharma S, Sharma S, Chandra M, Mina S, Singh Balhara YP, Verma R. Psychological well-being in primary survivors of Uttarakhand disaster in India. Indian J Soc Psychiatry 2015;31:29-36.

Neria Y, DiGrande L, Adams BG. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following the September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks: A Review of the Literature Among Highly Exposed Populations. The American Psychologist. 2011;66(6):429-446. doi:10.1037/a0024791.

Warner C. et al. Identifying and Managing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - American Family Physician. Aafporg. December 15, 2013 Issue.

Murali N, Kar N, Jagadisha. Recognition and clinical assessment of childhood PTSD. Indian J Psychiatry 2002;44:82-3.
Parano E, Pappalardo XG, Pavone P, Ruggieri M, Cavallaro S. Child Abuse Syndrome (CAS): A Newly Recognized Distinct Entity. The Open Neurology Journal. 2016;10:30-31. doi:10.2174/1874205X01610010030.

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