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Can a woman have periods without ovulation?

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I am a 30-year-old woman. My friend was told that she has anovulatory bleeding. What is anovulatory bleeding? Is it possible to menstruate but not ovulate? Does it interfere with fertility? Please explain. The query is answered by Dr Uma Vaidyanathan, Consultant Gynaecologist and Unit Head at Max Hospital, New Delhi. Yes, it is possible to menstruate without ovulation, a condition is known as anovulatory bleeding. It is commonly seen in girls during the first two years after their first periods or in women who are nearing menopause. However, if it is seen in women as young as 25 years to 30 years, it might indicate an underlying condition that needs to be treated. Anovulatory bleeding is mainly caused due to hormonal changes in the body. And hence, to know more about anovulatory bleeding, you need to know about the hormonal cycle that takes place in the body during menstruation. During periods, hormones released by the brain triggers the ovaries to produce egg and release oestrogen hormone, which builds up endometrium. Once ovulation takes place (egg is released), the hormone progesterone is secreted which prepares the uterus for conception. On the other hand, in anovulatory bleeding, the hormone progesterone is not secreted as no ovulation takes place (egg is not released. However, there is an excess production of oestrogen which helps in maintaining the uterine wall. But after a point, the uterus fails to maintain the endometrium, leading to bleeding. This is the reason, why it is common in women nearing menopause and causes spotting between periods, light and irregular periods. Here are reasons you should not ignore irregular periods. Also known as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, anovulatory bleeding causes irregular bleeding, which varies in flow and duration, which is mistaken for menstruation. Although anovulatory bleeding is caused due to hormonal problems, it can be due to an underlying condition such as PCOS or thyroid imbalance. Moreover, it can also be caused due to excessive use of OCPs (oral contraceptive pills), stress or severe changes in weight. Hence, consult your gynaecologist to rule out the cause and treat your condition at the earliest. Read about 8 things your gynaecologist wants you to know Image Source: Shutterstock  

Product review: Saafkins reusable sanitary napkins from Livinguard

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Can you imagine missing out on five days of work during periods? This may come as news to many, but according to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, millions of girls in the country are doing just that. And that is what Saafkins, reusable sanitary napkins manufactured by Livinguard Technologies is here to change! Let me first bring you up to speed about Saafkins’ background.  It was launched as a part of Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi’s #GiveHer5 campaign which focuses attention on millions of underprivileged girls in India who miss out on school due to menses-related problems. “The cloth napkins that these young women use can be only worn for a couple of hours, and in most cases, they are made of abrasive material. Sometimes they are also given old rags to be used as pads,” says Shivani Swamy, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager at Livinguard Technologies. Since it embarrassing for them to hang the cloth pads out in the open, they are often left in dingy places to dry, causing bacteria and other disease-causing pathogens to breed in them. Cleaning these pads can also prove to be a challenge because they use coconut husks and ash, which often doesn’t do a thorough job according to Shivani. “These girls living in squalid conditions don’t have access to toilet facilities even in school, which leaves them with no choice but to miss out on school during these four-five days,” she adds. Why Saafkins? The reusable napkin is touted to be an economical solution for the underprivileged girls in our country who have to miss out on school due to the lack of proper menstrual care. Livinguard has created the pad keeping the health and convenience of these girls in mind. What’s more? It is reusable and can last up to a year. “It is affordably priced at Rs 150, and per month it comes around to only Rs 12.50,” says Shivani. Here are some of the other salient features of the pad. saafkins2saafkins •    The packet comprises two sanitary napkins made of a superabsorbent material that can hold up to 100 ml of liquid at one go. •    A leak-proof lining prevents staining. •    The adjustable band around the waist holds the pad in place. •    Livinguard Technology makes the pads antimicrobial which reduces chances of infections. •    The pad is made of a quick-drying material which does away with the need to dry it out in the open. •    A single pad is said to last for 8-12 hours; this means no skipping school! The review I never thought I would be saying this, but this month, I really looked forward to my periods, and the reason was Saafkins. Planet Earth could do without a few metric tonnes of sanitary napkins each year, which was the number one reason why I wanted to switch to an eco-friendly option, but I could never come round to wearing a menstrual cup. I wanted to try out for myself whether the napkin delivered on all of its promises. But I assure you that this is an objective review, and I ensure that my support of the Saafkins’ cause didn’t cloud my judgement when it comes to reviewing its qualities. The pros •    It is very convenient, and you barely feel that you are wearing something different down there. At first, I thought it might be a little bulky, but I stand corrected. •    It is VERY easy to clean. All you have to do is keep it under a running tap. Press it down with your feet and squeeze the liquid out. Follow up with a little bit of soap, and it is squeaky clean! •    No funny smell. If you have done a thorough job cleaning, the pad doesn’t reek one bit. •    Excellent for overnight use. Girls, we have spent a good part of our lives looking for a pad that doesn’t stain while we sleep. Saafkins might be our saviour. •    The pad doesn’t shift thanks to the elastic on the waist. •    The elastic is firm enough to hold the pad in its place but doesn’t dig into the skin. •    Economical! Rs 150 per year is how much you would spend on a fancy cup of coffee. •    I can sleep with a cleaner conscience knowing I am not adding to the 140 tonnes of waste generated by sanitary pads alone. The cons •    Not suitable for heavy bleeders. I am a heavy bleeder, so I ended up staining my pants within 6 hours on the first day. •    The initial brown coagulated blood can be a pain to wash off. •    You may have to soak it in soapy water to get all the brown gunk out. •    It doesn’t dry very fast if you hang it indoors. Wring it hard before you hang it for drying. Should you switch to Saafkins? When you weigh its many benefits against a few cons, I think Saafkins is a good choice for the environmentally conscious girl of today. Those worried about staining could wear Saafkins on the second, third and fourth day of periods and stick to sanitary pads on the first day; you are still making a difference to the environment. Plus, by buying Saafkins you are supporting a brand that is bringing low-cost menstrual care to those who can't afford it. It's a win-win in my book! My final verdict? Good but could do better!

7 reasons you have prolonged periods (more than 5-7 days)

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Periods typically occur once a month, which usually lasts for not more than 7 days (5 or 3 days for some). However, sometimes periods might last longer than the usual, which might indicate something is wrong with the body. Also known as menorrhagia, prolonged periods can indicate a hormonal imbalance or changes in the uterus, which should not be ignored. It is wise to consult a gynaecologist at the earliest to know the exact cause of it and get treated. Dr Nupur Gupta, Gynaecologist and obstetrician, Well Woman Clinic, Gurgaon, explains the common reasons for prolonged periods or menorrhagia. Also read about 8 things your gynaecologist wants you to know. 1. Dysfunctional bleeding: Known as abnormal uterine bleeding, it is caused due to hormonal imbalance in the body. In most cases, it indicates an anovulatory cycle, a condition in which the ovaries do not produce egg but, there is bleeding from the uterus. It is common seen in a woman of reproductive age (mainly 18 years to 35 years). Here are 10 commonly asked questions about periods answered. 2. Bleeding disorders: It is commonly seen in girls of adolescent age or puberty, then your doctor might recommend blood tests to rule out a bleeding disorder. In some cases, even an ultrasound of the lower abdomen might be recommended by your gynaecologist to look for changes in the uterus. Hence, if you have prolonged periods after menarche, it is wise to consult a doctor. If a bleeding disorder is ruled out, it might also indicate the lack of iron and vitamins. In such a case, you might also need counselling and prescription of multivitamins to improve your condition. 3. Thyroid disease: Yes, prolonged bleeding could be due to low levels of thyroid hormones in the body. Hence, if you have hypothyroidism or suffer from thyroid disorders, it is wise to consult a doctor get it treated as it could be due to the medications fo the hormonal changes that happen in the body due to low levels of thyroid hormones. To diagnose thyroid disease, your gynaecologist might recommend blood tests. 4. Hyperprolactinemia: It is a condition characterised by high-level of prolactin, a hormone which is needed for breast development during pregnancy and also to induce lactation in new mothers. Hyperprolactinemia is common during pregnancy, however, if pregnancy is ruled out and you have prolonged periods, get in touch with your gynaecologist to rule out hyperprolactinemia, which is seen in the case of stress, use of certain medications, kidneys disease and tumours. 5. Perimenopause: The right age of menopause in Indian women is 47 - 51 years. However, there are chances that you might suffer from early menopause or perimenopause. Hence, if you have prolonged periods at the age of 40 - 45 years, it might indicate perimenopause. Moreover, if you have postmenopausal bleeding (bleeding a year after your periods have stopped) do not ignore it. Your expert might recommend an endometrial biopsy to rule out cancer. Here's more on what is early menopause and how can I avoid it? 6. Uterine fibroids and polyps: Another cause of prolonged bleeding is uterine fibroids, which are benign growths of smooth muscles in the uterus, which are not cancerous. On the other hand, uterine polyps are an overgrowth of the cells in the lining of the endometrium, which are usually non-cancerous in nature. Moreover, chronic inflammation of the cervix, known as cervical erosion, might also lead to prolonged bleeding. 7. Cancer: Lastly, prolonged bleeding for more than a week, especially in women in the age group of 45 years and above might also be a sign of cervical cancer. Hence, your gynaecologist might recommend ultrasound and pap smear to rule out the cancer of the uterus and the cervix. In some cases, hysteroscopy (a procedure in which an endoscope is used to check the uterine cavity) is also advised to be on a safer side. Hence. if you have periods for more than a week or bleed for long (with or without spotting), then it is wise to consult your gyanecologist to rule out cancer and other common gynaecological problems. Image Source: Shutterstock

Are inhalers safe for pregnant women?

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Be it new mums or grandmoms, when it comes to pregnancy, everyone has an opinion and a list of dos and don'ts for a pregnant woman. While some of the advice may be harmless, some are mere pregnancy myths which can lead to grave consequences. One such myth is the use of inhalers during pregnancy for asthma. However, several studies rule out any such possibility. Research studies have proved the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroid therapy in reducing the risk of pregnancy-related asthma exacerbations and improving lung function. So, don’t believe in hearsay but consult an expert before starting or discontinuing any medicine during pregnancy. Dr K K Pandey, Senior Consultant, Max Hospital says,' Controlling asthma with the use of inhalers that contain corticosteroids helps you to prevent asthma during pregnancy. Babies need a regular supply of oxygen for proper growth and development, which can be supplied through mother's blood, when inside the womb. It is important to keep asthma in check not only to ensure proper lung function in the mother but also to make sure that the foetus gets adequate oxygen supply. If the mother fails to get a proper amount of oxygen than it can affect the oxygen supply to the child.' Read to know how to choose a good asthma inhaler. As far as inhalers are concerned, the effect of asthma medications is same in pregnant as well as in non-pregnant women. In addition to continuing with the asthma therapy and use of inhalers, controlling the triggers of asthma triggers also plays a key role in managing asthma during pregnancy. You can even talk to your doctor about identifying, controlling or preventing asthma triggers such as allergens, dust, pollutants and tobacco smoke, which can increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications. Here's how to prevent asthma attack:10 things you should avoid to prevent asthma attacks. Also, pregnant women need to take precautions or manage it by self-monitoring, following doctor's instructions, take medications on time, look for signs that need medical attention and right use of inhalers. Dr Pandey, Senior Consultant, Max Hospital advises pregnant women to avoid exposure to allergens like fur, dust, strong perfumes and other pollutants. Moreover, use pillow covers and mattresses with special casings to stay away from dust mites. And more important, avoid smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke. You may also like to read about simple tips to deal with 7 common pregnancy problems. Image Source: Shutterstock

Expert decodes laser hair removal for pubic area

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Laser hair removal is very effective for pubic area and it is one of the most common areas for laser hair removal. After all, it is much easier to get your hair permanently removed through painfree laser, then to go through those painful Brazilian waxes every month! But is it really safe and effective? Dr. Kiran Lohia, Celebrity Dermatologist, Lumiere Dermatology explains the A-Z of pubic hair removal from laser for us. Understanding the procedure of laser hair removal from pubic region. The procedure involves shaving the entire area, then applying gel on it, and then moving the laser in the area in circular motions.Usually 6-8 sessions are required to achieve a maximum of 70-95% hair removal with ultra-advanced lasers like Trio Ultima, which is 3 laser wavelengths combined into 1 machine. By combining 3 different technologies, Trio Ultima is able to treat the most stubborn of hair, be it coarse, thick or fine. Lasers that use the older diode technology typically require 10-14 sessions for the same results, but typically only work on coarse or thick hair! These include lasers like Soprano Pro. How many sessions does it take to completely remove the hair from pubic region? Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions because laser can only target hair follicles that are in the growing phase because that is the only time the stem cell is there. At any given time, only 30% of your body or face hair is in growing phase, with the rest in resting or dying phase. All laser hair removal requires a touchup session typically done once a year after your course is complete. Read more about Why shaving your vagina or pubic hair is NOT a good idea! How is removing hair from pubic region through laser different from removing hair from other areas? The only difference between removing hair from pubic region and other areas is that it is slightly more sensitive. So, while the lasers are generally painless, however, it can cause mild pricking in this delicate place, but at high-end specialized centers there is painless protocol where we use numbing cream, and a cooling air on the area, so it becomes completely comfortable! How much does the procedure costs? Cost depends on which laser is used, and starts from 9,000 INR per session, with package discounts typically available. How long does the procedure take and also are there any follow-ups? The entire procedure of Laser Hair Removal along with applying topical anesthetic for complete pain reduction takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Follow-up occurs as per your hair grows, which is usually every 4-8 weeks. Read here 6 fascinating facts about pubic hair you need to know How long does it take for the new hair to grow? Typically, the cycle of hair growth is 4-8 weeks a session, but as more sessions occur, you can expect a marked reduction in hair and an extension of the growth time. So. 4 weeks may become 10 or 12 weeks, depending on what session you are at and how much hair reduction you have. With Diode technology like Soprano Pro, the duration between treatments may be slightly lesser than the stronger Trio Ultima. Is the procedure safe? What can be its possible side effects? Laser hair removal in the pubic area is completely safe. Laser hair removal only targets the hair follicle within the skin. It does not go deeper than that so there is nothing to fear. Many women get scared that it could affect their fertility. This is impossible because as discussed previously, laser extinguishes itself within the skin. It does not and cannot go deeper than that. Hence, all internal structures are naturally protected due to the skin. Read more about 5 myths about pubic hair you MUST stop believing After laser hair removal, some redness and sensitivity may occur. Also, the area may be bumpy for a day or two, but that settles down on its own. This is due to the hair follicles dying. Once in a while, you can have an ingrown pop up, but as each session happens and lesser and lesser hair grows back, those go away as well! All of these issues are completely treatable and typically resolve within a few days.Overall, laser hair removal of the pubic area is truly safe and one of the most comfortable processes a girl can go through. However, for the safest experience, remember to go to a centre that is dermatologist and doctor supervised. Each and every laser hair removal session should be supervised by a doctor to ensure your comfort and prevent any major side effects. Is the procedure painful does it also do away with those weird spots down there? The procedure is absolutely painless and it gets away with any kind of stubborn hair. The laser will specifically kill the stem cell, thereby forcing the follicle to die permanently! This is why laser hair removal is the only solution to remove hair permanently. Those weird spots tend to be caused by ingrown hairs. Once your ingrown hairs go away because your hair is gone, the weird spots will also stop popping up as well! What precautions does one need to take care soon after? After a mild topical steroid for a few days and copious amount of moisturizer on the treated area after getting the Laser Hair Removal done in the pubic area. Is bikini waxing better than laser hair removal? Which one is better and most preferred by women nowadays? Laser Hair Removal is always better than bikini wax and is very popular among women these days. Waxing and shaving cause worsening ingrown hairs, bumps and marks because each time the hair grows back, more and more follicles get damaged. The only way to prevent all those complications of hair removal in the bikini area, is to permanently remove the hair through laser hair removal! Image source: Shuttersrtock

What happens to your breasts during breastfeeding?

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You must be aware that your breasts can grow up to several cup sizes when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. But that is not it. You may also notice many other changes in your breasts when you breastfeed. We got gynaecologist Dr Arundhati Dhar to tell you how your breasts changes during breastfeeding. How do your breasts change during breastfeeding? Your breasts begin to gear up to feed your baby as soon as you get pregnant. The skin around of nipples has tiny bumps on them and also starts to become darker. This is nature’s way of directing a baby towards its feed. The small bumps around your nipples secrete an oily substance that lubricates, cleanses and protects your nipples from any infection during breastfeeding. Also, your breasts smell like amniotic fluid, so your baby will move towards this familiar smell after birth. Here are 5 diet do's and dont's during breastfeeding.  How do breasts make milk? Alveoli are where breast milk is made. They are clusters of small sacs in your breasts, surrounded my tiny muscles that push the fluid out to the ductule. The ductules are small canals that carry the milk from the alveoli to the milk ducts. It is the hormone prolactin which signals your body to make milk to nourish your body. What happens to your breasts when you feed for the first time? Colostrum which is a creamy looking, concentrated and high-protein substance is the first milk you feed your baby. Colostrum is full of disease-fighting antibodies that strengthen your child’s immune system and is easily-digestible. The real breast milk comes in about three days when the hormone prolactin becomes active. What happens to your breasts when you feed your baby? As you breastfeed, you may feel some tingling, pricking, stinging and burning sensation in your breasts. This feeling is normal and passes in some time. You may also notice that your breast milk comes down in drops and sprays. Feeding your baby often will help prevent painful, engorged breasts. Here are 10 things you should never do during breastfeeding.  You may also experience some contractions in your belly when you breastfeed in the initial few days. It is nothing but the oxytocin working and shrinking your belly. Also read, 5 tips to prevent saggy breasts after breastfeeding.  Image source: Shutterstock  Images  

गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या घेतल्यास हृदयविकाराचा धोका वाढतो का ?

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अनावश्यक गर्भधारणा टाळण्यासाठी गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या घेणे हा अतिशय सोपा मार्ग आहे. परंतु, अभ्यासातून असे दिसून आले आहे की त्यामुळे शरीरात बरीच उलथापालथ होते आणि उच्च रक्तदाब यांसारख्या समस्या उद्भवतात. कार्डिओव्हॅस्कुलर आजारांचा धोका वाढतो. त्याचबरोबर डोकेदुखी, मळमळ आणि वजन वाढणे यांसारखे दुष्परिणाम होतात. तसंच स्त्रियांमध्ये हे त्रास दीर्घ काळापर्यंत राहतात. गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या आणि हृदयविकार यांचा संबंध: गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या सतत घेतल्यास उच्च रक्तदाब होऊ शकतो. तसंच स्त्रियांमध्ये हार्ट अटॅक आणि स्ट्रोक्सचा धोका वाढतो. स्थूलता, धूम्रपान,  predisposed heart condition या समस्या असताना त्या बरोबरीने गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या घेतल्यास  त्याचा परिणाम नक्कीच स्त्रियांच्या हृदयाच्या आरोग्यावर होतो. विशेषतः ज्या स्त्रिया estrogen आणि progesterone युक्त गोळ्या घेतात. परंतु, हे सिद्ध करणारी खूप कमी माहिती उपलब्ध आहे. गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्यांचा परिणाम स्त्रियांच्या हृदयावर लगेचच होत नाही. परंतु, गोळ्या सतत घेतल्यास म्हणजेच ५ वर्षांपेक्षा अधिक काळ दररोज घेतल्यास समस्या निर्माण होऊ शकतात, असे मुंबईच्या Cloudnine Hospital च्या Consultant Gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr Meghana Sarvaiya यांनी सांगितले आहे .     गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्यांसंबंधी या 5 गोष्टी तुम्हाला माहित आहेत का ? वयाची ३५ शी ओलांडल्यानंतर जर एखादी स्त्री गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या घेत असेल तर त्यामुळे रक्ताच्या गुठळ्या (ब्लड क्लाटस) होण्याची शक्यता असते. त्यामुळे स्ट्रोक किंवा ischemic हार्ट अटॅकचा धोका वाढतो, असे डॉ. मेघना यांनी सांगितले. २०१५ च्या अभ्यासानुसार ज्या महिला गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या घेतात त्यांच्यात गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या न घेणाऱ्या स्त्रियांच्या तुलनेत १.६ पटीने अधिक रक्ताच्या गुठळ्या होतात. तसंच ज्या स्त्रिया estrogen ची पातळी अधिक असलेल्या गोळ्या घेतात त्यांच्यात क्लॉटस तयार होण्याचा धोका दुप्पटीने वाढतो. अभ्यासानुसार असे दिसून आले आहे की, estrogen चे प्रमाण कमी असलेल्या गोळ्या काहीशा सुरक्षित असतात. परंतु, गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या घेण्यापूर्वी कोणत्या प्रकारच्या गोळ्या तुम्हाला योग्य ठरतील याबद्दल डॉक्टरांचा सल्ला घेणे नेहमीच चांगले. रक्ताच्या गुठळ्या किंवा इतर समस्या उद्भवू नयेत म्हणून ३०शी च्या शेवटच्या टप्प्यात गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्यांबरोबरच रक्त पातळ होण्यासाठी ( blood thinners) देखील गोळ्या दिल्या जातात. हे महत्त्वाचे आहे. कारण बऱ्याच स्त्रिया मोनोपॉज किंवा वयाच्या ४५ शी पर्यंत या गोळ्या घेत असतात, असे डॉ. सर्वैद्य म्हणाल्या. गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या घेऊनही या ५ चुकांमुळे तुम्ही गरोदर राहू शकता. कोणती काळजी घ्याल?
  • गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या घेण्यापूर्वी तुम्हाला हृदयाची कोणती समस्या नाही ना, हे जाणून घेण्यासाठी डॉक्टरांशी बोला.
  • गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्या घेताना तुमचे वजन नियंत्रित राहिले असे पहा. त्यासाठी नियमित व्यायाम करा आणि आहाराच्या योग्य सवयी पाळा.
  • छातीत दुखणे, घाम येणे, थकवा येणे यांसारखी हृदयाच्या समस्यांची कोणतीही लक्षणे जाणवल्यास त्याकडे गंभीरतेने पहा आणि त्वरित डॉक्टरांचा सल्ला घ्या. गर्भनिरोधक गोळ्यांचा वापर केल्यामुळे वंधत्व येते का?
Read this in English Translated By –Darshana Pawar छायाचित्र सौजन्य – Shutterstock Reference: Roach, R. E., Helmerhorst, F. M., Lijfering, W. M., Stijnen, T., Algra, A., & Dekkers, O. M. (2015). Combined oral contraceptives: the risk of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The Cochrane Library.

पहली बार दूध पिलाने पर ब्रेस्ट के साथ क्या होता है?

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आपने तो सुना ही होगा कि जब कोई महिला प्रेगनेंट होती है या स्तनपान कराती है तो उसके ब्रेस्ट्स का आकार बदल जाता है। लेकिन केवल इतना ही नहीं होता। ब्रेस्टफीड कराते समय आपको अपने ब्रेस्ट्स में और भी कई तरह के बदलाव दिखायी पड़ेंगे। हमने बात की गाइनाकलॉजिस्ट अरुंधति धर से जिन्होंने बताया कुछ ऐसे बदलावों के बारे में जो ब्रेस्टफीडिंग करानेवाली मांओं के ब्रेस्ट्स में आते हैं।

स्तनपान के दौरान ब्रेस्ट्स में कैसे बदलाव आते हैं? आप जैसे ही प्रेगनेंट होती हैं आपके ब्रेस्ट बच्चे के लिए दूध बनाने की तैयारी शुरु कर देते हैं। आपके निप्पल के आसपास की त्वचा पर हल्के उभार आने लगते हैं उनका रंग भी गहरा होने लगता है। यह प्रकृति का अपना तरीका है बच्चे को उसके भोजन के बारे में जानकारी देने का। निप्पल के पास के छोटे उभार या सूजन से एक तैलीय पदार्थ निकलता है जो बच्चे को दूध खींचने के लिए लुब्रिकेशन देने के साथ आपके निप्पल्स को साफ रखने और उन्हें इंफेक्शन से बचाने का कार्य करती है। साथ ही, आपके ब्रेस्ट से ऐम्नीऑटिक फ्लूइड (amniotic fluid) जैसी गंध आती है, जो आपके बच्चे को जन्म के बाद से ही महसूस होती रहेगी और वह इस गंध के आधार पर मां का दूध पीने के लिए प्रेरित हो सकेगा।

ब्रेस्ट दूध कैसे बनाते हैं? ऐल्वीअलस(Alveoli) वह जगह है जहां दूध बनता है। वे आपके ब्रेस्ट्स में कोशिकाओं के छोटे-छोटे समूह हैं, जो छोटी मांसपेशियों से घिरे हुए होते हैं। यह तरल पदार्थ को डक्ट्यूल(ductules) से बाहर निकालते हैं। डक्ट्यूल छोटी नहरें हैं जो दूध को ऐल्वीअलस से डक्टस या नली तक ले जाते हैं। ये हार्मोन प्रोलैक्टिन (prolactin) हैं जो आपके शरीर को शरीर को पोषण देने के लिए दूध बनाने के संकेत देता है।

पहली बार दूध पिलाने पर ब्रेस्ट के साथ क्या होता है? कोलोस्ट्रम (Colostrum) जो एक क्रीम जैसा दिखने वाला, गाढ़ा और प्रोटीन से भरपूर पदार्थ है, पहले दूध के रुप में वही आपके बच्चे को मिलता है। यह बीमारियों से लड़नेवाली एंटीबॉडिज़ से भरपूर होता है और यह बच्चे की रोगप्रतिरोधक शक्ति को बढ़ाता है और यह पचने में भी आसान होता है। असली दूध 3 दिन बाद बाहर निकलता है, जब हार्मोन प्रोलैक्टिन सक्रिय हो जाते हैं।

ब्रेस्टफीड कराते रहने से ब्रेस्ट के साथ क्या होता है? आप जब स्तनपान कराती हैं, तो आपको अपने ब्रेस्ट्स में कुछ झुनझुनी, चुभनी, सनसनी और जलन जैसा महसूस होता है। ऐसा महसूस करना सामान्य है और कुछ समय बाद यह महसूस नहीं होता। आपको ब्रेस्टमिल्क बूंदों या स्प्रे के रुप में बाहर आता हुआ दिखायी देगा। अपने बच्चे को बार-बार दूध पिलाने से आपके ब्रेस्ट्स में दर्द या उत्तेजना महसूस नहीं होगी।

शुरुआत के कुछ दिनों तक ब्रेस्टफीड कराते समय आपको अपने पेट में भी कुछ परेशानियां महसूस होंगी। यह ऑक्सिटोसिन (oxytocin) है जो आपके पेट में सक्रिय होते हुए उसमें हलचल महसूस कराता है।

Read this in English. अनुवादक -Sadhna Tiwari चित्र स्रोत- Shutterstock Images


What are the causes of cervicitis?

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Cervix is a narrow passage that connects the vagina to the lower end of the uterus. Cervicitis is a disease that causes inflammation and irritation of the cervix. Most often, cervicitis is a sexually transmitted disease, that is, you get it from your partner who is already infected with cervicitis causing organisms. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections are acquired every day worldwide, and there are about 357 million new infections with either chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, or trichomoniasis. [1] Symptoms of cervicitis include pus like discharge, vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods, or spotting after intercourse or after menopause, and painful intercourse. Other symptoms include frequent and painful urination, irritation of the genitalia, and sometimes, lower back pain. Although the most common cause of cervicitis is infection with the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatic and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, virus such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) that cause genital herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as a protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis can also cause the inflammation of cervix. Here’s a 101 on some of them. Chlamydia:
  • Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that causes the infection through sexual contact.
  • The infection mainly occurs in women aged 25 years or less.
  • Many people who have chlamydia do not develop any symptoms, but they can still infect their sex partners.
  • It can also spread from mother to baby by pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
  • Although infants infected with chlamydia may not show obvious symptoms, it may cause perinatal death. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may reduce perinatal complications.[2]
  • Sometimes, the bacteria can transfer to the eye causing acute conjunctivitis.
  • Reactive arthritis is a rare complication of chlamydial infection.
  • The infection resolves within days to few weeks.
  • The infection is treatable with antibiotics.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae: This bacterium causes the infection called gonorrhoea, and generally, occurs along with chlamydia in young women aged 25 years or less. So much so, researchers have found that young age remains the most powerful predictor of chlamydia and N. gonorrhoeae in women with cervicitis. [3] The infection is treatable with medication. Untreated gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can lead to complications such as blocked fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and long term abdominal and pelvic pain. Mycoplasma genitalium: It is the smallest known bacterium species responsible for sexually transmitted infection (STI). It  is a long known cause of male urethritis, and now researchers have found that it causes cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. [4] Risk factors include - Younger women aged 21 - 23 years, and younger age during first intercourse
  • Higher number of partners; chances of M. genitalium increases by 10 percent for every additional sexual partner [5]
  • Having a partner with M. genitalium infection
  • Co-infection with other sexually transmitted pathogens like Chlamydia
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) or genital herpes:
  • There are two types of genital herpes virus - herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2.
  • Herpes virus is risky in a woman of reproductive age because the baby can be infected from exposure to HSV in the genital tract during delivery.
  • Typical symptom of HSV is the appearance of blisters and ulceration of the cervix. Blisters can break and cause painful sores. Healing can take weeks. However, in many women these symptoms do not occur, but they have copious creamy white discharge, which is more common in the above mentioned bacterial infections. [6]
  • Other symptoms include headache, swollen lymph nodes, and painful urination.
  • The virus is transmitted by having intercourse with someone who has the disease. Fluids found in a herpes sore carry the virus, and contact with those fluids can cause infection. The virus can also be released through skin and spread the infection to the sex partner. This is called viral shedding.
  • -There is no cure for herpes cervicitis. However, medicines taken daily can prevent or reduce the outbreak.
  • The only to prevent HSV infection is to avoid sex. Being in a long term monogamous relationship who has been tested negative for HSV, and using latex condoms the right way can lower chances of HSV infection.
  • Herpes infection during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage or premature delivery. The virus can pass on to the baby as well.
Human papillovirus (HPV): Also called genital warts, HPV infection is characterized by flesh coloured or grey growth in the genital area and anus in women.
  • HPV infection is a very common sexually transmitted disease that can occur at any age but is more prevalent in young people of 17-33 years of age.
  • It is one of the most contagious infections. Even a single sexual contact with a person with genital warts can cause the infection.
  • In some cases, HPV cervicitis can lead to cervical cancer. HPV-6 and HPV-11 are low risk infections for cancer, but HPV-16 and higher are high risk for cervical cancer. Read more about How you can prevent cervical cancer
Trichomonas vaginalis:
  • Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a single-celled parasite (protozoan) called Trichomonas vaginalis.
  • Symptoms include frothy yellow-green or gray vaginal discharge, itching of genitals, painful urination, discomfort during intercourse, and a foul smell from the vagina.
  • Symptoms may appear 5-28 days after exposure to the protozoan, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Trichomonas infection can increase the risk of developing or passing on other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.
  • Pregnant women with T. vaginalis infection are more likely to have pre-term delivery and low birth weight babies.
  • The infection is treated with medication, but all sex partners need to undergo treatment. Normally, the infection returns within 3 months of treatment and requires further treatment.
Cervicitis is not always caused by sexual transmission. Sometimes, other factors may contribute to the development of inflammation or irritation in cervix. These include -
  • Allergic reactions to
a.latex condoms b.contraceptive spermicides c.chemicals that come into contact with the vagina
  • Trauma to the cervix
  • Intrauterine device
  • Bacterial vaginosis, where there is overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina
  • Unknown factors; researchers have established that most infections are not caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis as thought earlier, rather, for most cases of cervicitis the cause is not known. [7]
Cervicitis is a treatable condition that resolves in a week or so after starting medication. The only exception is genital herpes which cannot be cured but it can certainly be treated. Cervicitis does not lead to cancer. However, specific HPV infections may lead to cervical cancer in some cases. See an Ob/Gyn if you have new vaginal discharge or discharge that has changed colour, or you have recurrent pain during intercourse, or you have vaginal bleeding in between your period or after menopause. Reference
  1. World Health Organization. Sexually transmitted infections. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs110/en/
  1. Numazaki K, Asanuma H, Niida Y. Chlamydia trachomatis infection in early neonatal period. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2003;3:2. doi:10.1186/1471-2334-3-2.
  1. Marrazzo J, Martin D. Management of Women with Cervicitis. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2007;44(Supplement 3):S102-S110. doi:10.1086/511423.
  1. Sethi S, Singh G, Samanta P, Sharma M. Mycoplasma genitalium: An emerging sexually transmitted pathogen. The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2012;136(6):942-955.
  1. Manhart LE, Holmes KK, Hughes JP, Houston LS, Totten PA. Mycoplasma genitalium among young adults in the United States: an emerging sexually transmitted infection. Am J Public Health. 2007;97:1118–25.
  1. Fowotade A, Okolo AC, Manga MM, Anaedobe CG, Salami AA, Akang EEU. Apparent Rarity of Asymptomatic Herpes Cervicitis in a Woman with Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device. Journal of Public Health in Africa. 2013;4(2):e14. doi:10.4081/jphia.2013.e14.
  2. Taylor S. Cervicitis of Unknown Etiology. Current Infectious Disease Reports. 2014;16(7). doi:10.1007/s11908-014-0409-x.
Image source: Shutterstock

Real women share things you shoud know before buying a menstrual cup

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Of late, I have started looking for ways to live in a more environment-friendly way, to limit my carbon footprint and to use lesser and lesser disposables. I know it's a long way, given how much dependent my life has become on plastic, synthetic things and disposables, but I can surely start small and build-on from here. One of the things that I recently discovered is how much trash women generate on account of sanitary products. Pad and tampons amount to  huge amount of trash in the landfills, and being non-biodegradable, they remain and pollute the environment for a very long time. Giving up disposable sanitary napkins or tampons, I felt, would be easier, for weren't women managing the menstrual bleed without the ease of these products for so long? A lot of women I know have made the switch to cloth pads or menstrual cups, and I geared up too. I had a few questions about cloth pads and how practical it is, which I had a friend to answer for me. Similarly, I inquired around about menstrual cups and found a few things that will help me make up my mind. If you are considering switching to menstrual cups too, here are a few things you should know.
  • Size: Menstrual cups are available in different sizes, mainly small and large. For younger girls, who have never had a vaginal childbirth, a smaller size will be comfortable. If you are over 30 and had a vaginal birth, a larger size might be needed. There's enough resource available online to understand your body type and what kind of menstrual cup will be suited for you.
  • Inserting the menstrual cup: There are different ways for inserting a menstrual cup in your vagina. There are many youtube tutorials available for that. Once you start using a menstrual cup, try the different methods and find out what works for you. Same applies for removing the menstrual cup.
  • Cleaning: This is the part turns off a lot of women when it comes to a menstrual cup. Yes, you have to use your hands to remove the cup full of your period blood and wash it. This will definitely take some time to get used to. But with practice, you can do it with minimal to no mess. To clean a menstrual cup, first you need to empty the cup in a sink or the toilet pot. Then rinse it out thoroughly. Then use a mild soap and water to wash the cup. You can also sterilise it by boiling it in water.
  • That uncomfortable 'feeling': A major concern most women have about menstrual cups is feeling uncomfortable with having a cup wedged in your vagina all day long. Women who have made the switch say that even the feeling of sanitary napkins is not very pleasant, nor is the rashes or chaffing you can get with sanitary napkins. Once you start using a menstrual cup, you eventually get used to it. It is just like using a tampon.
The one thing that you need to keep in mind is why you are making the switch to menstrual cups. It is definitely environment-friendly and also lighter on the pocket. Make sure you get a good quality one, and not any of the rip-offs. Menstrual cups are easily available on most e-commerce stores. Check the reviews and see if a particular product matches your requirement. Image: Shutterstock

What happens if I overdose on emergency contraceptives? Query

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I am a 24-year-old sexually active woman. Last week, I had protected sex with my boyfriend, but unfortunately, the condom broke in the middle of the act. I realised this only once he withdrew after ejaculation. Since I was in my fertile period, I was very bothered about getting pregnant. So my boyfriend and I rushed to the nearest medical stores and purchased two strips of emergency contraceptives. I took one immediately, and once I got back home, I took the other one. I know I shouldn’t have, but I just wanted to be extra sure. A friend of mine told me that these pills could be dangerous and have more than one could cause serious side effects. I just want to know if what I did was the right thing. This query has been answered by Dr Bandita Sinha, gynaecologist and obstetrician at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai. Hi, I, unfortunately, have to agree with your friend when she says that emergency contraceptives could cause side effects. These pills are meant to be taken only in the case of an emergency. But that doesn’t mean you ignore basic safety precautions for sex. A particular brand of over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pills is very popular among young girls today because it is well-advertised on TV and in the print media. The truth is, I have young girls coming in on a daily basis with irregular periods or hormonal imbalance. In most cases, the culprit is the emergency contraceptives. Consuming just one pill can cause serious hormonal disturbances in young women. Taking more than that would obviously cause more serious side effects. Some of the less serious effects include vomiting, spotting, inter-menstrual bleeding and heavy bleeding during periods. In some cases, it can also cause ovarian cysts. I would suggest that you exercise caution while having sex and use these pills only when you have a real emergency. One pill is enough to avoid pregnancy; so come what may do not overdose on them. Image source: Shutterstock

सॉफ्ट ड्रिंक पीने से क्यों माता-पिता बनने की संभावना हो जाती है कम?

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गर्मी का मौसम शुरू हुआ कि नहीं लोग सॉफ्ट ड्रिंक पीना शुरू कर देते हैं बिना ये सोचे कि इसके साइड इफेक्ट भी हो सकते हैं जो आपके मां बनने के सपने के रास्ते में बाधा बन सकता है। पल भर का आराम आपके पापा बनने की संभावना को खतरे में डाल सकता है। क्यों अचरज में पड़ जा रहे हैं? हाल के एक रिसर्च से ये पता चला है कि सॉफ्ट ड्रिंक या सोडा पेय पीने से गर्भपात होने से लेकर माता-पिता बनने की संभावना कम हो जाती है। नपुंसकता के लिए शहरों की बेहद व्यस्त जीवनशैली को जहां सबसे बड़ी वजह माना जाता है, वहीं चिकित्सकों का कहना है कि सोडायुक्त कृत्रिम पेय का सेवन भी नपुंसकता ला सकती है। इस तरह के पेय में कृत्रिम स्वीटनर एस्पार्टामे का इस्तेमाल किया जाता है, जो मनुष्यों में अंत:स्रावी प्रणाली को बाधित कर सकता है। इससे हार्मोन का संतुलन बिगड़ सकता है और महिलाओं में नपुंसकता के खतरे को बढ़ाता है। दिल्ली के इंदिरा आईवीएफ में विशेषज्ञ अरविंद वैद ने बताया, "करीब सभी सॉफ्ट ड्रिंक और सोडा पेय में एस्पार्टा में होता है, जो नपुंसकता, कुरूपता और गर्भपात जैसी कई तरह की स्वास्थ्य समस्याएं पैदा कर सकता है।" उन्होंने कहा, "इस तरह के कृत्रिम पेय का अत्यधिक सेवन करने से हार्मोन का संतुलन बिगड़ सकता है, जिसके कारण अंडकोष से जुड़े विकार हो सकते हैं।" विशेषज्ञों का कहना है कि एस्पार्टामे में मौजूद फेनिलएलानिन और एस्पार्टिक एसिड ऐसे दो अमीनो एसिड हैं, जिन्हें दूसरे अमीनो एसिड के साथ सेवन करने से कोई हानि नहीं होती, लेकिन जब इन्हें बिना किसी दूसरे अमीनो एसिड के साथ लिया जाता है तो ये फ्री रेडिकल्स का उत्पादन तेज कर देते हैं, जिससे कोशिकाएं खत्म होने लगती हैं। वैद ने कहा, "शुक्राणु और अंडाणु भी कोशिकाएं ही हैं तथा कृत्रिम पेय के अत्यधिक सेवन से इन कोशिकाओं के खत्म होने की आशंका 90 फीसदी बढ़ जाती है। चिकित्सक और विशेषज्ञ हमेशा यही सलाह देते हैं कि ऐसे खाद्य या पेय पदार्थो का सेवन न किया जाए, जो फ्री रेडिकल्स का उत्पादन बढ़ाते हैं।" सफदरजंग अस्पताल में स्त्रीरोग विशेषज्ञ रचना जैसवार का कहना है कि सोडायुक्त कृत्रिम पेय पदार्थो के सेवन से रोग प्रतिरोधक क्षमता बाधित होती है, जिसके कारण व्यक्ति का वजन बढ़ता है और हार्मोन का संतुलन बिगड़ता है, जो नपुंसकता की बड़ी वजह है। सौजन्य: IANS Hindi चित्र स्रोत: Shutterstock

An easy yoga mudra to beat infertility and help you get pregnant!

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Yoga seeks to harmonise and bring balance to mind and the body. The practice of yoga is not only helpful to rid of diseases but also to ensure the continuation of our species. An imbalance in your reproductive system can affect your ability to conceive. Through yogic postures and yoga mudras, you can balance the functioning of the reproductive system while cleansing your body and calming your mind. One such mudra is the yoni mudra. As you know, mudras are incredibly easy to perform, you can do it anywhere—whether sitting or standing, whichever position you are comfortable. Yoga expert Raman Mishra tells you how you can carry out the yoni mudra.

Yoni mudra

  • Wear loose clothes and sit at a quiet place in a comfortable position. Take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out. Make sure that you observe your breath.
  • Now bring your palms together with your fingers pointing away from your lower belly.
  • Then bring your thumb to the navel and your index fingers to the pubic bone.
  • Then spread your hands open such that the palms of the fingers are on your lower belly. Make sure that you keep your thumb and your lower fingers connected. The hand position in this mudra looks like the vulva. Observe your breath for sometime and slowly release your hands.
  • Do this continuously for 3-6 minutes. Also, try these 6 mudras to beat stress. 
How it benefits your reproductive system? The yoni mudra will help open your blocked energy channels while balancing the functioning of your reproductive organs. It will also contribute to bringing energy to the pelvic area. Also, try this easy yoga asana for getting pregnant.  What are the other benefits of the mudra?
  • When you are too stressed and want to detach from the outside world, this mudra will help you get there. It will clear your mind and help you stay positive.
  • Practising this yoga mudra will also help calm your nervous system.
Image source: Shutterstock Images  

आप मां नहीं बन पा रही है? योनी मुद्रा करेगी आपकी मदद

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योगाभ्यास एक ऐसा साधन है जो शरीर और मन दोनों को संतुलित करता है। इसके अभ्यास से बीमारियों से सिर्फ राहत ही नहीं मिलती है बल्कि शरीर सुचारू रूप से काम करने के लिए प्रेरित भी होता है। असल में प्रजनन तंत्र यानि रिप्रोडक्टिव सिस्टेम में असंतुलन पैदा होने के कारण मां बनने में असुविधा होती है। लेकिन यौगिक पॉश्चर और यौगिक मुद्रा मन को शांत करने के साथ-साथ शरीर को साफ करके प्रजनन तंत्र के कार्य-कलाप को संतुलित करती है। इन मु्द्राओं में योनी मुद्रा एक है। इस मुद्रा को आप किसी भी जगह किसी भी अवस्था यानि खड़े होकर या बैठकर कर सकते हैं। योग एक्सपर्ट रमन मिश्रा ने इस मुद्रा को करने का तरीका बताया है। अगर आप जल्दी प्रेगनेंट होना चाहती है तो इसको भी ट्राई कर सकती है। इसके अलावा लड़की है या लड़का इन मजेदार तरीकों से पता लगा सकते हैं। विधि- • हल्का ढीला कपड़े पहने और किसी भी शांत जगह पर बैठ जाये। धीरे-धीरे गहरी सांस लें। • अपने हथेलियों और अंगुलियों को ऐसे जोड़े कि वह पेट की निचले तरफ की ओर न हो। • अब अंगूठे को नाभी की तरफ और तर्जनी को प्यूबिक बोन की तरफ करें। • अपने हाथों को इस तरह से खोलें कि हथेली की अंगूलियां पेट की तरफ हो। लेकिन एक बात का ध्यान रखें कि अंगूठा और नीचे का अंगूली दोनों एक दूसरे से सटा हुआ होना चाहिए। हाथ का पोजिशन वल्वा मुद्राe की तरह दिखना चाहिए। अपने सांसो की तरफ ध्यान रखते हुए हाथों को खोलें। • इस प्रक्रिया को 3-6 मिनट तक करें। प्रजनन तंत्र को इससे कैसा फायदा मिलता है? ये मुद्रा प्रजनन अंगों के कार्य-कलाप को संतुलित करते हुए ब्लॉक एनर्जी को मुक्त करके इस अंग को सक्रिय करने में मदद करता है। साथ ही पेल्विक एरिया में ऊर्जा यानि एनर्जी का संचार करती है। योनी मुद्रा के अन्य फायदे- जब आप हद से ज्यादा तनाव में हो और बाहर के दुनिया से मायुस हो तो इस मुद्रा को करने से सकारात्मक ऊर्जा मिलती है। साथ ही इसको करने से नर्वस सिस्टेम शांत होने से मन भी शांत होता है। Read this in English अनुवाद: Mousumi Dutta चित्र स्रोत: Shutterstock    

4 things you should be doing in your 20s to ensure stress-free pregnancy in your 30s

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More and more women are facing fertility challenges. You will see women struggling with fertility problems in the form of PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts and much more. The good news is that there are some measures you can take to set yourself up to be maximally fertile when you are ready to have a baby. Gynaecologist Dr Anisha Singh asks you to take a few simple steps in your 20s to balance your hormones and to lay the groundwork for optimal fertility. 1. Eat right to balance your hormones: Start incorporating fertility boosting foods in your diet. Eat foods high in monounsaturated fats like sunflower seeds and avocado and a lot of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. It is also important that your body gets the right micronutrients to perform critical functions like ovulation and menstruation. Eat quinoa during your follicular phase, green vegetable juice during ovulation, sweet potato before period and a lot of avocado during menstruation. 2. Learn to manage stress: Stress is a part of daily life, and everyone experiences stress. What is not normal is letting chronic stress take control your life. Your entire endocrine system can go for a toss due to chronic stress. Learn to cope with stress, and you will avoid any complications when you are ready to conceive. Some yoga and meditation will help you beat stress. You can also do what you love—photography, writing, travelling, anything. All these will help you cope with stress. Here are complications of pregnancy you should watch out for.  3. Steer clear of endocrine-disruptor beauty or cleaning products: Chemicals found in many beauty and household products can be toxic. This means that once they are in your system, they can cause free radical damage and increase the chances of health problems. So make sure that the products you use are free of endocrine-disrupting ingredients like lithium chloride and butyl alcohol. As much as possible, try to stick to natural products at least for your skin. 4. Stop taking birth control pills to address hormonal issues: It is okay if you take birth control pills to avoid pregnancy, but if you are taking them to remove your acne or regulate your periods, you are only masking it instead of addressing the underlying issues. Break up with your pill, take proper medications to balance your hormones and start reversing your hormonal imbalances with food and lifestyle changes. Try Ayurveda to get pregnant faster.  Image source: Shutterstock Images Read this in Marathi

Confessions of a first time mom

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What I am about to share may or may not be applicable to all new moms. I understand that every woman goes through pregnancy and motherhood in her own unique way, but by the virtue of sharing my thoughts and feelings with other mothers, I have understood that no matter who and where you are are, motherhood is overwhelming. Most people don't talk about that part. Motherhood is painted to be this rosy, blissful and magical journey full of cute clothes, picture perfect moments and memories that you cherish for a lifetime. Don't get me wrong, it is definitely all that. But it is also sleep-deprivation, exhaustion, stress, tension, fatigue and whole lot of other not-so-rosy things. As a first time mother of three years, I am still coming to terms with how much my life, and I as a person, have changed. It's like the timeline of my life was divided the moment my daughter was born. Everything is either before she came into my life or after. Here are some things that I have gone through, and I am sure other new mums can relate to.
  • I don’t think I’ll ever be prepared: From setting a simple schedule to tackling everyday parenting problems, every challenge is unique and requires a skill set that I sometimes lack. The moment I relax thinking that I have figured my child out, I see a new trait or side of hers. After all she is only growing. But it is frustrating nevertheless.
  • I feel guilty of everything I do: And because I feel unequipped, I constantly worry about everything I do as a parent, wondering if it was the right step forward. The paranoia is so bad that even before buying a children's book, I spent hours researching and going through the reviews of the book.
  • I try way too hard to be a ‘good mom’: I want to be organised, disciplined, cool and fun mom. All at the same time. But for that, I probably have to forget that I am only human. As a mother and primary caregiver to my daughter, I feel this immense pressure on me to be the best everything in her eyes.
  • I REALLY want a break – from my baby: It is apparent that I am exhausted at times, right? It is like my life as a mother and me as everything else is running parallel. No matter how much help I have, there's still a lot that I won't trust anybody with. When it comes to my baby, I want to be in charge, and that is exhausting.
  • Sometimes, I don’t appreciate all the advice I get: No offence. Most of the times the advice may be coming from a good place, but I don't like being chastised all the time. How and for how long I breastfeed my child is my look out and the same applies to how I dress her. She is my child and I can look after her. Thank you.
Image: Shutterstock  

Are you at risk of anemia? Read to find out!

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Anemia is one of the most common health concerns in Indian women, the data analysis of over 2,18,200 samples from across the country reveals. With over 50% (1,08,845) samples showing signs of anemia, lab diagnostics revealed that 90.4% were mildly anemic, 9% were moderately anaemic, and 0.6% pointed towards severe anaemia. Dr Rajesh Bendre, Associate Vice President, Metropolis Healthcare sheds light on the common risk factors of anemia. You may like to read about symptoms of anemia. Anemia - Are you risk? According to an independent data analysis report, a majority of women in the age group of 18-45 years were detected with various types of anemia, including severe anemia. People who are at a high risk of developing anemia are women of childbearing age or pregnant women. However, it is not just women who are at high risk, in fact, people with poor diet control malnutrition, especially a diet lacking iron, also puts you at risk. If you donate blood frequently, then you might be at risk as donating blood more often than not might affect the production as well. The risk is also high for infants and children, especially those born prematurely or experiencing a growth spurt. If you are a vegetarian and do not include iron-rich foods in your diet (or replace meat with foods loaded with iron), then the risk of suffering from anemia increases. While iron deficiency induced anemia and pregnancy are two of the largest causes of mild and moderate anemia, some cases of severe anaemia may have serious underlying causes, which may affect your quality of life. These include conditions like beta thalassemia, macrocytic anemia and other chronic diseases. The study also revealed that 8.4% of the samples indicated beta thalassemia, a serious genetic disorder, as the cause of anemia. In such a case, screening tests become crucial in such cases because the condition is hereditary and kids with beta thalassemia may fail to thrive and grow normally. Hence, it is wise for every woman to undergo thorough screening and seek professional medical help if the symptoms indicate anemia. Here's more on blood tests: Understanding the different kinds. Image Source: Shutterstock  

Swimming during periods - 5 common queries answered!

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Swimming during periods -- should you do or should you not? A common query that almost every girl or woman has always had. Other common questions are will I get terrible cramps if I go for a swim or will I catch an infection if swimming during periods? Women often come across these questions when they think of swimming while menstruating. If you enjoy swimming during the rest of your cycle, there's no reason to stop just because you have your period. Female health app Clue has answered five commonly asked questions about swimming when you're on your period. Here are 10 commonly asked questions about periods answered. 1. Is it unhygienic to swim while menstruating? There's nothing unhygienic about swimming during your period. If you use a tampon or menstrual cup, it's unlikely that any blood will be released into water while you swim. Even if your period started while you were swimming and some blood came out, this would be diluted by the water. Swimming pools contain small amounts of bodily fluids like urine and sweat, but the water is usually treated with chlorine to prevent the spread of any disease. In other words, you are not endangering anyone's health by swimming during your period. 2. Will I leave a bloody trail in the water? Water pressure can stop your flow temporarily while you swim, but if you laugh, cough, sneeze, or move around, the pressure can change and a small amount of blood might come out. The good news is it probably won't be visible. When you get out of the water your period will flow again normally, so it's a good idea to use a tampon or menstrual cup while swimming. Sanitary napkins and pantyliners aren't a good option because they will absorb water and become ineffective. 3. Can I catch an infection from swimming during my period? It's very unlikely you would catch a vaginal disease from swimming. Skin infections and stomach illnesses from swallowing contaminated water are more common complaints. Check with your regional health authority for information on water quality at local swimming spots. Take a shower after swimming to reduce chlorine exposure, and avoid sitting around in wet swimwear. If you notice any itching, burning, or unusual discharge after swimming, get it checked by your doctor. 4. Can swimming make my cramps worse? Low-intensity exercise like swimming can actually help relieve menstrual cramps. During exercise, your body releases endorphins which act as natural painkillers and give you an increased feeling of well-being. 5. Will everyone know I have my period? What if I stain my bikini? Menstruation is a natural process. If you're worried about stains or leaks, you could wear a dark coloured swimsuit or add an extra layer by wearing swim shorts. Ask a friend to alert you to any problems, or take a quick trip to the bathroom to check - this way you can relax and just have fun in water. Here are 10 menstrual hygiene tips every girl and woman should know. With inputs from IANS Image Source: Shutterstock

Irregular periods: Will it affect the chances of getting pregnant through IVF?

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Can you get pregnant if you have irregular periods? This is a very common query. Although there are various options like IVF (Invitro fertilisation) to help you conceive, most women think that irregular periods also affect the chances of getting pregnant through IVF. This is the reason, why we caught up with Dr Anagha Karkhanis, Gynecologist, Co-founder of Cocoon Fertility, Thane. When asked about this common question, here is what the expert had to say. Before that, read about why you should not ignore irregular periods. Before knowing whether irregular periods affect IVF, you need to know about what are irregular periods. Menstrual cycle normally ranges from 21 days to 35 days. Some people get periods after 21 days and some after every 35 days, which is considered normal. However, if you are getting periods beyond that time frame or if the gap between periods is more than two weeks,  it is known as irregular. Also, if menstrual cycle is shorter than that (get after 15 days) or longer than that (after 40 days, 50 days), it means your periods are irregular. This could mean two things - either you have PCOS or few eggs are left inside your body. Also, if you get a period after a gap of 40 days between periods, it does not necessarily indicate PCOS.  It could also mean that you are approaching menopause. So it is important to know why you are getting irregular periods. Here's more on can I get pregnant with PCOS. As far as IVF is concerned, irregular periods are not likely to affect IVF cycle. This is because, in IVF, medications are given from outside to grow more eggs. The drugs take control of the entire hormonal system of the body. Hence, in IVF, all hormones are given from outside so you do not have to rely on the body for the hormones. Hence, you can control the hormonal imbalance caused due to irregular periods and get pregnant through IVF. Dr Anagha concludes by saying, ''As long as a woman has egg reserves, she will respond well to fertility medications given during IVF, even if she has had irregular periods before. And in many people with irregular cycle, IVF has given successful results.'' You may also like to read about infertility and its treatment options. Image Source: Shutterstock

Can you get pregnant if you suffer from endometriosis?

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Of the many conditions that women suffer from, endometriosis is one of the most common ones. There is a belief that pregnancy is difficult for women with endometriosis . However, this is not the case as currently, there are many options that can help you get pregnant and have a healthy baby. So if you are planning to conceive but suffer from endometriosis, here is what you need to know. Here's more on how to get pregnant. How endometriosis affects pregnancy Dr Anagha Karkhanis, Gynecologist, Co-founder of Cocoon Fertility, Thane explains that endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of the womb (which is supposed to be present inside the uterus) is present outside the uterus. So every month this lining grows, and if the egg is fertilised (embryo formation) and the embryo sticks to the lining, the pregnancy will continue. However, if an embryo is not formed you get periods and the lining comes off. If you suffer from endometriosis, the endometrial cells, which should be present in the uterus might be present in other places of the body. This includes the ovaries, bowel, rectum, bladder, on pelvic walls, abdominal pelvic cavity. So every time you have your periods, there is thickening and bleeding just like normal periods. But for a woman with endometriosis, there will be microscopic bleeding which over time leads to the release of more blood, which forms adhesions with other organs of the body. If endometrial cells are present in the ovaries, it might hinder with the release of the eggs because blood gets stuck in the ovaries leading to a cyst. In some cases, endometrial cells can also lead to blocked tubes, because if adhesions happen in the tubes it can kink or twist the tubes, which can affect the meeting of the egg and sperm. If tubes are affected, the passage is not conducive for the further meeting of the egg and sperm and the passage might not be there. Read about 5 lifestyle changes you can make to manage endometriosis. Can you conceive? Well, the answer to this question is yes. However, before planning to get pregnant you need to get it treated. This can be done either through laparoscopy, where the endometrial cells are removed surgically by inserting a laparoscope or adenolysis, where the adhesions are quartised (burn) with the help of laser. Depending upon the type of endometriosis, your doctor might recommend the treatment options. Generally, a woman with mild endometriosis is advised IUI with fertility medications to get pregnant. If you suffer from severe endometriosis, then IVF (invitro fertilisation) is the preferred choice to help you get pregnant. So talk to your gynaecologist about the same to know what suits you based on the severity of your condition. Image Source: Shutterstock  
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