Miscarriage Symptoms

A miscarriage is an experience which every person would like to avoid. It is a depressing and sad situation where a conception is terminated due to unavoidable reasons. It can also be potentially dangerous to the woman if proper medical attention is not sought. Miscarriages are more common in the first trimester, although the possibility of it cannot be ruled out during second or third trimesters. There are several miscarriage symptoms. Once it is established that a pregnancy has taken place, pregnant women are advised to take care to avoid potentially detrimental activities that can lead to miscarriage. It is always safer and better for the mother-to-be to be aware of the signs of miscarriage. Such knowledge will help her prevent a miscarriage from occurring by taking prompt action at the first sight of the indicative signs of a miscarriage.

Causes of Miscarriage

A miscarriage can happen due to many reasons. Some of them carry high risk, while others can only rarely cause complications.

• Chromosomal Abnormalities – Chromosomes are what makes each person different from the other. They are also what gives a child hair colour, eye colour and the features of each parent. Chromosomes multiply many times over during the development of the fetus. Any problem that occurs during the development process can lead to a miscarriage. Usually, if any one of the parents has any genetic abnormalities, the risk of miscarriage is greater.
• Diabetes – Diabetes is one of the major contributory factors to miscarriages in women. Mismanaged diabetes can result in birth defects or early miscarriage. However, with proper medical treatment, a woman with diabetes will be able to carry a child to full term without experiencing any symptoms of miscarriage.
• Collagen Vascular Diseases – Abnormal antibodies can attack organs in the mother’s body. These can be potentially harmful to the growing fetus. Any couple hoping to start a family should ensure that no harmful antibodies are present in the mother’s body before they plan to conceive a child.
• Infections – Pregnancy is a time when a mother is most prone to infections. These infections can affect the fetus or the placenta. Untreated infections can result in premature termination of pregnancy.
• Hormone Imbalance – Hormonal imbalances are another common cause of miscarriage. Proper balance of progesterone and oestrogen is an essential element in conception and a healthy pregnancy. When there are irregularities in hormone levels, a miscarriage can be the final outcome.
• Uterine Abnormalities – Uterine abnormalities are not detected unless the pregnant woman has had previous miscarriages or has been treated for delays in conceiving. Double uterus, separated uterus, as well as abnormal growths in the uterus can cause miscarriages. However, once such abnormalities are detected, these can be treated to ensure the pregnancy is not affected adversely.

Symptoms Associated with a Miscarriage

There are several symptoms of miscarriage. These can be categorized as possible miscarriages and definite miscarriages. Having a good awareness of the signs of miscarriage can help in detecting them beforehand, determining whether it is a possible miscarriage and preparing for the inevitable, if it is definitive.

Possible Miscarriage

On and off bleeding is a sign of a possible miscarriage. When this occurs it is advised to obtain HCG hormone level tests to find out if a miscarriage may be likely or whether it is a certainty. However, not all women who have “spotting” will need to assume it is a sign of miscarriage. “Spotting” is common during most pregnancies and will disappear after the first trimester, reappearing nearer to the delivery. However, heavy bleeding is a definite miscarriage symptom. Cramps along with bleeding are also among the possible miscarriage symptoms that need to be attended to by a physician. Early detection and treatment will help save the fetus from a definite miscarriage.

Definite Miscarriage

Definite signs of miscarriage will include severe cramping, heavy bleeding and passing of tissue. The tissue will resemble large blood clots and are blackish red in color. If you suspect any symptoms of miscarriage, it is advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Certain miscarriages can put the pregnant woman’s life in danger due to heavy, uncontrolled bleeding and emergency medical attention is an imperative.

Risk Factors Associated with Miscarriage

Certain factors contribute to increasing the risk of miscarriage. These include excessive smoking, excessive alcohol intake, age, history of miscarriages, exposure to dangerous chemicals, certain medications such as Ibuprofen, caffeine, polycystic ovaries etc. Being aware of these risk factors and ensuring certain elements are avoided will help to reduce the risk of miscarriage to a certain degree. However, some miscarriages cannot be avoided as the factors are beyond medical control. These may include chromosomal abnormalities and abnormalities in the reproductive system. Once the underlying cause of miscarriage has been detected, they can be treated to reduce future risk of miscarriages. Uterine abnormalities, such as abnormal structure or growths, can be repaired through surgery. In addition, hormonal imbalances can also be corrected to increase progesterone levels with medication. Unfortunately, some women will suffer from recurring miscarriages and will need to consider other means of having a child such as adoption or surrogacy.

A miscarriage is not an experience which any woman should have to suffer through, as this is both physically and emotionally taxing. However, when it takes place, it is often unavoidable. Thorough observation and medical attention are recommended for those who display miscarriage symptoms, to preserve the pregnancy. Not paying attention to the signs of miscarriages can lead to further health complications for the expecting woman, in addition to the loss of the unborn child.

Tags: miscarriage symptoms, signs of miscarriage, symptoms of miscarriage
Filed under: General, Miscarriage

It is a common practice for medical practitioners to fall back on yeast infection pictures to confirm diagnosis. A vagina yeast infection picture is no doubt a helpful tool for the doctors involved, but as individuals, we are able to pick up the tell tale signs to see if we are at risk of this particular infection.

Women – Vaginal Yeast Infection

The most commonly observed yeast infection symptoms are:

· itching sensation on the vagina (usually intense) – this is the MAIN symptom

· vagina appears red and there is a feeling of irritation

· pain as one pees

· pain while having sex

· abnormal vaginal discharge – the excretion may look different from the normal discharge. It can turn from clear or slightly whitish to thick white, yellow or light-gray. The affected discharge is normally described as ‘cottage cheese’ but it could also take on the usual fluid form.

Yeast Infection in Babies

The following are some of the more common symptoms for babies affected by yeast infection:

· in case of oral yeast infection or thrush: appearance of white patches on red background

· thrush related diaper rash: the emergence of an intense red rash in the area just beneath the diaper.

Yeast Infection Effects on the Skin

Common yeast infection symptoms for the skin are:

· flaky and red skin

· usually in folds, around nails or between digits.

Yeast Infection in Males

Most men are affected by penile yeast infection and the related symptoms are:

· soreness, itching and irritation on the head of the penis and possibly around the foreskin

· redness on the head and small white blisters may be observed.

Tags: vaginal yeast infection pictures, yeast infection pictures
Filed under: General, Vagina Health

Menstrual cycle is a key aspect of the female reproductive system. The regularity of it is critically important for fertility as well as healthy pregnancies. The normal menstrual cycle will begin 28 days after the previous cycle. This, however, is not a constant for some females. There can be instances when the days fluctuate due to certain reasons. This can be due to hormonal changes, body changes, change in climate, stress, heavy exercise etc. Therefore, a delay or being early by two or three days is no cause for alarm. However, if irregular periods are constant and appear within 21 days of the last period or delays more than 36 days, this can be due to a certain underlying complication that may need the attention of a gynaecologist. Continue reading ›

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Filed under: General, Periods

Vaginal Itching

There can be various reasons behind the discomfort associated with vaginal itching. The most foremost reason can be a yeast infection. Obtaining medical advice early on when experiencing an itchy vagina is recommended as negligence can lead to the condition worsening. Seeking medical attention is also useful to rule out the possibility of having contacted any sexually transmitted diseases. Since there are many causes that can lead to the symptom of itching in the genital area, a proper understanding of the associated medical issues can help achieve a fast recovery as well as avoid recurring vaginal infections.

Common Causes of Vaginal Itching

Itching around the vagina can be caused by a number of medical conditions. They can be due to infections caused by bacteria, virus or fungus. The following are the most common causes:

• Yeast Infection – Yeast infections in the genital area are commonly caused by a fungus named Candida. The infection commonly occurs around the vagina and vaginal area and is a condition which results from an overgrowth of the yeast that normally resides on human skin. New yeast colonies or overgrowths of existing yeast in the vaginal area will cause the yeast to invade the vaginal tissue. This is also referred to as Candidiasis or thrush. Women who have low immune systems are more susceptible to an infection of this type than those with strong immune systems. Very strong itching sensations are one of the common symptoms of Candida infections. In addition, abnormal vaginal mucus, whitish, odorless discharge, pain during intercourse and burning sensation in the vagina are other common symptoms of a yeast infection.
• Bacterial Vaginosis – Bacterial vaginosis is another medical condition that causes vaginal itching. Bacterial vaginosis occurs due to a bacterial infection in the vagina and surrounding areas. Along with vaginal itching, this problem causes excessive vaginal discharge that is watery and foamy. Unlike the discharge caused by fungal attacks, bacterial infections cause a foul odor, which is one of the predominant distinctions between thrush and bacterial attacks. Bacterial vaginosis can be caused due to various reasons such as use of contraceptive measures such as IUDs, unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, vaginal douches etc. Some bacterial infections can be quite dangerous and can be sexually transmitted. Some of them cannot be cured once contacted. Some common bacterial infections that are of STD origin include Gonorrhea, Chlamydia or Syphilis.
• Trichomoniasis – This is a common, curable, sexually transmitted infection. Trichomoniasis is caused by trichomonas vaginalis parasite. It lives in the urogenital tract of sexually active males and females and infects those coming into contact with a carrier of the parasite during sexual encounters. Symptoms of Trichomoniasis include an itchy vagina, foul vaginal odor, yellowish-green and frothy discharge, pain during intercourse and urination, bleeding after sex etc. Those diagnosed with this infection should abstain from having sex until treatment is obtained and the symptoms of Trichomoniasis have disappeared.

Avoiding Vaginal Infections

While most women tend to ignore signs of vaginal infections, it is important to treat them properly. This is not simply to reduce the discomfort, but also to prevent the condition aggravating into a possibly life-threatening state. For instance, if left untreated, those with Trichomoniasis are more at risk of HIV that can cause AIDS. Similarly, Gonorrhea if left untreated can develop into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) that can affect a woman’s ability to conceive in later stages of life. Syphilis, if left without proper medical attention, can be life-threatening. Treatment for the various vaginal infections differs according to the organism that is causing the infection. The following are some of the generally practiced treatments for commonly experienced infections.

Primary, preventative action towards avoiding infections in the genital area is to maintain a high level of personal hygiene. This includes keeping the area dry and clean. Practicing safe sex and restricting sexual activities to a single partner can be among other effective preventative actions. When experiencing any symptoms of vaginal itch, obtaining medical help is important rather than resorting to home remedies or over-the-counter medication. Sometimes, taking any medication without a prescription may aggravate the infection. The following is a list of simple precautionary measures that can help in maintaining genital hygiene and health:

• The vaginal area should be kept clean and dry
• Practice safe sex, using a condom is important
• Communal bathing such as saunas and jacuzzis should be avoided as much as possible
• Avoid wearing underwear during the night
• Choose cotton, unrestricted underwear providing proper ventilation
• Avoid vaginal douching which can cause bacterial imbalances
• Avoid strong soaps, creams and detergents on the genital area
• Gain a proper awareness of the facts about, and symptoms of, STDs

Treating Vaginal Itching

Medications such as Clotrimazole, Monistat, Sporanox, Candid, and Nizoral are recommended in treating vaginal yeast infections. Bacterial vaginosis should be treated with antibiotics geared towards the different types of disease-causing organisms. These include oral tablets such as Flagyl and Tindamax and vaginal creams such as Clindesse and MetroGel. In cases such as Syphilis or Gonorrhea, injections are also used in the treatment of them. The active ingredients in these medications assist in destroying the bacteria that causes the disease. Medications such as Flagyl, Metro, Tindamax and Flagyl IV are used in conjunction for the treatment of Trichomoniasis.

Vaginal itching is not something that should be ignored. Medical attention is a must if any symptoms are experienced. Pelvic examinations, smear tests and establishing symptom details can help in diagnosing the problem and a gynecologist will then prescribe antibiotics and topical creams based on case by case assessment. It is advised not to consider over-the-counter medications before a proper diagnosis is made, as it can aggravate the situation and can result in further complications. Most often, if vaginal itch is detected early, and if medications are used as per proper guidance, the unpleasant symptoms and discomfort can be alleviated.

Tags: itchy vagina, vaginal itch, vaginal itching
Filed under: General, Vagina Health

Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a bladder infection that causes bacterial inflammation in the urinary tract.

UTI during pregnancy is very common due to certain changes in the urinary tract that start during the first 6 weeks of gestation. A woman’s uterus is directly located above the bladder and as the uterus grows, the increase in weight is responsible for the blockage of urine drainage from the bladder, causing urine infection during pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms of Water Infection in Pregnancy:

The following are the most common symptoms of urinary tract infection:

· Urination discomfort (pain or burning sensation when urinating)

· Increase in the frequency of urination

· Urgency when urinating

· Presence of mucus or blood in the urine

· Abdominal pains (cramps in the lower abdomen)

· Pain while engaging in sexual activities

· Urine incontinence (leaking)

· Fever (with chills and heavy sweating)

· Smelly urine

· Pain the bladder area

· Nausea and vomiting

· Back pains (when the infection reached the kidneys)

How will a UTI during pregnancy affect my unborn baby?

When urine infection during pregnancy is not treated properly, it may lead to a more serious condition like a kidney infection. Kidney infections in turn may lead to early labor and low birth weight of the baby. If the infection is treated early on, it is not likely to cause any harm to the unborn infant.

Treatment of UTI during Pregnancy:

The use of antibiotic medications is the best way to treat water infection in pregnancy. A usual prescription of a 3 to 7 day course of antibiotics is quite safe for the mother and the child.

Immediately contact your doctor if you experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, lower stomach pains or contractions after taking the medication for about 3 days.

Prevention of Urine Infection during Pregnancy:

UTI during pregnancy may be very common, but there are things you can do to prevent it or to reduce the discomfort it causes, such as:

· Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily

· Regular drinking of unsweetened cranberry juice

· Eliminating refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and sweetened fruit juices in the daily diet

· Taking Vitamin C; at least 250 to 500 mg a day, Beta-carotene; at least 25,000 to 50,000 IU daily, and Zinc; at least 30 to 50 mg a day

· Completely emptying the bladder when urinating

· Urinating as soon as you feel the need for it

· Urinating before and after sexual intercourse

· Avoiding having sexual intercourse totally while being treated for the infection

· Keeping genital parts clean and patting dry after urinating (wipe from front to back)

· Avoiding use of scented soaps and feminine wash, powders, douches and antiseptic creams

· Making sure you wear clean underwear every day

Tags: urine infection during pregnancy, uti during pregnancy, water infection in pregnancy
Filed under: General, Urinary tract infection

Itchy Vagina

Vaginal discomfort such as itching sensations are common to many females. This can be caused due to a number of underlying reasons. Many women experiencing itchy vagina symptoms will automatically assume that it is caused by thrush or other yeast infections. However, vaginal itching can be caused from a number of other factors as well. This condition is referred to as vaginitis and is associated with infections or inflammation in the vagina or vaginal region. Some causes of vaginal itching can be bacterial infection, yeast infection or virus. It can also be due to chemical interactions with elements such as creams, sprays, contraceptives or clothing that comes into contact with the vaginal area. In some cases, vaginal itching can be a result of infections passing in from sexual partners. Medical treatment may have to be considered if certain over-the-counter medications do not reduce the symptoms of itchy vag.

Various Causes of Vaginal Itching

The symptoms of vaginal itching can be mild or severe. Apart from chemical irritants such as detergents, creams and sprays, vaginal itching can also be due to allergies and infections. A more dangerous cause for vaginal itching is sexually transmitted diseases. These include bacterial vaginitis, genital herpes, Chlamydia, Syphilis, vaginal pinworm infections and vaginal yeast infections etc. Some women may experience vaginal itching due to rough sexual intercourse, douching, or leaving tampons in for too long. Antibiotics too can lead to bacterial infections as antibiotics cause an imbalance of good bacteria growing in the skin and will prompt bad bacteria to proliferate, causing itchy symptoms. Other factors that contribute to vaginal discomforts include endometriosis, diabetes, weak immune system, etc. Menopausal women experience vaginal itching due to fluctuating hormone levels. Increased stress is another factor that contributes to vaginal infections, resulting in discomfort of this nature. Pregnant women are quite susceptible to developing vaginal infections as hormone levels are affected during this time. Although some reasons for vaginal itching are not cause for alarm, it is not to be ignored as the condition can worsen and lead to an unpleasant and aggravated condition. It is, therefore, best to seek the advice of a gynecologist if you are suffering with prolonged symptoms of itchy vag.

Symptoms of Vaginitis

Vaginitis caused by infections can bring about a number of other symptoms. Of these symptoms, the most common are burning sensation, abnormal pain, and vaginal discharge. The itching can be anywhere in the vagina or in the outside area. As a result of the itching, many women will feel the need to scratch the affected area. This can cause lacerations which will in turn cause extreme pain when urinating, and also lead to further inflammation and secondary infection. Apart from these common symptoms, itchy vagina symptoms include dryness, unpleasant odor, pain and discomfort due to inflamed sores etc. Not all women with vaginal itching will experience all of these symptoms. Some may experience discomfort only during intercourse or during urination. Some may not experience any of the symptoms other than an itchy feeling. The type of odor and the appearance of discharge also differ according to the type of infection. Therefore, frequent checkups are advised to diagnose and treat vaginal itching according to its root cause.

Preventing and Treating Vaginal Itching

The prevention and treatment of itchy labia depends on the underlying cause of the itch. For example, vaginal itching caused by a sexually transmitted disease needs to be treated with antibiotics. However, there are home remedies that will successfully prevent or treat mild cases of vaginal itching. Nonetheless, it is recommended to seek medical attention before considering any treatment method. This will help rule out STDs or STIs. Medical advice is essential for pregnant women with vaginal itching, as this can be due to an infection that can lead to complications and cause miscarriage.

Preventative measures to avoid itchy labia symptoms include maintaining a high level of personal hygiene, keeping the vaginal area dry, and using a mild antiseptic vaginal cleanser. Avoid the use of vaginal douches, soaps and other strong detergents that can cause dryness and irritation in these sensitive areas. Use of cotton underwear and avoiding wearing underwear during sleep is recommended. Practicing safe sex with the use of a condom and restricting sexual partners to one is another important preventative measure for vaginal infections.

Diagnosing and Treating Vaginitis

When diagnosing vaginitis, a gynecologist will consider a woman’s history of vaginal infections as well as the exposure levels to sexually transmitted diseases. A physical or pelvic examination will be performed, and a sample of vaginal discharge will be tested to establish the underlying cause of the vaginal infection. Medications can be prescribed depending on the results of the examination. Treatment for fungal infections, viral infections and bacterial infections differ vastly. Upon proper diagnosis, antifungal creams, antibacterial creams, vaginal suppositories and oral medications will be prescribed depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms. Oral medication may be delayed as vaginal creams are the preferred first line treatment method for this condition. Commonly used topical creams include Lidocaine, Flagyl, Diflucan, Candid, Dactarin and Azithromycine, etc. In addition, home remedies such as vinegar douches, baking soda baths, cold compresses and eating yoghurts containing acidophilus culture can help to relieve itchy vagina symptoms.

Vaginal itching is an uncomfortable and, often, embarrassing problem. However, with proper medication and treatment it can be relieved. Good hygiene and preventative actions are the best means of avoiding the recurrence of vaginal infections.

Tags: itchy labia, itchy vag, itchy vagina
Filed under: Vagina Health

Some women can become anxious if they notice dark brown discharge coming from their vagina. It is very important to know the reasons why such discharge can happen and if it is a sign of any serious problem.

Although observing brown discharge may cause anxiety to most women, some do know what this can entail. Usually a woman who is ovulating and is about to get her period will experience dark brown discharge. But if she observe this discharge without expecting her monthly period, then it is a cause of worry. There could be something wrong. The best thing to do is to consult a medical practitioner to get properly diagnosed and treated.

Some experts believe that experiencing brown discharge from the vagina is really not a serious medical condition; for them this condition can be treated simply with a change of diet or lifestyle.

For you to know exactly what is wrong, make it a point to learn everything you can about the causes of dark brown discharge; before and after your monthly period.

Causes:

Knowing the various factors that can cause brown discharge can help in the diagnosis of the medical condition responsible for it and in getting the correct medical treatment.

Ovulation

Ovulation can cause the occurrence of dark brown discharge in women. This happens when the mature egg is released in the ovary; in some cases this can cause a little bleeding, commonly called ‘spotting’. This is not something to be worried about as this can and does occur quite often.

Pregnancy

Dark brown discharge is very common in the early stages of pregnancy. It can simply be an indication that the woman has conceived. This brown discharge will be noticeable a few days after conception; when the fertilized ovum fixes itself to the uterine lining, this condition is then called ‘implantation bleeding’. The appearance of dark brown discharge during pregnancy can last for 3 to 4 days and is typically very light; therefore there is no need to worry. But it is still advisable to consult your doctor if you notice an increase in your dark brown discharge.

Menopause

Menopause is also a common cause of experiencing dark brown discharge in women. Those who are nearing menopause will notice irregular periods, brown discharge and constant spotting.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Another possible cause of brown discharge in women is being infected with a sexually transmitted disease. STDs that can cause this condition can include gonorrhea, genital warts and chlamydia.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory disease is one of the most serious medical conditions that can cause dark brown discharge from the vagina. This disease occurs because of an infection in the ovaries, uterus lining, fallopian tubes, cervix or the vagina. This is very common in women who have multiple sexual partners. Apart from brown discharge, other problems caused by this condition are pain during menstrual periods, infertility, pain during intercourse and abdominal pain.

Endometrial Bleeding

This condition is very common and no cause for concern. The endometrial tissues start to form around the lining of the uterus when pregnancy is expected, but when there is no pregnancy and the menstrual period occurs, the endometrial tissues will shed. If the uterine lining were not able to completely shed, some dark brown discharge may be noticed after the period or before the beginning of the next period. It is actually just old blood that turns brownish in color.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is probably the most serious and life-threatening cause of dark brown discharge. It is the type of cancer that is commonly caused by the HPV virus that can be spread through sexual intercourse. Some factors responsible for cervical cancer include being sexually active at a young age, having multiple sexual partners, weakened immune system and many more. Aside from dark brown discharge, other symptoms of cervical cancer are pelvic pain, weight loss, leg pain, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and many more.

It is very important to be informed about these causes of dark brown discharge so that you can understand whether you are just experiencing something that occurs naturally or if you already have certain medical conditions that can cause your dark brown discharge.

Tags: brown discharge, dark brown discharge
Filed under: General, Vagina Health

Vaginal discharge refers to excretion of bodily fluid from the vagina. Please note that this clear or white discharge in women can originate from the uterus, cervix or vagina.

vaginal discharge

Is vaginal discharge a normal occurrence?

Generally, vaginal discharge is considered a normal part of bodily reaction in females, but not all discharges are normal. Women differ from each other in terms of the amount of discharge and its frequency. In fact, the ‘pattern’ established during your early phase of development may not stay consistent as you age. So a typically “normal” discharge could undergo multiple cycles and changes throughout one’s life span.

Should I douche to get rid of vaginal discharge?

We would not recommend a douche to eliminate vaginal discharge. Douching is intrusive and might affect the natural balance of organisms found in your body. Of course, douching also increases the odds of infection.

While most women experience clear or yellow discharge, never associate yellow vaginal discharge with being infected or being unhealthy. Unless confirmed by medical experts, keep in mind that our body needs to excrete fluids and old cells as part of its optimal growth.

If my discharge changes, do I have an infection?

Possibly, but you need to seek confirmation from a medical expert. Changes could be manifested by how it looks (color), frequency (heavier or later), or how it smells. In some cases, irritation around the vagina opening could be experienced. Or you may notice that changes usually occur at certain times (e.g. before or after your period). The changes in vaginal discharge may be the symptom of a disease, an indication about the onset of some infection, or simply be just a reflection of some changes (though not unhealthy) happening inside your body.

When is vaginal discharge a sign of an infection?

The following is a list of situations that may be cause for concern:

• Causes swelling
• Causes itching
• Comes with bad odor
• Is gray, green, or yellow in color
• Has a foamy look or the appearance of cottage cheese

What infections are known to cause changes in vaginal discharge?

The truth is that your vaginal discharge change could be traced to a number of infections. But quite a substantial number of them are spread through sexual intercourse (of course with somebody who has been previously infected). The following shows some of the more common vaginal infections:

Can a woman be affected by more than one infection?

Yes, it is possible for a woman to be infected by various infections simultaneously.

Why are vaginal infections limited to women only?

There is no conclusive understanding in the medical fraternity as to why only women can fall victim to vaginal infections. But what is clear is that certain types could be spread when engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who has been infected. People likely to fall into the high risk group often:

• Engage in unprotected sex (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and chlamydia)
• Are affected by diabetes (yeast)
• Have multiple sexual partners (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and chlamydia)
• Are using antibiotic medicine (yeast)
• Have been using birth control pills (yeast)
• Is a current HIV patient or has immunity deficiency disorder (yeast)

When should I see my doctor?

Don’t put off your meeting with your doctor if:

• Your vaginal discharge changes color, smells different or becomes heavier.
• You experience burning, itching, soreness or swelling around the vagina.
• You experience pelvic pain.

Tags: vaginal discharge, white discharge in women, yellow vaginal discharge
Filed under: General, Vagina Health

Most women will experience sore breasts and sore nipples at some point in their lives and this can be caused by a number of reasons. Increased sensitivity or soreness in the breasts can mean many things. However, not all of the underlying reasons for such symptoms are complicated or dangerous. In order to understand the reasons for breast soreness, it is important to know the function of the female reproductive system that is closely linked with this part of the anatomy.

Sore Breast Symptoms Resulting from Hormonal Changes

Women’s bodies undergo hormonal changes due to various reasons and such changes in hormones can contribute to sore breasts. For example, it is common for women to experience moderate to severe breast soreness during their ovulation period. Usually, these discomforts will disappear with the beginning of menstruation. During a menstrual cycle, the production of oestrogen and progesterone are higher than at any other time. The release of the progesterone hormone causes excessive water retention. This leads to bloating. Bloating will cause the breasts to enlarge, and the skin to stretch. This causes soreness in breasts and nipples. Water retention is not restricted to this part of the anatomy alone, but the sensitive skin on breasts and nipples make them more susceptive to the sensitized pains.

Sore breasts and sore nipples can be the preliminary signs of pregnancy in most women. Pregnancy also causes an increase in progesterone and oestrogen levels. As these hormone levels keep increasing during pregnancy, most women experience breast soreness throughout the duration of the pregnancy.

Menopausal women too will experience sore breasts and nipples as a result of hormonal fluctuations in the body. This mainly results from fluctuations in progesterone and oestrogen levels that happen during pre-menopause phase.

Other Causes of Breast and Nipple Soreness

There are several other causes of breast and nipple soreness apart from conditions where hormone changes are at play. Some of these causes as cited below, and can lead to serious medical conditions, if untreated:

• Fibrocystic Breast Disease – This is a common, benign breast disease. This results in a “bumpy” consistency in the breast tissue. The cause of this disease is unclear. However, symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease subside with menopause. It is important to diagnose this disease as the risk of breast cancer will increase for women with this disease.
• Climacteric Syndrome – This is caused by irregular ovary function. As the ovaries are unable to function properly, this causes the hormones to fluctuate. This in turn will cause soreness in breasts and nipples.
• Breast Cancer – Nipple tenderness is one of the indications of cancer in the breast tissue. A person with breast cancer will experience irritation, pain and reddening of the nipples. Persistent sore nipples need to be investigated by a healthcare professional.

Relieving Breast Soreness

There are several methods to relieve breast soreness. However, it is important firstly to eliminate the abovementioned illnesses. Once these illnesses are ruled out, there are several ways in which breast and nipple soreness can be reduced:

• Often women who do not wear proper support bras can feel breast soreness more than others. The movement of the breasts against the material of bras can make breast soreness worse than before. It is important to wear a proper bra as this ensures containment and makes it less painful. Proper bras are essential, especially when exercising.
• Pain in the breasts and nipples can be greatly reduced by applying hot or cold pads to the breasts. The method of choice depends on the person. Some may prefer cold pads while others will prefer hot pads.
• Breast soreness is often associated with birth control tablets and hormone replacement therapy. If breast soreness persists, it will be beneficial to speak to a doctor and change the birth control pill or hormone replacement therapy.
• In cases of severe pain, taking a pain medication such as Ibuprofen before the menstrual cycle can relieve pain associated with PMS. However, it is not recommended to take pain medication on a regular basis.
• Sore breasts and nipples are common when breastfeeding. This can be the result of a blockage in the tiny milk ducts. Applying a hot pack to the breasts will relieve the pressure in the breasts and release the milk from the duct. Plugged ducts along with flu-like symptoms can mean a breast infection. Treating a breast infection as soon as possible will help relieve breast and nipple soreness.

Breast and nipple soreness can be an uncomfortable experience. It can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication. It can also be alleviated with herbal remedies. Selecting the proper treatment method is essential to ensuring relief. For example, most breastfeeding mothers would not wish to take even an over-the-counter medication, for fear of secreting the medication to the infant through the milk. Therefore, making use of home remedies will be the preferred choice of most women. Knowing the symptoms and the most likely associated causes will help women make the right choice of treatment for breast and nipple soreness.

Tags: sore breasts, sore nipples
Filed under: Breast Health, General