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Women's health & fitness guide One of the most difficult things to do if you suspect a friend or relative has ...
Itchy breasts may occur infrequently for most women and seem quite unimportant at the time but if it persists, it can prove to be both an embarrassing and uncomfortable ailment. The odd case of itchiness of the breast is not a cause for concern – maybe it was that new dress that was a bit ‘itchy’ or the perfume you sprayed on your chest. But if it is ongoing and there are other symptoms present, then it requires further investigation.
Body odor differs from person to person and in some cases it may be associated with an offensive smell. This may be linked to poor hygiene or excessive perspiration and can be complicated by hormonal changes. While the odor may be generalized, hence the term body odor, it can also be isolated to certain parts of the body, like the armpits or groin.
If there are other complications like an infection in the area, a strong body odor can quickly become offensive. Women are much more conscious about their physical characteristics and a smelly body odor can be a cause for anxiety, especially if it persists despite treatment and preventative measures.
Bleeding at any stage of pregnancy should be a cause for concern and medical advice should be sought immediately. It is important to bear in mind that the first trimester is a ‘touch-and-go’ time in any pregnancy. A host of complications are possible in early pregnancy that can lead to a miscarriage or threaten the life of the mother. Vaginal bleeding is one of those important signs that should alert expectant mothers of a possible problem.
Acne is a common skin complaint during pregnancy and may persist even after child birth and during the course of breast feeding. The main contributing factor to any case of acne, whether during pregnancy or not, is a hormonal cause. The hormonal fluctuation and high levels of estrogen and progesterone, necessary during pregnancy, may contribute to the development of pimples during pregnancy.
The danger of consuming alcohol during pregnancy has been widely publicized and there is much confusion over what amount of alcohol may be potentially toxic to the fetus. The safest option is to stop drinking alcohol altogether once you learn that you are pregnant. It may also be advisable to stop drinking alcohol if you are planning on conceiving, as you may be unsure when you will fall pregnant.
Cigarette smoking is declining in many developing nations but this rather bad habit still continues to pose one of the most significant health risks to the modern world. Apart from the known effects of cancer, heart and lung disease, cigarette smoking plays a significant role in pregnancy.While women of today are more aware of the dangers of smoking during pregnancy, many pregnant mothers continue to smoke throughout their pregnancy. This has far reaching consequences on the unborn baby, impacting on both pregnancy and the physical and mental welfare of the child.
Uterine fibroids, being asymptomatic in most cases, are often detected incidentally during a routine pelvic examination, prenatal ultrasound, or during investigation for infertility. Since the symptoms of uterine fibroids may be similar to other gynecological disorders, it is important to consult with a gynecologist should experience any symptoms. The appropriate treatment for uterine fibroids will have to be decided upon by your doctor after taking into consideration all aspects of your health, medical history and any other risk factors.
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, fibromyomas, or myomas, are the commonest non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age. Uterine fibroids grow from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus and may vary in size from tiny seedlings to massive lumps that can distort and expand the uterus. They may be single or multiple, very often producing no symptoms at all, and are almost never associated with increased risk of developing cancer.
Fertility tests are done to determine the cause of infertility and whether the problem lies with the male or female partner or both. After proper history taking and physical examination, the following tests and procedures are advised :
Based on the results of these tests, further special testing and other investigative procedures may be necessary for each partner. The findings will determine the appropriate infertility treatment that should be considered for the individual or couple.
There are various options available for treatment of infertility such as fertility drugs, surgery, artificial insemination, assisted reproductive technology, or a combination of these, and obviously the treatment of choice will depend on the causes of infertility as well as on the couple’s personal preferences. The success of the various infertility treatment options may differ and is dependent on each individual case.
