Stomach cramps or cramping abdominal pain can be due to a vast number of causes, some easily manageable while others may be life threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. Often stomach cramps are mistaken for menstrual cramps in women and vice versa. This can hamper the diagnosis of other conditions responsible for the pain and cramping or even cause women to prevent seeking medical attention by attributing their abdominal cramps to menstrual pain.
An offensive odor from the vagina is an ailment that many women suffer with and may be the cause of much embarrassment, especially during times of intimacy. Preventing vaginal odor is unavoidable but the presence of an offensive smell needs to be tackled as it may indicate other health related issues. In most cases, a ‘smelly vagina’ is harmless and proper hygiene will correct the problem.
The oral contraceptive, often referred to as ‘the pill’, is still among the most popular method of preventing an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. While other forms of contraception, like the contraceptive injection, are widely used, especially after having a child and in developing countries due to the cost, an oral contraceptive is the method of choice for many teens and young women.
Many young women, prior to their first pregnancy, suffer with severe constipation and anemia, which are often seen as unrelated symptoms. The anemia or low blood iron stems from the loss of blood due to menses while constipation is a gastrointestinal (gut) disorder resulting in difficulty in passing out feces (stool). However evidence suggests that both anemia and constipation may be linked to a common hormonal cause that plagues many menstruating women.
Douching is an old practice of washing out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. “Douche” is a French word that means to wash or soak and herbal concoctions, commercial preparations, as well as home remedies using baking soda or vinegar and water solutions are commonly used. These preparations or water alone are stored in a bottle is sprayed into the vagina through a tube. Although an old practice, douching is quite common among American women, and it is estimated that 20% to 40% of women aged between 15 and 44 years douche regularly.
A larger bust is often portrayed as key to feminine beauty and an indication of a woman’s appeal to the opposite sex. In the search for larger breasts, many women undergo breast augmentation, opting for implants rather than accepting their natural form. breast enlargement creams, push up bras and even vibration belts for the breast continue to sell globally as less ‘well endowed’ women grasp onto the hope that one of these methods will be the answer. However breast size can significantly impact on the spine, hip and major muscles and nerves of the body and this should always be taken into consideration before opting for breast augmentation.
Large breasts usually cause a significant shift in the center of gravity resulting in a number of effects on the body’s musculoskeletal system. The additional weight extending beyond the center will add up to 10 times its weight in pressure on the spinal column due to the action of gravity. Over time, this can affect the spine and cause long term back problems, initially experienced as back pain. Over time, the altered gait and posture may complicate to other spinal complications and nerve problems like a ‘pinched nerve’ or ‘bulging disc’ (herniation).
A breast fungus, in the skin folds between the breast and chest, is a more common fungal infection than previously thought although many women suffer silently with this skin infection. A fungus under the breast is both uncomfortable and awkward as the intense itching has to often be ignored due to the sensitive nature of the affected area. Skin fungal infections can persist for years if untreated and often results in severe scarring of the area, usually noticed as a dark skin discoloration or thickening of the skin as a result of constant irritation.
Vaginal itching and discharge may occur at times in a woman’s life and while discharge may be normal, if it persists, is accompanied by itching or of an offensive odor, it should be investigated. Vaginal irritation, like discharge and itch, may be due to an infection or inflammation of the organs of the female reproductive system and usually the vulva of the vagina is also involved.
Normal vaginal discharge is often associated with a rise in the estrogen levels, around the time of ovulation, pregnancy, just before the first period in life (menarche) and may be caused by certain drugs. In these cases, the discharge is not usually considered to be a problem if there is an absence of other symptoms. However if other concomitant symptoms, like itching, burning during urination, a rash or pelvic pain, is also present, then further investigation is required.
One of the most difficult things to do if you suspect a friend or relative has an eating disorder is to confront them with your concerns. The first instinct your friend or relative will probably feel is fear – fear that you saw through their defensive facade with food. Then, they will most likely go into denial mode and may be accusatory towards you with a “how dare you think such a thing” type of mentality.
Please know that if your loved one reacts in this manner, it is a typical defense mechanism that keeps the real psychological problems secreted away in the subconscious mind. Remember, your loved one is coping with huge emotional issues, so do not take it personally if they totally deny anything is wrong.
The person suffering from an eating disorder is able to work as any other person does, the anorexic is no exception. Most people with anorexia are able to continue working particularly if the illness has been recognised and is being treated with the help of a doctor.
The only noticeably difference that may stand out from the rest of the staff is that due to the fact of month’s or even years of trying to reach perfection, the person suffering from anorexia may go to incredible lengths to reach any targets given or to meet deadlines.
Study has also shown that certain types of jobs seem to attract those suffering from eating disorders more than others, typical examples of these types of jobs are, catering, nursing, fitness, modelling and jobs relating to PR work and in the fashion industry.
