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Showing posts from November, 2024

Ready, Set, Surgery: Your Ultimate Pre-Op Checklist Before Undergoing Surgery

  Undergoing gynecological surgery can be a significant step toward improving your health and quality of life. Proper preparation before the surgery can make the experience smoother and aid in recovery. Here’s a comprehensive pre-operative checklist to guide you: 1. Pre-Surgery Consultation Understand Your Surgery : Ask your doctor about the procedure, expected outcomes, and potential risks. Clarity reduces anxiety. Discuss Medications : Share a list of all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Your doctor may advise stopping certain blood-thinners or supplements. Inform About Allergies : Notify your surgical team about any known allergies, especially to medications or anesthesia. 2. Medical Evaluations and Tests Your doctor may recommend specific tests to assess your overall health and readiness for surgery: Blood tests ECG (electrocardiogram) Imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI, if needed COVID-19 test (if required by hospital protocols) Complete these tests ...

Glow Inside Out: Your Guide to Healthy Skin This November

 November is National Healthy Skin Month , a time to prioritize the health of your skin. This year’s theme, “Glow From Within: Healthy Habits for Healthy Skin,” encourages women to embrace holistic approaches for maintaining radiant skin. Your skin isn’t just your largest organ; it’s a mirror of your internal health. Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can significantly impact your skin, making it vital to nourish yourself from the inside out. Here are some key tips for super healthy skin: Hydration Matters : Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Hydrated skin is more elastic and less prone to dryness. Nutrition for Nourishment : Include foods rich in omega-3, vitamins C and E, and antioxidants. They promote collagen production and reduce inflammation. Protect Your Skin : Always apply sunscreen, even in cooler and cloudy months. UV damage can occur all year-round. Hormone Check : Skin breakouts, dryness, or excessive oiliness might signal hormonal ...

First Trimester Bleeding: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

  Spotting or bleeding in the first trimester can be alarming, but it’s more common than you might think. Nearly 20-30% of pregnant women experience some bleeding during the first 12 weeks. While it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem, it’s essential to understand when to seek medical advice. Possible Causes of Bleeding Implantation Bleeding : This light spotting occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, usually around the time your period would have been due. It’s harmless and typically lasts a few days. Hormonal Changes : Shifts in pregnancy hormones can sometimes trigger spotting, especially around the time your period would have occurred. Cervical Sensitivity : The increased blood flow to the cervix can cause light bleeding, especially after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam. Miscarriage : Unfortunately, bleeding can sometimes indicate a miscarriage, especially if it’s heavy, bright red, or accompanied by cramps. However, not all bleeding means pregnanc...

UTI Series: How to Avoid Recurrent UTI

Doctors consider a person to have recurrent UTIs if they experience three infections in a year or two infections in six months. Recurrent UTIs can have social, emotional, and financial consequences, including anxiety, depression, missed work, and the costs of multiple doctor visits and lab tests. Here are some steps you can take that can help avoid recurrent UTIs: T alk with your doctor : If infections tend to occur after sexual activity, your doctor may prescribe a single dose of an antibiotic to be taken by both your partner and yourself. Postmenopausal women often benefit from vaginal estrogen products to help maintain local tissue health. Practice good hygiene : In addition to regularly washing the outer genital area with a gentle soap, wiping from front to back after using the toilet helps prevent spreading bacteria from the anus to the urethra. Urinating after sex can also help flush out bacteria. Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush bacteria from blad...

Chocolate Cysts 101: When Surgery Might Be the Answer

Ovarian endometriomas, commonly known as “chocolate cysts,” are a type of cyst that can develop on the ovaries due to endometriosis. For many women, ovarian endometriomas can be painful and may interfere with fertility. Here’s a simplified guide to understanding this condition and how it’s treated. What is an Ovarian Endometrioma? An endometrioma is a type of cyst that forms when endometrial tissue, which usually lines the uterus, grows on the ovaries. Why "Chocolate Cyst"? This nickname comes from the dark, old blood and tissue that fills the cyst, giving it a brownish, chocolate-like appearance. Common Symptoms : Pelvic pain, especially during periods Pain during intercourse Fertility challenges Pain during bowel movements or urination (in severe cases) Diagnosis: How is an Ovarian Endometrioma Detected? Ultrasound : This is typically the first imaging test. It helps doctors see the size and characteristics of the cyst. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) : Sometimes used to ...

The Unsung Heroine: Progesterone’s Many Roles in Women’s Health

Progesterone is often referred to as the “pregnancy hormone,” but its role in women’s health goes far beyond that. This powerful hormone, naturally produced by the ovaries, plays a crucial part in regulating menstrual cycles, supporting pregnancy, and managing various gynecological issues. Understanding progesterone’s uses can empower women to make informed decisions, especially in cases where hormone therapy or supplementation might be recommended. 1. Balancing Menstrual Cycles Irregular periods can be frustrating and often stem from hormonal imbalances. When progesterone levels drop, it can lead to missed periods, heavy bleeding, or even short cycles. Progesterone therapy is often prescribed to help balance these cycles, offering relief to women who struggle with irregular or painful periods. 2. Managing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and PMDD Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and its more intense counterpart, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), can significantly impact a woman’s emotiona...