Empowering Women's Health: Insights from a Gynecologist
– Central Standard Time (CST)
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– standard time
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– 2023
– Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy usually develop between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy
– Main symptoms include missed period, positive pregnancy test, and other signs of pregnancy
– Vaginal bleeding during ectopic pregnancy may be watery and dark brown in color
– Tummy pain, typically low down on one side, can develop suddenly or gradually
– Shoulder tip pain, felt where the shoulder ends and the arm begins, can be a sign of internal bleeding in ectopic pregnancy
– Discomfort when going to the toilet, including pain or pressure in the bottom, pain when going for a pee, and diarrhea, may occur
– These symptoms may also be caused by urinary tract infections and stomach bugs, but medical advice should be sought if pregnant and experiencing these symptoms
– An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.
– It most often occurs in a fallopian tube, but can also occur in other areas of the body such as the ovary, abdominal cavity, or the lower part of the uterus (cervix).
– If left untreated, it can cause life-threatening bleeding.
– Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure in the blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher).
– It is common but can be serious if left untreated.
– Risk factors for hypertension include age, genetics, being overweight or obese, lack of physical activity, high-salt diet, and excessive alcohol consumption.
– Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco, and being more active can help lower blood pressure.
– Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: systolic (when the heart contracts) and diastolic (when the heart rests between beats).
– Hypertension is diagnosed if both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings on two different days are equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg.
– Modifiable risk factors for hypertension include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, and being overweight or obese.
– Non-modifiable risk factors include family history of hypertension, age over 65 years, and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.
– Most people with hypertension do not experience symptoms, but very high blood pressures can cause symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and others.
– Hypertension can lead to other health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke if not treated.
– Treatment options include lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, weight loss, physical activity, and quitting tobacco, as well as medication.
– Blood pressure goals may vary depending on other health conditions, with a goal of less than 130/80 for individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or high risk for cardiovascular disease.
– The common blood pressure medicines include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
– Lifestyle changes can also help lower blood pressure, including consuming more fruits and vegetables, being physically active, losing weight if obese, and avoiding salty, fatty, and alcoholic foods.
– Hypertension can lead to complications such as heart damage, chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and kidney damage.
– The prevalence of hypertension is higher in low- and middle-income countries.
– The WHO supports efforts to reduce hypertension globally.
– The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) have launched the Global Hearts Initiative, which aims to strengthen the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease.
– As part of this initiative, they have developed the HEARTS technical package, which includes six modules to improve cardiovascular health.
– Since the start of the initiative in 2017, 7.5 million people in 31 low- and middle-income countries have been put on protocol-based hypertension treatment through person-centred models of care.
– These programs demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of standardized hypertension control programs.
List of pertinent terms related to the keyword ‘benign’:
1. Harmless
2. Noncancerous
3. Innocuous
4. Mild
5. Gentle
6. Safe
7. Benign tumor
8. Benign conditions
9. Benign growths
10. Benign prognosis
– Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
– The virus can be spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
– Some people may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms but can still spread the virus.
– Symptoms include pain, itching, and sores around the genitals, anus, or mouth.
– There is no cure for genital herpes, but medicine can help ease symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting others.
– Condoms can help prevent the spread of genital herpes.
– Symptoms usually appear 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus.
– Sores can develop on the buttocks, thighs, rectum, anus, mouth, urethra, vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, or scrotum.
– After the first outbreak, recurrent outbreaks may occur, but they are usually less severe and don’t last as long.
– Warning signs of a recurrent outbreak may include genital pain, tingling, or shooting pain in the legs, hips, or buttocks.
– It is recommended to see a healthcare provider if you suspect you have genital herpes or any other sexually transmitted infection.
– Genital herpes is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus – HSV-2 and HSV-1.
– HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes and can be present on blisters and ulcers, in the mouth, vagina, or rectum.
– HSV-1 is a version of the virus that causes cold sores and can be transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact.
– Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes caused by HSV-1 are often less frequent.
– Neither HSV-1 nor HSV-2 survives well at room temperature and is not likely to spread through surfaces.
– However, the virus can spread through kissing or sharing objects like drinking glasses or silverware.
– Risk factors for contracting genital herpes include having unprotected sexual contact, especially without using barriers like condoms or dental dams, and having sex with multiple partners.
– Women are at a higher risk of getting genital herpes, and the virus spreads more easily from men to women than from women to men.
– Genital herpes is often undiagnosed, with many people unaware that they have it.
– Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of contracting genital herpes.
– Genital herpes is spread through sexual activity and contact with infected genitals.
– Medication can help limit outbreaks of genital herpes, but there is no cure.
– Certain groups, including women, those with a history of sexually transmitted diseases, older people, Black people in the United States, and men who have sex with men, are diagnosed with genital herpes at higher rates.
– Complications of genital herpes can include other sexually transmitted infections, newborn infection during delivery, internal inflammatory disease, finger infections, eye infections, swelling of the brain, and infection of internal organs.
– Prevention of genital herpes involves practicing safe sex and having a long-term sexual partner.
– An IUD is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
– When inserted correctly, IUDs are more than 99% effective.
– The IUD releases copper into the womb, altering cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg and survive.
– It can also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
– The IUD can be left in for between 5 and 10 years, depending on the type.
– It can be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle as long as the person is not pregnant.
– It can be taken out at any time by a trained doctor or nurse, and pregnancy is possible immediately after removal.
– Side effects include potentially heavier, longer, or more painful periods in the first 3 to 6 months, as well as spotting or bleeding between periods.
– There is a small risk of infection or the IUD being pushed out or moved.
– Painkillers can be taken after insertion to manage discomfort.
– It may not be suitable for individuals with previous pelvic infections.
– The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so additional methods like condoms may be necessary.
– If an IUD is fitted at age 40 or older, it can be left in until menopause or no longer needing contraception.
– Before insertion, a healthcare professional will check the position and size of the womb and may test for infections and provide antibiotics.
– The fitting process takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with the IUD insertion itself taking around 5 minutes. Local anesthesia can be used for comfort.
– After having an IUD fitted, you may experience period-type cramps and bleeding for a few days.
– It is advised to get the IUD checked by a GP after 3 to 6 weeks.
– Issues such as pain in the lower abdomen, high temperature, or abnormal discharge may indicate an infection.
– An IUD has two thin threads that hang down from the womb into the vagina, and they can be checked to ensure the IUD is in place.
– If the threads cannot be felt or if the IUD has moved, additional contraception should be used and a GP or nurse should be consulted.
– An IUD can be removed by a trained doctor or nurse at any time.
– Additional contraception should be used for 7 days before removing the IUD if not getting another one.
– Most people with a womb can use an IUD, but it may not be suitable for those who are pregnant, have an untreated STI, or have womb or cervix problems.
– Those who have had an ectopic pregnancy or have an artificial heart valve should consult their GP before getting an IUD.
– An IUD can usually be fitted 4 weeks after giving birth, and alternative contraception should be used until then.
– An IUD can be used immediately after giving birth, and it will not affect milk supply.
– An IUD can be fitted immediately after an abortion or miscarriage, providing immediate protection against pregnancy.
– Advantages of using an IUD include long-term pregnancy prevention (5 or 10 years depending on the type), immediate effectiveness, no hormonal side effects, and no interruption of sex.
– Disadvantages of using an IUD include the possibility of heavier, longer, or more painful periods, lack of protection against STIs requiring the use of additional condoms, potential for pelvic infections if not treated, and the possibility of vaginal bleeding and pain.
– Risks of using an IUD include a small chance of pelvic infection within 20 days of insertion, slightly higher chance of recurring thrush, potential rejection or displacement of the IUD by the womb, and rare cases of the IUD making a hole in the womb.
– If an IUD fails and pregnancy occurs, there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy.
– An IUD can be obtained for free from contraception clinics, sexual health or genitourinary medicine clinics, GP surgeries, and some young people’s services.
– Contraception services are free and confidential for individuals under the age of 16.
– If a person under 16 wants contraception, the healthcare professional will not inform their parents or carer as long as they believe the individual fully understands the information and decisions being made.
– Doctors and nurses only disclose information if they believe the individual is at risk of harm, such as abuse.
Pertinent list of information:
– Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and secreted into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland.
– It stimulates contractions of the uterus during childbirth and lactation in women.
– Oxytocin is used to induce labor, strengthen contractions, and reduce bleeding during childbirth.
– It promotes milk movement in breastfeeding women.
– In men, oxytocin plays a role in sperm transport and testosterone production.
– Oxytocin acts as a chemical messenger in the brain, involved in sexual arousal, recognition, trust, attachment, and bonding.
– It is often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical.”
– Oxytocin is being studied for its role in various disorders such as addiction, depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and anorexia.
– Oxytocin is regulated by positive feedback mechanisms.
– It is metabolized by oxytocinase.
– Oxytocin receptors are expressed in various areas of the brain.
– Oxytocin can be synthesized by neurons in the paraventricular nucleus.
– Oxytocin is released from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
– Oxytocin levels in the brain can be much higher than peripheral levels.
– Oxytocin is found in various tissues outside the brain.
– It is involved in reproductive functions and water regulation in vertebrates.
– Oxytocin has peripheral hormonal actions and actions in the brain.
– Its effects can be influenced by context and the presence of familiar or unfamiliar individuals.
– Oxytocin is released during sexual activity, labor, and breastfeeding.
– It affects fetal brain activity during delivery.
– Oxytocin may suppress appetite under normal conditions.
– It plays a role in maternal behavior but is involved in the initiation, not maintenance, of human maternal behavior.
– Oxytocin can increase ingroup bonding and influence subjective preferences.
– Nasal application of oxytocin can alleviate impaired learning and promote neural growth in animals.
– It delays cognitive decline in a mouse model of early onset Alzheimer’s.
– Oxytocin is important for pair bonding in prairie voles.
– It plays a role in social bonding in various species, including humans and dogs.
– Oxytocin is associated with fear and anxiety, as well as social emotions such as envy.
– It produces antidepressant-like effects and may be involved in depression.
– Oxytocin levels and effects differ between males and females.
– Estrogen stimulates oxytocin release, while testosterone suppresses it.
– Oxytocin has a unique structure and can exist in different forms.
– It was isolated and synthesized in 1954, and Vincent du Vigneaud received the Nobel Prize for his work.
– Oxytocin is mentioned in songs and literature.
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– Chlamydia is a common STD that can cause infection among both men and women.
– Chlamydia can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy.
– Chlamydia can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, even without ejaculation.
– The only way to completely avoid STDs is to not have sex, but using condoms and being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship can lower the risk.
– Sexually active people, especially young individuals and gay/bisexual men, are at a higher risk of getting chlamydia.
– Pregnant people with chlamydia can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth, which can lead to eye infection or pneumonia.
– Chlamydia often has no symptoms, but it can cause serious health problems such as abnormal vaginal discharge and burning sensation when urinating in women, and discharge from the penis and burning sensation when urinating in men.
– Testing and treatment are essential to prevent health problems associated with chlamydia.
– Chlamydia can cause pain and swelling in testicles, pain and bleeding in rectum.
– Symptoms in women include unusual sore, smelly discharge, burning when peeing, bleeding between periods.
– Chlamydia can be diagnosed through laboratory tests using urine or vaginal samples.
– Chlamydia can be cured with proper treatment, but it won’t undo any permanent damage.
– Repeat infection with chlamydia is common, so testing should be done again after treatment.
– It is advised to wait until completion of treatment before having sex again (7 days for single dose, complete all doses for 7-day treatment).
– Untreated chlamydia in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, scarring of fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, long-term pelvic/abdominal pain.
– Men rarely have health problems from chlamydia, but it can cause fever and pain in testicle tubes, leading to infertility in rare cases.
– Untreated chlamydia increases the chances of HIV transmission.
List of relevant terms for the keyword ‘delivery’:
– pick-up and delivery service
– run errands
– deliver items
– no contact delivery
– same day delivery
Note: There are no additional relevant terms in the provided text.
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– Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems without treatment.
– Syphilis is spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and can also be transmitted from a mother with syphilis to her unborn baby.
– Syphilis cannot be spread through casual contact with objects like toilet seats or doorknobs.
– To reduce the risk of getting syphilis, one can abstain from sex or be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have syphilis. Using condoms correctly every time during sex can also help prevent transmission.
– People at risk for syphilis include sexually active individuals without condom use with a partner who has syphilis, gay or bisexual men, individuals with HIV, those taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, and those with partners who have tested positive for syphilis.
– Pregnant people should be tested for syphilis at their first prenatal visit, and some may need additional testing during the third trimester and at delivery.
– Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can result in low birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, and serious health problems such as cataracts, deafness, seizures, and death for the baby.
– Syphilis has four stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary) and each stage has different signs and symptoms.
– Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
– Symptoms of syphilis may include painless sores on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, lips, or rectum.
– The secondary stage of syphilis can involve skin rashes and sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus.
– During the latent stage, there are no visible signs or symptoms of syphilis, but the infection persists in the body.
– Without treatment, syphilis can progress to tertiary stage, affecting various organ systems, including the heart, blood vessels, brain, and nervous system.
– Tertiary syphilis can cause serious damage to internal organs and potentially lead to death.
– Syphilis can spread to the brain and nervous system (neurosyphilis), the eye (ocular syphilis), or the ear (otosyphilis).
– Neurosyphilis may cause severe headaches, muscle weakness, changes in mental state, and dementia.
– Ocular syphilis can lead to eye pain, redness, vision changes, or blindness.
– Otosyphilis may cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness or vertigo.
– Syphilis can be diagnosed through blood tests or by testing fluid from a syphilis sore.
– Treatment for syphilis is necessary to prevent the infection from progressing and may not undo any damage caused by the infection.
– Receiving treatment for syphilis does not protect against getting it again.
– Laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the presence of syphilis.
– Follow-up testing by a healthcare provider is needed to ensure the success of treatment.
– Syphilis sores can be difficult to see in certain areas such as the vagina, anus, mouth, or under the foreskin.
– Getting syphilis again is possible if sex partners do not receive testing and treatment.