Sunday 31 May 2015

How to stop ur menstrual flow

Many women ask if there any ways to stop having their periods. Sometimes having a menstrual period can be inconvenient and may interfere with travel plans, sports, or most frequently, sex. Some women simply hate the symptoms that accompany their periods such as cramps, headaches or back pain, all of which can interfere with work or leisure. Some women experience heavy bleeding and would like to control it, especially when they are going to a party or on vacation. Still others would just like to delay a period for a day or two so they can do something or go somewhere without the inconvenience of having it. Some women would also prefer not having them at all, particularly those that do not plan on having children at the moment.
Some women have tried many ways to delay or stop their periods after asking friend's advice or researching methods online. Most of them receive bad advice or unreliable suggestions which are not only ineffective but may also be potentially harmful to their health. In medicine, there are very few ways to stop your period and most methods will only temporarily stop or delay your period. Whatever your reasons are, here are some ways to safely but temporarily stop your period.

How to Stop Your Period
Use Contraceptives
The best way to stop your period is to use birth control or contraceptives. Before you do it is best to see a doctor who will advise you on which type will best suit your needs. Your doctor will explain what to expect, what dosage to use, and any risks involved.
Hormonal contraceptives inhibit ovulation and fertilization. They can be injectable, oral, or in a patch form. Implants and intrauterine devices that release hormones are also available. The simplest way to stop monthly periods is to take oral contraceptives in pill form. These hormonal pills should be taken one cycle before the period that you don't want to have. When taken regularly as directed, you will stop having periods. Once you stop taking them, your periods will return.
You must remember that prolonged intake of hormonal contraceptives is associated with an increased risk of headaches, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. So before using any of these, consult your physician for proper guidance.

Use a Flexible Cup
There is a flexible cup called Softcup which is inserted through the vagina and placed in front of the cervix to collect menstrual flow. It does not stop your period but it prevents blood from flowing from the vagina, just like a tampon. It can be worn for up to 12 hours and can be reused throughout your period.
The advantage of using this device is that it seems to stop your period without the side effects of hormones or medications. You can use it while swimming, traveling, or having sex. However, to avoid leakage you must use a new cup instead of reusing one. You must also remember that these cups does not prevent pregnancy and is not intended to be used as a contraceptive device.

Take Medications
Tranexamic acid (tablet) is a medication that induces clotting of blood in the uterus, thus reducing heavy menstrual bleeding by about 30-60 percent. You can take 2-3 tablets, 3-4 times daily when bleeding starts. These does can continue for three or four days. These are not hormonal contraceptives, so they will not prevent pregnancy.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, or naproxen are painkillers that may also be recommended for controlling menstrual flow. These tablets help reduce abdominal cramps related to menstruation, but they may also reduce bleeding by 20-50%. You may take them 3-4 times a day before your period and continue taking them until your period stops.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are drugs that can reduce bleeding during your period and simulate temporary menopause, including hot flashes. However, they should only be used on a short-term basis as they are very costly and can produce serious side effects. They work by interfering with estrogen activity in your body. Long-term use can lead to weak bones or osteoporosis.

Consider Surgery
Your doctor may recommend surgery to control or stop your periods. This would occur if you have a medical condition that causes heavy menstrual bleeding such as a myoma, a uterine fibroid, or endometriosis. Your doctor may suggest a hysterectomy, or the complete removal of your uterus. This will completely stop your periods from occurring, but will only be performed if other surgical procedures are unsuccessful. Other procedures include:
Uterine artery embolization, which blocks arteries, thus causing fibroids to shrink.
Myomectomy, or removal of a myoma (a non-cancerous tumor inside the uterus)
Endometrial ablation, which destroys the inner lining of the uterus

Natural Ways
Drinking a great deal of water or juice can help you lighten your periods.
Eating healthy, making a point to consume a great deal of fruits and vegetables can also help easy menstrual symptoms.
Green beans in particular are known to help slow your menstrual cycle.
Swallowing two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed into a glass of water can help slow your menstrual flow and calm your other symptoms. For the best effects, take this cure three times a day.
Some find that mixing a package of gelatin with water and quickly consuming the mixture can stop your period for around three hours.
Sucking on a piece of lemon has also been shown to temporarily stop your period.
Taking a bath can also help temporarily slow or stop your menstrual flow.
In some cases you can hide your period by wearing a smaller tampon or spongy pads that are less noticeable.

Friday 29 May 2015

Rhesus incompatibility

If you just found out you're pregnant, one of the first — and most important — tests you should expect is a blood-type test. This basic test determines your blood type and Rh factor. Your Rh factor may play a role in your baby's health, so it's important to know this information early in your pregnancy.

About the Rh Factor
People with different blood types have proteins specific to that blood type on the surfaces of their red blood cells (RBCs). There are four blood types — A, B, AB, and O.

Each of the four blood types is further classified based on the presence of another protein on the surface of RBCs that indicates the Rh factor. If you carry this protein, you are Rh positive. If you don't carry the protein, you are Rh negative.

Most people — about 85% — are Rh positive. But if a woman who is Rh negative and a man who is Rh positive conceive a baby, there is the potential for a baby to have a health problem. The baby growing inside the Rh-negative mother may have Rh-positive blood, inherited from the father. Approximately half of the children born to an Rh-negative mother and Rh-positive father will be Rh positive.

Rh incompatibility usually isn't a problem if it's the mother's first pregnancy because, unless there's some sort of abnormality, the fetus's blood does not normally enter the mother's circulatory system during the course of the pregnancy.

However, during delivery, the mother's and baby's blood can intermingle. If this happens, the mother's body recognizes the Rh protein as a foreign substance and might begin making antibodies (protein molecules in the immune system that recognize, and later work to destroy, foreign substances) against the Rh proteins.

Other ways Rh-negative pregnant women can be exposed to the Rh protein that might cause antibody production include blood transfusions with Rh-positive blood, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy.

Rh antibodies are harmless until the mother's second or later pregnancies. If she is ever carrying another Rh-positive child, her Rh antibodies will recognize the Rh proteins on the surface of the baby's blood cells as foreign, and pass into the baby's bloodstream and attack those cells. This can lead to swelling and rupture of the baby's RBCs. A baby's blood count can get dangerously low when this condition, known as hemolytic or Rh disease of the newborn, happens.

Preventing and Treating Rh Disease of the Newborn
In generations past, Rh incompatibility was a very serious problem. But now, significant medical advances can help prevent complications from Rh incompatibility and treat any newborn affected by Rh disease.

Today, when a woman with the potential to develop Rh incompatibility is pregnant, doctors give her a series of two Rh immune-globulin shots during her first pregnancy. The first shot is given around the 28th week of pregnancy and the second within 72 hours after giving birth. Rh immune-globulin acts like a vaccine, preventing the mother's body from producing any potentially dangerous Rh antibodies that can cause serious complications in the newborn or complicate any future pregnancies.

A dose of Rh immune-globulin also might be given if a woman has a miscarriage, an amniocentesis, or any bleeding during pregnancy.

If a doctor finds that a woman has already developed Rh antibodies, her pregnancy will be closely monitored to make sure that those levels are not too high.

In rare cases, if the incompatibility is severe and the baby is in danger, a series of special blood transfusions called exchange transfusions can be done either before the baby is born (intrauterine fetal transfusions) or after delivery. Exchange transfusions replace the baby's blood with blood with Rh-negative blood cells. This stabilizes the baby's level of red blood cells and minimizes further damage caused by Rh antibodies already circulating in the baby's bloodstream.

Because of the success rate of the Rh immune-globulin shots, exchange transfusions are needed in fewer than 1% of Rh-incompatible pregnancies in the United States today.

If Rh Disease Is Not Prevented
Rh incompatibility rarely causes complications in a first pregnancy and does not affect the health of the mother. But if Rh antibodies develop, they could be dangerous to a fetus during later pregnancies. Rh disease can cause severe anemia, jaundice, brain damage, and heart failure in a newborn. In extreme cases, it can cause the death of the fetus because too many RBCs have been destroyed.

If you're not sure what your Rh factor is and think you're pregnant, it's important to start regular prenatal care as soon as possible — including blood-type testing. With early detection and treatment of Rh incompatibility, you can focus on more important things — like welcoming a new, healthy baby.
Thanks for reading

Tuesday 26 May 2015

How to manage your headache at home

Headache is one of the most common health problems suffered by most of the people. Headaches can be classified into three main categories – tension headaches, migraine headaches and cluster headaches. There can be many reasons behind a headache such as physiologic changes in the head, constriction of blood vessels, abnormal neuron activities, genetic causes, excessive smoking, excessive drinking habit, due to lack of water in the body and so on.
Most of the people go for a painkiller to get relief from their headaches. But painkillers have side effects and are not good for your health. Well, there are many natural remedies that can treat your headache in a few minutes.
Here are top 10 home remedies for Headache.
                                                
1.Water
At times dehydration can be the reason behind a headache. Actually the lack of water affects the supply of blood and oxygen and thus causes a headache. So, in case of a headache you must drink a cool glass of water. If the reason behind your headache is dehydration water can cure it within minutes. It is a good idea to drink three to four glasses of water before going to bed to keep your body well hydrated throughout the day.

2.Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack to the back of your neck can give you relief from headache caused due to migraine. You can even place a washcloth dipped in ice-cold water over your head and allow it to sit for five minutes. Repeat the process several times to reduce any inflammation and thus bringing you relif from the pain. Alternatively, you can even use a bag of frozen vegetables to apply the cold compresses as soon as you suffer from a headache. Within half an hour you will get some relief.

3.Lavender Oil
The health benefits of lavender are something that everyone knows. This herb can be really useful in treating headaches. Take a bowl of hot water and put some lavender oil to it and then inhale its vapor for a few minutes. This popular headache treatment must be repeated several times a day. Else you can even safely apply this herbal oil externally without the need to dilute it. Bear in mind that you must not take lavender oil orally.

4.Rosemary
Rosemary can be really helpful in treating headaches. The rosmarinic acid present in rosemary oil has got anti-inflammatory properties. You can simply massage your head with rosemary oil to get relief from headache. Else you can make an herbal tea by mixing rosemary and sage. Take one teaspoon of crushed rosemary leaves and one teaspoon of crushed sage leaves in a cup of boiling water and cover it properly. Once the solution comes to room temperature, drink it. You can take this herbal tea two to three times a day. In case if both the herbs are not available, you can make an herbal tea with any of the two herbs.

5.Cloves
Cloves can be used to ease away tension headaches. Take a few cloves and crush them gently and then put it in a sachet bag or a clean handkerchief. Inhale the smell of crushed cloves whenever you have a headache until you get some relief from the pain. Else you can make a paste of three to four cloves and apply it on the forehead. You can also use clove oil by mixing it with salt, and then apply it on the forehead. The cooling effect of the clove oil will give you relief from headache within minutes.

6.Ginger
Ginger can help in reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, thus giving relief from a headache. During headache you can sip a cup of ginger tea. To make this tea add tea leaves and ginger to a cup of water and allow it to boil for a few minutes. Add milk and sugar as per your taste and then drink it. Else you can boil ginger powder or raw ginger in water, and then inhale its vapor to get rid of headache. Also you can chew a piece or two of crystallized ginger candy when suffering from a headache.

7.Cinnamon

Cinnamon can cure headaches caused due to common cold. The easiest way to use cinnamon during headaches is to grind a stick of cinnamon with water to make a thick paste and then apply this paste on the forehead for a few minutes. Soon the pain will vanish away. Else you can add two teaspoons of powdered cinnamon to half cup of milk and then boil it for one or two minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey and mix it properly before drinking it. Drink this solution at least twice a day when suffering from a headache.

8.Peppermint Oil
The calming and soothing properties of peppermint oil can help a lot when suffering from headaches. Use peppermint oil to massage the forehead, back of jaws, and temples. Peppermint oil helps to open and close the vessels that promote blood flow and within a few minutes you can get relief from headache. Even fresh crushed peppermint leaves when put on the forehead can treat headaches. You can also go for steam treatment, by adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a small pot of boiling water and then inhaling the steam for a few minutes.

9.Apple
Apples can help to alleviate headaches. Both apple and its extract apple cider vinegar have attributes that can balance the alkaline and acidic levels in the body and thus giving you relief from headache. During a headache you can eat an apple with some salt. Else you can add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass full of water and drink it for immediate headache relief.

To conclude, next time when you suffer from a headache, try any of the above mentioned natural treatments according to your convenience to get fast relief. However, in case of severe and frequent headaches you need to see a doctor.

Saturday 2 May 2015

The dangers of waist training garments


These items may seem like the best invention ever if you are going to a big event, or maybe for some just out to the store, to cover your unsightly bulges for excess fat. You simply slip these items on, and Wa-La! Your body is instantly transformed and streamlined. How could something so awesome be bad? I will explain.



Listen ladies...and some men, we are harming our bodies in the name of smooth garment lines! Not only are these items painful, spanx and other shapewear are literally squeezing your organs! Though many of us will deal with the pain and suffering to look better, most of us have no idea about the health ramifications of these garments, and this revilation has been backed up by gastroenterologist Dr. John Kuemmerle, and chiropractor Dr. Karen Erickson.

Organ Compression

First off, these shapewear items couldn't do their job if they aren't tight, but this leaves your stomach, intestine and colon compressed, which Dr. Kuemmerle says can worsen acid reflux and heartburn. Restrictive clothing can also provoke erosive esophagitis.

Your digestive tract is also affected, this happens because the intestines are supposed to contract and move food along, but when they're compressed over a long period of time, the flow of digestion is slowed or even stopped. Haven't you eaten a huge meal, and then unbuttoned your jeans? We do this because too much food and tight clothing can lead to unpleasant symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating and gas.

Bowel Compression

Those with bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome should wear shapewear with caution. People who have weakness in the bowel and a tendency towards incontinence, increasing intra-abdominal pressure can certainly provoke episodes of incontinence.

There is also a tendency for those wearing shapewear to not to want to go to the bathroom, but if you postpone urination, it can cause stress incontinence, where you leak, or it can exaggerate stress incontinence with people who already have it.

Obstructed Breathing

Another problem with shapewear is shallow breathing. When you inhale, your diaphragm expands and your abdomen flares out, but shapewear restricts this movement.

Tingling, Numbness, Pain In The Legs & Blood Clots

Sitting in shapewear can lead to a condition called meralgia paresthetica, which is when the peripheral nerve in your thigh is compressed. This leads to tingling, numbness and pain in your legs. It's like putting rubber bands around your upper thighs and tightening them when you sit down. This rubber band effect can also decrease your circulation and lead to blood clots. When you sit in shapewear, those genetically prone to varicosities can develop varicose veins and lymph congestion, which appears as swollen ankles.

Muscles Will Suffer

Shapewear is no substitute for having strong muscles. It's important to develop muscle tone, because those muscles promote perfect posture, and help keep your back alignment. Many people use shapewear as a crutch to avoid using those muscles, but don't be fooled into thinking that shapewear works like a medical back brace. Shapewear is not therapeutically designed, it's cosmetically designed, and that's a big difference.

Can Create Infections

Shapewear traps moisture and anything else under it, which predisposes the wearer to both yeast and bacterial infections. The most common infection is folliculitis, since bacteria often gets trapped among hair follicles and causes red puss-filled bumps. Folliculitis can be easily treated with natural antibacterials, but if you use antibiotics, recurrent infections may develop antibiotic resistance, so they get harder and harder to treat. These risks are higher in overweight individuals, diabetics and those who sweat excessively.

Dangers Of Overuse

You must always be mindful to not wear these garments on a day-in and day-out basis. If you wear them for an evening out or a special occasion, that's enough, as it's not a good idea to wear it daily and sit in it for hours on end. If you're exhibiting any of the symptoms above, it is recommend to avoid shapewear until the issues are completely resolved.

Dangers Of Waist Training With Corsets

Think Spanx are uncomfortable? Not compared to this! While "Waist Training" may seem like a new trend, women have been wearing corsets for centuries. These overly constraining undergarments are to help contour the body, and give it a desired, hourglass appearance. Recently, the search for a slimmer waist has sparked a resurgence in the use of corsets to attain an unnatural shape. While celebrities like Kim Kardashian have posted their waist training selfies to reduce the size of their midsections, many see these constricting garments can be dangerous.

If you are unaware, this practice involves wearing a corset-like device for hours at a time to compress your midsection, which decreases the size of your waist when used over time. But you don’t have to be an M.D. to realize that this type of “training” can do real bodily harm. Believers say that the tightness of the garment makes you sweat a lot, but it’s not possible to perspire so much that you shave inches off her midsection in a permanent way.