Search Results for: sex

November 3, 2016 By Dr Darshana Salve 1 Comment

BE – AWARE: CERVICAL CANCER

Recently, I received a call from a friend whose aunt complained of post-menopausal bleeding. My first thought was could it be ‘cervical cancer’ but, I did not voice my concern, instead asked her to take her aunt for a PAP SMEAR Test.

Unfortunately, the results indeed matched my concern. She was diagnosed to have Cervical cancer. This was not the first time that I had come across a case of Cervical Cancer as the numbers have been on the rise for the last decade.

According to a study titled Epidemiology of cervical cancer with special focus on India, every year in India 1,22,844 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 67,477 die from the disease. India has a population of 432.2 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cancer. It is the 2nd most common cancer in women aged 15–44 years.

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404964)

As per world statistics, India’s contribution to cervical cancer cases is 25.4%. Majority of the Indian women diagnosed with cervical cancer have never been screened for the disease and around 70% of these cases present in advance stages due to absence of any organized cervical cancer screening program. The most important risk factor for development of cervical cancer is persistent infection by a high-risk subset of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical cancer being the third most common cancer in the world, very little is known about it among the masses.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a disease that develops very slowly and begins with the precancerous condition known as dysplasia. Dysplasia is easily detected in a routine pap smear and is treatable.

High risk
1)Sexual history- has had multiple sexual partners OR established sexual relations before the age of 18 OR has a partner who has had sexual contact with a woman with HPV infection.
2) Smoking
3) Weakened Immunity
4) Giving birth at very young age
5) Long-term use of contraceptive pills
6) Family history

You need to look out for these signs

1) Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods.
2) Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic exam.
3) Menstrual periods that lasts longer and are heavier than before.
4) Bleeding after completingMenopause.
5) Increased vaginal discharge.
6) Pelvic pain

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, kindly consult your Doctor at the earliest.

Prevention:

As we know Prevention is better than Cure especially for any cancer, creating awareness becomes the first step towards that milestone.

Lifestyle plays an important role in the prevention of cervical cancer. Foods that are rich in Flavonoids (apples, black beans, broccoli, cabbage, garlic, onion, soy, and spinach), Folate (Avocados, strawberries, oranges, lentils) and Carotenoids (Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin) are seen to reduce the chances of cervical cancer.

Other than diet make sure you follow the below habits to keep Cervical cancer at bay;

Regular Screening (PAP SMEAR) post the age of 30
HPV vaccine (most effective when administered before start of sexual intercourse)
Practising Safe sex
Avoid Multiple sexual partners
Delaying first sexual intercourse
NoSmoking

There is an HPV Vaccination that is certified by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). 2 doses of either of the two HPV vaccines for adolescent/pre-adolescent girls aged 9-14 years is recommended. However, this vaccination is optional. One should consult a Gynaecologist to know more about the vaccine and how it helps.

It is always better to be safe than sorry and as we have now seen. Being safe is the best way to prevent Cervical cancer.

October 4, 2016 By Dr Manali Rao 1 Comment

What is contraception?? Birth control or fertility control

Why or how does it play such a major role in the betterment of a society? I have a little story to share. Like all women, my friend was also super excited about her wedding. It was the perfect match, the man was perfect with a well-paying job, loving family and most importantly he was a man with a heart of gold. Are you wondering how our discussion on contraception fits into the scheme of this here?

Let me explain. Here’s what happened! Couple of days before their big day, my friend’s to be husband made it very clear to her that he does not want to use any contraceptive. But, he did not want a child for a year at least. And, that he also did not want her to use a barrier method of contraception (female condoms) either! The other conditions laid down by her to be partner was also that she had to lose weight and remain slim for the rest of her life. This is kind of a heard story right? It does not come as a surprise.

Now, my friend was in atotal fix. There were so many terms and conditions and unfortunately she had no say in the matter. It was told to her and she had to follow it. She was not very keen on OCPs (Oral Contraceptive Pills) given their side effects like weight gain, nausea, sore or swollen breasts, lighter or heavy periods, mood changes, abdominal pain and headaches. So what other option was she left with?

IUCD (Intrauterine Contraceptive Device)-It is a small contraceptive device, often ‘T’-shaped, containing either copper or levonorgestrel, which is inserted into the uterus. They are one form of long-acting reversible contraception which are the most effective types of reversible birth control.

Was my friend aware that it is not advisable to use IUCDs unless you have conceived at least once? Nope! She wasn’t aware nor did she take any medical advice. So just to keep her husband happy, she opted for IUCD.

What happened next?!!

She started having adverse effects like excessive bleeding during menses, abdominal pain, and loss of weight and before we knew it, she looked under nourished.

What led to all this? Who was to be blamed? Was it the girl’s fault? Or was it her husband, who had the notion that using a barrier method reduces the pleasure or the basic psyche that the girl must to do all that pleases her husband irrespective of what the consequences could be. I would say all three and most importantly it’s the lack of knowledge about contraception.

I am saddened by the thought that some people still think contraception is unnecessary as it decreases libido and that it’s a taboo. Well, trust me folks it is not so. When one uses contraception, they can avoid unwanted pregnancies and space planned pregnancies to promote optimal birth outcomes.

When a pregnancy is planned, one can start prenatal care, including increasing their intake of folic acid; work with the gynecologists to address relevant medical conditions, as well as substance abuse; and take other steps that lead to healthier outcomes for both the mother and the infant.

Pregnancies that are unplanned are more likely to be affected by delayed prenatal care, maternal depression, low birth weight, poorer childhood physical and mental health, and other complications. Breastfeeding rates are also lower after unintended pregnancies. We should also remember that most of the unintended pregnancies end in abortion, which affects both the parents psychologically and affects the mother physically.

When you look at the facts, contraception is a smart public health policy.

Of course, for some women, birth control is essential for other health reasons, including acne, fibroids, and endometriosis and to reduce problems associated with irregular or very heavy periods.

There are several methods of contraception:

Natural Family Planning (NFP): Couples can use NFP techniques like the rhythm method, basal body temperature, or the cervical mucus method to try to pinpoint when a woman is ovulating (fertile). To prevent pregnancy, sexual intercourse is to be avoided around the time of ovulation.

Other methods include barrier method (condoms), OCPs, IUCDs.

Remember, contraception plays an important role in the well-being of the family and the society as a whole.

Finally, don’t forget to consult your gynecologist for advice on the right Contraceptive method for you.

September 27, 2016 By Leah Burkhart 1 Comment

The Foods all Nutritionists agree are ‘Good For You’.

We all love reading about the latest trending super food. Whether its Acai berry, Maca powder, or cacao nibs…we wanna know what’s going to up our metabolism or give us that boost of energy we are absolutely itching to have again.

Well folks…let the drum roll begin. Because the REAL super food category of the hour is not some fancy-named upgraded coffee bean or a concoction of some super vitamin made in a lab somewhere.

It is…..

Plants. Specifically fruits and vegetables (Background applause!!!)

Wait….how come you’re leaving? Wait! No…seriously! they are SUPER good for you!

I know, I know. It’s WAY snazzier to imagine that the secret ingredient is some hidden oil or seed or fruit buried at the bottom of Indiana Jones’ cavern. We want the food to be a singular holy grail. But, that is just not the way of it.

No – I’m afraid your mother, and her mother before her and HER mother before HER knew what they were talking about when they said simply “eat your vegetables.”

We have the evidence to prove it. Here are just a FEW examples of the tangible benefits researchers have uncovered about eating more vegetables.

Those who eat more fruits and vegetables (at least 8 servings per day) are 30 percent less likely to have heart disease. (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/)
Those who eat more fruits and vegetables (specifically 8 servings or more) report greater levels of happiness and emotional satisfaction. http://sciencenewsjournal.com/eat-fruit-veggies-happy/
Eating fruits and vegetables is associated with better weight loss and management outcomes:https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/nutrition/pdf/rtp_practitioner_10_07.pdf
Eating a high concentration of fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of cancer:http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/diet-and-cancer/how-healthy-eating-prevents-cancer
Those who eat as few as five servings of fruits and vegetables every day tend to live longer. http://nutritionfacts.org/2015/09/17/how-much-longer-do-fruit-and-vegetable-eaters-live/
Eating fruits and vegetables can even improve your sex life:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/knowmore-tv/8-ways-eating-fruit-juice_b_9872488.html

So if you’re looking for the newest, latest and greatest super-food, you really need no look toward the dark corners of the Bermuda triangle. It’s right in front of you at your local farmer’s market.

March 8, 2016 By Ruta Satam 1 Comment

With brave wings she flies: Celebrating Womanhood

Ruta Satam

She is a symbol of indomitable courage and power and the most beautiful creation of human kind whose mere absence is the loss of fragrance of life, she is the one who bears, rears and nurtures the life of all.

Today, the day of March 8^th we celebrate womanhood to mark the International Women’s Day also known as International Working Women’s Day across the world in order to focus the achievements and contributions of the women in the society.

This is not a new phenomenon. Since the 1900s we have been celebrating womanhood in order to bring about a positive change towards gender equality and demanding equal rights for woman. There are several inspiring stories about women in India who have transformed their lives from just being Home makers to Change makers.

Today, we take you through some of these inspiring stories of women who have made an immense contribution towards helping other people in the society.

Pratima Devi: For most she might come across as a mere rag picker but, Pratima Devi is more than just a rag picker. She is a foster mother to 300 stray dogs. She does not care even if she gets a meal to eat but, she makes sure that these dogs do not hungry. You seldom find such individuals who are ready to forgo their own meal for a dog. She has been applauded for her great work and was awarded the Godfrey Philips Bravery Award for Social Bravery.
Priti Patkar: One always looks down upon sex workers as if they are some kind of a disease. However, Priti Patkar thought differently. She considered them one amongst us and decided to help them. She started an NGO-Prerna that has been doing pioneering work in the red light area of Mumbai. Looking at the plight of the kids of these sex workers she started the world’s first-night care center for children of these women.
Kalavati Devi: Then you have Kalavati Devi, a local resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh who thought about Swach Bharat and stop of open defecation in villages way before the PM Narendra Modi started the’ Swach Bharat’ movement. This 50-year-old woman helped in building toilets across all slums and lower income neighbourhoods in her city. She went from house-to-house speaking to families and conducted joint meetings with the community to convince them to back her plan. The result of her efforts has paid in the form of funds pouring and getting support from the municipal corporation to build 50 seat toilets for approximately 700 families across the slums of Kanpur.
Chetna Gala: When we talk about women empowerment we only look at working women in corporate and the urban cities. Empowering women to participate fully in economic life across all sectors is essential to build stronger economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women, men, families and communities. Let me take you through the women entrepreneurs of Mahaswad, Satara. They are part of Mann Deshi Udyogini, a ‘B-school’ for rural women. Mann Deshi Udyogini is not your average B-school and its students are most unlike typical management students. They are goatherds, vegetable vendors, roadside tea sellers, daily-wage labourers and homemakers, among other things. The classrooms are also unusual. The goat herding course, for instance, is taught in the fields. Mann Deshi Udyogini was founded by social activist Chetna Gala Sinha in 2006 with the support of HSBC Bank. The business school is run by Chetna’s Mann Deshi foundation. She works for social change in some of the poorest and most drought-stricken areas of rural India.
Andrea Thumshirn: Finally, social work in India is not the prerogative of the Indian’s alone. We also have several foreign nationals who have visited the country once and decided to stay back and help the under privileged in their own little way. Andrea Thumshirn, a German premier league hockey player is one such foreign national who came to India as a tour operator. But, things changed for her when she visited a remote village in Rajasthan and decided to stay there and teach hockey to rural kids. She brings the same passion and love for the game to India and trains kids to play hockey in Garh Himmat Singh village in Rajasthan through her NGO called Hockey Village India

Good in work and all her deeds,
She does everything without any greed.
Her aims for life are very high,
She always has a vision in her sparkling eye.
She always believes in hard work and perseverance,
Her heart is filled with endurance.
She loves to help;
She loves to share,
A lot of pain she has to bare.
she has an ability to choose good,
so lets all of us Celebrate Womanhood!

Amelia Cruise