Search Health Tips
Showing posts with label woman health Tip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label woman health Tip. Show all posts

Women Health Care

Women health care in most cases takes a back seat because of the multitude tasks she has to undertake. Health care for women means extra nutrition and care especially when they cross the age of 30. They should follow specific diet tips and develop a healthy eating habit. Diseases that are common in women are anemia, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, migraine, weight gain and weakness. They are the ailments which begin with simple symptoms but might go to extreme degrees if adequate attention is not provided. So if you could only try to follow the health tips for women before it gets too late for everything then you can ensure a healthy you.

There are various health magazines for women and women health websites giving a number of healthy tips for women. Women's health care practices will indeed improve if they put a stern eye over the health tips offered by the various sources. So let us have a look over the simplest of ways and try to remain healthy and happy. With the tips you will be highly benefited and you will slowly find the changes in you and your health.


You should drink lots of water. At least 8 -12 glasses of water consumption should be done by an adult. Develop a healthy eating habit and live more on fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and food rich in fiber, shoots, seeds and cereals. Increase your protein intake and also have more of carbohydrate in your diet. Calcium rich diet is also essential for women as they tend to suffer a lot from osteoporosis after menopause. You should do some, yoga, exercises and work out a daily basis, so that you can stay in shape as well as fit and healthy. These will surely help you to remain active for a long time.

Working Women Health Care



Doctors and fitness experts all over the world recommend balanced diet high in proteins and low in fats and carbohydrates. Diet containing enough vitamins and minerals improve immunity and mental performance. Drink lots of water. Fresh fruit juices are good for health. Beverages like tea, coffee and fizzy drinks must be avoided. Even if you drink tea or coffee try to avoid the consumption of sugar. Exercise regularly. Go for morning walks, jogging, cycling or climb stairs to stay active. It keeps you fit and decreases stress and anxiety. Keep a check on your weight to ensure that you stay fit. Devote your time to pursue your hobbies to get relief from stress and anxiety. Regular health checkups will warn you timely about health complications. Sleep for 8 hours to stay fresh the next day. These are the health tips which should be followed by working women to stay healthy.

Health Tips for Women

Do you find it hard to balance your work and family? Have you thought of taking a much-needed break? It is medically proven women are much more prone to health risks than men. Women's health needs extra care and attention. Their constitution is very different and hence needs special care. The importance of taking care of ones health is not understood by many women. But the earlier they understand it is better for them.

Here are some health tips, which should be religiously followed amidst all the ordeals, such as, full-time job, meeting office targets, family responsibilities and household chores. These round the clock duties and responsibilities are the major factors that take its toll on women. Many a times it is hard for women's to juggle and strike a perfect balance between their personal and professional life.

Amidst all hard work, and family responsibilities women go through different hormonal changes, pregnancy, and the period of menopause; and women rarely get the time to give personal attention to their health and wellness. Still if the simple daily health tips for women can be included in the daily schedule then you can find a sea of changes in every woman and her health.

Nutrition and food safty tips

Wash your hands with soap before you handle food and again after touching raw meat, fish or poultry.

2. When eating, always consider whether what you are about to eat will benefit your baby and try to avoid those foods that are low in nutrition value.

3. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

4. Though two foods have the same amount of calories, they do not necessarily have the same nutritional value. A doughnut with 300 calories is not as beneficial to you and your child as is a bran muffin with the same amount of calories. When faced with similar decisions, try to choose the foods that have are the most nutrient-dense. Here are some good guidelines to follow in this regard:

- Always choose lean meats over fatty ones
- Drink fat-free, or low-fat milk instead of other versions.
- Try and reduce the number of fried foods you consume, opting for broiled foods.
- Decrease the amount of butter or margarine you spread on your bread.
- If sautéing, use 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil as opposed to greater amounts or vegetable oil.

5. Always use a clean cutting board and knife. Wash them well after using for raw meats, fish and poultry.

6. Refrigerate uneaten food promptly.

7. Eat smaller frequent meals if you are plagued with nausea problems or heartburn or reduced stomach space later in pregnancy. This can also help level out blood sugar levels making you feel a bit better during the day. You should also never skip any meals. Remember, if you are skipping a meal, so is your child.

8. Variety is very important. It helps ensure that you’re gathering the daily doses of recommended vitamins and minerals every day. It also helps prevent boredom with your diet which can lead to straying.

Foods to avoid:

- Deli meats (such as ham, bologna and salami) are an occasional cause of food poisoning. Avoid them or reheat them before eating.

Some women need to be especially careful about what they eat while pregnant. If you have a food allergy (to peanuts, eggs, wheat or cow’s milk, for example), a family history of food allergies or a partner with a food allergy, you can avoid that food. Some studies indicate that your baby may have an increased risk of developing a food allergy later in life if you, your partner or a family member has a food allergy. You may wish to consult a food allergy specialist for help in planning your diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

- Alcohol. If you drink alcohol, your baby does, too. Even small amounts of alcohol can harm your unborn baby—there is no “safe” level of alcohol consumption when you’re pregnant. Women who drink heavily during pregnancy can have a baby with a group of birth defects called fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation. Many more babies whose mothers drink lightly or moderately are born with lesser degrees of alcohol-related proble


Aviod of food Pregnancy

Unfortunately food preparation is included in the list of cautions. However, with a few simple rules you can have a carefree and safe pregnancy. Most pregnant women know that they are to avoid or minimize things that have little or no nutritional value, like caffeine, sweets, processed foods, etc.. However, there are some things that also need to
be watched for in general:
Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tile fish - These fish can contain potentially risky levels of mercury. Mercury can be transferred to the growing fetus and cause serious health problems. An expert panel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised pregnant women to eat no more than 12 ounces of canned tuna per week. Also avoid eating any game fish without first checking its safety with your local health department.

Raw fish, especially shellfish (oysters, clams)

Undercooked meat, poultry, seafood and hot dogs - Cook all meat, poultry and seafood thoroughly to kill bacteria. Cook hot dogs until they are steaming hot. Deli meats (such as ham, salami, and bologna) are an occasional cause of food poisoning; pregnant women may choose to avoid them or reheat them before eating.

Avoid salmonella - This is usually traceable to eggs and chicken meat. This means no more licking the cake batter spoon! You should always ensure that your eggs and meats are cooked thoroughly. When using a cutting board for chicken be sure to wash it prior to using it for another food, particularly things like raw vegetables. Symptoms can include: headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, shivering or fever. Usually symptoms occur within 12-48 hours after infection and lasts about 2-3 days. Only if it is severe will treatment usually be necessary. Though if you’re vomiting and become dehydrated IV therapy may be beneficial.

Soft-scrambled eggs - and all foods made with raw or lightly cooked eggs

Womens Health & Womens Fitness Secrets Revealed

Womens health & fitness Knowledge is the CRITICAL factor that separates healthy, fit, attractive women from the average ones struggling to get by.

Type in a couple of womans health or fitness related keywords in any search engine and what have you got? More often than not, no relative womens health or fitness information at all.

Tons of low quality web sites doing nothing more than trying to sell you low-quality products; which they try to tell you are credible, scientifically backed products.

No information on health conditions, no help for fitness or nutrition related problems, no prevention or treatment information...

Nothing at all!

OK, now let's be honest...there are some extremely worthwhile women health, womens fitness and nutrition sites on the Internet for you.

But you'll notice that the women health & womens fitness and nutrition information you'll find here is quite different from those as well...

The purpose of the vast womans health and fitness information you'll find here is to teach you how to identify womens health fitness, weight loss and nutrition problems and how to fix them...

Do You Have A Womens Fitness, Health Or Nutrition Story To Tell?

If you have a personal story on any subject contained on this website you can now add it for others to read – right here! You can help other women who are going through the same things you are or have the same interests as you.

The best thing is... it's very simple to do. Just go to the page with the topic that most interests you and use the form near the bottom of the page to add your story.

And...After you add your personal story, advice or related information, you'll receive a free gift. There's a different one for almost every topic on this website. How’s that for a big incentive to get involved?

It will be a while before we will have all our pages and topics set up to accept your stories or additional information.

If there's a topic that you have an interest in, go to that page and scroll down to near the bottom to add your story. Please come back on a regular basis as we will be adding additional topics each day.

Improving a womans health is easier than you may think, but you'll find that you may be able to do it in a different manner than you currently are.

Every women health, fitness, weight loss and nutrition topic on this site has been extensively tested, including any womens health products you may find mentioned.

In addition, these findings on women health, fitness, weight loss and nutrition have been used on our patients, clients and ourselves, so you know you're getting accurate, concise and unbiased information on every womens health related topic here.

In addition to the many women health conditions you may face, you are also more vulnerable to the pressures of society to look thin.

But of course thin doesn't always result in good womans health or womens fitness levels.

In almost any magazine, on television or radio, it seems to be stressed over and over again that thin is beautiful, and if you are thin you will also be successful.

It's this unrealistic view that causes women to become underweight, unhealthy, and sick and even develop life-threatening conditions.

Here you will find very specific information on women health conditions. This ranges from minor womens health conditions to life-threatening conditions.

If careful attention is not given to diet, specific nutrients and exercise, this will lead to many women health and fitness related problems.

Womans health risk factors for many different womens health & womens fitness conditions & diseases and other ailments manifest differently in women than in men.

Therefore you, like all other women, need womens health advice that's easy to understand, relative to your unique situation and based on scientific women health, fitness, weight loss and nutrition research.

The womans health & womens fitness information you'll find on this entire site is written for all women. From teenagers to older women, both healthy and in poor health.

And it's all immediately usable women health, fitness, weight loss & nutrition information and strategies. You can now learn how to prevent many different women health problems from occurring.

Womens health conditions that concern you and every woman you know! The very extensive women health information on this site is unprecedented.

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This will enable you to visit for more womans health, fitness, weight loss and nutrition information, easily at any time right from your desktop computer without having to search the entire internet.

This womens health site is updated for you on a continual basis. New information concerning womans health, fitness, weight loss and nutrition is being added for you all the time.

So please, before starting to explore the womans health information on this site, bookmark us now. It's very quick and done automatically for you

Women Health and Fitness - Best Weight Loss Tips - They’re Easy You want the best weight loss tips ever? You came to the right place. Losing weight is

You want the best weight loss tips ever? You came to the right place. Losing weight is never easy, but if you’re ready to commit to it, if you’re ready to make your move into a thinner, more energetic future there is no better time than right now. And that’s weight loss tip number one?

5 best weight loss tips:

1: Begin right where you are, wherever you are. Too many people spend so much time searching for weight loss answers, that by the time they find them, they’re too tired to implement them. Weight loss strategy number one: Begin

2: Don’t do too much to start. You know why most people fail? They begin fast and furious and burn out quicker than the 4th of July. Weight loss strategy number two: Pace yourself.

3: Keep record of your progress. Its tough sometimes, to get a person to write down their goals. Write down your starting points. Write down your progress: exercise times, dieting habits, etc. Write down where you want to finish. Doing this makes everything more real. You do want ‘real’ results right? Weight loss strategy number three: Keep a journal.

4: Pick a diet and stick with it. The next best weight loss diet just hit the bookstores and everybody is talking about it. Yippee. Not! These kinds of distractions are exactly the thing that derails most would-be success stories. We get bored too easy. Here’s a secret: bored gets the job done, fast. Weight loss strategy number four: Decide on a diet you like and ride that baby to the finish line.

5: Keep fuel in the engine. Fuel is motivation. The engine is you. It is your brain. It is your focus. It is your determination. The engine is all these things and more. To keep it running smooth and efficiently, add motivational materials in the form of inspirational books, music and CDs. Weight loss strategy number five: Stay inspired.

There are your 5 best weight loss tips. Use them, and watch your reflection grow smaller and smaller, until you reach the body weight you desire. Then do them over and over again. Life is a cycle. To be successful, you must move with it. Good luck!

Get your FREE subscription to Underground Weight Loss VIDEOS. Plus a FREE copy of the Fat-Slashing Power Formula: Weight Loss Secrets! Just for visiting: http://www.insaneweightloss.com/Underground.html

*********************************** Be Fit in Your 40s and Beyond! Learn the steps for perfect health after 40. Sign up for a FREE membership! You will have access to information such as nutritional tips, fat burning recipes, nutritional tools, articles, weight loss tips and so much more. Visit us at http://www.Over40DietTips.com to learn the steps for perfect health after 40.

Birth Control Options After 40

Birth control options are growing for women 40 and older - a group that once viewed its choices as pretty much limited to tube-tying surgery and condoms.

For them, the pill is back. So is the IUD. The reason is that both are safer. There's even a nonsurgical method of tube-tying.

Such options have long been needed, experts say, because 40- and 50-somethings are a complex group. Some have had several children and are willing to have sterilization surgery. Others may want children, but not right now.

Traditionally, women 40 and older are the least likely to use birth control. Along with adolescents, they have the highest rates of abortion. At the same time, these women are more experienced at using contraception and follow instructions better.

When it comes to contraceptives for women 40 and older, "one size definitely does not fit all," said Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for medical affairs of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

A review of the current science of contraception and women 40 and older was published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine. The author, University of Florida gynecologist Dr. Andrew Kaunitz, noted that the risk of dangerous blood clots rises sharply at age 40 for women who take birth control pills containing estrogen.

The risk is even greater for overweight women, who also are more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes.

But the dosage of estrogen in current birth control pills has been dramatically reduced. The pill is now considered a safe alternative for lean, healthy, older women Kaunitz and other experts said.

"It may not be well known that the current low-dose formulations are a reasonable option for healthy women in their 40s," said Dr. JoAnn Manson, a Harvard endocrinologist who wrote a book on menopausal hormone therapy.

The pill may be preferable for some women, because it can help control irregular menstrual bleeding and hot flashes and has been shown to reduce hip fractures and ovarian cancer, wrote Kaunitz. He has received fees or grants from several companies that make oral contraceptives.

But middle-aged women who are obese, smoke, have migraines, high blood pressure or certain other risk factors should be steered toward IUDs or progestin-only treatments like "mini-pills," experts said.

Higher breast cancer rates have been reported in older women who took estrogen-progestin pills for menopause. However, studies did not find an increased breast cancer risk in women 35 and older who took oral contraceptives.

The most common form of contraception for women 40 and older continues to be sterilization - a category that counts tubal ligations (tube-tying) in women as well as vasectomies in their male partners.

Increasingly, gynecologists are offering a newer type of tubal ligation that is nonsurgical. The procedure, called Essure, was approved by the government in 2002. Instead of cutting through the abdomen to cut and tie the fallopian tubes, a doctor works through the cervix, using a thin tube to thread small devices into each fallopian tube. These cause scarring, which in about three months plugs the tubes, stopping eggs from the ovaries from reaching the uterus.

Also relatively new is a product called Implanon, approved by the government in 2006. It's a matchstick-sized plastic rod, placed under the skin of the upper arm, that is a more modern cousin of Norplant and can last about three years.

"Things have definitely changed. There are a lot more options for older women than there used to be," said Dr. Erika Banks, director of gynecology at New York City's Montefiore Medical Center.

Choosing the right contraception can be a bit of an odyssey, said Lisa Riley, a 44-year-old who works in Banks' medical practice. Last week, Riley got a new IUD.

When she was younger, she took the pill. It worked, but she stopped it to have kids - twins - in 1993. She was nervous about returning to the pill because of worries about a possible cancer risk. For about a year, she and her husband used condoms, but he got tired of that, Riley said.

She had friends on IUDs so she chose that option. It worked well for several years until it began to cause heavy menstrual bleeding. After Banks advised her to get a new one, she chose Mirena, a version that releases hormones and should last for five years.

For now, Riley doesn't plan any more children. But she wasn't ready for sterilization. "It's too permanent for me," she said.

Fight Fat After 40!

Not exercising as often as you'd like? We all get sidetracked now and then. So we asked top fitness experts to create 4 routines that anyone can ease into—and they all take 20 minutes or less. In a study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA, exercising 15 minutes a day 3 or 4 times a week was all women needed to shed abdominal fat. Try 1 plan or all 4! In just 2 weeks, you'll notice a tighter belly, a loss of 1 to 2 pounds, better muscle tone (and higher metabolism), and more energy!

1. "I gain weight more easily since turning 40"

Boost Metabolism with a Strength Circuit

This full-body circuit routine—doing one strength exercise after another without rest—builds fat-burning muscle fast while targeting belly bulge with ab moves. A University of Hawaii study found that circuit-training raises your heart rate higher than vigorous running (15 beats per minute faster). The moves alternate between upper and lower body, so your heart works harder pumping blood up and down your body. "All that extra work means a bigger calorie burn," says trainer Juan Carlos Santana.

Your Workout At A Glance:

Weeks 1 + 2: Perform the routine 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days. Using light dumbbells (3 to 5 pounds), do 1 set of 12 to 15 repetitions of each move in the order given. Do the exercises without stopping or rest for no longer than 15 seconds.

Weeks 3 + 4: Repeat the circuit twice so you're doing a total of 2 sets per exercise.

Keep It Up: After 4 weeks, try increasing the weights by 1 to 3 pounds. You'll burn fat, tone muscle, and build bone even faster!

1. LATERAL LIFT

Tones legs and butt

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips, then slowly squat until thighs are almost parallel to ground.

As you push back up, lift left leg out to side as if you were going to step out—leg should create a 45-degree angle with ground. Hold for 1 second, then return foot to ground.

Squat with both feet once more, then repeat with right leg. That's 1 rep.

2. CHEST FLY & PRESS

Tones shoulders, chest, and triceps

Lie faceup with dumbbell in each hand, elbows and knees bent, feet flat. Raise arms above chest, palms facing each other. Slowly lower arms out to sides as far as you can, then raise back to start. Next, bend arms and lower weights until upper arms touch ground, elbows out to sides to form a T. Straighten arms, pressing weights above you. That's 1 rep.

3. PLIé SQUAT

Tones legs and butt

Stand straight with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointed out. Hold one end of dumbbell in each hand in front of you, arms hanging straight down. Squat slowly until thighs are almost parallel to ground. Slowly rise back up, pushing down on heels to help contract glutes and hamstrings.

4. ONE-ARM ROTATION ROW

Tones back and biceps

Stand with right side next to bench or bed, holding dumbbell in left hand. Rest right hand and knee on bench and bend at waist—back should be almost parallel to ground, left arm hanging down, palm facing forward. Slowly pull weight up to side, rotating it as you go so palm faces behind you at top. Lower weight, rotating it so palm faces forward at bottom. Complete reps, then switch sides to work right arm.

5. LUNGE

Shapes legs and butt

Stand tall with dumbbell in each hand, feet hip-width apart, arms hanging straight down at sides, palms facing in. Step 2 to 3 feet forward with left foot and lower your body until left thigh is almost parallel to ground. Right leg should be extended behind you with only ball of right foot on ground. Push off left foot to return to start position, then repeat with right leg. That's 1 rep.

6. TUCK & CRUNCH

Tones abs

Lie faceup with knees bent, feet on ground. Touch hands lightly to sides of head, pointing elbows toward knees. Curl head and shoulders up as you raise knees toward elbows try to touch thighs with elbows then slowly lower. Avoid pulling head forward with hands.

7. UPPERCUT

Tones shoulders and arms

Stand tall with dumbbell in each hand, arms at sides, palms facing forward. Curl both weights up to shoulders, then draw hands in toward each other until weights touch in front of chest. Press weight in right hand above head, palm facing you. Lower back to chest, then repeat move with left hand. Lower back to chest. Separate weights so hands are in front of shoulders, then curl weights back down.

8. ROTATING KNEE

Tones abs and obliques

Lie faceup with knees bent, feet on ground with arms out to sides, palms facing up. Keeping legs together, lift butt and feet an inch off ground and slowly rotate legs to right, lowering them to ground without touching. Hold, return to center, then twist to left. Alternate from right to left. If the move is too intense, rest butt on ground between reps.

Watch out for pregnancy pitfalls after 40

Many of today’s women are delaying childbearing until later in life for a variety of reasons, including career choices, financial status, late marriage and remarriage. In addition, successful treatment of previously infertile women over 40 is on the rise. In fact, reports indicate successful pregnancies in women over 60!

While such cases raise complex social and ethical issues (not to mention medical issues), the fact of the matter is that more women over 40 are choosing to start a new family or add to their present one.

Of course, for some women, it’s not a matter of choice. Unplanned pregnancies account for a large proportion of babies born to women over 40. What risks do these women incur? Let’s examine the facts regarding pregnancy in this age group and strategies to reduce the risks.

The facts

Standard medical teaching indicates a higher risk for pregnancy complications in women over 35. These complications can be categorized as follows:

  • Medical illnesses affecting the mother and fetus
  • Genetic abnormalities and birth defects
  • Pregnancy loss
  • Complications of labor and delivery

As age increases beyond 35, so does each of these risks. Nevertheless, proper preparation before pregnancy and early prenatal care can help assure the best outcome.

Maternal and child illnesses

Certain medical conditions occur more frequently in pregnant women over 40, including diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid disorders. Fortunately, these conditions can be diagnosed and controlled prior to pregnancy, and many of the medications used to treat these disorders can be safely used during pregnancy. If you currently take medication and you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor. A change in medication or an adjustment of dosage may be necessary.

If not properly treated, maternal illnesses can adversely affect the fetus. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can restrict fetal growth and in severe cases, can result in stillbirth. Undiagnosed diabetes can carry with it a higher risk of birth defects, and poor blood-sugar control during pregnancy can result in abnormal fetal growth. Early prenatal care and judicious use of medication can lower these risks significantly.

Genetic defects

It is an unfortunate but incontrovertible fact that as a woman ages, a higher proportion of her eggs contain chromosomal abnormalities. At the present time, some infertility centers have the technology to weed out these abnormal eggs, but for the majority of women who become pregnant after 40, the risk of a genetic defect increases based on age.

While the general population of childbearing women has a 3 percent chance of delivering a child with a birth defect, after 40 this risk rises to between 6 percent and 8 percent. The likelihood of having a baby with Down’s syndrome is approximately 1 in 365 at the age of 35. This number increases to 1 in 100 by 40 and up to 1 in 40 at the age of 45.

Pregnancy loss

Pregnancy loss also increases with advancing age. Approximately 50 percemt of early (first trimester) miscarriages are due to genetic abnormalities of the fetus. Overall, pregnant women experience miscarriage 15 percent of the time. After 40, this incidence nearly doubles. There is also a moderate increase in stillbirths after 40 due to a combination of medical complications affecting pregnancy and lethal birth defects.

Complications of labor and delivery

Complications of labor and delivery that are seen more frequently in women over 40:

  • Premature labor
  • Premature separation of the placenta resulting in hemorrhage
  • Placenta previa (abnormal placement of the placenta over the opening of the cervix)
  • Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (fetal waste in the amniotic fluid which can be harmful if breathed in at birth)
  • Postpartum hemorrhage
  • Malpresentations (breech or other positions other than head down)

As a result, the rate of Cesarean section is considerably higher in this age group.

Lowering the risks

Although the risks associated with pregnancy after 40 are numerous and sometimes unavoidable, there are several strategies that women over 40 can use to reduce these risks.

See your doctor

First and foremost, make an appointment to see your doctor BEFORE you get pregnant. This “pre-conception” visit will give your doctor the opportunity to diagnose and treat any disorders that might otherwise go undetected prior to the initial prenatal visit.

A thorough evaluation prior to pregnancy will allow your doctor to give you an idea of your individual risk. There may be cases in which pregnancy will be ill-advised. However, for the majority of women over 40, early prenatal care and good health habits will result in a healthy baby and a happy mother.

Get healthy

The idea is to be as healthy as you can BEFORE you get pregnant. Here are some tips:

  • If you smoke, quit.
  • Avoid alcohol – alcohol can increase the risk of certain birth defects and interfere with proper fetal growth.
  • Avoid caffeine – even moderate caffeine intake might increase your risk of miscarriage (although this remains controversial).
  • Eat a well-balanced diet – this means one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy and other protein sources. If you need help, ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian.
  • Start a prenatal vitamin prior to pregnancy and stick with it. The folic in prenatal vitamins is known to reduce certain birth defects and the iron supplement will combat anemia.
  • Exercise regularly, but moderately. Exercise is good for toning muscles and limbering joints, thereby decreasing the normal aches and pains associated with pregnancy. If you don’t exercise already, check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Get tested

If you are concerned about the risk of genetic defects, ask your doctor about tests that can help identify these types of problems. Blood tests are available to screen for some genetic disorders; a “triple screen” blood test may be obtained to evaluate the risk of neural tube defects and Down’s syndrome.

Genetic amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling is routinely offered to women after 35. Amniocentesis is usually done in the third or fourth month of pregnancy and involves removal of amniotic fluid from the womb for genetic testing. There is a minimal (0.5 percent) risk of miscarriage associated with this test. This risk is outweighed however by the slightly larger risk of having an undetected abnormality.

Chorionic villus sampling can be done earlier in pregnancy and involves the removal of a minute amount of placental tissue, which can then be tested for genetic abnormalities. Discuss the risks and benefits of these tests with your doctor early on so you will have ample time to make an informed decision.

Are You Starving Yourself to Slim Down? You Could Be Suffering From Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder as well as a psychological disorder. Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond dieting and the signs of anorexia can be hard to interpret and understand. A person with anorexia symptoms might initially start dieting to lose weight. With anorexic people losing weight turns into an issue concerning the control or fears relating to one's body.

The effects of anorexia can cause many different physical and mental problems. Some heath threatening side effects of this disorder are:

Infertility caused by the absence of menstruation due to hormonal abnormalities. Bone loss. As the body gets fewer nutrients than it really needs and hormonal imbalance shakes the body's system of regeneration, bone loss or bone damage may occur

Anxiety linked with a higher risk for certain chronic conditions, Women's Health Watch

As an everyday emotion, anxiety can be a good thing, prompting us to take extra precautions. But when anxiety persists, it can undermine our physical health. Evidence suggests that people with anxiety disorders are at greater risk for some chronic medical conditions.

Gastrointestinal disorders: About 10% to 20% of Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia. In these disorders, the nerves regulating digestion appear to be hypersensitive to stimulation. There are no firm data on the prevalence of anxiety disorders in people with such digestive disorders, but a recent New Zealand study found an association between high anxiety levels and the development of IBS.

Chronic respiratory disorders: Although results vary, most studies have found a high rate of anxiety symptoms and panic attacks in patients who have chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with women at greater risk than men. In several studies involving COPD patients, anxiety has been associated with more frequent hospitalization and with more severe distress at every level of lung function. So even if anxiety doesn’t affect the progress of the disease, it takes a substantial toll on quality of life.

Heart disease: Anxiety disorders have also been linked to the development of heart disease and to heart attacks in people who already have heart disease. Two recent studies concluded that among people with heart disease, those suffering from an anxiety disorder were twice as likely to have a heart attack as those with no history of anxiety disorders.

Harvard Women’s Health Watch reports good news as well: understanding and treating anxiety can often improve the outcome for people with chronic diseases.

Women's and men's health

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a well-established therapeutic area for Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Our products for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and complaints have a prominent leading worldwide position.

The ongoing debate about the appropriate use of HRT urges for shorter courses of therapy (less than 5 years) at lower doses, which is very much in line with our philosophy. We recommend patients taking our HRT products to continue, as long as the benefit of alleviation of severe symptoms outweighs the risk. HRT remains attractive for many women.

The control over menopausal symptoms like hot flushes allows them to function normally in their professional and private lives. Ongoing work will continue to define the best uses for HRT and its benefits.

In Men’s Health we have signed an additional agreement for important geographical expansion to one of our best selling product.

Fitness and Health Tips Men and Women

Fitness and health tips including information on men's and women's health and wellness including advanced nutritional products for the immune system, joint health, weight loss and general health. All five components of fitness and health: strength training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and flexibility training are discussed in the Muscle Fitness section of the site.

Here are nine specific Fitness and Health Tips:
Don’t Smoke - One of the main reasons why people decide not to give up smoking, and sadly, the reason why some people take it up is the effect smoking supposedly has on weight gain or loss. It is true that smoking has been associated with an increase in metabolism it is a drug!! However it is a dangerous, addictive drug and surely the tiny effect it has on your metabolism is outweighed by the huge risk of dying from lung cancer.

Drink More Water - You can live three weeks without food, However you can only live for three days without fluid, just think 3 days and its all over, one could suggest that water is fairly important! Your body is anywhere between 60 and 70 percent fluid. The fluid in your body is responsible for helping to keep every system of your body in good working order, including all of your metabolic processes. De-hydrate and everything slows down. The fluid in your body will also ensure that you can move well and be active. If you start to dehydrate, your body’s ability to do basic activities will slow down and your ability to exercise effectively or even enjoy exercise will be reduced. You will feel tired, lethargic and will probably get a headache.

Eat A Variety Of Foods - For protection from the majority of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer you need a variety of foods that deliver that mix of nutrients and minerals. Aim to eat different colored fruits and vegetables. Try to eat a different food each month. Eat an apple a day as the apple pectin cleanses the body’s digestive system by removing toxins and therefore preventing degenerative health problems such as cancer.

Relax For 20 Minutes a Day - Relaxing for at least 20 minutes a day will go a long way to reduce blood pressure and your reactions to stress. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable, Breathe slowly in and out of the nostrils breathing deeply into your abdomen. Say HAM as you inhale and SA as you exhale. These suggestions are charged with positive energy and will help you control your emotions. Try once a day for fantastic results.

Floss Every Day - Flossing your teeth every day is the best way to prevent gum disease and protect your heart. Gum disease, which is left untreated, can lead to inflammatory reactions in the body that can trigger heart disease and stroke.


Drink More Tea - Try drinking more tea instead of coffee to help protect your body from damaging effects of free radicals. Tea is a rich source of antioxidants that play a big role in protecting against some cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Get Active - Aerobic activity not only burns calories but also increases your metabolism and can keep it elevated for several hours after a workout. You don’t need to spend hours each day on the treadmill or bike to reap the benefits. Exercising aerobically for as little as 20 minutes, three to five days a week will make a big difference. Extra movement throughout the day is also essential, take the stairs instead of the lift, lose the remote and move at every opportunity you can.

Get More Sleep - Lack of sleep changes your hormone levels and capacity to metabolize carbohydrates so less sleep = slower metabolism. Studies have revealed that deep sleep causes cell repair and cell growth, which will speed up the metabolism and burn calories. So aim to get at least eight hours sleep a night.

Eat More Protein - Protein stimulates the major brain chemical dopamine which keeps us alert, try chicken or tuna salads for lunch. Go for complex carbohydrates rather than white flour and sugar, as they will provide a sustained energy source as opposed to a quick hit. Another reason to leave simple carbohydrate out of the diet is that they have a negative effect on your skin and how it ages. The more sugar that is in the body the more you force a chemical reaction causing sugars to attach to proteins and this is very detrimental to your skin.


Another Woman Illegally Told to Stop Breastfeeding)

Like many other news outlets these days, WINK News, a Florida CBS affiliate, allows their registered website users to post their own stories. Yesterday, another story of a woman asked by a restaurant to stop breastfeeding, despite state law, appeared on the outlet’s website. Nicole Newland claims that an employee of Arizona Pizza of Ft. Myers told her to stop breastfeeding immediately or cover up immediately.

Florida law states that “A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother’s breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breastfeeding.”

Newland further indicates that the pizza place employee tried to cover her 3-month-old baby’s head with a napkin. Repeatedly. Despite being informed of the state law, she also asked the mother to breastfeed facing a wall.

Because this is user-submitted content, it obviously hasn’t been vetted the same way a regular news story should be, and includes no official response from Arizona Pizza. However, if you’re an employer, you might want to take this as a reminder to learn the law and educate your

Why Women's Health Matters

Jewish women are at higher risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancers than some other women are. Now, a new research study is offering all Jewish women in Ontario free screening for this genetic tendency to develop cancer. Find out more here.



Herbal remedies are very popular these days, and many people swear by them. But it's important to recognise herbs should be used with caution and treated like medicine. You should always let your doctor know what you are taking, as they could have side effects, interfere with other medications or even make certain conditions worse. Read our feature for more details.


Lesbians may be at greater risk for some health problems than straight women are, but are less likely to have certain health tests like Pap smears, because they often don’t know they need them. Read our feature to learn more.


More and more studies are pointing to sleep as an essential ingredient for good health. But getting a good night's sleep can be challenging. Women in particular are vulnerable to difficulties with sleep – especially at certain stages of their lives. Read our feature to learn more.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, which usually starts in the milk sacs or ducts. The tumour may be hard or soft and may sometimes be described as a thickening of the breast. Breast cancers are almost always painless.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, other than skin cancer. It rarely affects men. One woman in nine will develop breast cancer by age 85. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, after lung cancer. It is the leading cause of cancer death among women aged 40 to 55.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada estimates that in 2007, an estimated 22,300 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,300 will die of it.

What Causes Breast Cancer?
No one knows exactly what causes breast cancer, but we do know that certain risk factors - things that increase a person's chance of getting a disease - are linked to breast cancer. Risk factors change depending on the type of cancer. There are a number of risk factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, which may increase the chances of developing breast cancer. For instance, the risk factors associated with diet can be controlled, but risk factors such as a person's age or family history can't be changed.
While all women are at risk for breast cancer, the factors listed below are associated with an increased chance of developing the disease.


Major Risk Factors
Gender
Being female is the main risk factor for breast cancer.

Age
The chance of getting breast cancer increases as a woman gets older.

Genetics
Studies show that between five percent and 10 percent of breast cancers appear to be linked to mutations in certain genes (specifically the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes). If a woman has inherited a mutated gene from either parent, she is more likely to develop breast cancer. More than half of women with inherited mutations will develop breast cancer by the age of 70.

Strong family history
The risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have the disease. Having a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer almost doubles a woman's risk, particularly if the relative was diagnosed before age 50.

Previous breast cancer
Having had cancer in one breast increases the risk of having it in the other.

Earlier radiation treatment
Women who have had chest area radiation treatment have a significantly increased risk of breast cancer (e.g. mantle radiation for Hodgkin's lymphoma).

A biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia
A previous diagnosis of this condition indicates a moderately increased risk. See the description of hyperplasia for details.


Minor risk factors
Reproductive factors
The risk seems to be higher among women who have not had children and in women who had their first baby after the age of 30.

Menstrual history
Women who began having periods early (before 12 years of age) or who went through menopause after the age of 50 also have a small increased risk.

Obesity
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of post-menopausal breast cancer.

Alcohol consumption
At one drink a day, the risk is very small. Those who have two to five drinks daily have about 1.5 times the risk of women who don't drink.

History
A history of previous benign breast biopsies, other than atypical hyperplasia

Infections and Safer Sex

Risks Associated with Sexual Activity
High-Risk Sex
Two kinds of sex that have a high risk of passing infected body fluids from one person to another:
vaginal intercourse; a man's penis entering your vagina
anal intercourse; a man's penis entering your anus
If you are going to have vaginal or anal sex, the best protection against disease is a male or female condom. To help you avoid infection; detailed instructions for using condoms are provided in the birth control section.
A male or female condom is good protection against:

trichomonas
pelvic inflammatory disease
gonorrhea
chlamydia
syphilis
HIV/AIDS
Condoms also offer some protection against:
genital warts
herpes
hepatitis-B virus
Lower Risk Sex
Oral sex is considered lower risk because there are fewer infections you can get in this way. Oral sex means putting your mouth on someone else genitals. Although the risk of getting some infections is lower you can still get these infections through unprotected oral sex:
herpes
hepatitis
gonorrhea
syphilis
very rarely HIV/AIDS
You can also use condoms to protect yourself against these infections during oral sex. If you are performing oral sex on a man, put the condom over the penis to prevent contact between body fluids. If you are performing oral sex on a woman, cut the condom down the side and use it as a flat sheet to prevent contact between body fluids. Microwavable plastic wrap can also be used in this way.
Low Risk Sex
Low risk sex includes touching and rubbing each other's genitals with your hands, kissing and massaging each other. These activities are considered low risk because many sexually transmitted infections including HIV cannot be transmitted in this way. However, oral herpes is easily transmitted during kissing. Genital warts and trichomonas can be passed from one person to another by moving your hands from one person's genitals to another. Crabs can move from one person to another during any close contact.
Using sex toys in combination with a condom is also considered low risk sex. The condom should be placed over the toy and changed for each new act of penetration.

Infections and Safer Sex

Staying safe from disease is an important part of sexual health. Visit your doctor for regular vaginal exams to help ensure you stay healthy. During these exams your doctor can check for infection and can also do a Pap smear to help prevent cervical cancer. These exams are a good opportunity for you to talk to your doctor about birth control and other sexual health issues.

Birth control methods were developed to prevent pregnancy, but some birth control methods also help protect you against sexually transmitted infections. Use the link below to learn more about the infections a woman can get from unprotected sex and about genital infections not passed exclusively through sex.

Safer sex means using a condom and taking care to protect yourself and your partners from infection. Although sex is never risk-free, it can be safer. Using condoms for vaginal and anal sex is only one part of a safer sex strategy. Read the information about safer sex on this Web site and talk to your partner(s) about how you will protect each other from sexually transmitted infections.

Glossary

acute - when disease occurs soon after infection with obvious and sometimes serious symptoms
adjuvant therapy - during cancer treatment, additional or adjuvant treatment is given to destroy any cancer cells that may have spread. Adjuvant treatment is usually systemic, meaning a treatment that affects the entire body. This allows the treatment to attack cancerous cells wherever they are present. The most common example of adjuvant therapy is chemotherapy given after a tumour has been surgically removed.

anaesthetic - a drug used to prevent pain during surgery or other procedure
A general anaesthetic makes the person unconscious. A local anaesthetic numbs the area where the surgery is to be performed. Local anaesthetics may be combined with sedatives to make a person relax and sleepy but not unconscious.

anonymous testing site - a location designated by the Ontario Ministry of Health where doctors are exempt from reporting the identity of people having HIV tests to Public Health; you do not have to use your real name or produce a health card

antibiotics - drugs used to kill bacterial or fungal infections

antibody - a protein molecule made by the immune system that recognizes and attacks a specific invading germ
For example, an antibody that attacks skin bacteria will not respond to an infection with syphilis.

anus - asshole

asthma - a lung condition where the passages of the lungs narrow causing wheezing and breathing difficulties

bacteria - tiny one-celled creatures that reproduce by splitting in half

basal thermometer - a very accurate thermometer that measures a person's temperature to one tenth of a degree e.g. 36.8 degrees

bisexual - a person who is attracted to both men and women

black cohosh - herbal remedy from the plant Cimicfuga racemosa
A First Nations' therapy used to treat menopausal symptoms particularly hot flashes and mood disorders. Several small German studies have shown improvements in menopausal symptoms.

body fluids - fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, saliva
Contact with the body fluids of an infected person puts a person at risk of a number of serious sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and hepatitis.

Cesarean section - the surgical removal of an infant from the uterus when vaginal delivery is not possible

cervical ectropion (also know as cervical ectropian, erosion or eversion) - occurs when the junction where the cells of the vagina turn into the cells of the uterus hangs out into the vagina. It is very common, especially in younger women and those taking birth control pills. Cervical ectropion usually resolves naturally as the cervix matures, some times cervical ectropion may warrent a change in your birth control method.

cervical laceration - a tear in the cervix

cervical mucus - a sticky fluid which assists the movement of sperm through the cervix

chancre - a genital sore causes by syphilis infection

chasteberry - an herbal therapy from the plant Vitex agnus-castus used to treat pre-menstrual syndrome
One small trial of 36 women reported an improvement in both physical and psychological symptoms when using this product. Chasteberry may interfere with birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

chronic - a disease that continues over a long period of time and cannot be eliminated with treatment

chronic fatigue syndrome - a collection of symptoms including tiredness, weakness and muscle pain is called chronic fatigue syndrome; the cause of this condition is not known, although some suspect it is due to environmental sensitivities

cirrhosis - the scarring of the liver due to disease or inflammation

colposcopy - the use of an electronic device to examine the cervix for abnormal cells

common-law relationship - the legal term for the rights and responsibilities that apply between two people who have lived as spouses for a legally determined period of time (often one year) but who have not married

contraception - birth control, family planning

contraction - when muscles tense and shorten it is called a contraction; cramps are caused by muscle contractions

corpus luteum - the case around an ovum when it is still in the ovary
After the ovum has been released this case continues to produce hormones.

curette - a medical instrument with a loop-shaped end used to remove small bits of tissue from the uterus

dementia - severe memory loss and confusion

diabetes - a condition where the body does not breakdown sugar effectively

discharge - a fluid released from the vagina or other organ
Some vaginal discharge is normal and may be released when a woman is aroused. A lot of discharge or a discharge with an unusual odour may indicate an infection.

dysmenorrhea - difficult or painful periods

ectopic pregnancy - when an ovum is fertilized and begins to develop inside the Fallopian tubes; a dangerous condition that can be fatal to a woman if left untreated

ejaculation - the sudden and forceful release of fluids; this term is most often used to describe the release of semen when a man has an orgasm

embryo - the stage of pregnancy following the fertilization of the ovum but before internal organs begin to develop

endometrial cancer - cancer which begins as abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus

endometriosis - a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining is found outside of the uterus usually in the pelvic area; causes pelvic pain and may cause infertility

endometrium - the lining of the uterus that builds up during the menstrual cycle in order to nourish a fertilized ovum; it is shed during menstruation if fertilization doesn't occur

epididymitis - inflammation of the scrotum

episiotomy - a short cut made at the base of the vaginal opening to allow an infant to be born more easily

estrogen - a hormone that regulates the female menstrual cycle

evening primrose oil - oil from the plant Oethra biennis Evening primrose oil is used as an herbal treatment for a number of conditions including premenstrual syndrome. Widely used in Britain for this condition, small British studies have shown it is effective particularly in treating premenstrual irritability and depression. Naturopaths suggest four to six months of use are necessary to observe benefits.

fetus - a fertilized egg grows to form a fetus after seven or eight weeks of pregnancy

fibroid - an abnormal but non-cancerous growth of the muscle of the uterus

folic acid supplements - one of the B vitamins found in large amounts in spinach and liver
Supplements of this vitamin are recommended for all women intending to carry a pregnancy to term, but should be avoided by women undergoing a medical abortion.

foreplay - sexual touching and play in the early stages of arousal that makes a woman and her partner more excited

fungi - single-celled life forms that are larger than bacteria and have organelles (mini-organs) inside the cells

genital warts - bumpy growths in the moist areas in and around the genitals caused by the Human Papilloma Virus

G-spot - the area at the top of the vagina where the back of the clitoris meets the vaginal wall; stimulation of this area may cause female ejaculation

gynaecological - having to do with the female reproductive organs

hepatitis - inflammation of the liver due to bacterial or viral infection

heterosexual - a man or woman who is sexually attracted to someone of the opposite sex

homophobia - fear of lesbians and gay men

hormones - chemical messengers that the body uses to send instructions from one part of the body to another

hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - supplements of the hormones which regulate the female reproductive system; these supplements may be taken during and after menopause to reduce the symtoms of menopause and the risk of some diseases such as osteoporosis

hysterectomy - the removal of the uterus

immune system - the integrated working of a number of the body's cells and organs to defend against infection

implant - when an egg attaches to the lining of the uterus

impotence - being unable to become sexually aroused; most often refers to a man's inability to have an erection

infertility - the inability to have children

intercourse - the penetration of the vagina with a penis

irritable bowel syndrome - a digestive disorder that causes cramping pain and diarrhea

jaundice - a symptom of liver disease that makes the skin and the eyes turn yellowish

Kegel exercises - exercises that may be used to strengthen the muscles surrounding the vagina; check out Kegel exercises in our A-Z Health Topics section for more information

lactobacilli - bacteria that normally live in the vagina and produce lactic acid, which makes the vagina somewhat acidic; this helps control the growth of other bacteria

laminaria - an absorbent material made of seaweed, which is inserted in the cervix where it absorbs water and swells - pushing open the cervix

laparoscopy - surgery done through a very small incision with the guidance of a telescope-like instrument called a laproscope

latex - a type of rubber used to make male condoms and other methods of birth control Some people, particularly health care providers, develop allergies to this substance and must avoid birth control methods that use it.

lesbian - a woman who is sexually attracted to other women

libido - interest in and desire for sex

lochia - vaginal bleeding that lasts for several days after the birth of a child

lubricant - any substances used to make the genitals slippery and ease sexual contact see What exactly is lube?

masturbation - touching one's own body for sexual pleasure

menopause - when a woman's periods have ceased for more than 12 months in a row

menstrual magnification - when an illness repeatedly becomes worse during the two weeks before a woman's period

Mittelschmerz - German for middle pain, this refers to slight pains or twinges that some woman feel when the ovulate

needle exchange - an organization that allows injection drug users to exchange used needles for clean ones in order to control infection

nervous system - the brain, nervous tissue in the spine and nerves that carry sensation throughout the body

obstetric care - the medical care pregnant women receive throughout their pregnancy and during delivery

oral sex - sexual activity where one person uses their mouth to stimulate the other's genitals

orgasm - the peak of sexual excitement when the muscles around the vagina contract in rapid pulses

outercourse - sexual play that does not involve putting the man's penis in the woman's vagina
Outercourse includes hugging and kissing, as well as massaging and stimulating one another's bodies and genitals with your hands and mouth and has a lower risk for pregnancy and infection than intercourse.

ova/ovum - eggs produced by a woman's ovaries (ovum means one egg, ova means more than one)

ovarian cancer - cancer which begins as abnormal cells in a woman's ovaries

ovulate/ovulation - the release of an egg from the ovary

Pap smear - a test which looks for abnormal cells on the cervix; these cells may be the first signs of cervical cancer

pelvic examination - another name for a vaginal examination; includes a physical examination of the uterus, vagina and Fallopian tubes as well as a Pap smear and sometimes a test for infection

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - irritation and swelling of the ovaries and Fallopian tubes; this is usually associated with a sexually-transmitted infection

peri-menopause - the period of time before menopause when a woman may experience symptoms such as hot flashes or irritability due to hormonal changes

polyurethane - a synthetic material which is used to make male and female condoms that do not cause allergic reactions in people with latex allergies

post-coital - after sexual intercourse has occurred

post-partum depression - a depression that occurs because of the hormonal changes that women experience after giving birth

pre-cum - small amounts of semen that may be released before a man ejaculates

progesterone - one of the hormones that regulated a woman's menstrual cycle

progestin - a synthetic form of progesterone

protozoa - single celled animals that are usually motile (can move from place to place)

psoriasis - a skin condition where patches of skin appear dry or scaly

puberty - when a girl or a boy becomes sexually mature; for a girl, when her periods begin

pubic hair - hair which grows around the genitals

scrotum - the sac of skin that holds the testicles

sex toys - any item used for sexual pleasure particularly for penetration of the vagina or anus; toys made specifically for sexual play often resemble a penis and are then called a dildo

sexual assault - any unwanted sexual contact or attention including name-calling or anything that makes a person feel bad about their sexual self or physical appearance

sexually-transmitted - infections that are passes from one person to another through sexual contact

sickle cell anemia - an inherited condition where a person's red blood cells are misshapen and less capable of carrying oxygen

spatula - a flat instrument with a specially shaped end designed to remove cells from the cervix; spatulas used for Pap smears are made of wood

speculum - an instrument that is used to hold the vagina open during a vaginal exam

spermicidal film - a spermicide which comes as a tiny sheet that can be inserted into the vagina; the sheet dissolves and the spermicide spreads through the vagina

SSRIs - Serotonin Selective Re-uptake Inhibitors are a group of anti-depressant drugs; Prozac is an example

stimulation - any activity which promotes sexual arousal

suppositories - medications designed to be inserted into the vagina or anus

testicles - organs inside the scrotum where sperm is produced

testosterone - a hormone which in men triggers the development of sperm and a masculine appearance; women's bodies also produce small amounts of testosterone which may be important to a woman's libido

toxic shock syndrome - a serious illness that may be due to toxins produced by bacteria in the vagina; click here for more information

ultrasound - a scanning technique that allows a technician to view the inside of the uterus and other internal organs

unprotected sex - sexual activity that happens without protection against pregnancy or sexually-transmitted infection; this may be unintentional, for example, when a condom breaks

urethra - the tube that carries urine out of the body; in men sperm also passes through this tube

urinary tract infection - infection of the urethra and the bladder

uterine lining - the tissue which lines the uterus and would nourish a fertilized egg in the event of pregnancy; it is shed as menstrual blood when pregnancy does not occur

vaccine - a substance which is used to trigger the immune system to react against a specific infection

vaginal examination - a physical examination of the vagina that may also include a Pap smear and a test for infections

vaginal moisturizers - commercial products that may be used by women to prevent vaginal dryness and the thinning of the vaginal wall during peri-menopause and menopause; these products are not designed for use as sexual lubricants

vas deferens - the tubes which carry sperm from the testicles to the penis

virus - an infecting particle that cannot reproduce on its own; a virus must take over a living cell to make copies of themselves

vulva - a woman's genital area including the labia, clitoris and vaginal opening

window period - the time after a person has been infected with a germ but before tests can show the infection is present; this term is most often used when talking about HIV which has a window period of up to three months following infection

Birth Control

Sexually active women may wish to become pregnant or they may want to avoid this possibility. Pregnancy is always possible, when:

a woman is between puberty and menopause
a woman has sexual intercourse with a male partner
both the man and the woman are fertile
Fortunately there are many birth control options and more are being developed all the time. Choose the method that best meets your needs and lifestyle. Use this questionnaire to help you think about which birth control method is right for you.
Birth control methods may be permanent or they may be reversible allowing a woman to choose to have children later in life. Emergency methods of birth control are also available, which may prevent pregnancy if used within 100 hours (three to five days) of unprotected intercourse.

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