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6 important questions to ask the gynecologist

6 important questions to ask the gynecologist

One may find it awkward to discuss certain topics with the gynecologist. And it is one of the main causes of the delay in the diagnosis and treatment of certain health conditions. However, when it comes to disease prevention, keeping an open communication channel and discussing one’s health is the best way to improve lifestyle and outlook. Here are a few common questions that one can ask their gynecologist without hesitation.

Ask about menstruation
Women experience many recurring symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and soreness during their regular menstrual cycle. However, it is necessary to ask the gynecologist about irregular periods or the symptoms flaring up unexpectedly. Severe flare-ups are a precursor to serious conditions like endometriosis. Also, it’s quite normal to ask questions about how regular the cycle should be, what is the ideal flow of the cycle, and what should be done while experiencing irregular periods.

Discuss about low libido
Hormones in the body drive one’s libido. And there are a number of reasons why the desire can plummet. Factors like stress, the nature of intimacy, the stage of relationships, and even personal preferences all impact one’s desire. So it’s okay to ask the gynecologist and openly discuss any underlying concerns. It is also important to discuss and understand safe practices to prevent the risk of infections that impact one’s overall health.

Ask about unpleasant vaginal odor
Odor is emitted by the body when the sweat glands release liquids from the pores of the skin. It is, in fact, one of the natural ways the body clears out toxins from the bloodstream. So, it’s natural for some smells to linger after heavy-duty workouts or any physical activity that causes sweating. However, any persistent and unpleasant smell that lingers despite following good hygiene can indicate an infection. While it may be unpleasant to discuss one’s private affairs, openly discussing the problem is the only way to treat the area.

Ask about unusual growths
A bump or any lump that appears unexpectedly and continues to grow is another cause for concern that should be discussed with the gynecologist. If one also experiences new pain around these growth spots, it could be a sign of infection or disease transmitted during intercourse. STDs need to be addressed promptly to prevent major health complications.

Ask about leakage
There are a number of reasons why the body might develop incontinence resulting in unexpected urinary or fecal discharge. These discomforts should never be overlooked, as prolonged symptoms can result in serious complications. Women might experience these discomforts after childbirth or menopause. It is necessary to discuss treatment options and muscle-strengthening exercises to regain better control of the pelvic floor that governs these functions.

Discuss about pregnancy
Gynecologists are the first point of contact right from conception to giving birth. And many people prefer sticking to one doctor throughout the gestation period. So, it’s necessary to establish open communication with the consulting professional and ask questions about pregnancy. Women can openly discuss their chances of conception, ways to improve fertility, and lifestyle changes that improve the overall outlook for pregnancy. Also, discuss when to stop using birth control to improve the odds of conception.

It is perfectly alright to ask questions to any doctor. Often, doubts arise because the underlying concern needs to be addressed. So never hesitate to clear doubts.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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7 noticeable signs of poor digestion that impact health

The digestive system is a collection of organs, from the esophagus, small intestine, and large intestine to the rectum, that processes foods and beverages. These organs break down the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to be absorbed by the body to support immunity and overall health. However, any problems impacting these functions can cause an imbalance in gut health. These are the evident signs of poor digestion that one must learn to identify. Abdominal discomfort Any gas, excessive and persistent bloating, or heartburn are the first signs of stomach and digestive distress. It happens because the food is not being broken down efficiently, causing an unstable reaction, thus releasing gas. Constipation and diarrhea Some people also experience constipation, where bowel movements are solid and painful, not to mention untimely and inconsistent. Constipation puts excessive pressure on the digestive tract and increases the risk of complications due to partial defecation. The unprocessed waste hardens in the colon, making passing stools regularly even more painful. Others may suffer from diarrhea, usually triggered by an infection that causes the stools to disintegrate, resulting in runny fecal waste. Excessive fatigue Fatigue is one of the primary indicators of digestion problems that hamper the body’s ability to absorb nutrition from daily foods and beverages naturally. Essential vitamins and minerals may get flushed out of the body due to excessive diarrhea and vomiting triggered by known digestive disorders. This can cause severe fatigue and brain fog as vital organs lack the necessary nutrients to function. Brain fog can further induce confusion and memory problems and affect daily routine. Therefore, it is never advisable to ignore persistent fatigue. Sleep disturbances Poor digestion also triggers sleep disturbances, causing chronic tiredness at night. Also, the following morning, it will become even more difficult for a person to go about their routine with symptoms like excessive sleepiness and lethargy. In fact, an imbalance in gut bacteria due to poor digestion causes inflammation, affects metabolic functions that regulate sleep, and even impacts hormones that control sleep and wake responses. Irritable behavior Digestive distress impacts one’s mood and behavior because the symptoms are painful and affect daily routine. Many people develop stress and anxiety due to chronic digestive disorders triggered due to imbalance in gut bacteria. Also, the foods and beverages are not being digested properly, meaning the body is deprived of essential nutrients and minerals. Therefore, nutritional deficiency triggered due to poor digestion can further impact one’s emotional well-being. Skin allergies and inflammation Poor digestion is also an indicator of food intolerances that trigger immediate allergic reactions. Gut health impacts overall immunity, which is necessary for maintaining healthy skin. Indigestion, bloating, and heartburn are all signs of inflammation. And this inflammation that develops under the skin causes breakouts and acne with visible redness and swelling. Food intolerance can trigger severe changes in skin texture. Ignoring these changes also increases the risk of psoriasis, acne, eczema, and other skin issues directly influenced by gut health. Changes in body mass index Unexpected changes in body mass index with declining numbers also indicate gut problems. It is a sign that the body cannot absorb nutrition or evacuate toxins and waste daily. These changes should be discussed with a specialist to check if the underlying triggers are chronic.

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Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

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