menses fever

What is menstruation?

Menstruation is a woman's monthly bleeding. It is also called menses, menstrual period, or period. When a woman has her period, she is menstruating. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from the inside of the uterus (womb). It flows from the uterus through the small opening in the cervix, and passes out of the body through the vagina. Most menstrual periods last from three to five days.
What is the menstrual cycle?

Menstruation is part of the menstrual cycle, which helps a woman's body prepare for the possibility of pregnancy each month. A cycle starts on the first day of a period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long. However, a cycle can range anywhere from 23 days to 35 days.

The parts of the body involved in the menstrual cycle include the brain, pituitary gland, uterus and cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina. Body chemicals called hormones rise and fall during the month and make the menstrual cycle happen. The ovaries make two important female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Other hormones involved in the menstrual cycle include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), made by the pituitary gland.
What happens during the menstrual cycle?

In the first half of the menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen rise and make the lining of the uterus grow and thicken. In response to follicle-stimulating hormone, an egg (ovum) in one of the ovaries starts to mature. At about day 14 of a typical 28-day cycle, in response to a surge of luteinizing hormone, the egg leaves the ovary. This is called ovulation.

In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the egg begins to travel through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Progesterone levels rise and help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm cell and attaches itself to the uterine wall, the woman becomes pregnant. If the egg is not fertilized, it either dissolves or is absorbed into the body. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and the thickened lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual period.

In the illustration below, an egg has left an ovary after ovulation and is on its way through a fallopian tube to the uterus.

diagram of the uterus

Image Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
What is a typical menstrual period like?

During the menstrual period, the thickened uterine lining and extra blood are shed through the vaginal canal. A woman's period may not be the same every month, and it may not be the same as other women's periods. Periods can be light, moderate, or heavy, and the length of the period also varies. While most menstrual periods last from three to five days, anywhere from two to seven days is considered normal. For the first few years after menstruation begins, periods may be very irregular. They may also become irregular in women approaching menopause. Sometimes birth control pills are prescribed to help with irregular periods or other problems with the menstrual cycle.

Sanitary pads or tampons, which are made of cotton or another absorbent material, are worn to absorb the blood flow. Sanitary pads are placed inside the panties; tampons are inserted into the vagina.
What kinds of problems do women have with their periods?

Women can have various kinds of problems with their periods, including pain, heavy bleeding, and skipped periods.

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Amenorrhea - the lack of a menstrual period. This term is used to describe the absence of a period in young women who haven't started menstruating by age 16, or the absence of a period in women who used to have a regular period. Causes of amenorrhea include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and extreme weight loss caused by serious illness, eating disorders, excessive exercising, or stress. Hormonal problems (involving the pituitary, thyroid, ovary, or adrenal glands) or problems with the reproductive organs may be involved.
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Dysmenorrhea - painful periods, including severe menstrual cramps. In younger women, there is often no known disease or condition associated with the pain. A hormone called prostaglandin is responsible for the symptoms. Some pain medicines available over the counter, such as ibuprofen, can help with these symptoms. Sometimes a disease or condition, such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis, causes the pain. Treatment depends on what is causing the problem and how severe it is.
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Abnormal uterine bleeding-vaginal bleeding that is different from normal menstrual periods. It includes very heavy bleeding or unusually long periods (also called menorrhagia), periods too close together, and bleeding between periods. In adolescents and women approaching menopause, hormone imbalance problems often cause menorrhagia along with irregular cycles. Sometimes this is called dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). Other causes of abnormal bleeding include uterine fibroids and polyps. Treatment for abnormal bleeding depends on the cause.

At what age does a girl get her first period?

Menarche is another name for the beginning of menstruation. In the United States, the average age a girl starts menstruating is 12. However, this does not mean that all girls start at the same age. A girl can begin menstruating anytime between the ages of 8 and 16. Menstruation will not occur until all parts of a girl's reproductive system have matured and are working together.
How long does a woman have periods?

Women usually continue having periods until menopause. Menopause occurs around the age of 51, on average. Menopause means that a woman is no longer ovulating (producing eggs) and therefore can no longer become pregnant. Like menstruation, menopause can vary from woman to woman and may take several years to occur. Some women have early menopause because of surgery or other treatment, illness, or other reasons.
When should I see a health care provider about my period?

You should consult your health care provider for the following:

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If you have not started menstruating by the age of 16.
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If your period has suddenly stopped.
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If you are bleeding for more days than usual.
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If you are bleeding excessively.
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If you suddenly feel sick after using tampons.
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If you bleed between periods (more than just a few drops).
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If you have severe pain during your period.

How often should I change my pad/tampon?

Sanitary napkins (pads) should be changed as often as necessary, before the pad is soaked with menstrual flow. Each woman decides for herself what is comfortable. Tampons should be changed often (at least every 4-8 hours). Make sure that you use the lowest absorbency of tampon needed for your flow. For example, do not use super absorbency on the lightest day of your period. This can put you at risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but potentially deadly disease. Women under 30, especially teenagers, are at a higher risk for TSS. Using any kind of tampon - cotton or rayon of any absorbency - puts a woman at greater risk for TSS than using menstrual pads. The risk of TSS can be lessened or avoided by not using tampons, or by alternating between tampons and pads during your period.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the following tips to help avoid tampon problems:

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Follow package directions for insertion.
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Choose the lowest absorbency for your flow.
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Change your tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours.
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Consider alternating pads with tampons.
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Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome (see below).
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Don't use tampons between periods.

If you experience any of the following symptoms while you are menstruating and using tampons, you should contact your health care provider immediately:

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High fever that appears suddenly
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Muscle aches
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Diarrhea
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Dizziness and/or fainting
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Sunburn-like rash
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Sore throat
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Bloodshot eyes

Menstruation

Menstruation is the shedding of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) accompanied by bleeding. It occurs in approximately monthly cycles except during pregnancy and after menopause. Menstruation marks the reproductive years of a woman's life, from the start of menstruation (menarche) during puberty until its cessation (menopause (see Menopause: Introduction).

By definition, the first day of bleeding is counted as the beginning of each menstrual cycle (day 1). The cycle ends just before the next menstrual period. Menstrual cycles range from about 21 to 40 days. Only 10 to 15% of women have cycles that are exactly 28 days. The intervals between periods are usually longest in the years immediately after menarche and before menopause.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones: luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which are produced by the pituitary gland, and estrogen and progesterone, which are produced by the ovaries. The cycle has three phases: follicular, ovulatory, and luteal

fever

Every parent has probably experienced this scenario: You wake up in the middle of the night to find your child standing by your bed, flushed, hot, and sweaty. Your little one's forehead feels warm. You immediately suspect that your child has a fever, but you're unsure of what to do next. Should you get out the thermometer? Should you call the doctor?





Even if your child does have a fever, it's likely that it's not serious. Although it can be frightening when your child's temperature rises, fever itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing - it's often the body's way of fighting off infections. And not all fevers need to be treated. High fever, however, can make your child uncomfortable and can aggravate problems such as dehydration.

But there are steps you can take to correctly take your child's temperature and make your child comfortable when it's a little higher than usual. In this article, we'll talk about fevers, how to measure and treat them, and when to call your child's doctor.
What Is Fever?

Fever occurs when the body's internal "thermostat" raises the body temperature above its normal level. This thermostat is found in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus knows what temperature your body should be (usually around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 37 degrees Celsius) and will send messages to your body to keep it that way.

Most people's body temperatures even change a little bit during the course of the day: It's usually a little lower in the morning and a little higher in the evening and can fluctuate as kids run around, play, and exercise.

Sometimes, though, the hypothalamus will "reset" the body to a higher temperature in response to an infection, illness, or some other cause. So, why does the hypothalamus tell the body to change to a new temperature? Researchers believe turning up the heat is the body's way of fighting the germs that cause infections and making the body a less comfortable place for them.
What Causes Fever?

It's important to remember that by itself fever is not an illness - it's usually a symptom of an underlying problem. Fever has several potential causes:

Infection: Most fevers are caused by infection or other illness. Fever helps the body fight infections by stimulating natural defense mechanisms.

Overdressing: Infants, especially newborns, may get fevers if they're overbundled or in a hot environment because they can't regulate their body temperature.

Immunizations: Babies and children sometimes get a low-grade fever after getting vaccinated.

Although teething may cause a slight rise in body temperature, it's probably not the cause if your baby's or toddler's temperature is higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).

How Do I Know if My Child's Fever Is a Sign of Something Serious?

In the past, doctors advised treating a fever on the basis of temperature alone. But now, they recommend taking both the temperature and the child's overall condition into account.

Children whose temperatures are lower than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) usually don't require medication, unless they're uncomfortable. There's one important exception to this rule: If you have an infant 3 months or younger with a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, call your baby's doctor or go to the emergency department. Even a slight fever can be a sign of a potentially serious infection in very young infants.

I am eight months pregnant

I am eight months pregnant and scared of the pain of giving birth. Can I opt for a caesarean section?



This is an honest and completely normal feeling to have at this stage in your pregnancy, and you still have time to address it.

It is important for you to understand that having a caesarean section will also involve pain for you -- but after the birth, not before it. Although you will be given good pain relief while in hospital, you will be recovering from a major abdominal operation, with associated pain and weakness, for at least six weeks following the birth. It's also important to know that you are more likely to develop complications, such as infection and fever, after a caesarean birth.

There are many strategies open to you for coming to terms with the pain of labour:
• Talk to someone who knows you very well and whom you trust, about how you have dealt with pain in the past. When you compare labour with other painful experiences you may realise that you are stronger and more powerful than you thought. Labour is the start of the journey through parenting, and the strength you find within yourself at this time will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life.
• Research has shown that an important factor in improving the labour experience for women is to have good one-to-one support. Talk to your partner, your family, or your friends to find someone who will give you encouraging and positive support. You may be able to employ a birth supporter or doula. Doulas are trained and experienced in supporting labouring women. They can really help to reduce fear and anxiety and to promote good labour progress.
• There are effective methods of pain relief available to you in hospital, such as an epidural. Talk to your midwife or doctor about these, and ask them to help you prepare a birth plan, so that your wishes are clear to everybody looking after you.
• Choosing a caesarean section is one of the options available to you. You may find that you and the baby are affected physically and emotionally for some time afterwards in ways that you did not foresee. It may, however, be the right decision for you.

The Severity of Labour Pain

The Severity of Labour Pain

Studies have shown that when painful life experiences are ranked in order of severity, labour is rated very highly. Only causalgia (severe burning pain which sometimes follows nerve trauma) and pain following an amputation exceed labour pain in severity.

Surveys have shown that women who have a history of dysmenorrhoea, or painful periods, are more likely to experience severe pain during labour. Other surveys have shown that labour is significantly more painful during a first labour than with subsequent births. This difference may reflect physical changes in the birth canal resulting from a previous delivery.

It is impossible to predict how long labour will last. The duration of labour tends to be less as the number of children increases, but this is only a broad guide. An induced labour is often longer than one of natural onset - although this is by no means always the case. The size and position of the baby also seems to have an influence. It is often presumed that a short labour will be more tolerable than a long one - but this is not necessarily so. The author has met many mothers who have found that a short labour was more painful and unpleasant than a longer (but less intense) one. Many women find that pain intensity increases dramatically once the waters (membranes) have broken.

When the delivery is over, women's recall of labour pain often alters. Mothers then do not always describe their pain in a negative fashion but concentrate instead on the positive outcome. The phrase 'no gain without pain' seems to sum up this attitude.

Transmission of pain on nerves before the spinal cord

Transmission of pain on nerves before the spinal cord

Pain sensations from the uterus and lower birth canal are carried to the spinal cord along nerves. Just about every structure in the body below the shoulders has nerves which travel between it and the spinal cord. Above the shoulders nerves usually travel directly to the brain. Information about sensations we feel like pain, temperature and touch travel from each structure along nerves, specific for that information, to the spinal cord and brain. Information is carried in the form of electrical impulses. Nerves also carry impulses in the other direction, from the spinal cord to the structure. These convey commands from the brain that control movement. In the case of pain, more nerves transmitting impulses and the faster these impulses are transmitted to the brain, the stronger the pain.

The nerve supply to the lower birth canal is quite distinct from that of the uterus. This explains the different location and nature of the pain in the 1st (contraction phase) and second (delivery phase) stages of labour.

Information travelling to and from the spinal cord along nerves can be temporarily blocked if the nerve is bathed in local anaesthetic drug. Every nerve in the body supplies its own set of structures or region. When a nerve is blocked the effect is to "numb" that nerve’s region. If local anaesthetic is injected into the skin a patch of numbness will result. This patch represents all of the individual regions of small nerves in the skin near the injected anaesthetic. This is how the skin near the vagina is made numb for an episiotomy.

Large nerves can be blocked high up before they branch into many small nerves. By doing this, a much larger area of numbness can be achieved from a single injection. Nerve blocks given by dentists are examples of these. Blockade of the pudendal nerve is sometimes performed by obstetricians during delivery as a means of anaesthetising the lower birth canal for an instrumental delivery.

The nerves that carry sensation from the lower half of the body including the uterus, lower birth canal and legs, can be blocked by injecting local anaesthetic near them as they leave the spinal cord together. This happens in an epidural. Epidurals work by depositing local anaesthetic drugs in the path of large nerves as they enter and leave the spinal cord. This occurs in an area just outside of the spinal cord called the epidural space.

Nerves vary in thickness. Pain and temperature nerves are thin walled and small. They are affected by local anaesthetic drugs in low concentrations. On the other hand, movement or ‘motor’ nerves are larger and require higher concentrations of local anaesthetic drugs to be blocked. Nerves responsible for touch sensation lie somewhere in the middle. This explains why, when high concentration local anaesthetic is given in epidurals, the legs and vagina are completely numb and you may not be able to push. It also explains how low concentration epidurals can provide good pain relief without necessarily making your legs numb and still allowing you to push during delivery.

WHAT CAUSES PAIN IN LABOUR ?

WHAT CAUSES PAIN IN LABOUR ?

Labour begins when your uterus (womb) begins to contract. In the days before labour starts, you may experience tightening of the uterus which cause discomfort rather than pain.

Labour is said to start when you get regular contractions. Contractions increase in frequency and intensity throughout labour and can become painful in a similar way as you may experience pain in other muscles in your body when you do vigorous exercise.

At the same time the opening into the uterus (the cervix) is stretching to eventually allow your baby to pass through into your birth canal.

When the opening to the cervix is fully open (dilated) you begin what is known as the second stage of labour, when your baby is born. The baby passes through your birth canal and is born by a combination of the continuing contractions of your uterus and your conscious effort to push your baby out by using the muscles of your lower abdomen.

During your pregnancy changes happen in your body to prepare for these events. The ligaments of your pelvis loosen to permit your pelvis to relax and allow your baby to come out. Other changes occur to adapt your body to accommodate childbirth. Unfortunately, despite these changes it is likely you will feel pain. First labours are probably more painful than subsequent ones.

Sometimes when it is necessary to start off labour, or stimulate it if progress is slow, your labour may be more painful.

Every person's appreciation of pain is different, and what one person can accept another may find extremely painful.

COPING IN LABOUR

You can do a lot to help. Preparing for childbirth during your pregnancy can improve these natural changes. At parentcraft classes you will be advised on exercises to make you fitter. Relaxation and breathing exercises to help you manage your labour pains. Sometimes this is all that you may need. Care with your diet, and stopping smoking are other ways you can help yourself by improving your fitness and training your body for the task that lies ahead.
Gentle exercise, breathing, posture and relaxation techniques help in early labour. A warm bath may also help. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) may be of help in early labour.

A midwife will spend most time with you in labour. In their training midwives receive instruction in the methods of pain relief available. They are licensed to administer some forms of pain relief and are able to advise and seek assistance to administer other methods. Midwives are involved in giving advice at ante-natal classes.

Physiotherapists may also be involved and give advice on TENS.

Obstetricians are doctors specialising in the medicine of childbirth. As part of this they may have knowledge and administer some forms of pain relief including some local anaesthetic techniques involved in childbirth.

Anaesthetists are specialist doctors having knowledge and experience in providing all types of pain relief and can apply more sophisticated forms of pain relief to you in labour, as well as giving anaesthetics should they be necessary.

Hair Growth and Ingrown Hairs

A strand of hair is an outgrowth of dead cells and the protein keratin that grows up from the hair follicle. Each hair shaft grows about 1/4 inch per month, depending on what stage of growth -- active or resting -- the hair is in. Genetics determine determine how many hair follicles we have since no new follicles are formed after birth. A woman's legs and arms contain an average of 13,500 hair follicles.

Ingrown hairs -- an annoying consequence of shaving and waxing -- occur when a hair curls into the skin and grows in the wrong direction, resulting in a red, irritated bump that can become infected. Though relaxing the muscles during shaving and waxing is said to help prevent ingrown hairs, they can still happen. Some people recommend plucking the hair using sharp-pointed tweezers and then cleaning the area with peroxide; others say it's best to leave ingrown hairs alone to heal themselves. To help avoid ingrown hairs, rub your skin vigorously with a towel or exfoliating sponge every time you bathe.

Different Types of Hair

Different Types of Hair

Before removing hair, it helps to know about the different types of hair on our bodies. All hair is made of keratin, a hard protein that's also found in your fingernails and toenails. Hair growth begins beneath the surface of your skin at a hair root inside a hair follicle, a small tube in the skin.

You have two types of hair on your body. Vellus hair is soft, fine, and short. Most women have vellus hair on the chest, back, and face. It can be darker and more noticeable in some women than others - especially women with darker complexions. Vellus hair helps the body maintain a steady temperature by providing some insulation.

Terminal hair is coarser, darker, and longer than vellus hair and is the type of hair that grows on your head. When a teen reaches puberty, terminal hair starts to grow in the armpits and pubic region. On guys, terminal hair begins to grow on the face and other parts of the body such as the chest, legs, and back. Terminal hair provides cushioning and protection.

In some cases, excess hair growth, called hirsutism (pronounced: hur-suh-tih-zum), may be the result of certain medical conditions. In girls, polycystic ovary syndrome and other hormonal disorders can cause dark, coarse hair to grow on the face, especially the upper lip, and on the arms, chest, and legs. Some medications, like anabolic steroids, can also cause hirsutism.

Getting Rid of Hair
Shaving

How It Works: Using a razor, a person removes the tip of the hair shaft that has grown out through the skin. Some razors are completely disposable, some have a disposable blade, and some are electric. Guys often shave their faces, and women often shave their underarms, legs, and bikini areas.

How Long It Lasts: 1 to 3 days

Pros: Shaving is fairly inexpensive. All you need is some warm water, a razor, and if you choose, shaving gel or cream. You don't need an appointment - shaving is a do-it-yourself endeavor, resulting in smooth, hairless skin.

Cons: Razor burn, bumps, nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs are side effects of shaving. Ingrown hairs occur when hairs are cut below the level of the skin. When the hair begins to grow, it grows within the surrounding tissue rather than growing out of the follicle. The hair curls around and starts growing into the skin, and irritation, redness, and swelling can occur at the hair follicle.

Tips: Look for blades that have safety guard wires - they minimize nicks and cuts. Also, you'll get a closer shave if you shave in the shower after your skin has been softened by warm water. Go slowly, change your blades often to avoid nicks, and use a moisturizing cream to soften the hair. Although most people shave in the opposite direction from the hair growth, if you want to avoid ingrown hairs it can help to shave in the direction the hair grows. If you have an ingrown hair, try exfoliating (removing dead skin cells with a loofah), sterilizing a pointed pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol, and attempting to pluck out the ingrown hair.
Plucking

How It Works: Using tweezers, a person stretches the skin tightly, grips the hair close to the root, and pulls it out.

How Long It Lasts: 3 to 8 weeks

Pros: Plucking is time-consuming because you can only remove one hair at a time. However, it's inexpensive because all you need are tweezers.

Cons: Plucking can be painful, so it's best to do it only on small areas, such as the eyebrows, upper lip, and chin. If the hair breaks off below the skin, a person may get an ingrown hair. After plucking, you may notice temporary red bumps because the hair follicle is swollen and irritated.

Tips: Make sure you sterilize your tweezers with rubbing alcohol before and after use to reduce the chance of infection.
Depilatories

How They Work: A depilatory is a cream or liquid that removes hair from the skin's surface. They work by reacting with the protein structure of the hair, so the hair dissolves and can be washed or wiped away.

How Long They Last: Several days to 2 weeks

Pros: Depilatories work quickly, are readily available at drugstores and grocery stores, and are inexpensive. They're best on the leg, underarm, and bikini areas; special formulations may be used on the face and chin.

Cons: Applying depilatories can be messy and many people dislike the odor. If you have sensitive skin, you might have an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the depilatory, which may cause a rash or inflammation. Depilatories may not be as effective on people with coarse hair.

Tips: Read product directions carefully and be sure to apply the product only for the recommended amount of time for best results.
Waxing

How It Works: A sticky wax is spread on the area of skin where the unwanted hair is growing. A cloth strip is then applied over the wax and quickly pulled off, taking the hair root and dead skin cells with it. The wax can be warmed or may be applied cold. Waxing can be done at a salon or at home.

How Long It Lasts: 3 to 6 weeks

Pros: Waxing leaves the area smooth and is long lasting. Waxing kits are readily available in drugstores and grocery stores. Hair regrowth looks lighter and less noticeable than it is after other methods of hair removal, such as shaving.

Cons: Many people mention that the biggest drawback to waxing is the pain when the hair is ripped out by the root. A person may notice temporary redness, inflammation, and bumps after waxing. Professional waxing is also expensive compared to other hair removal methods.

People with diabetes should avoid waxing because they are more susceptible to infection. Also, teens who use acne medications such as tretinoin and isotretinoin may want to skip the wax because those medicines make the skin more sensitive. Teens with moles or skin irritation from sunburn should also avoid waxing.

Tips: For waxing to work, hair should be at least 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) long, so skip shaving for a few weeks before waxing. Waxing works best on legs, bikini areas, and eyebrows.
Electrolysis

How It Works: Over a series of several appointments, a professional electrologist inserts a needle into the follicle and sends an electric current through the hair root, killing it. A small area such as the upper lip may take a total of 4 to 10 hours and a larger area such as the bikini line may take 8 to 16 hours.

How Long It Lasts: Permanently

Pros: Electrolysis is the only type of hair removal that is permanent.

Cons: Electrolysis takes big bucks and lots of time, so it's usually only used on smaller areas such as the upper lip, eyebrows, and underarms. Many people describe the process as painful, and dry skin, scabs, scarring, and inflammation may result after treatment. Infection may be a risk if the needles and other instruments aren't properly sterilized.

Tips: Talk to your doctor if you're interested in this method. He or she may be able to recommend an electrologist with the proper credentials.
Laser Hair Removal

How It Works: A laser is directed through the skin to the hair follicle, where it stops growth. It works best on light-skinned people with dark hair because the melanin (colored pigment) in the hair absorbs more of the light, making treatment more effective.

How Long It Lasts: 6 months

Pros: This type of hair removal is long lasting and large areas of skin can be treated at the same time.

Cons: A treatment session may cost $500 or more. Side effects of the treatment may include inflammation and redness.

Tips: Using cold packs may help diminish any inflammation after treatment. Avoiding the sun before a treatment may make results more effective.
Prescription Treatments

A cream called eflornithine is available by prescription to treat facial hair growth (generally in women). The cream is applied twice a day until the hair becomes softer and lighter - more like vellus hair. Side effects may include skin irritation and acne. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you are concerned about hair growth and removal.

Antiandrogen medications are another method that doctors prescribe to reduce the appearance of unwanted hair. Because the hormone androgen can be responsible for hair growth in unwanted areas, antiandrogens can block androgen production. Oral contraceptives are frequently used in conjunction with these medications to enhance their effect and to help regularize the menstrual cycle in girls who need it.

Deciding to remove body hair is a personal choice - getting rid of body hair doesn't make a person healthier, and you shouldn't feel pressured to do so if you don't want to. Some cultures view body hair as beautiful and natural, so do what feels right to you!

Circumcision-under debate

Circumcision


Definition:


Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis. It is often performed in healthy boys for cultural or religious reasons. In the U.S., circumcision of a newborn boy is usually done before he leaves the hospital. Jewish boys, however, are circumcised when they are 8 days old.

The merits of circumcision are currently under debate. There is NOT a compelling medical rationale for the procedure in healthy boys. However, some boys have medical conditions where circumcision may be needed.

Many physicians, rather than routinely recommending circumcision for healthy boys, allow the parents to make the decision after presenting them with the pros and cons.

Alternative Names:
Foreskin removal; Removal of foreskin
Description:

A numbing medication (local anesthesia) is recommended during the procedure. It might be injected at the base of the penis, in the shaft, or applied as a cream to reduce pain.

There are a variety of ways to perform a circumcision. Most commonly, the foreskin is pushed from the head of the penis and clamped with a metal or plastic ring-like device.

If the ring is metal, the foreskin is cut off and the metal device removed. The circumcision heals in 5-7 days.

If the ring is plastic, a piece of suture is tied tightly around the foreskin. This pushes the tissue into a groove in the plastic over the head of the penis. Within 5-7 days, the plastic covering the penis falls free, leaving a completely healed circumcision.

A sweetened pacifier or lollipop may be given to the baby during the procedure. This may reduce pain. Tylenol (acetominonphen) may be given afterward.

Circumcision of older and adolescent boys is usually done while the child is completely asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia). The foreskin is removed and stitched onto the remaining skin of the penis. Stitches that will dissolve (absorbable sutures) are used and will be absorbed within 7 to 10 days.

Indications:

In some faiths, including Judaism and Islam, circumcisions are performed on all baby boys as a religious rite. In some parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and South and Central America, circumcision is rare among the general population.

Opinions vary among physicians regarding the need for circumcision in healthy boys. Some place great value on the benefits of an intact foreskin, including a more natural sexual response during adulthood.


However, some studies suggest that uncircumcised male infants have an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Other studies show correlations between being uncircumcised and an increased risk of developing penile cancer, some sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, infections of the penis, and phimosis (tightness of the foreskin, not allowing it to retract over the glans penis). The overall increased risk for these conditions is thought to be relatively small.
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Proper hygiene of the penis and safe sexual practices can help prevent phimosis, penile cancer, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Proper hygiene is always important, but is thought to be especially important for an uncircumcised male.

The American Academy of Pediatrics revised their policy statement on circumcision in March 1999, and this policy is supported by the American Medical Association. Their summary of the policy is the following:

"Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision. In circumstances in which there are potential benefits and risks, yet the procedure is not essential to the child's current well-being, parents should determine what is in the best interest of the child. To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision. If a decision for circumcision is made, procedural analgesia should be provided."

Circumcision

Circumcision


How do I decide about circumcision?

Deciding whether to have your newborn son circumcised may be difficult. You will need to consider both the benefits and the risks of circumcision. Other factors, such as your culture, religion and personal preference, will also affect your decision.

The information about circumcision in this handout may help you make your decision. After you have read the handout, talk with your doctor about any concerns you have. The decision about whether to have your son circumcised should be made before your baby is born.


What is circumcision?

During a circumcision, the prepuce of the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the tip of the penis, is removed. Circumcision is usually performed on the first or second day after birth. It becomes more complicated and riskier in infants older than 2 months and in boys and men. The procedure takes only about 5 to 10 minutes. A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) can be given to your baby to lessen the pain from the procedure.


Are there any benefits from circumcision?

Studies about the benefits of circumcision have provided conflicting results. Some studies show certain benefits, while other studies do not. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the benefits of circumcision are not significant enough to recommend circumcision as a routine procedure and that circumcision is not medically necessary. The American Academy of Family Physicians believes parents should discuss with their son's doctor the potential benefits and the risks involved when making their decision.

A recent AAP report stated that circumcision does offer some benefit in preventing urinary tract infections in infants. Circumcision also offers some benefit in preventing penile cancer in adult men. However, this disease is very rare in all men, whether or not they have been circumcised. Circumcision may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. A man's sexual practices (e.g., if he uses condoms, if he has more than one partner, etc.) has more to do with STD prevention than whether or not he is circumcised.

Study results are mixed about whether circumcision may help reduce the risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners, and whether it helps prevent certain problems with the penis, such as infections and unwanted swelling. Some studies show that keeping the penis clean can help prevent these problems just as well as circumcision. Infections and unwanted swelling are not serious and can usually be easily treated if they do occur.


What are the risks of circumcision?
Like any surgical procedure, circumcision has some risks. However, the rate of problems after circumcision is low. Bleeding and infection in the circumcised area are the most common problems. Sometimes the skin of the newly exposed glans becomes irritated by the pressure of diapers and ammonia in the urine. The irritation is usually treated with petroleum ointment (Vaseline) put directly on the area. This problem will usually lessen after a few days.

How do I care for my baby's penis after a circumcision?

Gently clean the area with water every day and whenever the diaper area becomes soiled. Some swelling of the penis is normal after a circumcision. A clear crust will probably form over the area. It normally takes 7 to 10 days for the penis to heal after a circumcision.

After the circumcision, you may notice a small amount of blood on the baby's diaper. If the bloodstain is larger than the size of a quarter, call your doctor right away. In addition, you should call your doctor if a Plastibell device was used during the circumcision and the device doesn't fall off within 10 to 12 days. If there is a bandage on the penis instead of a Plastibell, the bandage should be changed each time you change your son's diaper. This will help prevent infection. Signs of infection also signal the need to call your doctor. These signs include a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, redness, swelling and/or a yellowish discharge.



When to call your doctor

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If the wound does not stop bleeding.
*

If your son does not have a wet diaper within 6 to 8 hours after the circumcision.
*

If the redness and swelling around the tip of the penis do not go away or get worse after 3 to 5 days.
*

If there is a yellow discharge or coating around the tip of the penis after 7 days.
*

If the Plastibell device does not fall off within 10 to 12 days.





How do I care for my baby's penis if I choose not to have him circumcised?

Simply keeping the penis clean with soap and water helps reduce the risk of problems or infections.

In older boys and adult men, the foreskin slides back and forth over the penis, allowing the area underneath to be cleaned. The foreskin doesn't retract in boys for a few years. Don't try to force the foreskin to retract, because this can damage the penis and cause problems. When the foreskin is ready to retract, you can teach your son how to retract it himself and clean the skin underneath. He should wash his foreskin everyday while bathing.

Tantra massage (Tantric Massage)

Tantramassage (Tantric Massage) is a massage modality practiced by some modern tantrikas to assist them to maintain an awareness of the beauty in each moment and to celebrate the senses of the body. It has nothing to do with traditional Tantra.

Also there is within the practice of tantra no such ritual as a "tantric massage". There is no one person, group, or organization who created a "tantra massage".

The word "Tantra" emphasizes the connection with the old Indian cultural background where the body is experienced as a temple of Spirit. Some would consider the client to be in a passive role. Indeed, clients are actively supported. However, unlike other massage modalities, the client is gently encouraged to take part in breathing techniques and communication between the massage practitioner and the client. Some experience a deep and intense journey through their body.

Tantramassage is very popular in Germany, where it is also part of the New Age scene as the redlight district business.

In the early 1980s, Andro Andreas Rothe, a Tantra and Bodywork Teacher in Berlin, developed a method that includes various massage techniques, elements from Bioenergetic, Yoga and Sexualtherapy. This massage is now for PR reasons called "Original Tantramassage".

Massage- Spa

Massage is the practice of applying structured pressure, tension, motion, or vibration — manually or with mechanical aids — to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, joints and lymphatic vessels, to achieve a beneficial response. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to aid the process of injury healing, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, and improve circulation. Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage" or manipulative therapy.


Massage can also be a part of lovemaking (see erotic massage, tantramassage), and often takes place in the context of sex work. As massage is a lightly regulated industry, clients are advised to get references, ask questions and judge for themselves.

In commercial settings, massage techniques involve the client being treated lying down on a massage table or in a massage chair, or on a mattress on the floor. Except for modalities such as Thai Massage or Barefoot Deep Tissue, the massage subject is generally unclothed, and the body may be "draped" with towels or sheets. This also helps keep the client warm. In some jurisdictions it is required that certain areas such as the genitals on both genders and the breast/nipple area on women be draped at all times. In many forms of massage, the treatment may start with the client face up or down for the first part of the session: the client then rolls over for the second half of the session. Relaxation is necessary for maximum therapeutic benefits to be achieved.

Spa

Spa is a town in Belgium, and the term Spa is associated with water treatment which is also known as balneotherapy, spa towns or resorts offering such treatment, or the medication or equipment for such treatment. The term thus has various related meanings.
Look up spa in



* 1 Origins of the term
* 2 Spa, the town in Belgium
* 3 Spa meaning a resort or place of treatment
* 4 Spa medication or equipment
* 5 According to the International Spa Association:
* 6 Notes

[edit] Origins of the term

The term is derived from the name of the town of Spa, Belgium, where since medieval times illnesses caused by iron deficiency were treated by drinking chalybeate (iron bearing) spring water.[1] In 16th century England the old Roman ideas of medicinal bathing were revived at towns like Bath, and in 1571 William Slingsby who had been to the Belgian town (which he called Spaw) discovered a chalybeate spring in Yorkshire. He built an enclosed well at what became known as Harrogate, the first resort in England for drinking medicinal waters, then in 1596 Dr Timothy Bright called the resort The English Spaw, beginning the use of the word Spa as a generic description rather than as the place name of the Belgian town. At first this term referred specifically to resorts for water drinking rather than bathing, but this distinction was gradually lost and many spas offer external remedies.[2]

There are various stories about the origin of the name. A Belgian spring of iron bearing water was called Espa from the Walloon language term for "fountain", and was used in 1326 as a cure by an iron master with such success that he founded a health resort which developed into the town.[3] It is also suggested that the term Espa may be derived from the name of the resort, and that its source could be the Latin word "spagere" meaning to scatter, sprinkle or moisten.[4]

It is often suggested that the word is an acronym of various Latin phrases such as "sanitas per aquas" meaning "health through water", or "Solus Per Aqua” meaning “water in itself", all of which seem to have modern sources.[2] Although such expansions are widely used, they are almost certainly backronyms – words formed from acronyms are very much a twentieth-century phenomenon. [5]

[edit] Spa, the town in Belgium

* Spa, Belgium - the town from which the word spa is taken.
* Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, a racing circuit located in Spa.

[edit] Spa meaning a resort or place of treatment


[edit] Spa medication or equipment

* Spa (mineral water), from the sources in Spa.
* TrimSpa weight loss pills
* A soda fountain, in United States usage.
* A hot tub.

[edit] According to the International Spa Association:

Spa - an entity devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

TYPES OF SPAS:

Club Spa - A facility whose primary purpose is fitness and which offers a variety of professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis.

Cruise Ship Spa – A spa aboard a cruise ship providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.

Day Spa – A spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis.

Destination Spa - A destination spa is a facility with the primary purpose of guiding individual spa-goers to develop healthy habits. Historically a seven-day stay, this lifestyle transformation can be accomplished by providing a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthful cuisine and special interest programming.

Medical Spa - A facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complimentary and/or alternative therapies and treatments. The facility operates within the scope of practice of its staff, which can include both Aesthetic/Cosmetic and Prevention/Wellness procedures and services.

Mineral Springs Spa - A spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.

Resort/Hotel Spa - A spa owned by and located within a resort or hotel providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices. In addition to the leisure guest, this is a great place for business travelers who wish to take advantage of the spa experience while away from home.

High Cholesterol Symptoms

High Cholesterol Symptoms


High cholesterol is usually discovered on routine screening and has no symptoms. It is more common if you have a family history of it, but lifestyle factors (such as eating a diet high in saturated fat) clearly play a major role.

If you have a routine blood test during a physical exam or while attending a health fair or screening at a shopping center, your blood may reveal a high total cholesterol level, which would require further testing to determine your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels (this is known as a lipid panel).

The National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines suggest that everyone aged 20 years and older should have their blood cholesterol level measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a lipoprotein profile to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and gives information about the following items:

* Total cholesterol is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood (serum cholesterol). The higher your total cholesterol, the greater your risk for heart disease.

o Less than 200 mg/dL is a desirable level that puts you at lower risk for heart disease. A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or greater increases your risk.

o A level of 200-239 mg/dL is termed borderline high.

o A level of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high blood cholesterol. Your risk at this level is twice the risk of heart disease compared with someone whose total cholesterol level is 200 mg/dL.

* Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered the "bad" cholesterol. Cholesterol travels in the blood in packages called lipoproteins. Just like oil and water, cholesterol, which is not soluble in water, and blood, which is watery, do not mix. In order to be able to travel in the bloodstream, the cholesterol made in the liver is combined with protein and other substances, making a lipoprotein. This lipoprotein then carries the cholesterol through the bloodstream. LDLs carry most of the cholesterol in the blood, and the cholesterol from LDL is the main source of damaging buildup and blockage in your arteries. Thus, the more LDL cholesterol you have in your blood, the greater your risk of heart disease. Reducing your LDL cholesterol is the main goal of cholesterol-lowering treatment. The lower, the better.

o Less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal (best).

o A level of 100-129 mg/dL is near optimal/above optimal.

o A level of 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high.

o A level of 160-189 mg/dL is high.

o A level of 190 mg/dL and above is very high.

* High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is called the "good" cholesterol. HDLs carry cholesterol in the blood from other parts of the body back to the liver, which leads to its removal from the body. In this way, HDL helps keep cholesterol from building up in the walls of the arteries. If it is not possible to have a lipoprotein profile done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or more, or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a fasting lipoprotein profile done.

o Less than 40 mg/dL is considered a major risk factor for heart disease.

o A level of 40-59 mg/dL is better.

o A level of 60 mg/dL and above is thought to protect you against heart disease.

* Triglycerides are a form of fat carried through the bloodstream. Most of your body's fat is in the form of triglycerides stored in fat tissue. Only a small portion of your triglycerides is found in the bloodstream. High blood triglyceride levels alone do not necessarily cause atherosclerosis (the buildup of cholesterol and fat in the walls of arteries). But some lipoproteins that are rich in triglycerides also contain cholesterol, which causes atherosclerosis in some people with high triglycerides; plus, high triglyceride levels are often accompanied by other factors (such as low HDL and/or a tendency toward diabetes) that raise heart disease risk. Therefore, high triglycerides may be a sign of a lipoprotein problem that contributes to heart disease.

o Less than 150 mg/dL is normal.

o A level of 150-199 mg/dL is borderline high.

o A level of 200-499 mg/dL is high.

o A level of 500 mg/dL or above is very high.




Self-Care at Home


If you have high lipoproteins and thus high cholesterol, your doctor will work with you to target your levels with dietary and drug treatment. Depending on your risk factors for heart disease, your target goals may differ for lowering your LDL cholesterol.

* Diet: The National Cholesterol Education Program has created dietary guidelines.

o NCEP dietary guidelines

+ Total fat - Less than 30% of calories


+ Saturated fat - Less than 7% of calories


+ Polyunsaturated fat - Less than or equal to 10% of calories


+ Monounsaturated fat - Approximately 10-15% of calories


+ Cholesterol - Less than 200 milligrams per day


+ Carbohydrates - 50-60% of calories

o The new guidelines are more stringent than previous ones, mandating more restriction on saturated fat and dietary cholesterol.


o Some people are able to reduce fat and dietary cholesterol with vegetarian diets. Dean Ornish and his colleagues have shown the value of a very strict fat-reduction diet in unblocking coronary arteries. Whether these dietary restrictions are realistic for most Americans is debatable. Moreover, such a diet also reduces HDL and raises triglyceride levels.


o Stanol esters can be included in the diet and may reduce LDL by about 14%. Products containing stanol esters include margarine substitutes (marketed as brand names Benecol and Take Control).


o People with higher triglycerides may benefit from a diet that is higher in monounsaturated fat and lower in carbohydrates, particularly simple sugars. A common source of monounsaturated fat is olive oil.

* Activity: Although exercise has little effect on LDL, aerobic exercise may improve insulin sensitivity, HDL, and triglyceride levels and may thus reduce your heart risk. People who exercise and control their diet appear to be more successful in long-term lifestyle modifications that improve their heart risk profile.