By Iris Farrou
29 Jun, 2023
Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health, Young adults & teens
Bisexual Sex Health, Can Lesbians get STDs?, Do I have AIDs, Do I need a PAP smear, Do Lesbians Need to See Gynecologist, gay woman, Gender Identity, Lesbian, Lesbian Sexual Health, Non-binary Health, Nonbinary, Queer Sexual Health, queer woman, Safe Lesbian Sex, Sex Health, Transgender
If you were a queer woman growing up in the 80s and 90s, your sex education probably consisted of mostly heteronormative standards, focusing on relationships between men and women, assuming heterosexuality as the standard overall. If you had a progressive teacher or parents, you may have been exposed to healthy examples of same-sex relationships (fingers crossed!). But, for most women who are now either well into their adult life or are parents themselves, there is a general lack on queer sex education. If like many of us, you have been fed myths, here are some that can be easily refuted:
Myth 1: Lesbian and Bisexual Women don’t get STIs
That is absolutely not the case. We may believe that the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections between women is relatively low, but new research suggests this is not the case. In fact, lesbians are at as much risk as heterosexual women when it comes to getting an STI. Even if you are very careful in your intimate relationships and the risk is low, that does not mean that lesbians and bisexual women are not prone to STIs.
Along with dispelling this myth, we should bring up the fact that many women who identify as lesbians may have had sexual relations with men in the past–they may be carrying STIs without even knowing it. Consider this especially true for bisexual women, who may be sexually active with partners of all genders. Vaginas have the ability to fight off STIs naturally–to a certain level–while penises do not have that ability.
Face the Taboos
Many people in the queer community may identify as one gender, but carry the biological bits of another gender; if you are further exploring your own sexuality, or if you are parenting a child who is or is already a member of the queer community, it is important to keep this information in mind and not shy away from discussing matters of sexual health on all fronts. “The talk” has become more complicated, but it is our responsibility to remain educated and parent openly.
Myth 2: STIs Cannot be Transmitted Between Women
Bold lie. If you were ever told that, or have a partner/friend/family member who believes that–it is a lie. STIs are transmitted mostly through the exchange of bodily fluids, and some STIs are also contracted through skin-to-skin contact. Additionally, the risk of STI transmission is higher during menstruation.
Face the Taboos
STIs can be transmitted through oral to vaginal/vulva contact; oral-anal contact also places the participants at high risk of infections. STIs like herpes, syphilis, hepatitis A and intestinal (gut) infections, as well as possibly gonorrhea may be transmitted in this manner. Genital contact can spread HPV, pubic lice, and herpes. Fingers-in-vagina also carry the risk of transmitting herpes, HPV and bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. This is especially true if one of the partners has been previously exposed to those STIs through an infected person. Use of toys that may be inserted in the vagina or anus can absolutely place the partners at risk of infection; washing the toys is not enough– you will only be 100% safe by using condoms on them.
Myth 3: Queer Women Don’t Need PAP smears
If the above two myths have shown us anything, it is that everyone is at risk of contracting an STI–no matter their sexual preferences. PAP smears are recommended for all sexually active women, even if they have never had sexual contact with a cisgender male. This is a good resource on HPV transmission : https://www.gmhc.org/resource_category/hiv-aids-information/
Myth 4: There is no Safe Lesbian Sex
Wrong! As mentioned above, the no-brainer would be to use condoms on toys (shared or not). Use different condoms for each partner, and when switching orifices. If you have any cuts or open sores on the mouth and lips, it is recommended that you use a dental dam during oral sex to protect yourself from contracting any STIs. Since some infections are transmitted by hands, always make sure that you thoroughly wash your hands before and after sex; if you have cuts or sores on your hands, you can always use a latex glove–or as many as you need!
Any member of the queer community has the right to respectful and knowledgeable treatment by their healthcare professionals. If you are having trouble finding queer-friendly health professionals, for any health issue, in your are or somewhere you are visiting, this resource can help you locate queer-safe providers: https://www.glma.org/
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By Iris Farrou
22 Jun, 2023
Childhood Health, Diet & Exercise, Fatherhood, New Moms, Parenting, Prevention, Toddler Health, Women's Health, Young adults & teens, Your baby's health
Anxiety, Baby, Boost Immunity, Child, food, Good Health, Immune System, Immunizations, Importance of, Pre-Teen, Probiotics, Sleep, Strengthen, Stress, Toddler, Vaccine, Vaccines, Vitamins, Wellbeing
The first concern every parent has when it comes to their child’s health is to keep them safe as much as possible. With extracurricular activities, summer camps, and attending school being a normal part of any child’s life, and going hand in hand with exposure to germs, it is often a challenge to help your children’s immune system stay strong. There are two routes that can assist you in this struggle: diet and lifestyle.
Before we talk about details on either path, there is one undeniable basis: make sure your children are up to date on important vaccines. For all people 6 months and older, the flu shot is recommended. COVID vaccines are now safe for younger ages as well–make sure all eligible family members are immunized, and keep checking with your pediatrician about being up to date on other necessary immunizations.
Diet and Supplements
In an ideal world, you have the time to prepare the best and healthiest meals for your family, and your children are never picky eaters. That would be a wonderful movie, but it is not the truth. Though pediatricians advise against using supplements and multivitamins to enrich your child’s diet–particularly because those are not well regulated in the US and their ingredients are not guaranteed–there are certain cases when supplements are needed.
Vitamin D is the first vitamin that helps children build a strong immune system; they usually would absorb it from the sun. However, if you do not live in a sunny area, there are certain kid-friendly foods that can help with that: fortified Vitamin D milk and yogurt, and orange juice. If you are lucky enough to be able to serve your child salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines then you are raising their chances of absorbing the necessary amount of Vitamin D. To use supplements, it is suggested that you first consult with your doctor and do a blood panel to see where your child’s Vitamin D levels are at, and what supplement is most appropriate for them.
Zinc is an important mineral that assists kids’ immune system. Oysters, red meat, and poultry are the best sources of zinc, followed by beans and nuts. If your child does not accept any of these foods, consult your pediatrician on how to proceed with a zinc supplement.
Probiotics and prebiotics play an important role in our immune system, specifically because they ensure good gut health. Probiotics ensure a good balance of helpful bacteria in our bodies, and in addition to yogurts you can try giving your child fermented foods–like pickles or miso–to help with that. Prebiotics also stimulate the growth of good bacteria, and they are mostly plant fibers: green bananas or plantains, yams, asparagus.
Lifestyle
Keep in mind that a healthy lifestyle is additional to a balanced diet when it comes to fortifying your child’s immune system. If you don’t have fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds in their diet, lifestyle changes can only do so much.
However, keep in mind that children need lots of sleep for their system to function properly and recharge. 12-16 hours for infants and around 10 hours for kids is what’s necessary to assist your kids in being healthy and help keep them on a regular schedule. Additionally, exercise and keeping active can do wonders for our immune system: encourage your child to be physically active at least one hour a day in some form of activity that they like; if they appreciate sports, so much the better! Physical activity doesn’t only contribute to overall good health, but it also helps manage stress. When we are stressed, especially in cases of heightened or chronic stress, our immune system is volatile and makes us more prone to infections. Be mindful of the stress levels your child may be facing, and encourage activities that make them happy and fulfilled.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/boosting-your-childs-immune-system-202110122614
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-boost-your-kids-immunity/
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By Iris Farrou
19 Jun, 2023
Fatherhood, Mental Health, Parenting, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health, Young adults & teens
Adolescents, Ally, Bisexual, Gay, Gay-Straight Alliance, Gender Identity, Gender Terminology, Gynecologist, Gynecology, health, Helping my LGBTQ child, Inclusive Sexual Health Education, Intersex, Lesbian, LGBTQ, LGBTQ Youth Support, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent, Non-Binary, OBGYN, Pre-Teen, Pride Month, Pronouns, Queer, Sexual Behavior, Teen, Teenagers, Transgender, Youth
Most parents nowadays try to ensure their kids have a well rounded education when it comes to sexual health and safety, and “the talk” has been appropriately modified–in most households–to expand beyond the heteronormative model of sexual intimacy. Teenagers are exposed to diverse models of relationships, and abundant resources are available for those who explore their sexual and gender identity.
Despite the positive rise, the statistics on LGBTQ-focused sex ed in schools remain low. In a 2015 survey only 12% of the Millennial participants reported that their school’s sex ed curriculum covered same-sex relationships–and that’s not even discussing sexual or gender identity. It becomes clear, then, that it is up to parents and medical professionals to be more educated, to be better allies to LGBTQ kids and youth, and to be a safe space for them. According to the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth “children’s sexual awareness starts in infancy and continues to strengthen throughout preschool and school-age years,” so no matter how young your child is, they know what’s going on with their body and it is your job as a parent to support them.
How can I be an Ally?
Just as it is with any support system, the best way to be an ally is to educate yourself; on LGBTQ history, sex and gender terminology, legal issues, local issues in your city, school issues that may have come up in your child’s school. LGBTQ youth are more likely to be bullied in school, and to search for information on the internet– which often leads them to not credible sources.
- Be a Visible Safe Person: it is important to show your kids you are supportive of the LGBTQ community, and that you are open to conversations about sex and gender. This can be as simple as bringing home a book about queer issues, or a pamphlet from your local Pride Center; you can also initiate conversations about the history, rights, and health of the LGBTQ community. Even a film night is a great way in!
- Support Local Queer Organizations: if there is a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at your child’s school, be an active participant in their efforts for inclusivity, policy, and curriculum changes. If there is a Pride Center where you live, take your kids to family-friendly events. Should a Pride Parade happen in your town or nearby, go the extra mile, or walk the rainbow mile with your kids.
- Provide Reading Materials: just like with any topic, there are age-appropriate books for your child to help them learn more about the LGBTQ community. Visit your local bookstore and ask for the latest publications, and take a look at The Rainbow Collection of the American Psychological Association: https://go.maginationpress.org/rainbow-collection/
- Be a Source of Knowledge: it is impossible to be an encyclopedia for everything your child asks you. But for topics on which misinformation is rampant, is it not important to be a trustworthy source of knowledge? The CDC has an excellent LGBT Health page you can consult as a “crash course,” and they also have a list of regional LGBT Health Services.
Use the Right Words: when your child first becomes interested in their body, or if your toddler or pre-teen asks questions, you can expand the discussion and include appropriate terminology to talk about gender, and talk with them about how pronouns are important outside of their grammar exercises. If your teen is being more direct with their questions, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) can help you and them on Inclusive Sexual Health Education, and they can also visit a well-researched and peer-edited page written for teens by teens: https://sexetc.org/
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By Iris Farrou
16 Jun, 2023
Diet & Exercise, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Lifestyle Tips, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Prevention, Queer Health, Women's Health
Acid Reflux During Pregnancy, Besides Tums, Digestion, Digestive Issues, Esophagus, GERD, Health Conditions while Pregnant, Heartburn, How to cure heartburn while pregnant, OTC Medication for Heartburn, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Heartburn Prevention, Preventing stomach issues, Safe Heartburn Medication, Too much calcium, What foods trigger heartburn, What stops heartburn
A large number of pregnant people experience heartburn during pregnancy, and the logical next step is to see treatment for acid reflux. There is, however, a slight difference between the two terms that may help you differentiate: acid reflux refers to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not tightening as it should, which allows the stomach acid to travel up to your esophagus.
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, and it is often experienced as a feeling of burning or pain in your chest. During pregnancy, not only is your body changing to accommodate your baby, pushing all your gastrointestinal organs together and upwards, but your hormone levels also change and affect how you digest food.
How can it be prevented?
First things first, note that more than half of pregnant women report having heartburn in the third trimester. This is more common in women who have been pregnant before, or have experienced heartburn or dealt with acid reflux conditions before pregnancy.
Lifestyle Changes would be the first suggested method of helping you prevent heartburn during your pregnancy. One suggestion is to wear loose clothing as much as possible to avoid further constrictions on your body. You should also avoid lying down within 3 hours after a meal, and if that is not possible, make sure that your head is elevated–which can also help throughout the night as well. Additionally, lying on the left side of the body to sleep or rest has been shown to assist digestion much faster, and thus lessen the feeling of heartburn.
Eating Habits may be another element to address while pregnant. It is advised to eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 big ones so that your body has more time to process the food and digest easily. Eat slowly for the same reasons, and avoid consuming fluids with your meals– instead, consume fluids in between your meals. Sitting up straight when you eat can also be of great help, as well as not eating a big meal late at night/before you sleep. Cravings may not be avoided, but do your best to pace your intake of food and respect the new–perhaps slower and more sensitive–process of your digestive system.
What are safe medications?
Most pregnant people turn to Tums as a safe medication for heartburn during pregnancy. Tums is a typical antacid with a combination of calcium, magnesium, and aluminum salts that help neutralize stomach acid. Pay attention to the dose, however, as a pregnant person should not be taking more than 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day. Additionally, when pregnant, you should avoid long term use of medications that contain magnesium trisilicate.
Your doctor may suggest other medications, specifically a medication that blocks the stomach acid from traveling up to the esophagus and contains sucralfate. A tried and true method is also to avoid citrus foods, spicy foods and caffeine, and increase how much yogurt, milk, and probiotics you take.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-can-i-take-for-heartburn-while-pregnant-besides-tums#safe-medications
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12011-heartburn-during-pregnancy#prevention
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By Iris Farrou
31 May, 2023
Lifestyle Tips, Prevention, Women's Health
Any My Doctor about Arthritis, Arthritis, Autoimmune, exercise, Genetic Disorder, Gout, Home Remedies for Arthritis, Joint Pain, Pain, Protect My Joints, Reactive Arthritis, Redness, Risk Factors, Stiffness, Swelling, When should I see my OBGYN for Arthritis
Among the many ailments that affect more women than men is none other than arthritis. There are several types of arthritis, with the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Arthritis is known to get worse with age, and some of the prevalent symptoms can include pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion– specifically targeting the joints. If you have a family history of arthritis, then it is never too soon to start taking precautions. There may not be a way to fully prevent arthritis yet, but there are several preventative measures and ways to minimize its impact on your day to day life.
What are the risk factors?
As with many conditions, if you have a family history of arthritis–mainly your parents and siblings–you are more likely to develop it yourself. For other types of arthritis, age can be a significant risk factor; the older you get, the more your chances of developing it are. Additionally, women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis while men are at a higher risk of developing gout.
If you have previously injured a joint, the likelihood of getting arthritis at that particular joint increases. Similarly, if you carry extra weight you are at a higher arthritis risk as you put stress on your joints.
How do I manage arthritis?
Your doctor may have already prescribed you medication to help with the effects of arthritis, or suggested other techniques of dealing with it. The CDC has a list of 5 steps to help you manage arthritis–they call it the “Strive for Five.”
- New Self-Management Skills: learning strategies to help manage your arthritis can help you feel more in control of your own health, better equip you to manage pain and other symptoms, reduce stress and improve your mood, as well as plan and complete activities you value.
- Be Active: regular exercise and physical activity can help you manage the pain that comes with arthritis, as well as improve your overall quality of life and health. You should strive for about 150 minutes of exercise per week if you have arthritis, specifically of moderate-intensity. Of course, change your activity plan based on what your health allows and on your arthritis symptoms.
- Talk to Your Doctor: as is the case with any condition, general advice only goes so far. You should be openly communicating with your doctor about your symptoms, and be in regular contact with your healthcare provider with regards to your arthritis treatment plan.
- Manage your Weight: removing excess weight from your body will lessen the stress that you put on your joints, thus helping the joint pain associated with arthritis. It will also help you improve physical function.
Protect your Joints: joint injuries can cause or worsen arthritis. Try to engage in joint-safe activities that don’t put too much stress on your joints and are relatively injury-safe.
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By Iris Farrou
09 May, 2023
Early Childhood Education, Fatherhood, Parenting, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Toddler Health, Women's Health, Young adults & teens
Adolescents, body positivity, Hormone Changes in Children, How to explain sex, How to teach children about sex, Parenting Preteens, Preteen, Safe Sex for Teens, Self-Stimulation, Sex Ed, Sexual Education for Toddlers, Teaching Boundaries, Tween, When should I explain sex, Where do babies come from
If you are parenting a teenager, you are probably thinking of when would be the right time to have “the talk.” Well, the time starts when curiosity strikes in their toddler years! You don’t have to turn back time, but if you are a new parent you may want to start taking notes: it is never too early to start talking to your children about sex education, their bodies, and relationships. Consider sex education a broad subject, and not just an awkward talk about hormone-driven intimate moments.
Sex education includes talking with your children about anatomy, teaching them the proper names for their body parts as soon as they start making associations between items and words, educating them on how to take care of themselves and their bodily functions, and being by their side when they start being able to express their feelings and/or they start to understand themselves in relation to others; relationships and boundaries are also part of sex education.
Early Exploration
It is best to let your toddler set the time for questions regarding anatomy and sex, but you should also be aware of what questions may be opportunities for further discussions. For example, during bath time you can take the opportunity to talk with your child about their anatomy, and which parts of the body are private. Keep your answers short and simple, and age appropriate– if your child seems confused about something, don’t be embarrassed to explain further. You are, after all, the role model: the more maturely you approach the conversation, the more secure your child will feel about your knowledge.
Curiosity
It is not uncommon for toddlers to express their natural curiosity through self-stimulation. If you notice your child engaging with their genitals, it is advised to encourage their curiosity while also reminding them that some acts and areas of the body are private. This self exploration may coincide with curiosity about others, which can lead to uncomfortable social interactions. If your child asks about pregnancy or “where do babies come from” in front of others, it’s ok to take a moment in a social setting to explain some things to them. Should the question have made someone else uncomfortable, take the opportunity to apologize on behalf of your child, and model boundary-respectful behavior for them. It is also normal during this time for children to want to play doctor with their friends, and many families choose to monitor their children’s play time at this stage of their development, or set limits.
New Knowledge
As much as you may try to be open with your child and monitor their knowledge of sex education matters, you should be aware that new knowledge always finds its way to young children. Unfortunately, new knowledge may not always come from reputable sources or be truthful and accurate. If your child asks you a question that seems off, or hasn’t been discussed in your household, the best course of action would be to ask them where they heard that, or try to locate the source of the information. Then, you could ask them to share what they already know about the topic and begin a conversation with them. It is important to let your child know you are comfortable with those questions, knowledgeable on the topics, and that they can trust you with their curiosity.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/sex-education/art-20044104
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/parents/tips-talking
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By Iris Farrou
22 Apr, 2023
Diet & Exercise, Lifestyle Tips, Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Pregnancy, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health
bladder control, Body Changes In Menopause, bowel function, Childbirth, core strengthening, Early menopause, ease the birthing process, estrogen loss, Frequent urination, Kegel, natural delivery, Pelvic Floor, pelvic floor dysfunction, pilates, Strengthen pelvic floor muscles, stress urinary incontinence, SUI, UTI, vaginal delivery, weak bladder
Maybe the first word that comes to mind when you hear about Pelvic Floor Exercises is “Kegel”! Yes, that’s correct– Kegel exercises are one way to exercise your pelvic floor muscles, but they are not the only ones. Kegel balls have lately become popular as an easier and faster way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, increase sexual pleasure, and prevent incontinence (especially if you were Assigned Female at Birth–AFAB). However, there is much debate over them, so before we worry about that we will provide some information on the benefits of pelvic floor exercises in general.
What are the benefits for AFAB people?
- Pelvic floor exercises improve bladder and bowel function control, which can be extremely helpful after childbirth or in older years. It can help with constipation, and with incontinence.
- Strong muscles on your pelvic floor can also significantly reduce the risk of prolapse.
- If you are considering childbirth, they do support vaginal delivery, and strong pelvic muscles will also greatly improve your recovery from childbirth and other gynecological surgeries.
- They are reported to help with vaginal contractions and blood flow during sex, thus increasing sexual satisfaction and orgasmic potential.
Like any self-care routine, and especially an exercise routine that helps you strengthen your muscles, training your pelvic floor muscles can help you increase your social confidence and overall quality of life.
How do they help with pregnancy and delivery?
Your pelvic floor muscles are first in line to be affected if you become pregnant; the weight of your growing baby will undeniably put extra strain on the pelvic floor. In addition to the weight, hormonal changes in pregnancy cause your muscles to soften and stretch more easily. That can lead to bladder/ bowel problems while you are pregnant and after giving birth.
It is recommended to start strengthening your pelvic floor as soon as you learn that you are pregnant. Strong muscles in the area will reduce the risk of bowel or bladder problems during your pregnancy, you will learn how to control your muscles to assist with contractions during childbirth (in the case of vaginal delivery), and with a strong pelvic floor you will return to normal much easier after delivery.
What happens to the pelvic floor after menopause?
After menopause, the production of estrogen in our bodies significantly reduces. This can lead to weaker or stiffer muscles on the pelvic floor. Connective tissues may provide less support, and along with a lifetime of bad habits and lack of specific exercise, we may be in danger of experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction.
The pelvic floor muscles are part of your spine and pelvis. If they are struggling, you may experience pain in your lower back. Weak pelvic muscles can also lead to Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), which means you may not be able to control your bladder during seemingly simple activities, like laughing, coughing, or sneezing. More serious pelvic dysfunctions can be pelvic organ prolapse–which can be avoided with pelvic floor rehabilitation–and bowel and urinary urgency, where we may not be able to control the urge to urinate or defecate and incidents of leakage may occur.
No matter your age, it is never too soon or too late to start looking into pelvic floor exercises or rehabilitation that are best for you, your physical condition, and your abilities.
https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises-for-women.html
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pelvic-floor-exercises
https://provenancerehab.com/aging-and-the-pelvic-floor/
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By Iris Farrou
14 Apr, 2023
Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Surrogate, Women's Health
Buffalo NY, Cryogenic, Egg Freezing, Embryo Banking, Embryo Freezing, Fertility, Fertility Assistance, Fertility Preservation, Freezing My Eggs, How to save my eggs, Infertility treatment Buffalo, Oocyte Cryopreservation, Pregnancy and Infertility
Many people consider the choice of freezing their eggs so they can retrieve them at a later time and start a family. This process is, nowadays, more common than it used to be; there is more information available for people to become aware of the pros and cons, there are more facilities that can store your eggs at an affordable price, and more professionals will suggest it if you want to have your own family later in life, or are undergoing treatments that may affect your fertility.
When Should I Consider it?
Most cis-women reach the peak of their fertility at age 30. While eggs continue to be produced and can be retrieved after that age, our egg production drops significantly around age 37, and completely stops when entering menopause–usually between 45-55 years of age. Patients who are experiencing severe health concerns that may affect their fertility– such as undergoing chemotherapy, having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or endometriosis– may want to consider undergoing fertility treatments and retrieve their eggs for freezing. Egg freezing is also common among individuals who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
What is the Process?
It is quite a straightforward process to freeze your eggs, so don’t be alarmed by the terminologies used or the clinical equipment needed. In fact, it is very similar to the process of in-vitro fertilization, with the difference being that the eggs are not fertilized immediately, but frozen. Most cycles are complete in about 2-3 weeks.
- The first step would be to meet with a fertility specialist to discuss your desire to freeze your eggs. Then, you will schedule an exam for complete medical history, bloodwork, and hormone testing. Your doctor may also recommend a transvaginal ultrasound to assess your ovarian reserve.
- You will need to monitor your menstrual cycle and determine the exact dates when you are ovulating. To get more accurate results, your doctor may recommend birth control. After that, you will start stimulating your egg production.
- Most commonly, you will start by injecting 2-3 hormone medications a day for about ten days. This will encourage a group of eggs to develop at the same time.
- To track the ovulation and development of the eggs, you will have frequent blood work done and 4-6 pelvic ultrasounds.
- Once your eggs have matured, they will be retrieved. This involves an ultrasound-guided surgical procedure that takes 20-30 minutes under anesthesia.
And you will have reached the final step! Once an embryologist confirms the eggs are mature, which means they will have the potential to be fertilized, your eggs will head to their deep freeze home: liquid nitrogen tanks in an embryology lab.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/freezing-eggs-preserving-fertility-for-the-future
https://www.healthline.com/health/egg-freezing-process#timeline
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By Iris Farrou
27 Mar, 2023
Lifestyle Tips, Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health
Acute UTI, Aging and Painful Sex, Aging and UTIs, Am I going through menopause, Bladder Incontinence, Body Changes In Menopause, Easing the Symptoms of Menopause, Menopause, Pelvic Floor, Prevent urinary tract infection, Urinary Tract Infection, UTI
If you have a vagina, then you have possibly been warned about the dangers of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), and the ever-present danger that they may return and not leave you alone. Many women also report they get UTIs so often that they get used to the symptoms– so much so that they don’t realize they have an infection until it gets too bad. Because nobody likes more pain, or more health risks, let’s take a look at the three areas of the urinary tract that a UTI may affect, and the possible symptoms:
| Area |
Symptoms |
| Kidneys |
Nausea, vomiting, back/side pain, shaking and chills, high fever |
| Bladder |
Frequent and painful urination, blood in urine, pelvic pressure, lower belly discomfort |
| Urethra |
Unusual discharge, burning sensation during urination |
Did you know that UTIs are the most common bacterial infection in women over 65? Though young people certainly can suffer from a UTI, untreated UTIs in older women can lead to much more serious health issues, like kidney failure or sepsis. One reason for older women’s susceptibility to UTIs is the weakened muscles in the bladder and pelvic floor, causing incontinence or urinary retention. The longer the urine remains in the urinary tract, the higher the risk of bacterial multiplication.
Another reason why older women are at a higher risk for a UTI is because estrogen levels drop significantly after menopause. This can lead to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina, heightening the risk of an infection. It is suggested that post menopausal women use vaginal estrogen creams, which can help support the presence of good bacteria. Drinking plenty of water and fluids, especially cranberry juice, can also help prevent infections.
No matter your age, to lessen the risk of a UTI you should also make sure you are wearing loose clothing, emptying your bladder often, wiping front to back, and always keep an eye out for possible symptoms if you have reason to be concerned. UTIs are usually treated with narrow-spectrum antibiotics, as those are more likely to be accepted by the body. In more advanced cases, UTI patients are hospitalized and receive IV antibiotics.
If you or a loved one use pads or adult diapers, you should make sure to change them often and clean the area well, pat dry, between uses. UTIs can be especially problematic for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, as they often cannot communicate their needs or state their symptoms. In those cases, the UTI may escalate to the point where the affected person starts acting erratically, more confused than usual, and even more disoriented. If those symptoms worsen, it is definitely advisable to have elderly female patients be treated by a doctor immediately.
https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/the-risk-of-utis-as-you-age
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
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By Iris Farrou
28 Feb, 2023
Lifestyle Tips, PMS, Prevention, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health
cysts, Fibroid Cluster, Heavy Periods, Infertility help, MRI, Ovarian, Reproductive system disorders, Symptoms, Ultrasound, Uterine Cancer, Uterine Fibroids, Womens Reproductive Health
If you have a uterus, then you already know there are countless issues to keep in mind and a full maintenance schedule for your uterine health. There is yet another concept to add to your list: uterine fibroids. Ideally, your OBGYN or primary care doctor has already talked to you about these. But if this is the first time you come across this term, fear not–uterine fibroids are extremely common, and 99% of the time they are also harmless. However, that does not mean you should ignore them, or that they don’t contribute their fair share of challenges in your cycle.
What are uterine fibroids and how do I know I have them?
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are quite simple: they are noncancerous growths (or tumors, though that word is admittedly scary) made up of the connective tissue and muscle from the wall of the uterus. They can grow solo, or in a cluster, and are most commonly less than 8 inches in diameter– though they can grow larger. Many people with a uterus do not even realize they have uterine fibroids, unless some of the symptoms start becoming more prominent, or you specifically ask your OBGYN to look for them.
The most common signs of uterine fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, periods lasting more than a week, bleeding between your periods, frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder–usually resulting in a feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen–constipation, lower back pain, and even pain during sex. These symptoms are definitely not an exclusive list, and presence of such symptoms does not guarantee the only issue is uterine fibroids: if you have concerns, it is advised that you consult with your doctor so you can know exactly what you are dealing with.
How are they diagnosed and treated?
If you are concerned about the presence of uterine fibroids, you can ask to have an ultrasound done to determine the presence of uterine fibroids. The ultrasound can be transabdominal, and/or be done inside your vagina to get pictures of the uterus. Your doctor may also order blood count tests to determine if you have anemia from chronic blood loss, and to rule out other bleeding disorders. If these methods do not yield satisfactory results, there are more in depth tests that your OBGYN can order, such as an MRI, hysterosonography, or hysteroscopy.
Since uterine fibroids are benign, the recommended treatment–as long as they are not causing significant issues in your day to day life and do not interfere with your fertility–is to keep an eye on them. They rarely grow and do not tend to interfere with fertility and/or pregnancy, and also tend to shrink after menopause. There are possible medications that your doctor may prescribe, medication which control your hormone levels to create menopause-like conditions. This tricks the fibroids into thinking your body has entered menopause, and causes them to shrink along with their unpleasant effects (such as heavy bleeding). Though there are procedures available as well, this is a step you would discuss at length with your doctor.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354294
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids#diagnosis-and-tests
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