Archive for the ‘Women’s Health’ Category
Missing a period causes many young girls and women a lot of distress, especially if they are sexually active and not planning to have a child. In most cases, your missed period may be due to pregnancy. If you are sexually active and have missed your period, you need to run a pregnancy test immediately.
At other times, you may miss a period for other reasons – some minor upsets in your health or lifestyle or it could be linked to serious medical disorders.
Bacterial vaginosis is the medical term for a bacterial infection in the vagina. The vagina harbors many naturally occurring species of bacteria in a controlled environment. With a balanced pH and a constant level of moisture, the vaginal tissue remains intact from any bacterial invasion. However under certain circumstances, a bacterial overgrowth can occur. Alternatively, foreign bacteria may gain entry into the vagina and infect the cavity.
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A foul smelling vaginal odor affects many women and may occur with or without any discharge. Often associated with overgrown pubic hair and poor hygiene, a smelly odor from the vagina may be indicative of a medical disorder that requires treatment in order to be corrected. In these cases, vaginal douching, removing the pubic hair and even good personal hygiene will have a limited effect in reducing the smell.
Vaginal odor is often associated with a “fishy” odor. However a range of other odors may also be present, like a “chemical” odor associated with high concentrations of ammonia, as well as damp and musty odors. It is important to identify if the odor is emanating internally, often carried to the outside by vaginal discharge, or if it is only present on the outside, from the vulva or surrounding areas.
Picture of a woman undergoing an ultrasound during a gynecological examination
The first gynecological examination can be quite stressful for young girls and women who are anxious and apprehensive without knowing what to expect. However, it is important to bear in mind that your gynecologist is a skilled professional, who is well versed in making you feel comfortable while quickly completing the exam with the least amount of unease and distress to the patient.
A gynecological examination can be broadly divided into three parts.
- Case History
- Physical Examination
- Other Tests and Diagnostic Investigation
Definition of Ovulation
Ovulation is term used when the ovary releases an egg (ovum, oocyte or female gamete) into the fallopian tube. It is one stage in the female menstrual cycle and marks the onset of the fertile period of the month. The egg then travels down the fallopian tube where it is fertilized by a sperm or if unfertilized, it is ejected at the next period.