Minor vaginal cuts and tears are common and often occur when a person is removing body hair or engaging in sexual activity. People with certain hormonal, skin, and immune conditions may be more likely to get vaginal cuts or tears. Minor vaginal wounds are usually harmless, but they may cause mild pain and discomfort for
An intrauterine device or IUD is a small T-shaped device that a doctor or nurse can implant into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is among the most effective forms of reversible birth control with a failure rate of less than 1%. The insertion is a minor medical procedure that only takes a few minutes.
Spotting before a period is generally harmless, and there is not always an obvious cause. However, spotting is sometimes an early sign of pregnancy or an indication of hormonal changes in the body. Spotting is light, irregular bleeding from the vagina that is noticeable but not substantial enough to soak a pad or liner. Spotting
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, and gas. However, diarrhea during pregnancy can also result from a bowel infection or underlying bowel disorder. Doctors consider diarrhea to be three or more loose, watery bowel movements in a day. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. During pregnancy, this
The areola is the darker area of skin that surrounds the nipple. As with the breasts and other parts of the body, the areolas come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. It is normal for areolas to change in size and color over time. The areola contains the Montgomery tubercles, which are small glands
The color of a person’s period blood can relay vital health information. For example, orange or grey blood can sometimes indicate a vaginal infection. During menstruation, the body sheds tissue and blood from the uterus through the vagina. This bloody discharge can vary from bright red to dark brown or black depending on how old
Technically, people can get pregnant at any time during their menstrual cycle, though it is much less likely during their period. A person is most likely to get pregnant in the middle of their menstrual cycle. This phase is called the fertile window. The chances of becoming pregnant are much lower before and after the
Sciatica is one cause of back pain during pregnancy. People can relieve the symptoms using stretches, gentle massage, and other remedies. Low back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, affecting more than two-thirds of women. Sciatica is pain that irritation of the sciatic nerve causes. The main symptom is shooting pain
A range of conditions can affect the way a person urinates. If a person has a constant urge to pee but little comes out when they go, they may have an infection or other health condition. If a person frequently needs to pee but little comes out when they try to go, it can be
Many people experience pain in the upper part of their stomach or abdomen during pregnancy. This is usually nothing to worry about, but sometimes it might be necessary to see a doctor. The third trimester is notoriously difficult. From breathing through Braxton–Hicks contractions and wondering whether they are the real thing to stretching skin and
Cod is a healthful type of fish with many dietary benefits. It is high in protein and low in fat, which makes it an excellent protein source. Cod is also high in vitamins and minerals that are essential to bodily functioning. Some of the best ways to consume cod is steamed, baked, or grilled. It
Breast sensitivity is not necessarily harmful, and there are several different potential causes. However, sensitivity can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. The breasts are complex structures that change as a result of monthly hormonal shifts, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging. Many people experience breast sensitivity, which can increase the likelihood of breast pain.
Many pregnant women take vitamin B-6 and Unisom to treat morning sickness. In the past, some people had concerns that this combination may harm the fetus. Morning sickness is very common during early pregnancy. Although people often refer to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy as “morning sickness,” it can actually happen at any time of
Weight gain is a natural part of pregnancy. Women who were overweight before becoming pregnant may worry about how this could affect their pregnancy and wonder whether it is safe to lose weight at this time. As the baby grows and the woman’s body changes, she will naturally gain weight during pregnancy. Increases in blood
Eye discharge is common in newborns and is commonly due to a blocked tear duct. A person can often treat an infant with a blocked tear duct at home. However, discharge that occurs alongside other symptoms in the eye area, such as redness, swelling, or tenderness, may be a sign of an infection or another
Doctors start calculating pregnancy from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period. For this reason, women are not actually pregnant in the first week of pregnancy, and they may not be pregnant during the second week either. Instead, in the first 2 weeks of pregnancy, the body is preparing for possible conception. Often,
Pregnancy can have a significant effect on a woman’s sex drive. Increases and decreases in libido are both normal, and arousal levels can change at different stages of pregnancy. Some women have higher levels of arousal and more intense orgasms during pregnancy, while other women notice the opposite. Although every woman’s experience is unique, there
The placenta is an organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy to supply the fetus with oxygen and nutrients. An anterior placenta is one that attaches to the front of the uterus. The placenta may attach itself in any of the following positions: posterior (at the back of the uterus) anterior (at the front
Along with nausea, fatigue, and swollen feet, most women experience back pain at some points during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related back pain typically affects the lower back. According to one review that looked into the complaint, low-back pain affects more than two-thirds of women during pregnancy. Back pain can also arise near the center of the back
A post-cesarean wound infection can occur when bacteria get into the incision wound. Doctors can treat surgical wound infections with medications and proper wound care. An estimated 3–15 percent of woman develop an infection in their cesarean incision wounds. This article looks at the causes and types of wound infections after a cesarean, risk factors,
One of the most exciting moments of pregnancy for many women is feeling the baby move for the first time. Often, it can be difficult for a woman to distinguish these first movements from other sensations, such as indigestion or gas. However, when a woman is certain that she is feeling the fetus move, she
Asthma can affect pregnancy when a woman does not receive the right treatment. Most asthma treatments are safe to use during pregnancy. Asthma is a long-term lung condition that can be well-managed with the right treatment. The risk of pregnancy complications is low when asthma is well-controlled, but otherwise, asthma can increase the risk of
There are many myths about how to improve the odds of having twins. Although there are no proven ways to increase the likelihood of conceiving twins, there are certain factors that can make this type of pregnancy more likely. Twins can occur either when two separate eggs become fertilized in the womb or when a
Fever-like symptoms and inflammation around a cesarean delivery, or C-section, wound could be signs of infection. Keeping the wound clean and in a sterile environment can help reduce the risk of infection. Infections following a cesarean delivery, which some people call a C-section, are common. They occur in around 2–15 percent of all C-section surgeries.
Many genetic and environmental factors can affect fertility in men and women. However, it is possible to increase the chances of having a successful pregnancy using natural methods. This article will discuss evidence-based, natural methods for increasing fertility in both men and women. In women, reducing stress and exercising often can boost fertility. In men,
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in the body, and pregnant women should consider adjusting their eating habits to adapt to these changes. Diet is one of the most important factors that can affect a pregnant woman’s overall health and the health of her child. Important foods to avoid include raw shellfish and undercooked eggs.
Constipation is a very common symptom that many women experience during pregnancy. Some women have constipation at an early stage of their pregnancy, while it does not affect other women until much later on. In this article, we explain why constipation is common in pregnancy and discuss safe treatments and home remedies that women can
Clomid is the former brand name of the drug clomiphene citrate, which doctors use to treat infertility in females. Sometimes, however, they may also prescribe it off-label for males with infertility. Infertility can affect both males and females. According to the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, infertility results from: male reproductive issues
Some pain and a small amount of spotting are normal during the second trimester. However, it is essential to know when to see a doctor. For many people, the second trimester marks a moment of calm in pregnancy. The intense symptoms of the first trimester often dissipate, and the exhaustion, muscle pain, and anxiety about
Bloody show is thick vaginal discharge that contains mucus and blood from the cervix. It usually occurs in late pregnancy, as the body prepares for labor. Vaginal discharge is a common symptom throughout pregnancy. Fluctuations in a woman’s hormone levels can cause changes in the consistency, amount, and appearance of vaginal discharge. Women should monitor