₦airaland Forum

HOW CAN YEAST INFECTION AFFECT YOUR PERIODS?

Vaginal yeast infections are becoming more and more common by the day. They are typically characterised by a burning sensation during urination, thick white vaginal discharge, itching in and around the vaginal area and a painful sensation during sexual intercourse. Primarily, yeast infection is caused due to the lack of regulation of good bacteria. If you happen to be suffering from yeast infection, one of the most common questions lurking in your mind will be how can yeast infection affect your periods?

First, to know how yeast infection can affect your periods, you should be aware of the facts. Although some people believe that yeast infection can cause delay in the menstrual cycle, there are no proven medical deductions confirming the same.

Therefore, factually, yeast infections are not known to be responsible in affecting the schedule of your monthly periods in any way.

However, if you get your periods during the course of a yeast infection, it might amount to severe discomfort. To begin with, periods bring in hormonal changes in the body which results in alteration of the pH of the vagina. In such cases, yeast infection can actually aggravate.

Also, yeast infections are known to multiply in excessively moist surroundings. When you have your periods, keeping the vaginal area dry might be a challenge. You will need to thoroughly wash your vaginal area every time you change your sanitary pad. Therefore, the area is likely to remain wet for most parts of the day. Also, the blood flow keeps the area moist. A yeast infection during this time can thus make it much more painful and difficult to manage. However, vigilant hygiene practices can help you to deal with it to a certain extent.

One of the best ways of treating vaginal yeast infections is by applying anti-fungal creams on the designated area. Although, this is a simple and painless procedure generally, during periods, local application of the medication might turn out to be a messy affair. Plus, it could prove to be painful as well. Although, internal medicines can also be administered for treating yeast infections, they are known to exhibit slow response.

How To Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Can a yeast infection affect your period? Can a yeast infection delay your period? All these questions keep lingering on your mind. However, you can’t always avoid a yeast infection but you can - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/how-can-yeast-infection-affect-your-periods/#sthash.O0cJmi6K.dpuf

MALE FERTILITY – 10 FRUITS THAT INCREASE SPERM COUNT

You are in love! After some discussion and marriage, you and the love of your life have decided to have a baby. It is the ultimate symbol of your dedication and loyalty to each other. You will each have your own part to play. She will have to carry your love child for nine months, all the while taking care of her and the baby’s health. All you have to do is plant the seed that get the process going. Sounds simple, right?

However, as simple as this sounds, it has become so difficult for millions of couples to achieve due to problem of low sperm count in the side of the man. In this write up, we will show you 10 great fruits you should add to your diet in order to naturally boost your sperm count as a man;

Bananas – Everyone knows that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But if you want to keep fertility specialists away, you should probably try adding bananas to your daily routine. That’s because this phallic fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been found to increase male libido and sex drive. Bananas are also an excellent source of vitamin B, which can help increase your stamina in the sack.
Garlic – Mankind has been using garlic to treat everything from the common cold to cardiovascular disease for hundreds of years, and now we finally know that this fragrant bulb can also be used to boost sperm count. That’s because garlic contain high levels of allicin, an organosulfur compound that can create millions of hardy little swimmers by improving blood flow to your sexual organs. Just be careful how much you consume, or you may not be able to get within 10 feet of your girlfriend.
Ginseng – Asian men have been turning to ginseng for hundreds of years to improve their virility, and now scientists are finally beginning to follow their lead by investigating the medicinal properties of this fabled root. A study by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine found that ginseng produced hormonal secretions in lab rats that led to enhanced libido and sexual performance.
Pumpkin Seeds – When it comes to foods that boost your sperm count, sometimes it helps to get a little seedy. A report published in the World Journal of Chemistry revealed that pumpkin seeds contain protective compounds called phytosterols, which can help shrink an enlarged prostate and improves testosterone production. These tasty little seeds are also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that help improve blood flow to both of your heads.
Walnuts – If you want to improve your sperm count, you’d be nuts not to consider walnuts. These tasty tree droppings are overflowing with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to increase sperm count and sexual - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/male-fertility-10-fruits-that-increase-sperm-count/#sthash.BdD8Y4ni.dpuf

ENDOMETRIOSIS – CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Did you know that Endometriosis can have a huge impact on fertility and it’s also responsible for 35-50% of fertility issues in women?

This article reveals how endometriosis affects fertility, causes of endometriosis, risk factors and so on. You will also find in this article several factors that hinder pregnancy in women. Most of these factors are man-made and they are things we can correct by ourselves without taking any drugs. You will find more details by readi ng the article.

Endometriosis is when the tissues of the endometrium lining of the uterus grow outside of the uterus. The endometrium is the inner mucosal lining of the uterus. It has two layers. The stratum functionale contains the excretory glands and is shed as menses during menstruation. It is then built-up again by stimulation of the ovaries releasing hormones. The deeper layer that resides next to the myometrium is vascular (vessels that carry fluids) and serves to regenerate the stratum functionale after each menstruation ends.

In women with endometriosis, the displaced tissues function are influenced by hormones just as a normal endometrium would. This means that these displaced tissues go through the same cycle that any endometrium would; the tissues build up as the body approaches ovulation, then begin to break down when ovulation does not occur and then the displaced tissues bleed during menses. When the endometrial lesions bleed, the blood accumulates locally and triggers inflammation and pain. Over time this may cause development of adhesion (internal scar tissue).

Endometriosis may attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, ligaments or other areas in the abdominal cavity. Rarely the endometrial cells will attach to other areas in the body including the lungs and nasal cavity. If adhesions develop, this may cause internal organs to become stuck to other internal parts of the body and may even cause displacement of organs and other tissues.

Some of the symptoms are:

Heavy menstruation with pain, large clots, long or abnormal length of cycles
Lower abdominal pain, back pain, burning pain over the site
Frequent or constant pain all month long
Painful sexual intercourse
Pain during bowel movement or urination
Rarely bleeding after intercourse, bowel movement, or urination
Dysmenorrhea
Ovarian swelling
Swollen abdomen
Infertility

Risk Factors

There are a variety of risk factors for the development of endometriosis. Here are the main risk factors:

Too much estrogen/too little progesterone
Genetic predisposition
Too much conventional meat
Radiation and EMF’s
An abnormality in the immune system
Exposure to environmental toxins
Benign uterine fibroids

What Causes Endometriosis?

Doctors and Scientist don’t really know for sure what causes endometriosis. Combined theories agree that there are many different factors in the development of this condition, which makes endometriosis a complex condition with a many different origins. Because researchers cannot find one direct link to the cause, it also makes it very difficult to treat medically.

Genetic Predisposition

Genetic predisposition in women with a family history of mothers or sisters that have endometriosis are at a higher risk for developing endometriosis. Women who also have - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/endometriosis-causes-symptoms-treatment/#sthash.GCOPslUI.dpuf

AMENORRHEA: CAUSES OF MISSED MENSTRUAL PERIODS

Our topic of discussion today has to do with the monthly menstrual periods in women. This is considered important as it is something that affects all women of reproductive age.

AMENORRHEA: Amenorrhea is a medical term which means the absence of a woman’s menstrual periods during her reproductive age. If your menses has been regular all the way, you might not really have an idea of what millions of other women in Nigeria (as far as missed/ceased menses is concerned) go through. This condition is the main reason why many women remain infertile today.

In today’s article we will learn the following:-  Some amenorrhea facts  What is amenorrhea?  What causes amenorrhea?  What are the symptoms of amenorrhea?  When should you seek medical care for amenorrhea?  How is amenorrhea diagnosed?  What is the treatment for amenorrhea?  What are the complications of amenorrhea?  Can amenorrhea be prevented?

Some Amenorrhea Facts

Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstrual periods; it may be either primary (meaning a woman never developed menstrual periods) or secondary (absence of menstrual periods in a woman who was previously menstruating).
Genetic or inborn conditions are the most common causes of primary amenorrhea.
Amenorrhea may result from disorders of the ovaries, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus.
Intensive exercising, extreme weight loss, physical illness, and stress can all result in amenorrhea.
Amenorrhea is a symptom and not a disease in itself, so amenorrhea can be prevented only to the extent that the underlying cause can be prevented.
Infertility and bone loss (osteoporosis) are complications of amenorrhea.
Treatments may include surgical correction of anatomical abnormalities, medications or hormone therapies, and also treatment of any underlying conditions responsible for amenorrhea.
The outlook for amenorrhea varies according to the cause.

What Is Amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is the medical term for the absence of menstrual periods, either on a permanent or temporary basis. Amenorrhea can be classified as primary or secondary. In primary amenorrhea, menstrual periods have never begun (by age 16), whereas secondary amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for three consecutive cycles or a time period of more than six months in a woman who was previously menstruating. The menstrual cycle can be influenced by many internal factors such as transient changes in hormonal levels, stress, and illness, as well as external or environmental factors. Missing one menstrual period is rarely a sign of a serious problem or an underlying medical condition, but amenorrhea of longer duration may signal the presence of a disease or chronic condition.

What Causes Amenorrhea?

The normal menstrual cycle occurs because of changing levels of hormones made and secreted by the ovaries. The ovaries respond to hormonal signals from the pituitary gland located at the brain’s base, which, in turn, is controlled by hormones produced in the hypothalamus of the brain. Disorders that affect any component of this regulatory cycle can lead to amenorrhea.

However, a common cause of amenorrhea in young females sometimes overlooked or misunderstood by the individual and others, is an undiagnosed pregnancy. Amenorrhea in pregnancy is a normal physiological function. Occasionally, the same underlying problem can cause or contribute to either primary or secondary amenorrhea. For example, hypothalamic problems, anorexia or extreme exercise can play a major role in causing amenorrhea depending on the person’s age and if she has experienced menarche (Menarche is the first menstrual cycle, or first menstrual bleeding, in female humans).

Primary Amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea is typically the result of a genetic or anatomic condition in young females that never develop menstrual periods (by age 16) and is not pregnant. Many genetic conditions that are characterized by amenorrhea are circumstances in which some or all of the normal internal female organs either fail to form normally during fetal development or function properly. Diseases of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus (a region of the brain important for the control of hormone production) can also cause primary amenorrhea since these areas play a critical role in the regulation of ovarian hormones. Gonadal dysgenesis, a condition in which the ovaries are prematurely depleted of follicles and oocytes (egg cells), leads to premature failure of the ovaries. It is one of the most common cases of primary amenorrhea in young women. Another genetic cause is Turner syndrome, in which women are lacking all or part of one of the two X chromosomes normally present in the female. In Turner syndrome, the ovaries are replaced by scar tissue and estrogen production is minimal, resulting in amenorrhea. Estrogen-induced maturation of the external female Instruments and sex characteristics also fails to occur in Turner syndrome. Other conditions that may be causes of primary amenorrhea include androgen insensitivity (in which individuals have XY (male) chromosomes but do not develop the external characteristics of males due to a lack of response to testosterone and its effects), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Secondary amenorrhea

Pregnancy is an obvious cause of amenorrhea and is the most common reason for secondary amenorrhea. That is why Doctors always tell you to go for pregnancy test first whenever you complain of missed/ceased menses. Further causes are varied and may include conditions that affect the ovaries, uterus, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. Hypothalamic amenorrhea is due to a disruption in the regulator hormones produced by the hypothalamus in the brain. These hormones influence the pituitary gland, which in turn sends signals to the ovaries to produce the characteristic cyclic hormones. A number of conditions can affect the hypothalamus:

extreme weight loss,
emotional or physical stress,
rigorous exercise, and
severe illness.

Other types of medical conditions can cause secondary amenorrhea:

tumors or other diseases of the pituitary gland that lead to elevated levels of the hormone prolactin (which is involved in milk production) also cause amenorrhea due to the elevated prolactin levels;
hypothyroidism;
elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), either from outside sources or from disorders that cause the body to produce too high levels of male hormones;
ovarian failure (premature ovarian failure or early menopause);
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); and
Asherman’s syndrome, a uterine disease that results from scarring of the uterine lining following instrumentation (such as dilation and curettage) of the uterine cavity to manage postpartum bleeding or infection.

Post-pill Amenorrhea

Women who have stopped taking oral contraceptive pills should experience the return of menstruation within three months after discontinuing pill use. Previously, it was believed that birth control pills increased a woman’s risk of - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/amenorrhea-causes-missed-menstrual-periods/#sthash.LggsHYak.dpuf

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF BLOCKED FALLOPIAN TUBES?

Millions of women suffer from blocked fallopian tubes, and this condition is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Fallopian tubes can be blocked because of scarring caused by injury or infection, but the underlying cause of the condition is sometimes unknown. Although common, blocked fallopian tubes are rarely a cause for serious concern. Because blocked fallopian tubes are often asymptomatic or present only with very mild symptoms, the condition is under-diagnosed, however it is a leading cause of infertility.

Infertility Caused by a Blocked Fallopian Tube

Women who are not trying to conceive may be completely unaware of their blocked fallopian tubes, since infertility is often the only symptom. Since a blockage in the fallopian tubes can prevent sperm and eggs from traveling freely, they may be unable to join and create a zygote.

Women with one occluded fallopian tube may have difficulty conceiving, but if the other tube is fully functional, the patient may never experience noticeable infertility. However, women with two affected fallopian tubes may find it nearly impossible to conceive without treatment or in vitro fertilization.

Mild Pelvic Pain Caused by a Blocked Fallopian Tube

Because of the pressure that scar tissue places on the area surrounding a fallopian tube, some women do experience mild, constant abdominal pain as a result of a blocked fallopian tube. Though the symptoms are relatively uncommon, it usually presents with mild, constant, nagging pain in the lower abdomen, possibly on only one side.

Abdominal pain can also be caused by unrelated conditions, and it is not always (or even often) associated with blocked fallopian tubes. Still, the condition could be considered as a possibility for women who experience constant abdominal pain along with infertility or other symptoms of a blocked tube.

Severe Pelvic Pain Caused by a Blocked Fallopian Tube

Very rarely, women with blocked fallopian tubes may feel intermittent episodes of severe, recurrent pain, which sometimes occurs on only in one side of the lower abdomen. This sharp pain sometimes occurs only during menstruation or ovulation, because of the effects of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the reproductive organs.

Recurrent, severe pain can be caused by many other factors and conditions, such as menstrual cramping, endometriosis, gastrointestinal disturbances and pelvic infection. Since severe pain is only rarely caused by blocked fallopian tubes, other potential causes should be considered.

Risk Factors for a Blocked Fallopian Tube

Women with certain risk factors are especially likely to experience blocked fallopian tubes, and a medical history that includes related conditions can indicate that the patient is likely to experience blocked fallopian tubes. The most common cause of blocked fallopian tubes is scarring from a previous pelvic infection. Women who have had chlamydia or gonorrhea are at risk of- See more at: http://planbwellness.com/signs-symptoms-blocked-fallopian-tubes/#sthash.4sFAFC3t.dpuf

HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE A FERTILITY PROBLEM

If the months are drifting by without a sign that you’ve made that longed-for baby, you may begin to wonder if there’s a fertility problem.

Try not to be anxious. The time it takes to conceive varies a great deal. Even if all is well, you have only a 20 per cent to 25 per cent chance of getting pregnant each month.

That said, your age does make a difference. If you and your partner are in your early 20s, you should expect success within about five months. If you’re over 35, keep trying, but see your Doctor sooner rather than later if you think you may need help to conceive.

Getting pregnant is not entirely down to luck. Try to have sex every two or three days and learn to spot the signs that you’re in your fertile window.

If you feel you’ve already taken all the advice and done the waiting, see your doctor. Infertility affects about 15 per cent of couples at some point. But even if you turn out to be one of these couples, it doesn’t mean you will never have a baby. You may just need more time or medical help to conceive.

Is There A Reason Why I May Be Infertile?

Once you’ve set your heart on having a baby, having trouble conceiving can be hard to come to terms with.

It’s normal to fear that there must be “something wrong” with you or your partner. Because infertility is a shared experience, it may not be helpful to see it that way. As it happens, fertility problems affect men and women roughly equally.

But that’s not to shy away from the fact that there may be health issues affecting one of you that are interfering with baby-making.

You may be having fertility problems if:

You have a sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
You have had pelvic or abdominal surgery, such as for appendicitis or an ovarian cyst.
Your partner has had a hernia or testicular operation.
You have irregular periods or painful periods
You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
You have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
You have endometriosis.
You have fibroids.
You have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past.

Even with some of these conditions, you’ll probably still be one of the 84 per cent of couples who conceives within 12 months. If you’re not, there’s still a good chance you’ll get pregnant the following year without needing medical help.

If you have had three or more miscarriages, you may want to talk to your doctor about trying for another baby.

Also see your doctor if you take medications that affect fertility. Some anti-inflammatories and antidepressants impair fertility. Most GP surgeries offer a preconception check-up, and this is just the sort of thing you can discuss then.

Apart from current or previous medical conditions, what you eat and your lifestyle may have some influence. Your fertility can be affected if you are:

overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 29
underweight, with a BMI of less than 19
a smoker

Is There A Reason For Your Partner’s Infertility?

There may be clear reasons why your partner has...See more at: http://planbwellness.com/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-fertility-problem/#sthash.H3HXgqSb.dpuf

OVULATION: FIVE WAYS TO TELL YOU’RE OVULATING

Ovulation is when one or more eggs are released from one of your ovaries. It is essential for the production of eggs and for the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.

During each monthly cycle, healthy couples who aren’t using birth control have a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant. And that’s a surprisingly high percentage considering that you can conceive only around the time of ovulation — a small window of opportunity each month (usually about 12 to 24 hours) during which the egg is viable, or open for the business of fertilization.

Doesn’t sound like much of an opening? Consider, then, that sperm are able to live to fertilize for a lot longer than an egg is willing to hang out, anywhere from three to six days. Which means that even if you have sex a few days before ovulation, there may be plenty of sperm still around to greet the egg when it emerges. (And remember: It only takes one sperm to make a baby.) Of course, having sex the day you ovulate would be ideal. After ovulation, that window tends to slam shut till the next cycle. Clearly, knowing when the Big O occurs is key when doing the Baby Dance and here are five ways to help you pin down the big day;

1. Check the calendar: Ovulation most often occurs halfway through your menstrual cycle — the average cycle lasts 28 days, counting from the first day of one period (day one) to the first day of the next period. But as with everything pregnancy-related, there’s a wide range of normal here (anywhere from 23 to 35 days), and your own cycle may vary slightly from month to month. By keeping a menstrual calendar for a few months, you can get an idea of what’s normal for you. If your periods are irregular, you’ll need to be even more alert for other signs of ovulation, so read on.

2. Listen to your body: If you’re like 20 percent of women, your body will send you a memo when it’s ovulating, in the form of a twinge of pain or a series of cramps in your lower abdominal area (usually localized to one side — the side you’re ovulating from). Called mittelschmerz — German for “middle pain” — this monthly reminder of fertility is thought to be the result of the maturation or release of an egg from an ovary. Pay close attention, and you may be more likely to get the message.

3. Chart your temperature: That is, your basal body temperature, or BBT. Taken with a special thermometer (yes, you guessed it, a basal body thermometer), your BBT is the baseline reading you get first thing in the morning, after at least three to five hours of sleep and before you get out of bed, talk, or even sit up. Your BBT changes throughout your cycle as fluctuations in hormone levels occur. During the first half of your cycle, estrogen dominates. During the second half of your cycle (once ovulation has occurred), there is a surge in progesterone. Progesterone increases your body temperature as it gets your uterus ready for a fertilized, implantable egg. Which means that in the first half of the month, your temperature will be lower than it is in the second half of the month, after ovulation. Confused? Here’s the bottom line: Your BBT will reach its lowest point at ovulation and then rise immediately and dramatically (about a half a degree) as soon as - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/ovulation-five-ways-tell-youre-ovulating/#sthash.QhWwiL9a.dpuf

FIBROID RISK FACTORS

There are a number of fibroid risk factors which, when present, can increase your chances of developing uterine fibroids. Since the absolute and definitive cause of this condition cannot be identified in each individual, it can be difficult to prove which women are most at risk. However, what we can say is that statistically, women in the following groups seem to have a higher chance of having fibroids;

Women who are carrying excessive weight
Women who eat a lot of red meat (especially fatty meats)
Women who begin menstruating at an earlier than average age
African women
Risk factors increase with age. 40% of women will have fibroids by the age of 40 (these may of course be small and symptom-free) whereas 70-80% of women in their 50’s before the menopause would have developed fibroids
Women who eat few vegetables
Those with a close female relative with the condition
Women who have never been pregnant. Those who have four or more children have a much lower risk of developing uterine fibroids
Women with higher levels of estrogen and/or progesterone

fibroid risk factors

Lifestyle issues can also increase your risk. For example, if you have stress which has been caused by lack of sleep, anxiety, emotional problems or the stresses of your daily life, this can cause disruption of your immune system and hormones, as well as raising your blood sugar levels.

Certain drugs, such as the birth control pills can stop the normal functioning of the ovaries. Whereas, prescription drugs have been known to affect the working of the hypothalamus. Thereby, disrupting the menstrual cycle.

It would seem likely that although a woman’s risk of developing fibroids can be increased by the above, it is likely to be a combination of factors rather than one single issue which has caused fibroids to grow. Many alternative practitioners believe that it is likely to be a subtle “blend” of contributory causes, including genetic predisposition, that triggers the growth of fibroids.

Although some of the above factors are virtually impossible to “reverse” or alter, taking positive steps wherever possible is certainly thought to help. For example, increasing your intake of - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/fibroid-risk-factors/#sthash.ZFK1ZONU.dpuf

8 WAYS TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE

Ready to start your heart-healthy diet? Here are eight tips to get you started. Although you might know that eating certain foods can increase your heart disease risk, it’s often tough to change your eating habits. Whether you have years of unhealthy eating under your belt or you simply want to fine-tune your diet, here are eight heart-healthy diet tips. Once you know which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit, you’ll be on your way toward a heart-healthy diet.

Control Your Portion Size

How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. Overloading your plate, taking seconds and eating until you feel stuffed can lead to eating more calories than you should. Portions served in restaurants are often more than anyone needs.

Use a small plate or bowl to help control your portions. Eat larger portions of low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and smaller portions of high-calorie, high-sodium foods, such as refined, processed or fast foods. This strategy can shape up your diet as well as your heart and waistline.

Eat More Vegetables And Fruits

Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Vegetables and fruits are also low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Vegetables and fruits contain substances found in plants that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables may help you eat less high-fat foods, such as meat, cheese and snack foods.

Featuring vegetables and fruits in your diet can be easy. Keep vegetables washed and cut in your refrigerator for quick snacks. Keep fruit in a bowl in your kitchen so that you’ll remember to eat it. Choose recipes that have vegetables or fruits as the main ingredients, such as vegetable stir-fry or fresh fruit mixed into salads.

Select Whole Grains

Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. You can increase the amount of whole grains in a heart-healthy diet by making simple substitutions for refined grain products. Or be adventuresome and try a new whole grain, such as barley.


Limit Unhealthy Fats

Limiting how much saturated and trans fats you eat is an important step to reduce your blood cholesterol and lower your risk of coronary artery disease. A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a build-up of plaques in your arteries, called atherosclerosis, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

The best way to reduce saturated and trans fats in your diet is to limit the amount of solid fats — butter, margarine and shortening — you add to food when cooking and serving. You can also reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet by trimming fat off your meat or choosing lean meats with less than 10 percent fat.

You can also use low-fat substitutions when possible for a heart-healthy diet. For example, top your baked potato with low-sodium salsa or low-fat yogurt rather than butter, or use sliced whole fruit or low-sugar fruit spread on your toast instead of margarine.

You may also want to check the food labels of some cookies, crackers and chips. Many of these snacks — even those labelled “reduced fat” — may be made with oils containing trans fats. One clue that a food has some trans fat in it is the phrase “partially hydrogenated” in the ingredient list.

When you do use fats, choose monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil or canola oil. Polyunsaturated fats, found in certain fish, avocados, nuts and seeds, also are good choices for a heart-healthy diet. When used in place of saturated fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may help lower your total blood cholesterol. But moderation is essential. All types of fat are high in calories.

An easy way to add healthy fat (and fiber) to your diet is ground flaxseed. Flaxseeds are small brown seeds that are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have found that flaxseeds may help lower cholesterol in some people. You can grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor and stir a teaspoon of them into yogurt, applesauce or hot cereal.

Choose Low-Fat Protein Sources

Lean meat, poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products, and eggs are some of your best sources of protein. But be careful to choose lower fat options, such as skim milk rather than whole milk and skinless chicken breasts rather than fried chicken patties.

Fish is another good alternative to high-fat meats. And certain types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fats called triglycerides. You’ll find the highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/8-ways-to-prevent-heart-disease/#sthash.dQ8742vr.dpuf

EYE CARE FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS

To keep your vision sharp, you’ll want to take good and special care of your health so you can prevent problems related to diabetes.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and this can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar can also lead to cataracts and glaucoma, which occur earlier and more frequently in people with diabetes.

Use these 7 strategies to manage your diabetes and protect your eyes:

Schedule appointments with your eye doctor at least once a year so that any problem can be detected early and treated. During your examination, your eye doctor will use special drops to widen (“dilate”) your pupils and check the blood vessels in your eyes for early signs of damage.
Stay in control of your blood glucose. If you keep your blood sugar levels steady, you can slow the damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. Several times a year, you should have an HbA1c blood test. It shows your glucose levels over the past 2 or 3 months. Your result should be around 7% or less.
Keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure alone can lead to eye disease. If you have high blood pressure and diabetes, you need to be even more careful about how you manage your conditions. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure at every visit. For most people with diabetes, it should be less than 140/80.
Check your cholesterol levels regularly. All it takes is a blood test to find out how much “bad” (LDL) and “good” (HDL) cholesterol you have. Too much LDL is linked to blood vessel damage.
Eat for wellness. Go for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. If that’s a big change for you, you can get ideas and encouragement from a nutritionist. You can also ask for your doctor’s advice about when you should eat and how much is OK if you take insulin.
Don’t smoke. Smoking causes problems with your blood vessels, which makes you more likely to develop eye trouble. It’s not easy to quit, so don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for help. Or go to a support group or quit-smoking program.
Move more. Exercise can have a big influence on blood sugar. If you use insulin or medication to lower your blood sugar, ask your doctor when you should check your levels before and during your workouts. Also ask what type of workout you should do.

When Should You Call The Eye Doctor?

If you have diabetes, you should make an appointment to see your eye doctor if you experience - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/eye-care-for-diabetic-patients/#sthash.7wFvdwd1.dpuf

10 NATURAL WAYS TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR INFERTILITY

Infertility is an alarming modern epidemic affecting more couples now than ever. 1 out of 6 couples today experience difficulty getting pregnant. What was once seen as a woman’s problem is now known to affect men equally.

Below Are 10 Strategies You Can Immediately Implement To Boost Fertility Naturally;

The natural approach to treating infertility solves the root causes of infertility by addressing all body systems, rather than just focusing solely on the reproductive system.

Many couples that can’t become pregnant suffer from a combination of sub-clinical conditions. These conditions can’t cause infertility on their own but — in combination — they can substantially reduce a couple’s chances of conceiving.

For example; a gluten intolerance alone cannot cause infertility; however, the resulting inflammation in the gut can minimize your nutrient absorption and lead to deficiencies in nutrients you need for optimal sperm, egg and hormone production and a healthy pregnancy.

Exposure to heavy metals, radiation, and toxic chemicals in some foods, drugs and other products can damage DNA. Recent Nutrigenomic (a study of the effects of nutrients on gene expression) research suggests that what we eat can influence our gene structure and expression.

1. Minimize Your Exposure To Toxic Chemicals

Exposure to environmental toxins (in the form of industrial chemicals) both in utero and neonatally may dramatically affect adult fertility. Most chemicals used in everyday life do not go through the same checks medicines do. Consequently, poisonous chemicals end up circulating in our environment, food supply, air and water.

The strongest evidence of heavy metals and environmental pollution adversely interfering with healthy reproductive function in women has been found for lead. Other compounds that can alter hormone function and result in adverse reproductive health effects include:

Ovotoxicants: can disrupt or even stop ovulation.
Endocrine disruptors: can interfere with hormone function and cause endometriosis and PCOS.
Phthalates: in plastic food containers, cling wrap, IV bags, medical supplies, vinyl flooring and packaging at high levels have been associated with miscarriage and testicular toxicity. At low levels they disrupt hormonal balance.
VCH chemicals: used in rubber tires, plastics and pesticides.
PAH: released from cigarettes, car fumes and road tar

Men are not spared!

Sperm seems to be more sensitive to heavy metals and industrial pollutants than eggs. Many sperm abnormalities have been linked to these toxins. The majority of these chemicals can be found in the atmosphere, on the ground in cities and in the waterways.

They have also been termed “reprotoxicants” for their negative effects on sperm development and maturation. Studies confirm male sperm counts are declining, and environmental factors, such as pesticides, exogenous estrogens (Xenoestrogens), and heavy metals may negatively impact spermatogenesis (formation of sperm).

The top 6 environmental toxins to avoid:

Pesticides: found on non-organic fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy and unfiltered tap water
Formaldehyde: found in air fresheners, deodorants, floor polish, upholstery cleaners
Bisphenols: found in plastic containers and can leach into food and water.
Organic solvents: petroleum based liquids found in household products, electronics, car repair, health care, photography, agriculture, printing, construction and cosmetics and many more.
Dry-cleaning chemicals
Paint fumes

Please Note : Occasional exposure to one or the other toxic chemical is not of concern. What is of concern is accumulation of these chemicals over a long period of time.

2. Don’t Drink Unfiltered Tap Water

Our waterways are constantly being polluted by industrial waste and by-products, pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides and herbicides and commercial cleaning products.

There are many companies polluting the water regardless of the country you live in. Either there is no environmental law at all, or there are loopholes in the law or there is no law for the XYZ chemical getting into the water.

Heavy metals are the most common of the reprotoxins reaching our water supply through industrial waste, jet fuel exhaust residue and a variety of other sources.

3. Aim To Eat An Optimal Fertility Diet

Aim To Eat An Optimal Fertility DietIn the first trimester of pregnancy, your growing embryo will increase 20 million times. In the first 8 weeks your baby’s organs, hands, fingers, legs, feet, head, eyes, nose, ears etc. are being constructed. To ensure the best possible foundations are laid down during this phase, you want to make sure there are plenty of building blocks in the form of the right nutrients in the right combinations.

What Does A Fertility Diet Contain?

An optimal fertility diet is about what to avoid as much as it is about what to include. A fertility diet should be as fresh as possible and organic wherever possible. Key elements are; good quality protein sources and good fats.

What Should You Eat? - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/10-natural-ways-to-address-the-root-cause-of-your-infertility/#sthash.wRktZU6l.dpuf

PAINFUL SEX – HOW TO OVERCOME PAINFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

If intercourse is hurting you, you are less likely to want to try for a baby, and for good reason; sex just isn’t feeling good anymore. Even worse, you may go ahead and try to ignore the pain, just so you can try to get pregnant which may make the underlying cause worse.

Painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia is a common condition, estimated to affect up to 20% of women. It is most commonly experienced by postmenopausal women, though is not uncommon before. Up to 2% of women experience regular pain during intercourse. For as many as 15% of women, painful intercourse may occur up to a handful of times each year. Painful intercourse can affect both men and women, though is more common in women.

Symptoms of Painful Intercourse

Pain can occur both during and after intercourse. There are a number of possible causes of painful intercourse, and so there are various symptoms associated with this condition. Pain can be felt:

at the point of penetration
during sex
during orgasm
after sex

The timing of the onset of pain may help to determine the cause. Make note of any patterns, and write down any details that could help your gynecologist to diagnose the underlying condition.

Depending on the underlying condition, you may find the pain to be:

sharp
sudden
like a burning sensation
throbbing
dull
causes extreme tenderness
like menstrual cramps

Descriptions of the pain will also be useful for diagnosis, so keep note of the type of pain, and the duration.

There are a number of potential causes of painful intercourse, so the more information you are able to give your gynecologist, the sooner they will be able to rule out some possible causes.

Possible Causes of Painful Intercourse

Pain during and after sex can be felt in the vagina or deeper in the pelvis.

Vaginal pain could be caused by:

a sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea
an infection such as thrush (yeast infection)
vaginismus -­ this is the involuntary and often painful tightening of the vaginal muscles at the time of attempted penetration
menopause -­ the hormonal changes experienced during menopause can cause vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive
a lack of arousal -­ vaginal dryness can cause pain during and after sex
genital irritation or allergic reaction to spermicides, latex or hygiene products
a psychiatric problem ­- stress, anxiety and depression can reduce the libido and cause painful intercourse. A history of sexual abuse could also cause anxiety around sex and intimacy that could lead to painful intercourse

Pelvic pain during and after sex could be caused by:

a pelvic inflammatory disease ­- this often asymptomatic condition can cause deep pelvic pain during and after sex
endometriosis ­- according to research, around half of all women with endometriosis suffer from painful intercourse. Click here to read about natural solution for endometriosis.
irritable bowel syndrome ­- sex can apply pressure to the intestines, causing pain to be felt deep in the pelvis
uterine fibroids -­ non-­cancerous tumours of tissue on the - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/painful-sex-overcome-painful-sexual-intercourse/#sthash.eXI5Wowt.dpuf

5 WAYS TO PROMOTE REGULAR OVULATION

Regular monthly ovulation is a critical event that needs to happen each menstrual cycle in order for a woman to become pregnant. Sadly, ovulatory dysfunction or anovulation happens regularly for many women, making it one of the leading causes of female infertility. There are however five simple ways to promote healthy regular ovulation and they are as follows…
1. Eat a Clean, Whole Food, Nourishing Fertility Diet

Fertility Diet is about supporting your body in its reproductive efforts; meaning eating real, whole foods, a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, moderate amounts of lean (organic/grass-fed/free-range) meats, seafood and dairy, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats. Consistently, research has shown that following a Fertility Diet is one of the most influential ways to support regular ovulation. You might be surprised to know that consuming adequate amounts of Vitamins D, B12, Iron and Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) all can play a part in healthy ovulation.

2. Exercise Daily

Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) or weight, which in turn supports hormonal balance and healthy insulin levels both important for fertility and ovulation.

3. Create a Stress Reduction Plan

While a bit of positive stress can be healthy (known as eustress), stress due to infertility is typically experienced at higher than average levels which may quickly run the body down. Consistent, very high levels of stress can cause normal functioning systems of the body to “shut down” (even if temporarily). This “shut down” may affect the function of the heart, lungs and nervous system; negatively impacting the overall health of the body. One of the body systems readily affected by stress is the reproductive system.

Stress is known to trigger the body to make excess - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/5-ways-promote-regular-ovulation/#sthash.ZgyDyI2k.dpuf

TYPES OF FIBROID DEGENERATION AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE

Fibroids degeneration occurs when fibroids overgrow their blood supply and slowly die afterwards. In a way, fibroids degeneration can be seen as natural uterine artery embolization. These degenerative changes of the fibroids tissue are common consequence of the rapid growth, pregnancy, trauma, and postmenopausal atrophy.

So, let’s see what types of fibroids degeneration exist and why it is important for you to be informed about them!

Hyaline Fibroids Degeneration

Hyaline degeneration is the most common type of fibroids degeneration that can occur in 60% of all fibroids cases. The most common change observed in fibroids that are undergoing this type of degeneration is replacement of the fibrous and muscle fibroid tissues with the hyaline tissue (type of connective tissue). Gradual decrease in the blood supply to the fibroids can cause this type of fibroids degeneration.

Although, hyaline fibroids degeneration is without symptoms, it can cause central necrosis (death of the cells and tissues) and leave cystic spaces at the center. In this way, cystic fibroids degeneration starts. The other consequence of the hyaline degeneration is slow calcification of the fibroids.

Cystic Fibroids Degeneration

Cystic degeneration is not so common type of fibroids degeneration; it affects only 4% of all fibroids and usually occurs after menopause. As already mentioned, hyaline degeneration often precedes cystic degeneration.

Decreased blood supply to the fibroids may influence liquefaction of hyalinized areas that are seen as cystic changes on the ultrasound. They resemble “honeycomb pattern”, and sometimes can be misleading, especially with the submucous type of fibroids. They are often misdiagnosed as other gestational abnormalities, such as missed abortion, blighted ovum, and hydatidiform mole.

Myxoid Fibroids Degeneration

This type of fibroids degeneration is not - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/types-of-fibroid-degeneration-and-why-should-you-care/#sthash.BpMeThN7.dpuf

INFERTILITY FACT SHEET

What Is Infertility?

Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying (or six months if a woman is 35 or older). Women who can get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant may also be referred to as infertile.

Pregnancy is the result of a process that has many steps and the steps are as follows;

A woman’s body must release an egg from one of her ovaries (ovulation).
The egg must go through a fallopian tube toward the uterus (womb).
A man’s sperm must join with (fertilize) the egg along the way.
The fertilized egg must attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation).

Infertility can happen if there are problems with any of these steps.

Is infertility a common problem?

Yes. About 10 percent of women 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Is infertility just a woman’s problem?

No, infertility is not always a woman’s problem. Both women and men can have problems that cause infertility. About one-third of infertility cases are caused by women’s problems. Another one third of fertility problems are due to the man. The other cases are caused by a mixture of male and female problems or by unknown problems.

What Causes Infertility In Men?

Infertility in men is most often caused by:

A problem called varicocele. This happens when the veins on a man’s testicle(s) are too large. This heats the testicles. The heat can affect the number or shape of the sperm.
Other factors that cause a man to make too few sperm or none at all.
Movement of the sperm. This may be caused by the shape of the sperm. Sometimes injuries or other damage to the reproductive system block the sperm.

Sometimes, a man is born with the problems that affect his sperm. Other times problems start later in life due to illness or injury. For example, cystic fibrosis often causes infertility in men.

What Increases a Man’s Risk of Infertility?

A man’s sperm can be changed by his overall health and lifestyle. Some things that may reduce the health or number of sperm include:

Heavy alcohol use
Drugs
Smoking cigarettes
Age
Environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead
Health problems such as mumps, serious conditions like kidney disease, or hormone problems
Medicines
Radiation treatment and chemotherapy for cancer

What Causes Infertility in Women?

Most cases of female infertility are caused by problems with ovulation. Without ovulation, there are no eggs to be fertilized. Some signs that a woman is not ovulating normally include irregular or absent menstrual periods.

Ovulation problems are often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormone imbalance problem which can interfere with normal ovulation. PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is another cause of
- See more at: http://planbwellness.com/2245-2/#sthash.kqr4X4QO.dpuf

CAN FIBROIDS GROW BACK AFTER SURGERY?

Yes and No!

NO: Because once fibroids are removed by surgery, they do not grow back. So technically, a woman cannot experience a fibroids recurrence.

Yes: Because new fibroids can grow in the same place or on other parts of the womb.

How Likely Are Fibroids To Grow Back?

There have been various studies which have researched this question. One study indicated that;

if myomectomy surgery is performed for one single fibroid, 11 percent of patients would require repeat surgery within the following 10 years.
If multiple fibroids were removed, the repeat rate was about 25 percent.

Another study investigated the success rate of uterine artery embolization (UAE) and found that 17 percent of patients needed further treatment within 30 months. As most ‘recurrences’ occurred within 2 years, the researchers recommended that patients be monitored with transvaginal ultrasound for at least 2 years after UAE surgery.

What Makes Fibroids More Likely To Grow Back?

Age: The nearer a woman is to menopause, the less likely fibroids are to grow back. Under normal circumstances, it would be very unusual for a woman over 40 to need a repeat myomectomy for example.

Over-Looked Fibroids: Some fibroids are so small they may be missed by the surgeon, but over time they can grow larger and become problematic. One study found that as many as 29 percent of women had fibroids left behind after myomectomy. However, not all these women will require repeat surgery as the fibroids may not grow bigger or cause problems.

Amount of Fibroids Removed: The more fibroids you have removed, the more likely new ones are to grow, indicating a possible genetic cause.

Childbirth: One study found that women who gave birth after myomectomy were less likely to develop new fibroids than women who did not. New fibroids appeared in 16 percent of women who gave birth compared to 28 percent of women who didn’t.

Lupron Treatment: Hormone therapy using the drug Lupron is sometimes given to women to shrink the size of their fibroids before surgery. However, sometimes it can shrink the fibroids so small, the surgeon fails to - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/can-fibroids-grow-back-surgery/#sthash.esZ2NbJ2.dpuf

5 FOODS THAT WILL HELP DETOXIFY AND CLEANSE YOUR BODY

Detoxification is a key body function involving the elimination of metabolic waste and other toxins via the eliminatory organs – the skin and kidneys and especially the liver. As much of about 80% of all chemical processes that go on in your body involve detoxification activities and modern day living has led to an increased exposure to toxins. As well as the toxic by-products of our own metabolism, we are faced with toxins in what we eat and drink, as well as from alcohol, cigarettes, medical drugs, cosmetics, household cleaning products, not to mention pollution and environmental poisons.

So what is a detox or cleanse?

It’s a way of eating (and living!) cleanly, to minimise the amount of chemicals and pollutants in our systems, while emphasises on high-nutrient foods that help draw out and eliminate toxins.

The lighter dietary load allows our body to expel accumulated toxins (which are stored in our fat cells) and reduce the burden on our organs and detoxifying functions (like the skin and liver).

And what should you include in your diet while you’re on a detox? Below are 5 fabulous foods that will help your body detoxify and cleanse;

Water

Ok, not technically a food but crucial when you’re cleansing and the rest of the time! Many people are partially dehydrated all the time which stresses your system and prevents efficient detoxification. Drink lots of water; 2 to 3 liters per day.

Try drinking a liter (about 4 cups) of water in the morning, then sip the remaining 1-2 liters throughout the day. Avoid drinking at mealtimes, so you don’t dilute your digestive juices.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens (think kale, celery, silverbeet, baby spinach, etc) are the backbone for any good detox! They are alkalizing, and an alkaline body is better at battling bad bacteria, yeast and keeping cravings at bay.

leafy greens

Green leafy veggies also contain chlorella which helps to cleanse and increase the oxygen in your blood, improving your cellular health.

Try adding a daily green smoothie to up your green intake, as well as eating lots of big - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/5-foods-that-will-help-detoxify-and-cleanse-your-body/#sthash.SDm8kkRm.dpuf

FEMALE INFERTILITY – CAUSES, SIGNS, TESTS AND TREATMENT

The topic we are treating today is about one of the most disturbing aspects
of adults' lives. A lot of marriages are under threat right now due to lack
of babies and in most cases in this part of the world, women are always the
ones at the receiving end.

Therefore, we think it is important we educate our women about the causes
of infertility, the signs and tests they can run if they sense signs of
infertility and as well as different treatment options they can embrace to
overcome the challenges of infertility.

Infertility is the inability to get pregnant after a year of unprotected
intercourse. Both men and women can be infertile. According to the Centers
for Disease Control, 1/3 of the time, the diagnosis is due to female
infertility, 1/3 of the time, it is linked to male infertility, and the
remaining cases of infertility are due to a combination of factors from
both partners. For approximately 20% of couples, the cause cannot be
determined.

What Causes Female Infertility? Female infertility can be caused by a
number of factors, including the following: - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/female-infertility-cause-signs-tests-treatment/#sthash.6KNeVUqU.dpuf

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If you are convinced that our products will help you and the people around you achieve good health, you should become our Distributor/Agent. You will get our highly guaranteed and 100% natural health-enhancing products at Distributors’ price. The benefits also you will enjoy are as listed below;

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CAUSES OF HEAVY PERIODS/MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

Menstrual flow is the result of the complex interplay of many factors that arise from the central nervous system, the pituitary gland, the ovary, the uterine muscle, and its lining. Regulation of menstrual flow is also dependent on a normally functioning clotting system. The specific evaluation of a problem for a particular woman will often depend on the duration of the problem, the age of the woman, her specific medical history, her physical examination and her ultrasound examination. Occasionally, the cause of a particular menstrual abnormality is complex and arises from abnormalities of pituitary, adrenal and ovarian function.

The causes of various menstrual disorders can be summarized as follows:

Hormonal
Clotting Disorder
Anatomic
Medication and Supplements
The “Apparently” Normal Uterus

Hormonal Causes

Pituitary gland problems
Thyroid gland abnormalities
Adrenal gland abnormalities
Ovarian dysfunction

Clotting Abnormalities

Clotting abnormalities may be responsible for 5% of cases of abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. Women with clotting abnormalities generally have a history of easy bruisability or excess bleeding from relatively minor cuts and scrapes. Additional abnormalities might include:

Platelet dysfunction abnormalities such as Thrombocytopenia
Clotting factor abnormalities such as Von Willebrand Disease

Anatomic Problems

About 25% of women with heavy menstrual periods have one of the anatomic reasons listed below. In practice, the most common anatomic reason for heavy menstrual bleeding is uterine fibroids, which account for the majority of “anatomic problems” that cause abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. A summary of “anatomic problems” include:

Uterine Fibroids (these benign tumours originate from the uterine muscle)
Polyps (these originate from the uterine lining)
Adenomyosis (lining tissue of the uterus is found within the muscle of the uterus)
Decreased uterine contractile strength
Endometrial cancer
A uterus with a large surface area

There are several important things to remember about “anatomic problems” that cause abnormally heavy periods. First, uterine cancer accounts for less than 1% of these. Although cancer is among the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, it is rare in women under the age of 50 and, if caught early, is a very curable disease. Second, once your health care provider has determined that you don’t have cancer, the treatment is generally one of choice rather than necessity.

Though, this may be obvious to your physician or practitioner but it bears repeating that the majority of women in their 30’s and 40’s who have periods that are heavy because of anatomic reasons may not have cancer.

Fibroids: the most common benign tumour in women

The uterus contains two types of tissue—an inner lining (endometrium) that sheds each month with your period and the muscular portion (myometrium). Both of these tissue types can - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/causes-of-heavy-periodsmenstrual-bleeding/#sthash.5lab6G5Z.dpuf

7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT UTERINE FIBROID TUMOURS

Uterine fibroid tumours or leiomyomas are estrogen dependent – they thrive on estrogen. In fact, uterine fibroid tumours never develop before the onset of menstruation when the female body has not started producing estrogen. During pregnancy, fibroid tumours often grow extremely fast due to the extra estrogen produced by the body during pregnancy. Most women who have fibroid tumours and who are able to wait until after menopause discover that their uterine fibroid tumours shrink and disappear once estrogen production stops in the body. Because of the effect of oestrogen, both women who currently have fibroid tumours and those who’ve had uterine fibroids in the past need to pay particular attention to the potential side effects of oestrogen-containing medications.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (or the ACOG), uterine fibroid tumours or leiomyomas are “clinically apparent in 25 to 50 percent of women.” However pathological examinations of removed uteri show that the prevalence of uterine fibroid tumours may actually be as high as 80 percent.
Fibroid tumours are the most common solid pelvic tumors in women. Because it is not uncommon for women with uterine fibroid tumors to experience none of the symptoms often seen in women with fibroids, treatment is unnecessary unless bothersome symptoms develop before natural menopause. The two most common symptoms of uterine fibroid tumors that cause women to to seek the advice of their health care providers are;
excessive uterine bleeding or menorrhagia that lasts longer than seven days
a feeling of pelvic pressure – somewhat like the pressure experienced during pregnancy when the uterus grows larger.

Often excessive uterine bleeding causes the development of anemia or iron deficiency. Other consequences that may occur due to pressure on adjacent organs include:

urinary and bowel problems
painful sexual intercourse or dyspareunia.

Note – While these symptoms can indicate the presence of uterine fibroids, they are not definitive symptoms. Other possible causes for these symptoms should be ruled out before a diagnosis of uterine fibroid tumours is made.

It is extremely rare that uterine fibroid tumours are cancerous. In a study cited by the ACOG, sarcomas or cancer is present in only about 0.002 to 0.003 percent of cases of leiomyomas. Leiomyomas that are cancerous are called leiomyosarcomas.
The most common reason given for hysterectomy (the surgical removal of the uterus) is uterine fibroids. Today, several alternatives are available for the treatment of fibroid tumors. Make sure you talk to your health care provider about which alternative may or may not be the right treatment choice for your situation.
Uterine fibroid tumours come in several types:

subserosal,
submucosal,
intramural,
pendunculated,
interligamentous,
and parasitic fibroids

It’s not unusual for women to have more than one type of uterine fibroid tumour. The type of fibroid, as well as the size and location of the tumours, determine which treatment option is best for you.

Subserosal or Subserous fibroids grow on the outer wall of the uterus and usually cause no symptoms until they grow large enough to interfere with other organs.
Submucosal fibroids – These fibroids occur just below the lining of the uterus and can cause menstrual problems, including pain as they grow and move around the pelvic area.
Intramural uterine fibroid tumours are round leiomyomas located within the uterine wall and which can cause an increase in uterine size as they grow.
Pendunculated leiomyomas develop when a subserous fibroid grows a peduncle or stalk that grows larger and may become twisted, causing severe pain.
Parasitic uterine fibroids are the rarest type of leiomyomas and develop when a fibroid tumour attaches itself to another organ.

If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and need a guaranteed way to naturally get rid of fibroid without surgery, read about the Fibroid Remedy Kit.

If you have gained anything from reading this, don’t hesitate to share it with others too. Put your comments and questions or topics you will like us to write about in the comment box below.

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Plan B Wellness Center
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HOW TO USE YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE TO DETERMINE YOUR FERTILITY LEVEL/HORMONAL BALANCE

The menstrual cycle is one of the best ways the body communicates about your fertility. The details of your menstrual cycle can be used as a window into your fertility. Telling you just what is going on, where an imbalance might lie, how your reproductive circulation is, if there is a hormonal imbalance and so on.

The goal of this article is to help you read your body and listen when it is telling you something is out of balance. - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/use-menstrual-cycle-determine-fertility-levelhormonal-balance/#sthash.nflcbUsw.dpuf

PREGNANCY – 5 STEPS TO DECREASING THE CHANCE OF RECURRENT MISCARRIAGES

If you are someone who has experienced miscarriage(s), you will know that having a miscarriage is really, really hard.Not only would you have to deal with the feeling of loss, confusion, and sadness, but also would have to work through the resentment towards your pregnant friends that would “fall” pregnant every time they sneezed.

Today, I want to share with you five steps you can take (and have been shown through scientific studies) to decrease your chances of having another loss and prevent miscarriage by creating a healthy, baby-friendly body. But before we dive into the therapies, let’s take a look at the causes of recurrent miscarriages so you can understand more about what could be going on - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/pregnancy-5-steps-decreasing-chance-recurrent-miscarriages/#sthash.hdvHaMQf.dpuf

14 FACTORS THAT AFFECT A WOMAN’S FERTILITY

Most people know that a woman’s fertility decreases as she gets older, but even during her most fertile (and otherwise healthy) years, lifestyle choices and external factors can affect a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

Women who want to increase their chances of getting pregnant often don’t know the best things to do or what to watch out for. So, below are some of factors that do (or don’t) affect a woman’s fertility, and what you can do about them if you are trying to conceive; - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/14-factors-that-affect-a-womans-fertility/#sthash.pZgJ3glv.dpuf

WHAT CAUSES LOW SPERM COUNT?

Low sperm count means that the fluid (semen) you release during climax contains fewer sperm than normal. A low sperm count is also called oligospermia. Your sperm count is considered lower than normal if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

Having a low sperm count decreases the odds that one of your sperm will fertilise your partner’s egg, resulting in pregnancy. Nonetheless, many men who have a low sperm count are still able to father a child.

The production of sperm is a complex process and requires normal functioning of the testicles (testes) as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands — organs in your brain that produce hormones that trigger sperm production. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis. Problems with any of these systems can affect sperm production. Also, there may be problems of abnormal sperm shape (morphology), movement (motility) or function. Often the cause of low sperm count isn’t ever identified.

Medical Causes Of Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include:

Varicocele –A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It’s a common cause of male infertility. This may prevent normal cooling of the testicle, leading to reduced sperm count and fewer moving sperm. The treatment of a varicocele often improves sperm quality and overall male fertility.
Infection –Some infections can interfere with sperm production and sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. These include some sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea; inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis); inflamed testicles; and other infections of the urinary tract or reproductive organs.
Ejaculation problems –Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of emerging out of the tip of the penis. Various health conditions can cause retrograde ejaculation, including diabetes, spinal injuries, and surgery of the bladder, prostate or urethra. Certain medications also may result in retrograde ejaculation, such as blood pressure medications known as alpha blockers. Some men with spinal cord injuries or certain diseases can’t ejaculate semen at all, though they still can produce sperm.
Antibodies that attack sperm – Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to destroy them.
Tumours –Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, or can affect the glands that release hormones related to reproduction (such as the pituitary gland). Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to treat tumors can also affect male fertility.
Undescended testicles – During foetal development, one or both testicles sometimes fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally contains the testicles (scrotum). Decreased fertility is more likely in men with this condition.
Hormone imbalances –The hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles produce hormones that are necessary to create sperm. Alterations in these hormones, as well as from other systems such as the thyroid and adrenal, may impair sperm production.
Sperm duct defects –The tubes that carry sperm can be damaged by illness or injury. Some men are born with a blockage in the part of the testicle that stores sperm (epididymis) or a blockage of one of the - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/what-causes-low-sperm-count/#sthash.x1fCCVX8.dpuf

COMMON UTERINE FIBROIDS SYMPTOMS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Uterine fibroid symptoms can develop slowly over several years or rapidly over several months. Most women with uterine fibroids have mild symptoms or none at all and never need treatment.

For some women, uterine fibroid symptoms become a problem. Pain and heavy menstrual bleeding are the most common symptoms. In some cases, difficulty becoming pregnant is the first sign of fibroids. The type of symptoms women have can depend on where the fibroid is located in the uterus.

Uterine fibroid symptoms and problems include:- See more at: http://planbwellness.com/common-uterine-fibroids-symptoms-you-need-to-know/#sthash.hH90BVFM.dpuf

NATURAL DIABETES TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

s one of the commonest diseases in our society today. It used to be regarded as a disease of the rich and affluent. But now, it affects even the poor, no thanks to modern civilization and urbanization.

Symptoms of Diabetes

If you do not have the illness called diabetes, then be happy. And be sure you do all you can to prevent it, for prevention is better than cure. The symptoms of diabetes are many and varied. At the earliest stage, diabetes does not show any symptom. In many cases, the disease is diagnosed accidentally when undergoing check-up for other complaints.

The following are some of the symptoms of diabetes:

Poly-urea: This means excessive urination. This constant urination is the commonest sign of diabetes. Because of the high level of sugar present in the urea, it tastes very sugary. If you find yourself urinating very frequently, check if your urine is sugary. Do this by tasting the urea. If it is sugary, then watch out. This may not be enough proof that you have diabetes, but it may be an indication.

Polyphagia: This refers to the excessive hunger often experienced by diabetics. This abnormal hunger is only a reaction of the body to a lack of glucose, thus starving the body cells. The patient is tempted to eat more and more. And yet, the more the food the more the glucose level rises

Polydipsia: Because of the high quantity of fluids lost through urine, the body experiences dryness of mouth and excessive thirst. The patient has an intense craving for water and yet is never satisfied.

Loss of Weight: Because the cells are starved of glucose the body begins to make use of stored fats so as to nourish the cells. When this continues for a prolonged period of time, the patient begins to lose weight.

Weakness and Tiredness: It is not only the fats that are used. The body also feeds on the proteins in the body, leading to general weakness and tiredness.

Itching: Persistent itching all over the body, especially in the genital parts is a symptom of diabetes. This is true especially of women. If a woman persistently experiences itching in her vagina, a medical check-up is advisable.


Herbal Treatment for Diabetes

In treating diabetes with herbs, the aims are:

to repair the pancreas
strengthen the kidney
eradicate the symptoms
prevent sugar or glucose from escaping in the urine
help the body to find its natural balance


Points to Note;

The following points should be kept in mind when treating diabetes with herbs:

Juvenile diabetes or Insulin dependent diabetes is more difficult to cure than non-insulin dependent diabetes.


Those who develop maturity onset diabetes at age fifty or above respond more quickly to herbal treatment than those who develop the disease at age thirty or forty.


It is not recommended that insulin-dependent diabetics stop injecting themselves as soon as they begin herbal treatment. They will need to combine both medications for some time after which they will then reduce the volume of Insulin they inject to half its usual volume while they still continue with the herbs. It is only after sometime that they can leave aside the Insulin injection but only on the condition that they check their urine and blood from time to time, so as to monitor their sugar levels.

Ingredients:

. Cashew stem-bark (half small bucket)
. 7 green pawpaw leaves
. 1 medium size pot of bitter leaf
. 10 bulbs of garlic
. 10 fingers or pieces of ginger
. 5 bulbs of onions
. 10 pods of Capsicum frutescens (African red pepper or

- See more at: http://planbwellness.com/natural-diabetes-treatment-and-management/#sthash.N1eG6cJp.dpuf

When someone with a body odour even passes by, people have a frowning expression and they turn their noses away in what looks like disgust. Body odour is really a turn off. It may not be your fault to smell so if you do, but you can certainly do something about it. Whatever you do, please do not use deodorant to cover your odour. Deodorants just cover the smell without doing anything to work on the cause for such body odour- bacterial growth in the armpit sweat or troubled digestion. So we are giving you a detailed idea of the remedies to treat the real problem and thereby get rid of the symptom that is body odour.

Below Are Some Effective Home Remedies To Control Body Odour:

Proper Hygiene
The first and foremost thing that you should do to combat body odour is to make sure you are maintaining good hygiene. Bathe twice a day with soap and rub your underarms well so that there is no dirt to invite bacterial germination. Also keep your underarm hair trimmed or removed completely. This would reduce the sweat and thereby the pungent smell of body odour.

Baking Soda and Lemon
Baking soda can absorb sweat and thus deny the bacteria their haven, a warm and damp place. Lemon juice on the other hand has a cleansing effect that restores hygiene. They work best in combination to fight body odour. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with the juice of 1 lemon and make a paste. Apply this paste to your armpits and leave it for 5-10 minutes. Now wash it off with water and soap.

Baking Soda and Cornstarch
Both baking soda and cornstarch are good absorbent of dampness and smell. So they make for a great body odour remedy. You can mix them in equal proportions and apply them to your dried underarms. Reduced sweating would reduce the foul smell.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is used in various home remedies that require killing of bacteria. So, underarm body odour has to be an important problem it can solve. It even helps in balancing the pH level of the body that gets disturbed due to sweat and bacterial growth. You can rub some of it on your armpits with the help of a cotton wool a few minutes before you take a bath. You may even add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bathing water bucket to treat body odour.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural astringent and thus helps in controlling sweating. It is also a strong antibacterial and antifungal agent. But it is a strong oil and may burn the skin which is why it is never supposed to be used raw. Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil in 2 tablespoon of water and apply it on your underarms after bath. It not just kills bacteria, but also gives a pleasant smell. People with sensitive skin must not use this remedy.

Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a superb remedy that works at treating several conditions. Being full of chlorophyll, it cleanses the body thoroughly and also deodourises it. You may consume it to treat body odour, but end up getting many additional health benefits from it. The way to consume it is to juice it and have it raw on an empty stomach in the morning.
If you have gained anything from reading this, don’t hesitate to share it with others too. Put your comments and questions or topics you will like us to write about in the comment box below.

Stay Healthy And Never Give Up!
Plan B Wellness Center
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Email – Planbwellness1@gmail.com
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Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult your healthcare professional before application.

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