Aakash Fertility Centre & Hospital

The thyroid gland is a tiny gland that produces the hormones which affect the body's metabolic process. When these hormones are produced in less or more quantities, it may result in an imbalance of the thyroid gland, leading to a range of thyroid issues including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and others. Overproduction or underproduction of the thyroid hormones can also cause a variety of other symptoms and conditions. While this affects the state of one's general well being, health and weight, it also has an effect on the patient's libido.

Let us learn more about the link between thyroid and sex:

• Thyroid in Men: Men who are suffering from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism as well as related conditions like goitre or Garves Disease, have complained of sex related problems. These problems are known to affect at least 50% to 60% of the patients, as per various medical reports. The sex related issues include premature ejaculation, low sex drive, delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and others.
• Thyroid in Women: It has been found that almost 10% of women over the age of 50 suffer from some form or the other of thyroid hormone imbalance. Apart from fatigue, depression and muscle ache as well as weight alteration, depending on the type of thyroid problem, thyroid patients who are women have also experienced problems when it comes to libido. Sexual dysfunction and arousal problems are high on the list of these issues.
• Hormonal Treatment: One of the most common ways of treating this sex related thyroid problems for thyroid patients is through the use of hormonal therapy. Besides getting the testosterone, estrogen and other androgen levels checked, the patient must also get a full hormonal evaluation along with a check-up of the adrenal function. This can help in pointing any anomalies and the hormones that will require replacement with the help of appropriate medication.
• Optimal Drug Treatment: A T4 only drug or Levothyroxine can lead to a resolution of sexual problems that one encounters as a part of thyroid problems. There are many doctors who may switch to a T3 drug once the libido is restored and brought back to normal.
• Supplements: Men may require testosterone supplements, while women may need estrogen or progesterone supplements to tackle the sexual problems in such cases. These can be rendered as a patch or through an injection.
• Sex Therapy: In many cases, sex therapy considered as a popular and effective form of addressing the problems and helping the patients get around the same. This is especially helpful if depression is one of the symptoms of the thyroid disorder.

A thorough physical check-up also helps in treating such problems for thyroid patients. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Sexologist.

Erectile dysfunction is a male problem where the person cannot achieve an erection for long enough to enjoy sexual intercourse. This may be caused due to several reasons including hormonal imbalances, stress and anxiety, depression, and the presence of other chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, to name a few. Diabetes is known to affect this part of the male anatomy in an adverse fashion. As per many medical studies, almost 35% to 75% of the male patients suffering from this condition will end up with erectile dysfunction as a symptom at some point. Read on to know more about erectile dysfunction or impotence, and its link with diabetes.

1. Causes: So why exactly do men with diabetes land up with erectile dysfunction? This is due to the fact that diabetes often impairs the functions in the vital nerves, blood vessels and several muscles. This hinders the stimulation process which helps in achieving an erection and holding it for long enough. Male nerves and hormones are all linked with this function, which may get hindered due to the presence of diabetes. These hormones and nerves as well as the blood vessels, help in controlling the erection as well, once it has been achieved. When these portions are impaired, there is less blood flow which leads to either non responsiveness or the inability to retain an erection even after a satisfactory response has been achieved.
2. Oral Medication: Men who are suffering from diabetes and have a problem of getting and holding an erection can turn to oral medication as prescribed by the doctor. The medicines include Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Avanafil or even Vardenafil.
3. Heart and Medication: Often, diabetes is tied crucially with heart disease. Therefore, before taking any such medication, the patient must get a doctor's opinion regarding the patient’s heart condition. In case there is any heart problem or cardiovascular disease in sight, then the doctor must dissuade the patient from taking any of the above mentioned medicines as it may lead to a fatality. Also, if the patient is already on medication for the heart, then these medicines can cause some serious side effects when they interact with the heart medication.
4. Other Treatment:Patients who are suffering from diabetes and erectile dysfunction may also try other forms of treatment including intracavernous injection therapy as well as vacuum erection devices without any constriction at play. Also, the patient can be asked to use penile prosthese that are inflatable and malleable.

In many cases, stress is seen as a major problem for people suffering from chronic diseases. Sex therapy can be used by the patient to get over this stress and enjoy a normal sex life without impotence.

Are you looking forward to spice up your intimate life by introducing a toy into the relationship? Keep reading this article to find out about some of the most affordable and fantastic toys which can reinvigorate your conjugal life.

1. We Vibe 3: Crafted out of medical-grade silicone, this popular sex toy comes with 6 different vibration settings. Being totally waterproof, you can use it with your partner while enjoying a bubble bath in the tub. The battery is really good and the best thing about We Vibe 3 is the remote control.
2. Ora 2: This outstanding oral sex stimulator comes with a waterproof body so that you can have a super horny bathing session. The superb handle of this toy would give you precise control while you indulge in the pleasure. An ideal beginner’s sex toy, this one is meant for the sensitive types who don’t enjoy pin-point stimulation of the clit.
3. Thrill: This one comes with a USB charger and about 2 full hours of happy time. Designed primarily for solo play, this outstanding device is going to stimulate the G-spot while providing internal fullness. It allows you to choose from 8 different levels of vibration so that you can always find one to suit your mood.
4. Mia 2: The best part about this small lipstick style vibrator is that you can easily carry it in your purse or leave it undetected on your table. This lightweight vibe comes with 2 button controls and can be easily incorporated as a part of your regular bed time.
5. IDA couple’s massager by LELO: As with all LELO products this one is never going to leave you disappointed. The IDA couple’s massager would vibrate and rotate without getting in the way between you and your partner. This remote control toy comes with 8 different modes of stimulation and is considered as one of the coolest toys available in the market.
6. Jimmy Jane Afterglow massage oil candle: If you are looking forward to something more kinky, then make sure to get hold of a Massage oil candle. Created out of herbal extracts, this candle would melt to give you a fragrant lubricant in 3 different scents for stimulating all your senses. People who are more into BDSM would surely fall for the Massage Oil Candle. The sensation would just be like pouring hot wax even though your partner’s skin and it isn’t going to be affected. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a sexologist.

Motherhood is a life transforming phase that all women look forward to. With the conception of a baby, a number of physiological and psychological changes take place within the mother’s body. Soon there will be a number of restrictions in the kind of food a mother a can consume, the activities that a mother can perform, the way she sleeps or sits. These restrictions are put so as to allow the baby to grow and develop safely. The restrictions prevent injuries and accidents that can be quite fatal to both mother and child.

Sitting Postures You Must Avoid

1. Do not sit straight on the edge of the chair. Provide a support to your back.

2. Do not sit in a way that pressurises only one side of your hips. Evenly distribute your weight when sitting down. Be comfortable.

3. Do not sit at the same place and in the same position for extended time periods.

4. Do not twist from your waist when you are sitting on a rotating chair. Instead, slowly move the chair along with your entire body to turn around.

Standing Postures You Must Avoid

1. Avoid standing with your pelvis tilted forward or backward. You must stand straight with your stomach held in and up as much as possible.

2. You must not slouch while standing.

3. Do not stand in the same position for an extended period of time.

4. Do not put your weight on one foot. Shift weight occasionally if your feet are hurting, but make sure to evenly distribute the weight.

5. Do not bend too much backwards or forwards.

6. Do not keep your head tilted down or sideways when you are standing. Look up, look straight.

Sleeping Postures You Must Avoid

1. Lying on your stomach

2. Sleeping with pillows under your shoulders. Pillows should only support your head.

3. Do not sleep all curled up. Relax your feet and hands to allow the blood circulation to continue smoothly.

4. Do not jerk up from your lying position. Turn to the side, swing your legs down to the side of the bed slowly and sit up using the support of your hands.

Activities You Must Avoid

1. Hard core gyming

2. Weightlifting

3. Intense cardio

4. Intense aerobics that include a lot of jumping

5. Squatting

6. Lifting heavy weighted objects

7. Travelling by public transport on a jerky road. 

   If you wish to discuss about any spIfecific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. One out of every six people in the United States suffers from this disease. It is more common than you think. Like any other STD, it is extremely important to take proper protection (use a condom) while engaging in sexual activities.

Genital Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus.

1. HSV-1 is most commonly associated with blisters and ulcers around the mouth known as cold sores.
2. HSV-2 is associated with blistering lesions in genital areas that are exposed during sexual contact.

However, both types of herpes simplex virus can infect the mouth or the genital areas, meaning that genital contact with a cold sore on the mouth can lead to genital herpes. Likewise, kissing someone with a cold sore can spread the herpes simplex virus infection.

After the initial outbreak of herpes, the virus travels through the nerves and resides in nerve tissue within the body.

Most people with genital herpes don’t know they have it. That’s because in most people it produces either no symptoms or very mild ones.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes:

1. The area around your genitalia becomes red and cracked without any pain or itching.
2. Itching around your anal region
3. Blisters around your genitalia can cause immense pains when they break open.
4. Pain in the open sores while urination.
5. Headaches and backaches.
6. Flu and swollen lymph nodes are very common.
7. Fatigue is also felt if you suffer from genital herpes.

Symptoms like these can be mistaken for other infections such as vaginal yeast infections, bacterial infections and bladder infections. So, if you are suffering from such symptoms it is advisable to go in for a health check up followed by a physical exam and a blood test to confirm whether you have genital herpes or not.

How can it get spread?

You can only get Genital Herpes from vaginal intercourse and not anal or oral intercourse. The fluid present in the sore of a genital herpes patient has infected fluid. If the fluid comes in contact with their partner’s sexual organs while having intercourse they can be easily infected.

Can Symptoms Be Treated?

There is no cure for genital herpes. But the symptoms can be lessened and prevented with treatment. Treatment can also reduce the risk of infecting others.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medications to help prevent or reduce the pain and discomfort from an outbreak of symptoms. Medication taken on a daily basis to suppress the virus can reduce the number of outbreaks and reduce the risk of infecting others

How to Avoid Getting Genital Herpes:

1. Try to have sex with people who have been tested negative for herpes or any other STDs.
2. Use a latex condom while having sex. It prevents any sort of liquid to pass inside your partner’s genitalia. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a sexologist.

Ankles, feet and fingers often swell a little in pregnancy as your body is holding more water than usual.

Towards the end of the day, the extra water tends to gather in the lowest parts of the body, especially if the weather is hot or if you have been standing a lot. The gradual swelling isn't harmful to you or your baby, but it can be uncomfortable.

Avoiding and Easing Swollen ankles:

Try to:

• Avoid standing for long periods
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Do the foot exercises

Foot Exercises During Pregnancy:

You can do foot exercises sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles, and prevent cramp in the calf muscles:

1. Bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times

2. Rotate your foot in a circle eight times one way and eight times the other way

3. Repeat with the other foot

When swelling can be serious:

You should seek medical attention immediately if your face, feet or hands swell up suddenly. A pregnancy condition called pre-eclampsia can cause sudden swelling, although most women with swelling don't have pre-ecplampsia.

If it happens to you, consult a gynaecologist, or hospital immediately. If you do have pre-eclampsia, you'll need to be monitored carefully, as the condition can be serious for both you and your baby.

Opting for an abortion can often be immensely emotionally exhausting on your part. The emotional stress, guilt and confusion might become over bearing. To make this decision something you don’t regret, equip yourself with all the knowledge and help available.

Here are 5 of the top tips before choosing to terminate the life growing inside you:

1. Being certain of your pregnancy: It is critical to know that you are actually pregnant before proceeding with a surgical or medical abortion. Getting a test done from a reputed hospital is way more accurate than home tests which might not always be able to give you a correct reading. A sonogram is the best way to confirm your pregnancy.

2. Get an accurate idea: 1 out of every 5 pregnancies results in a miscarriage. Thus, getting all the information possible from a doctor helps you make an informed choice. You should be aware of all the consequences. At the same time, get facts, such as whether the foetus has a heartbeat, right. An ultrasound helps in determining this as well as whether the foetus is located in the uterus.

3. Know about your health: You should get yourself checked up thoroughly, primarily for any STD’s. Knowing whether or not you have an STD is important as abortion in a person with an STD increases the likelihood of complications and infection.

4. Legality: In India, abortion is illegal, as one of the main reasons for doing so is sex selective abortion wherein, the male child is preferred over the female. Certain provisions however, allow the termination of a foetus. If the pregnancy is up to 20 weeks and the birth would result in serious mental trauma or health complications for either mother or the unborn child, then an abortion is permissible. A trained government professional will be able to answer all your questions in regard to your choice of terminating the foetus. Sex determination of the foetus is illegal in India.

5. Get informed about the risks involved: Getting an abortion can be quite strenuous both physically and emotionally. It is a medical procedure that is irreversible in nature. There are multiple abortion options based on how far your pregnancy has progressed. Each of these procedures has side effects and medical risks involved. Often a counsellor or a psychologist is needed to provide support as women might become fragile or emotionally unstable after opting for an abortion. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, technically called menorrhagia, is one of the most common types of abnormal bleeding from the uterus.

Here are all the possible causes of heavy menstrual bleeding:

1. Fibroids - Fibroids most commonly occur around the age when women can get pregnant. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growth on the uterus.
2. Blood thinners - These are medicines, which are usually anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
3. Problems with iud - A non-hormonal intrauterine device is a t-shaped device used for birth control which is inserted into the uterus.
4. Hormonal imbalance - Estrogen and progesterone levels are the primary control mechanism for periods. If the ovaries have a problem in functioning, hormonal imbalances may occur. Heavy menstrual bleeding is most common in females who are at the start of menopause. Puberty menorrhagia can occur in adolescents who are experiencing their first menstrual period.
5. Adenomyosis - This is a condition in which the muscular wall of the uterus also gets the lining of the uterus intermingled with it. However, this condition is rare and only happens in middle aged women with several children.
6. PID - PID stands for pelvic inflammatory disease and refers to any infection within the organs of the reproductive system.
7. Cancer - Uterine, ovarian and cervical cancer are just some of the cancers, which may cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
8. Ectopic pregnancy - An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg stays in the fallopian tube, but does not reach the uterus. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist and ask a free question.

A fibroid tumour is made up of muscle cells that have escaped and come together to create a knot or a mass in the uterus. These tumours can occur due to a family history and are usually known to occur for women patients nearing menopause. One of the most common symptoms is unusually heavy menstrual cycles. Let us walk you through the rest of the details.

• Types: Fibroid tumours can be of three types, mainly depending on the location. While submucosal fibroids can be found just under the lining of the uterus, intramural fibroids can be found between the muscles that lie on the walls of the uterus. Finally, the third type - subserol fibroids - go beyond the uterine wall to enter the pelvic cavity. 
• Symptoms: Usually, there are no symptoms of these kinds of fibroids. There may be heavy bleeding during the monthly menstrual cycle, as well as swelling and pain in the abdomen. Also, prolonged bleeding is common when these kinds of tumours are present in the body. 
• Cause: Fibroid tumours are mostly caused due to an overgrowth of the cells beyond the muscular walls that line the uterus. In such cases, the growth is further fuelled by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are usually at their highest level in the body, during the childbearing years of a woman. During menopause, these tumours are known to shrink before they eventually vanish. It is very rare to find malignancy in such tumours. 
• Risk: Are you at risk? Well, that depends on your age, family medical history, weight and in some cases, even the ethnicity. These tumours are mostly found in women who are between the age of 30 to 40 years and continues through menopause. Obesity is also a major reason that gives rise to this condition. Further, women of colour are known to develop this more easily while a family history can also increase your chances of the same.
• Tests and Diagnosis: A pelvic exam and an ultrasound as well as a history of your menstrual cycle will help the doctor in determining whether or not you are suffering from this condition.
• Treatment: Non steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs can help in bringing down the swelling and pain, especially in cases where there is heavy menstrual bleeding. Birth control pills and patches with hormones can also help in such cases. Further, progesterone shots and iron supplements may be prescribed. Very severe cases may require surgery for removal with a myomectomy.

Remember to visit your doctor in case you see any nagging symptoms of fibroid tumours.