Menorrhagia is menstrual condition characterized by an abnormal loss of blood or heavy, prolonged bleeding. Although heavy bleeding is not uncommon in premenopausal women, menorrhagia is a severe condition which generally interferes with your daily activities. If your vagina bleeds irregularly or between periods, in addition to such heavy bleeding that at least one pad or tampon gets soaked every few hours, it is highly recommended that you seek medical attention.

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of menorrhagia include:

    Soaking through more than one tampon or sanitary pad for every few hours
    The need to use double sanitary protection
    Heavy bleeding for weeks on end
    The need to wake up at night to change your sanitary protection
    Restriction of daily activities due to heavy menstrual flow
    Symptoms of fatigue, such as excessive tiredness as well as shortness of breath

Causes
Although the exact causes are unknown, here are a few causes that may be responsible:

    Hormonal imbalance is when there is an hormone imbalance, the endometrium develops in excess and sheds away with menstruation
    In Ovary dysfunction, if your ovaries do not ovulate, your body won't be able to produce the hormone progesterone resulting in a hormonal imbalance which may lead to menorrhagia
    Uterine fibroids are benign tumors which start appearing in your childbearing years
    Polyps are small benign growths found on the uterine lining
    Adenomyosis occurs when your glands from the endometrium becomes embedded in the uterine muscle
    By using Intrauterine device (IUD) menorrhagia may occur as a side-effect
    Pregnancy complications, for instance, an ectopic pregnancy can cause it
    Inherited bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease
    Certain medications like anti-inflammatory drugs
    Other medical conditions, like pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis

Treatment
Treatment for menorrhagia depends on a number of factors like the cause and severity of the condition, or your tolerance for specific therapies or medications.
Some drug therapies for menorrhagia include:

    Iron supplements
    Tranexamic acid
    Oral progesterone
    Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
    Oral contraceptives
    Hormonal IUD

If drug therapy is ineffective, other treatment options may include:

    Dilation and curettage
    Focused ultrasound ablation
    Uterine artery embolization
    Endometrial ablation
    Myomectomy
    Endometrial resection
    Hysterectomy

All about Menorrhagia

Chronic kidney disease or CKD is the decreased function of the function of the kidney for a minimum of three months or more. In this the end stage renal disease usually refers to the end of the kidney function where the kidneys work for less than 15% of what they are supposed to. The kidneys play a vital role in the human body and if they do not function properly then a person can die. The functioning of many organs depends on the kidneys. However, the main function of the kidneys is to remove the products and regulate blood and water, control blood pressure, promote healthy and strong bones, and produce hormones.

Here are 5 facts about kidney disease you should know about:

1. Causes of the kidney disease: There are two main common causes of the end-stage kidney disease. These are preventable causes. These are diabetes and high blood pressure, but then kidney disease can be caused by other inherited diseases such as infection, trauma or polycystic kidney disease.

2. Serious Stages: The kidney disease has five stages and stage 5 is known as the end stage renal disease; this is the point where patients usually need dialysis or kidney transplant to lead a sane life. The stages of kidney disease are:

Stage 1   Slight kidney disease
Stage 2   Mild decrease in kidney function
Stage 3   Moderate decrease in kidney function
Stage 4   Severe decrease in kidney function
Stage 5   End stage renal disease

3. Detection of the disease: Kidney disease is usually difficult to detect because of the presence of very few symptoms. Age, gender along with the blood test is one way to determine information regarding kidney function. The people who are at a risk of getting kidney disease are:

    Over the age of 55 years
    People who suffer from hypertension and diabetes
    Ethnic groups such as Asians, Africans, Americans, Pacific Islanders and Hispanics

4. Signs and Symptoms: CKD is usually considered to be a silent disease and many people don t know that they are suffering from the disease. The signs and symptoms of the disease are:

    Fatigue and weakness
    Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
    Dizziness
    Numbness and headaches in hand and feet
    Frequent urination

5. Renal Replacement Treatment: This is the treatment for the end stage of the kidney disease. Dialysis involves the replacement of some part of the lost function of the kidneys and is usually continued throughout life. There are 2 types of dialysis:

    Hemodialysis: This cleans the blood via an artificial kidney which is hooked to the machine
    Peritoneal Dialysis: This removes the excess water and waste products and cleans the blood of the body by using the peritoneal cavity as a filter. 

5 Facts About Kidney Disease You Should Know

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus and, usually, the cervix. The ovaries and tubes may or may not be removed during this procedure, depending on the reasons for the surgery being performed. If the ovaries are removed, you will commence menopause. A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure with physical and psychological consequences.

Why is a hysterectomy performed?

Common reasons include painful or heavy periods, pelvic pain, fibroids or as a part of therapy for cancer. You should have a clear understanding of your reason for this surgery.

How is this done?

The procedure is normally performed under a general anesthetic and takes approximately one hour. To commence your anesthetic a drip is inserted into your arm. Once you are asleep, you will have a urinary catheter inserted. The importance of the catheter is to reduce the size of your bladder, keeping it away from the operation site and reducing the risk of complications.

There are three ways to remove the uterus:

Vaginal hysterectomy - The removal of the uterus and the closing of the wound is performed through the vagina. There is no cut in the abdomen. 
Laparoscopic hysterectomy - About four small keyhole cuts are made in the abdomen to divide the attachments of uterus, ovaries, and tubes in the pelvis. The uterus is usually then removed through the vagina.
Abdominal hysterectomy - The uterus is removed through a cut in the lower abdomen. The cut is about 15 20 cm in length and runs across your abdomen, usually below the bikini line. Less commonly, it may be necessary to have a cut that runs from the belly button down to the pubic area.
What are the risks of undergoing this procedure?

Although the risks associated with hysterectomy are low, you should be aware that every surgical procedure has some risk. This may also depend upon the type of surgery you have. 
Severe bleeding from large blood vessels around the uterus or top of the vagina. This is not common. A blood transfusion may be required to replace blood loss. A vaginal pack may also be used to control the bleeding.
Infection in the operation site, pelvis or urinary tract.
Nearby organs such as the ureter (tube leading from kidney to bladder), bladder or bowel may be injured expected to happen to approximately one in every 140 women. Further surgery will be needed to repair the injuries.
The bowel may not work well after the operation; this is usually temporary. Treatment may include a drip to give fluids into the vein and no food or fluids by mouth.
Things to do before you come to the hospital

It is important for you to have all the tests ordered at your outpatient clinic appointment completed prior to coming to the hospital these include blood tests and an ECG and chest X-ray, if you are more than 50 years old

You may be required to have a bowel preparation, which will empty your bowel prior to the surgery.

You should stop eating and drinking at the following times on the day of your surgery unless otherwise notified

At midnight if your procedure is in the morning

At 6 am if your procedure is in the afternoon.

You will need to shower and dress in clean clothes prior to coming into hospital. It is important that you do not shave your operation site as this increases the risk of wound infection.

Please remove all body jewelry.

After your surgery

When you wake from the anesthetic, you will be ready to be transferred, in your bed, for recovery.

Having an anesthetic can make you feel sick and may cause vomiting. You will have a drip in your arm which is necessary to maintain fluid intake and provide pain relief. This will remain in until you can tolerate food and fluids and your pain control is changed to oral medication.

Your nurse will take frequent observations of your vital signs e.g. temperature, pulse, blood pressure.

You may have small amounts of water or ice to suck, then progress from fluids to a normal diet as tolerated.

If you have pain or nausea, please tell your nurse. Effective pain management is important.

You will have a urinary catheter in place. The catheter will normally be removed the day following your surgery.

Recovering at home

What to expect

You may have a blood-stained vaginal discharge which is similar to a light period. This will gradually reduce to nil over 4-6 weeks as your internal wounds heal

You may need to take some simple analgesia for pain/discomfort, especially on waking and settling at night

You may feel fatigued

You may require up to four to six weeks off work. You should have returned to normal activity by two to three months, depending on the type of surgery, although full recovery may take longer

After the operation, you will no longer have a period

For the majority of women, hysterectomy surgery does not have a negative effect on sexual function

What to avoid

For the first two to three weeks lift nothing greater than two kilograms. Increase gently as tolerated over six weeks.

It will take about three weeks before you should drive a car. Only when you know you can act confidently with emergency breaking should you attempt driving the car.

Avoid sexual intercourse for six weeks to allow healing to take place.

Avoid inserting anything into the vagina for six weeks to allow time for healing to take place (e.g. use sanitary pads and not tampons).

It is important to avoid constipation and straining immediately after your surgery as this will assist healing and improve your comfort.

Contact your doctor if you develop any of the following complications:

Your wound becomes red or inflamed, painful.

You have heavy vaginal bleeding heavier than a normal period.

You have offensive vaginal discharge.

You develop a fever i.e. temperature of about 38  C, or you are feeling unwell.

You have pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia.

You are having difficulty passing urine or opening your bowels.

 In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Surgery For Womb Removal - What You Need To Be Aware Of?

Silk pillowcase slows down skin aging

Using silk pillowcase is known to slow down skin aging by giving you a wrinkle-free skin. This is due to many good qualities of silk fibers.

Silk is a natural fiber obtained from animals and contains amino acids which are compatible and friendly to the human skin. It also contains temperature regulators which adjust your skin to the changing temperatures. Hypoallergenic silk fibers resist many skin allergens like fungus, spores etc making it ideal for sensitive skin.

The tightly woven fiber which remains most in contact with your face retains moisture to your skin and keeps your skin well hydrated. Unlike dry and flaky skin, moistened skin cells are most likely to show fewer wrinkles and hence slow down skin aging process.

Did You Know a Silk Pillowcase Can Slow Down Your Skin's Aging?

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer is a condition in which malignant tumor emerges from the tissue lining in the outer surface of the ovary. Epithelial tumors are usually benign, but this form of malignancy has been found to be the most common type of ovarian cancer. Moreover, it cannot be diagnosed until in its advanced stage. Medical research shows that factors such as multiple pregnancies, delayed childbirth and early menarche seem to raise the risk of ovarian cancer, while dietary and environmental factors also play a significant role in it.

Symptoms
1. A majority of the patients have been observed to have extensive intra-abdominal growth.
2. They may experience discomfort or swelling of the abdominal region.
3. The feeling of being bloated, lack of appetite, unnatural weight alteration, dyspepsia, malaise, and urinary problems are frequently reported symptoms.
4. Patients also experience constipation and other gastrointestinal problems.

Treatment
The first step towards treatment of ovarian cancer is to diagnose the condition. A thorough pelvic examination (consisting of an examination of the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix) will help to pin point any abnormality of the ovary. If the doctor notes nodularity, firmness or lack of tenderness during the examination, these can be taken as symptoms of malignancy of epithelial ovarian tumors. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal region will also help to locate abnormality in the tissues on the outer surface of the ovary. The next logical step towards treatment is getting a biopsy. During this procedure potentially malignant cells are removed and then diagnosed by a pathologist to conclude if the cells are cancerous or not. The process of removal is known as laparotomy.

Apart from a handful of stage one patients, most women with epithelial ovarian cancer receive chemotherapy. The standard treatment for this type of ovarian cancer is the surgical elimination of tumor. This includes total abdominal hysterectomy, a surgery in which the uterus and cervix is removed through an incision in the abdomen. Post surgical treatment consists of taxane-platinum chemotherapy. Patients with minimal residual cancer undergo external radiation therapy or intraperitoneal chemotherapy (radioactive liquid is channelled into the abdomen with the help of a catheter).

A lot of research has been done in this field and a variety of clinical trials are available for a patient, if he/she wishes to be a part of it. Leading methods are immunotherapy and targeted therapy are also available. Immunotherapy uses the immune system of the patient to battle cancer. Bodily substances or substances created in the lab are used to restore and boost the body s natural defence mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy, on the other hand, uses substances to identify the cancer and attack the malignant cells without jeopardizing non-cancerous cells.

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer - 4 Major Signs that Indicate it 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is a condition where the prostate gland gets enlarged. This is mostly common in men who are ageing. When the prostate gland gets enlarged, the flow of urine through the urethra gets blocked, and hence, several problems related to urination may occur. BPH occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance. If untreated, BPH can lead to severe bladder and urinary health conditions.
There are several symptoms and signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Here are 7 common symptoms:

1. A frequent need for urination: Men affected by BPH feel an increased need to urinate frequently. This gets enhanced during the night and is called nocturia. The patient may even need to urinate more than eight times a day. Due to the enlarged prostate gland, more pressure is put on the urethra, which leads to uncontrollable urination.
2. Urinating difficulties: The act of urination becomes difficult. Because of enhanced pressure on the urethra, the flow of urine to the penis from the bladder gets blocked. This makes a urine stream hard to start. The urine stream gets weak and interrupted, and more difficulty may be experienced during the end of urination.
3. Pain during urination and ejaculation: Due to pressure on the urinary tract and reproductive system, pain can accompany urination and ejaculation. Some patients tend to push urine out, which results in pain. The pain may also occur because of infection during BPH.
4. Blood in urine and an unusual color/smell: Urine may take a dark color and have an unusual smell due to urinary retention. Unpleasant urine smell signifies urinary tract infection. Blood in the urine may also result because of dilated veins present on the surface of the enlarged prostate.
5. Urinary retention: When a patient is unable to pass any urine, it is called urinary retention. Such a condition requires immediate treatment, and you need to consult a doctor immediately.
6. Urinary tract infections: Bacteria may start growing in the bladder when the bladder is not fully emptied of urine. This bacterial infection causes darkening of the urine, and emission of a foul odor.
7. Bladder stones: Bladder stones may develop because of the inability of the bladder to empty itself completely. This is a major symptom of BPH. Hard lumps of minerals or bladder stones are formed when the urine present in the bladder gets highly concentrated, which causes the crystallization of minerals. Bladder stones may cause infections, result in blood in urine, cause bladder irritation and may also block urine flow.

So you see that benign prostatic hyperplasia involves the enlargement of the prostate gland, and results in several problems related to urination and different symptoms. Hence, immediate treatment is advisable.

7 Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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