Do you know about the various signs and symptoms that indicate a miscarriage? Miscarriage refers to pregnancy, which ends on its own, within 20 weeks of gestation. Miscarriage is a matter of great loss and grief for pregnant women. It accounts for being the most common form of pregnancy loss. According to studies, almost 10% to 25% of pregnancies result in a miscarriage. Chemical pregnancies are likely to be responsible for almost 50% to 70% of miscarriages.

Causes of miscarriage

The causes of miscarriage vary from one woman to another and in many cases the exact cause is not identified.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, chromosomal abnormality is the most common cause of miscarriage. It signifies some problem with your baby s chromosomes. Most cases of chromosomal abnormalities occur because of damaged eggs and sperm cells.
A certain problem which appears after the zygote goes through divisional procedures may also be responsible for a miscarriage.
Other causes for miscarriage include the following:

Hormonal imbalance, maternal health complications, and infections
Several habits such as smoking, malnutrition, excessive caffeine consumption, drug abuse, and exposure to toxic substances
Maternal age
Maternal trauma
When implantation of the egg in the uterine lining occurs improperly
Warning signs of miscarriage
There are several warning signs of miscarriage. The most important of them are as follows:

Back pain, which can vary from being mild to fatal. This pain can be even worse than menstrual cramps.
Loss of weight
Discharge of mucus that is whitish pink in color
True contractions are likely, in which pain occurs after every 5 to 20 minutes.
Bright red or brown bleeding with or without the presence of cramps may indicate a miscarriage.
Passage of tissue with a cloth material from your vagina.
Sudden reduction in the signs and symptoms of pregnancy
Chances of miscarriage
There are certain factors, which indicate whether you are likely to have a miscarriage. They are as follows:

Increase in your maternal age increases the chances of a miscarriage.
Women who are in between the age of 35 to 45 are at a higher chance of miscarriages than women who are relatively young. In women above the age of 45, the chances of miscarriage are maximized.
A woman having a miscarriage in the past has more chances of having another miscarriage.
In case you experience some or any one of these symptoms, it is important for you to seek professional health care as you need to evaluate whether you are having a miscarriage or not.


How To Know If You Are At Risk Of Having A Miscarriage?

Although sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are capable of affecting both genders, the impact on men and women is different. In women, this problem can cause long-term issues such as infertility. Although most STDs can be readily treated as soon as the symptoms surface, some cases might not throw up any symptom. Some of the curable STDs that can affect women are discussed below:

Gonorrhoea: This STD is caused by bacteria living in mucous membranes of the vagina, urethra, mouth, rectum and eyes and is capable of spreading through contact. The symptoms in women include excessive discharge from the vagina, abdominal cramps, pain in the pelvic region and bleeding from the vagina after sex.
Chlamydia: The STD is a result of a bacterial infection of  Chlamydia trachomatis . Symptoms in females include burning sensation during urination, unusual vaginal discharge and bleeding between periods. Without treatment, the infection might spread to the urinary tract which could potentially cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) which is capable of causing problems in pregnancy and even infertility.
Genital Herpes: Genital herpes is generally caused by the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) or the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). The virus is commonly known to be the chief cause of cold sores. Symptoms may appear soon after infection and usually are severe. This includes blisters which turn into raw and painful sores that scab and heal over time. This might be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes and fever.
Chancroid: This infection is a STD caused by the bacterium  Haemophilus Ducreyi . It occurs most commonly in the vulva (the female external genital organ that includes the clitoris, labia as well as the opening of the vagina). The condition starts out as a tender bump that appears during the incubation period after intercourse. The incubation period generally ranges between 3-10 days. The bump turns into an ulcer i.e. an open sore, due to the death of the cells. This is usually painful.
Syphilis: It is caused by the bacterium  Treponema pallidum  and the disease mainly occurs if you have sexual intercourse without any protection, that too with multiple sexual partners. The other mode of infection is blood transfusion. Symptoms of Syphilis include appearance of ulcers around the genitals or the oral region known as a chancre, severe rashes around the hand or feet coupled with other symptoms of mild fever, headache, throat pain and immense fatigue.


Common STDs in Women: Get the Facts!

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation of the skin. Melanocytes, the pigment cells, within the skin are destroyed. This causes these parts of the skin to lose color and turn pale. It might affect different parts of the body including the arms, legs, face and even genitalia. It can affect a person of any age, ethnicity or gender.

Causes
The exact cause of vitiligo is not definitively known. However, there are a number of risk factors that might contribute towards the condition. These include-

Autoimmune disorders- Vitiligo might be a result of an autoimmune disorder where the overactive immune system destroys the pigment cells of the skin.
Exposure to Chemicals- Exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of vitiligo by causing depigmentation.
Hereditary factors- There might be a genetic pre-disposition towards vitiligo. Though a person can exhibit symptoms of the condition at any age, it is most commonly found to manifest itself around the age of 20 years.
Symptoms
Vitiligo may start with a simple spot of pale skin but over time, this spot expands and turns paler until it is white in color. Irregular in shape, the edges of these spots may inflame and cause itchiness.

Treatment
The treatment of vitiligo will be determined by a number of factors such as the number and the extent of the white patches and where they are located. Vitiligo treatment includes cosmetic, medical and surgical methods.

Cosmetic Treatment- Cosmetic and skincare products such as sunscreens, dye or makeup can help relieve and hide signs of the condition.
Medical Treatment- Oral medication or medicated ointments may be prescribed to treat Vitiligo. Photochemotherapy which involves the use of PUVA rays to induce re-pigmentation may also be prescribed. If the condition has spread to a considerable extent then the physician might advise that the color from the remaining areas of the skin also be removed in order to match the affected areas.
Surgical Treatment- Surgical treatments are at times prescribed which involve skin grafting or tattooing. This is usually prescribed for those with small patches of affected areas.
With ongoing and extensive research being conducted on this skin condition, we will in the near future be able to both understand and treat it better.

Vitiligo - What Causes It and How Can It Be Treated?

Little or limited caffeine amount can definitely boost energy levels, but an excessive amount might lead to addiction, which is really quite a serious issue. This addiction cannot be kicked away with medications and rather you have to follow the natural ways. Practicing yoga asanas is one of the most improved solutions that can help you to get rid of acute or severe caffeine addiction and that too in a natural way without inviting any unhealthy side effects.

5 leading asanas that can help avoid caffeine addiction:

Mayurasana: This asana is mainly well known as the Peacock pose. The pose is very much useful for maintaining digestive and circulatory functions. The hands should be clasped backside and you should bend your head towards your feet. Standing straight is needed and you have to take deep breaths at the time of holding back the concerned posture.
Chakrasana: This is nothing, but a wheel pose which helps in system detoxification and toxin release. Your thyroid and pituitary glands will get naturally stimulated as a result of this pose. Extending arms overhead by keeping feet together you can perform this pose. You should bend backwards with your face down towards the floor, and you have to use your palms for support.
Sarvangasana: This pose needs to be done by keeping your shoulders in support. Without using yoga mats, this pose cannot be performed comfortably. Parathyroid and thyroid glands are stimulated along with the normalization of different body functions. Relief from constipation and indigestion can be gained from this pose. Keeping your shoulders in support, the legs should be extended upwards at 90-degree angle. The shoulders should take your full body weight at the time of doing this asana.
Halasana: This plough pose can help in reducing lethargy, fatigue and stress. Your nervous system can be calmed down, and you will feel completely relaxed. Energy channels of your body can be easily opened up by practicing this asana regularly. In this case, legs should be bended at your hips so that the legs can be flat over the ground. You should keep your hands beside your body.
Nadi-sodhan Pranayama: if you have got accumulated stress, then nothing can be a better option other than doing this asana. Both body and mind get completely relaxed as a result of practicing this pose. In this case, breathing patterns or techniques can be corrected along with the balancing of the nadis. You have to get a proper guidance in order to perform it in a correct manner.

Are You a Caffeine Addict? These 5 Yoga Asanas Will Help You Kick the Habit

Migraine vs. Headache: know the difference

How to differentiate between a migraine and headache?

When you feel pain or pressure in your head, it may become difficult for you to assess whether you are experiencing a common headache or a migraine. Let's understand how different they are from each other.

A typical headache usually affects both sides of your head and varies from a mild to moderate pain. It can last from 30 minutes to up to a period of one week.

Some specific areas which get affected by a headache are:

  temples

  forehead

  back of your neck

Factors that trigger this headache type are a muscle strain, stress or anxiety. 

A migraine, on the other hand, is also a type of a headache which results in an acute throbbing sensation in one part of your head. Usually, migraine headaches are highly painful. Migraine pain makes it difficult for a person to carry out his/her daily tasks. Symptoms or signs associated with migraine attacks are:

  vomiting

  nausea 

  sensitivity to sound or light

  pain in the temples

  temporary loss of vision

  pain behind your ear or eye

What are the common causes of a migraine?

  hormonal imbalances in women - fluctuations in oestrogen, especially during menopause or pregnancy seem to trigger a migraine

  drinks like wine and extremely caffeinated beverages 

  foods such as salty foods, aged cheese as well as processed foods can trigger the migraine attack.

  medications - vasodilators such as nitroglycerine and oral contraceptives can intensify migraine pain.

How to treat a headache?

Fortunately, you can get rid of stress-induced headaches through over-the-counter treatments, which include:

  aspirin

  acetaminophen

  ibuprofen

How to treat a migraine?

If you experience migraine attacks less frequently, these medicines may give you quick relief:

  triptans, such as rizatriptan (Maxalt) or almotriptan (Axert)

  antinausea medicines, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), promethazine (Phenergan) or prochlorperazine (Compazine)

  non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, aspirin or ibuprofen

Some preventive tips:

  make changes in your diet such as avoid such foods, including caffeine and alcohol which are believed to trigger headaches.

  you can also try muscle relaxation exercises, yoga or meditation to ease the migraine attack. 

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'consult'.
Related Tip: 8 Common Migraine Triggers You Must Stay Away From

Migraine Vs. Headache: Know the Difference

Addison s disease is a disorder caused due to significant damage in the adrenal cortex (located alongside the adrenal gland s perimeter that helps mediate stress reaction), which leads to a deficiency in the secretion of the hormones  aldosterone  (that regulates the sodium and potassium level of the body),  androgen  and  cortisol  (which control the body s reaction in situations of intense pressure) by the adrenal glands.

Causes
There are generally two stages of Addison s disease. The causes vary according to the stages:

In the primary stage of the disorder, the body s immune system attacks the adrenal cortex and significantly damages it.

Other significant causes are as follows:

This might occur as a result of the development of tumors and cancerous cells in the body
Resulting from certain infections
Long-term usage of glucocorticoids (inflammation reducing steroids) might result in the primary adrenal insufficiency
This might also be caused due to tuberculosis or severe bleeding in the adrenal glands.
Risk Factors

If you re suffering from any one of the following complications, your chances of contracting Addison s disease increase significantly:

Cancer or if you have undergone any surgery to remove parts of the adrenal gland
Tuberculosis or diabetes.
Frequent usage of coagulants
Treatments
The treatment of Addison s disease varies according to the cause of the disorder.
The most common treatments for the disorder include:

A prescribed dosage of glucocorticoids might be recommended
Replacement of the hormones that the adrenal glands are unable to produce: Cortisone acetate or prednisone might be used in order to replace the  cortisol  hormone.
Meditation or other relaxing techniques to ease excessive stress levels or manage any trauma that you have been through.

Addison's Disease - 4 Causes Behind It 

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