Dr. Manisha Tomar

If you notice bumps and redness on the skin around your vagina, your first thoughts are most likely going to be about an STD. However, though these signs are very similar to symptoms exhibited by STDs, this can be caused by a triggered by a number of factors. Hence, it is important to consult a gynaecologist to confirm a diagnosis if you notice such abnormalities. Some of the causes for this condition are:

1. Vaginal acne: Just like the rest of your body, the skin around your vagina can also be susceptible to pimples and acne. These pimples are very similar to those found in other parts of the body. Vaginal acne usually develops as a natural reaction to the use of harsh soaps and chemicals, shaving, douching or if you do not keep the area clean. Excessive productions of natural oils or sweat can also trigger a vaginal acne flare up. Wearing dry cotton underwear and keeping the area clean should help resolve this condition.
2. Ingrown hairs: Sometimes, hair grows sideways or curls up below the skin instead of exiting it. This may be triggered by shaving or other forms of hair removal where due to its short length, the hair gets trapped under the surface of the skin. Dead skin can also clog a hair follicle and cause ingrown hair. This condition usually resolves itself. To lower the chances of ingrowths; try exfoliating your skin gently or switching to another method of hair removal.
3. Folliculitis: This condition is caused by the inflammation of hair follicles that leads to a bacterial or fungal infection. It usually starts out as small red bumps which later develop into crusty sores. This inflammation may be the result of excessive sweat production or friction. It usually heals itself in approximately 2 weeks. The healing process can be speeded up by applying a warm compress on the area or by soaking the area in a salt water solution. In some cases, antibiotics or anti-fungal medication may be required.
4. Eczema: This may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. As such, there is no cure for the condition but it may be managed with the use of topical corticosteroids. Aloe vera may also be helpful in reducing the itchiness and inflammation.
5. Molluscum contagiosum: This is a viral infection that spreads through skin to skin contact and appears in the form of smooth round bumps that vary in size and are firm to touch. These bumps usually resolve themselves but the process can take a few months. Treatment with dry ice and topical creams can speed up the process. In some cases, laser therapy may also be used.

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

Cervical cancer is a malignancy that grows in the lining of the cervix. Cervical cancer screening includes 2 types of screening tests such as HPV testing and the Cytology based screening. The Cytology based screening is also referred to as Pap smear. The abnormal cells that can develop into cancer, if they are left untreated, can be detected with the Pap test. It is the best method for preventing cervical cancer and even to check for the HPV Virus. Pap tests are done in different ways but the most common method is to brush the cells off to get a sample from the cervical region. These cells are then sent to the lab for testing which is done by placing them on a glass slide and observing them under a microscope.

When cervical cancer screening should be done-
It is necessary for women to get the cervical screening done at the age of 21 years. Pap test should be done every 3 years by women who are between the ages of 21-29 years and unless it is really needed the HPV test need not be done. Whereas women who are in between the ages of 30-65 should get the Pap test as well as the HPV test once in 5 years.

The precancerous changes in the cervix can be detected through the Pap smear screening. The number of deaths that have occurred due to this cancer have been reduced by using this effective screening tool which was introduced 50 years ago. The possible causes of cervical cancer are a weak immune system, smoking, consuming oral contraceptives and having several sexual partners.

Important Guidelines to Follow
Women who are over 65 years and who have done regular Pap smear screening over the past 10 years must not do the screening tests unless they have any serious pre-cancers found.

Women of any age must not opt for any of the screening methods every year. Even women who have removed their cervix and uterus must not do the screening tests.

Many women feel that they do not have to do the screening tests after they have delivered or birth of a child but it is not true. The main benefit of screening is that most cervical cancers can be prevented and it is the best way to find abnormal changes in the cervical cells.

Why cervical cancer screening is important?
The cervical cancer screening is an important test in the health checkup for women. There are certain risks involved in cervical screening and it is better to consult the doctor for advice on the right age to do the screening and how often it must be done. These days there are vaccines available that are used to prevent infections by targeting the several strains of HPV. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

The major concern for women is to take care of their reproductive health. PCOD or polycystic ovarian disorder affects women of any age. It is also known as the Stein Leventhal Syndrome. The most important cause of PCOD is changes in the lifestyle though there are many other reasons that can cause this condition. It is a health problem which includes weight gain, irregular periods, skin issues, pigmentation and cardiac arrest. It is very important that the negative lifestyle changes are corrected to get treated properly for PCOD/PCOS. It is also very important to include foods with the right amount of nutrition.

Most Common PCOD Reasons-

1. Increased Insulin Levels: The pancreas present in the body produces the hormone insulin, which helps the cells to use the sugar and convert it into energy. If the body becomes insulin resistant then the sugar cannot be converted to energy and that can increase the production of androgen and result in Polycystic Ovarian Disorder. It is a condition that affects 4-10% of women who are of child-bearing age.
2. Inflammation: Many women suffer from low grade inflammation that stimulates the ovaries to produce excess of male hormones.

Symptoms of PCOD

The symptoms of PCOD are most often experienced after a woman’s menstruation and the severity of the symptoms varies among individuals suffering from this disorder. Irregular menstrual cycle is the most common symptom of this condition and the severity of the condition is determined mainly by factors such as obesity. The disorder is marked by the decrease in female sex hormones and at times women develop certain characteristics such as deeper voice, decrease in breast size, excess hair on the face, acne, weight gain, infertility, anxiety, pain in the pelvic region and heavy periods.

The other types of symptoms that occur include diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep, mood disorders and endometrial cancer.

Best treatment for PCOD
PCOD treatment though not curative can be well managed by the intake of a healthy diet and by exercising regularly. The complications involved with PCOD/PCOS can be reduced to a great extent if women who are overweight maintain a healthy diet as that would help regulate their menstrual cycle.

There are certain anti-androgen drugs available that can be used to reduce the levels of male hormones. These anti-androgens can help not only to reduce acne but even to stop growth of excess hair on the face and other parts of the body.

Another option available to women with this condition is surgery and the procedure made use of is ovarian drilling. The best treatment recommended for women suffering with PCOD is homeopathic treatment.

It is possible to fight PCOD naturally by eating nutritious foods as it helps to reduce the chances of health issues caused by PCOD.

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

Breast cancer is a form of cancer which develops from the breast tissue. Breast cancer is indicated by signs such as a lump in the breast, changes in breast shape, fluid flowing from the nipple, dimpling of skin, or the development of red scaly patches. Breast cancer is a fatal form of cancer in women and immediate diagnosis is required on observing the symptoms.

Diagnosis of breast cancer
Other than the regular breast screening, the diagnosis of breast cancer involves the following steps and methods:

1. Seeing your general practitioner (GP): It is very important to visit your GP soon after noticing the symptoms of breast cancer. Your GP will examine you properly and in case your symptoms need more assessment, he/she will refer you to a breast cancer clinic.
2. Mammogram and breast ultrasound: You will be required to have a mammogram, as recommended by a specialist breast unit. This is an X-ray of the breasts. An ultrasound scan may also be required. Breast ultrasound should be undertaken only if you are less than 35 years of age. This is because, young women have denser breasts and a mammogram is not as effective as ultrasound in the diagnosis of breast cancer. In ultrasound, high frequency sound waves are used for obtaining an image of your breasts. It is observed to notice any abnormality or lumps. A breast ultrasound is also important for determining whether a lump is solid or contains liquid.
3. Biopsy: In this diagnosis process, a sample of the tissue cells is taken from the breasts and tested under a microscope to find out if it is cancerous. A scan and needle test for the lymph nodes present in your armpit is also done to check whether they have also been affected. A biopsy is undertaken in several ways, depending upon the condition and severity. A needle aspiration biopsy is used for testing a sample of your breast cells without the removal of the tissues. This is the most common form of biopsy and it is also used for draining a small fluid-filled lump or benign cyst. During the process, you will be given a local anesthetic. Usually, a needle biopsy is carried out guided by an X-ray, ultrasound and an MRI scan as well. This helps in distinguishing it from non-invasive changes such as ductal carcinoma in situ.

Another form of biopsy used for the diagnosis of breast cancer is called vacuum assisted biopsy or mammotome biopsy. In this process, a needle gets attached to a suction tube, which helps in obtaining the sample and for clearing the bleeding.

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

If you are pregnant and considering fasting during the festive season, it might not be a good idea. As per studies, fasting during any trimester of the pregnancy can have detrimental effects on the unborn child.

During the 1st trimester, your baby is in a very delicate stage. It is better not to fast during this period of time. Similarly, fasting during the 3rd trimester is also very much unsafe. However, if you are healthy and have no pregnancy-related complications then you can fast but only after consulting your doctor. Remember that your baby depends on you for food. So, it is always good to avoid going completely without food when on fasting during pregnancy.

Below given are a few tips to be followed by pregnant women when going on Navratri fasting:

1. Consult your doctor: The doctor should always be consulted before deciding to fast. Different women have different risk levels, and there can be chances of diseases like diabetes and threats of miscarriage. The doctor will be the sole person to gauge the degree of risk associated and give a proper solution.
2. Stay hydrated: Consume lots of water. This should be done to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can lead to hardening of tummy or cases of pre-term labor. It can also result in dry skin and mouth, fatigue, intense feelings of thirst and dark urine.
3. Sleep well: While fasting, pregnant women experience a lot of stress compared to others. There is the combined physical exertion of pregnancy and fasting. This can take a serious toll on health. It is always advisable that they sleep for long and stay relaxed.
4. Eat healthily: Eating healthy is very important as then only, the baby will get enough nutrients. In this regard, a healthy diet plan, given by the doctor should be followed. Consumption of 2-3 types of fruits throughout the day is essential as they are rich in natural sugars and minerals. This helps in maintaining the energy levels of the body. Moreover, the fast should always be broken with healthy and nutritious foods. As the body does not get food, for the entire day, gobbling something deep fried and oily after the fast ends, is not at all a good idea. High sugar foods or caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea should be avoided during fast.
5. Look out for warning signs: The would-be mother should always look out for warning signs. This includes severe dehydration, weight loss, constipation, indigestion, nausea, dizziness, headaches, lethargy, fever and even a reduction of the baby’s movement inside the womb. These are indications that the body cannot cope with the stress associated with fasting. These physical conditions should be immediately reported to the doctor.

Keep these important tips in mind in order to enjoy the festive spirit along with a healthy and safe pregnancy!  If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.