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Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding: Causes and How to Identify it.

 Dysfunctional  uterine bleeding that is not associated with the normal monthly cycle is one common case that keeps popping up among women of reproductive age.  This post is aimed at educating women about what it is and what to do when they experience such.  What is Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding? It is no news that once a woman has attained puberty,  she begins to experience the regular menstrual cycle that involves bleeding once in that cycle which is monthly. Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding therefore is any kind of bleeding from the female reproductive tract that occurs outside of this normal monthly cycle. Causes of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding. 1. PCOS( Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). This is an endocrine disorder that affects the ovary causing it to produce lots of cysts and by extension excess female hormones such as the estrogen and progesterone. This excessive production will lead to a distortion of the normal levels required in the body a...

Tips for Managing Discomforts in First Trimester Pregnancy.

Pregnancy is an awesome and unique journey that a woman goes through. From that moment when the test reads positive everything changes. Your body begins a journey of several adjustments to accommodate the new life. While the knowledge of a new life within you brings so much joy, it also comes with attendant changes that sometimes could bring discomfort to the mother. So we will explore some of these discomforts and how to manage them. 1. Breast tenderness: Pregnancy hormones will cause breast enlargement and soreness. The remedy for this is to get a more comfortable and fitting bra that will reduce the discomfort. 2. Morning Sickness ( Nausea and Vommitting). This is a very common occurrence among many pregnant women in the early stages of the pregnancy. Sometimes it may just be a feeling of nausea but no vommitting and for others it is accompanied by vommitting. Some of the remedies suggested are as follows; - Eat less spicy or flavored foods. - Invest in pro...

What to do when you have 'PINK EYE'( Conjunctivitis).

Conjuctivitis popularly known as the 'Pink eye' or 'apollo' as it is popularly called in Nigeria is an infection of the white part of the eye ball.  This infection is most times caused by bacteria, viruses and allergies.  The most common type is the viral infection. According to the University College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria, about 1.5 million cases of conjuctivitis are seen yearly.  MODE OF SPREAD. Conjuctivitis can be extremely contagious and can be spread through the following ways; * Through skin to skin contact eg handshake with an infected person. * By touching a surface contaminated with secretions from an infected eye.  *Almost all age groups can be affected by this ailment but the most vulnerable group are children between the age of 3-13years.  * Though contagious it rarely damages the eye especially when treated on time. SYMPTOMS OF 'PINK EYE'. -  Redness. - Thick yellowish discharge t...

Things to note about Constipation.

Today we'll look at a condition that is common to most of us, constipation. ---- ----- ----- ------ ------ -------- ------- ------- --------- --- What is constipation? Constipation is condition of the digestive system where an individual faces infrequent bowel evacuation, or where the faeces are hard and small or where passage of stool is hard and painful. This occurs because the colon has absorbed too much water from the food in the colon ( large intestine). Causes of Constipation. - Lack of dietary fibre in food. - Physical inactivity. - Dehydration. -Medications eg narcotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants. -Consumption of diary products by others. - Over use of laxatives. - Pregnancy. - Resisting the urge to poop. - An underactive thyroid. - Problems with nerves and muscles of the digestive system. - Ageing. Symptoms. - Few bowel movements of less than three times a week. - Hard or small stools. - Bloating. - A feeling that everything didn'...

About Fibroids.

Today we are zooming our camera on an important issue that affects a woman's reproductive system.  We are looking at fibroids. There have been so many myths and theories surrounding this condition and our aim on this post is to educate us adequately on what it is and what can be done about it.  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  What are Fibroids? 1. Fibroids are non- cancerous tumors of the uterus that always appear during a woman's childbearing years. 2. A benign tumor of fibrous and muscular tissue, one or more of which may develop within or attached to the uterus. 3. Fibroids are abnormal growths on or in a woman's uterus. The growths are typically benign, non cancerous. Other names for fibroids are myoma, leiomyoma or fibromas. FACTS TO NOTE ABOUT FIBROIDS 1. They are not associated with any risk of cancer and almost never develop into cancers. 2. They are the most frequently seen tumors of the female reproductive system. ...

What goes on during Erection /Ejaculation?

Today on our menu is something for the men and also the women in their lives. The Word erection is nothing new to majority of us.  We all know it is the response of the male sex organ to sexual stimuli in readiness for the sex act but for many that's where it ends. So on this segment today we seek to draw back the curtain and let everyone in on what really goes on behind the scenes in the body that leads to this powerful response. So grab a plate of pop corn and join us on this exciting ride. ------- -------- --------- -------- ------- ------- ------- --  What is Erection? Is simply the hardening, stretching and standing erect of the penis away from the body as a result of increased blood flow to the organ. The internal structure of the Penis. The penis is made up of two major chambers called the CORPORA CAVERNOSA which runs the length of the organ and contains a maze of blood vessels. There's also a third layer that surrounds the urethra( passage for urine and...

An overview of the Male Reproductive System.

On our table today we have an interesting menu specially prepared for our men. 😀. It's common knowledge that we focus so much on the reproductive well being of the female and this is because of the unique ability of women to get concieve and pregnant with a child. But often times we hardly talk to the men about their own reproductive health as though they are not part of this journey. So today we will start by familiarizing ourselves with the basic structures and functions of the male reproductive system. To help us achieve this I've added a simple five minute video with beautiful and simple animations to help us understand what they are and how they work. Are you a man and you are not necessarily familiar with how your reproductive organs function? Then this is for you. Happy Viewing. Credit:youtube.

Juvenile Diabetes.

Juvenile Diabetes seems like a strange word because that disease is usually associated with adults. But in this article we will look at what that really means.  Sometime last month i was chatting with a friend on issues of diet and she went on to tell me about her observation on how a lot of modern parents in a bid to make their kids feel good or pampered stuff them with all kinds of unhealthy snacks coated with so much sugar and unhealthy preservatives. I remember also reading an article few years back about how exercises were forcefully added to school curriculums in one of these advanced countries in the middle east as they observed lots of their children coming down with obesity and diabetes. These two scenarios prompted me to write this post especially for parents, to mind what their children eat. --------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ------------- What is Juvenile Diabetes? This is a chronic condition in children in which their pancreas produces little o...

Amenorrhea (causes).

What is Amenorrhea? It is the medical term used to describe the absence of the menstrual cycle in a woman either on temporary or permanent basis. Amenorrhea can either be primary or secondary. In Primary amenorrhea, no menstruation has ever occurred in the woman by the age of 16. Most cases of primary amenorrhea have their roots in genetic or anatomical abnormalities especially from birth. Secondary amenorrhea occurs as a cessation of the period after a woman has begun. A woman will be said to have secondary amenorrhea if she goes for three consecutive months without seeing it. Amenorrhea is not necessarily a disease but a symptom that points to something else going on in the reproductive system of the woman. Causes of Amenorrhea. 1. Natural causes During the normal cause of a woman's life she will experience amenorrhea for the following natural reasons. - Pregnancy. - Breast feeding - Menopause. 2.Use of Contraceptives. Some women who are on birth control pill...

Diseases that affect the Thyroid.

Hello friends, It's another week here again to learn about our bodies. Last week we looked at what the thyroid is and the  role it plays in our body. Today we will see some diseases that affect the normal functioning of the thyroid gland as we wrap up our discussion on the thyroid. -------- ------------ ------------- --------- --------- ------ 1.Grave's Disease. -It is a common cause of hyperthyroidism. -It is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can cause the gland to produce the hormones in excess. - The disease is hereditary and may develop at any age in males or females. But more common in females. Risk factors. -stress -pregnancy -smoking. Symptoms -goitre -bulging eyes. -impaired vision. 2. Hashimoto's Disease. - This is another autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. -This disease acts by producing antibodies that slowly destroy the thyroid gland and its...

Meet your Thyroid.

Hello friends, It's another week on our health segment. We will be taking a look at the Thyroid gland. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The thyroid gland is about 2 inches long and lies in front of the windpipe. The thyroid has two sides called lobes on either side of your windpipe, and is usually connected by a strip of thyroid tissue known as the Isthmus. In some persons, the Isthmus is absent and instead they have two separate thyroid lobes. Functions of the Thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is part of what we call the endocrine system  which is made up of glands that produce, store and release hormones into the bloodstream so the hormones can reach the body cells. The thyroid uses iodine from the food you eat to make two main hormones; 1.Tri-iodo thyronine.(T3) 2.Thyroxine(T4) These hormones go into the blood stream and create certain effects; 1.The thyroid hormones control metabolism, this they do by causing the cells to...

Your journey before you arrived here.

Hi esteemed blog followers. How's the week been? Today I'm just going to attach a video here for you to see how a baby is conceived up until delivery time. I decided to do this today so we can appreciate the gift of our bodies. I always say that the human body is a masterpiece and a living wonder. As a physiologist and medical imaging scientist I've never ceased to be amazed at how it is structured and how it functions. So today just sit back, watch how this  wonder that houses your spirit called the Human body develops from conception to birth. Video credit: drugs bank information.  

The Ear as an organ of Balance.

Each time someone asks us what our organs of hearing are, without thinking twice, we mention the ear which of course is true. But not so many of us also know that aside from performing the function of hearing, the ear is also responsible for our sense of balance in body movement in collaboration with the skeletal muscles and the brain. This is what we hope to dissect in this article. ---------------------------------------------------------- The ear is a sensory organ that picks up sound waves, allowing us to hear. In addition to that it is also essential to our sense of balance. The Organ of Balance. The part of the ear responsible for our sense of balance is known as the VESTIBULAR SYSTEM. -It is found in the inner ear. -It consists of 3 semi-circular Canals and two otholith organs known as the SACCULE and UTRICLE. The Semi circular canals. -They are three in number, superior posterior and horizontal. -The are lined with microscopic hair cells. -The canals are als...

Essential reminders on Ovulation.

-------------------- ---------------- --------------- ------- What is Ovulation? This is a period and a process where a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the fallopian tube and made available for fertilization. This process is usually part of the events that occur in a normal woman's monthly cycle. It is also considered the most fertile period in a woman's cycle,meaning chances of getting pregnant are quite on the high side. Signs of Ovulation. 1. An increase in the basal body temperature of the individual about 24-36hours before ovulation occurs. 2. A change in the cervical mucus. It becomes clear, stretchy, slippery like egg white. 3. A sudden  rise in the blood level of the Leutinizing hormone. This can be detected in the urine with the help of specially made ovulation predictor kits. 4. Breast tenderness in some women. 5. Increased sex drive. 6. Slight cramping on one side of the pelvis. Factors that affect Ovulation. -  Blocke...

Useful facts about ECG.

Today we'll be educating ourselves on the ECG. we will be seeing what it is and its usefulness to our overall health. -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- -------------- What is an ECG? An ECG or EKG is simply a non-invasive, painless procedure used to diagnose a variety of heart conditions. It is also a record of the electrical activity of the heart. Electrodes are placed on the skin of the chest and limbs in a particular order and connected to a machine which measures the electrical activity of the heart and records the output on a sheet for the medical officer to evaluate. Uses of ECG. 1. To check the heart rate. 2. To check for any evidence of increased thickness in heart muscles. 3. To detect areas of impaired blood flow to the heart muscle. 4. To detect warning signs of abnormal heart rhythm and disturbed cardiac activity.  5. To help detect signs of an impending heart attack. 6. It is also used as a guide in giving ...

What happens in you in a Heartbeat?

Today we'll study something interesting. We want to peep into our hearts and see what really happens each time we feel our hearts beating. It is called the CARDIAC OR HEART CYCLE. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Cardiac Cycle. Describes all the activities of the heart through one complete heartbeat; that is through one contraction and relaxation of the ventricles and atria. Phases of the Cardiac Cycle. The cardiac cycle is majorly divided into two known as the systole and diastole. The Diastole is the phase where the atria and ventricles are in a relaxed mode. - During this phase blood is pumped into both straight from the large veins of systemic circulation; ( superior and inferior Vena Cava) and the pulmonary veins. - Blood fills the ventricles passively as both the mitral and tricuspid valves that are at located between the ventricles and atria are lifted. - The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary vein...

How much do you know about hernia?

Hello friends. How has the week been for you? Today we'll be looking at something we are familiar with in terms of the name but hardly know what it is and what is responsible for it. I'm talking about hernia. I remember discussing with someone not long ago and he was completely ignorant on what this hernia was all about and that really inspired me to write on it. Hope you enjoy reading as you get informed. ......……..…................................................................. What is Hernia? Hernia simply put, is a condition where there is a weakness in a surrounding muscle or tissue which causes the surrounding organs, mostly the gut to push through it. It could also mean the abnormal be protrusion of tissue or organ such as the bowel through the wall of the cavity in which it normally resides. Hernias are most common in the abdomen but can occur in the upper thigh and groin areas. Hernias can range from being asymptotic to life threatening dependi...

Neural Tube Defect.

Hello everyone. How has your week been so far? Today we'll be focusing on a topic that is critical to pregnancy and the development of a fetus.  It's Neural Tube Defect.  At about the 3rd week of pregnancy, in the first month, a significant development in the embryo begins. Formation of the what is known as the Neural tube begins. This neural tube is the progenitor organ that develops into the brain and spinal cord, in short the nervous system. During this process certain malformations can occur that leads to what is called Neural Tube Defect. Definition:  Neural Tube Defect is said to occur when the neural tube fails to close completely and failure of this closure leads to two main types of neural tube defects which are Spina Bifida and Anencephaly.   1. Spina Bifida. In spina bifida, the fetal spinal column doesn't close completely. There's usually a nerve damage that causes at least some paralysis of the legs. The effects of S...

Health Benefits of Lemon.

Hello friends. How's the week been for you? Today we'll look at the health benefits of lemon. Lemon as we all know belongs to the popular citrus family which includes the sweet oranges that we are all familiar with. So we'll look at some of its nutritional contents and the benefits we can get from consuming it. Nutritional Contents of Lemon. - Vitamin C - Vitamin B6 - Citric acid. - Niacin - Thiamine - Zinc - Phosphorus. - Magnesium. - Flavonoids that act as antioxidants. Health Benefits. 1. Lemon promotes hydration; Adding a little lemon to water enhances the flavor and encourages people to drink water more. 2. It is a good source of vitamin C and other vitamins which act as antioxidants together with the flavonoids to pick up free radicals that are triggers for diseases such as Cardiovascular diseases and a lot more. 3. Lemon is known to act as natural bleaching agent to lighten the skin in cases of hyper-pigmentation. Also a study publishe...