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Is It a Yeast Infection? Or Something Worse? Part 2

Part 2.

Once you know the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection, you can decide on the best way to handle it.

 

The most obvious symptom of a yeast infection is the discomfort in the affected area. This is certainly one of the revealing and most common symptoms of a yeast infection. The kind of discomfort is often described as an intense burning or itching sensation.

 

Pain when urinating is caused by the irritated lining of the vaginal area. In severe cases. the infected individual may experience extreme discomfort, such that carrying out normal daily activities such as walking can be affected.

 

Sexual intercourse too becomes painful for most affected women and indeed, should not be undertaken without a condom or barrier because of the risk of passing on the infection and/or getting re-infected. Oral sex should be off limits for the same reason.

 

Another way which will help you consider the likelihood of a yeast infect ion is by taking note of the appearance of the affected area. Most individuals afflicted with a yeast infection describe the area looking white and having the appearance of curdled milk. Redness and soreness is evident in the affected area most of the time as well.

 

A discharge may or may not be present, depending on the case. Note that only about 20% of women afflicted the infection report the presence of a discharge in the vaginal area. The discharge may be clear to whitish or slightly yellowish, and may be anywhere from thin to thick consistency.

 

Lastly, another sign that may help how to confirm a yeast infection is the distinct odor. The discharge may or may not be accompanied by a starchy odor, the kind that resembles bread or beer when it is being made.

 

Note that yeast is used in bread making as a leavening agent, and in beer making for fermentation. That is because the infection basically is a fungal infection, commonly caused by Candida albicans, a form of yeast.

 

Some people recommend that if you are prone to vaginal yeast infections, you should avoid eating a lot of products with yeast in them, and eat more yogurt and items with natural bacteria in them. Whatever your decision about diet, beware of using too many over the counter medications to treat yeast infections.

 

Stay clean, wear cotton underwear that is loose enough to breathe, not synthetics, and beware of thongs, as they can transfer bacteria from the back to the front of your body more easily than a regular pair of panties.

 

Be sure to go to your doctor for regular pelvic exams. And if you are sexually active but not in an exclusive relationship, then be sure to get a thorough check up and practice safe sex at all times.

 

Yeast infections can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but they are not nearly as bad as a sexually transmitted disease. Both can be prevented if you take the right steps to look after your health.

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Is It a Yeast Infection? Or Something Worse? Part 1

Part 1.

The best way to confirm a yeast infection is either to make an appointment with your doctor to perform a diagnosis or taking an over the counter test. Your doctor will perform a physical assessment and take a sample of your vaginal discharge. An over the counter test, on the other hand, works much like a home pregnancy kit test. In this case, the pH balance in your system is tested to confirm the presence of a yeast infection.

 

It is always a good idea to confirm that you have a yeast infection before finally deciding to treat it with over the counter medications. You may end up doing even more harm to yourself if you treat a condition that you do not have.

 

A yeast infection is a bothersome condition, to say the least. However, self medicating a suspected yeast infection may disrupt the normal pH balance of your body, causing a change in chemistry. You might kill off one bug, if you have it, but could also trigger a proliferation of microorganisms which can then lead to actual infections.

 

The trouble with resorting to over the counter yeast infection medications right away is that women are using them too often these days, resorting to them at the first sign of trouble now that they are available over the counter without a prescription.

 

A woman who goes through certain signs and symptoms may immediately think she is experiencing a yeast infection. But the truth is there are many other infections that also demonstrate the presenting signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. These may include bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia and even gonorrhea.

 

However, there are three specific signs and symptoms of a yeast infection: discomfort, appearance and odor.  If you are experiencing these three signs and symptoms, you are most likely suffering a yeast infection.

 

However, only a doctor can be really sure. If you are sexually active, but not in an exclusive relationship, or have a partner but are concerned about their fidelity, you should definitely be sure to get checked out.

 

Knowing the most common signs of a yeast infection can help you decide whether or not to go to the doctor, or use a treatment for it.

 

Continued in Part 2

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Botox Injections for Wrinkles, Part 2

(Continued from Part 1)

 

So now that you know that botox is a rat poison which paralyzes the muscles in your face to smooth out wrinkles, you may have already decided that botox injections to improve the appearance of your wrinkles may not be the best idea for you health-wise. But if you are still thinking about it, read on.

 

Botox, Anyone?

 

Who hasn’t heard of Botox at this point? There are certainly enough jokes about having no wrinkles but a frozen face after the procedure. Many celebrities have gone through this procedure just to remove the unwanted lines on their faces. This is especially useful if your appearance helps you to earn your living, but is it really a good idea for the rest of us?

 

Here are a few things to remind yourself of before getting the procedure.

 

1. Botox is for wrinkles only.

known for removing wrinkles. But it will not help diminish other common akin problems caused by aging such as the age spots, sun damage and problems with pigmentation. This will also not soften your skin if your main concern is about its roughness.

 

2. Botox is not cheap.

This is a costly procedure. If you really want to undergo such, you have to save up for it, since it will not be carried by insurance. You will also need more than one treatment.

 

3. It can be risky in the hands of the wrong doctor.

Botox is a toxin.  With so many people viewing dermatology as a license to print money with so many people living longer, but still wanting to look young, you might believe you are getting a top doctor only to get someone who does not know what they are doing.. The procedure entails injecting of toxins to your skin. Not everybody has the same reaction on those toxins.  Look for the doctor’s credentials, recommendations, and level and training of staff in the office.

 

4. Get a full check up before you ever consider going.

You might not be physically fit for Botox.  Tell your doctor what you are considering doing. Even if the doctor says it is okay to go ahead, remember to tell dermatologist giving the Botox treatment about any vitamins and medicines to be sure you will not react to the treatment.

 

5. There are risks you will look worse.

If not done properly, instead of removing the unwanted lines, you may end up having more than what you had before going through it.

 

6. This is not for sensitive types of skin and veins.

Botox includes injections. The one who will be getting the shots must first make sure that they are ready emotionally, physically and mentally. Inflammation can occur, puffiness, and other visible signs of injection.

 

Botox injections for wrinkles are a serious undertaking that you should never treat lightly. You need to prepare for it well and know the risks as well as the rewards. Do your research and make the right decision based on your health and what you can afford.

 

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Botox Injections for Wrinkles, Part 1

Part 1.

How far are you willing to go to be beautiful? There have been many different treatments developed in recent years to get rid of some of the most common skin problems, such as acne or uneven skin tone.  One of the most popular has been botox, to try to help erase wrinkles from the skin on your face.

 

There are other products that offer plumping to get rid of creases and sagging, but Botox ‘freezes’ your face to then smooth out your skin.  In this article, we will discuss Botox, what it is, what it can do for you, and the pros and cons.

 

To Botox or Not to Botox

 

The important thing that you have to ask yourself is do you really need to go the drastic route in order to retain a younger looking face. Everybody will eventually look old no matter how helpful science had been to try to reverse or reduce the signs of aging. There are also many good facial creams on the market, such as the Dr. Patricia Wexler brand, or Olay Regenerist, that have been clinically proven to get good results.

 

No matter what beauty products you are using, including Botox or even plastic surgery, you are merely merely slowing the process, not reversing it. You should first look to your diet and how much water you drink, and how much you exercise, to see if you can improve in these areas first, before considering any procedure. Having a more healthy diet and a higher level of fitness can help you look younger, with increased vitality, and costs little compared to other methods of improving your skin.

 

But if you are thinking of Botox, then you need to do your research thoroughly to determine if it is right for you. Learn about the chemicals, the procedure. Ask around to see if any of your friends have had it. Research online. Ask for referrals for professionals whom you will trust to handle your skin, and your life. This is because botox, botulinim toxin, is, as the name states, a toxin—rat poison, in fact. Do you really want someone injecting that into your body to paralyze your muscles in your face to reduce the signs of wrinkles?

 

Continued in Part 2.

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Birth Control Pills for a New Generation?

The contraceptive pill burst onto the scene about fifty years ago. Since then, there have been new advances that have made it more effective. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the daily dose. This begs the question, is the pill still a good choice for contraception?

 

The birth control pill is one of the most effective methods of birth control with the pregnancy prevention rate being around 99 percent. The rate varies depending on the concentration of hormones in the pill but the effectiveness stays above 90 percent no matter which type of pill you take.

 

This is how the pill ideally works. When you take it, hormones are released into your system. Some pills have estrogen and progestin, while others have either. The level of hormone prevents ovulation. That’s the point at which an egg is released from the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tubes in hopes of meeting its sperm counterpart and creating a baby. Without an egg, there is nothing for the sperm to seek out.

 

There are various side effects with the pill. For instance, you can experience nausea, pain, vomiting, breast tenderness, headaches, bloating or decreased sex drive. It sounds a lot like what you already feel while you’re on your period. Certain side effects increase with the length of time on the pill and your age. Smokers are not encouraged to use the pill because there is an increase in the risk of heart disease and blood clots if you are over thirty-five.

 

Pros to Using the Pill:

 

  • The pill, when taken properly, does prevent pregnancy.
  • Certain pills have other benefits besides pregnancy prevention. With the brand Seasonale, for example, all of the pills contain the same dose of hormone. These pills are designed to prevent a period for eight months out of the year. Other pill brands help with acne, abnormal bleeding and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
  • The pill can be taken at any time during the day but it is best to take it at the same time each day.

 

Cons of Birth Control Pills:

 

  • You have to remember to take it. There are instructions on the package for what to do when you miss a day, but another form of contraception is suggested until you take the pill for at least seven consecutive days.
  • The contraceptive pill doesn’t prevent sexually-transmitted diseases including HIV.
  • They can be expensive if your insurance doesn’t cover them.

 

The contraceptive pill is still the choice of many women today. If you get into a routine of taking it, you are less likely to forget it. For pregnancy prevention it is a highly effective method of birth control, but it does not prevent STD.

 

IUDs: Contraceptives without Worry

 

When the time is right, many women are eager to begin their family. Until then, if you are within the child-bearing age range, pregnancy can occur even if you aren’t ready. To prevent unwanted pregnancies, seek a form of birth control that works for you and your lifestyle. One such method is the IUD.

 

IUD stands for intrauterine device. Earlier devices included the Dalkon Shield which fell out of favor some twenty or more years ago when women began getting serious infections with them. Now, the IUD has made a comeback, with safer methods than ever before.

 

The IUD is over 99 percent effective at stopping pregnancy. It rivals the traditional birth control pill for pregnancy prevention. With an intrauterine device, pregnancy is prevented for anywhere from five to ten years as long as the device stays in place.

 

The general shape of an IUD is like a capital letter “T.” the device is inserted into the vagina by a doctor. The top of the device extends into the fallopian tube openings with the rest of it hanging inside the vagina. There are two strings that extend from the end of the device for easy removal when you are ready.

 

There are two types of IUDs on the market: copper and hormonal. The copper IUD is branded ParaGard. It can be inserted for up to ten years at a time. The device works by releasing copper into the vagina which in effect, kills the sperm. The device also inhibits implantation of the egg should the sperm reach it.

 

The Mirena is a hormonal IUD. It contains hormones much like the pill that makes the uterus unsuitable for implantation by an egg. It has the same shape as the copper IUD and inhibits the motility of the sperm to reach the egg.

 

Pros of IUD Methods of Birth Control:

 

  • Both IUDs, copper and hormonal, offer protection from pregnancy without worry. The device stays in place with low maintenance. Doctors recommend you check once a month for the presence of the strings to be sure it is still in place in the vagina.
  • The Mirena offers women lighter or, for some, the absence of periods. Also, cramping is virtually nonexistent with the hormonal version.

 

Cons of IUDs:

 

  • IUDs do not protect against sexually-transmitted diseases. If you are not in a monogamous relationship, this device may not be for you.
  • There is a chance of bacterial infection after insertion.
  • The device can expel itself spontaneously. This is why doctors recommend you check to see if you can feel the strings regularly. Once the device is out, pregnancy can occur at any time.
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding is a side effect.

 

IUDs offer birth control without worry. You don’t have to remember each day to take something or have to concern yourself with regard to insertion and removal. IUDs work best when the two partners are committed to each other, but are not ready to start a family just yet.

 

 

 

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Tips For Purchasing Wine Online

Sometimes you are not close to the wine store that you love, or even close to a wine store at all.  So now, you find yourself surfing the Internet for your wine. The Internet can be a great way to purchase wine. But before you click “buy”, there are some simple tips to making your online wine purchase more enjoyable.

Know Your Source

A large number of wine experts, certified organizations and critics are beginning to rate wine websites. Many wineries are also jumping on the bandwagon. These ratings help buyers feel comfortable with their purchasing decision online. These reviews used to be available only in forums or places where other wine experts met to discuss different options. Today, these ratings are being prominently displayed on websites and can also be accessed by visiting the website of the critic or vineyard, which also list reputable online distributors.

Ask Questions

If you are unsure about a certain website, click on ‘contact us’ and call the number listed. Ask the questions you need in order to feel comfortable. These questions can be anything along the lines of “Do you have a certain type of wine in stock?” or “How do you ship your wines?” and even “What should I do if my wine arrives damaged or wrong all together?”

Asking these questions up front let’s you know two things;  1) there is someone on the other side of the computer screen who cares about you and your decisions, and, 2) there are precautions in place to make sure you get exactly what you ordered.

Information

Just like with local wine shops, today’s online marketers do much more than sell wine. More often than not, the store has a blog, or at least some place to get more information. Here you can expect to find articles on selecting different types of wines for various occasions and even some sponsors by wine enthusiasts with their top picks. All of this information is there to utilize and help you make the perfect selection for you needs.

Convenience

There are benefits to ordering online such as the ability to shop at a plethora of stores within minutes instead of driving back and forth. You also can shop an unlimited stock of items and do not have to worry about a limited selection in your local wine shop.

The wine is delivered directly to your doorstep, usually packaged in some type of cooling container. This makes sure the wine stays at a proper temperature when it is being shipped.

Wine investors are also at an added advantage for online shopping because they can ensure their purchase for a future date.  Basically, they can pay now for a supply that will arrive at a later date, reserving their supply of wine.

With the convenience of buying wine online, and the wide range of varieties, shopping for wine online may be more fun than you think!

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Condom Choices for Effective Birth Control

Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy. Some methods have the additional benefit of preventing sexually-transmitted diseases such as syphilis and HIV. They are called barrier methods of birth control. One popular barrier method is the condom.

 

The idea behind the condom is that it would provide a barrier between the egg and the sperm. If the two can’t get together, then they can’t make a baby.

 

Condoms have come a long way in the last 90 to 100 years. They have been made of rubber, animal skins and plastic. Some have been thick and some really thin. Their first job is to prevent pregnancy.

 

Condoms work by fitting over the male penis or into the female vagina. Female condoms are sold, but they haven’t taken off as well as the traditional male condom. Condoms that are the right size fit snuggly but leave room at the top for ejaculated semen. Female condoms fit in the vagina using two rings to secure it.

 

Animal skin condoms aren’t used much anymore. It was usually sheepskin condoms that were sold. Just like your skin, sheepskin had tiny pores in it. These pores were large enough for certain diseases to be transmitted from one partner to the other. If you are concerned with other issues besides pregnancy (and most of us are) animal skin condoms are a definite no-no.

 

Latex condoms compose the majority of condom brands. They have no tiny pores and have a percent pregnancy prevention rate in the mid-80s. Unfortunately, some people are allergic to natural rubber latex. When you think of latex allergies, you first think of gloves being a problem, but using a latex condom causes its share of irritation and rashes down below.

 

Companies have also created a polyurethane, or plastic, condom for those with latex allergies. It is also supposed to be effective, provided you use it in the same careful way as you would any condom.

 

Pros of Condoms:

 

  • Condoms are a barrier 85 percent of the time against pregnancy. That percentage increases when using condoms that contain a spermicidal ingredient such as nonoxynol-9.
  • Condoms also protect against sexually-transmitted diseases if using latex or plastic varieties.
  • Condom manufacturers have created a line of condoms that are designed to combat the complaint of decreased sensitivity. Users can choose from extra sensitive, warming condoms, colorful condoms (including glow-in-the-dark), ribbed and even flavored condoms.
  • Condoms are cheap and can be picked up for free from most health departments.

 

Cons of Using Condoms:

 

  • Female condoms can cause vaginal irritation from the rings.
  • Condoms only work if you use them and use them properly. A poorly fitting one can malfunction, as can one that is out of date.
  • They are not always easy to put on. Poor placement can lead to possible pregnancy or STDs.

 

Condoms are a favored method of birth control because they do double duty. With the new features for condoms it is easier to work them into your sexual experiences and therefore make sure they get used each and every time. But again, they are only as effective as the way you use them, and how often.

 

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