Also known as womb cancer, uterine cancer is a condition that originates in the tissue of the female reproductive organ. The uterus is a small, pear-shaped organ that is hollow and carries the function of fetal development. There are many types of uterine cancer, but the most common one is the endometrium cancer. This type of cancer is triggered when the cells in the inner lining of the uterus grow disproportionately. Uterine cancer typically develops after menopause and is reported to be more common among women who are obese. Fortunately, it is detected in the early stages as it exhibits abnormal symptoms that prompt women to consult their doctor. Discovery of the condition early on can even aid in complete cure through surgical removal of the uterus. The most common symptoms of uterine cancer include vaginal bleeding post menopause, incessant bleeding between periods, pain in the pelvic muscles, and an abnormal blood-like vaginal discharge. Here are 6 factors that can increase one’s risk of suffering from uterine cancer: Hormonal imbalance – Estrogen and progesterone make for two main female hormones produced by the ovaries. When there is a fluctuation in the levels of these hormones, there may be changes noted in the endometrium.

The best way to protect women from cervical cancer is to take the HPV vaccine. Administration of the vaccine is best done for women by the age of 18 years. Regular cervical screening tests should be done once every four years, to detect any abnormal cell growth in the cervix. The HPV Vaccine prevents the incidence of Human Papillomavirus, which is one of the major causes of cervical cancer. Persistent HPV infection, usually with certain high-risk types of HPV, can cause abnormal cancerous cells to develop on the cervix. HPV types 16 and 18 are also largely responsible for nearly 70% of all cervical cancers. Parents should consider administering the HPV vaccine to both boys and girls. Sadly, genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the country. It is rather shocking to know that 25% of females in the ages 14 to 19 years and around 45% in the age group of 20-24 have been infected with HPV. Men are also affected by HPV infection, which can cause certain cancers; unlike cervical cancers, there are no screening tests for the other type of cancers. The vaccine can prevent boys and men from being infected and passing on the virus to their sexual partners.

Ovarian cancers are the most common types of cancer in women. The ovaries are a pair of organs found in the female reproductive system. Ovaries are responsible for producing ovum or the eggs. Ovarian cancer is formed when cells in the body begin to grow uncontrollably. It is a general belief that ovarian cancer begins only in the ovaries. But recent evidence proves that in certain cases, ovarian cancers may start in the cells in the far end of the fallopian tubes. The symptoms of ovarian cancer may be unclear. However, researchers have found four major early stage symptoms of ovarian cancer. They include; Abdominal bloating: Though ovarian cancer is certainly not the most common cause of abdominal bloating, it is considered to be an important cause of abdominal bloating. Abdominal bloating and swelling occurs especially during the premenstrual period or after eating a large meal. Pelvic pain or pressure: Pelvic pain is a symptom that affects many women leading to more serious conditions like ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus) or cancer. Pelvic pain is generally described as a pressure that may or may not include sharp pains located anywhere in the abdomen below the navel.

If you suffering from chickenpox during pregnancy, which is a highly contagious viral infection that causes blister-like rash and itchiness, you and your baby might be at a serious health risk. One is likely to develop complications such as pneumonia too. The risk for the baby depends solely on timing. If chickenpox develops during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, particularly in between week 8 and 20 – the baby faces a serious risk of a rare group of birth defects known as congenital varicella syndrome. If the pox develops during the few days before delivery then the baby might be born with a potentially life-threatening infection called neonatal varicella. Here in this article, we will see various things which one should know about chickenpox during pregnancy. When to get medical advice? Get advice from your doctor if You are pregnant and think you may have chickenpox You have never had chickenpox before and you have been near someone who has it (even if you have no other symptoms like rashes) You got this disease within 7 days of giving birth Complications for pregnant women One is at a higher risk of complications from chickenpox if they Have a habit of smoking Have any lung condition such as bronchitis or emphysema Are taking or may have taken steroids during the last three months Are more than twenty weeks pregnant Are suffering from pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) It should be properly understood that complication which arises from catching this disease during pregnancy could turn out to be very fatal.

Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among women in the country. Although it can affect both men and women, it is more common in women. The risk factors of breast cancer The exact causes of breast cancer aren’t known yet. However, as per research, there are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this type of cancer. Some of the most common ones are: Gender This is perhaps the biggest risk factor for breast cancer as women are 100 times more likely to develop this cancer as compared to men. Age Age is another significant risk factor as the likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age. Breast cancer is more common in women above the age of 50 who have reached menopause. It is advisable that all women between the ages of 50 and 70 get themselves screened for breast cancer once every 3 years to ensure early diagnosis. Family history Having a close relative, especially a parent or a sibling, who developed breast cancer greatly increases a woman’s risk of getting the ailment. However, this is not true in all the cases of the disease, as a study revealed that 9 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer had no previous family history of the same.

We are accustomed to relating calcium with the teeth and bones only, but its function and importance in the body are not limited only to these. It plays an essential role in hormone secretion, contraction of muscles, and sustaining the standard heart rate. The importance of calcium during pregnancy Women are usually more prone to arthritis and osteoporosis due to a diet deficient in the required nutrients, especially calcium. During pregnancy, the fetus demands more calcium for the formation of its skeleton structure. If the mother is deficient in calcium, the calcium in her bones and teeth will get eroded to provide for the growing child. Calcium requirements for a woman during pregnancy Women belonging to the age group of 19 to 50 years require more calcium, which is around 1,000 milligrams each day. During the final trimester of pregnancy, the demand for calcium increases by 250-300 mg. Even during the post-pregnancy period, one has to maintain this amount of calcium intake. Post-delivery, a woman’s body demands more calcium due to lactation, and calcium deficiency at this time can lead to prolonged labor and delayed recovery. In an expectant mother, calcium has a significant role to play in the cardiovascular development of the fetus.

Vitamins and minerals are considered necessary nutrients that your body requires to provide strength to your bones, repair wounded areas, and boost your immune system. They are the primary sources that convert the food that you consume into energy and help your cells repair any damage caused. How to get the required vitamins in your diet? Balance your meals with fiber, minerals, vitamins, and carbs; remember that consumption of natural vitamins through food is more effective than taking capsules for multivitamins. Vitamin A Vitamin A is necessary for strong teeth, bones, soft tissues, and healthy skin. The foods rich in Vitamin A are carrots, sweet potatoes, fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, liver of beef, chicken, and lamb, winter squash, cantaloupe, and dairy products that include cheese and butter. Eggs, apricots, spinach, and spices such as chili, red pepper, and paprika are also good sources. Vitamin B Vitamins B-12, B-9, and B-6 play a crucial role in nerve and brain functioning, the amalgamation of DNA, and the development of RBCs in your body. Vitamin B rich foods are whole grains in the form of brown rice, barley, and brown bread, red meat, chicken, eggs, and fish, and dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter.

A migraine is an extremely traumatizing condition that results in a throbbing and excruciating pain on one side of the head. The condition is often complemented by nausea, unsettled stomach and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last from a few hours to several days. Significant warning signs, such as excessive hunger or yawning may occur before the headache. The most common treatment option for migraines includes taking medications. These medications, combined with some lifestyle modifications can be very helpful in treating the condition. Symptoms of a migraine The first symptoms of migraine usually manifest in childhood or early adulthood. Broadly, the condition can be divided into 4 stages: prodrome, aura, headache, and post-drome. You may or may not experience all four stages during a migraine attack. Prodrome This stage occurs one two days before the headache. Common symptoms of this stage include: Mood changes Stiffness in the neck Food cravings Constipation Increased thirst Frequent yawning Aura This occurs before or during the migraine headache. Common symptoms include: Vision loss Difficulty in speaking Weakness or numbness in the face or body Tingling sensation in the arms and legs Visual phenomena, such as flashes of light or bright spots Uncontrollable jerking It is important to note that not all people having migraine experience aura.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly known as herpes, is a sexually transmitted infection. This virus can spread through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. A majority of those affected by genital herpes do not realize that they have contracted the virus. Pregnancy is a critical time to beware of genital herpes due to the potential harm it may have on the unborn fetus. The good news is that by taking proper care and precautions, a healthy pregnancy is possible even with genital herpes. Neonatal herpes is a serious condition, but it’s a very rare occurrence. Babies are at high risk of neonatal herpes if the mother contracts the virus late during the pregnancy. Causes of genital herpes in pregnancy Genital herpes is caused due to two different viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The former is caused by oral sex, while the latter is caused by sexual intercourse. This condition is caused by the infection of the mucous membranes of the genitals and the surrounding skin by the HSV virus. Symptoms of genital herpes Common symptoms of outbreaks of herpes occur in infected people. For some, the symptoms are hardly noticeable, while the symptoms are severe for others. The common symptoms are as mentioned:

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder in which the bones become fragile and brittle due to the loss of bone density. It is a prevalent bone disease that affects approximately 10 million people in the country. Reduced bone mass is the reason behind the reduction in bone density. It is called a “silent disorder” because many people become aware of it only when they break their bones. It develops when the bone resorption rate exceeds the new bone formation rate in the body. Osteoporosis makes a person prone to fractures, especially hip, wrists, and spinal fractures. Management of osteoporosis The management of osteoporosis requires several changes in lifestyle and diet. Some of the important tips to manage this condition are: Calcium and vitamin D Calcium is essential for healthy bones. Low calcium intake can lead to abnormal bone growth, rapid bone deterioration, and higher chances of fractures. To avoid these problems, regular intake of calcium in the diet is a must. Some of the common sources of calcium are milk, cheese, and yogurt. Vegetables such as broccoli and kale are vital, and one should incorporate these foods into their diet. The intake of vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health because it is required for the absorption of calcium.