Women's Sexual Health

Update on Haiti Relief Effort - Help for Orphans International

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Dear Friends and New Friends,

This is my personal update that I want to share with you today. If you didn't read my email from 2 days ago it is at the bottom of this one.

Help for Orphans International has a volunteer named Jonathan on the ground in Haiti right now. He is a pilot, personally using his own plane. I hear directly from Jonathan everyday.

He said there is a BIG need for morphine here in the hospitals (or at least oral narcotics). They are doing amputations without it. That might be the single most important item to distribute now. Apparently there are quantities in Port Au Prince but the army has taken over and distribution is very slow. Pass the word.

As I mentioned before, Jonathan has this knowledge because he has the only small aircraft on the ground in Haiti right now, which is shuttling in supplies and help. Due to his tireless efforts he has been able to bring medical personnel, supplies, food, water and medication directly to the people who need it most. It is because of the money we raise that enables him to continue to pay for fuel and supplies.

I want you to think about this for a minute. Can you imagine if your child, your brother, or your grandchild was in severe pain for days on end, with no medical care? Can you imagine your child losing ALL the family they have ever known and left to fend for themselves on the streets, surrounded by decomposing bodies? This is the situation for so many in Haiti.

These children need our help. I realize I may be sounding very dramatic here but this is the honest truth. I need every one of you to understand and pass on how severely help is needed there. Most of us, if not all, take for granted the food and water we have at our disposal. So many lives are being lost in Haiti – today - because they are lacking the simple essentials.

So, please, give whatever you can. A few dollars from everyone reading this will make a huge difference. Give up the Starbucks for just one week.

Text "support orphans" to 20222 to give $5 on your cell bill.

To make a larger contribution go to www.helpfororphans.org and click “Donate now" and most of all PLEASE spread the word to EVERYONE you know!

See our Press release released early this morning: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/01/prweb3505184.htm

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!

Love,

Josie Dobin
917.704.2131 mobile
Help for Orphans International
YouTube Video

"A one-time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging and Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the (Enter your charity name) by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code (ENTER SHORT CODE); Reply HELP to (SHORT CODE) for help."

How To Help Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:26:00 +0000

Hi,

I am urging you to please read this message and respond accordingly and then to please forward this on to all your contacts.

As you may know, I am fortunate to be working for Help for Orphans International, a charity founded by Sarah Ehrlich four years ago. She has done a lot of work helping orphans in Kenya and is now solely focused on helping the orphans affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

I don't like to spread bad news but we have a volunteer from our organization who's been on the ground there since over a week ago. Words cannot describe the devastation that he has described to me. Imagine a little child losing ALL their family, wounded, no place to live and with little food/water. This is TRULY the situation.

Sarah and myself are going to Haiti in the next few days to raise awareness and to strategize HOW we are most effectively going to help. We will also be purchasing food/formula/diapers in the Dominican Republic to bring to the most hard hit areas.

Our volunteer there named Jonathan flew his 4 seater aircraft 2000 miles from Sag Harbor, NY and is shuttling back and forth between neighboring areas bringing supplies and medical personnel to the most desperate areas. Today he texted me that he was enroute to bring saws and morphine to a medical unit there.

The only way we can keep him doing this is to continue to send him funds.

Do NOT think that they have ENOUGH help because they don't. What we are doing IS making a difference! Jonathan says that he has the only small aircraft shuttling that he has seen. Additionally, because his aircraft is so small he has been cleared to land at Port au Prince airport.

We can NOT continue to do what we're doing without more donations! There's just NO way! Sadly, the surrounding areas have taken advantage of this tragedy and the cost of fuel and food etc.. has skyrocketed! All your donations are 100% tax deductible and you can know that we are actually USING your money RIGHT NOW to make a difference! Anything helps!

Here's how to donate:

1. Click this now Help For Orphans, then select "donate now" on the top left navigation.

2. Text 20222 from you cell phone and type "support orphans" and you will be charged $5 on your next cell phone bill.

3. Call me at 917.704.2131.

More about us:

Help For Orphans

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you would like to be kept updated PLEASE email me directly and I will add you to our list!

Love,

Josie Dobin

"A one-time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging and Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the (Enter your charity name) by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code (ENTER SHORT CODE); Reply HELP to (SHORT CODE) for help."

Tonight: Trade Secrets of a Multi-Million Dollar Guru

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:41:00 +0000

Wow! I just finished reading the power points for Wednesday's webinar with my friend the ex-fund manager.

And, I've got to say, that in all my years in the trading business, this is the most content rich webinar I have ever seen. No hype, only hard core trading truths that not everyone is going to like.

Things like the fact that he and his hedge fund buddies used to hunt stops. Now he's teaching "civilians" how to make money off those hedge hunters.

If you are new to trading, this hour could save you thousands of dollars over the school of hard knocks.

Those who don't get information like this risk having their whole investment account being wiped out, before they've really had a chance to trade.

Don't miss out - Click here to register for this Free ETF and Money Management Seminar.

Exchange Traded Index Funds

For trading veterans I can guarantee you that the advanced position sizing tip is a golden nugget you'll use for increasing profits and decreasing risks in the years to come. This one tip could double your profits regardless of what your entry system is. The one tip alone can turn any average system into a winning system.

We'll cover:

- How to maximize your winners.

- Why most traders have it backwards when it comes to risk.

- How to eliminate 95% of trading stress and emotion.

- Why most traders have it backwards when it comes to winning percentages.

- Even how to become a professional money manager and raise millions, if you so desire.

That last one really surprised me. Because I know that if you really want to make millions in trading the fastest way is to use leverage with other peoples' money, when you are ready.

There are so many reasons to attend this F.R.E.E webinar Wednesday at 9pm EST. I honestly believe you're missing the boat if you don't take advantage of this opportunity. It won't be a waste of your time! I love sharing high quality content with my subscribers and this is going to be one of the best.

Our host has worked trades as large as $50 million during his money management career. He will share a little of his story, but most of the hour will be spent teaching you how to improve your trading.

See you then,

Exchange Traded Funds

Cheers,

Ave Ramel

P.S. That's right, $50 million advice, f.r.e.e, and a chance to win a free 1 year mentorship with a professional trader just by showing up.

*** Pay attention while our guest explains how you can make more profits with less risk trading the markets.

A Scientific Breakthrough

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Hi,

At last, have finished the First VitaPlus Tour that will answer

a lot of your questions about this scientific breakthrough in

Health, Wellness, and Beauty.

You may now proceed to: First VitaPlus

The First VitaPlus Tour answers the ff:

- Five Power Vegetables

- Five Little Things You Should Know About First VitaPlus

- Prevention and Maintenance of Diseases

- Availability and Product Sizes

Cheers,

Ave Ramel

***Trust in the Lord with all your heart***

How The Rich are Debt-Free

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Hi,

===========================================

Crisis ???

The Rich are debt-free and do really have

a lot of options in life.

If you want to be rich, you must know

- what kind of income to work hard for,

- how to keep it, and

- how to protect it from loss.

That is the key to great wealth.

Discover this kind of income in:

Rich Dad Cashflow

===========================================

Cheers,

Board Games | Year 2012 End of the World

Mammograms May Boost Cancer Risk in High-Risk Women

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:59:00 +0000

TUESDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) - Mammograms may actually boost the risk of breast cancer in some high-risk women, a new study suggests.

Dutch researchers analyzed six previously published studies, four examining the effect of low-dose radiation exposure from mammography among women with the genetic mutation boosting breast cancer risk and two looking at the effect of radiation from screening in women with a family history of breast cancer.

"Women who were exposed before the age of 20 had a 2.5 times increased risk of breast cancer," said Martine Jansen-van der Weide, an epidemiologist and researcher at the University Medical Center Groningen, in the Netherlands. So did women with five or more exposures.

She was to present the findings Monday at the Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting in Chicago.

No information was available from the studies about the time period, said Jansen-van der Weide. The studies did control for different factors that affect breast cancer risk, such as age, breast-feeding and age at first menstruation.

These new findings come in the wake of a controversial recommendation made in mid-November by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for the general public, that women delay routine screening mammograms from age 40 to 50, asking their doctor the best time to begin, and that older women switch to every-other-year mammograms.

Currently, the American Cancer Society and other organizations advise yearly mammograms for women beginning at age 40. For high-risk women, the ACS recommends a mammogram and MRI every year.

Overall, the Dutch researchers also found, the average risk of breast cancer from radiation exposure was 1.5 times greater among the high-risk women studied than the high-risk women not exposed.

The study is important, as it provides the ''first direct piece of evidence on whether high-risk women have an increased risk due to radiation exposure," said Edward Hendrick, a member of the American College of Radiology Commission, a medical physicist and clinical professor at the University of Colorado at Denver.

In the United States, women under 30 don't routinely get mammograms, however, he said. It's known that young women are more radiation-sensitive.

Young women who are deemed high-risk can, if they choose, turn to an MRI breast exam instead, he said. MRIs use magnetic or radio waves, not radiation.

"Screening is very important," Jansen-van der Weide said. "However, for young, high-risk women, a careful approach is advised when considering mammography for screening."

By Kathleen Doheny, HealthDay Reporter

Sperm genes could explain why women live longer

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:09:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Genes in sperm may determine why female mammals live longer than males, according to a Japanese study published on Wednesday in Human Reproduction, a European journal.

Tokyo University professor Tomohiro Kono and Manabu Kawahara of Saga University found that female mice produced from genetic material from two mothers, but not from a father, lived significantly longer than mice with the normal mix of maternal and paternal genes.

The "bi-maternal" mice were created by manipulating DNA in mouse eggs, so that the genes behaved like those in sperm.

Once modified, this material was implanted into unfertilised adult female mice eggs to create embryos.

These mice lived 841.5 days on average -- 186 days longer than in control mice born with a normal genetic mix, whose lifespan was 655.5 days.

The longest-lived "bi-maternal" mouse lived for 1,045 days, while the oldest control mouse expired after 996 days.

Another intriguing finding was that the "bi-maternal" mice were lighter and smaller than control mice and seemed to have a stronger immune system.

The big difference could lie in a gene called Rasgrf1, the researchers believe.

The gene, located on Chromosome 9, is associated with post-natal growth. It normally expresses from the paternally inherited chromosome.

"The study may give an answer to the fundamental questions: that is, whether longevity in mammals is controlled by the genome of only one or both parents and, just maybe, why women are an advantage over men with regard to the lifespan," Kono said.

One theory about longevity is that males have bigger bodies in order to win out in the race for breeding opportunities and thus scatter their genes.

The price for this, though, is a shorter lifespan.

Females, though, do not have to engage in this genetically costly beauty show, and instead optimise their reproductive output by conserving energy for delivering their offspring, nurturing it, foraging for food and avoiding predators.

A world first: Vaccine helps prevent HIV infection

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:04:00 +0000

BANGKOK - For the first time, an experimental vaccine has prevented infection with the AIDS virus, a watershed event in the deadly epidemic and a surprising result. Recent failures led many scientists to think such a vaccine might never be possible.

The vaccine cut the risk of becoming infected with HIV by more than 31 percent in the world's largest AIDS vaccine trial of more than 16,000 volunteers in Thailand, researchers announced Thursday in Bangkok.

Even though the benefit is modest, "it's the first evidence that we could have a safe and effective preventive vaccine," Col. Jerome Kim said in a telephone interview. He helped lead the study for the U.S. Army, which sponsored it with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The institute's director, Dr. Anthony Fauci, warned that this is "not the end of the road," but said he was surprised and very pleased by the outcome.

"It gives me cautious optimism about the possibility of improving this result" and developing a more effective AIDS vaccine, Fauci said in a telephone interview. "This is something that we can do."

Even a marginally helpful vaccine could have a big impact. Every day, 7,500 people worldwide are newly infected with HIV; 2 million died of AIDS in 2007, the U.N. agency UNAIDS estimates.

"Today marks an historic milestone," said Mitchell Warren, executive director of the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, an international group that has worked toward developing a vaccine.

"It will take time and resources to fully analyze and understand the data, but there is little doubt that this finding will energize and redirect the AIDS vaccine field," he said in a statement.

The Thailand Ministry of Public Health conducted the study, which used strains of HIV common in Thailand. Whether such a vaccine would work against other strains in the U.S., Africa or elsewhere in the world is unknown, scientists stressed.

"This is a scientific breakthrough," Thai Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai told a news conference in Bangkok. "For the first time ever there is evidence that HIV vaccine has preventative efficacy."

The study actually tested a two-vaccine combo in a "prime-boost" approach, where the first one primes the immune system to attack HIV and the second one strengthens the response.

They are ALVAC, from Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine division of French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis; and AIDSVAX, originally developed by VaxGen Inc. and now held by Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases, a nonprofit founded by some former VaxGen employees.

ALVAC uses canarypox, a bird virus altered so it can't cause human disease, to ferry synthetic versions of three HIV genes into the body. AIDSVAX contains a genetically engineered version of a protein on HIV's surface. The vaccines are not made from whole virus - dead or alive - and cannot cause HIV.

Neither vaccine in the study prevented HIV infection when tested individually in earlier trials, and dozens of scientists had called the new one futile when it began in 2003.

"I really didn't have high hopes at all that we would see a positive result," Fauci confessed.

The results proved the skeptics wrong.

"The combination is stronger than each of the individual members," said the Army's Kim, a physician who manages the Army's HIV vaccine program.

The study tested the combo in HIV-negative Thai men and women ages 18 to 30 at average risk of becoming infected. Half received four "priming" doses of ALVAC and two "boost" doses of AIDSVAX over six months. The others received dummy shots. No one knew who got what until the study ended.

All were given condoms, counseling and treatment for any sexually transmitted infections, and were tested every six months for HIV. Any who became infected were given free treatment with antiviral medicines.

Participants were followed for three years after vaccination ended.

Results: New infections occurred in 51 of the 8,197 given vaccine and in 74 of the 8,198 who received dummy shots. That worked out to a 31 percent lower risk of infection for the vaccine group.

The vaccine had no effect on levels of HIV in the blood of those who did become infected. That had been another goal of the study - seeing whether the vaccine could limit damage to the immune system and help keep infected people from developing full-blown AIDS.

That result is "one of the most important and intriguing findings of this trial," Fauci said. It suggests that the signs scientists have been using to gauge whether a vaccine was actually giving protection may not be valid.

"It is conceivable that we haven't even identified yet" what really shows immunity, which is both "important and humbling" after decades of vaccine research, Fauci said.

Details of the $105 million study will be given at a vaccine conference in Paris in October.

This is the third big vaccine trial since 1983, when HIV was identified as the cause of AIDS. In 2007, Merck & Co. stopped a study of its experimental vaccine after seeing it did not prevent HIV infection. Later analysis suggested the vaccine might even raise the risk of infection in certain men. The vaccine itself did not cause infection.

In 2003, AIDSVAX flunked two large trials - the first late-stage tests of any AIDS vaccine at the time.

It is unclear whether vaccine makers will seek to license the two-vaccine combo in Thailand. Before the trial began, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said other studies would be needed before the vaccine could be considered for U.S. licensing.

Also unclear is whether Thai volunteers who received dummy shots will now be offered the vaccine. Researchers had said they would do so if the vaccine showed clear benefit - defined as reducing the risk of infection by at least 50 percent.

Those issues, plus how to proceed with future studies, will be discussed among the governments, study sponsors and companies involved in the trial, Kim said. Scientists want to know how long will protection last, whether booster shots will be needed, and whether the vaccine helps prevent infection in gay men and injection drug users, since it was tested mostly in heterosexuals in the Thai trial.

The study was done in Thailand because U.S. Army scientists did pivotal research in that country when the AIDS epidemic emerged there, isolating virus strains and providing genetic information on them to vaccine makers. The Thai government also strongly supported the idea of doing the study.

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE and MICHAEL CASEY, Associated Press Writers

About Syphilis

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:15:00 +0000

Early stage symptoms: One or more round, painless sores (called chancres), typically located where syphilis entered the body. The time between infection and the start of the first symptom can range from 10 to 90 days, although the average is 21 days. The sores will disappear without treatment, but if the disease goes undetected, it will progress to the secondary stage.

Later stages: Skin rash and mucous membrane lesions appear in secondary phases. In the late stages, the disease damages the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints leading to paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, dementia and death.

Treatment: A single intramuscular injection of penicillin, an antibiotic, for patients who have had syphilis less than a year. Additional doses are needed to treat someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Women may adapt to pain faster than men

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:33:00 +0000

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Some research has hinted that women are more sensitive to pain than men are, but a new study suggests that women actually get over their discomfort more quickly.

Researchers found that when they exposed 32 adults to a moderately painful stimulus -- a heat-producing probe placed on the skin -- women were initially more sensitive to the pain than men.

But after the first 20 seconds, women reported a decline in both the intensity of the pain and their "annoyance" with it -- until they were actually less bothered than men. Men, in contrast, showed no similar adaptation.

The sex disparity was also seen when the study participants were exposed to the heat a second and third time -- with women feeling less pain and annoyance than their male counterparts throughout.

The results, reported in the journal Pain, seem to throw a wrench into past findings suggesting that women generally have less tolerance for pain. A key limitation of those studies was that they gauged people's initial reactions to a quickly removed pain stimulus.

In contrast, participants in the current study withstood the heat for 30-second intervals. And women, it turned out, adapted to the situation more readily than men did.

"This study tells us that to generally say women are more pain-sensitive is incorrect," lead researcher Javeria A. Hashmi, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto in Canada, noted in an interview with Reuters Health.

Exactly why women and men differed in their ability to adapt is unclear, Hashmi said.

She noted, for instance, that there may be sex differences in the brain's inhibition of pain signals, as well as in the psychological aspects of pain perception. Those questions, Hashmi said, require further study.

Another big question, according to the researcher, is whether sex differences in pain adaptation play any role in women's higher risk of chronic-pain conditions like fibromyalgia.

That possibility may seem paradoxical. However, Hashmi explained, if women have some unique physiological mechanism that helps them adapt to pain, it's possible that damage to this system could make some women especially vulnerable to chronic pain.

"These findings open up a lot of new hypotheses for future studies," Hashmi said.

By Amy Norton

Herpes And The Lysine Lie

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:30:00 +0000

The companies selling Lysine supplements have done a great job in getting people to buy a substance that has little value in managing a chronic herpes infection. Lysine has never been shown conclusively in clinical studies to be an effective long term treatment for herpes and in the short term it has never been shown to be more effective than a garlic supplement.

Long term use of lysine supplements suppress the arginine levels in your body to a point where it begins to impair your immune system because your immune system does actually need a certain amount of arginine to function properly.

Like all things in your body, balance is the key. Your immune system depends on a good balance between lysine and arginine and the best way to achieve this is to get your lysine through your diet the way your body was designed to instead of through a pill. Eat the foods high in lysine, avoid the foods high in arginine. Simple.

You cannot manage herpes just by popping a pill whether it comes from a drug company or a "natural health" company. This isn't "the valley of the dolls" you actually can get through life without being dependent on pills.

Real management of herpes means strengthening your immune system so that it can keep the virus in check which is what your body is designed to do. You can accomplish this through taking real herbal medicine from an herbalist or by making it yourself.

Real management of herpes also means making the effort to eat an appropriate diet, stress management, and working on your emotional and mental relationship with the disease.

It does take more work to take care of your body naturally than it does to pop a pill. I for one think your body's worth it. I think your life's worth it. Some would disagree, but at least I've made the point.
______________________________________________________

Christopher Scipio
Homeopath/Herbalist
Holistic Viral Specialist

Health Complications With Genital Herpes

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:24:00 +0000

Genital herpes in some people may never show symptoms, but for others, the symptoms become so severe that complications develop, especially if sores or herpes blisters appear in other areas of the body.

Cold sores on the lips, called "herpes labialis", are normally mild and may be considered a mere nuisance. But if these become prolonged, frequent, or severe, the use of antiviral treatments is recommended.

Blisters on the hands and fingers can also occur and it is called "herpetic whitlow". Since the hands can practically reach all parts of the body, it has the greatest capacity to spread the virus. To prevent such a disaster, the hands must be covered with plastic or rubber gloves.

There can be blisters on the anus, too. The infection is called "herpes proctitis". This infection is usually more painful and more distressing than genital herpes.

The eyes, especially that of the newborn, is also susceptible to the herpes virus. The infection is called "herpes keratitis" or "ocular herpes". When this happens, or even when you only feel a painful irritation in your eyes, consult the doctor immediately. If ignored, herpes keratitis could lead to blindness.

Women who experience genital herpes outbreaks may also have vaginal yeast infections, called "vulvovaginal dandidiasis". There will be swelling, itching, and pain when the woman urinates or engages in a sexual activity. This is due to the presence of too many yeast organisms in the vagina. If you have vaginal yeast infections, it doesn't mean that you also have genital herpes. The excess growth of yeast occurs for many reasons, such as when the woman is taking antibiotics or birth control pills, or when she is pregnant, or when she is wearing tight body-hugging clothes. Fortunately, with good hygiene, this type of infection disappears on its own.

Sometimes, the genital herpes virus can infect the cerebrospinal fluid and the tissues that surround the brain. This will result to meningitis and encephalitis. Meningitis is life-threatening especially when these occur: changes in vision, photophobia, drowsiness, bulging on the baby's head, and seizures. Encephalitis happens when the brain becomes swollen. It is also a life-threatening complication and have similar symptoms to that of meningitis. It can also lead to coma.

Other internal organs, such as the joints, lungs, and liver, may suffer complications when a person has genital herpes. These complications occur in people with ineffective immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes or cancer and those who are undergoing chemotherapy.

To avoid complications, you must again recall that HSV survives in mucus and may affect any part of the body where mucus is found.

Health Benefits Of The Female Orgasm

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Orgasm is the crowning of a successful and highly pleasurable session of sex. It puts a smile on the lips of satisfied women and makes men walk with a swagger. It's the biggest little thing in the world and the crucial detail and the end of a delightful exertion. Life without orgasms is simply not possible.

But orgasm is not limited in scope to making one (or two) people feel good for five or ten minutes before falling asleep. Science has shown that frequent sex and orgasms are very important to the general well-being and health of every person. The more frequent the orgasm, the better off that person is going to be on both the physical and psychological planes.

Everyday life is bound to result in some nervous tensions for most people as the troubles of jobs and relationships take their toll on the mental balance. Sex and orgasms are a chance for these tensions to join the psychological and physical build-up and release. Thus, the mind uses orgasm to flush the tensions out of the system and replace them with the delicious relaxation of that comes with pleasure.

The best thing to do after disentangling from the tender embrace is, of course, to slide into sleep. The combined exertion of sex and relaxation brought by orgasm is the perfect replacement for any sleeping pill. Instead of reaching out for the bottle of pills, you would be better off reaching out for the man lying in bed next to you or for your favorite sex toy. It's a perfectly natural solution that we heartily recommend.

Don't let headaches get in the way. What men don't realize is that headaches are many times a woman's way of saying "You have to try harder". The pleasure brought by orgasm is the result of a discharge of endorphins into the brain. No headache can survive the attack of pleasure flooding the brain and the calming effect it has.

Read more about Health Benefits Of The Female Orgasm

Getting Ready - For Women

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Most women reading this are thinking that they already know how to get ready for a date, and this is a similar situation. While that's true, you may want to read this over anyways to make sure that some little details are attended to.

When You're In The Shower

You will want to take a shower because a bath might make you sleepy for the rest of the evening-and you don't want that.

Before you get into the shower, make sure that you have a razor, shaving scream, face soap, and anything else that you normally need. With everything on your mind right now, you don't want to have to keep getting out for things that you have forgotten.

Wash your body very carefully first. You can scrub with one of those poofy sponges and some bath gel for a light, clean scent. You will want to use lukewarm water so that your skin doesn't dry out too much.

Wash your hair carefully and don't use too much conditioner. If your hair is generally clean to begin with, you may even want to skip this step. Hair that is slightly dirty is much easier to style.

After you've been in the shower for a while, you're ready to shave. Shave your legs completely and don't forget the underarms. Of course, you can omit these steps altogether for personal preference.

Another Shaving Question

Most women want to know if they should shave their private area completely.

This is completely up to you and your comfort level. One thing to note is that if you've never done it before this night, it will not end well. This skin is very sensitive and you could end up with a nasty rash.

If you are planning on giving it a try, you will want to start the process out a few weeks a head of time. Start by trimming the hair down and then go ahead and use a razor, depilatory, or wax (ouch). Or you can go to a salon to have this done.

A lot of men like the 'bare' approach, while other men prefer a half and half layout. It's interesting to note that the less there is, the more excited you can get. Just a thought.

Dressing It Up

Get out your best lingerie ladies. This is the time for the 'fun' stuff that's been sitting in your drawer. Or maybe you want to buy something special for the occasion. A nice bra and panty set is best.

Wear a nice outfit that is revealing, but in a classy way. You may feel comfortable showing a little cleavage, but you may want to keep it subtle when you're wearing a short skirt.

Makeup Or Not?

Since it's going to be an exciting night, you do want to put a little makeup on to make yourself look fantastic. Like the clothes, you will want to play up your best features.

A nice dark lipstick (if it looks good on you) is best with softer makeup on the rest of the face.

You may also want to consider waterproof and smudge resistance makeup to keep the look on until you get home.

The Importance Of Female Libido Enhancement

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:06:00 +0000

For many women they face the problems of sexual activity when they grow older. There will be various factors affecting it. It could be medical reasons as well as psychological reasons as well. Herbs are considered to be the best libido enhancing elements. They are natural as well as completely harmless. There are also other hormones that will help improve the condition of the libido.

Many women as they grow older find that they cannot perform sexually well, and they have been ignored for a long time. It has always been the men who have had the attention to treat their sexual disorders. Menopause, depression, stress and change in hormonal levels will be the causes of the libido level changing in a woman's body.

The enhancement of the libido in women will include a lot of blood flow to the clitoris, and will also enlarge it. Not only that, but it will help with the orgasms and one is most likely to have multiple orgasms with the help of enhancers. While the drop in libido means decrease in interest in sex, there will be a greater increase when the sex pills are taken for this disorder.

The entire productivity system will be strengthened when these female libido enhancers are used. There are several medications that are sold for this disorder and they are available at very reasonable prices. They not only help increase the sexual interest, there will be all the benefits required that are related to sex. This disorder is a big concern for women, because they will be unable to perform sexually as they grow older.

Healthy sexual thoughts are induced with the help of the female libido enhancement drugs, and so is the lubrication and stamina that is required during sexual activity. There are various factors that will cause this disorder with women and the leading ones are medical as well as psychological factors. Most women with highly stressful surroundings and situations will face this problem.

If there are any alterations in the blood flow with the genital areas, then there is most likely a chance to get this disorder. This could be caused by diabetes, hypertension or even cholesterol. If one has gone through surgeries around the pelvic region and other surgeries are also most likely to suffer from this disorder.

Several diseases cause nerve damage, and this will also play a role in causing low libido levels in women.

Ortho Evra - The Facts Women Should Know

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Ortho Evra, commonly known as "the patch," is a form of contraception for women. The biggest difference in Ortho Evra and other types of birth control is that it is used as a patch, similar to a sticker that is placed on strategic areas of the woman's body.

Three patches are used for a period of three weeks, one patch per week, and the fourth week is patch free and when the women receives her period. Lots of women began using the Ortho Evra patch as soon as it was approved in 2001 as a form of contraception because it was easier to remember to change the patch once per week than to take the pill every single day. However, there are more facts about Ortho Evra than simply how it is used and its convenience factor.

How Does Ortho Evra Work?

Ortho Evra is a small and thin flesh colored patch. Basically, it is like a square sticker that is easily applied to the skin. Once applied to the skin the Ortho Evra patch emits the hormones progestin and estrogen. These hormones are released gradually over the week period the patch is applied. The hormones enter the woman's bloodstream and provide significant protection against contraception.

For the Ortho Evra patch to be as effective as possible then the woman needs to use it exactly as prescribed. This includes changing the patch every week on the same day. As long as the Ortho Evra patch is used as prescribed it provides women a 99% rate of effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. That is to say that one woman out of every 100 women using the Ortho Evra patch perfectly will become pregnant. This is very similar to the contraception rate of the birth control pill.

Warnings

Ortho Evra is a great option for birth control. However, it is not a great option for every woman especially those who smoke. Smoking while using hormonal contraceptives like Ortho Evra increases the risk of cardiovascular side effects significantly. Additionally, the risk of cardiovascular side effects increases even more with more than 15 cigarettes per day and with age. Women over 35 who smoke heavily are in the highest risk category.

Read more about Ortho Evra - The Facts Women Should Know

Facts About Genital Warts

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:44:00 +0000

Genital warts, also known as condyloma, or condylomata acuminata, is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection. It is spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. Genital warts are the most easily recognized sign of genital HPV infection.

Genital warts often occur in clusters and can be very tiny or can spread into large masses in the genital or anal area. In women the warts occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the cervix, uterus or around the anus. While genital warts are approximately as prevalent in men, the symptoms of the disease may be less obvious. When present, they usually are seen on the tip of the penis. They also may be found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Rarely, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.

Genital warts often disappear even without treatment. In other cases, they eventually may develop a fleshy, small raised growth that looks like wadi. There is no way to predict whether the warts will grow or disappear. Therefore, if you suspect you have genital warts, you should be examined and treated, if necessary.

Depending on factors such as the size and location of the genital warts, a doctor will offer you one of several ways to treat them.

Imiquimod, a topical immune response cream which you can apply to the affected area

A 20% podophyllin anti-mitotic solution, which you can apply to the affected area and later wash off

A 0.5% podofilox solution, applied to the affected area but shouldn't be washed off

A 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

Pulsed dye laser

Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery

If you are pregnant, you should not use podophyllin or podofilox because they are absorbed by the skin and may cause birth defects in your baby. In addition, you should not use 5-fluorouracil cream if you are trying to become pregnant or if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.

Read more about Facts About Genital Warts

VT program helps students explore gender

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:50:00 +0000

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Like plenty of other high school students, a group of about a dozen Vermont teenagers trundled into a youth center one day every week this spring to participate in an after-school program.

But their program was different; it focused on gender.

The nine-week program, partially funded by the Burlington School District, was held at Vermont's Queer Youth Center and called "Gendertopia."

Gay, lesbian and straight students discussed a wide range of topics, from the characters in the book and movie "Twilight," to taking photos around the city that show the different ways gender is portrayed in popular culture.

"Most people come into it thinking, 'Oh, there's two genders and two sexualities' ... ," said David Kingsbury, a 16-year-old junior at Burlington High School who signed up for the program.

"People assume it's boy and girl, but it's so much more than that. There's a whole world out there full of different genders."

The program is among the first of its kind to be funded, in part, with tax dollars, said Christopher Neff, the executive director of Outright Vermont, the social service organization running Gendertopia.

Neither the program nor the school district's participation triggered any objection. The tempered reaction locally to the program shows how far Outright Vermont and the issues it raises has moved into the main stream of youth social service organizations.

"It's got queer in its name. It scares the heck out of people. It's so important that people be able to see beyond any concerns or misconceptions that they have," said Eliza Byard, the executive director of the New York-based Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, which has 35 chapters across the country. "Outright Vermont is fulfilling its mission in the most wonderful way."

The program was designed to help young people identify the subtle signals used to express gender and how not being aware of those signals can lower self esteem and possibly lead to an increase in at-risk activities like substance abuse or dropping out of school, Neff said.

"We often see a lot of homophobia or transphobia that happens on the basis of how someone looks," Neff said. "If you are making fun of me because I am wearing a pink shirt and that's sort of expressing my femininity, my feminine side, that translates into homophobia, but it has nothing to do with whether I'm straight or whether I'm dating boys or whether I'm dating girls. It has to do with the fact that I'm wearing a pink shirt."

Neff said the significance of the program is more than the money and the relatively small number of young people who participate.

"It's incredibly symbolic and very powerful," he said. "I was incredibly proud to be associated with them and I thought this partnership, this very unique partnership, between a queer youth center and a school district to run a gender identity based program was a new national model."

Burlington School Superintendent Jeanne Collins said no one has objected to the program.

"The district has been in the forefront on this topic for at least a decade, if not longer," Collins said. "We are very sensitive to celebrating the differences in people and accepting people for who they are and what they bring to the table."

She said a factor that helped keep the program non controversial was that it was voluntary.

"We have very robust after school program," Collins said. "This is one of the options for the students who are interested. They get a lot out of it that will help them be much more inclusive and accepting of differences in their own future, which can only help them be successful."

Steve Cable, of Rutland the founder of Vermont Renewal, an organization that promotes what he calls traditional family values, said he wasn't familiar with "Gendertopia," but he knew Outright Vermont. He said he was supportive of the group's anti-bullying efforts, but not what he said was its focus on adolescent sexuality.

"It just makes me really nervous that sexuality and these very complicated social behaviors are being normalized and talked about with kids who haven't figured out even their life yet," Cable said. "I know that Outright Vermont promotes all gender identities and expression of gender identities, no matter how weird that might be."

In 2000, Vermont was the first state that passed civil unions for same-sex couples and earlier this year was the first to pass gay marriage without being required to do so by the courts. It's also in the forefront with laws to protect gender identity and sexual orientation.

Outright Vermont describes itself as "one of the longest standing queer organizations in Vermont" and the only one focused on young people. Neff said that for years his organization has done anti-bullying presentations related to sexual orientation and gender identity in schools across the state. He said the presentations have been universally well received.

Byard said a number of national organizations have programs for girls that help them deal with the pressures that can lead to eating disorders or pressures that girls feel to be thin or beautiful.

"Now it's only relatively recently that there has been real focus on the damaging effect of these same expectations on young men," Byard said.

About 40 students signed up for the program, Neff said, and about 12 attended the weekly program. Sometimes the group watched a movie or had food. Much of the discussion was led by the students themselves, and it wasn't just for gay and lesbian students.

"I'm straight, but I don't like using that word because then it feels like if you're gay then you're crooked, you're not meant to grow up in a certain way," Sophia Manzi, 15, a Burlington high school freshman, said during this year's final "Gendertopia" meeting. "I come because it's a really good program. The people, it doesn't matter what sexual orientation you are, they totally come in with open arms."

Neff said "Gendertopia" wasn't about sexuality or who people are attracted to.

"We're really clear that gender and gender identify is separate from sexual orientation," Neff said. "Hugh Grant and Russell Crowe have the same sex, they're both male and they're both heterosexual. But they have very different gender presentations. One is sort of seen as much more masculine than the other."

Burlington High School After school Coordinator Amy Mills said no decision had been made yet on whether to run Gendertopia again in the fall, but she'd like to.

"I think it worked well," Mills said. "They seem to have a lot of fun."

By WILSON RING, Associated Press Writer

Dry Vagina

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:20:00 +0000

"You have been wet and fertile at the will and whim of your body for most of your years, great- granddaughter," murmurs Grandmother Growth. "But you have Changed. You grow moist with readiness for play now only when you truly desire it, not at reproduction's dictates. Have no fear that your springs have run dry. If you consciously call up your flood of pleasure, it will answer. This is one of my greatest gifts to you, young Crone. No longer will you be accessible to those who do not inspire love and trust in you. The great portals of life, your womb, your vagina, now serve only you, now open only at your bidding."

Step 1: Collect Information

We are given two contradictory pictures of post-menopausal sex. On one hand, we're to look forward to freedom from conception worries, resulting in more spontaneous, relaxed, joyful sex filled with multiple orgasms. On the other hand, we're to expect dried-up, atrophied vaginas and dyspareunia (painful intercourse).

Thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues in the post-menopausal years is often first noticed during sexual activity when the expected lubrication is slight or absent. Is this normal?

Yes; almost all post-menopausal women will experience a lessening of sexual lubrication. No, you don't have to give up your sexual self. Crones know there are many ways to ecstasy besides intercourse, and many ways to be slippery when we want to be.

Step 2: Engage the Energy

Homeopathic remedies include:
- Bryonia: root chakra overheated and dry, dry vagina, dry stools/constipation
- Lycopodium: lack of root stability, vagina very dry, self-confidence withered, skin dry
- Belladonna: vagina painfully dry and too sensitive to tolerate touch
This yoga posture sounds simple, but requires concentration. Squeeze the anal/pelvic floor muscles firmly while inhaling; hold. Breathe out, holding the root lock and add a chin lock. Hold for two seconds. Visualize the nectar of the universe flowing down your spine and between your legs. Relax as you inhale.
Slowly, slowly. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up before inserting anything into your vagina.

Step 3: Nourish and Tonify

Eat more fat, especially foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as flax seeds. Most women find 2-3 tablespoonsful/30-45 mg of freshly ground flax seed daily enough to create a noticeable difference in a few weeks.
Comfrey root sitz bath (two quarts/liters of the infusion) is an old favorite for keeping vaginal tissues flexible, strong, and soft. Sitz for 5–10 minutes several times a week.
Drink more water, not more tea or coffee or juice or soda … water. Or boil a small handful of rice in two cups/500 ml of water to make a thin broth regarded as an ideal internal moistener for women with dry vaginal tissues or dry mouths. Drink freely.
As part of your love play, chew on a small piece of dong quai root.
Pause for the soothing cooling touch of chickweed tincture, 25-40 drops in water, several times a day for 2-4 weeks, and see if your hot, dry vaginal tissues don't smile moistly.
Increase lubrication and the thickness of your vaginal walls by starting your day with: 25 drops of motherwort tincture or 1 tablespoon/15 ml freshly ground flax seeds. Look for results within a month.
Acidophilus capsules inserted vaginally help prevent yeast infections and create copious amounts of lubrication. Insert one (or two) about 4–6 hours before lovemaking.
Comfrey ointment is the ally of choice when skin needs flexible strength. Rub in the morning and night and use as a lubricant for love play. The vulva will be noticeably plumper and moister within three weeks.
If you have access to slippery elm, try this soothing vaginal gel. Slowly heat 2 tablespoons/30 ml slippery elm powder in a cup/250 ml of water, stirring until thick. Cool (you can even chill it) before spreading over and inside the vulva and vagina. This gel lubricates, heals, and nourishes.
Exercise, exercise. Every part of your body will age more gracefully if you work it out regularly. That goes for your vagina and vulva, too. Weekly orgasm is the recommended exercise, but daily pelvic floor exercises tonify the vaginal tissues.

Step 4: Stimulate/Sedate

Avoid the problem! Try sex without intercourse.
Ointment made from wild yam is said to restore youthful moistness and elasticity to post- menopausal vaginal tissues.
You are more likely to be troubled by vaginal dryness and the loss of lubrication if your adrenals have been exhausted by overuse of coffee, alcohol, and white sugar; severe stress, or steroid/cortisone drugs.
Herbalist Rina Nissim suggests applying the essential oil of Salvia sclarea to vaginal tissues that have lost their elasticity. Dilute with olive oil; pure essential oils can be fierce on sensitive mucous surfaces.

Step 5a: Use Supplements

Daily doses of 100–600 IU of vitamin E for 4–6 weeks can help you increase vaginal lubrication. You may need to continue with your daily dose for months to maintain your juiciness. Experiment to find the lowest effective dose for you.
Astroglide™ is favored by those who like to have slippery fun.

Step 5b: Use Drugs

Polycarbophil, the active ingredient in Replens™ pulls water into vaginal cells to restore and maintain healthy lubrication. It also increases alkalinity in the vagina, reducing vaginal infections.
Estrogen creams really do revitalize vaginal tissue. But may increase risk of endometrial cancer more than oral estrogen. Occasional, rather than regular, use minimizes risk.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Susun Weed
PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081

CPR for Lackluster Libidos in Midlife

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:05:00 +0000

When midlife women lose interest in sex, they often blame hormones. But other factors can lower the temperature in the bedroom, too. Here's what they are, and what to do about them.

Some women in midlife have a kind of sexual flowering, enjoying sex more than ever before. Other women have the opposite experience: they feel like they're shutting down sexually. These are the women who report that, though they love their partners dearly, they're just not that interested in sex with them anymore.

"In their 40's and 50's, women come into their own sense of who they are as sexual beings," says sex therapist and iVillage sex expert Dr. Patti Britton. When women this age lose interest in sex, she says, "it’s a marker of what's below the surface." Hormonal changes can make a woman's libido nosedive, but so can other factors.

Problems begin with a woman's sexual self image. "I may feel profoundly disappointed that I don't meet the idealized image of the hungry, lustful 46-year-old hot mama," says Dr. Britton. Body image plays a role too, as women in midlife may fight what seems like an uphill battle to keep from sagging and spreading, making them embarrassed to be seen undressed.

Women may also feel disappointed in their marriage or relationship. "The hot time in a relationship is the initial period where it's discovery time," says New York psychologist and couple-relationship authority Dr. Joel Block. People open up and let the other person get a sense of who they are.

But over the years, people make implicit assumptions about what can and cannot be shared ("the last time I told him something personal, he used it against me in an argument").

"Everything that's juicy they've eliminated," says Dr. Block. A woman may withdraw from her partner, ending up with a marriage without vitality.

"A relationship is supposed to be about two people that have the courage to be emotionally naked with each other," says Dr. Block. "To do this, they must build an atmosphere between them that's emotionally safe."

Then there’s the overload factor. With work, family obligations, and active social lives, we're tired at the end of the day. "When you're middle aged and you have a busy life, don't count on spontaneity," says Dr. Block. "Instead, set up a weekly date with each other. It doesn't have to have an agenda-- like we must have intercourse--but it should be an actual date."

Other tips from Dr. Britton and Dr. Block on reclaiming our sexuality:

• "Get rid of negative self chatter," urges Dr. Britton. Instead of zeroing in on what you don't like about your body, try to eat a healthful diet and get more physical activity.

• Try to speak from your heart with your partner, encouraging him to do the same.

• Touch your partner - it doesn't have to be sexual touch. In her book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Sensual Massage (Alpha Books, 2003), Dr. Britton describes a "touch continuum," with five levels from healing touch to sexual touch.

• It's okay to be a little flirty.

• Allow yourself to have sexual thoughts, and don't feel guilty if they aren't about your partner. According to Dr. Block, the most common fantasy for both men and women stars someone else.

Sex is, after all, a part of who we are as human beings, and without it we may feel that something important is lost. If your relationship has cooled off, try these tips and see if you can turn the heat back on.

More Common Ideas About The Female Orgasm

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:06:00 +0000

As you know, there are hundreds of myths about the female orgasm. But, the question is: are they all true? Of course not!

Here are some of the most common myths:

Myth 1: Women take longer to reach orgasm than men.

This is a common myth which has not been supported by research. The reason people believe this is that they don't understand the female arousal pattern. Women's arousal patterns are much different than men's and, as a result, they are physically prepared for intercourse later than men are.

The time from optimal arousal to orgasm is pretty much identical for both men and women. The difference is in how long it takes to reach that level of arousal. Because men often don't know how to help their partners get to that point, it does seem to take longer. Once that's changed, however, men find their partners reach orgasm more quickly and even have multiple orgasms in quick succession.

Myth 2: Women should only reach orgasm through vaginal intercourse.

This is definitely not true but it's a myth that has caused us to take women's sexual needs for granted for a long time. This myth actually started with Sigmund Freud, the developer of psychoanalysis, who had recognized that women could easily reach orgasm through clitoral stimulation. Freud dismissed this type of stimulation as juvenile and believed it was important for women to become more sexually mature by focusing only on vaginal stimulation to reach orgasms.

The problem is that the vagina was not designed for orgasms. It does not have the concentrated nerve endings that one finds in the clitoris or in the head of a penis, for example.

As a result of Freud's determination, women who could not reach orgasm through vaginal intercourse were considered to have some type of psychological impairment. All sorts of methods were devised in an attempt to “liberate” women from their reliance on the clitoris for sexual pleasure.

Only in recent decades has society begun talking openly about the women's right to enjoy sex and to reach orgasm in whatever manner worked for her.

Myth 3: Only women fake orgasms.

Even though this article is about female orgasms, I think it’s important for both men and women to realize that orgasms are not going to happen during every sexual encounter. About one-fifth of men admitted that they have faked an orgasm with a partner. Their reasons for faking are the same as women's: they don't want their partners to be disappointed.

Orgasms don't always come easily in a partnership. Sure, when we masturbate we can probably get off every time because we know our bodies and we know what works. Our sexual partners have to learn these things over time and, most importantly, with our help.

Again, faking orgasms is not the answer for either sex. It just complicates the issue and prevents both partners from having a truly fulfilling sexual encounter.

So, bottom line: don’t believe all myths you hear or read! You can please women with the best orgasms if you understand how the female body works!

What Are The Causes Of Yeast Infection In Women?

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:04:00 +0000

Some yeast can be found harmlessly inside our bodies but when they grow and multiply, they become a yeast infection. It is necessary to know the causes of yeast infection and how it affects you so that predominately preventive measures can be taken. There are mainly three things that can make you susceptible to yeast infections.

First, during pregnancy, your increased estrogen level causes your vagina to produce more glycogen, making it easy for yeast to grow there. Yeast infections are very common in pregnant women, especially during the second trimester. This type of yeast infection is hard to prevent, as the causes of yeast infection in pregnancy is natural.

However, you can help by wearing loose fitting, cotton underwear, avoid taking baths and limit your intake of sugary food as yeast needs sugar to grow.

Second is by taking antibiotics. As stated earlier, there are many yeast organisms present in our bodies, which are not harmful. Bacteria also live inside our bodies, which is essential to our health and is usually harmless. The presence of yeast and bacteria inside our bodies should be maintained in balance with one another.

Taking antibiotics might kill the bacteria, which allows the yeast to grow rapidly, thereby causing yeast infection. It is important to maintain the balance of yeast and good bacteria in our body so that we can prevent the growth of infections. Therefore, it is advisable to only take antibiotics when it is strictly necessary.

The third common cause is sexual intercourse. Semen is more alkaline than vaginal fluids. Which causes the production and growth of yeast. During sexual intercourse, some internal tissues can become irritated and inflamed, leaving them susceptible to infection.

Some birth control devices that contain spermicide can also cause irritation. The use of prophylactics during intercourse can also increase irritation as they are usually coated in spermicide.

There are other factors that might affect your vaginal balance. Stress can be a contributing factor. If a person is stressed your immune system becomes compromised, which invites the growth of yeast.

Staying clean is an important factor to fight the production of yeast inside our body. If someone has a high carbohydrate intake like alcohol and refined sugars, this creates the perfect environment for yeast growth. A diet high in sugary foods can lead to Diabetes, which in turn is another cause of yeast infection.

Clothing is another source of irritation and can encourage forms of fungal growth. Non-ventilating clothing increases warmth and moisture, the ideal breeding ground for yeast to reproduce rapidly.

Causes for Cervicitis

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Cervicitis causes inflammation of the cervix and often leads to the risks of miscarriage, premature delivery or infection of the new born baby of any expectant mother.

Cervicitis is the most common gynecological disorder found among women irrespective of the age factor. Any women who has one sexual encounter and has experienced abdominal pain or any unusual vaginal discharge could be affected with it.

Cervicitis does not yield to self diagnosis because its symptoms can lead to confusion of other ailments such as vaginitis. If cervicitis is not treated it can lead to problems in conceiving or delivering a healthy baby. Cervicitis can be easily diagnosed by your physician with a variety of drugs and procedures.

Cervicitis

It is the inflammation of the cervix- the lower part of the uterus that extends about an inch into the vaginal canal. Usually, cervicitis results due to infection although it could also be caused by any injury or irritation that could be the result of chemicals in contraceptives or forgotten tampon.

The first symptom of cervicitis could be a vaginal discharge that becomes more pronounced after your menstrual cycle. Other symptoms include bleeding, itching or irritation of any of the external genitals, pain during intercourse, a burning sensation during urination or a lower back pain.

If it is mild, then you might not notice any symptoms at all. In a serious form, it could cause a profuse, discharge with unpleasant odor along with intense vaginal itchiness or abdominal pain. If this infection gets into your system then it may cause fever and nausea.

If it lasts for a long time then it could even lead to pregnancy because this abnormal mucus production interferes with the ability of the sperm to enter the cervical canal, but this infection could also spread to the uterus or fallopian tube leading to the ovaries.

If untreated then it could also lead to risks such as miscarriage, premature delivery, infection of her new born during delivery also leading to pneumonia or severe eye infection or even blindness.

It is important to visit your physician when you experience pain or unusual discharge because many times, cervicitis can be confused with signs of other disorders. The problem could be an infection of the vulva, uterus, fallopian tubes or urinary tract or could also be a sign of another cervical condition called cervical erosion. Erosion of the cervix is caused when the cervical surface layer is partially or completely missing.

It is the result of the body’s normal defense system or whenever there is some injury, infection, irritation or when white blood cells are mobilized, the blood circulation within the area increases. The cervix which is of pale pink and smooth becomes red and swollen.

Your physician may recommend you a biopsy if the cervix seems to be abnormal or colposcopy, another diagnostic technique.

Are You Suffering From Painful Intercourse?

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:51:00 +0000

Pain during intercourse is the most sensitive problem amongst women that most of them feel it difficult to consult a physician. But this can be treated as the reason might be some physical illness.

Since a woman plays a major part of the whole reproduction process right beginning from the formation of the ova till giving birth to the child, painful intercourse could be a difficult stage for you to pass.

In medical terms, it is known as dyspareunia that leads to tearing, ripping, burning or aching sensation during penetration. This pain could occur at the vaginal opening or deep in the pelvis or anywhere else in between. This could also be felt throughout the pelvic area and sexual organs.

Reasons for pain during intercourse

1. The most common reason for the irritation during intercourse is insufficient lubrication or arousal that could create a vicious circle leading to a fear among the woman. Women having a hysterectomy or mastectomy can also face this problem with arousal because of the feeling of incompleteness. This could be treated with prompt and proper consultation whereby the physician provides you with lubrication methods that in turn will reduce discomfort.

2. Another factor for painful intercourse is thinning and drying of vaginal tissues when menopause begins amongst women. This occurs due to less production of the estrogen hormone that is needed to maintain vaginal tissue moist. As the ability of the vagina to make its own mucus tissues declines so as it becomes dry, itchy and painful leading to pain during intercourse.

3. Unintentional muscle spasms of the thighs, pelvis and vagina can also make penetration impossible and this stage is known as vaginismus that could develop from any of the above mentioned factors or due to psychological factors. A victim of traumatic sexual experience or rape can also lead to vaginismus and as such counseling can help a lot.

4. Most common reasons for painful intercourse is vaginal, pelvic infection or boils or cysts and boils, tumors, scars or anything that narrows the vagina, uterine tissue growing outside the uterus with bleeding and pain, intact hymen, complications of any past surgery, diseases such as diabetes that interfere with the physical process of arousal or orgasm.

Any of the factors due to less lubrication can be overcome with methods such as lubrication gels, estrogen creams or estrogen replacement therapy in pills.

Candida Home Remedies: Simple Yet Effective

noreply@blogger.com (Jhen) — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:20:00 +0000

Most people may not have heard of candidiasis and the ones who do know can tell you the symptoms of the disease can easily be mistaken for an upset stomach, an allergic reaction or simple exhaustion.

Unfortunately, if left unattended, candidiasis or infection brought about by the fungus candida albicans can cause serious damage to the body. The good news is candidiasis, in its early stages, may not necessarily mean a trip to the doctor where you would incur expensive fees.

Most people may not have heard of candidiasis and the ones who do know can tell you the symptoms of the disease can easily be mistaken for an upset stomach, an allergic reaction or simple exhaustion.

Unfortunately, if left unattended, candidiasis or infection brought about by the fungus candida albicans can cause serious damage to the body.

The good news is candidiasis, in its early stages, may not necessarily mean a trip to the doctor where you would incur expensive fees and medical bills. For the most part, home remedies have proven quite effective in combating the effects of candidiasis. The key is to administer these remedies early on.

Tea tree oil mouthwash

For oral thush:

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil (approximately 5 to 8 drops) into a glass of either warm or cold water. Gargle the mixture for about a minute. Let the solution touch all the parts of the mouth (throat, palate, cheek lining). Be careful not to swallow the solution. Gargle two times a day (preferably one in the morning and one before sleeping).

For vaginal yeast infection:

Add a few drops of tea tree oil onto a tampon or sterile gauze and apply on to the affected area. Replace every 4 to 6 hours.

Plain yogurt

Make sure it has absolutely no sugar and other ingredients added to it. The yogurt should contain live lactobacillus acidophilus, which are good bacteria that keep candida albicans in check.

For vaginal yeast infection:

Dip tampon in the yogurt and insert into the vagina. Use twice a day until the symptoms clear up and repeat for one more extra day for good measure.

For skin problems (cutaneous candidiasis)

Apply yogurt directly on the affected area. Not only will the yogurt address the fungal infection, but also the yogurt will lend a soothing effect and relieve severe itching and weeping. Let yogurt stand for an hour or so and wash off well. Keep affected area dry. Apply two to three times a day.

Apple cider vinegar

For oral thrush: Mix two (2) teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one (1) cup cool water. Gargle with solution. Do not swallow. After gargling, dip a cotton swab in undiluted apple cider vinegar and apply directly on to the oral sores. Do not rinse. Allow to stand overnight.

For vaginal yeast infection:

Create a douching solution of one (1) tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and two (2) cups of water. Add one (1) garlic clove and allow the solution to stand for two hours before using for douching.

Changes in diet

Candida seems to thrive on high-sugar diets. So in order to “starve” the fungi, go on a low-to-no sugar diet, using sugar alternatives at best. Continue with this diet for as long as symptoms persist. In addition to the altered diet, make sure you receive sufficient doses of vitamins (A, B-complex, C) as well as minerals (iron and zinc).

This solution works best when the symptoms are becoming systemic, meaning that different parts of the body are affected all at the same time. (For example, in addition to vaginal yeast infection, you have also contracted skin and stomach problems as well.) Diabetics, however, need to consult with a medical professional before undergoing this measure.

Other solutions: Prevention worth a pound of cure

To prevent candida overgrowth, which is the prime cause of the disorders, observe these tips (especially for the women).

- Don't douche or clean inside the vagina. Do not use vaginal deodorants or perfumed soaps when washing the external area. You can strip the body of the natural elements that keep the fungus in check. At best, use plain water or a mild, pH-balanced cleanser.

- Avoid tight clothes (including underwear), especially ones made of nylon. These prevent proper aeration (breathing) of the skin. It encourages moisture to form in the body, which is prime breeding ground for fungi.

- Drink plenty of water to keep the body cool and to flush out toxins (including those produced by the candida fungus) out of your body.

- Have a good number of servings of bananas, yogurt, and garlic. These foods have been found to have lots of anti-fungal properties and if part of your regular diet, the chances of avoiding candidiasis are great.

- Do not skip meals and avoid keeping your stomach empty for long periods of time. You wreak havoc on a body that function best when working on routine time. Having irregular eating habits have been observed to increase the chances of candida overgrowth.

The key to all of these home remedies are early and quick detection. So in order to administer the right remedy, learn to recognize the symptoms.

However, should you be unsure of the indicators, always consult with a qualified and licensed medical professional. Listen to their advice and pair them with these home remedies. You just may be a step closer to ridding, if not totally avoiding, candidiasis and its nasty effects.