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Showing posts with the label Feminine Care

What can cause a sensitive breast?

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What can cause a sensitive breast? sensitive breast Breast sensitivity is not necessarily harmful, and there are several different potential causes. However, sensitivity can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. The breasts are complex structures that change as a result of monthly hormonal shifts, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging. Many people experience breast sensitivity, which can increase the likelihood of breast pain. One study found that 51.5 percent of women reported experiencing breast pain at times. Breast sensitivity can be beneficial, for example, by increasing pleasure during sexual activity and encouraging people to protect their breasts. For some, however, one breast can become more sensitive than the other. This symptom may cause concern, and it can sometimes indicate a health problem. In this video, we explore some of the possible causes of a sensitive breast and discuss when to see a doctor. Breastfeeding A person with unexplained breast sensitivity should ...

What happens during a pelvic exam?

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 What happens during a pelvic exam? pelvic exam A pelvic exam involves physically and visually examining the female reproductive and sexual organs. It allows a doctor to look for signs of infection and illness. The doctor performing the exam may be a gynecologist or an OB-GYN. They will examine the: vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. What is the procedure and why is it done? A doctor may carry out a pelvic examination as part of an annual checkup. During a pelvic exam, a doctor will check the following reproductive organs: the vulva, which is the external genital organ. the vagina, which leads from the external organ to the cervix. the uterus, which is also called the womb. the cervix, which is the opening between the uterus and vagina. the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs to the womb. the ovaries, which produce eggs. the bladder, a sac-like organ that stores urine. the rectum, which connects the colon to the anus. Why have a pelvic exam? These examination...

How to know if your vaginal area is healthy or not through a self-examination

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How to know if your vaginal area is healthy or not through a self-examination vaginal area Performing a vaginal self-exam at home can help you familiarize yourself with your own body, as all vaginas are different. It can also help you identify changes and abnormalities. Even though it’s difficult to tell if your vagina is “healthy” through a home self-exam, you can watch for signs like abnormal discharge, genital warts, or sores. A self-exam shouldn’t replace a gynecologist visit, though. A gynecologist can check you for symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and perform a Pap smear test to screen for cervical cancer. Here are the symptoms you can look out for and discuss with a gynecologist at your next appointment. What a vagina should look like Everyone’s vagina will look slightly different as far as color, shape, and size. That’s why “healthy” may look slightly different for everyone. Before doing a self-exam, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the general anatomy. ...

Everything you need to know about vaginal secretions

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Everything you need to know about vaginal secretions Types Causes When to seek help Diagnosis Home remedies Overview Vaginal discharge is most often a normal and regular occurrence. However, there are certain types of discharge that can indicate an infection. Abnormal discharge may be yellow or green, chunky in consistency, or foul smelling. Yeast or a bacterial infection usually causes abnormal discharge. If you notice any discharge that looks unusual or smells foul, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Types of vaginal discharge There are several different types of vaginal discharge. These types are categorized based on their color and consistency. Some types of discharge are normal. Others may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. White A bit of white discharge, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle, is normal. However, if the discharge is accompanied by itching and has a thick, cottage cheese-like consistency or appearance, it’s not ...

STD testing: who gets tested and what it includes

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  STD testing: who gets tested and what it includes What STDs should you be tested for? Where can you get tested? Testing for men and women Takeaway STD Test Testing for sexually transmitted infections If left untreated, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), often called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), can cause severe health problems. These include: infertility, cancer, blindness, organ damage. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20 million new STIs occur each year in the United States. Unfortunately, many people don’t receive prompt treatment for STIs. Many STIs have no symptoms or very nonspecific symptoms, which can make them hard to notice. The stigma around STIs also discourages some people from getting tested. But testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI. Talk to your doctor to learn if you should be tested for any STIs. What STIs should you be tested for? There are a number of different STIs. To ...

What is a Vaginal Speculum? | pelvic exam

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 What is a Vaginal Speculum? Use Pelvic exam Pap smear Risks Takeaway Overview vaginal speculum A vaginal speculum is a tool that doctors use during pelvic exams. Made of metal or plastic, it’s hinged and shaped like a duck’s bill. Your doctor inserts the speculum into your vagina and gently opens it during your exam. Speculums come in different sizes. Your doctor will choose the size to use based on your age and the length and width of your vagina. How is it used? Doctors use vaginal speculums to spread and hold open your vaginal walls during an exam. This allows them to see your vagina and cervix more easily. Without the speculum, your doctor won’t be able to do a comprehensive pelvic exam. What to expect during a pelvic exam A pelvic exam helps your doctor assess the health of your reproductive system. It can also help diagnose any conditions or problems. Pelvic exams are often done along with other medical exams, including breast, abdominal, and back exams. Your doctor will do ...