Gynecologic Problems, Yeast Infection, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Trichomonas

The female reproductive tract is a complex and intricate system.� It must stay balanced in order to remain healthy.� When the vaginal, ovarian, uterine, and hormonal aspects work to "factory standards" the female tract is a self sustaining, self cleaning, and self regulating milieu that demand nothing more from the patient other than general external hygiene.� Internal cleaning, douching, talcum powders, creams and ointments can be detrimental to the balance and actually cause some of the problems that patients are trying to avoid.

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I've written extensively about the menstrual cycle and problems during cycles in other publications and an in-depth discussion is beyond the scope of this article.� Suffice it to say that the hormones that are controlled by the brain, secreted by the ovaries, and that act on the uterus and vagina all work together to keep the environment of the vagina amicable to the needs of the moment where as ovulation and possible fertilization dictates a certain set of pH, lubrication, and mucus consistency and menstruation a different set of variables. An interruption or defection of many of these processes can lead to internal or external pelvic irritation, infection, or worse.

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CANDIDA VAGINITIS

This is a yeast infection in the vagina. Yeast are balls of fungi type material.�� It occurs commonly after taking antibiotics.� It is common in patients with diabetes.� Wearing cotton underwear instead of nylon underwear will make it less likely to occur because the fabric breathes and lets water out when you sweat.� Symptoms include a thick white cottage cheese type discharge, which is very itchy.� The vaginal area is dry and inflamed.� During pelvic exam a test can be performed on the discharge to determine if it is yeast.� The infection is either treated with Diflucan tablets or Monistat or Clotrimazole vaginal cream.� Over the counter preparations can be used but if the yeast infection persists, a doctor should be consulted.� A persistent yeast infection can be a sign of other disease and needs further investigation. Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted diseases but can be transmitted via partners during intercourse.

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TRICHOMONAS VAGINITIS

This discharge is caused by the trichomonas parasite.� Symptoms include a yellow or clear bubbly vaginal discharge with a bad odor.� Parasites are visible under the microscope when a specimen of the discharge is obtained.� This is a sexually transmitted disease and both partners need to be treated at the same time before resuming intercourse.� Trichomonas is found only in the discharge and does not usually cause infection in the uterus and tubes. Like a yeast infection above, trichomonas infection is not considered a true sexually transmitted infection however intercourse and transmission from partner to partner is the most common way this diseases is spread.

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BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of Gardnerella and Mycoplasm or other bacteria in the vagina.� Symptoms include a white vaginal discharge with a bad odor.� This is usually not a sexually transmitted disease.� The partner does not always need to be treated.� If this occurs during pregnancy, it should be treated as it can cause irritability of the cervix and can cause problems during the pregnancy.� Treatment with Flagyl tablets or Clindamycin vaginal cream is usually quite successful. BV can be seen when there is a shift in vaginal flora from the good Lactobacillus bacteria that help the vagina maintain a pH that is not favorable to other organisms which cause infections.

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Medications, frequent baths, bad hygiene, and certain medical conditions can impact the general reproductive health of women.� Most of these causes are not only treatable but preventable so see your Medical Doctor to discuss any issues you may have.

A Brief History of the Hen Party

Hen party is a term given to the celebrations that a bride- to be enjoys with her friends. Usually organized by the sisters for the near friends of the bride, it is modeled after the male stag party when the men enjoy the last days of their bachelorhood. Although much recent than the stag nights, they have been in practice for quite a few decades and almost every women celebrates it in one way or the other- either through hen night long revelry or just spending the day out with her friends.

Etymology: As for the etymology, the name is derived from the word "henna" a special herb that is renders a bright and dark saffron color on the hands of the maidens in the Eastern countries. Intricate designs are made on the bride's hand and it is considered very auspicious, bringing in luck and prosperity and it is also believed that it protects her from all evil. It is intricately linked with all matrimonial ceremonies in almost all Oriental countries.

Earlier Parties: However, earlier, the bachelorette parties were very simple affairs. In fact, the came into existence much later, only around the 1960s when women empowerment and sexual liberation was revolutionizing the way people looked at them and they looked at themselves. They felt that if men had the liberty to enjoy themselves before taking on the responsibilities of the wedded life, then so had women and slowly they formed their gathering with their girlfriends and female relatives.

Contemporary Parties: So initially, it was maybe a tea party or a dinner but then women too knew just how to have fun! The modern bachelorette parties are hence elaborate affairs with every entertainment possible present. From drinks to music to adult fun, they are no lesser than bachelor parties in every way are. Shopping sprees, a full day spent at a spa or heading off to some other destination altogether for a weekend or spending lavishly on an expensive cruise tour are just of the things that are added recently to the list.

If you are to be married soon, then you might be in the process of organizing one yourself and do enjoy yourself to the fullest on this night.