NIPPLE DISCHARGE(could this be a symtomp of breast cancer?)

Diagnosing breast cancer in younger women (under 40 years old) is more difficult, because their breast tissue is generally denser than the breast tissue in older women. By the time a lump in a younger woman's breast can be felt, the cancer often is advanced. In addition, breast cancer in younger women may be aggressive and less likely to respond to treatment. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age are more likely to have a mutated (altered) BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Delays in diagnosing breast cancer also are a problem. Many younger women who have breast cancer ignore the warning signs -- such as a breast lump or unusual nipple discharge -- because they believe they are too young to get breast cancer. Many women assume they are too young to get breast cancer and tend to assume a lump is a harmless cyst or other growth. Some health care providers also dismiss breast lumps in young women as cysts and adopt a "wait and see" approach.Should Women Under Age 40 Get Mammograms? In general, regular mammograms are not recommended for women under 40 years old, in part because breast tissue tends to be more dense in young women, making mammograms less effective as a screening tool. In addition, most experts believe the low risk of developing breast cancer at a young age does not justify the radiation exposure or the cost of mammography. However, screening mammograms may be recommended for younger women with a family history of breast cancer and other risk factors. Digital mammography may be a useful alternate to a standard mammogram, as digital mammography is more sensitive in detecting abnormalities in the presence of dense breast tissue. What's the Best Way for Younger Women to Screen for Breast Cancer? The American Cancer Society (ACS) says that breast self-exams are optional for women starting in their 20s. Doctors should discuss the benefits and limitations of breast self-exam with their patients. Regular clinical breast exams performed at least every three years by your doctor are recommended for women beginning at age 20. The ACS also recommends annual screening mammograms starting at age 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), on the other hand, does not recommend routine screening for women in their 40s. For women between the ages of 50 and 74, USPSTF experts say, women should have screening mammograms every two years and none after age 74. When you need a mammogram is a personal decision between you and your doctor. If you're over 40, talk to your doctor about when you should begin mammogram screening. Women younger than 40 who have a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer should discuss their risk and an appropriate screening schedule with their health care providers. How Is Breast Cancer Treated In Younger Women? The course of treatment for breast cancer at any age is based on the extent of the person's disease (whether or not it has spread beyond the breast), as well as the woman's general health and personal circumstances. Treatment options include surgery: either a lumpectomy, which involves removing the lump and some surrounding tissue, or a mastectomy, which is the removal of a breast. Radiation therapy is generally used following a lumpectomy, and chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy often are recommended after surgery to help destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence. Breast cancer poses other challenges for younger women, as well, such as sexuality, fertility, and pregnancy after breast cancer treatment.

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DO YOU SUFFER FROM SMELLY DISCHARGE?

DO YOU SUFFER FROM SMELLY DISCHARGE? Women are accustomed to dealing with body changes throughout each month. However, smelly discharge is an issue that can never be easy to live with. Indeed, over 65% of all women of childbearing age suffer from this unpleasant condition at least once in their lifetime and many of these women have it recur every few weeks. Despite all their efforts, the condition will not go away, which affects their sexual activity, their productivity at work and most of all their self confidence and self esteem. In many cases the problem gets so severe that the odor can be noticed by family and friends. The most likely cause of persistent, pungent, fishy-like odor from smelly discharge is Bacterial Vaginosis, especially if it’s thin and clingy in consistency and milky-white to pale gray or even yellow in color. The symptoms include mild to unbearable itching or burning around the genital area and depending on the severity of this well known medical condition, can in more advanced cases even include pain during urination or sexual intercourse. Bacterial Vaginosis – otherwise commonly known as BV or Bacterial Vaginalis – occurs as a result of bacterial imbalance in the genitals. The vagina naturally contains finely balanced levels of many different types of microorganisms, including harmful and friendly bacteria. One of the main functions of the friendly bacteria – Lactobacilli – is to keep the harmful colonies in check and prevent them from overgrowth. If for any reason the friendly bacteria decrease in number, the harmful bacteria get a chance to multiply, this results in strong vaginal odor, abnormal, smelly discharge, itching, burning and pain. There are various factors that can contribute to this imbalance, including: Over washing Many people believe that Bacterial Vaginosis is a result of poor personal hygiene and worsen the symptoms by washing excessively or using a vaginal douche, unaware that this is one of the main causes of its recurrence. Hormonal changes in the body Hormone fluctuation normally occurs, but is not limited to: before puberty during pregnancy after childbirth before, during or after menopause Taking Antibiotics Antibiotics – that are normally prescribed by doctors to deal with a variety of infections in our bodies – attack and destroy all types of bacteria without any discrimination, including the friendly colonies, which are extremely important for our overall wellbeing. Since the re-growth of the harmful colonies normally occur at a much higher rate, many women suffer from recurrent bouts following antibiotic treatment, especially when this is their choice of treatment to eliminate Bacterial Vaginosis. Multiple sex partners Medical research confirms that women that have multiple sex partners are more predisposed to Bacterial Vaginosis. Having multiple sex partners creates an opportunity to introduce a variety of harmful bacteria into the vagina from different external sources. Is it possible to permanently cure smelly discharge? If you suffer from smelly discharge, it impacts the way you interact with people or the way you feel about yourself, you can change it! It couldn’t be simpler to cure smelly discharge discreetly, economically, permanently and naturally, as long as you are prepared to invest a little time and effort into treating yourself. Permanent cure can only be possible when the causes of this condition have been dealt with, rather than only the symptoms and the natural bacterial balance of the vagina has been effectively restored to its correct levels. This can easily be accomplished by using methods which will focus on : recognizing your trigger factors decreasing the number of harmful bacteria increasing the number of friendly bacteria The most popular ingredients that are used, depending on your body’s needs are: tea tree essential oil that has powerful antibacterial qualities probiotic yogurt, which contains high levels of friendly bacteria cider vinegar, that is effective in normalizing the PH level of the vagina These ingredients are very effective in restoring the bacterial balance of the vagina. When applied in the correct concentration and the right way eliminating smelly discharge becomes very simple. What happens if BV is not treated? If you suffer from smelly discharge, I urge you to treat it as promptly as possible. If Bacterial Vaginosis is left untreated, the harmful bacteria have the ability to travel up inside the female reproductive system, through the cervix, into the uterus and the fallopian tubes, which can potentially lead to serious consequences. Untreated BV can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility or ectopic pregnancies.

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IF YOU RE A lADY,THIS IS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POST YOU CNT AFFORD TO MISS.

IF YOU RE A lADY,THIS IS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POST YOU CNT AFFORD TO MISS. quIte long,but its it worth reading. Imagine living without illness to slow you down. While there are no lifetime guarantees, enough scientific research has been done to make long, healthy living a possibility. To help women boost health, we examined five medical conditions that are of great concern to them: heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, depression, and autoimmune diseases. We looked at the risk factors for each disease and asked the experts what women could do to prevent such ailments. In order to make full use of this information, ladieshealthng, encourages women to take charge of their health. women need to work in partnership with their doctors by finding out their family medical history, educating themselves on health issues, and paying attention to their bodies. "You know what makes you feel good, you know when you don't feel well. Understanding your body is key," Heart Disease Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women. In women, the condition is responsible for about 29% of deaths, reports the CDC. Yet death in itself isn't the biggest problem for women with heart disease. The real trouble is in premature death and disability, says Cindy Pearson, executive director of the National Women's Health Network. "There are far too many women dying of heart disease in their 60s, when no one expects to die because that's too young in this country,There are (also) women, who, for many years, are really ill with heart disease -- being out of breath, not being able to walk up one flight of stairs … because heart disease impairs their ability to get around." Although more men die of heart disease than women, females tend to be underdiagnosed, often to the point that it's too late to help them once the condition is discovered. "The symptoms for women are typical for women, and they are often missed by doctors and the patient themselves . "We often think of symptoms … like chest pain. Some people may have that, but others may just have a little bit of jaw pain, shoulder ache, nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath." The American Heart Association lists risk factors for heart disease as: Increasing age Male sex (men typically develop heart disease at a younger age) Heredity (including race). People with family history of the disease have greater risk. Smoking High blood cholesterol High blood pressure Physical inactivity Obesity and overweight Diabetes "The burden of heart disease in women is very great," The earlier folks adapt healthier behaviors, the lower their overall risk for heart disease or stroke outcomes." people can reduce their risk of heart disease by modifying lifestyle to include a well-balanced diet and exercise. Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of death for women. Experts say the fear of breast cancer can sometimes be exaggerated, stopping women from going to their doctors for screening, or pushing women to make rash decisions about mastectomy, when it may it may not be necessary. "There's a lot of treatment for breast cancer," assures Diane Helentjaris, MD, immediate past president of the American Medical Women's Association. "It's not a death sentence." She urges women to keep their emotions in perspective and to educate themselves about the issues. The American Cancer Society lists the following as risk factors for breast cancer: Increasing age Genes. Nearly 5% to 10% of breast cancer is linked to mutations in certain genes (most commonly, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes). Family history of the disease Personal history of the disease Race. White women have a slightly greater risk of getting breast cancer compared with African women. Yet Africans have a greater chance of dying from this disease. Earlier abnormal breast biopsy Earlier chest radiation Early onset of menstruation (before age 12) or menopause after age 55 Not having children Medication use, such as diethylstilbest rol (DES) Too much alcohol Obesity Stephen F. Sener, MD, president of the American Cancer Society, recommends controlling your weight, exercising, quitting smoking, and talking to your doctor about your risk and appropriate screening for breast cancer. He also says to keep risk factors in perspective. "Just because your mother didn't have breast cancer, it does not mean you are immune to this problem," says Sener. At the same time, it's also important to note that some women who have one or more risk factors never get breast cancer. Osteoporosis Hunched backs, back pain, and frailty used to be things older women had to accept before doctors knew anything more about osteoporosis. Now, there are steps women and girls can take to avoid such problems. Osteoporosis threatens 44 million africans, of which 68% are women, reports the National Osteoporosis Foundation. "Osteoporosis is largely preventable," says Mark. "The behaviors that women develop in their childhood, in their adolescence, and in their early adult years really play a significant role in the development of the disease." That's because bodies build up most of bone mass until age 30. Then new bone stops forming and the focus is on maintenance of old bone. It is never too late to keep bones strong and avoid fractures. "Your body will do what it can to repair bone damage, but you have to provide the tools for it, such as adequate calcium consumption and weight-bearing physical activity," Risk factors for osteoporosis include: Female sex Increasing age Small, thin-boned frame Ethnicity. White and Asian women have the greatest risk. Family history Sex hormones. Infrequent menstrual cycles and estrogen loss due to menopause may increase risk. Anorexia Diet low in calcium and vitamin D Medication use, particularly glucocorticoids or some anticonvulsants Sedentary lifestyle Smoking Excessive alcohol Talk to your doctor about your possible risk of osteoporosis, and what you can do to prevent problems. Depression Depression appears to affect more women than men. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that about 12 million women are affected by a depressive disorder each year compared to about 6 million men. Dorree Lynn, PhD, a psychologist and author of Getting Sane Without Going Crazy, says women need a connection with others in their lives. "They need that sustenance," says Lynn. "If they don't have it, they tend to get depressed." Sometimes, hormonal changes can also trigger the condition, particularly after pregnancy (postpartum) or around menopause. Other risk factors for depression include: A previous depressive episode Family history of depression History of heart problems Serious chronic illness Marital problems Substance abuse Use of drugs that could trigger depression, such as medicines for high blood pressure or seizures A stressful life event, such as job loss or death Diseases that could trigger depression, such as vitamin deficiency and thyroid disease Recent serious illness or surgery Childhood history of physical or sexual abuse Being a worrier or being overly anxious Having an eating disorder or an anxiety disorder To help reduce risk of depression, Lynn recommends finding a reason to get up in the morning. She says things such as work, community, love, pets, and volunteering can be good reasons. "Statistically, the healthiest adults, both in women and men, are people in significant caring relationships," says Lynn. She says adults not in nurturing relationships can reduce their risk of depression by making efforts to reach out into the community. Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system attacks the body and destroys or alters tissues. There are more than 80 serious chronic illnesses in this category, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), about 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women. By themselves, each disease appears to be uncommon -- except for diabetes, thyroid disease, and lupus -- but as a group, the disorders make up the fourth-largest cause of disability among African women. It is not known what causes the body to turn on itself, but genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors are suspects. "That's such a major area of needed research," says Helentjaris. Since autoimmune diseases are not very well understood, pinpointing specific risk factors is difficult. Symptoms can also be nonspecific, hampering proper diagnosis. However, if you know something is wrong with you or a loved one, it's important to become an active health advocate. "It's very common for women to make multiple visits to multiple doctors to finally get a diagnosis," she says. "Insist that someone take your symptoms seriously." If you don't feel like your doctor is taking your complaints seriously, Pearson advises finding another doctor that will take the time to investigate your symptoms. Get more health related posts at www.ladieshealt hng.blogspot.co

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6 MISTAKE WOMEN MAKES.........

Wish your sex life were different, better, hotter? It's easy to blame your partner for not flying you to the moon. But maybe you're grounding yourself. These six common mistakes may keep you from the sexual pleasure you deserve. But you can fix them. Mistake: Waiting for Him to Get Things Going It can become a habit: He starts, you respond (or not). Or maybe you're frozen by the stereotype that "guys make the first move." Or you dread being turned down. "I hear from a lot of men who say, 'I hate being the one who has to decide when and if we have sex,'" says New York sex therapist Ian Kerner. The fix: Resolve to take the lead. If you're shy, start by flirting or planning a dinner out. "Even if you won't have sex for a while, you'll set yourself up to have a sexy moment," Kerner says. Don't be angry or hurt if he's too tired or stressed. "Women often take rejection to heart," Kerner says. "Guys tend to just figure they'll make an overture and have a 1 in 3 chance of being rejected." Mistake: Ignoring That Guys Are Visual Creatures There's a good reason why your guy is probably more likely to give you a gift like sexy lingerie than a handbag. He likes how you look in it -- a lot. "Women tell me, 'But I find him hot in his old boxers!'" Kerner says. "They don’t understand why he doesn't like her thermal chicken-print pajamas." The reason: Men respond most to visual stimulation, while women tend to use touch, sounds, smell, words, and emotions to get aroused, research shows. The fix: Ditch the long johns – at least some nights. You don't have to wear lace or dominatrix gear, if that's not your style. But you'll do you both a favor if you pick bedclothes that show off your body and make you feel sexy. Mistake: Having Unreal Ideas About How Your Body Works Don't believe that "real" women have vaginal orgasms. Or -- thanks to porn and a Sex and the City episode -- that female ejaculation, or "squirting," is the norm. "Women are convinced it will enhance their experience," says Madeleine M. Castellanos, MD, a sex therapist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. "But only 5% to 6% of women naturally squirt, and you can damage pelvic floor muscles by trying." The fix: Relax. Trying to climax a certain way only puts you on edge. "Most women need clitoral stimulation for orgasm," Castellanos says. Because the clitoris is rich with nerves, grinding against your partner, oral sex, or hand stimulation can do the job. A nice stretch of foreplay helps most women climax, Kerner notes. Mistake: Overthinking Say you worry you're taking too long to climax. Or you're carefully acting out a scene from 50 Shades of Grey. Or you avoid a position that makes your belly jiggle. "If you think about how you act rather than how you feel, you become an actor, rather than a lover," says Pepper Schwartz, PhD, professor of sociology at the University of Washington. Sex researchers Virginia Masters and William Johnson dubbed this kind of self-monitoring "spectatoring." Research shows that women who do it have fewer orgasms and fake it more. The fix: "Bring your focus back to something about the present -- the feel of your partner's skin, the look on his face, how much you like feeling him inside you," Castellanos says. Learning mindfulness meditation can help you do this. Mistake: Over-Focusing on His Penis "Sure, men like to have their penis touched," Kerner says. "But men like women to focus on other areas too, to build desire." Too often, he says, women focus right away -- and only -- on the penis. The fix: Start somewhere else. Neck awhile. Give a massage. Play with his nipples. Rub his scrotum. The whole body likes foreplay. Mistake: Under-Focusing on Yourself You tease him, please him, make his dreams come true. But what about you? What do you like, want, and fantasize about? "You're not getting a good time if you're thinking, 'I wish he'd move a millimeter to the left.' You're in your head again," Schwartz says. The fix: Speak up! "Better to say, 'A little higher, a little lower, that's great, hold it right there,'" Schwartz says. "A woman's body is complex. He can't know everything about you unless you tell him."

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VAGINA DISCHARGE...(what you need to know)

Vaginal discharge serves an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system. Fluid made by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection. Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal. The amount can vary, as can odor and hue (its color can range from clear to a milky white-ish), depending on the time in your menstrual cycle. For example, there will be more discharge if you are ovulating, breastfeeding, or are sexually aroused. The smell may be different if you are pregnant or you haven't been diligent about your personal hygiene. None of those changes is cause for alarm. However, if the color, smell, or consistency seems significantly unusual, especially if it accompanied by vaginal itching or burning, you could be noticing an infection or other condition. What causes abnormal discharge? Any change in the vagina's balance of normal bacteria can affect the smell, color, or discharge texture. These are a few of the things that can upset that balance: Antibiotic or steroid use Bacterial vaginosis, a bacterial infection more common in pregnant women or women who have multiple sexual partners Birth control pills Cervical cancer Chlamydia or gonorrhea (STDs), sexually transmitted infections Diabetes Douches, scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath Pelvic infection after surgery Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection typically contracted and caused by having unprotected sex Vaginal atrophy, the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause Vaginitis, irritation in or around the vagina Yeast infections See the chart below to learn more about what a particular type of discharge might mean. Types of Abnormal Discharge and Their Possible Causes Type of Discharge What It Might Mean Other Symptoms Bloody or brown Irregular menstrual cycles, or less often, cervical or endometrial cancer Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain Cloudy or yellow Gonorrhea Bleeding between periods, urinary incontinence Frothy, yellow or greenish with a bad smell Trichomoniasis Pain and itching while urinating Pink Shedding of the uterine lining after childbirth (lochia) Thick, white, cheesy Yeast infection Swelling and pain around the vulva, itching, painful sexual intercourse White, gray, or yellow with fishy odor Bacterial vaginosis Itching or burning, redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva How does the doctor diagnose abnormal discharge? The doctor will start by taking a health history and asking about your symptoms. Questions may include: When did the abnormal discharge begin? What color is the discharge? Is there any smell? Do you have any itching, pain, or burning in or around the vagina? Do you have more than one sexual partner? Do you douche? The doctor may take a sample of the discharge or do a Pap test to collect cells from your cervix for further examination. How is abnormal discharge treated? How you are treated will depend on what’s causing the problem. For example, yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medications inserted into the vagina in cream or gel form. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic pills or creams. Trichomoniasis is usually treated with the drug metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax). Here are some tips for preventing vaginal infections that can lead to abnormal discharge: Keep the vagina clean by washing regularly with a gentle, mild soap and warm water. Never use scented soaps and feminine products or douche. Also avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths. After going to the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection. Wear 100% cotton underpants, and avoid overly tight clothing.

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YEAST INFECTION IN LADIES(READ THIS)

Vaginal Yeast Infections - Topic Overview Is this topic for you? Other problems (like bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis) can cause vaginal symptoms that may seem like a yeast infection. If you need help finding out which problem you have, see the Check Your Symptoms section of the topic Female Genital Problems. What is a vaginal yeast infection? Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina camera. These infections are very common. Although they can bother you a lot, they are not usually serious. And treatment is simple. What causes a vaginal yeast infection? Most yeast infections are caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans. A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help keep other organisms-like the yeast-under control. When something happens to change the balance of these organisms, yeast can grow too much and cause symptoms. Taking antibiotics sometimes causes this imbalance. The high estrogen levels caused by pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy can also cause it. So can certain health problems, like diabetes or HIV infection. What are the symptoms? A yeast infection causes itching or soreness in the vagina and sometimes causes pain or burning when you urinate or have sex. Some women also have a thick, clumpy, white discharge that has no odor and looks a little like cottage cheese. These symptoms are more likely to occur during the week before your menstrual period. How is a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed? It?s easy to guess wrong about a vaginal infection. See your doctor if you aren't sure what you have or if this is the first time you have had these symptoms. Also see your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor may want to do a vaginal exam. How is it treated? If you have had a yeast infection before and can recognize the symptoms, and you aren't pregnant, you can treat yourself at home with medicines you can buy without a prescription. You can use an antifungal cream, or a suppository that you put into your vagina, or antifungal tablets that you swallow. If your symptoms are mild, you may want to wait to see if they clear up on their own. Yeast infections are common during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, don't use medicine for a yeast infection without talking to your doctor first. If you use a cream or suppository to treat the infection, don't depend on a condom or diaphragm for birth control. The oil in some medicines weakens latex, the material often used to make these devices. Many women have infections that come back. If you have more than four yeast infections in a year, see your doctor. He or she may do some tests to see if your yeast infections are being caused by another health problem, such as diabetes. Can vaginal yeast infections be prevented? If you practice good genital hygiene, you can help prevent infection. Keep your vaginal area clean. Use mild, unscented soap and water. Rinse well. After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast or bacteria from your anus to the vagina or urinary tract. Wear underwear that helps keep your genital area dry and doesn?t hold in warmth and moisture. One good choice is cotton underwear. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, such as panty hose, and tight-fitting jeans. These may increase body heat and moisture in your genital area. Change out of a wet swimsuit right away. Wearing a wet swimsuit for many hours may keep your genital area warm and moist. Change pads or tampons often. Don?t douche or use deodorant tampons or feminine sprays, powders, or perfumes. These items can change the normal balance of organisms in your vagina.

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