Infertility in Women - Exploring The Reasons

February 8, 2010

Infertility Women Causes - The Main Causes Of Fertility Problems In Women

Female ovulation is an essential ingredient of success at conception. Simply put, if the female is unable to produce an egg, you can expect to have no baby. The primary signs of a problem with ovulation are intermittent or absent monthly menstrual periods.

Medical Situations

Two common situations involving a woman’s ovulation are PCOS and POI. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is defined as a hormonal problem that interferes with the normal ovulation mechanism. It is the highest recorded cause of female infertility.

Primary ovarian insufficiency, on the other hand, occurs when the woman’s ovaries fail to functioning like they should before she becomes 35 years old. POI is usually mistaken as early-stage menopause, a condition that is a lot different.

Related Causes

There are other uterine problems that also contribute to infertility.

- Fibroids in the uterus, which are non-cancerous clumps on the uterine walls

- Congested Fallopian tubes caused by ectopic pregnancy surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis

- Physical issues with the uterus

Factors That Increase Infertility Risks

Besides problems with health, genetic and lifestyle factors can also influence infertility among women. These would include:

- Tobacco and alcohol use

- Lousy diet

- Age

- Too much physical activity

- Stress

- Overweight or underweight conditions

- Sexually transmitted infections

- Health issues that affect the body’s hormone producing abilities

Infertility Women Causes - The Age Factor

Many American women nowadays do not have children until their 30s and 40s…and one third of all fertility issues involve the female being 35 years or older.

Why is Age a Key Factor to Fertility?

- Ovaries weaken over time, and this affects their egg-releasing capacity

- Older gals produce less eggs

- Eggs released by an older woman are not as potent

- Older women may experience healthy issues that interfere with her fertility

- Incidence of miscarriage increases with age

Drugs To Stimulate Fertility

These drugs are often prescribed for women who have fertility problems.

- Clomiphene citrate: Often recommended for women with PCOS and hormonal related malfunctions. You might recognize it as Clomid, its popular brand and is taken orally.

- Human menopausal gonadotropin: hMG is an injection used to stimulate the ovaries directly so that egg formation occurs. Repronex and Pergonal are two of the more popular medication brands.

- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog: Gn-RH is a medication often prescribed for women who don’t ovulate regularly. It acts on one’s pituitary gland and influences the timing of the ovulation process. It can be purchased either as a nasal spray or in injection form.

- Follicle stimulating hormone: The FSH is also an injectable and acts on the ovaries to encourage ovulation. Common brands are Follistim and Gonal-F.

- Metformin: Metformin is recommended for females who are either highly resistant to insulin or are diagnosed with PCOS. This drug, often taken simultaneously with clomiphene or FSH, is designed to regulate male hormones levels in women and cause them to ovulate.

- Bromocriptine: Prolactin is a type of hormone that helps mammary glands increase its milk production. Sufficient levels of prolactin may cause a stop in ovulation. Bromocriptine acts directly on prolactin, slowing it down, so that ovulation can occur.

Multiple Birth Risk

While fertility drugs can and often do succeed at helping women conceive, they can also result in the formation of multiple fetuses. Women who carry more than one fetus are prone to more pregnancy problems than those who carry just one. More than one fetus in the womb increases the risk for premature birth…and a prematurely born baby is more at risk of having health problems as he or she grows older.

Certain fertility drugs may lead to a syndrome called ovarian hyperstimulation, a illness that may be fatal.

Because of the increased risks to health plus the rising cost of assisted reproductive technology, infertility problems have addressed with alternative methods minus the adverse effects. These remedies cover a vast range from natural healing therapies which are meant to help the body repair itself. Some of the common alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutrition-based treatments.

Click here for more information on how to increase pregnancy chances or how to conceive

0

Endometriosis and Pregnancy - No Cure But Pregnancy is Still Possible

February 8, 2010

Endometriosis & Pregnancy - Background

Endometriosis is a female health condition that occurs when the uterine tissues either grow or attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus. During menstruation, the uterual lining is shed as per normal, but the portion growing outside the uterus remains. Throughout the entire process of ovulation and menstruation, one uterual tissue, which grows externally, becomes constantly provoked. It could get torn, disintegrate and cause bleeding. This often leads to the formation of kelloidal tissue and causes discomfort.

There are over 7 million reported cases of endometriosis among females in the US, according to the Endometriosis Research Center. It is one of the primary causes of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and gynecologic surgeries.

Why Does Endometriosis Happen?

To date, endometriosis has no identified cause, although experts do note several potential explanations. Latest studies conducted on the condition suggest that it may be genetically-influenced.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of endometriosis would include, chronic pelvic pain, pain in the lower back, dysmenorrhea, irregalur or heavy breathing, and fatigue. Women can also expect to feel some pain while ovulating or having sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, and GI tract conditions like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. In cases that are severe, endometriosis may cause infertility.

Diagnosis

The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other diagnostic means such as MRIs, CAT scans or ultrasound are normally inconclusive. The doctor would need to look into the symptoms being felt, as well as the patient’s health history. To diagnose the condition, the doctor may conduct a laparoscopic procedure or a laparotomy.

Endometriosis Cure?

Endometriosis has yet to find a cure, but doctors suggest certain methods of treatment to help with its management.

Treatment

Methods to manage endometriosis include:

Pain Medication

Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are available over-the-counter, are used to decrease discomfort and pain. If no effect is evident, prescription medications could be the next step.

Hormonal Drug Therapy

Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The goal is to stop the lesions from being aggravated further and to protect against the onset of various other illnesses. These drugs cover GnRH agonists, progesterone drugs, and oral contraceptives. Hormone therapy is normally recommended for those who have been through surgery.

Surgery

Conservative surgical procedures such as the laparotomy and laparoscopy are conducted by doctors to determine the diagnosis and to remove abnormal growths. If this succeeds, it could help eliminate the pain and even raise the woman’s chances of conceiving.

If conservative surgery is not effective, doctors may recommend hysterectomy and/or other, more invasive, surgical methods.

Alternative/Natural Therapy

A lot of patients opt to undergo natural types of treatment over surgery and medications. Popular alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition-influencing treatments like fertility herbs. There is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence in support of these natural therapies which aim to “do no harm” while stimulating the body’s inherent defense and recovery mechanisms to heal itself.

0

Endometriosis and Pregnancy - No Cure But Pregnancy is Still Possible

February 8, 2010

Pregnancy and Endometriosis - Background

Endometriosis is a female health condition that occurs when the uterine tissues either grow or attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus will shed as it normally does, but the portion that grows outside of the uterus stays. Throughout the ovulation to menstruation phase, the uterual tissue becomes constantly provoked. It can get torn, break down and bleed. This aggravation causes the formation of scar tissue and produces discomfort.

In the United States, the Endometriosis Research Center reports that there are over 7 million cases of endometriosis among women. It has been found to be the key causes of chronic pain in the pelvis, gynecologic surgeries, and infertility.

What Leads To Endometriosis?

To date, endometriosis has no identified cause, although experts do note several potential explanations. Studies of late suggest that this condition could be dictated by heredity.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of endometriosis would include, chronic pelvic pain, pain in the lower back, dysmenorrhea, irregalur or heavy breathing, and fatigue. Women can also expect to feel some discomfort while passing stools, some gastro intestinal problems like constipation and diarrhea, and even pain while ovulation or having sexual intercourse. In worse cases, endometriosis may result in infertility.

Diagnosis

The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other laboratory and diagnostic tests like ultrasound, CAT scans, or MRIs do not normally lead to conclusive results. A doctor will need to look into the patient’s symptoms, as well as her medical history. In an attempt to diagnose the illness, the doctor has the option to conduct a laparoscopic or a laparotomy procedure.

Cure for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis has no cure yet, but physicians recommend several treatment methods to help a patient manage her symptoms.

Treatment

Methods to manage endometriosis include:

Pain Medication

Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are available over-the-counter, are used to decrease discomfort and pain. If no effect is evident, prescription medications could be the next step.

Hormonal Drug Therapy

Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The key here is to stop the further provocation of the lesions and to protect oneself against the onset of other related problems. These types of drugs include oral contraceptives, progesterone medications, and GnRH agonists. Hormone therapy is performed particularly on patients who have come from surgery.

Surgery

Doctors usually determine the diagnosis following conservative surgeries like a laparotomy or laparoscopy and often pass through these procedures to extract abnormal growths. If successful, this will eliminate pain and improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

If traditional surgery does not prove to be effective, doctors can opt to perform a hysterectomy or other more invasive procedures.

Alternative/Natural Therapy

Quite a number of patients choose to go the alternative route of treatments instead of undergoing surgeries and taking medications. Some of the more popular alternative treatments include Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutritional therapies such as fertility herbs. There is a large amount of literature that supports the use of natural treatments as a wellness tool that can also stimulate the body’s innate defense system and healing action.

0

All about Facial skin care

February 8, 2010

‘Facial skin care’ is more a matter of discipline than anything else. A facial skin care routine is what you need (and you need to follow the facial skin care routine with complete seriousness). So let’s check what comprises an effective facial skin care routine. Well, very simply, a facial skin care routine can follow the following 4 steps: * Cleansing * Toning * Exfoliating * Moisturising

Cleansing is the first thing in facial skin care routine. Cleansing helps in removing dust, pollutants, grease and extra oil from your skin, thereby preventing damage to your skin. Just spot your face and neck with a good cleansing lotion or cream and gently massage it into your skin using upward strokes. Use a soft face tissue or cotton wool to wipe your face in a gentle patting fashion (do not rub). Cleansing should be done at least twice a day i.e. morning (as part of complete facial skin care routine) and evening (on a standalone basis). Water soluble cleansers are the best for inclusion in your facial skin care routine.

Toning is the next in a facial skin care routine. However, this is the optional part of the facial skin care routine. Mostly, proper cleansing can compensate for toning. Toning helps remove all traces of dirt, grease and excess cleanser. Instead of making it part of your daily facial skin care routine, you can using toning occasionally i.e. when you have been exposed to particularly harsh environment/pollution.

Exfoliation is again, affectionate of, alternative footfall in accustomed accepted for facial derma care. However, exfoliation is all-important at atomic already a anniversary (or twice, depending on the derma blazon and the ecology conditions). Exfoliation finds its abode in facial derma affliction accepted because of the accustomed addiction of derma to furnish the derma beef every 3 or 4 weeks. As a facial derma affliction technique, exfoliation helps in removing the asleep derma beef that block the pores, appropriately acceptable the derma in the accustomed process. However, boundless or acrid exfoliation can could cause accident to your skin; so you charge to antithesis it out.

The next thing in facial skin care is moisturising. In fact, moisturising is the most important part of facial skin care routine. Moisturisers prevent your skin from getting dry. Dry skin is really undesirable since it cause the upper layer skin to break, leading to dead skin cells. Again, use light upward strokes to make the moisturiser more effective. Moisturisers work the best when applied on temperate and moist skin. So do not try to remove all the moisture in the previous steps of facial skin care routine.

Besides the normal facial skin care routine, you should also exercise the following for facial skin care:

* Use proper make-up remover instead of just washing it away * Pay heed to your skin type and the setting, when choosing facial skin care products. * Before you start using a new facial skin care product, test it by applying it on a short patch of skin e.g. ear lobes. * Never rub your skin too hard. * Use sunscreen lotions for protection against sun.

0

Acne skin care

February 8, 2010

Acne is authentic as a afflicted action of the derma that involves the hair and oil glands. It is characterised by pimples, black/white heads, reddishness and cysts. Face abscess can blemish your actualization to a abundant admeasurement and physique abscess can absolutely ruin your day by authoritative you actual uncomfortable. Considering acne as a minor problem, some people tend to totally discard the topic of Acne skin care. However, the importance of ‘Acne skin care’ cannot be undermined in any way.

Acne skin care should really start much before the acne actually appears. ‘Acne skin care’ is more about being proactive than reactive. Acne skin care is about being aware of preventive measures. Acne skin care is - following daily skin care routines with complete discipline. So let’s have a look at how ‘acne skin care’ can be applied to our daily routine.

Acne derma care starts with the a lot of basal affair - cleanliness. So morning showers are the a lot of basal way of befitting the derma clean. In fact, a lot of humans yield night showers too (that not alone helps in befitting your derma apple-pie but aswell provides alleviation to your physique and enables a acceptable sleep). If you are active in a hot and/or boiling place, a night battery becomes a must. In fact, a battery is recommended afterwards any action that causes top levels of diaphoresis to develop. It a actual able acne derma care technique.

However, abscess derma affliction is not about just showers. Abscess derma affliction is aswell about cutting apple-pie clothes and sleeping on apple-pie pillows. Moreover, too bound clothes can could cause diaphoresis to accrue quickly; so bendable and adequate affection clothes are recommended, abnormally if you already accept acne. In the aforementioned sense, acne derma care aswell advocates approved charwoman of your composition besom and any accessories that you use on your body.

Besides that, you should also use a mild, water-soluble, oil-free and soap-free cleanser for keeping your face, neck and arms clean. Cleansing is the most important part of any acne skin care routine. Cleaners are the easiest and the most effectual method of remove, grease, pollutants and excess oil from your skin; thus reducing the probability of acne occurrence. Acne skin care also recommends removing your make up using a make up remover, and this should happen before you go to bed (not in the morning).

If you already have acne, do not try to touch them or squeeze them; it can lead to permanent scars. ‘Acne skin care’ advocates gentle cleansing and cleaning of the affected area using an over-the-counter medication and a clean/soft cotton pad. There are various acne skin care creams and lotions available over-the-counter (a lot of these acne skin care products are actually cleansers). However, if these ‘acne skin care’ measures don’t give you the desired results, contact a dermatologist for ‘acne skin care’ advice and treatment.

0

Executive Mini Face Lift: Younger You In 48 Hours!

February 8, 2010

Cosmetic surgery has made life easier for many people. However, still there was a large population of people who could not avail the facilities of these surgeries due to time constraint. However, now a special cosmetic surgery, known as the Executive Mini Face Lift, has proved to be a boon for many people.

Many people want to get a face lift done, however due to their busy schedule they could not undergo the cosmetic procedure. With this new procedure they will not have to go through the long recovery period associated with the usual face lift procedures and treatments.

Now with this new executive face lift, people are enabled them to get back to their normal life within 48-72 hours. This treatment just takes around 45 minutes. Before starting with the procedure, the surgeon injects you with local anesthesia. The best part of this surgery is that you get negligible swelling after this procedure, which enables you to get back to work in just a day.

This surgery is best for removal of the marks and scars and even treats signs of stress from your face. As we age, our facial and neck tissues starts getting loose and looses its elasticity. The consequent result is the wrinkles and folds you see around your mouth and jaw line. This face lift treatment repositions the facial tissues and re-do the affect of age on your skin, giving you a younger and attractive look. This type of facelift remove those pulled looks, which makes you look older than your age and gives you a natural graceful and youthful look that you always desired.

Remember, this is only a single type of surgery there are no different types available. Therefore, it is necessary to keep this point in mind to avoid getting misled by the advertisements that claims to provide different types of painful collagen and skin tightening procedures and name them as mini face lift.

If you wish to go through an executive face lift treatment, you first need to consult a professional and experienced cosmetic surgeon .the surgeon will review your medical history, he or she will examine your issues and then will give you a verdict whether or not you can avail this treatment. And if you are lucky and the surgeon says yes for the treatment, you then need to prepare yourself and diligently follow the pre-operation instructions given by the surgeon. Remember, that it is very crucial to follow all the pre-treatment and post treatment instructions given by your surgeon religiously or else the healing process may slow down and take a long time like other normal face lift procedures. Moreover, the results also might not be as desired. In addition, if you want to resume your normal life in just two days after the surgery then take serious measures to follow all the post treatments instructions and procedures as instructed by the surgeon.

So, what are you thinking? Just get your Executive Lift to discover a “younger you” in just 48 hours!

0

All You Need To Know About Skin Cancer Reconstructive Surgery

February 8, 2010

Along with the other areas of Medical Science, cosmetic surgery has also come a long way. It is hard to digest that cosmetic surgery is now the cure for a deadly disease like skin cancer! Yes, it is true that numerous patients are now getting effective solutions from such surgeries. Skin cancer reconstructive surgery has now become the most popular, effective and safe solution for such deadly ailment.

However, one needs to understand that this skin cancer cosmetic surgery is very much different from other normal cosmetic surgeries. Both these surgeries are of different nature and importance. It is very easy important to comprehend the importance of this surgery.  Read on this article to start with the basics of the surgery:

Who and when you need skin cancer reconstructive surgery:

There may be various causes behind the emergence of skin cancer, which may demand the need of this surgery. It is necessary to curb the cancerous cells from spreading to the other areas. Therefore, you can get best results of the surgery in the initial stages.

Following are the stages and the cases when you can make the best use of this surgery:

This cancer surgery is generally done on facial areas like face, scalp or neck affected by the cancerous cells.

One of the main aspect to consider and the most common case is the Basal Skin Cancer.

Secondly, the other most common disease in this category is Sqoamous Skin Cancer. This too can be effectively treated with this cosmetic surgery.

Simple moles or irruption, which may later result to be a dangerous skin cancer, can also be treated at the initial stages.

One needs to be very careful and keep an open eye for any uncommon deformation or growth, especially on the facial area, because someday these simple looking eruptions may shock you with dreadful condition like cancer. Being alert and careful with any skin problem can take you a long way while treating skin cancer.

Features of
Skin Cancer Reconstructive Surgery:

Foremost, it is a tested and proven medical treatment for skin cancer that gives a great deal of assurance and results in an effective impact if treated on time

This treatment is highly important to remove all the cancerous cells from the affected are to stop them from spreading to other body parts.

If treated in the early stage, it is observed that the simple removal of the cancerous cell is sufficient. If done on time, the cancer effected area does not require any further serious medication or surgeries

This surgery not only treats the cancer but also removes all the scars, marks or left by the cancer formation.

If the surgery and is done by an expert surgeon then there is no fear of getting a mark or scar after the surgery.

The best advice that will be echoed by all cosmetic surgeons is to prevent such conditions from aggravating by keeping a healthy check. However, if still you become a victim of skin cancer then avail the best solution, i.e., the cancer reconstructive surgical treatment.

0

What in the World Are Uterine Fibroids?

February 8, 2010

Uterine fibroids are tumor-like growths located near or in the uterus. They’re usually completely benign. While they may have various unpleasant unwanted effects, they are not cancerous.

The primary differences between uterine fibroids and cysts is to be found in what is inside of them. Cysts, like for example, ovarian cysts are hollow. They will have liquid inside. Fibroids are more or less solid, composed of a fibrous mass of tissue all the way through.

Practically all uterine fibroids can be classified into one of these four kinds:

* Intramural fibroids that grow on or inside the wall of the uterus

* Subserosal fibroids that grow on the outside of the uterine wall

* Submucosal fibroids that grow inside the uterus or womb

* Perdunculated fibroids which grow on stalks or narrow connectors

Fibroids could be small and inconspicuous, like, about the size of a walnut. Or they could be large- up the dimensions of a grapefruit or a melon.

Adult females can have multiple fibroids of varying sizes and densities. If there’s one fibroid present, there are generally additional fibroids. Fibroids start out as small growths, often so little you’d need a microscope to see them. Once started, they can then spread all through your uterus’ muscular wall structure.

Fibroids cause multiple symptoms, ranging from painful and heavy periods, to interference with other organs and nerves. This interference is usually brought on by their large sizes pressing on surrounding tissues. For example, some women report pains in their lower backs and legs and also the need to urinate often.

There are several medical procedures and techniques used in the management and treatment for fibroids. Both uterine fibroid embolization and fibroid surgery are popular. Each incorporates its unique hazards and unwanted side effects.

There are various alternative medicine natural remedies for uterine fibroids treatment that will promote fast, safe healing. Usually all that is really required to get rid of uterine fibroids is patience and constant dedication to an organic remedy that has proven its effectiveness and safety.

With a good fibroid remedy, most can heal their fibroids without drugs, surgery or bad side effects.

DISCLAIMER: I hope this helps, but please note that this author is not a doctor. You should check with a medical doctor when considering medical advice from any source.

0

Providing a Full Pedicure Service for Your Customers with Pedicure Stations

February 8, 2010

Do you have your own beauty shop and you would like to have an added service such as providing professional care for the feet and the toenails? This is most commonly known as pedicure service, and if you would like to provide this additional service, you may be needing pedicure stations for you to make use of. Having your own pedicure stations would be very essential in providing your customers a full service pedicure.

Have your own station would give you ease in doing your pedicure work. Pedicure stations have foot rests where your workers can easily perform the cutting, timing and shaping of toenails, while at the same time, the customers would then experience a more comfortable way having their feet and toenails treated. It is easy to move these pedicure stations from one place to another because of its wheels underneath. It also has different features that would allow them to rest while your pedicurists are working on their feet to make their feet look more beautiful.

There are various types of pedicure stations and two of the most common types would address comfort for the worker and the customer. The cart type of station would have a seat where the pedicurist can sit and rest while working on the feet of the customer. The other station has an elevated chair with a sink to wash the feet with. Which ever pedicure station you would be using would be beneficial, however the elevated pedicure station would be more preferred by higher class salons.

Having these pedicure stations make everything handy for the pedicurists to make his or her tools accessible. You may organize your pedicure tools and kits through this. This would then allow the pedicurists to multitask and, save more time with their work.

So, if you decided to have a pedicure service to be added to your parlor or salon, then this is one equipment that you should purchase to give you enough assistance throughout the whole process. This would also give that different experience to your customers and have them coming back for your service from time to time. With having the right equipment such as pedicure stations available for easy access and customer satisfaction, you can easily build that trust with your clients and they’ll definitely keep coming back for more.

Besides beauty related information, the author of this review has been written many other information, most of them are about product reviews. If you are interested, you can check out the review, by visiting the special website on power lift chair where you can find the best electric wheel chairs option and related information.

0

Chlamydia Symptoms Plus Treatment solution

February 8, 2010

Chlamydia, often misspelled Clamidia, is one of the most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) , and is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. That may infect the urethra along with rectum in both sexes and the cervix in women. Occasionally chlamydia can also affect other parts of the body, including the throat, lungs, liver along with eyes.

Worldwide chlamydia statistics show that an estimated 92 million new chlamydia infections occur each year, affecting more women(50 million) than men(42 million) . Chlamydia may cause serious problems later in life if left untreated.

Chlamydia symptoms usually appear between 1 and 3 weeks after exposure but may not emerge until much later. Chlamydia is known as the ‘silent’ disease as in many persons it produces no symptoms. It is estimated that 70- 75% of women infected with chlamydia are asymptomatic(have no symptoms) and a significant proportion of men also have no symptoms.

Those that do have symptoms of chlamydia may experience:
Women
A minor increase in vaginal discharge caused by an inflamed cervix.
Cystitis(an inflammation of the lining of the bladder) .
A need to urinate more frequently, or even pain whilst passing urine.
Pain sensation during sexual intercourse or bleeding following sex.
Mild lower abdominal pains.
Irregular menstrual bleeding.
Some painful swelling and irritation in the eyes(if they become infected) .

Men
Guys are more likely to notice chlamydia symptoms than women, though they too may be asymptomatic.
Some white/cloudy and watery discharge from the penis that may stain underwear.
A burning sensation and/or pain when passing urine.
A painful swelling and irritation in the eyes(if they become infected) .

In both men and women a chlamydia infection in the rectum will rarely cause symptoms.

Chlamydia is often transmitted:
By having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected.
From a mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth.
By transferring the infection on fingers from your genitals to the eyes, although it is rare for that to happen.

If you have any symptoms or you are worried you may have been infected with chlamydia, you should discuss your worries with a doctor. They may be able to run tests or offer you treatment themselves, or else will refer you to someone who can.
In a few nations, local pharmacies and chemists may offer chlamydia testing kits that allow a person to take a sample himself or herself for analysis by the pharmacy.

A number of countries also have specific sexual health clinics that can help you directly. Check the help and advice page or your local telephone directory to see if you have a clinic near you.

A lady can provide a urine sample, that may be sent to a laboratory for testing. Alternatively a swab can be taken from the vagina(either by a doctor or nurse, or by the woman herself) that will be sent to a laboratory. Results are usually available within one week, though this may vary subject to location.

For men, in the past, a swab was taken from the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis. Many places now just take a urine sample. This is an easier and less painful procedure, but is somewhat less reliable than a swab.

Recently a modern ‘rapid’ urine test for men has been developed, which provides the results within the hour and eliminates the demand for laboratory testing.

The therapy of chlamydia is simple and effective once the infection has been diagnosed, consisting of a short course of antibiotic tablets.
When a patient is allergic to any antibiotics, or if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant, it is important that the doctor is informed as this may affect which antibiotics are prescribed. Treatment must not be interrupted once a course of antibiotics has been started; otherwise it may be necessary to begin again from the beginning.
The doctor or health advisor will discuss the chlamydia infection and answer any questions. They will also wish to know about any partners the patient has had sexual contact with in the past six months, as they will also be at risk of having chlamydia and ought to be tested.

The infected patient should not have penetrative sex until treatment has finished and the doctor has confirmed they no longer have chlamydia by re- testing.

It is necessary that the patient returns for a check- up once the treatment has been completed to make sure they are well and have no recurring infection.

If chlamydia is left undiagnosed and untreated then it is more difficult to deal with. Early diagnosis and treatment means that chlamydial infection can be cleared up easily, but if it is left unchecked then other problems can arise.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(PID) - an inflammation with the fallopian tubes(the tubes along which an egg passes to get to the womb) . PID increases the future risk of ectopic pregnancy(a pregnancy outside the womb) or premature birth. If the fallopian tubes are scarred, it can also lead to problems with fertility. Female infertility can often be traced back to infection with chlamydia.
Mother- to- child- transmission(MTCT) - during pregnancy chlamydia can potentially be passed on to the baby, giving it an eye or lung infection. Chlamydia can be safely treated during pregnancy provided the correct antibiotics are prescribed.
Cervicitis- symptoms include a yellowish vaginal discharge and pain during sex. In long- term cervicitis the cervix becomes very inflamed and cysts can develop and become infected. This can lead to deep pelvic pain and backache.

Complications caused by chlamydia in men are uncommon, but if left untreated a long- term infection may lead to:
Epididymitis- painful inflammation of the tube system that is part of the testicles, which can lead to infertility.
Urethritis- inflammation of the urine tube(urethra) , causing a yellow or clear pus- like discharge to collect at the tip of the penis. Left untreated it can lead to a narrowing of the urethra, which can affect the ability to urinate easily and can potentially cause kidney problems.

Problems that can occur in both sexes are:
Reiters syndrome- can cause inflammation of the eyes and joints and sometimes a rash on the genitals and soles of the feet.
Appendicitis(inflammation of the appendix) .
Chlamydia prevention

Wearing condoms greatly lessens the risk of chlamydia getting passed on during sex. Getting tested for STIs at a sexual health clinic, and encouraging new partners to get examined before experiencing sexual intercourse, also helps to prevent transmission.

Should you think you may have any of the symptoms listed above then getting tested is really recommended. Visit the nearest health clinic or doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications. In countries including the USA and UK, all pregnant women are given a test for STDs such as chlamydia, and it is recommended that all sexually active women below the age of 25 get screened for STDs at least once a year. People who have Chlamydia may want to check out Positive Singles dating.

0