#How to Prevent Infections During Pregnancy

[spartanmemesmedical]

सर्दी-जुकाम और घरेलू उपाय

सर्दी-जुकाम एक सामान्य लेकिन कष्टदायक समस्या है जो किसी भी मौसम में हो सकती है। यह खासकर तब परेशानी का सबब बनता है जब मौसम बदलता है। सर्दी-जुकाम होने पर शरीर में कमजोरी महसूस होती है और सामान्य दिनचर्या में विघ्न डालता है। इसकी शुरुआत अक्सर नाक बहने, गले में खराश और धीरे-धीरे बुखार चढ़ने के साथ होती है।खैर, घबराने की जरूरत नहीं है क्योंकि सर्दी-जुकाम के लिए क�� कारगर घरेलू उपाय हैं जो आपको इस…

[pregnancycounselors]

Learn about UTI during early pregnancy including symptoms, potential risks and safe treatment options. Understand importance of medical care to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

[letters-to-lgbt-kids]

My dear lgbt+ kids, 

Let’s talk about miscarriages. 

First of all, a simple definition: A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends on its own before the baby can grow enough to survive outside the womb. 

When we say “miscarriage”, we refer to the pregnancy spontaneously ending in the first 20 weeks (so up until halfway through a typical 40-week pregnancy). If it happens closer to birth (after 20 weeks of pregnancy), it’s referred to as a “stillbirth”. We will focus on miscarriages rather than stillbirth in this letter.

A pregnancy spontaneously ending in an early stage is more common than it happening closer to birth. Most miscarriages happen in the first 13 weeks.

A miscarriage usually involves vaginal bleeding. It can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding. It may also include the passing of tissue or blood clots. Abdominal pain or cramps may also be present. (This is why a miscarriage that occurs before the person is even aware they’re pregnant may be confused with a heavy period). 

However, some people may only experience the lessening of pregnancy symptoms (such as a sudden stop of morning sickness) that alerts them to the miscarriage. Some miscarriages also occur without any noticeable symptoms at all and may only be discovered at the next ultrasound. 

Let’s look at some myths and facts about miscarriages: 

Myth: Miscarriages are rare. 

Fact: About 10 to 20% of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage (and the “real” number is probably even higher, since many miscarriages happen before the person even knows they are pregnant). 

Myth: Miscarriages happen because you do something wrong or aren’t careful enough. 

Fact: Most miscarriages happen because of severe problems with the unborn baby’s DNA. These are usually random genetic glitches in the egg or sperm - meaning there’s nobody to “blame”. The baby wouldn’t have survived, no matter how careful the pregnant person is. 

Myth: When we talk about “medical treatment” for a miscarriage, we are talking about people who choose to have a miscarriage. 

Fact: Nobody chooses to have a miscarriage. It’s by its very definition the spontaneous ending of a pregnancy. A person may need to undergo medically necessary treatment because of a miscarriage. It may be necessary to remove tissue that remains in the uterus. This isn’t the trigger of the miscarriage, it is done after the pregnancy already naturally ended. It is done to prevent infection or stop heavy bleeding. This procedure is called a D & C (dilation and curettage) and it can be a lifesaver!

Myth: If you had a miscarriage, it’s a sign you deep down resented the baby. 

Fact: The most wanted pregnancy ever could end in miscarriage. People who tried  for years and finally got pregnant could experience a miscarriage. People who jumped through legal hurdles and spend a lot of money to be able to undergo sperm donation or IVF could experience a miscarriage. This is just a horrible and untrue thing to say about people who experience a potentially traumatic health event that’s entirely out of their control. 

Myth: It’s easy to get over a miscarriage. 

Fact: It’s a life-changing experience. It’s always emotionally challenging. There’s the aspect of the unexpected (and potentially scary) health event, and of course there’s also the aspect of a loss, of grief. It shouldn’t be surprising that, for most people, it’s not something they can easily shrug off. There are a lot of emotions that can come up - during, right after and also months or years after. There’s no time limit on when someone will be “over it”. In fact, they may never feel “over it”, just learn to live with it as part of their reality. 

Myth: If it was an unplanned pregnancy, the person should be relieved to have a miscarriage. 

Fact: There’s no “Should” in loss. Even if they didn’t want to be pregnant, they may still grieve. Even if they do feel some relief, it may be tinged with emotional pain, frustration, feelings of helplessness or guilt… And all of that is valid. Nobody but the person who experienced the miscarriage has a right to say how they feel about it. 

Myth: If you had a miscarriage, it means you’ll never be able to have biological children. 

Fact: Nearly 90% of people who miscarry will go on to have normal pregnancies and healthy babies! 

With all my love, 

Your Tumblr Dad 

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

A new Cleveland Clinic-led study published in The EMBO Journal shows that mild and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections can trigger immune responses in a pregnant individual that may cause serious inflammatory responses in the developing fetus. The study's findings also suggest that vertical transmission of the virus from a pregnant individual to the fetus is more common than previously estimated; and that even without this transmission, a pregnant individual's immunological response to infection may impact the fetus.

Typically, healthcare providers test for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID-19, in a newborn through a nasal swab after birth. For this study, Cleveland Clinic researchers collected samples from the placenta and the fetal compartment (tissues that surround a fetus while still in utero), and then analyzed them for the presence of inflammatory markers and virus. They found higher instances of the virus in those tissues than what could be found in a traditional nasal swab, and even in the absence of a full infection they found small proteins from the virus had passed through the placenta. The researchers hope their study will help ensure pregnant individuals can rapidly and reliably receive evidence-based medical care needed during novel outbreaks and public health crises.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first began, OB/GYN Ruth Farrell, MD, and colleagues at Cleveland Clinic and other major medical centers wanted to determine the best way to prevent and manage the infection in their pregnant patients. Pregnant individuals required different medical considerations during the pandemic compared to their nonpregnant counterparts; Dr. Farrell notes that many of the prevention and treatment approaches used in non-pregnant patients either did not have enough data to use in pregnant patients or were not feasible to perform.

"During the early stages of the pandemic, there were significant delays in determining how best to prevent and treat pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection," explains Dr. Farrell, who also serves as the Vice Chair of Research for Cleveland Clinic's Obstetrics & Gynecology Institute.

Dr. Farrell worked with clinical colleagues across the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) of Northern Ohio to develop methods for examining the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant patients, including researchers from University Hospitals of Cleveland and MetroHealth Medical Center.

She then teamed up with Cleveland Clinic maternal-fetal virologists Jolin (Suan Sin) Foo, PhD and Javier (Weiqiang) Chen, PhD from the Infection Biology Program to determine how the virus impacted the immune systems of both mother and child.

When the standard-of-care COVID-19 test is used to detect the virus in newborns (nasal swabs upon birth) they only detect infections in about 2% of children whose mothers tested positive for the virus during pregnancy. However, when Drs. Chen and Foo looked at tissues that surrounded the newborns when they were still in utero-; including the amniotic fluid, chorion and umbilical cord plasma -; they detected high levels of the virus in over a quarter (26%) of study participants.

The team also found elevated immune and inflammatory responses affecting the pregnancies of about 66% of study participants. Dr. Foo had previously shown elevated levels of fetal inflammation in pregnant individuals who experience severe SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy, but few had asked whether asymptomatic or mild infections had the same effect. Now that they have their answer, however, the team were faced with even more questions.

"Even though we only saw vertical transmission of the full virus infection a quarter of the time, we saw strong immune and inflammatory responses in over two thirds of the cases," Dr. Foo says. "It was clear that even when the fetuses were not technically infected, they were still being impacted by their mothers' viral infection. But we weren't quite sure how."

Elevated levels of inflammation during pregnancy, in COVID and other conditions, can have negative impacts on the offspring long after birth. Further research can define how inflammation affects children in the long term.

Dr. Chen noted that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has a protein called ORF8 that physically resembles a human immune protein called immunoglobulin G that passes through the placenta from mother-to-fetus during development. He wondered whether the viral protein could also pass through the placenta's defenses to cause inflammation in the fetal compartment.

Drs. Foo and Chen, alongside co-first authors Tamiris Azamor, PhD and Débora Familiar-Macedo, PhD (a former and current postdoctoral researcher, respectively, in Dr. Foo's lab), were able to prove that the virus-made ORF8 did indeed pass through the placenta into the fetus. ORF8 then bound to immune proteins and "turned on" a process called the complementary immune response.

At normal levels, the complement system is a good thing during pregnancy and helps the fetus develop properly, Dr. Familiar-Macedo explains. At higher levels, the complement system can cause dangerous inflammation in a developing fetus. Lab studies supported that this immune response directly led to the elevated levels of inflammation seen in the fetuses of pregnant patients infected with the SARS CoV-2 virus.

"Our findings challenge the currently accepted definition of vertical transmission, or what it means to transmit an infection from mother-to-fetus," Dr. Chen says. "We have shown that it is indeed possible for only a small part of a virus to slip through and affect a pregnancy."

Dr. Foo adds that she hopes her team's findings will serve as guidance for healthcare practitioners, researchers and policymakers alike on further research into vertical transmission and long-term care.

"We've shown that the misconception that uninfected babies born from infected mothers are fine, is sometimes just that: a misconception," she says. "Pregnancy is such a vulnerable nine-month period where any change from the norm can cause long-term impacts on the baby, so we need to work more closely with these individuals to understand their unique healthcare needs during public health crises. It's the only way to make sure they receive the care they need."

Source: Cleveland Clinic

Journal reference: Azamor, T., et al. (2024). Transplacental SARS-CoV-2 protein ORF8 binds to complement C1q to trigger fetal inflammation. The EMBO Journal. doi.org/10.1038/s44318-024-00260-9. www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44318-024-00260-9

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Premature birth rate above global average in Brazil

The commonly cited "nine months" of pregnancy oversimplifies a much more complex process: human gestation lasts about 40 weeks, with a "full-term" pregnancy considered to be between 37 and 42 weeks. However, in 2023, nearly 12 percent of births in Brazil occurred before reaching this milestone, totaling around 300,000 premature babies. These infants face varying health risks, depending on how early they were born. Brazil not only exceeds the global average of around 10 percent but is also one of the top ten countries with the highest number of premature births annually.

According to Denise Suguitani, executive director of the Brazilian Association of Parents, Families, Friends, and Carers of Premature Babies, most of these cases are preventable. She explains, "In Brazil, these rates are closely linked to social factors, including access to healthcare and education. Adolescent pregnancy, for instance, is a risk factor for premature birth because the girl’s body is not yet fully prepared. On the other hand, a planned pregnancy is less likely to result in premature birth, making family planning crucial. And, of course, access to prenatal care is essential. It’s not just the number of appointments that matters, but the quality of care and the information provided."

Obstetrician Joeline Cerqueira, a member of the Prenatal Care Commission of the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo), highlights some conditions that can be detected and treated during prenatal care to prevent premature birth and other complications. She explains, "Infections, premature rupture of the amniotic sac, and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are among the leading causes of premature birth."

Continue reading.

[ukrfeminism]

Some period pants sold by high street retailers contain high levels of silver that could have health and environmental implications for consumers, an investigation has found.

Silver is used as an antimicrobial agent and is typically added to period pants to combat user concerns about smell and hygiene.

However, scientists have increasingly warned about the potential health effects. The US Food and Drug Administration found that nanosilver can kill lactobacillus, the healthy bacteria in the vagina that help fight off infection. This can put period pant users more at risk of harmful bacteria, potentially leading to an increased risk of bacterial infections and pregnancy complications.

Natalie Hitchins, the head of home products and services at Which?, said: “Consumers should be cautious buying period pants which contain silver as experts have concerns about the health implications.

“Which? believes brands should also clearly state which products contain silver so shoppers can make informed decisions about what they are buying and the possible risks.”

The consumer rights group worked with an Italian consumer organisation, Altroconsumo, to independently test popular brands and check if they contained any chemicals of concern. They were worried to find that some products contained significant levels of silver, and this was not always made clear on the packaging.

Intima by Bodyform and pants by Marks & Spencer in particular contained notably more silver than other brands, at 126.7mg/kg and 57.8mg/kg respectively. Other brands contained 8.3mg/kg, 7.4mg/kg, and 0.9mg/kg.

Essity, the owner of Bodyform and Modibodi, said silver copper zeolite was used to “prevent odour when wearing the pants for up to 12 hours”. It added that all of its “washable underwear is certified according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means that every single component has been tested for harmful substances” and “that the underwear has been designated as harmless for human health”. An M&S Spokesperson said: “We do not use either nano silver or silver zeolite and, like many brands, use a small amount of silver chloride in the middle part of the gusset – away from the skin – which is perfectly safe, approved by the UK and EU, and designed to combat odour.”

Which? said it believed the use of silver was unnecessary and that previous testing by Altroconsumo had shown that textile items treated in this way did not have the promised antimicrobial properties.

The European Chemicals Agency says silver treatments, such as nanosilver and silver zeolite, are toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

The tests Which? carried out can detect any silver above 0.1mg/kg, and it found none in Primark, Repeat, Wuka, Lovable and Sloggi pants. Sloggi’s website says it does use a silver-based antimicrobial, and Primark says it uses Micro-Fresh, which contains silver chloride.

A Primark spokesperson said: “The nature of period pants means there is a potential for odour to develop during wear (in the same way that bacteria can cause socks and shoes to develop odours during wear) and our antimicrobial finish minimises such odours.”

Sloggi did not reply to Which? at the time of publication.

There are no legal limits in the UK about how much silver can be added to period pants. Manufacturers do not have to declare the presence of silver on their packaging or website.

[whatifyoulivelikethat]

Which member would like to go raw and cum inside everytime?

I want to be very clear on this - personal pleasure is not to be at the expense of lifelong consequences.

Do not allow someone to convince you that your mental and physical health are less important than them getting off.

I know this is meant to be a fun question, however this stuff is important to me. Does it feel better for the dick? Always. I won't lie about that. But there are also very real risks for the receiver that need to be taken into consideration. For those of us concerned about pregnancy, selecting your type of birth control should be dependent on how it affects only you. There's a reason all of them come with many warnings of physical and mental side effects. And even if preventing pregnancy is not a concern, you are trusting the other person with your general physical health. Sexually transmitted infections can be acute (temporary) or chronic (rest of your life).

Sex is also a physical act that some use as a mental weapon. Potential psychological manipulation at play that may be too nuanced for you to pick up on during an emotionally charged situation. Even small comments said without much thought can have lasting effects.

Please think deeply about what you are doing for what could possibly be fleeting pleasure.

Who would like it raw? They all would. And every single one of them should also be responsible and mature enough to have discussions with their partner about whether or not that is appropriate to do with before doing it.

To be honest, I have trouble believing that sex feels that much different for the receiver. More likely it is knowing that it is raw that is more arousing than an actual physical difference. It is not different for me. I feel everything. Sometimes, the lubed condom is preferred if I want the instant plunge in with little prep. The clean up is so much easier too. The latex scent is different than the cum scent that comes out of you. You'll notice. Condoms are also made very well nowdays. There are so many more options compared to when I was first having sex. There's non-latex ones if needed. You can get incredibly thin ones that don't break even with rough sex. There are also many options for additional ridges if that's something you're into. There are also the less effective spermicides and such. It is true that the one with the dick feels less. But also they might want to consider how long they want to last. Sure, it might feel better, but if it feels better? Then they cum faster. If you're a one and done, well, that could be embarrassing.

I am asking you to think about what you're doing before you do it. Stand firm on your boundaries. Don't let someone else ruin your health and happiness. Ruin it yourself! Ahem.

Sorry about the rant. I can't bring myself to take this at face value. There are too many truths of people being coerced into having unprotected sex simply because it "feels better" and I hate that.

[zhi-bde]

Canada recently issued a travel advisory following the emergence of the Oropouche virus, also known as the 'sloth virus', transmitted through flying insect bites, causing outbreaks in Cuba and South America. Below is an explanation of what the virus is and how it spreads.

Written by Cameron Webb, University of Sydney and Andrew van den Hurk, The University of Queensland

International authorities are issuing warnings about “sloth fever”. Despite the name, it’s not contracted via contact with sloths. Rather, you should avoid contact with mosquitoes and biting midges.

So how can Canadians protect themselves from sloth fever when travelling to South and Central America? And how does “sloth fever” compare with other mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika?

What is ‘sloth fever’?

Sloth fever is caused by Oropouche virus and is formally known as Oropouche virus disease or Oropouche fever.

The virus is an orthobunyavirus. So it’s from a different family of viruses to the flaviviruses (which includes dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses) and alphaviruses (chikungunya, Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses).

Oropouche virus was first identified in 1955. It takes its name from a village in Trinidad and Tobago, where the person who it was first isolated from lived.

Symptoms include fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash. This makes it difficult to distinguish it from other viral infections. Around 60% of people infected with the virus become ill.

There is no specific treatment and most people recover in less than one month.

However, serious symptoms, including encephalitis and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) have occasionally been reported.

What’s happening with this latest outbreak?

In July, the Pan American Health Organization issued a warning after two women from northeastern Brazil died following infection with Oropouche virus, the first fatalities linked to this virus.

There has also been one fetal death, one miscarriage and four cases of newborns with microcephaly, a condition characterized by an abnormally small head, where infection during pregnancy occurred. The situation is reminiscent of the Zika outbreak in 2015–16.

Oropouche had historically been a significant concern in the Americas. However, the illness had slipped in importance following successive outbreaks of chikungunya and Zika from 2013 to 2016, and more recently, dengue.

How is Oropouche virus spread?

Oropouche virus has not been well studied compared to other insect-borne pathogens. We still don’t fully understand how the virus spreads.

The virus is primarily transmitted by blood-feeding insects, particularly biting midges (especially Culicoides paraensis) and mosquitoes (potentially a number of Aedes, Coquillettidia, and Culex species).

We think the virus circulates in forested areas with non-human primates, sloths and birds as the main suspected hosts. During urban outbreaks, humans are carrying the virus and blood-feeding insects then go on to infect other people.

The involvement of biting midges (blood sucking insects mistakenly known as “sandflies”) makes the transmission cycle of Oropouche virus a little different to those only spread by mosquitoes. The types of insects spreading the virus may also differ between forested and urban areas.

Why is Oropouche virus on the rise?

The United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a warning about rising cases of Oropouche in the Americas. Cases are rising outside areas where it was previously found, such as the Amazon basin, which has authorities concerned.

More than 8,000 cases of disease have been reported from countries including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba (as of August 21, 2024).

Cases of travellers acquiring infection in Cuba and Brazil have been reported on return to Europe and North America, respectively. On September 3, the Government of Canada issued a health advisory for international travellers after several travel-related cases of Oropouche were reported internationally, the majority of which were in travellers returning from Cuba.

While a changing climate, deforestation and increased movement of people may partly explain the increase and geographic spread of the virus, something more may be at play.

Oropouche virus appears to have a greater potential for genomic reassortment. This means the evolution of the virus may happen faster than other viruses, potentially leading to more significant disease or increased transmissibility.

Areas in South America with reported cases of Oropouche as of September 4, 2024 (Source: CDC)

What can travellers do to protect themselves?

There are no vaccines or specific treatments available for Oropouche virus.

If you’re travelling to countries in South and Central America, take steps to avoid mosquito and biting midge bites.

Mosquito repellents containing diethytoluamide (DEET), picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus have been shown to be effective in reducing mosquito bites, and are expected to work against biting midge bites too.

Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered shoes will further reduce the risk.

Sleeping and resting under insecticide-treated mosquito bed nets will help, but much finer mesh nets are required as biting midges are much smaller than mosquitoes.

Although no specific warnings have been issued by Canadian authorities, the CDC and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have warned that pregnant travellers should discuss travel plans and potential risks with their health-care professional.

[creatrix-codex]

Let's take a quick look at some of the body parts that women need to be acquainted with.

Here's a detailed illustration, lest you think the female reproductive system is some damn easy bake oven. But we're starting with the basics!

Bartholin's Glands: These are located on either side of the vaginal canal and emit mucus that ranges from almost watery to thick and gooey depending on the need. This mucus combines with the plasma produced by the vaginal walls during arousal. The mucus from the Bartholin's gland is acidic, ranging from 3.8-4.5 on the pH scale (7.0 is neutral).

Cervix: The cervix functions as a gate between the vagina and uterus. It is a deceptively small part of the system when "inactive" but it can dilate significantly to accommodate a fetus. While something inserted into the vagina may touch the outer opening of the cervix, the cervix sits closed most of the time, so you're at no risk of losing a tampon. The cervix opens a little bit during ovulation, menstruation, and childbirth.

Clitoris: Research into the functions of the clitoris has been extremely limited. It has both an internal and external aspect, with the external being located above the urethra, and the internal wrapping around either side of the vagina. The only known function is arousal and sexual stimulation, which also improves fertility.

Fallopian Tubes: The fallopian tubes catch eggs released during ovulation and hold them in the ampulla until the egg is either fertilized - when the then-zygote is sent into the uterus to attach - or not, and released during menstruation.

Labia Majora: The external set of labia is called the labia majora. The labia majora functions to protect the rest of the vulva, the urethra, and the vagina. The labia majora typically swells with blood and slightly parts during arousal.

Labia Minora: The labia minora are the small, inner set of skin folds going from the clitoris to the bottom of the vaginal opening. Like the labia majora, their role is to protect everything encased in them. Unlike with labia majora, it isn't common to grow hair on the labia minora, which may cause discomfort and ingrown hair, leading to infection risks.

Ovaries: Ovaries are small round-ish sacs that contain eggs, the female half of the human gamete. Every month, a new egg drops out of the ovaries and floats (hopefully) to the fallopian tubes. Ovaries aren't attached to the fallopian tubes, so sometimes the eggs just get released into the abdominal cavity. During sex, sperm typically also ends up in the abdominal cavity, and that's how we get extrauterine pregnancies (ectopic pregnancy). Even without a uterus or fallopian tubes, a woman with even just one ovary can still experience pregnancy. Ovaries are also one of the biggest hormone controlling mechanisms in the female body.

Pubic Hair: Beginning at the start of puberty, girls develop pubic hair. By womanhood, this hair typically comes from the pelvis all the way down, covering the labia majora, extending onto the inner thighs, and down and back over the perineum and up around the anus. Pubic hair is there to help us keep clean. Typically the texture is springy, coarse, and curled. This helps prevent detritus from reaching the inner labia and vagina, which can cause irritation and infection. Pubic hair also wicks sweat and moisture away from the vulva. This is a very important function as the vagina and vulva are typically a little wet, due to discharge, and that moisture needs to be removed as it is replaced.

Skene's Glands: Located on either side and slightly under the urethra, these glands can release an "ultrafiltrate" of blood plasma, but typically only during (a really good) orgasm in a phenomenon known as female ejaculation/squirting/gushing. This is not urine. Fun fact: The fluid from Skene's glands is sweet, and has a very high concentration of both glucose and fructose.

Uterus: The uterus is an interesting and multi-purpose structure. Most commonly referenced, the uterus holds a fetus, develops the placenta, and does most of the work in reproduction. However, the uterus also serves as a "weight bearing" organ helping to define and maintain the structure of the abdominal cavity. Newer research is also indicating that the uterus plays an important part in hormone control, and overall health - for example, a hysterectomy increases your chance of developing dementia later in life.

Vagina: The vagina is a tube-like muscle organ that connects up to the cervix. When 'at rest' the vagina is quite short, but when a woman is aroused it lengthens. (Average vagina depth directly correlates to average penis length within a group - if the average penis length is 4-5 inches, the average vaginal depth when aroused is 4-5 inches.) As it's made of muscle, the vagina is highly maneuverable and can be clenched and released whether to increase pleasure during stimulation, or to help push a baby out.

Vulva: The external portion of the female reproductive system, comprising of the labia majora, labia minora, vaginal opening, clitoris, urethra, and associated glands. Everything you can see is the vulva. (|i|) << all vulva.

[yeowangies]

you ask raditz to wear a condom and he’s like.. a what? once you explain it to him he thinks you’re fucking with him like i gotta wrap my dick in something? doesn’t say no but is just… confused… lol 💜

"You want me to wear a what?" Raditz is looking at you, confused and a little annoyed, and it's hilarious.

"A condom."

"The hell is that? A costume?"

"No." You laugh, covering your mouth in amusement. "It's, uh... something made of latex to put on your... penis."

"Is it like a kinky thing?" His eyebrow raises high in his forehead, before his grin turns mischievous.

This is not going how you expected.

"No, no! God... It's for protection!"

"Protection?"

"Yes! It prevents pregnancy and infections and-"

"You're fucking with me, aren't you?"

You bury your face in your hands and groan. Luckily he hasn't lost his erection during your definitely not at all explanatory description.

But after Bulma got pregnant in what could only be a case of incredibly bad luck, you just had to be careful. It's a miracle you haven't gotten pregnant yet.

"I'm not, it's literally a rubber 'coat' you put on your dick."

"I know you must be making this up." Raditz points an accusatory finger at you, and you jolt, surprised. "I gotta put something on my cock? And it's not kinky at all?"

"It's not, it's-" You stop in your tracks, an idea popping in your head. A bad idea but might as well. "You know what? It's definitely kinky. Totally like a cock ring."

"The fuck is a cock ring?"

"It's... I'll show you. Some other time."

[hes-striker]

How bad are strikers injuries??

Bunny: Striker’s injuries are serious but not quite life-threatening

1. Stab Wound (Shoulder): This is one of the worst injuries. It’s deep, still bleeding, and will need stitches to prevent infection. It’s also left him with reduced mobility and pain in his left arm, which could take weeks to fully heal.

2. Burns: Striker has fresh burns on parts of his chest and arms, sustained from his recent job. The burns are severe enough that they’ll scar even after they heal, adding to the permanent marks on his body. These will require frequent dressing changes and, ideally, some kind of ointment to prevent infection and help with pain. Not to mention the cattle prod burns around his neck.

3. Internal Injuries: From the beating he took, Striker likely has bruised ribs and may even have a minor fracture. This would explain his labored breathing and general stiffness. He’ll need to take it easy with any heavy lifting or strenuous activity.

4. Broken/Loose Teeth: A couple of his fangs were knocked out or loosened during the fight. He’s experiencing pain and sensitivity in his mouth, which makes eating difficult and increases his risk of infection.

With these injuries on top of his pregnancy, Striker’s body is under serious strain. Without proper rest and care, he could face complications in his recovery or even his pregnancy.

[naughtypuppyprince]

Everything about gynecologist visit

A woman going to a gynecologist office

Many women may feel anxious or nervous about visiting a gynecologist for the first time, but it is an important step for their health and well-being. A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women's reproductive health, including the vagina, uterus, ovaries, and breasts. A gynecologist can perform routine exams, screenings, tests, and treatments for various conditions and concerns.

Here are some things to know before going to a gynecologist office:

- When to go: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15. This visit is usually an opportunity to get to know the doctor, ask questions, and learn about preventive care. After that, women should see their gynecologist at least once a year for a well-woman exam, which may include a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, a breast exam, and other tests depending on their age and risk factors. Women should also see their gynecologist if they have any symptoms or concerns related to their reproductive health, such as abnormal bleeding, pain, discharge, infection, contraception, pregnancy, menopause, or sexual health.

- How to prepare: Before going to a gynecologist office, women should make a list of any questions or concerns they have for the doctor. They should also review their medical history, family history, medications, allergies, and sexual history. They should avoid having sex, douching, or using tampons or vaginal products for 24 hours before the visit. They should wear comfortable clothes and underwear that are easy to remove. They should also bring their insurance card and identification.

- What to expect: During the visit, the gynecologist will ask about the woman's health history, menstrual cycle, sexual activity, contraception, and any symptoms or problems she may have. The gynecologist will then perform a physical exam, which may include checking the woman's weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and abdomen. The gynecologist may also perform a pelvic exam, which involves inserting a speculum into the vagina to look at the cervix and take samples for testing. The gynecologist may also insert one or two fingers into the vagina and press on the abdomen to feel the uterus and ovaries. The pelvic exam may cause some discomfort or pressure, but it should not be painful. The gynecologist may also perform a breast exam by feeling the breasts and underarms for any lumps or changes. The gynecologist will then discuss the results of the exam and tests with the woman and provide any recommendations or treatments. The woman can ask any questions or express any concerns she may have at this time.

- How to follow up: After the visit, the woman should follow any instructions or prescriptions given by the gynecologist. She should also contact the office if she has any questions or problems or if she does not receive her test results within a reasonable time. She should also schedule her next appointment as recommended by the gynecologist.

Going to a gynecologist office is an essential part of taking care of one's reproductive health. By knowing what to expect and how to prepare, women can have a positive and productive experience with their gynecologist.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Today in 'too little, too late'

Also preserved on our archive

It's frustrating how this is being billed as a preemptive measure when covid wastewater levels have been high or very high since at least June. Better than nothing, but we should demand better than "better than nothing."

by PK Hattis

SANTA CRUZ — In anticipation of respiratory virus levels spiking during the coming fall and winter months, Santa Cruz County’s top public health official issued a protective order Wednesday that will take effect in a few weeks.

County Health Officer Lisa Hernandez declared that, starting Nov. 1, masks will be required among all visitors and personnel working in local acute care facilities, nursing facilities, surgical and maternity centers and infusion centers — including dialysis and chemotherapy — to tamp down the spread of respiratory viruses among vulnerable communities and the general population.

The three familiar culprits — influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and COVID-19 — have been known to spread widely during the colder months and this year is not expected to be any different, carrying potential for serious consequences.

“These respiratory viruses can lead to severe illness especially among certain groups such as infants, older adults, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system,” Hernandez said in the release. “This Order is issued to curb the spread of these viruses to vulnerable populations and minimize the risk of severe illness and death.”

The order applies to all health care personnel and visitors regardless of vaccination status and masks must be worn at all times while indoors and conducting direct patient care or while visiting patient care areas.

Still, that doesn’t mean vaccines should be ignored. In fact, quite the opposite, the release noted. Vaccination remains the best way to protect individuals from infection, hospitalization or death from COVID-19 and influenza while also reducing the risk of spreading the viruses to others, according to the release. The updated recipe for the COVID vaccine was given final approval for release last month by national health authorities and doses have since become available at local health care providers and pharmacies across the county. Community members can reach out to their primary care provider or a pharmacy at a local Safeway, Walgreens or CVS, among others, for scheduling and availability.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also recommended that adults 75 years and older receive the RSV vaccine as well as individuals 60 years and older who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness. The RSV vaccine is also recommended for pregnant people between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy.

When it comes to COVID specifically, public health preparations for the long winter ahead come on the heels of a busy summer season of infections. According to the county’s COVID tracker, the virus was actively spreading in the community from about mid-April to early August. Wastewater and other data models indicate virus levels have continued to drop ever since.

[beyondthebloodsugar]

Understanding the Different Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body makes or uses insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. There are different types of diabetes, each with its own unique characteristics.

Type 1 Diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body cannot make insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood or adolescence, but it can also begin in adults.  

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes:

Frequent urination

Excessive thirst

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue

Blurred vision

Slow-healing wounds

Irritability or mood swings

Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin to meet the body's needs. This leads to high blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors like obesity, physical inactivity, and a poor diet.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes:

Frequent urination

Excessive thirst

Fatigue

Blurred vision

Slow-healing wounds

Infections

Darkening of the skin

Gestational Diabetes:

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in women who didn't have diabetes before. It's caused by hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy, which can interfere with insulin production or sensitivity. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.  

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes:

Frequent urination

Excessive thirst

Fatigue

Blurred vision

Weight gain

Other Types of Diabetes:

While Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes are the most common, there are other less common types:

Type 3c Diabetes: This type is caused by damage to the pancreas, often due to pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery.

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY): This is a genetic form of diabetes that typically develops in young adults.

Secondary Diabetes: This can be caused by other underlying conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome or hormonal imbalances.

Managing Diabetes:

Managing diabetes involves maintaining blood sugar levels within a target range through a combination of diet, exercise, medication, and regular monitoring. People with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of diabetes is essential for effective management and prevention. If you have concerns about your risk of diabetes or are experiencing any of the symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

[rmlpathology]

Understanding Different Types of Diabetes and Their Impact on the Body

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It disrupts the body's ability to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels, leading to serious health complications if not managed properly. There are several types of diabetes, each with unique characteristics and impacts on the body. This article will explore the different types of diabetes, how they affect the body, and the tests provided by RML Pathology to diagnose and manage this condition.

1. Type 1 Diabetes

Description:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production, which is essential for regulating blood sugar levels.

Impact on the Body:

Requires lifelong insulin therapy.

Increases the risk of complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening condition.

Long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, kidney damage (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and vision problems (retinopathy).

Can cause frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, and irritability.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Description:

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise significantly contribute to its development.

Impact on the Body:

Often managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

Can lead to complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, and nerve damage.

Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections.

3. Gestational Diabetes

Description:

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased needs. It usually resolves after childbirth but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Impact on the Body:

Can cause high blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia).

Increases the risk of having a large baby, leading to complications during delivery.

May result in low blood sugar levels in the newborn and a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the child later in life.

4. Prediabetes

Description:

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It is a critical stage for intervention to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.

Impact on the Body:

Often reversible with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

Increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Symptoms are often absent or mild, making regular screening important.

Tests Provided by RML Pathology

RML Pathology offers a comprehensive range of tests to diagnose and manage diabetes effectively. These include:

Fasting Blood Glucose Test:

Measures blood sugar levels after fasting for at least 8 hours.

Helps diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.

HbA1c Test:

Provides an average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.

Used to diagnose diabetes and monitor long-term glucose control.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

Measures the body's response to a glucose solution.

Commonly used to diagnose gestational diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Test:

Measures blood sugar levels at any time of the day.

Useful for diagnosing diabetes when symptoms are present.

Gestational Diabetes Test:

Specifically designed for pregnant women to detect gestational diabetes.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of diabetes and their impact on the body is crucial for effective management and prevention. Regular testing and early detection play a vital role in managing diabetes and preventing complications. RML Pathology provides a wide range of diagnostic tests to help you monitor and manage your diabetes effectively. If you have any symptoms or risk factors for diabetes, consider visiting RML Pathology for a comprehensive evaluation.

Contact RML Pathology Today:

📞 7991602001, 7991602002 📞 0522-4034100 🌐 www.rmlpathology.com

Experience the best in diagnostics with RML Pathology – where your health is our priority.

[coochiequeens]

Hey CNN how about a story mentioning the men spreading STIs?

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle/Getty ImagesCNN — 

The Houston Health Department has reported a syphilis outbreak, with an increase of 128% among women in the city, and a ninefold increase in congenital cases in Houston and the surrounding Harris County area since 2019.

Rates of congenital syphilis are skyrocketing in the US. Here's why

Health officials announced the outbreak in a Thursday news release.

According to the department, new infections rose by 57% from 2019 to 2022. There were 2,905 new infections in 2022, compared to 1,845 new infections in 2019.

There were 674 cases among women in 2022, a steep increase from 295 cases in 2019, according to the release. And there were 151 cases of congenital syphilis in 2021, the latest year for which statistics are available, compared to just 16 cases in 2016.

Congenital syphilis happens when a pregnant person passes the bacterial infection to their baby in the womb. Untreated congenital syphilis can lead to stillbirth or damage the baby’s organs or bones.

“It is crucial for pregnant women to seek prenatal care and syphilis testing to protect themselves from an infection that could result in the deaths of their babies,” said Marlene McNeese Ward, deputy assistant director in the Houston Health department’s Bureau of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention, in the news release. ���A pregnant woman needs to get tested for syphilis three times during her pregnancy.”

Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis at their initial prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and at delivery, according to the release.

The health department is waiving all clinical fees for sexually transmitted infections at its health centers, according to the release.

Additionally, the department “will expand the use of its HIV/STD mobile clinic to increase the number of community screening sites and set up in areas considered hot spots, selected from disease monitoring and case management data,” the release said.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection commonly spread through sexual contact. The disease usually starts with a painless sore on the genitals or mouth – direct contact with the sores spreads the infection.

When it’s caught early on, syphilis is easily treatable with antibiotics. But without treatment, the infection can lie dormant in the body for years or even decades before attacking the brain, nerves, eyes, and other organs. It can cause deafness, blindness, and death.

Congenital syphilis has skyrocketed across the US, particularly in the South and Southwest. Infections in newborns have risen about 700% across the country over the past decade, a CDC official previously told CNN. Experts attributed the rise to a combination of factors including lack of public funding for sexual health programs, a shortage of qualified personnel, and uneven coverage for screening by Medicaid.

Because syphilis in its early stages may not have obvious symptoms, pregnant people and their health care providers might not notice it or screen for it at all.