#treat urinary tract infections

[healthwelnes]

🍒 CRANBERRY: The Natural Secret to Women's Urinary Health🌿

Welcome to Health & Wellness! Today, we're going to delve into an essential topic: urinary health. And to do so, we're going to discover how Cranberry, a fruit rich in nutrients and with incredible properties, can be a powerful ally for your well-being.

Let's explore all the benefits it can offer!

Did you know that more than 50% of women experience urinary discomfort at some point in their lives? In this video, we talk about the power of the cranberry, a fruit rich in proanthocyanidins, which helps fight urinary infections by preventing the adhesion of the bacteria E. coli in the urinary tract.

Scientific studies show that regular cranberry consumption can reduce the risk of infections by up to 40%, especially in women over 40.

Learn more about how cranberries can strengthen your urinary health and how they can be incorporated into your routine, whether in the form of juices, capsules or products such as the *FemiPro* supplement. For those who want to know more about the studies mentioned, check out the links to the scientific sources here in the description.

🔴 Did you like the content? Don't forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel and leave suggestions for topics you'd like to see here in the comments!

References and Scientific Sources:

1.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology: (https://www.ajog.org/)

2. Journal of Urology: (https://www.auajournals.org/journal/juro)

3. Journal of Natural Products: (https://pubs.acs.org/journal/jnprdf).

#Cranberry #UrinaryHealth #Women'sHealth #FemiPro #NaturalCare #uti #urinarytractinfection #urinaryhealth #utiprevention #naturalremedies #bladderhealth #Women'sUrinaryHealth #cranberrybenefits #cranberrysupplement #UrinaryInfectionWomen #UrinaryIncontinence #FemaleUrinaryIncontinence #urinaryincontinenceinwomen #Urineleakage #cranberrysupplement, #female urinaryincontinencehometreatment #femaleurinaryincontinencehowtotreat #femaleurinaryincontinencenaturaltreatment

[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.

[nuhospitals24]

Hospital Treating Urinary Tract Infection for Men | NU Hospitals

Urinary incontinence is a condition where an individual loses control over their bladder, leading to uncontrolled urine leakage. Commonly occurring conditions often create embarrassing moments for those who are affected, including all ages and genders. NU Hospitals offers expertise treatment for Urinary Tract Infection for Men.

[drdemonprince]

I grew up with abstinence-only sex education, and it did a real number on me. But I’ve shaken off enough of my old cultural programming to realize that the transmission of bacteria and viruses is a thing that sometimes just happens when animals come together, no matter how stringently we might try to prevent it.

I have gotten urinary tract infections when a stray microbe found its way into my urethra after sex. Lube and bodily fluids have disturbed my vagina’s pH and caused a yeast infection many times. So has wearing a bathing suit for too long without drying it, yet another “risk” worth the pleasures of swimming along the sea wall.

Once or twice I’ve had an outbreak of cold sores, just like 80% of humans. If I’m like most people, I probably caught oral herpes when I was very young, sharing a sippy cup or rolling around at a sleepover.

None of this makes me disgusting, irresponsible, evil, or dangerous to others. It just makes me a living creature that exists in close contact with other creatures. I believe I have a responsibility to get tested regularly, to alert people who have been close to me when I get sick, and to use preventative measures like condoms, PreP, vaccines, toys, and masks to prevent the spread of infections as best I can. But I never imagine I can lead a life without risk — or that such a life would even be desirable.

There is no such thing as completely “safe” sex. A friend of mine can’t use condoms because they give her bacterial vaginosis. She chooses instead to fuck raw and take PreP and get anything else she catches treated. A guy I know who masks and tests religiously caught COVID while fisting someone (with a gloved hand!) at an air-filtered party. HPV is so prevalent that most sexual wellness clinics don’t bother testing for it, and can’t do much for a patient if they do have it. Our bodies are teeming at all times with various endemic viruses and microbes that we will never have the power to purge.

Then there are the possible costs of not having sex — vaginal atrophy, pelvic floor weakening, reduced access to endorphins, loneliness, touch starvation, the despair of harboring dreams that one never dares try. I can’t decide for anyone else which dangers loom the largest, but for me a gonorrhea shot is a fair trade for the hours of leg-cramping, bed-staining, hypno-kinky sex that led to it. There’s no guarantee that the next time I have sex it will be anywhere near as much fun, but the potential keeps me throwing the dice.

I hear quite frequently from sexually inexperienced Autistic people who crave an intimate connection, but desperately wish to remain responsible and “safe.” They want there to be a set of iron-tight rules they can follow that will guarantee they remain a virtuous person who never hurts anyone’s feelings, and never catches any sexually transmitted infection.

I understand why they want someone to impose order onto an unpredictable, terrifying world. But I can’t give that certainty to them, nor can anyone. All I can suggest is that they be honest with themselves about what they want, inform themselves of the costs and benefits to pursuing their desires, and then venture forward — proudly welcoming the correct risks into their life, rather than trying to avoid any risks at all.

Life is nothing but a negotiation of risk. If a person has gender dysphoria and they want to combat it, they must risk a transition they could one day regret. If an abolitionist wants to take a stand against the police state, they must plan for the possibility of arrest or political repression. When we open our hearts to love, we expose ourselves to grief — our partners will keep changing and growing, sometimes away from us. Each step that we take forward in life closes off potential paths. There is no avoiding this.

Instead of chasing after the false promise of “safety,” trying to remain completely insulated from harm and challenge forever, we must get better at admitting risk into our lives.

I wrote about all about the messy business of risk mitigation, and how the pursuit of perfect safety is used to justify isolation, theft of bodily autonomy, and political repression. It's free to read (or have narrated to you by the app!) at drdevonprice.substack.com

[erikftglitter]

Ch 11 | The Piteous Life of Dr. Stevens' New Wife

Killmonger AU

Created By: Erikftglitter

While Erik did have a time with his newly appointed girlfriend, the doctor was also quite relieved to be back at work. Being a surgeon was one of the only things that grounded Erik. Not to mention that that he is now solely responsible for Kari’s lifestyle. He’s not so sure if she’s realized that yet. The screen in front of him interrupted his thoughts.

The urine sample from Dr. Stevens’ patient pleased Erik. The poor man had a horrible urinary tract infection, which sent his kidneys into a frenzy. He could treat this and send the man to urology. This was not his area of expertise, though he was pretty sure that he could guess the diagnosis.

“Thank you Doctor.” The man’s wife offered Erik a grateful smile. She was definitely more than halfway through her pregnancy, her skin maintaining a radiant glow. The more that she talked, the more that Erik began to feel uneasy.

“We’re just happy that we’re finally getting some assistance with this. He’s been in so much pain and between the emergency room visits, and the baby-“

Erik tuned her out. He knew how to appear to be present even if he wasn’t. It had been a few weeks since he and Kari began having sex and he couldn’t ignore the fact that something didn’t add up.

Assuming Kari’s uterus is just as functional as this woman’s, she should be pregnant with his child right now.

Relax.

He wanted to. He was rarely agitated at work. He worked very hard to create his calm facade and needed to maintain it. He had no choice but to let his thoughts flow for the next few hours.

//

“Kari.” Erik called out very carefully when finally he stepped into the condo. Kari was standing in kitchen looking over a pot.

“I’m making pot roast.” She beamed. Erik would’ve been entertained if it wasn’t for the thoughts that accompanied his mind. He could hardly ignore it and he wanted to ask her when he could monitor her body language. Kari was not a good liar.

“Mhmm. When was your last period?” Erik asked, completely unfazed by Kari’s statement. He watched as Kari looked down at the pot and remained silent for a few moments.

“Last month.” She answered with a sigh. She thought that she had won when Erik didn’t mention it. She thought that he left it up to her to handle when he didn’t explicitly mention it.

“Right. Is that normal for you?” Erik asked as he walked closer. Kari’s calm demeanor could mean a couple of things to him.

“Well I’m on birth control so yeah.” Kari explained, her body started to warm up by both the burner and the gaze of the doctor. Erik could read her subtle body language very easily.

“Mhmm. And you were on birth control when I nutted in that pussy the first time?” Erik asked. His body now completely behind Kari’s, his words echoing right into her ear.

“N-no. I um got on afterwards because we didn’t t-talk about what to do about it.” Kari could barely get her words out without feeling intimidated. She felt stupid. It was her decision too. Most of her money covered the maintenance of her home and her car expenses. She wasn’t ready to bring a child into the world. Sure Erik was loaded, but she wanted to be able to contribute. Erik hadn’t even mentioned kids.

Erik’s not sure how he feels. Part of him is relieved that he didn’t create a child out of wedlock, but part of him longed for seeing Kari pregnant. How beautiful she’d be. It would be easier for Erik to deny her the ability to work ever again. Erik loved that. However, there was something confusing about this story.

“If you got on birth control afterwards, how are you not carrying my baby now Kari?” Kari almost hated when he called her that. She was almost in trouble each time that he used her name and it made her anxious.

“I took a contraceptive pill the next day.” Kari revealed gently. She felt guilty but she knew that it necessary. They were not established enough to be having a child.

“I would’ve gone to get it for you Kari. Why didn’t you ask?” Once logic touched Erik he knew that she had done the right thing. He would get her pregnant, no doubt about it, but he’d do it right.

Kari’s eyes began to fill with tears. She was very used to figuring out everything on her own. It was hard for her to understand that Erik was here for her. Erik paid for everything. The only reason why Kari still works is because she loves her job.

Erik reached over Kari and turned the burner off. He softly pushed her to the direction of the couch. He sat down first and Kari knew what to do next. This was their dynamic. Erik would lead and Kari would follow. Just as he liked it.

“What do you think this is Kitten?” Erik trailed his hands up Kari’s thighs. “You and me?” He added, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. He wasn’t always gentle but Kari required delicacy. This was definitely one of those times.

“You’re my man?” Kari practically whispered from her place in his lap.

“Right.” Erik encouraged. “And remind me, what is Kari’s job?” Erik inquired. The two had a clear understanding of what Kari was to do.

“To come to you about everything.” Kari replied. It was much easier said than done if Kari was being honest.

“Then why do you shut me out kitten?” Erik’s tone was much softer than Kari expected. The contraceptive pill was the cherry on top of Kari’s avoidant behavior. He knew that he looked like the big bad scary dom for making Kari move in so suddenly, but times like these reminded him that he was doing the right thing.

A woman like Kari wasn’t supposed to be left to figure it out alone. She worked with condescending women that longed for Kari’s freedom and she was consistently being taken advantage of. All of the administration roles were slowly being forwarded to Kari and she found herself caring more than anyone else.

While Erik was in no position to tell Kari to quit, especially when he knows that she loves her students, he really hated seeing the girl frowned up by her computer most nights. The only way he could pry her away from the technological abuse was by leaving small kisses on her neck and making her lose focus.

“That hurts me kitten.” Erik admitted after the two sat in silence. Was his feelings actually hurt? Not in the technical sense. He didn’t enjoy being left out of Kari’s world when she was all that was on his mind. He felt responsible for upholding her happiness and doing everything in his power to see the teacher smile.

“I’m working on it.” Kari whispered from his chest. He pulled this out of her. Kari wouldn’t have known that the man from the grocery store would have her like this. She’s angelic in his eyes. She could do no wrong and the intensity in which Erik spoke and behaved backed those feelings up.

“That’s all I want kitten. Don’t I deserve it?” Erik shamelessly asked. He was only half serious but he couldn’t resist the urge to immortalize the tension.

“Yes. You deserve it all.” Kari purred into his ear. The pot roast would have to wait because the way that Erik felt underneath Kari solidified that dinner was the least important part of the evening.

Erik pulled Kari’s tank top off and watched how the exposure caused her nipples to protrude. He took one of Kari’s breast in his mouth and rubbed the other, constantly encouraged from the pants leaving Kari’s mouth.

“Mhmm baby.” Kari moaned as Erik’s teeth grazed her skin.

“Baby? That’s new.” He teased. If Kari could formulate anything coherent, it was usually endless variations of “daddy.”

Kari was going to apologize but Erik was already at her mouth waiting on hers to open. The force between the kisses was creating a pool of wetness for Kari. She began to grind her hips in hopes of relieving herself from the frustration that was pooling in.

“Show me how badly you need it kitten.” He spoke in between kisses. Erik’s punishments were subtle sometimes, but he was always consistent. He would not reward Kari until she was losing her mind.

“You handle everything else without me. Show me how you gone get that nut without me. Baby.” He teased. Kari’s eyes were closed in frustration but she knew she didn’t have long.

“That’s not true.” Kari complained. She hated when he got like this, just playful and condescending. She would be embarrassed if it didn’t happen so often. She might actually break this time if he doesn’t continue touching her though.

“Don’t make me say it again Kari.” Erik warned. Kari quickly pulled her pajama shorts down, conveniently not wearing panties, which made Erik suck in a breath. This fucking girl.

Kari resumed her position on top of the doctor and slowly rolled her hips over his thigh. Realization began to enter Erik’s conscious and his hands quickly moved to her waist to encourage her pace. Kari was riding his thigh, leaving a trail of slick evidence behind every stride. She panted softly when his grip got tighter.

“So fucking nasty.” He complimented. The vulgar comments were Kari’s favorite. Something about hearing Erik speak that way while pleasuring her was enough to fuel her solo time when Erik was in surgery all day long.

“You better not cum Kari.” Erik advised once Kari’s pace became more unpredictable.

“P-please.” Kari begged, unable to ignore how good it felt to relieve herself on the older man like her life depended on it.

“Na.” Erik chuckled. He rocked Kari on his thigh when he felt her began to slow down, most likely trying to stop her high and halt herself from disobeying.

“I didn’t tell you to stop either.” Erik gritted, turned on by the glossiness in Kari’s eyes, a silent plea for mercy.

“Cum baby.” And Kari did just that. Erik’s thigh was coated in Kari’s slick desperation and this was the start of it.

“Thank you daddy.” Kari breathlessly professed. Faint memories of the orgasms she had before she met Erik entered Kari’s mind. Not one has come close to the intoxicating experience that Erik was able to create, even if he barely touched her.

//

I feel like everyone needs to see Erik being nice (somewhat) before the ball 🤭 He just wants Kari to be a stress free little housewife + thank you guys so much for your kind words & encouragement!! I’m back on demon modeeee ah (meg voice)

Sexies that wanted to be tagged:

@theesmartblonde @ms-mosely-ifunastyyy

@ziayamikaelson @yourstruly711

@ladymac82 , @harleycativy

@brigolightly @idyllicbarb @bendoverboo18

if I forgot you pls let me know it’s not on purpose!!

[reasonsforhope]

"An international research team has found almost a million potential sources of antibiotics in the natural world.

Research published in the journal Cell by a team including Queensland University of Technology (QUT) computational biologist Associate Professor Luis Pedro Coelho has used machine learning to identify 863,498 promising antimicrobial peptides -- small molecules that can kill or inhibit the growth of infectious microbes.

The findings of the study come with a renewed global focus on combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as humanity contends with the growing number of superbugs resistant to current drugs.

"There is an urgent need for new methods for antibiotic discovery," Professor Coelho, a researcher at the QUT Centre for Microbiome Research, said. The centre studies the structure and function of microbial communities from around the globe.

"It is one of the top public health threats, killing 1.27 million people each year." ...

"Using artificial intelligence to understand and harness the power of the global microbiome will hopefully drive innovative research for better public health outcomes," he said.

The team verified the machine predictions by testing 100 laboratory-made peptides against clinically significant pathogens. They found 79 disrupted bacterial membranes and 63 specifically targeted antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

"Moreover, some peptides helped to eliminate infections in mice; two in particular reduced bacteria by up to four orders of magnitude," Professor Coelho said.

In a preclinical model, tested on infected mice, treatment with these peptides produced results similar to the effects of polymyxin B -- a commercially available antibiotic which is used to treat meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis and urinary tract infections.

More than 60,000 metagenomes (a collection of genomes within a specific environment), which together contained the genetic makeup of over one million organisms, were analysed to get these results. They came from sources across the globe including marine and soil environments, and human and animal guts.

The resulting AMPSphere -- a comprehensive database comprising these novel peptides -- has been published as a publicly available, open-access resource for new antibiotic discovery.

[Note: !!! Love it. Open access research databases my beloved.]"

-via Science Daily, June 5, 2024

[killed-by-choice]

Lexi Arguello, 18 (USA 2025)

18-year-old Alexis “Lexi” Arguello had her whole life ahead of her. She had just moved into her own apartment and was preparing to start her adult life when Planned Parenthood’s negligence killed her.

Shortly after moving out, Lexi suffered a urinary tract infection and went to get medical treatment. That was how she found out that she was pregnant. Likely not sure what her next steps should be, Lexi ended up the Fort Collins Planned Parenthood facility. She was told that she was 20 weeks pregnant. Although the facility’s website claimed that they only did abortions before 20 weeks, they scheduled Lexi for one anyway.

During or after the abortion, Lexi’s vitals dropped. It was obvious that she needed emergency care (which the facility was in no way equipped to give), but the Planned Parenthood staff delayed in calling an ambulance and let her deteriorate. When they finally did call the ambulance, they tried to conceal the damage done by requesting that the ambulance not use sirens. This is a common tactic used by abortion facilities at the expense of their dying clients. The further delays by not treating this as the emergency it was made everything worse.

Lexi’s grandparents were contacted by the emergency room. They arrived to find their beloved granddaughter surrounded by doctors who were struggling to keep her alive. Lexi’s oxygen levels were very low and she had lost so much blood that a transfusion of seven liters still did not stabilize her. She was given multiple doses of epinephrine to try to keep her heart beating, but her heart rate and blood pressure dropped further, and as testimony at a hearing with the Colorado Committee of Health and Human Services stated, her grandfather had “seen in his granddaughter’s face that it was her end.”

Lexi died in the hospital on February 6, 2025– the same day as her legal abortion at Planned Parenthood.

The family was devastated. They had not even known that Lexi was pregnant until the phone call, and now they began to reach out to try to get some semblance of justice for her. On March 12, a hearing with the Colorado Committee of Health and Human Services was held and more information came to light.

Expert witness Dr. Keri Kasun had reviewed Lexi’s case after her family reached out. She confirmed that Planned Parenthood had delayed Lexi’s emergency treatment and stated that Lexi had been showing obvious symptoms of an amniotic fluid embolism. The risk of this complication is elevated for abortions later in pregnancy, and there were concerns that Planned Parenthood failed to divulge the full risks of this “safe and legal” procedure before putting Lexi on the operating table. In fact, Lexi was further along than she had been told and was confirmed to be least 22 weeks pregnant. (A premature baby born at this age could survive when given care.)

When the facility’s egregious acts were finally investigated, the Public Affairs Manager for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (which oversees the oversees Fort Collins chain location) argued that they shouldn’t be supervised or regulated and called the corporation a “beacon of hope” in response to the concerns.

The Planned Parenthood in question had been previously caught on numerous occasions trying to conceal emergencies in a similar way. Life-threatening medical complications were downplayed, ambulances were requested to come without sirens and were frequently directed by staff to use convoluted and indirect routes to make it less obvious that they had yet another emergency. They even had ambulances approach the back instead of using the more accessible main entrance. The “silent siren treatment” further jeopardized the lives of their already-injured clients, and Lexi paid the ultimate price.

As Troy Newman from Operation Rescue put it, “This Planned Parenthood did not care if Lexi Arguello survived her complications. If they had, staff would have called an ambulance the minute she exhibited symptoms, and they would have requested lights, sirens, and any other measures that might have saved Lexi���s life.”

As of publishing time, legal action against Lexi’s killers is underway. Further updates will be given as they become available.

Colorado Committee of Health and Human Services hearing records and audio recording https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00327/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20250313/28/16807#agenda_

[lavvylove]

So we learn in Criminal Minds that Spencer Reid is allergic to Carbenicillin.

Carbenicillin is a bacterial antibiotic, usually given by IV but can be given orally if needed. Now, I spent a while in the ER a few days ago and when you do that they give you a red band that labels any medications you’re allergic to.

I was looking at it and went down a rabbit whole about what it treats. Then I remembered the Carbenicillin and I went down a rabbit hole about that.

Carbenicillin is a bacterial antibiotic used primarily to treat urinary tract infections or protatitis (extreme uti essentially). At first I was kinda shocked until I really remembered what Spencer’s childhood and early adulthood was like.

All of his time has always been devoted to everyone and everything else, his mother or his school or his job. If his mother is having an episode, how is he supposed to go to the bathroom? If he’s working and his entire focus is on that, why would he stop for something as menial as a potty break?

All this to say, I think Spencer had (or very likely could still have) issues with going to the bathroom when the need arises. He gets busy and avoids it and when he was younger it led to the discovery of his allergy. Did MGG or the writers intend for some 18-year-old girl to deduce all this? Probably not, but I think it’s so genuinely interesting and a very cool insight into what seems so small but could be one of his many sources of worry like “Did I go pee earlier? Do I have to know..? Oh god not another uti..” and as a girl with chronic bladder issues I feel seen

@nereidprinc3ss please read this I think you’d find it so intriguing and I’m sorry if it’s creepy that someone you don’t know is tagging you😭🙏🏻

[anotherdayforchaosfay]

Medical stuff below the cut...

As many of my followers may be aware of, I've been dealing with a UTI for about six weeks now. I did a single round of antibiotics, but still deal with the symptoms. Difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and leaking. Wearing a (reusable) pad has been absolutely necessary. I take a cranberry supplement and drink cranberry juice daily, plus lots of water and tea, and go to the bathroom a lot. I was on Flomax for four days, but had an allergic reaction. It was helping with the symptoms, but fucking e up. Also did a round of Azzo's two-day treatment for UTI symptoms.

Someone came into my asks, requesting I not reply publically, with some helpful information. They said they're a doctor who specializes in treating chronic conditions related to the bladder and kidneys, and that they see what I'm dealing with very frequently. Except...it's the fullness of what I've been dealing with for a year: a side effect of my ADHD medication. Said side effect is constipation, which has been worsening. I use metamucil, benefiber, drink plenty of fluids, lots of fiber in my diet, and still I require a glycerin suppository any time I need to shit.

What I wasn't aware of is this can lead to another side effect, which is urinary retention disorder. Having a UTI started the issue, but the UTI could have been caused by a combination of stress and the constipation. The ADHD medication is making things significantly worse, and it's resulting in all the previous symptoms stated above.

My doctor never mentioned this as a possibility, and likely due to it not being a common side effect in those of us with a vagina. It's more common if you have a penis because the pressure from the bowels can fuck with the prostate, and that gets pushed into the urinary tract. It's not unheard of for folks with a vagina though, just uncommon.

They suggested I contact my doctor and ask for another round of a different UTI antibiotic, just in case there's still an infection. That infection will be resistant to the previous antibiotic. They also suggested I inquire about coming off the ADHD mediction for two to four weeks, to clear it out of my system so my body can clear things out, and follow up with a different medication later.

I've sent my PCP an email regarding this, that I want an antibiotic and to come off the ADHD medication. She incorporates hollistic medicine with her practice, and it's been wonderful, so I know she'll be more open about this than most doctors I've had to deal with. I've also informed my husband about this so he can prepare for me to revert to what I was like last year. One missed dose, which was a few days ago because he forgot to pick up my medication before the pharmacy closed, and I was back to what I was like before. It wasn't fun. It won't be fun this time around either. Yeah, I feel bad for him, but he's very understanding, especially with the lack of confidence and security the leaking has caused me.

Thank you, blog follower, for the info. I'm sharing it here so others may be made aware of the issue. Some of them may be dealing with the same exact issue, and the info here will help them as well.

[hurt-and-comfort-me-please]

Alternative Ways to Inflict Pain!

Everybody uses the ol' broken bones, lashes, flu, or concussion to hurt their whumpees, here are some underutilized afflictions.

-Pinched nerves; As someone who has had a severe pinched nerve, let me tell you those damn things will not stop hurting. White hot electric pain running down your whumpee's limbs, damn near inescapable and very difficult to treat, will last for weeks if not months, often caused by joint or spinal injuries, especially herniations and dislocations.

-Urinary tract infections; Embarrassing and painful. Can be serious, or could just be a real pain for a little while. Nobody wants to admit they've got bathroom problems, so real good if you want to make getting help embarrassing. Caused by a variety of factors, but mainly involving urination, such as holding for too long or using an improperly sanitized catheter.

-Vertigo; Pressure in the ear canal that can make someone very dizzy or nauseous. Usually only lasts for a few seconds at a time, but can be recurring. It can be triggered by stress or anxiety, and can result in vomiting.

I am not a doctor, but neither are most of you so.. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[tiredwitchplant]

Everything You Need to Know About Veggies and Fruits: Cranberries

Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon)

*Kitchen *Medical *Feminine

Folks Names: Bog fruit, Marshworts

Planet: Mars

Element: Water (juice), Fire (berry)

Deities: Astarte, Marjatta,

Abilities: Healing, Protection, Love, Lust, Positive Energy, Courage, Passion, Action

Characteristics: Native to Eastern North America and northern Asia. Small, slender, evergreen shrub growing to 1 ft with oval, dark green leaves, pink flowers and round/slightly pear-shaped red berries.

History: This jewel-toned gem of the bog is native to North America and a traditional food from Samhain through Yule. Its association with the American Thanksgiving meal is long rooted in tradition, but there is no historical evidence proving it was actually served at that first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims. Despite this, cranberry something or other is commonly found on Thanksgiving and Christmas feast tables all across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Cranberry garlands made by stringing hundreds of the hard round red berries with a needle onto a long sturdy string is a traditional Christmas decoration. It is believed that cranberries got their name due to cranes always eating them and the blossoms of the berries look like the head of cranes. It is considered a sacred fruit in some indigenous circles such as Algonquian and Iroquois.

How to Grow:

Easy to Plant: Relatively

Rating: Moderate

Seeds accessible: Sometimes seasonal

How to Plant Cranberries

Video Guide

Where to Buy Seeds

Magical Properties

Can be used as a substitute for wine

Dried cranberries can be used in a charm to honor the wisdom of elders or as an offering to ancestors

It’s bright color signals energy, passion, courage, rejuvenation and rebirth

Can lend abundance, love and healing in kitchen spells

Since they are from the bog, it said to be feared by evil spirits and can offer protection

Placing a bowl of cranberries under one’s bed can restore depleted energy and cure an illness

Drinking the juice with your partner on a dark moon can keep your relationship free of trouble and continue to go strong

Can help link wisdom and guidance of ancestors

Can be utilized in energy cleansing rituals to remove negative energies from the aura

Is said to restore chakra alignment balance and create harmony

Burning bundles of cranberry stems can purify the energy of space and promote spiritual well-being during rituals and meditating

Medical Usage:

A classic remedy for urinary tract infections and can prevent and treat problems such as cystitis and urethritis

Can help to disinfect the urinary tubules and may be taken for problems associated with poor urinary flow such as enlarged prostate and blade infections

Can be used long term to prevent the development of urinary stones

Research in 1994 showed that cranberry juice helped really well with UTIs in women

Sources

[rosewatercountyofficial]

Blushy and shy nerd Ford is cute and I respect it.

But I feel like especially post college and definitely post portal he's super shameless about biology and sexual topics (and I mean like... Sexual health and not always in a suggestive way) because

a) hes too grown and seen way too much shit to be grossed out by anything a creature's body can physically do and

b) Ford is nothing if not science minded. Its just bodies! Why should there be any stigma?

c) he was not taught christian morality about biology. Sometimes ppl project that onto him, but he is an atheist raised jewish. Im not sure what the attitudes are in judaism but im gonna assume they are different.

That being said he's also oblivious so he will say stuff thats TMI out loud in public.

So yes he will ask "DID YOU GET THE MEDICINE TO TREAT YOUR URINARY TRACT INFECTION?" In the middle of the grocery store and not think twice about it.

[buckets-and-trees]

Dear Aspen! I just caught up with things on Discord and saw that you had a surgery! Glad everything went well. Apologies that I was so occupied with my new role and routine. Totally went quiet on discord.

So glad you are better now. Sending love!!!

MY DEAR JEN, DO NOT APOLOGIZE! Life sometimes steals us away from Tumblr and all the other online corners of the world, and that's okay! I know you're busy making sure you KILL IT In your new role! As you should!

The procedure to remove my kidney stone on April 9th went very well. I won't go into HUGE detail, but I'll put my updates under a read more cut for those who don't do medical details...

So it turns out the stone that had developed in my right kidney was 14mm. A typical stone that people pass is like 3-5mm. When I went to the ER, the doctor on duty took a look at the CT scan initially and said it was an 8mm stone. The person who did the technical analysis noted it was between 11-14mm. When I went to go see the urologist that treated me three years ago the other time I had a kidney stone, they had me go get a KUB X-ray, and that technician measured it at 16mm.

So when the urologist was consulting with me before they took me back to the operating room, he said, "I reviewed all the notes on your file, and I don't know what we're going to find in there, only that it's going to be big, but I promise I'll get it out for you."

So anyway...

He performed a Laser Lithotripsy. I went under general anesthesia, and then he went in with a laser to blast the stone into smaller pieces, then used some kind of tool that essentially is a little basket to catch the pieces of stone that he could, and then put a stent in my urinary tract so that any tiny pieces could pass through afterwards. I have to keep the stent in for another week - which reminds me that I need to still call and make the appointment to have it removed at his clinic! But that's a fast thing - like two minutes once the doc is with me.

Recovery for my kidney parts wasn't bad - I had pain medication for about a day and a half.

BUT

They put a tube down my throat for the anesthesia, and that aggravated my whole respiratory system, so the day of the surgery, I had the most terrible sore throat, then Thursday/Friday/Saturday I was SO CONGESTED and also coughing up mucus, but there was no infection, it was all clear snot, and so I was wondering if I should be taking anything to clear it up? But it finally started to lessen Sunday, and then Monday was pretty manageable and I went back to work.

So, that's the story!

When I had my previous kidney stone, it was 8mm.

Apparently I have to go above and beyond in every aspect of my life.

Above average the first time around, and double my previous stat the second time. Woof.

[butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway]

another anti-psych post from your neighborhood patient-therapist

In my last post I talked about the kinds of basic needs people and communities have, and asked what it might look like in your community to meet those needs as a baseline. This time we're going to talk more about what happens when communities and individuals are chronically un-/under-served.

Okay so let's break it down this way. We're gonna try looking at just one medical symptom of chronic stress: autonomic dysregulation. It's not going to feel like we are, but I promise that's all we're doing. This is a *serious* symptom and it often comes clustered with others due to the way it functions within the body, which is why I think it is a useful case study here. Autonomic dysfunction, especially chronic dysfunction, can temporarily (though for long spans of time if the dysfunction remains chronic rather than acute) alter the functioning of other systems within the body such as the endocrine system, the reproductive system, cognitive functioning through the hippocampus and amygdala, and muscle functioning, nerve functioning, and others. It is no joke to suggest that long term autonomic dysfunction can often lead to major long term health consequences that are life altering for the person experiencing them. While some can be treated, managed, or even cured, not all can be and this is something I want us all to keep in mind as we consider the need for building communities that do not cause this kind of harm to their people.

Let's look at some potential medical outcomes of autonomic dysfunction, per the Mayo Clinic:

Dizziness and fainting when standing, caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Urinary problems, such as difficulty starting urination, loss of bladder control, difficulty sensing a full bladder and inability to completely empty the bladder. Not being able to completely empty the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections.

Sexual difficulties, including problems achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) or ejaculation problems. In women, problems include vaginal dryness, low libido and difficulty reaching orgasm.

Difficulty digesting food, such as feeling full after a few bites of food, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and heartburn. These problems are all due to changes in digestive function.

Inability to recognize low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), because the warning signals, such as getting shaky, aren't there.

Sweating problems, such as sweating too much or too little. These problems affect the ability to regulate body temperature.

Sluggish pupil reaction, making it difficult to adjust from light to dark and seeing well when driving at night.

Exercise intolerance, which can occur if your heart rate stays the same instead of adjusting to your activity level.

Some common comorbid conditions may include Diabetes, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Parkinson's, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or an autoimmune disorder. In each of these cases I want you to remember the lens of an individual body being denied, in some way, its base needs (an edocrine hormone, a nutritional component, the internal security of homeostasis, etc), to such an extent that it begins to experience an internal catastrophic failure, as this lens may often be supportive of accommodating your disabled comrades, or yourself, in the future.

I also want us to consider some common social statistics relevant to these conditions. Nearly 4% of the world experiences and autoimmune disorder. Most are women, and Indigenous, Black, and Latina women are at risk than most for several of these. In the United States, there are suspected to be 37.3 million people with diabetes. Diabetes is also considered an autoimmune disorder by researchers, and is one that the Indigenous, Filipino, Indian, Latine, and Black communities are all at higher risk for than white people are, however, risk is also heavily influenced by poverty, and by a family's location with respect to food deserts which grow more and more common. In a truly wild statistic, 80% of lesbians versus 32% of heterosexual women had polycystic ovaries in one study, and 33% of lesbians versus 14% of heterosexual women had progressed to PCOS. Some studies find that transmasculine folks are more likely to PCOS as well.

When we consider the marginalization these groups experience, and the way that marginalization plays out in the social forum, the political forum, in the financial forum, and in the emotional forum, are we really surprised to learn that it plays out in the embodied forum too?

This is what people mean when they talk about social murder. These are health conditions that don't just change lives, they end them. A system that churns out people so chronically sick that their bodies are desperately killing themselves trying to stay alive is a society that has become desperately sick. Diabetes is something we have attributed to individuals, to families, and even every once in a while to corporations, but at what point have we sat down and looked at a society that produces this murderous autoimmune disorder at such high rates and asked the real question: how are we making so many people sick?

The answers are many, and that can feel overwhelming, but I encourage you to start in one place and learn your way around it as well as you can before you even consider moving on. Maybe start with food deserts. They're probably familiar to you, you've heard about them in passing before I imagine, even if you're not really too into this stuff. But ask yourself WHY food deserts are able to exist? What are the mechanics of one being born? How does one stay free from the stain of a grocery store or food market? Are there any places like that near you? If so, what points of leverage might there be in that location for you to break the homeostasis of the food desert? How can you add your weight to efforts already occurring, or stir up sentiment around the idea of a new homeostasis where a grocery store exists? Can you put up flyers or attend town hall meetings? Can you knock doors or phone bank? Can you bring some sugar by your neighbors and comment how frustrating it is you all have to go so far to get your groceries and wonder what's up with that and maybe start scheming together? What kind of store should it be? Bring in a local market? A chain? Build a co-op or merchant's stalls for a four season farmer's market?

Get really into one idea, and get others in on it with you. I bet you aren't the only one who'd like a better status quo.

[nightingalesandnorco]

When people talk about complications in surgery, what are some examples?

Some surgical complications are anesthesia reactions (which I talked about in this post), hemorrhage, infection, blood clots, atelectasis, urinary retention, and dehiscence and evisceration.

Hemorrhage: This is large loss of blood during or after surgery, and presents with fast heart rate and low blood pressure. Patients may also have blood in the vomit, urine, or stool if the bleeding is in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract. Hemorrhages are treated with blood transfusions, IV fluids, surgical cauterization of the site of bleeding, or medications that promote clotting.

Infections: These can be of the surgical site or other parts of the body related the surgery. These can, but may not always, present with fever, fast heart rate, malaise, fatigue, or redness and pus at the surgical site. The incision may also start to open up. These are treated with antibiotics, frequent dressing changes, and surgical or bedside drainage of any abscesses.

Blood clots: These can form in the large veins, usually in the legs or pelvis, due to inactivity. Clots in the legs and thighs present with pain, heat, redness, and swelling at the site. Sometimes, clots can travel to the lungs, creating a pulmonary embolism that presents with sudden shortness of breath; pink, frothy sputum; chest pain; and a feeling of impending doom. Clots are treated with anticoagulants like heparin to keep the clot from getting larger and thrombolytics like Plavix to dissolve the clot. Clots can be prevented with early activity after surgery.

Atelectasis: This an airless state of the lung and presents with difficulty breathing, productive or unproductive cough, and chest pain. Atelectasis is treated with deep breathing, chest percussion to loosen mucus, and Trendelenburg positioning (see the image below).

Urinary retention: This can happen as a side effect of anesthesia. The only symptom is bladder distention which may be painful. Urinary control will eventually return, but the patient will be catheterized in the meantime to prevent urinary tract infection and bladder rupture.

Dehiscence and evisceration: Dehiscence is the reopening of the surgical incision that may lead to evisceration of the internal structures. Patients usually report feeling a pop that may or may not have been painful. Dehiscence and evisceration are treated with emergency surgery.

[paintedmage]

Talking "Mama Kaiba" Headcanon

As I've said in my Yu-Gi-Oh headcanon list, I headcanon Kaiba as an intersex capable of childbearing, and he and Atem have too many kids to count. But I figured it's good to sit down and go over this in detail.

(if I got any science or anatomical stuff messed up, I'd appreciate it if someone let's me know! I tried to do some research on my own but any intersex individuals with their own knowledge are welcome to come forward and offer their own experiences)

Anatomy

Kaiba outwardly presents as a male, having a penis and testes, but internally has a fully female reproductive system, including ovaries, uterus, vaginal opening, etc.

His testes produce little to no sperm and his penis does not function properly, so he's not capable of getting anybody else pregnant and often goes into hospital to treat infections and slight incontinence.

His female reproductive system functions near normal, and Kaiba has irregular periods. His doctors tell him he's capable of becoming pregnant, but pregnancy opens up avenues of complications.

Kaiba eventually undergoes surgery to reroute and fix his urinary tract, to reduce his complications and UTIs that he frequently experiences. (now this is something that I'm not entirely certain about actually being possible so I'd appreciate insight) He tries to keep his testes to try and regulate his male hormones but it's not fruitful. He eventually has them removed in favor of hormone replacement to properly regulate his hormones

Conception and Contraceptives

Kaiba has to take hormone shots to balance his testosterone and has to frequently get bloodwork done to check his t-levels. This lowers Kaiba's chances of conception but not entirely

Atem doesn't use condoms since Kaiba has such a low window of conception. Kaiba is aware of this and doesn't believe he can conceive.

Eventually one of their "fun in the sheets" sessions yields an unexpected offspring

Pregnancy Symptoms and Complications

Kaiba has to halt his T shots and start taking estrogen to try and keep his pregnancy stable. The increase in estrogen causes Kaiba's features to soften, he gains small breasts, and his voice gets softer. It's a jarring change for many, but especially Kaiba himself.

During his first pregnancy, with the first set of twins, Kaiba nearly miscarries twice and is placed on strict bedrest by his OB. Kaiba does not like being unable to leave his bed or confined to working from his laptop.

Despite not wanting this pregnancy or wanting to grow attached, Kaiba does. It's hard not to when he envisions himself being a caring father, unlike anything Gozaburo had been to him.

Kaiba does experience body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria during his pregnancy. Atem convinces him to speak to his therapist about it, as Kaiba was forced into therapy by both Atem and Mokuba.

Kaiba has severe morning sickness during his pregnancy, and can only hold down ginger tea and lightly buttered toast during his first trimester. Anti-nausea medication does very little to help him.

Kaiba has a lot of back and hip pain due to the weight of the twins in his stomach.

Kaiba suffers from Braxton Hicks contractions in the last two months of his pregnancy.

Cravings (exclusive to his first pregnancy)

Chocolate Truffle and Pickles

Strawberries and cream cheese

Avocado and honey

Seaweed and peanut butter sandwiches

Mint ice cream covered in hot sauce

The smell of oil paint(he does NOT consume it, he just craves the smell)

Potato chips covered in caramel syrup

Labor and Delivery

Kaiba actually has a hard time realizing when he's in labor, as his contractions are light and feel like his Braxton Hicks contractions.

His water breaks on March 30th at 1 AM, waking him from his light sleep.

Atem rushes him to the hospital immediately, both anxious to meet the twins. Kaiba is admitted at about 1:45

Kaiba takes about 12 hours to dilate to 6 cm. The doctors have him walk his room to try and help him with his contractions and help him dilate. Despite his anxieties, Kaiba is calm and collected, viewing this as his greatest duel yet.

Kaiba is then moved to his bed despite him not wanting to lie down. Atem has to keep him from screaming at the doctors too much.

It takes Kaiba about 5 more hours to fully dilate. By then their friends have arrived, all ready to meet the "little Kaibas"

Kaiba delivers the first twin, Kaida Rose Kaiba-Sennen, at 1:26 AM on March 31st

The second twin, Yami Ryuuki Kaiba-Sennen, shortly follows at 1:34 AM

Post-Delivery and Beyond

Kaiba, shockingly, is a natural mother. All he wants is to hold his kids close and protect them from the cruelty of the world, to shield them from the hardship HE had to face in his life to get where he is now. He can provide his daughter and son with the security and love he was denied.

Atem actually has to fight to hold his kids after birth, as Kaiba almost never puts them down. Just passing the kids around for their friends to meet barely goes over well. And Joey holding the twins nearly sends Kaiba into a fit if the look from Atem had not silenced him.

Atem recognizes that Kaiba is overprotective of their kids based on his own life experiences. And Atem knows it's something Kaiba will need to work through it eventually with his therapist.

Despite his overprotectiveness, Kaiba does not baby his kids or spoil them rotten. Despite the financial security he can provide them, he recognizes their need to find their path in the world and learn maturity and responsibility. He's strict, but not overly so. He wishes for them to grow strong like him and Atem, and not be spoiled and entitled. He can't let power go their heads like it once did his own.

As their family slowly grows, welcoming Ryuuki, then Sara, the second set of twins Koyo and Noctis, and finally partially deaf Samira, Kaiba slowly learns the ups and downs of parenting with each addition. The anxiety sickness brings, the pride of his childrens accomplishments, and the struggle of teaching all the kids sign language for Samira's sake.

Parenthood changes Kaiba, making him compassionate and loving, but it sharpens his protective drive and fierce nature. Anyone who dares bully his children will soon find Seto Kaiba at their door with a dark glint in his eyes.

When his kids hit their teen years, Kaiba begins to prepare them, teaching them about KaibaCorp to decide who will take his place as CEO and President of the company. He tells them that whoever does not becomes his heir will still have a valuable role in the company. (For example, Noctis could run the KC Space Program like he dreams of, and Samira the Accessibility program)

And that is my deep dive into Mama Kaiba! Feel free to send questions to my ask box if you want something regarding this made clearer, or if you have any questions about anything I did not discuss here!