In a series of Body Analysis articles, Gina Hartoog will be working her way from the feet through to the head, looking at common ailments in each area and the treatment options available.
Did you know that women have a broader but shallower pelvis than men?
The pelvis, a ring-like group of bones, supports the internal organs of your lower abdomen. It consists of the sacrum, a triangular-shaped bone, coccyx or tail bone and a pair of hip bones. The hip joint, a balland-socket joint, connects your legs to your pelvis.
Through the pelvis runs a network of muscles, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. Organs found in this area include the bladder and the rectum, the part of the gastrointestinal tract which extends through the pelvis, and the reproductive organs.
CYSTITIS
Cystitis is an acute infection of the bladder.
Symptoms include a desperate urge to urinate and pain in the lower abdomen. On attempting to empty the bladder only a small amount of urine trickles out, causing a burning pain. Men may also experience pain in the penis. If you experience these symptoms, see your GP.
You’ll be asked to give a urine sample for testing. Treatment is usually with a one-dose antibiotic or a three to seven day course depending on symptoms and the suspected bacteria. Various factors can lead to cystitis, including increased sexual frequency, pregnancy and menopause.
If you suffer from recurrent bouts of cystitis: practise good hygiene by wiping from the front to the back toward the anus; drink a good amount of water every day; avoid thongs, and urinate after sex to empty the bladder. Some women find that cranberry supplements taken everyday can help to prevent reoccurrences. Urinary alkalizes may help to alleviate the burning sensation. Speak to your Link pharmacist for further advice.
VAGINAL THRUSH
What is vaginal thrush? Clinical sexologist Leandie Buys answers:
“Candidiasis or thrush is an infection caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans. The Candida organism usually lives in the mouth, vagina and bowel in balance with other organisms. When this balance is disturbed, Candida can grow out of control, causing thrush. Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection and in most cases your partner will not require treatment.” Symptoms include: a thick, white or yellow vaginal discharge and inflammation and itching around the vagina and anus. Many factors can lead to the imbalance of organisms in the vagina. If you’ve been on a course of antibiotics, changed your detergent or soap or have diabetes, this may a contributing factor.
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, menopause or before your menstrual period, can make some women more susceptible to thrush. Your doctor will make the diagnosis and possibly take a swab from the affected area. You may be given an antifungal cream or tablet that you insert into your vagina.
If you experience recurrent episodes of thrush you should avoid tight fitting underwear or pants, choose cotton underwear and use a probiotic while on antibiotic treatment.
Balanitis
Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans penis (head od the penis) which can affect men of any age but is more common in uncircumcised males. The inflammation may be caused by a fungus or bacteria, usually if the foreskin is not regularly pulled back and the area cleaned with soap and water.
Balanitis may also be a result of an irritation or allergic reaction to certain detergents and soaps, even latex condoms. In men, symptoms include an inability to pull back the foreskin, itchiness, a rash, soreness or redness and swelling at the penis tip and a penile discharge. In boys, the tip of the penis appears red and irritated. You may notice pus in your son’s nappy or pants and he may have difficulty urinating. At birth, your son’s foreskin and glans are fused. The foreskin will separate gradually and should be fully retractable by three or four years of age. Never force your baby’s foreskin back!
Just clean the outside of the genitals with baby soap and water. If you suspect balanitis in either a child or an adult they should see a doctor. Treatment will depend on the cause of the inflammation. If it’s a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or for a fungus, you’ll be given an antifungal medication. You can also use paracetamol tablets or syrup for pain.
Painful hips
When you place your hands on your hips, you’re actually resting them on your iliac bone. The hip consists of three bones called the Ilium, Ischium and Pubis, which are separate in childhood but later fuse to
become one.
Pain in the hip can cause discomfort and make walking difficult. There are many other causes of hip pain from osteoarthritis and tendonitis to muscle sprains and even back and spine problems. If your have not had a firm diagnosis on your condition, you should see your doctor as treatment is dependent on the cause of the problem.
Signs that warrant medical attention include: hip pain which is worse at night, or while you are resting; pain that lasts more than a few days; swelling in the area; redness, warmth or other signs of infection; difficulty in walking on the sore side or an inability to bend your hip.
SCIATIC
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. Pain along this nerve is called sciatica. The nerve runs from the lower back, through the pelvis and buttocks and down to the lower leg.
When it becomes compressed or irritated, pain ensues. This may be a mild discomfort in the area to a debilitating, severe pain, usually felt radiating down the leg. A burning sensation or sharp, stabbing pains are also common. A herniated disc or pinched nerve may place pressure on the sciatic nerve. Other causes can include trauma, injury, a spinal tumour, narrowing of the spinal canal or problems with the joints and muscles in the back. Sometimes the exact cause is unknown.
If you are unsure of your condition, see your GP for a full examination. In some cases you may be asked to go for x-rays. Painkillers or antiinflammatory medications can be used to treat the pain, as well as
hot and cold packs to the area or soothing anti-inflammatory gels (available from your Link pharmacy). In most case sciatica improves within six weeks. Self-help treatments include back exercises (see a physiotherapist) and other gentle exercises, like swimming and walking. Eat a well-balanced diet with good amounts of Zinc, Calcium and Vitamin C to keep bones, cartilage and nerves healthy. If you are interested in alternative therapies, consult a homeopath.
By Gina Hartoog. Information sourced from: Prof Elna McIntosh, www.safersex.co.za; Leandie Buys, www.leandiebuys.co.za; www.feelgoodhealth.co.za; www.netdoctor.co.uk; www.orthopedics.about.com.
Choose the Patch
Forgetting to take your Pill? Not happy with the contraceptive
injection?
Your GP or gynae can give you a prescription for a contraception patch. It’s easy no-fuss contraception – just peel, stick and go. You start using the patch on the first day of your menstrual cycle, then after seven days (cycle day eight) the patch is removed and a new one immediately applied. Seven days later (cycle day 15) the patch is changed again. After three patches you have a patch-free week and after a few days you will have a withdrawal bleed. A new cycle starts after seven patch-free days. Patches must not be flushed down the toilet but carefully disposed of in the disposal sachet provided.
Source: www.janssen-cilag.co.za
What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. PID is serious and if left untreated can damage the reproductive system – resulting in infertility or an ectopic pregnancy.
It is a bacterial infection caused when bacteria moves from the vagina or cervix into the uterus and may be a complication of some sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
It can also occur after a pregnancy termination or childbirth and after an IUD insertion.
Symptoms can be mild to severe and may include:
- abdominal pain or pain in the lower back;
- an abnormal vaginal discharge (smell and colour);
- pain during intercourse and urination;
- irregular menstrual bleeding, and
- possible nausea and fever.
If you suspect PID, see your doctor immediately. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential.
Source: www.safersex.co.za
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