MONEY MATTERS-MAKE EASY MONEY

Money,Credit Card, Cash

2010-05-12T15:31:00.003+05:30

If your credit card uses different rates for purchases, transfers, and cash advances, realize that the card issuer may pay the lower interest rate balance first. Consequently, if you carry a balance, your high-rate cash advance may not be "paid" until all lower-rate balances are paid in full.
Fixed-Rate credit cards are not fixed forever. Rates can be changed at any time, as long as the card issuer provides 15 days advance notice of the change in terms. Fees may also increase. These "Change in Terms" notices are usually included with your monthly statement.

Your interest rate may dramatically increase if you make late payments. For example, some issuers will raise your interest rate to the maximum after one or two late payments. Consequently, your 12% credit card could quickly turn into a 25% credit card.
Your credit card issuer may also raise your interest rate after conducting a routine credit report review. If your overall credit history has deteriorated, the issuer may raise your interest rate, even though you've never made a late payment on the card in question.
The 25 day grace period only applies when you pay-off your entire balance due each month. If you only pay the minimum payment, interest is immediately accrued from the moment you charge something to your credit card. Some companies are also shortening the grace period to 20 days, and some cards have no grace periods.

Ignore offers to reduce or skip payments. These options are frequently offered over the holidays. When you skip a payment, the loan continues to accrue interest; therefore, these offers simply increase the overall interest and finance charges that the creditor collects. On a similar note, beware of offers of no payment/no interest for a period of time. Furniture stores, jewelry stores, and electronics stores frequently offer these programs. For example, no payment/no interest for 12 months!! This can be a good offer, but once again, read the fine print. Make sure you know the details of the program. Generally, you need to pay off the entire balance before the end of the "free" period to receive the benefit. Otherwise, you will probably have to pay interest on the entire balance from the date of your purchase.

money making on ebay

2010-04-27T10:25:00.003+05:30

Money Making on eBay is making some big changes to their pricing structure - and if you're not prepared for them, you could find yourself paying way more on your Final Value Fees. Not only that - you could also see your listings get lost in eBay's search results to boot!
So if you don't want your business to suffer you need to be prepared.
Here's the rundown of what's going to happen...
eBay is dropping their insertion fees for auction items listed under $1. (Which is why they've been promoting this change as a switch to "their lowest insertion fees ever.")
However, the Final Value Fees in most categories will go up significantly -- and so will the insertion fees for your fixed-price listings (unless you're an eBay Store owner) .
For example, currently the Final Value Fee for an auction item that sells for $25 to $50 is 3.5%. Once the changes kick in, the FVF will be 8.75%. If you're Top-Rated Seller, you will enjoy a 20% discount off your Final Value Fees... but you're still going to end up paying more.
Major changes are also happening on the "Buy it Now" front.
eBay is doing away with the old "Store Inventory Format" and replacing all those listings with the 30-Day Fixed Price format. The good news is, these means all your non-auction listings will now be included in eBay's search results. The bad news is, you're going to be paying a lot more on your insertion fees and for those listings unless you're an eBay Store owner.
Currently it costs $0.35 to list a 30-day Fixed Price Format. Once the changes kick in on March 30th, here's what those insertion fees will look like:
No store - $0.50 Basic store - $15.95/month, 30-day FPF insertion fee is $0.20
Premium store - $49.95/month, 30-day FPF is $0.05 Anchor store - $299.95/month, 30-day FPF is $0.03 ... So as you can see, eBay is really trying to encourage high-volume sellers to have an upper-tier eBay store. If you move a lot of volume on eBay but only have a basic store -- or no store at all -- now is the time to consider moving up a tier or two if you want to remain competitive.
However, there's more possible fallout you need to consider. When these changes go into effect, the search results are going to be swamped with all the new 30-Day Fixed Price Format listings. (In fact, we're seeing signs of it happening now.) And as a result, YOUR listings might get lost in the flood. In order to compensate for this, you might want to create a listing surge of your own. If you have a lot of extra inventory you haven't been listing on eBay, now might be the perfect time to get it up there. That way your items won't get buried by the flood of new 30-Day FPFs and you will still get those important click-throughs and sales that will keep your listings near the top of the search results.
So if you want to be meet the coming changes head on, we encourage you to choose a new tier and list as many items as 30-Day FPFs as you reasonably can, in order to stay visible to your market in the weeks ahead.
To learn more about eBay's store tiers and discover which one is right for you, click here.
Are you concerned about the coming changes? Have you already begun to feel their impact? Are you preparing to do business differently?
share your thoughts with us!

Money and Health

2009-12-01T10:45:00.005+05:30

We EXTASY is a Dynamic Network Company managed by core team of qualified & experienced professionals from diverse field. EXTASY provides you an ideal vehicle to help you. all know how important money is. Without money we cannot do anything... However, if we only care about making money and nothing else, many parts of our lives remain unsatisfied, which can bring us various problems.
Money is not a purpose in life, but a way to manage living. It should not be more important for you than your dignity and your moral principles, and you had better accepting living poorly than steal money from other people or do dishonest things to achieve your goals.
On the other hand, you should not despise your personal life because you are too busy working in order to pay the bills, otherwise you won't have any family. For what would you work so hard, if in the end you would be left alone? Your wife or husband needs your attention too. Your children need your presence and advice.
If you care only about having money, without dedicating any time to the people you love, they will abandon you. And in case you do make such mistake, your mental health will be damaged too. You'll start feeling depressed, and your depression could easily become a neurosis.
The importance of money in your life has to be very well defined.
If you are obsessed about being rich and about keeping your position, you are in a very dangerous area. Pay attention to the way you use your money if you are too rich and powerful, because you may make many serious mistakes without understanding what you are doing, and nobody will correct you. Nobody will dare to go against you if you are a millionaire, and this means that you are free to do the most horrible things, without being prevented or punished for that.
Do you think that this position is a privileged one?
You are quite wrong if you do, because when you have the power to do whatever you desire, you let your selfishness dominate you. Besides that, the people that are near you may envy you and try to take your place, betraying you.
Never abandon your moral principles! You need them in order to keep your balance. If you are too selfish and greed characterizes your life, learn how to be generous and help the poor. They need compassion because they haven't had the same opportunities that you had to make money, and they are not as talented as you are.
Now, in case you are like most people in this world, and you have no money, don't feel sad about that. Be patient and work, and you'll manage to make enough to pay for what you need. Don't let the lack of money become a nightmare in your life.
Make a plan and try to stick to it.

The lack of money is not the worst problem you could have. Be grateful for your health, and work without resentment. Always keep in mind that the psychological problems provoked by immorality and greed are worse than poverty, and never complain about anything.
Christina Sponias continued Carl Jung's research into the human psyche, discovering the cure for all mental illnesses, and simplifying the scientific method of dream interpretation that teaches you how to exactly translate the meaning of your dreams, so that you can find health, wisdom and happiness.

making money

2009-11-07T15:19:00.003+05:30

Internet is a gold mine. You can make unlimited money here.There are unlimited genuine and legitimate opportunities available. We have listed many opportunities in this website to make money online. The ideas listed here are mostly free money making ideas. This is article is an effort to rank the opportunities online.

1. Freelance opportunities
Freelance provides a great opportunity. If you have time and mind you can make a fortune here. There are opportunities available here for all. You have writing jobs, web designing and computer related jobs, internet marketing and search engine optimization jobs etc. There are data entry opportunities, form filling opportunities etc. The greatest advantage of this offer is that this is an arrangement that is useful for employers and employees. Learn more about Freelance works.
2. Domain and hosting reseller.
Now web hosting companies allow you to join as a reseller and sell the hosting and domain names. It is among the popular opportunities to make money online.
3. Sell on ebay.
Couple of years ago ebay would have topped the list. Even though it is still very relevant and genuine money making option, people have began to think ahead of Ebay. You can join ebay as a seller and begin making money immediately. There are many effective tools and secrets available to begin a successful career with ebay.
4. Write an ebook.
Creating an ebook on a topic you know something is among the creative ideas to make money online. If you are a specialist on some thing,just write your theory in a writing pad and publish it as an ebook. You can learn how to make money by selling an ebook.
5. Sell websites.
Create websites, build some links, generate some traffic and sell it. This is the trend now a days. People create websites that specializes on certain Niches, and sell them using various online forums. This is a great opportunity to make some quick money.
6. Internet marketing and MLM.
It is a field that is very much competitive and rewarding.You can call this as Search engine Marketing (SEM) too. If you are imaginative and creative, well sky is the limit with this idea. People usually hate to promote their own websites. This makes them employ others to promote their websites. If you have the knowledge and creativity required, you can make areal good income using this opportunity.
7. Paid surveys.
Surveys present a great opportunity to make money. Companies love to know your opinion and expectation about your product and they pay to know your opinion. This website has one of the largest free survey providers list. Learn and join Free Survey.
8. Paid to click
It is another opportunity to make money. You can join these paid to click companies and make money visiting websites and referring people to them. It is a good opportunity for kids and teen. You cannot make a great income with this method. Good option for kids and teens.

There are many more genuine ideas to make money available. We will bring you more once we complete the list.

Breast feeding

2009-10-18T18:38:00.000+05:30

Breast milk is the best food for your baby. Ask any health professional, and they will respond that the healthiest way to feed an infant is to breastfeed her.

Studies show that breastfeeding exclusively for at least three months may help prevent gastroenteritis in babies. If you do so for at least four months, you may be able to lower your baby's risk of respiratory illness and catching ear infections.

Breastmilk is a complete food source; it contains all the nutrients your baby needs -- at least 400 of them -- including hormones and disease-fighting compounds absent in supplemetary formula milk. Remarkably, its nutritional make-up even adjusts to your baby's needs as she grows and develops.

Your baby will not need any supplements, not even water. And apart from the brain-building, infection-fighting benefits of mother's milk, which no formula can duplicate, breastfeeding can help to build a special bond between you and your baby. When you breastfeed, your child thrives on the skin-to-skin contact, the cuddling, and the holding. You will, too.

Why breastfeeding is good for you?
When you breastfeed, you burn anywhere between 300 to 500 calories in a day! That’s good news when you are trying hard to get back into shape. Research shows that the incidence of ovarian and breast cancer is reduced in women who breastfeed. Breastfeeding helps in the release of oxytocin, a hormone that aids the uterus to contract gradually to its pre-pregnancy state.

Swine Flu

2009-08-14T23:26:00.003+05:30

How many swine flu viruses are there?
Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (ie, swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
What is the treatment?
A: Antiviral drugs can be used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. The anti-viral medicines oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are being used to treat people with swine flu. Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing. To be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the symptoms beginning. These flu drugs can decrease the duration of the flu by 1 to 2 days if used within this early time period. These antivirals are usually given for a period of about 5-7 days. It's unclear whether these drugs can prevent complications of the flu. Tamiflu is approved for prevention and treatment in people 1 year old and older. Relenza is approved for treatment of people 7 years old and older and for prevention in people 5 years old and older. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
Side effects: Side effects of antiviral drugs may include nervousness, poor concentration, nausea, and vomiting. Relenza is not recommended for people with a history of breathing problems, such as asthma, because it may cause a worsening of breathing problems. Discuss side effects with your doctor.
Self medication: Antibiotics are a no-no. Chances are that antibiotics will not help your flu symptoms. That's because flu, colds, and most sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses. In addition, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics only cure certain infections due to bacteria -- and if taken carelessly, you may get more serious health problems than you bargained for.
Is there a vaccine to treat swine flu virus? No, there isn’t a vaccine yet. But vaccines are being made in large quantities. Clinical tests will begin in August 2009. Depending on how long federal officials wait for the results of these tests, tens of millions of doses of swine flu vaccine could be ready as soon as September 2009, with more vaccine becoming available each month thereafter. The first doses of vaccine likely will go to pregnant women and young children ages 6 months to 4 years, with older school kids to follow.
What are the symptoms?
Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular flu and include fever of over 100.4°F, fatigue, lack of appetite, and cold. Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Nearly everyone with flu has at least two of these symptoms.
So, how do you know if you have flu or just cold?
There is one clue: when you have the flu, you feel flu symptoms sooner than you would cold symptoms, and they come on with much greater intensity. With the flu, you may feel very weak and fatigued for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat.
Can I compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms?
Yes. The following chart can help you compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms. Use it to lean the differences and similarities between flu and cold symptoms. Then, if you get flu symptoms, call your doctor and ask about an antiviral drug.
Symptoms
Cold
Flu
Fever
Rare
Characteristic, high 100-102 degrees F); lasts 3-4 days
Headache
Rare
Prominent
General aches, pains
Slight
Usual; often severe
Fatigue, Weakness
Quite mild
Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion
Never
Early and prominent
Stuffy Nose
Common
Sometimes
Chest Discomfort,Cough
Mild to moderate; hacking cough
Common; can become severe
You cannot confirm if you have swine flu just based on your symptoms. Like seasonal flu, pandemic swine flu can cause neurologic symptoms in children. These events are rare, but, as cases associated with seasonal flu have shown, they can be very severe and often fatal.
Doctors may offer a rapid flu test, but what you need to understand is a negative result doesn't necessarily mean you don't have the flu. Only lab tests can definitively show whether you've got swine flu. State health departments can do these tests.
Can it be prevented?
Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with swine influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective. When used for prevention, the number of days that they should be used will vary depending on a person’s particular situation.
Follow this general procedure to reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus, you should:
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
Throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
Clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product
Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or school while ill
Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated
Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others

Breast cancer prevention

2009-07-01T18:47:00.002+05:30

The most important risk factors for the development of breast cancer are sex, age, and genetics. Because women can do nothing about these risks, regular screening is recommended in order to allow early detection and thus prevent death from breast cancer.
Regular screening includes breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography.
Breast self-examination (BSE) is cheap and easy. Routine monthly examination may be helpful. Previously considered critical, more recent studies suggest that self breast exam may be less valuable than previously thought, especially for women who are having routine clinical breast examination and/or mammography.
For women who are menstruating, the best time for examination is immediately after the monthly period.
For women who are not menstruating or whose periods are extremely irregular, picking a certain date each month seems to work best.
Instruction in the technique of breast self-examination can be obtained from your health-care provider or from any one of several organizations interested in breast cancer.
Clinical breast examination: The American Cancer Society recommends a breast examination by a trained health-care provider once every three years starting at age 20 years, and then yearly after age 40 years.
Mammograms are recommended every one to two years starting at age 40 years. For women at high risk for the development of breast cancer, mammogram screening may start earlier, generally 10 years prior to the age at which the youngest close relative developed breast cancer.

Obesity after menopause and excessive alcohol intake may increase the risk of breast cancer slightly. Physically active women may have a lower risk. All women are encouraged to maintain normal body weight, especially after menopause and to limit excess alcohol intake. Hormone replacement should be limited in duration if it is medically required.
In women who are genetically at high risk for the development of breast cancer, tamoxifen has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of the disease. Side effects should be carefully discussed with your health-care provider prior to embarking on therapy. A second drug, raloxifene (Evista), which is now being used for the treatment of osteoporosis, also blocks the effects of estrogen and appears to prevent breast cancer. Initial studies showed that both tamoxifen and raloxifene were able to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer, but raloxifene did not have this protective effect against noninvasive cancer. Studies are ongoing to further characterize the effectiveness and indications for use of raloxifene as a breast cancer preventive drug.
Occasionally, a woman at very high risk for development of breast cancer will decide to have a preventive or prophylactic mastectomy to avoid developing breast cancer. Additionally, removal of the ovaries has shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who have the BRCA1 mutation and who have their ovaries surgically removed before they reach age 40.

Dietary Fat & Cholestrol

2009-06-20T12:10:00.003+05:30

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatlike substance that is found in animal products and is also made in your liver. Your body needs cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D (which is important for healthy bones), and bile (which helps your body use dietary fat). There are two main sources of cholesterol:
Dietary cholesterol comes from the foods that you eat. It is only found in foods that come from animals like eggs, meat, fish, dairy products, and butter and in foods that contain animal products like cake, cookies and muffins. Fruits, vegetables, and grains do not contain cholesterol.

Blood cholesterol is the cholesterol that is found in your blood. It comes from both the cholesterol made by your liver and the cholesterol and fat you eat. There are two main types of cholesterol in your blood. HDL cholesterol is the "good" kind of cholesterol found in blood. LDL cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol found in blood. Research has shown that high levels of HDL may help protect against heart disease, while high levels of LDL may increase a person’s risk for heart disease. Because the human body can make cholesterol on its own, we do not need to eat any dietary cholesterol
Blood cholesterol is affected by many different things, including types of dietary fat you eat, how much you exercise and your family history. Many different things, such as the types of dietary fat you eat and how much physical activity you get, may affect your blood cholesterol. Aerobic exercise (which keeps your heart strong) is helpful for increasing your HDL cholesterol levels. Try fun aerobic activities such as bike riding, walking, jogging, playing soccer, or taking dance classes. Weight, exercise, and family history may affect your blood cholesterol level just as much or even more than the foods you eat (that are high in cholesterol). In addition, genetics play a big role. If your mother or father has high cholesterol, you may too.

What is dietary fat?
Dietary fat, or the fat you get from food, is important for your health and the normal growth and development of your body. Dietary fat has many different functions in your body, which include:
Providing long lasting energy
Helping you feel full after eating
Helping make hormones
Forming part of your brain and nervous system
Forming cell membranes for every cell in your body
Carrying vitamins throughout your body
Helping to regulate your body temperature and keep you warm
Providing two essential fatty acids, called linoleic acid and linolenic acid, that your body cannot make by itself
What are the different types of dietary fat?
The four main types of fat found in food are monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat, and trans fat. Most foods have a different balance of these types of fats.
Monounsaturated fat is considered the most "heart healthy" type of fat. Research shows that monounsaturated fats may help to decrease LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Good Sources of Monounsaturated Fat Include:
Avocados Olive Oil
Almonds Peanut Butter
Canola Oil Peanut Oil
Cashews Sunflower Oil
Hazelnuts
Nutrition Tip: Try to increase your intake of monounsaturated fat.
Polyunsaturated fat is also a "heart healthy" type of fat. There are two essential fatty acids (linolenic and linoleic) that your body uses to make chemicals that control blood pressure, blood clotting, and your immune system response. Linolenic fatty acids are also called Omega-3 fats, and they are known to have many health benefits.
Good Sources of Polyounsaturated Fat Include:
Canola Oil Sardines
Corn Oil Sesame Seeds
Cottonseed Oil Soybeans
Flaxseeds Soybean Oil
Herring Sunflower Oil
Mackerel Tuna
Pine Nuts Trout
Pumpkin Seeds Walnuts
Salmon
Good Sources of Omega-3 Fats Include:
Canola Oil Mackerel
Flaxseeds Nuts (such as walnuts)
Flaxseed Oil Salmon
Green, leafy vegetables Sardines
Halibut Soy based foods (such as soybeans, soynuts)
Lake Trout Tofu
Legumes Tuna
Nutrition Tip: Try to increase your intake of Omega-3 fats.
Saturated fat is also called "animal fat" because it is found in foods that originally come from animals. It is also found in oils, nuts, seeds, and avocados. Research suggests that saturated fats may increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Sources of Saturated Fat Healthier Options
Butter Olive Oil
Cheese Low fat or reduced fat cheese
Coconut Oil Canola oil
Cream Low fat milk or fat free creamer
Eggs Egg whites or substitute
Ice Cream Frozen yogurt or reduced fat ice cream
Lard Oil or all-vegetable shortening (look for 0 grams of trans fat on the nutrition facts label)
Palm or Palm Kernal Oil Canola oil
Poultry Skin Poultry without the skin
Red Meat White meat poultry or fish
Whole Milk Skim or 1% Milk
Nutrition Tip: Try to decrease your intake of saturated fat.
Trans fat is formed when liquid oils are made into solid fats. Trans fats are artificially produced by food manufacturers. They were originally thought to be the healthier option to replace saturated fats. However, research shows that trans fats are not healthier as they increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol and decrease HDL ("healthy") cholesterol.
Sources of Trans Dietary Fat Include:
Cookies Fried Foods
Crackers Margarine (where the nutrition label does not say 0 grams of trans fat)
Donuts Muffins
Fast Food Shortening
Nutrition Tip: Try to decrease or eliminate your intake of trans fat.
How much fat should I eat?
About 30% of the energy we eat in the form of food and fluids should come from fat. It is a good idea to balance your meals with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat. A nutritionist can help you learn to balance your fat intake.
More Nutrition Tips
Read the nutrition facts label on food products for dietary fat content to help you make healthy choices.
Search the internet for your favorite fast food or restaurant chain. Many fast food restaurants provide nutrition facts information that can help you make better choices. Simply use a search engine such as "google" and type in the name of the restaurant. Next click on the restaurant web site and look for the section titled "nutrition" or "nutrition information." You can then check out the nutrition facts on the foods, fluids, or meals you might eat.
Remember: All fats may be included as a part of healthy eating. It’s the type of fat that you eat more or less of that matters.

Breast Enlargement Exercises

2009-06-05T22:21:00.002+05:30

As much as they hate to admit it, most women would like to change the size and shape of their breasts. This is because the dictates of society have made a lot of women insecure about their breast size because of the value that society, especially the men, places on having the "right" (big) breast size. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that women can take to help them achieve a fuller breast size, which includes undergoing breast augmentation surgery.

But given the huge investment that women need to put with regard to time and money on the procedure on top of the risks that they may face, breast augmentation surgery has become the option of last resort for some women. However, there are non-surgical options that women can take with regard to breast enlargement, which have also been proven to be effective. One of these is to do breast enlargement exercises, which is one of the cheapest and healthiest alternatives to breast augmentation surgery.
Some breast enhancement exercises
Breast enhancement exercises are designed to help women enhance their breast sizes by doing exercises that promote the growth of the breast area. The good news is that there are a number of good sources of these types of exercises, which includes the Internet, which provide them for free. However, despite the ease by which women can gain access to these exercise regimens, some women find it hard to do them because as with any exercise regimen, breast enhancement exercises also require dedication and discipline.

Some of the most common breast enhancement exercises that are available online include push-ups, palm pushes, forearm grips, and finger locks. However, women who download these exercise regimens should make sure that they know the right way of doing the exercises. This is because when they are not done in the right way, the exercises can become useless and in some cases, they may even cause more harm than good. One way of making sure is to ask a physician and other health professionals, who are knowledgeable with regard to exercise regimens and their effects.
Among women who would want to have a fuller breast size, there are some that are not up to undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Fortunately, there are some non-surgical methods that they can employ, which include breast enhancement exercises that are widely available especially on the Internet. However, women should also be aware of the right way of doing these exercises so that they can get optimal results from doing them.
Breast Enlargement provides detailed information on Breast Enlargement, Breast Enlargement Pills, Natural Breast Enlargement, Breast Enlargement Pumps and more. Breast Enlargement is affiliated with Silicone Breast Enhancers

Breast Common Condition

2009-05-30T20:39:00.002+05:30

One of the most common changes during the first pregnancy is the change in tissues of the breasts as it prepares itself for breast feeding. However there are also some other changes noticed during the first pregnancy.
One such change noticed is the pain in the breast. It is a common symptom in the first three months. Some women also get this pain with the commencement of period. So this change often goes unnoticed. It is one of the reasons why women avoid sex in the first three months. Sex during pregnancy is safe but the touch on the nipples is generally avoided.

Another change is in the nipples. The colour of the nipples becomes darker and larger as one’s pregnancy advances. Among the normal symptoms in the nipples are pimples and small goose bump on the white areas on the areola. This is known as Montgomery’s tubercles.

Yet another change noticed from fourth to sixth month is the enlargement of the breast. This is again due to the change of the tissues in the breast and a preparation taken to nurture the coming child. Leaking of Colostrums is a common symptom during the late pregnancy. It is often noticed that a golden colored fluid comes out of the breast or a coating is formed on the nipple during the late pregnancy. This substance is known as Colostrums. To avoid this being noticed breast pads are generally used.
In some cases it has been seen that women have slight or no change of breast. But this does not mean an inability to nurture a child. There are innumerable prejudices and wrong conception about breast feeding during pregnancy.

There is a myth that if the colostrums do not come out before the baby is born then one cannot expect breast milk. But in reality Colostrums can come at any point of time even just after the birth of the baby. Again some people believe that the nipples should be rubbed during the pregnancy in order to avoid pain during breastfeeding. But in fact this experiment has not proved to be successful and pain during breast feeding is felt due to dislocation of the child position during feeding. Thirdly people believe that they cannot feed their child with larger and bigger areola but the truth is that the larger and darker areola enables the babies to see properly.

Some have an idea that small breast produce insufficient milk to the baby. But it the need of the baby and not the size that determine the amount of milk produced.

Breast Augmentation Sizes

2009-05-19T11:15:00.002+05:30

Breast augmentation (medically known as augmentation mammoplasty) is surely the most sought-after cosmetic surgical method in the present world. This surgical technique improving the sizes and the shapes of the female breasts was firstly introduced in the 1960s and it had passed through a sea change since then. Everything, that includes the procedure of making the incision to the material used in the breasts’ implant, has passed through several radical changes. Also, its quality has significantly improved by leaps and bounds. Breast augmentation is now no longer something strange to anyone, especially to the women all across the world since many Hollywood women models do with their breasts spending truckloads of dollars; today it is a very affordable cosmetic procedure that is performed at many centers all across the world.

An augmentation is the best-loved method of woman today over the plenty of other techniques, which exist to enhance the breasts. One of the very first reasons is despite this, being a high-ticket procedure; this offers definite results, which are immediately visible to everyone’s eye. The method doesn’t need a long-time commitment and effort on the part of the women, as is the case with breasts enhancement exercise, massage and herbal method. Woman can be up and about her business in about 6-7 days, and then she can even ignore the implants altogether!! However, apart from when they might require to undergo for a corrective surgery that might be no more than four times in her entire lifespan.

There are many natural products that can also enhance the breasts’ size and augment them. Products such as St.Botanica Breast Products can significantly increase the size and shape of the bosoms. In fact, they are potential substitutes to invasive surgeries. However, before going for any breast augmentation size, one should hold the preliminary discussion with the cosmetic surgeon or healthcare provider. This is in order to be on safer side since augmentation techniques, though natural, may have some or the other loopholes. The most important aspect about breast enhancement is that the woman should feel like a million dollars having that done!!! However, this may not go exactly same with every woman since some of them may feel frustrating carrying cumbersome parts of their own body.

The woman who resorts to the surgical centers for breast augmentation should have things clear before undergoing any sort of incision on their dear organs. Here are those tips that help you selecting the size that suits you –
Tools to Help You Decide on Size
Since selecting the size of the implants for augmentation might be seen a difficult and stressful decision, there are some tools you could consider using before you make a final decision. Like padded bras in several sizes; one could wear a couple of different sizes and can compare how those suit on you and how you feel in each one. There are some samples that can be placed inside the bra known as inserts. These are helpful since they are realistic and have the same consistency and feel as normal breast tissues. Many cosmetic surgeons might have such in their clinics to help in the decision-making process. They allow the patient to see how the clothes will fit at each size, and how your contours will change.

Therefore, the woman who wants to go for a breast augmentation technique would need to make a very it clear in advance whether she actually require to go for the Elizabeth Taylor appearance or the Gwyneth Paltrow appearance!!! There could also be Pamela Anderson Lee appearance, but then those are for the woman who is actively working in the glamour industry.

Health experts suggest that the woman should not go in for an augmentation of more than 2 cup-size than the size of the original breasts she is gifted with. There are many stated gains to keep this limitation. One of them is that the woman won’t look too huge for people who are familiar to seeing her often. Very huge breasts on thin or small framed women may turn-off many men including her partner!!! And instead of gaining on sex appeal, the women might lose it. Even biologically, huger breasts mean more hormonal disturbance in the body. The larger breasts could exert force on the underlying muscles and feel quite fixed when moving. This might have adverse effects. The woman herself would feel uncomfortable with the sudden increase in her bust.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

2009-05-10T21:16:00.003+05:30

What is fibrocystic breast disease?
In Western countries, a large percentage of women experience benign but often painful cysts and lumps in their breasts. Their breasts feel lumpy, "ropy", or "granular", as if full of little nodules. Some women can even feel the presence of larger cysts.
These cysts occur when a breast duct becomes blocked, and then fills up with fluid like a balloon filled with water. The area surrounding the blocked duct then has a tendency to form scar tissue, and that is the fibrous component of the fibrocystic disease.
This generalized breast lumpiness is known by several names, including fibrocystic breast condition, fibrous breasts, fibrocystic breast disease, fibrocystic changes and benign breast disease. There even exist several types of fibrocystic breast condition.
Unfortunately, many women and even doctors think that fibrocystic breast disease is a "normal" condition for women. However, large, palpable cysts have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, not to mention the pain the women experience, so women need to be concerned about pain and cysts in their breasts and not let it go on thinking it is "normal".
An easy experiment to reduce pain: take your bra off!
Fortunately there is an easy solution that works for many women in reducing breast pain and fibrocystic lumps: many women have found that by wearing undergarments less restrictive than bras (camisoles, tank tops, etc.) they can dramatically reduce or eliminate fibrocystic cysts and pain. Medical anthropologists Sydney Singer and Soma Grismaijer, and also Dr. Gregory Heigh, have found that around 90% of fibrocystic patients improve when they quit wearing bras. Singer and Grismajer are authors of a study of over 4000 women that found that women who do not wear bras have a much lower risk of breast cancer ("Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras" Avery Press, 1995).
In this link you can read some case histories of how women who got help from fibrocystic cysts and pain by taking bra off. Also you can read what some doctors feel about breast pain, fibrocystic breast disease, and bra wearing.
What about diet?
You can also consider eating a high-fiber diet that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. Eating fish, especially fatty fish that contains omega-3 fats like salmon, trout, sardines, and mackerel, can be helpful.
One study studied a high dose vitamin A in women who did not get help for their breast pain from eliminating caffeine, and 80% of them had a dramatic reduction in the pain level. You are safer though getting vitamin A from consuming betacarotene, since high doses of vitamin A can be toxic. Vegetables that are bright red, orange, yellow, or dark green contain high amounts of betacarotene. Also helpful nutrients could be vitamin E, iodine, and essential fatty acids.
Iodine?
There also exist studies that link low iodine levels to fibrocystic breast disease. In fact, the pharmaceutical company Symbollon as of this writing (2007) has a molecular iodine drug Iogen in Pivitol Phase III clinical trials for non-hormonal treatment of Fibrocystic Breast Disease.
If you're interested in enrolling in their Phase III clinical trial for this Iodine-based treatment,
The British study bra-freedom as a treatment
In year 2000, two breast surgeons started a study including 100 women at two breast clinics (all of whom had breast pain) and found that over half of the premenopausal women with pain found relief when they quit wearing bras for three months. For some the pain relief was very dramatic, changing their lifes. When they resumed bra wearing for the last three months of the study, the pain returned. Besides the pain data, the doctors also showed video thermography footage that dramatically demonstrated the heat build-up from bra wearing, and they discussed the possible connections with cancer causation.
They also made a documentary film that was shown on nationwide television in Britain. You can read a partial trascript of the documentary concerning bra wearing and breast pain.
Natural progesterone treatment
Doctor John Lee has treated many patients with fibrocystic breasts with natural progesterone. He argues that the cause for the pain and cysts and lumps is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone - either too much estrogen or too little progesterone, or both - and that environmental estrogens cause this, or at least make the situation worse.
This condition is called estrogen dominance. I highly recommend searching the internet for more info on that. It may be worth your while to try natural progesterone therapy alongside with avoiding foreign estrogen-like chemicals to treat breast pain and fibrocystic breasts. Breastfeeding lowers risk
And, if you can, breastfeed! One study found that lack of breastfeeding was a risk factor for having post-menopausal breast pain and fibrocystic changes. Breastfeeding definitely lowers the risk of breast cancer: it reduces the time your body is exposed to high estrogen levels as occur during the mestrual cycle (and probably through some other mechanisms as well).

Help Prevent Breast Cancer

2009-05-07T22:58:00.003+05:30

About 178,480 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2007; it’s the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. While some of the risk factors for breast cancer are not within our control, such as gender, age or family history, there are some factors that are within our control, such as diet and exercise. In regard to lifestyle, here’s what research suggests:
Maintain a healthy weight
Studies show that maintaining a healthy weight (especially for postmenopausal women) is an important aspect of decreasing one's risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, one study showed that obese women (BMI >30) had a 31 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer compared to women of healthy body weight (BMI < color="#ff0000">Exercise regularly
One study showed that women who engaged in strenuous recreational activity for more than six hours a week had a 23 percent reduction in risk of breast cancer. Other studies indicate that anywhere from five to seven hours per week decreases risk. Even active housework has been shown to reduce your risk!
Watch the amount and type of fat you eat
Research suggests that greater total fat consumption (about 40 percent or more of daily calories) poses a greater risk for breast cancer than lower total fat consumption (about 20 percent of daily calories). With that in mind, try to limit total fat intake to less than 30 percent of daily calories in order to help in the prevention of breast cancer.
Saturated fats found in marbled meat and high-fat dairy products are more likely to increase risk of breast cancer than unsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds and avocados, as well as olive and canola oils. Try to limit saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of total daily calories (if you’re following a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s no more than 15 grams).
Incorporate 5 vegetables/fruits a day
Produce provides numerous phytonutrients and antioxidants — substances which help prevent cellular damage throughout the body. One well-designed study found that regular consumption of five or more servings of veggies a day was associated with lower risk of breast cancer; however, according to a recent study published in JAMA, consuming more than five servings doesn’t seem to have any preventative effect. So when it comes to breast cancer prevention, I say aim for at least five daily servings of colorful produce.
Tip: Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts are particularly strong fighters (studies show they inhibit growth of breast cancer cells).
Limit alcohol
Studies show that above moderate (one or more drinks per day) consumption of alcohol is associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Alcohol may raise estrogen levels and decrease the body’s ability to use folic acid, a B vitamin that’s been linked to cancer prevention. To help minimize risk, stick with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommends no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women (one serving = 12 fluid ounces beer, 5 fluid ounces wine, or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits).
Limit meats cooked at high temperatures
Cooking meats at high temperatures produces chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. Studies have shown that the risk is higher among people who eat meat (specifically beef) four or more times per week, and who cook their meats more thoroughly. The most HCAs are found in meats that have been fried, broiled or grilled — all cooking methods that typically use high temperatures. Roasting and baking produce fewer HCAs, and poaching, stewing or boiling meat produce the least.
I recommend limiting your intake of red meat altogether (aim for no more than three times each week), and cut back on your consumption of all meats cooked at high heat. When you do grill steak, pork and poultry, just be sure to trim excess fat, flip often and cut off charred or burnt parts of food before eating them (you may also want to cook meat slightly in the microwave or oven first, to lessen high-temperature cooking time). Also, marinate your meat before cooking — it helps to lessen HCA formation — and consider cutting meat into smaller chunks (they’ll cook faster, spend less time on the grill and you’ll reduce the likelihood of carcinogens forming).
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to several cancers, including breast. I recommend eating plenty of vitamin D–rich foods (salmon and sardines), and choosing vitamin D–fortified milk, yogurt and cheese. Because few foods provide vitamin D, you should consider a daily multivitamin that provides 100 percent DV of vitamin D3. If you think you’re a candidate for even more, speak with your physician.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived compounds that are structurally and functionally similar to the hormone estrogen, which is found naturally in our bodies. There are several different groups of phytoestrogens; the most widely studied are the isoflavones, present in high concentrations in soy products such as soybeans, tofu, tempeh and soy milk.

When it comes to breast cancer, there has been some evidence that soy can play a protective role; however, its effects may depend on when in life it’s consumed. For example, Japanese women eat soy throughout life, whereas most American women may have only started eating soy as adults. It’s been proposed that isoflavones act as anti-estrogens in premenopausal women who have high circulating hormone levels. But after menopause, when estrogen levels are low, they may act like estrogens and any estrogen boost, even if weak, may at least theoretically be harmful in such women. The optimal amount of dietary soy is unknown — and different forms of soy may have different effects. For example, highly processed soy foods (meat analogues and energy bars) may have less biological activity than whole soybeans or soy milk.

What’s the bottom line? A moderate amount of soy consumption can be part of a healthy diet (1-2 servings daily), particularly in premenopausal women. A serving = ½ cup tofu, tempeh, edamame (out of the pod), ¼ cup soy nuts or 1 cup soy yogurt or soymilk. **However, if you have or have had breast cancer, or you’re at high risk, it’s important you speak with your personal physician and follow their expert advice when it comes to soy consumption. This remains a controversial topic and you may be instructed to completely avoid.
Important: Always avoid soy supplements — they may contain higher levels of isoflavones than present in soy foods without the other potentially healthy components. Long-term effects are not yet known.
Spice it up with curcumin!
Recent studies show that curcumin, the yellow spice found in turmeric and curry powder, may have anti-tumor compounds that can protect against breast cancer. Try these quick and easy tips to add curcumin to your diet:
If you like eating out, enjoy Indian cuisine for a change.
Add a teaspoon of curry powder to air-popped popcorn as a snack.
Mix ½ teaspoon curcumin or curry powder to hummus (dip with veggies, bonus!).
Butternut squash soup with a dash of curry adds a nice kick.
Add a little turmeric and ginger to oven-roasted veggies for great flavor.

Breast Size

2009-05-06T14:18:00.002+05:30

Does breast size really matter?
It’s a debate I have had with my girlfriends for years. The grass is often greener on the other side, and so women continually exchange reasons why it is enviable to have either larger or smaller breasts. But are there any significant medical differences
between having large or small breasts?
First, it’s important to understand a little anatomy of the breast. Breast size is dictated more by the amount of fatty and fibrous tissue than the amount of milk-producing glands. This is important when thinking about size and its relationship to breast-milk production and risk of breast cancer.
Generally speaking, size does not make a difference for important biological functions and conditions. Below are some common medical myths about breast size.
Breast size does not influence how much breast milk you can or will produce
Because breast size depends more on the amount of supporting fibrous and fatty tissue than the amount of milk glands, women with larger breasts do not necessarily produce more breast milk. Breast-milk production is stimulated hormonally and increases with demand. Increasing the frequency of breast-feeding sessions with a baby increases the milk supply. Supply meets demand in most cases. While many factors can affect breast-milk production – fatigue, stress and depression – do not add worry about your breast size to the stresses of motherhood.

If you are thinking about breast-feeding, don’t discount your ability to breast-feed or give up without talking to a lactation consultant or your pediatrician. There are many ways to try to increase your milk supply, and difficulties occur for many women regardless of size.

Breast size does not influence breast-cancer rates or prognosis
Researchers have found that breast size does not affect your risk of breast cancer. In addition, breast size does not affect your treatment outlook. The most common type of breast cancer comes from the cells lining the ducts of the milk-producing glands. Since women with larger breasts do not necessarily have more gland tissue, it makes sense that women with larger breasts do not have a higher risk of cancer. If you are worried about your ability to detect and treat breast cancer if you have larger breasts, remember that the studies do not validate your concerns. You are only more likely to miss cancer if you don’t go looking for it with routine screening tests or if you ignore your intuition about a new lump or asymmetry.

The only caveat here is that obesity has been found to increase the risk of breast cancer. Overweight women can have larger breasts, but based on studies mentioned above, it appears that obesity is the factor more than breast size. Greater amounts of fat tissue increase the estrogen level, which is probably the cause of increased cancer risk associated with obesity.

Breast size does not affect the amount of pain you will have during a mammogram
In one study surveying women about their pain, larger breast size did not make a mammogram more painful. Don’t let your fears about pain prevent you from getting appropriate breast-cancer screening.

Physical and emotional discomfort are real
Getting past the myths, breast size can affect a woman’s daily physical well-being. For instance, many women with larger breasts experience physical discomfort, such as significant neck, shoulder or back pain and headaches. For some of these women, a better-fitting bra may be a simple solution. In addition, losing weight to decrease breast fat will probably help. Despite these efforts, some women find a reduction mammoplasty - surgery to reduce breast size - necessary to relieve pain and discomfort.

No doubt, breast size has a strong impact on a woman’s mental well-being as well. After all, it's impossible to ignore the emphasis our culture places on breast size. From puberty to adulthood, a woman faces idealized norms and contemplates her potential to measure up. Biases exist against women with large breasts as well as small breasts. A girl or woman with larger breasts may deal with assumptions about her sexuality. A girl or woman with smaller breasts may feel inadequate. Recognizing that these external and internal pressures exist, we must encourage girls and women to become comfortable with their own bodies and dispel the myths.

The bottom line for all women is that you shouldn’t expect more or less from your body because of your breast size. In particular, your ability to breast-feed and your risk of breast cancer, two of the most important health concerns, are unrelated to size.

Breast self Massage

2009-05-02T22:39:00.000+05:30

Breast self-massage is simple. Breast self-massage is pleasurable. Breast self-massage helps prevent cancer as well as detect it. Breast self-massage helps keep breast skin supple. Breast self-massage is a way to be intimate with your breasts. Breast self-massage is a piece of women's wisdom. Breast self-massage is safe. Breast self-massage is free. Many of the women I've talked with say they don't do breast self-exams, though most think they ought to. No one wants to look for (or, heaven forbid, find!) cancer. We've been trained to avoid danger, and looking for cancer sounds like looking for trouble. Our bodies are influenced by what we think, so how can it be safe to spend time every month doing a breast self-exam, worrying if we're about to find a lump? But we feel guilty when we don't.
And what are we supposed to feel when we touch our breasts anyway? They feel full of lumps! Most of us aren't sure how to touch or examine our breasts or what we'd do if we did feel something truly suspicious. Our guilt and confusion make it all even more complex.

Breast self-massage offers a way to let go of this tension and get in touch with yourself. This soothing, nurturing self-massage is a pleasurable and relaxing way to get to know your breasts. It avoids the worry of checking for cancer, while providing an excellent early-warning system should cancer arise. Regular, loving touching of our breasts allows us to recognize normal breast changes without fear, and gives us time to respond thoughtfully to abnormal changes. Breast self-massage is also a quiet, focused time that allows the Wise Healer Within (see page 83 of the book) to alert us to any changes that require our attention.
Infused (not essential) herbal oils are an important element of breast self-massage. When herbs are infused into oil, active plant components are liberated and can be massaged into breast tissue - where they help reverse abnormal cellular changes such as hyperplasia, atypia, precancers, and in situ cancers. It's fast and fun to make your own infused oils (see page 297), or you can buy them (see page 75). But if you don't have any, plain olive oil works fine.

If you already know breast self-exam techniques, let them inform your fingertips during your breast self-massage. If this is all new to you, take a few months to learn about your breasts with self-massage before doing breast self-exam. They complement each other: Let the pleasure of the massage infuse the exam, and let the effectiveness of the exam inform the massage.

Breast Feed

2009-04-30T23:18:00.001+05:30

You can choose any position you wish to nurse in, whether that be a seated or laying down position. It should be one that gives you the best feeding position for your baby and their needs. This may vary with the baby's age, your comfort level and even the time of day. Many people use the cradle hold, with mom seated upright, holding baby like a cradle. This allows you to hold the baby with one hand and use the other to support or move your breast.
No matter what position you decide on, get some support! A nursing pillow or using couch or bed pillows to help you hold baby up will save strain on your neck and back. Ask for help from others if you're just learning.
You can purchase fancy pillows to do the same job, but most moms find that anything that lifts their arms, saves on strain. This makes the pillows made for nursing a luxury for most mothers. If you're breastfeeding twins, a specifically designed pillow may be a great option

A good latch is one of the most important parts of breastfeeding comfortably. This directly goes back to a good position of the baby. Your baby should be belly to belly with you and chin to breast. If baby is twisted or has their head turned it can make it not only more difficult for them to get milk, but it can make your nipples sore.
Older babies are more likely to move around while nursing. This does not seem to cause most mothers any pain. But don't let your newborn learn the sloppy habits of nursing older babies, they simply can't get away with the same types of positions as nursing acrobats do at later stages.
While baby is nursing you want to look for a few things to ensure all is well. The baby should have their lips flared around the breast. If you pull the lower lip down a bit (while they are nursing) the tongue should be curled around the breast. You can also usually hear baby swallowing and watch their ears wiggling when actively nursing.

When baby needs a break, it's time to change sides or is finished, simple slip a finger in the corner of their mouth to gently break the suction. If you don't do this you will cause yourself a lot of pain. You can then offer the other side following the same steps.

STD Imformation

2009-04-28T23:24:00.000+05:30

As a teenage girl or young woman, you may be thinking about what it means to be involved in a sexual relationship. Deciding to have a sexual relationship is a big deal, since it involves both your body and your emotions. You need to make sure that it is the right decision for you. There are many things that you need to think about before you decide to have sex, including whether this is the right person, the right time in your life, and how you will feel if the relationship breaks up. If you do decide to have sex, you definitely need to think first about how to prevent getting pregnant and how to protect yourself from getting a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).

You should talk to your parents, guardian, a trusted adult, or your health care provider if you are thinking about having a sexual relationship. It is a good idea to discuss all of your choices and all of the concerns and worries you may have so you can make good decisions. This can be a very confusing time for you and it is always good to have someone to talk to.

You should contact your health care provider immediately if you think you have a STD. If it's not a STD, then your health care provider will be able to relieve your mind and treat you for whatever you have. If it is a STD, it's great that you contacted your health care provider right away. The sooner you catch an STD, and the sooner your health care provider begins to treat it, the better chances you have of curing it or stopping it from getting worse.

Women with Eating Disorders

2009-04-26T07:20:00.002+05:30

Eating disorders affect millions of young women. If you are reading this information guide, you may be a family member or close friend of someone struggling with an eating disorder. It is normal to feel helpless and confused at times. The chronic nature of eating disorders can drain a parent of physical and emotional energy. Learning about eating disorders can help you provide proper support. Keep in mind that all suggestions are not appropriate for everyone. This guide was created to offer ideas on how to help a young woman with an eating disorder. This guide does not replace recommended treatment or care from a physician, counselor, or nutritionist.
The Road to Recovery
Be Patient. It is important to remember that just as it takes a long time for someone to develop an eating disorder, it may take a long time for someone to recover from one as well. There are many different factors that can trigger disordered eating. Years of messages from the media, food industry, and peer groups contribute to dieting behaviors and unrealistic ideas about body image. These messages negatively impact the thoughts of young women suffering from eating disorders. There is no quick fix or cure. Because changes in thinking and behavior happen slowly, the road to recovery takes time. Try to look at health trends (eating behaviors and weight) weekly rather than daily.
Offering Support at Meals and Snack Time
Eat together. Meals and snack times are often the most difficult part of the day for young women with eating disorders. They may be very anxious at meal times and feel guilty for eating. Meal times often require support and supervision. If someone they trust eats with them, the experience of eating can be more comfortable.
Keep conversation positive. Discuss neutral topics of conversation rather than focusing on food, calories, or weight. Try to talk about something fun, like your favorite sports teams, hobbies or music.
Consider adopting a mealtime agreement. Agree in advance not to discuss disordered eating thoughts such as portion size, calories, carbohydrate, or fat content at meal times. Many young women with disordered eating have continuous negative thoughts about food. Mealtime agreements often work to reduce tension and stress associated with eating.
Plan ahead. As a family, agree on the structure of mealtimes: what time you will eat, the content of the meals (food selections), and who will be present at the meal.
Grocery Shopping, New Foods & Cooking
Some young women recovering from eating disorders are able to participate in grocery shopping and cooking. Speak with your teen’s health care provider or nutritionist to determine if she is ready for this step.
Grocery shop together. Explore your favorite grocery store or visit a different market. Check out new foods and set a goal to try one new food each week. Young women with disordered eating often have a small list of "safe foods" that they can feel more comfortable eating. Usually, these foods are low in calories, or are not from a food group that the person with an eating disorder has a hard time tolerating such as carbohydrates and/or fat. During recovery, it is important to increase food choices. A nutritionist can be very helpful with setting goals and coaching a patient.
Make sure that all foods that you will need for meals are available. This helps lessen worry at mealtime. Sometimes, if a food item is not available at the designated eating time, it can lead to panic and restricted food intake.
Cook together and try new recipes. Many young women like to cook with someone they trust. Learning how to cook provides another skill towards recovery. Trying new recipes also helps increase the “safe foods” list. Take a look at our “Quick and Easy Recipe for Teens Cookbook” for ideas.
Healthy Attitude
Encourage new interests. Suggest new activities such as art classes, volunteering, community service, clubs at school, music, or yoga. It is important to replace the unhealthy, disordered eating behaviors (excessive or ritualistic exercise patterns or restrictive dieting) with healthy interests. Teens and young women struggling with eating disorders often choose activities that are based on dieting, weight regulation, and exercise. It is difficult for young women to break away from these patterns. However, developing new interests can help reverse the disordered eating behaviors and over time improve self-esteem.
Plan a special event. Make an appointment for a new haircut, manicure, or massage. As young women recover from an eating disorder, their body shape, facial structure, hair texture, and overall appearance may change. They often feel they do not deserve special things. A special event can be a nice way of helping your teen adjust to her new look. It also sends the message that they deserve to treat themselves to something fun.
Shop for clothes. Because clothing sizes often fluctuate during recovery, it’s best to buy a few new pieces of clothing at a time rather than an entire wardrobe. Some young women with eating disorders have a difficult time clothes shopping because of dressing room mirrors. It can also be difficult for a teen to buy a different size than she is used to. Ask your teen if she would like to go shopping of if she would prefer that you pick up new items for her.
Talking with Teens
Avoid commenting directly on physical appearance or body shape. Statements or questions such as "You look great!" or "You look better”, “You've gained weight" or "You've lost weight-what's going on?" often make teens and young women feel extremely uncomfortable. During recovery, teens often look much healthier, brighter, and stronger. However, commenting on this is often interpreted negatively by the teen. A remark such as "You look so much better now that you're not all skin and bones!" may be interpreted as "I am fat!" by a young woman with an eating disorder.
Comment on health and energy level. Statements such as, or "You are full of energy!" or "You look well rested" are more appropriate and often make young women feel supported in their recovery. These types of conversations show recognition of improved health status and do not focus on body shape or size.
Smile! Happiness is contagious. A bright, cheerful, and consistently positive attitude works wonders! It is very difficult to watch someone you care about struggle with any illness. Worried looks or tears often make young women feel very guilty about their eating disorder and may lead the teen to feel more anxiety, self-loathing, and depression. It is very important to try to be positive. A simple smile can spread a message of hope and cheer to a teen with an eating disorder.
Positive Thinking!
Sharing positive thoughts with a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder and body image concerns is helpful. Check out nationaleatingdisorders.org for "Ten Steps to Positive Body Image" for some suggestions to reverse this negative thinking.
Support for Yourself
If you feel overwhelmed with your child’s illness seek support from a professional such as a counselor or therapist.

Breast enhancement

2009-04-24T18:01:00.001+05:30

Although natural breast enhancement can work for many, there are other things you can do to enhance your appearance! Posture is so incredibly important. Look around you. Watch how people carry themselves. There is constant research about how human posture conveys personal traits. If you see a woman walking with her shoulders concave or slouched over, you see a weak, tired person with a lack of self-esteem and purpose. You are here because you are looking for ways to strengthen your appearance as well as your inner core. Observe people during your day, every day. Choose to walk around in your life with your shoulders back, chest out and abdominal's held strongly tight to your core. This one suggestion may be the strongest and personally passionate in the entire site. When I ever feel down or less than I wish to be.. I take a strong breath, throw my shoulders back, and suck in my abdominals and walk with strength and purpose. That one thing can change your entire attitude about your day, about your life.
CHECK IT: Try stretching your arms up as far as you can, standing up on tiptoes and then let your arms fall gently back by your sides. This will normally show how much straighter and taller you can be. It’s all about confidence; the way a woman presents, and more importantly carries herself can speak volumes. Bad posture can result because of feelings of low self worth. Low self worth can manifest itself in different ways, such as refusing to join in or go out with friends or maybe just hiding away behind big baggy clothes.
If this sounds like you - the message here is be proud, hold your head up high and tell yourself you are as good as the next person.
Ok, now on to exercises--
Breasts themselves are made up of fatty tissue and there really is NO exercise that you can do for the breast itself. However, underneath is the Pectoral Muscles which can be built up in a way that gives your breasts a higher, firmer look. Use these exercises alone, or in conjunction with any other alternative you use to achieve your desired results. Here are three great exercises that work to strengthen your Pectoral Muscles. As with any new diet or exercise, it is always recommended to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before starting your Breast Enhancement Exercise.
First Breast Enhancement Exercise Pectoral Press:
* Grab a five pound weight in each hand
* Stand with your knees slightly bent, feet shoulder width apart, back straight,abs tight.
* Bend your elbows out to the side at right angles to your body
* Slowly press your forearms, elbows and hands together, in front of your chest, initiating the movement from the pectoral muscles
* Slowly press your arms back to the starting position
* Do 3 sets of 12
Second Breast Enhancement Exercise Modified Push Up:
* Lie on your stomach
* Bend your knees and cross your ankles
* Place your hands slightly in front of your shoulders with your elbows bent
* Tighten your abs and slowly straighten your arms and lift your body so you’re balanced on your palms and knees, keeping your body aligned from your needs to the top of your head
* Keep your face tucked toward the floor for a straight spine
* Bend your elbows to bring your body parallel to the floor, and push up again
* Try not to touch your chest to the floor
* Do 2 sets of 10 with another exercise in between
Third Breast Enhancement Exercise Incline press:
* Grab a five pound weight in each hand
* Lie on an incline board or on the floor with your upper back, neck and head propped up with firm pillows or other firm support, such as a large foam wedge
* Bend your elbows out to the side at right angles to your body
* Slightly tuck your chin to keep a straight, yet relaxed, natural posture
* Slowly press the ends of the weights up to touch in front of your chest, keeping your elbows slightly bent, do not smack the weights together
* Separate the weights and press your elbows slowly back to your starting position
* Do 3 sets of 12 with other exercises in between

Healthy Women

2009-04-23T09:58:00.005+05:30

Are there things that I can do to stay healthy?
Yes! You should be eating healthfully, exercising, and getting plenty of rest.
What should I know about nutrition and eating well?
Eating well is very important. You should eat a variety of healthy foods. You should try to eat foods that are baked, steamed, or grilled, rather than fried. Also, choose fresh foods like steamed vegetables and grilled chicken instead of fast food or processed foods like frozen dinners. Remember to watch the amount of salt that you consume. Limit the amount of junk food (candy, chips, soft drinks) that you eat, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (at least 5 a day). Find good foods at late-night snack time, such as popcorn and veggies. You should drink enough non-caffeine fluids each day (8-10 8oz. glasses a day). Women should consume 3-4 servings of dairy products that are high in calcium (milk, yogurt) to keep their bones healthy. Taking a daily multivitamin (with iron and 0.4 mg folic acid) will help you stay healthy. If you are a vegetarian, make sure that you get all the nutrients that you need.
What do I need to know about exercise?
Another important way to stay healthy and reduce stress is to get enough exercise. You should make sure that you do aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, and stretching exercises. You should do aerobic exercise (biking, running, fast walking, swimming, and aerobics) 3-5 times a week, for 20-60 minutes. If you do it right, your heart should speed up and you should breathe faster. However, you should still be able to talk when you are doing aerobic exercise. Strengthening exercises (sit-ups, push-ups, leg lifts, weight training) will build up your muscles and keep your bones healthy. Stretching exercises (yoga) will make you more flexible, so you will be less likely to strain a muscle. You can also get exercise by doing simple things, such as walking or riding a bike (with a helmet), instead of driving or taking the bus.
What do I need to know about getting enough rest?
There may be so much to do once you get to college that you find that you are not getting enough sleep. The average amount of sleep a person needs is 8 hours. However, you may need more or less. If you are not getting enough sleep, you may:
feel more stressed or depressed.
have a hard time staying awake in class.
have trouble concentrating on papers and exams.
catch lots of colds and other minor illnesses (because your body cannot fight off germs as well).
So try to get enough sleep or you won't even be able to enjoy the activities that you are skipping sleep for!!

Female Sterilization

2009-04-22T13:34:00.003+05:30

Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)
What is female sterilization?
Female sterilization is a permanent type of contraceptive, meaning that it works to protect against pregnancy forever. It should only be used by adult women who are absolutely sure that they do not want more or any children. It usually cannot be reversed. It costs between $1000-$2500, but this amount can be looked at as contraception for the rest of your life.
Out of 100 women using female sterilization
Typical use: 1 or less women become pregnant
Perfect use: 1 or less women become pregnant
There are several different methods of female sterilization that all involve minor surgery, usually through a small incision in the abdomen. The surgery is usually done with general anesthesia, meaning that you will not be awake during the surgery. Some types of female sterilization use local anesthesia, so that you don't feel anything just around the area of the incision. All methods close or cut the fallopian tubes (the tubes that carry the eggs from your ovary to the uterus) so that your partner's sperm cannot move through them to fertilize one of your eggs. The method that you decide on with your health care provider will be based on your medical needs and when you decide to have the sterilization done. (Some women are sterilized right after childbirth or an abortion, while many others choose another time.)
Tubal ligation: A piece of the fallopian tube is cut and tied or stitched with suture material. This is usually done right after childbirth.
Sterilization using electrical current: An electrical current is used to burn and destroy the fallopian tube after it has been cut. The surgeon will make a tiny cut in your abdomen and insert an instrument with a 5 millimeter telescope (called a laparoscope) to find the fallopian tubes. Another instrument is used to apply the electrical current. Sterilization done with an electrical current cannot be reversed.
Silicone band (tubal ring): The surgeon will make a tiny cut and insert a laparoscope. Through the laparoscope, he/she will insert a special device that stretches an elastic band, picks up a small loop of the fallopian tube, and places the elastic band over the loop. The tube will then be clamped shut.
Spring clips: There are two types that can be used. One, shaped like a clothespin, is placed over the fallopian tube and is held closed by its spring clip. It is inserted through a tiny cut with the use of a laparoscope and is put in place with a special tool.
The other type is a rounded clamp, which is closed over the fallopian tube. The clamp's plastic liner gets bigger to keep the tube closed as the tube flattens. It is inserted through a tiny cut with the use of a laparoscope.
How effective is female sterilization?
Female sterilization is one of the best methods of birth control available. It is 99% effective. This means that if 100 women get female sterilization, 1 woman will become pregnant in a year.
Female sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. A few women may get pregnant after the operation. There is a higher risk of a pregnancy in your fallopian tube, rather than in your uterus, after a sterilization procedure.
Are there any problems with female sterilization?
A very small number of women may have more pain with their menstrual periods after sterilization. If you have any of the following, contact your health care provider:
late or missed menstrual period
severe lower abdominal (belly) pain nausea breast tenderness
What if I decide after I have sterilization that I want to get pregnant?
Female sterilization is a good option only for some women. Female sterilization is a good idea for older adolescents and young adult women that have a very serious medical condition so they can't have children, prefer not to have children, or can't use contraception that is not permanent. Female sterilization is also a good method for older women that are absolutely sure they do not want any more children.
If you do decide that you want to get pregnant after your tubes have been cut and tied, you may be able to have your tubes rejoined. The surgery to reverse the sterilization is major and is only about 70% successful. Less than 1% of women get their tubes rejoined, since women are very certain that they do not want any more children when they receive sterilization. Insurance will not pay for reversal of female sterilization.

Guide for Female Teens

2009-04-17T19:49:00.003+05:30

A Guide for Teens
What are backpack snacks?
Backpack snacks can help you fuel your body while you are on the go. If you have plenty of snacks packed in your backpack (or other bag of choice), you will have healthy snacks to munch on when you need them. If you have backpack snacks with you, then you won’t have to grab food from a vending machine or fast food restaurant that may not be as healthy for you. Backpack snacks are also called “portable foods” because they are very easy to take with you and usually do not need to be kept cold. You can create backpack snacks using foods in all of the food groups.
Here are some healthy snack ideas:
Dairy & Dairy Substitutes
Benefits: Build strong bones
Examples: *yogurt, *soy yogurt, *milk, *soy milk, *almond milk, *string cheese, pudding,
Grains
Benefits: Provide energy for muscles & brain
Examples: pretzels, popcorn, bagel, crackers, chex mix, energy bars, high-fiber cereal, animal crackers, graham crackers, baked chips, granola bars
Fats
Benefits: Keep you full
Examples: nuts, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, guacamole
Vegetables
Benefits: Provide vitamins and minerals for healthy skin, hair, nails, and immune system
Examples: carrot sticks, celery sticks, vegetable juice, cherry tomatoes, cut up broccoli, cut up peppers, cut up cauliflower
Fruits
Benefits: Provide vitamins and minerals for healthy skin, hair, nails, and immune system
Examples: apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, raisins, berries, pears, dried fruit, light fruit cups
Protein
Benefits: Builds muscle
Examples: soy nuts, tuna, edamame, hummus, hard boiled egg
*Foods such as yogurt, cheese, and milk need to be kept cold and should be carried in a bag that is made to keep food cold, or with a freezer pack.
Pack snacks that are packed with nutrition. All of our backpack snack ideas are healthier than most of the foods you will find in a vending machine or at fast food places. To get the most out of your snack stash, stick with fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lowfat/nonfat dairy, and lean or plant-based protein.

Breast Massage

2009-04-13T22:03:00.002+05:30

The breasts are always a point of concern for women, a focus of physical feminine beauty. Aside from the need for the breasts to be healthy, most women desire to make their breasts appear beautiful – firm, shapely and perky. There are many women in the world who would not hesitate to spend thousands of dollars going through breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery or any other cosmetic procedure available just to get their breasts molded into the shape and size that they want.
To be in possession of a pair of healthy and lovely breasts, a woman does not always have to turn to surgery to attain this. Massaging a woman’s breasts is a practice that has been done for centuries in India and the Orient. Such a practice is documented in the Ayurveda, a medical system that originated in India and has been around for ages.
Breast massage can be tricky because breast tissues are quite delicate. However, if done properly and with exerting only moderate pressure, massaging the breasts are perfectly safe. Not only does massaging the breasts make them firmer, it also makes them healthier and aids in maintaining the balance of hormones in a woman’s body. The procedure is also quite simple.
A woman can massage her own breasts, but she can also have someone else do it for her. Naturally, this procedure requires baring the breasts and so it must be done in a private place. The woman can perform the massage lying or sitting down, whichever is more comfortable for her.
To avoid friction and discomfort, the lubrication of massage oil on the skin is also necessary. The application of the massage oil onto the breast is the first stage of the massage. The oil is applied in circular movements on the breast, with the direction going from the center of the chest towards the underarm area. Take care that only light pressure is exerted on the breast.
The second step to massaging the breast is done after the breast is fully covered in oil. The breast is to be kneaded gently by lifting it from the chest and pressing delicately with both hands. Alternately, with both hands holding the breast, the flesh should be twisted and wrung very gently.
After this, as the third step, the giver of the massage should try to scoop the fibers of the breast with utmost gentleness using the flat of the fingertips. The strokes should be done clockwise, and then counterclockwise.
As a last step, the flesh of the breast should be stroked and smoothened, with the direction of the fingertips going from the center away towards the side. This is the cooling down phase of the massage. When this is done, repeat all the steps on the other breast. The receiver should drink plenty of water afterwards.
Breast massage can be uncomfortable or even painful. This is why it is so important to exert only minimal pressure when massaging the breasts.
Massaging the breasts, however, is good for promoting their health and for giving it a firm and beautiful appearance.
Indeed, breast massage is one of the best ways to help create a more beautiful bustline by helping to shape, tone and promote growth of the breast and the area surrounding the breast.

Feminine Protection

2009-04-11T22:30:00.002+05:30

What should I wear for feminine protection during my period?

There are two basic types of feminine protection products: external protection and internal protection. External protection (like pads and pantiliners) is placed or attached to the crotch of your underpants to absorb your menstrual flow after it leaves the body, while internal protection (like tampons) is inserted into the vagina to catch or absorb your menstrual flow before it leaves the body. Some people prefer internal protection because you can't feel it and it is easier to use when playing sports. Tampons are the most common type of internal protection, but there are other choices available, too (see our guide to alternative menstrual products for more information).
Using a tampon or other form of internal protection can be scary the first time, but after the first time it gets much easier! Some people worry that internal protection will change your hymen (a thin piece of tissue that partially blocks the entrance to your vagina), but this is not true. Talk to your mom, older sister, or another adult that you trust about how to use a tampon. You can also visit our health information sheet A Guide to Using Your First Tampon for more information.
Both internal and external protection is safe. There is a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome with tampons, but the risk is very low when used correctly. You should read the directions on the package and change them frequently (every 4-8 hours). Make your decision about which form of protection to use based on whatever you feel most comfortable using! Talk about the different types of feminine protection with an adult you feel comfortable with. This will help you make your decision about which kind you will want to use.
Can I swim and do normal activities when I have my period?
Yes! People used to think that you shouldn't swim, play sports, or do other normal activities when you had your period. Now, people know that this is not true. If you have the right type of menstrual protection, you can do anything! In fact, swimming and playing sports may make you feel better. Other girls prefer to be less active when they have a heavy flow or cramps. You will probably be most comfortable if you use a tampon when you swim or play sports.

Cancer Survivors

2009-04-08T23:45:00.001+05:30

If I get pregnant with my own eggs after cancer treatment, will my baby be normal?
Yes! Your chance of having a normal baby is the same as other women your age.
Should I expect any problems with my pregnancy or breast-feeding since I had cancer?
In most cases, women who become pregnant after cancer treatment are able to have normal and healthy pregnancies. In some studies, women who had high amounts of radiation to their pelvis had higher rates of miscarriages (the fetus died). Every woman's pregnancy is different and should be followed closely by her health care provider regardless of whether or not she has received cancer treatment.
Your ability to breast-feed your child after your pregnancy will not be affected unless you have received radiation treatment to your breast area during your cancer treatment. Although the breast that received radiation will most likely produce little or no milk, you will still be able to feed your baby with the other breast if it was not exposed to radiation.
Is there a chance that my children will get cancer too?
While some cancers run in families, most cases of cancer are caused by something random and do not increase the risk of cancer for other family members. Only 5-15% of all cancer cases has something to do with a gene that you inherited. Most cancer survivors have healthy children. If you have concerns, you should talk to a genetics counselor.
Who can I talk to about fertility issues?
The first person you should talk to about fertility issues is your gynecologist or a reproductive endocrinology specialist. He or she will be able to figure out what kind of effect your cancer or cancer treatment has had on your ovaries and uterus. If needed, your gynecologist can refer you to a fertility specialist who can help you with your options.
What are the chances that my cancer treatment caused my infertility?
Infertility is a common problem that affects millions of couples in the world. It may be difficult for your doctor to tell whether your infertility is a result of your cancer treatment or a condition that existed before your cancer. The chances that you are infertile because of cancer treatment depend on a few factors:
Your age at treatment: Girls who are treated in childhood usually have fewer reproductive problems than those who are treated in their teen or adult years. Also, older women are more likely to be infertile and have POF. This is because girls are born with all the eggs that they will ever have. The older you are, and the more menstrual cycles you've had, the fewer eggs you have left. Younger girls have a larger supply of eggs and may be able to finish cancer treatment with some eggs still remaining in their ovaries.
The kind of cancer you had: Some cancers need treatments that are more harmful to your reproductive organs than others. An example of this would be a cancer that requires either surgery on your pelvic organs or direct radiation to your pelvis.
The kind of treatment you received: Some cancer treatments, such as bone marrow transplantation, cause high rates of infertility. If you received large amounts of radiation to your pelvis (for treatment of Wilm's Tumor, for example), there is a good chance that your ovaries were affected. Low amounts of radiation to areas of your body not near your reproductive organs are less likely to cause infertility.

Chlamydia

2009-04-04T22:00:00.003+05:30

What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. It is caused by a bacteria that can infect the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, anus, urethra, or eye.
How common is chlamydia?
Four million American women and men are diagnosed with chlamydia every year. However, there are many people with chlamydia who do not know they have it because they have never had the symptoms.
Who is most likely to get chlamydia?
Chlamydia is most common among:
People who have more than one sexual partner
People whose sexual partners have more than one partner
People who don't use condoms
People with a history of STDs
People under age 25
How is chlamydia spread?
Chlamydia is spread from person-to-person during unprotected sex. It can be passed through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be passed to the eye by a hand or other body part moistened with infected secretions. Chlamydia can be passed from a woman infected with chlamydia to her fetus during birth. Chlamydia cannot be spread by kissing, toilet seats, bed linens, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, sharing clothes, or eating utensils.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
70% percent of women with chlamydia have no symptoms. If they do have symptoms, the symptoms usually start anywhere from one to three weeks after getting infected.
Symptoms for chlamydia can include:
Bleeding between menstrual periods
Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, Pain in the abdomen, pain during intercourse, Fever
A burning feeling when urinating, The need to urinate more than usual
A new or different discharge from the vagina Pain, itching, bleeding, and/or mucus discharge of the rectum (for chlamydia in the anus) Redness, itching, and/or discharges of the eyes (for chlamydia in the eyes) These symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of gonorrhea, another type of STD.
Where can I get tested and treated for chlamydia?
You can be tested and treated for chlamydia at family planning health centers, private doctors' offices, STD clinics, hospital clinics, and health departments. If you are less than 25 years old and have ever had sexual intercourse, talk to your health care provider about getting tested for chlamydia at least once a year and more frequently if you change sex partners or have had chlamydia or other STDs before.
How is chlamydia diagnosed?
Your health care provider can diagnose chlamydia by taking a urine sample or by doing a pelvic examination and testing the cervix for chlamydia. It is important to get a test in order to tell if you have gonorrhea or chlamydia. They have very similar symptoms, but each needs a different treatment.
Is there a cure for chlamydia?
Yes! Chlamydia is easy to treat and cure. It's important that you get treated early so that more serious health problems don't occur. Both sexual partners must get treated at the same time so you don't re-infect each other. Your health care provider will prescribe antibiotics to kill the chlamydia bacteria. Your health care provider will help you figure out which treatment is best for you and your partner. Remember to take all of the prescribed medicine, even if the symptoms go away. This is because the infection can still be in your body.
Is chlamydia dangerous?
If chlamydia is not treated, it can cause serious health problems. It can cause lower abdominal pain. The infection usually begins on the cervix, but if it is not treated, it can spread to the fallopian tubes or ovaries and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to infertility or ectopic (tubal) pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tubes).
How can I prevent spreading chlamydia?
If you think you have chlamydia, the first thing you should do is stop having sexual intercourse and get tested and treated. Make sure you tell all current and past sexual partners that you have chlamydia, since you could have infected them. You may find this difficult to do, but it is very important to do so that those infected can get treated before more serious health problems occur. Don't have sex until you have finished treatment and your health care provider says that you are cured. Make sure you use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
How can I avoid getting chlamydia?
The best way to keep yourself from getting chlamydia is to not have sexual intercourse. But if you decide to have sexual intercourse, make sure you use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
What types of birth control protect against chlamydia?
The only types of birth control that protect against chlamydia are male latex and polyurethane condoms and female condoms. Latex condoms are the best protection against chlamydia. Polyurethane condoms also provide some protection against STDs. Female condoms may also provide some protection, although it is not known how much since they are a new form of contraception.

Breast-Gynecomastia

2009-04-03T21:29:00.002+05:30

What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is overdevelopment of the male breast. The glandular tissue of the breast swells, usually in response to an excess of the female hormone estrogen or a lack of testosterone, a male hormone. It occurs in babies, teen boys, and older men.
What causes gynecomastia?
In newborns, gynecomastia is caused by estrogen from the mother. It usually goes away in 2 to 3 weeks after birth.
In teen boys, gynecomastia is caused by the hormonal changes of puberty. About one-third of 13- and 14-year-old boys are affected.
In pre-teen boys, gynecomastia is very rare. In a few cases, it has been linked to regular use of lavender or tea tree oil in certain lotions or oils.1 Gynecomastia can also be caused by an estrogen-producing tumor.
When gynecomastia occurs in adult males, it is usually caused by another condition, such as liver or lung cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, overactive thyroid, or by hormone problems, such as cancer of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, or testicles. Alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin use also may cause gynecomastia.
Use of certain medicines may also cause gynecomastia, including:
Steroids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone.
Medicines used to treat ulcers (such as cimetidine).
Medicines used to treat epilepsy (such as phenytoin [Dilantin]).
Digitalis and other heart medicines.
Chemotherapy drugs, especially alkylating agents, a family of anticancer drugs that interfere with cell DNA and inhibit cancer cell growth.
Antiandrogen drugs (such as flutamide, cyproterone, and spironolactone).
Antianxiety and antidepressant medicines (such as diazepam [Valium] and tricyclic antidepressants).
Products containing tea tree oil or lavender oil.1
What are the symptoms?
In addition to having enlarged breasts, men or boys with gynecomastia may notice their breasts feel rubbery or firm. Boys may have a breast bud on one or both sides about the size of a nickel or quarter. Breast buds may last up to 18 months but usually go away on their own.
How is gynecomastia diagnosed?
Gynecomastia can usually be diagnosed from a physical examination and medical history. In most cases, tests are not necessary. However, if the breast lump is unusually large, one-sided, tender, or hard and fixed, a biopsy may be done to rule out other problems.
Any man with a one-sided breast lump should let his doctor know if he has close relatives who have had breast cancer (mother, sister, or daughter). If there is any concern about cancer, a lump can be checked with a biopsy or surgery.
How is it treated?
Gynecomastia in babies and teens normally does not require treatment and will usually resolve on its own. If caused by medicine or disease, stopping the medicine or treating the disease will often cure the gynecomastia. If caused by a lack of testosterone and increase in estrogen, hormonal treatment may be prescribed.

Birth control

2009-04-01T18:26:00.002+05:30

As a teenage girl or young woman, you may be starting to think about what it means to be involved in a sexual relationship. There are many things that you need to think about before you decide to have sex, including whether this is the right person, the right time in your life, and how you will feel if the relationship breaks up. If you do decide to have sex, you definitely need to think about how to prevent getting pregnant and how to protect yourself from getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Keep reading to find out what type of contraception is best for you and your partner.
You should talk to your parents, guardian, a trusted adult, or your health care provider if you are thinking about having a sexual relationship. It is a good idea to discuss all of your choices and all of the concerns and worries you may have so you can make good decisions. This can be a very confusing time for you and it is always good to have someone to talk to.
What types of contraception are there?
There are many different types of contraception that vary in how effective they are at preventing pregnancy, how much they cost, how easy they are to use, and whether they also protect against STDs. Using two types of contraceptive methods, such as the birth control pill and condoms, increases protection against both pregnancy and STDs. Males use some types of contraception and females use other types of contraception. If you are having a sexual relationship with a male, it is good to know all about the different types of female and male contraception. Together, you and your partner should figure out the best choice for the two of you. Whatever type of contraception one of you uses can have an effect on the health of both people in the relationship. Only females can get pregnant, but both males and females can get a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
If you have sexual intercourse, you are always at risk for pregnancy and STDs. But if you practice safer sex with only one partner (who is uninfected and has no other sexual partners) and you make good decisions about contraception, you can greatly lower your risk.

Breast Self Exam

2009-03-26T21:31:00.002+05:30

How do I take care of my breasts?
It's important to know how your breasts normally look and feel, so you'll be able to tell if there are changes later. You should start doing breast self-examinations once a month in your late teen years (18 to 20 years old). This will help you know your breasts. You will then be able to notice any new or different lumps. Remember, some lumps are normal, but if you are concerned, talk to your health care provider.
You should do breast self-exams at the same time every month. Right after your menstrual period ends is the best time. Another great time to do an examination is the day after you have seen your health care provider for a check-up, and he or she has said that your breasts are healthy. Then you'll know that all the "lumps" you feel in your breasts are just normal glands. Breast self-exams are a great way to keep track of the health of your breasts. Here's how to do a 3 part breast self-exam that takes only a few minutes.
Lying down:
First, place a pillow under your right shoulder.
Next, put your right hand under your head.
Check your entire right breast area with the pads of the fingers of your left hand.
Use small circles to feel all around your breast, then feel up-and-down (see the diagram below):
Use light, medium, and firm pressure over each area of your breast.
Gently squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge.
Switch arms and repeat these steps on your left breast.
Before a Mirror:
Check for any changes in the shape or look of your breasts.
Note any skin or nipple changes such as dimpling or nipple discharge.
Look at your breasts in four steps: arms at sides, arms overhead, hands on hips pressing firmly to flex chest muscles, and bending forward.
In the Shower:
With soapy hands and fingers flat, raise your right arm.
Check your right breast.
Use the same small circles and up-and-down pattern described above in the "Lying Down" position.
Switch arms and repeat on your left breast.

Vagina-Pubic

2009-03-25T18:34:00.002+05:30

What are pubic lice?

Pubic lice are tiny, flat-bodied, wingless insects that live on the skin. They are also called crabs because they have "claws", which they use to hang on to hair. They are light brown and the size of a pinhead. Pubic lice feed on the blood of a human host, but they can live up to 24 hours away from the host. Pubic lice infect hairy parts of the body, especially around the pubic hair. They look like small scabs to the naked eye. Their eggs can be seen on hair close to the skin as little white dots stuck to the hair. The eggs hatch in six to eight days.
Who gets pubic lice?
Anyone can get pubic lice. It is estimated that there are over 1 million cases each year. However, people with more sex partners have a greater risk of getting pubic lice.
How are pubic lice spread?
They are usually, but not always, spread through sexual contact. You can also pick them up through close personal contact or by using the unwashed bed linen, clothes, or towels of an infected person.
What are the signs and symptoms of pubic lice?
If you have pubic lice, you may not have any symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually begin 5 days to several weeks after exposure to the pubic lice. You may get an intense itching around the pubic hair or the genital area. The itching is because of an allergic reaction to the bites. If you scratch, you could get a skin infection.
How are pubic lice diagnosed?
Pubic lice are diagnosed by a physical examination of the infested area. You should get diagnosed by a health care provider because pubic lice can be confused with other itchy skin problems.
How are pubic lice treated?
Pubic lice are treated with special creams, lotions, or shampoos that you can buy in a drug store. A pharmacist can recommend a brand. There are also prescription lice medicines. Treatments may need to be applied more than once. Make sure you follow the directions. You do not need to shave your hair to remove crabs. Even after you finish treatment, you could have itching for a while. If you scratch a lot, you may cause an infection to start. If you get an infection, you should see your health care provider.
How can I prevent spreading pubic lice?
If you have pubic lice, avoid close body contact with others. You should get treatment right away to prevent spreading them to others. Make sure you wash your clothes and bed linens in hot water, or dry-clean or press them with a very hot iron. This will kill the insects and eggs. If you find out you have crabs, you need to tell your sex partner(s) or anyone you have had close contact with or has shared your bed linens, clothes, or towels. These people should be treated even if they don't have an itch or a rash.
How can I avoid getting pubic lice?
You have a much lower chance of getting pubic lice if you have only one sex partner. Condoms do not stop pubic lice, so make sure your sex partner does not have them. Also, try not to use other people's clothing or bedding. As soon as you think you have pubic lice, treat it right away.

Female Condom

2009-03-22T22:34:00.003+05:30

What is the female condom?
The female condom is a lubricated sheath worn by the female inside of her vagina during sex. It is made of polyurethane, a type of plastic. The female condom acts as a barrier to sperm and many sexually transmitted diseases by completely lining the vagina. The female condom has a ring at each end. One ring, at the closed end of the sheath, lies inside the vagina. The other ring, at the open end of the sheath, lies outside the vagina after the female condom has been inserted. The female condom provides protection against pregnancy and some protection against STDs.
Out of 100 women using a female condom
Typical use: 21 women become pregnant
Perfect use: 5 women become pregnant
Where can I get the female condom?
You can get the female condom without a prescription in drugstores and supermarkets. The female condom comes in only one size and costs between $2.50 and $5 per condom.
What if I need more lubrication?
The female condom is already lubricated when you buy it, and it comes with an extra bottle of nonspermicidal lubricant. If you need more lubrication, you can use a vaginal lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly, on the inside of the female condom or on the penis.
How effective is the female condom?
If women use the female condom every time they have sexual intercourse and follow instructions every time, it is 95% effective. This means that if 100 women use the female condom all the time and always use it correctly, 5 women will become pregnant in a year.
Although it's obvious that the female condom is most effective against pregnancy when it is used all the time and always used correctly, perfect use hardly ever happens. If women use the female condoms, but not perfectly, it is 79% effective. This means that if 100 women use the female condom, 21 or more women will become pregnant in a year.
It has been reported that the male condom is 94% protective against HIV infection (6 out of 100 women will get HIV), but the female condom is pretty new, so it is not clear exactly how effective it is against sexually transmitted diseases.
How do you use the female condom?
The female condom can be inserted well before penetration. Wash your hands first and find a comfortable position, perhaps squatting with knees apart or lying down with legs bent and knees apart. Hold the female condom so that the open end is hanging down. Squeeze the inner ring with your thumb and middle finger.
Insert the inner ring and pouch inside of your vaginal opening. With your index finger, push the inner ring with the pouch way up into your vagina, so that the inner ring is up past your pubic bone. You can feel your pubic bone by curving your finger towards your front when it is a couple of inches inside of your vagina. This may take some time, because the female condom is slippery because of the lubrication. Just go slowly and be patient. Make sure the female condom is not twisted at all. The outside ring of the female condom should lie against the outer lips of your vagina. About one inch of it should be outside of your body.
You need to guide the male's penis into the female condom so that it doesn't enter the vagina during sex. Once the penis enters your vagina, the vagina will expand and the "slack" will decrease.
After intercourse, the male can stay in the woman, rather than withdrawing immediately. To remove the female condom after intercourse, squeeze and twist the outer ring gently to keep the sperm inside the pouch. Pull the female condom out gently and throw it away in a waste container. Don't flush it. And don't reuse it!
What if the female condom slips during intercourse or it completely enters my vagina?
Stop intercourse immediately! Take the female condom out carefully, so that the sperm stay inside the pouch. Use a new female condom if you continue having sexual intercourse. Add extra lubricant to the opening of the pouch or on the penis and then insert the new female condom. Contact your health care provider immediately if you are worried and discuss emergency contraception.
Are there any complaints about the female condom?
Besides the things mentioned earlier, some women complain that the sheath moves, or is noisy or uncomfortable.
Can I use a male condom with the female condom?
No, you should never use a male condom at the same time that you are using a female condom!

Hormones and Ovaries

2009-03-21T11:13:00.002+05:30

What is "normal" ovarian function?
Your ovaries are a part of your reproductive system and their normal function is to release eggs and make hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that are needed for healthy growth and development in girls and women. Estrogen and progesterone are two important hormones released by the ovaries. They are the hormones responsible for healthy bones, breast growth, and regular menstruation.
What is "normal" menstruation?
Menstruation, or your period, happens once a month for most women. Some girls don't get their period every month, and that can be normal too. Your period will usually last between two and seven days, although it may last longer for some girls. During the first year of menstruation it is common for your period to be irregular. Stress, physical activity, not eating well, pregnancy, and cancer treatments can all cause you to skip your period.
Will my ovaries work after receiving chemotherapy?
Both the type and amount of chemotherapy that you had could affect how well your ovaries will work. Usually, the younger you were when you had the chemotherapy, the better the chances that your ovaries will be okay. However, your ovaries may have been hurt by the chemotherapy that was used to treat your cancer.
During your chemotherapy or for a period of time after your chemotherapy has ended, it is possible that your ovaries will temporarily stop working, even if they have not been permanently damaged. If the effect of the chemotherapy is temporary, your ovaries will begin to work again (they will make eggs) sometime after your chemotherapy has ended.
It has also been shown that women who receive certain types of chemotherapy may go through menopause earlier than women who have never received chemotherapy. This can happen even if your ovaries were okay right after the chemotherapy treatments. This means, instead of going through menopause at the average age of 52 years old, it's possible that you may begin menopause early (premature ovarian failure) in your 20's, 30's or 40's. This is important for you to consider when planning a family.
Will my ovaries work after having had radiation?
If your ovaries were exposed to the radiation that was used to treat your cancer, they may have been damaged. This is particularly true if you received radiation to your pelvis (the lower part of your abdomen, beneath the belly button). If you received radiation to other parts of your body, it is unlikely that your ovaries were affected.
If I had chemotherapy or radiation, how were my ovaries affected?
Your oncologist or gynecologist should be able to tell you if your ovaries were affected by your cancer treatment(s). Your ovaries are part of your reproductive system. They make hormones and release eggs. Generally, if the chemotherapy and/or radiation you received affected your ovaries, your ovaries will stop making hormones and eggs and you will not have a period.In some cases, ovaries may be partially affected by cancer treatment(s). Some young woman may ovulate occasionally and have light or infrequent periods because their ovaries are making only small amounts of hormones and some eggs.

Helping Your Daughter

2009-03-19T21:58:00.002+05:30

It is natural for you as a parent/guardian to want to help your daughter. Knowing when and how to be helpful may be difficult in the beginning because you may not know exactly how she is coping. Your daughter may be quiet and withdrawn, retreating to her room, making it difficult to know if she wants to talk or be left alone. She may feel isolated or embarrassed because she is not menstruating and can't take part in conversations about "periods" with her friends. It is important to remember that most teenagers in general are struggling for independence from their parents/guardians while at the same time seeking their support. The diagnosis of vaginal agenesis, treatment options, sexuality, and future fertility issues, make this struggle more complex than usual!

The following suggestions may help you to support your daughter as you and she become more comfortable with new knowledge about her body.

Remember, it is ALWAYS important to begin communicating by asking your daughter how best you can help her! Your daughter should be as involved as possible in the planning of her care and ultimately deciding her treatment plan.

Encourage your daughter to ask questions and talk about her worries with you. There is no right or wrong time to start a conversation with your daughter. Some parents and daughters find it easier to talk spontaneously while others prefer to plan a special time to chat such as during a walk together.
Encourage your daughter to ask questions and talk about her concerns with her health care providers. Suggest that your daughter keep a notebook of any questions and concerns she may have for her health care team: doctor, nurse, social worker. Understand that she may want to talk with her members of her team alone, without you present.
Give your daughter as much privacy as possible. Privacy is important to the healthy development of all adolescents. Your daughter will need time alone in her bedroom to use the dilators. If she shares a room with a sibling, be sure to arrange time when she can have the room to herself.
Reassure your daughter that you will ask her permission before talking about her diagnosis with anyone. Ask her if you may talk with one person who gives you support; for example, a favorite aunt.
Don't worry if you aren't sure how to answer some of your daughter's questions. It is fine to say "I don't know" and offer to help find the answers. If your daughter is interested in learning more, it may be a good idea to share research tasks. This can provide a safe way to talk about vaginal agenesis by shifting the focus from your daughter to the condition. Your daughter's medical team of experts can help answer questions, such as future fertility options

Vaginal Agenesis

2009-03-17T22:06:00.000+05:30

What is vaginal agenesis?
You may have just learned that you have vaginal agenesis, and you probably have lots of questions. It is normal to feel confused, scared, sad, and overwhelmed, especially if you are a teenager. Most likely your parents will have questions and concerns too. The following answers to the most frequently asked questions about vaginal agenesis may be helpful. If we have not addressed your question or if you need something explained in a different way, we recommend that you talk with your doctor. Remember, vaginal agenesis is a condition that can be corrected.
Vaginal agenesis is a congenital disorder of the female reproductive tract. Congenital means that it is present at birth. Vaginal refers to the vagina, which is one of the female organs. Agenesis means failure of a part to develop or grow. It occurs in about 1 in every 5,000 female infants. Although we don't know the cause, we do know that as a female baby grows in her mother's uterus (womb), certain systems develop. One of these systems is called the reproductive system.
It includes all the female organs, such as the uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The reproductive system is formed during the first few months of life inside the uterus. Vaginal agenesis occurs when the reproductive system doesn't finish developing. When this happens, the vagina can be shorter than usual or missing. The uterus may be missing or smaller than usual. The ovaries (the organs that make hormones) are normal. Sometimes, there may be one kidney instead of two. Vaginal agenesis is also called Mayer-von Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser's syndrome. The name is so long because it's named after all of the doctors who discovered and reported this medical condition.
How do doctors diagnose vaginal agenesis?
The most common age for vaginal agenesis to be diagnosed is between 15 and 18 yrs. Since the ovaries produce the normal hormones that cause girls to go through puberty, most girls have breast and pubic hair by this time. Usually what brings girls to their doctor is the fact that they have not had their period yet. Vaginal agenesis is the more common congenital cause for not having your period. There can be other reasons for this, such as your body isn't ready or your body weight is low.
Your doctor will ask questions about when your body started to change and if you have had pain in your belly or any vaginal bleeding. He or she may also ask you if you are sexually active and if you experience pain with intercourse. Next, it is likely you will have an exam to check the outside of your female organs. If your doctor thinks you might have vaginal agenesis, he/she will probably order a test called an ultrasound or an MRI. These tests do not hurt and are like having an x-ray. In most cases your doctor will refer you to a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist. This is a medical doctor who has special training in young women's reproductive health.
What can an ultrasound or MRI show?
An ultrasound is often the first test that is done to check if your uterus is present. This test can also show that your ovaries and kidneys are present. Sometimes a very tiny uterus can be seen. It is called a uterine remnant. Other times, it is necessary to have an MRI, which stands for "magnetic resonance imaging." An MRI may give a better picture to help the doctor evaluate your vaginal agenesis.
Is there a way to correct vaginal agenesis without surgery?
Yes. After you have received the advice of a specialist, you will probably have questions about whether or not vaginal agenesis can be corrected. Your vagina can be reconstructed without having an operation. The doctor will teach you how to do this by applying pressure near the area where your vagina should be. In the beginning, you will learn how to apply pressure over this area with a very small tube, called a dilator. You hold this dilator against your skin and apply pressure for about 15-20 minutes a day. This is more comfortable after you have taken a bath because your skin is soft and stretches more easily. Gradually, you will begin to notice an indentation. This means you have been applying pressure with the dilator on a regular basis and you have made progress!
It is VERY important to keep regular appointments with your doctor during this time so he or she can make sure you are applying pressure in the right place. It is also important to keep your appointments because as you create your vagina, your doctor will give you the next size dilator to use. These dilators are made of plastic and come in graduated sizes (small to bigger). You're probably wondering how long it will take to create your vagina. The average amount of time it takes, if the dilators are used daily, is about 3-6 months. Sometimes it can take up to a year, especially if you don't use the dilators daily. For more information please click to Instructions on the Use of Vaginal Dilators.
When should I start to create a vagina?
When you start is really up to you. Most girls decide they are ready to start this process around age 16 or 17. You may decide to wait to begin this process until some time in the future when you want to become sexually active.
What if the dilators don't work or I just can't use them?
Most girls can learn to use a dilator. If you have any questions or wonder if you are using the dilators correctly, be sure to ask your doctor. In some cases, if your doctor feels that little progress has been made, he or she may discuss the option of surgery with you.
Can you tell me about the surgical procedure?
The most common procedure performed by gynecologists, to reconstruct a vagina, is called a McIndoe procedure. A skin graft is taken from your buttocks, and a vagina is created using a vaginal mold. Doctors who have followed young women who have had this surgery have found that these young women are happy with the results, months and years later.
How will having vaginal agenesis affect my sexuality?
Some young women wonder if anyone can tell if they have vaginal agenesis. The answer is no. No one, except you and your doctor, can tell that you were born without a vagina and following treatment, with dilators or surgery, no one will be able to tell that you have had a re-constructive procedure. Just in case you were wondering, much of sexual pleasure comes from the stimulation of your clitoris, and not from the vagina. What this means is that once your vagina is created and you decide to become sexually active, you will have normal sensations and enjoyable sexual relations.
Will I be able to have children?
If you were born without a vagina but have a normal size uterus, it is likely that you will be able to become pregnant and deliver a baby.
If you were born without a uterus or if your uterus is tiny, you will not be able to "carry" a pregnancy. Since your ovaries are normal and make eggs, an egg can be fertilized by your partners' sperm. A surrogate mother could then carry the pregnancy and deliver your baby. Surrogate mothers are women who agree to carry a pregnancy for a couple. You and the baby's father would be the biological parents of this child. Adoption is another choice for some couples. Fertility options are improving every day. By the time you are ready to have children, you may have more options available to you.
Is there anyone else I can talk to about vaginal agenesis?
Some young women find it helpful to talk with a parent(s), while other girls prefer to talk with a counselor or a close friend. We know that it can be very helpful to talk with someone your age who has gone through this. Ask your doctor or nurse about how to arrange this.

Vaginal Dilator Instructions

2009-03-15T09:27:00.003+05:30

If you are reading this guide, it is likely that your gynecologist has recommended vaginal dilators to help you create a vagina. Vaginal agenesis (absence of the vagina) is a condition some young women are born with. Dilators usually come in a set of varying sizes. As the vagina stretches, the next size dilator is prescribed. The use of dilators to create a vagina is safe and does not involve surgery. The following guide is intended as general information. It is not a recommendation for treatment nor should it be considered medical advice. Please consult with your gynecologist if you have any questions.
The use of vaginal dilators should only be started after you have a complete exam, and after your gynecologist makes the diagnosis of vaginal agenesis. Your doctor should review the following instructions with you. Monthly follow-up with your doctor is recommended while you are dilating.
Before You Begin
You must first receive teaching and counseling from your doctor or nurse. It may feel funny in the beginning to ask questions but it is very important so you understand how your vagina will be created.
How do the dilators work?
The dilators work by stretching the skin in your vaginal area, slowly over time. Most girls with vaginal agenesis are born with a vaginal dimple (where the vaginal skin puckers in a little bit). Other girls may have a small vaginal opening. When a dilator is placed in this area with pressure, the skin stretches and a vagina is formed. If you use the dilator more frequently, the process will take much less time, and you can probably guess that it takes much longer when you rarely use the dilator.
How long will it take to create a vagina?
The process of creating a vagina can take as little as 2-3 months or as long as 18 months, depending on how often you use your dilator and if you are using it correctly. Generally, if you use the dilators properly for about 20 minutes, twice a day, and apply pressure, it will take about 3-6 months to create your vagina. You might guess that it will take a lot longer if you do not use your dilator(s) consistently. Most young women have good results when they remember to use their dilator(s) at about the same time every day. Pick a time such as first thing in the morning or before you go to sleep so you'll get into a routine. Once you feel comfortable, the dilator can be held in place with one hand so you can do other things like read, watch TV or talk on the phone.
How will I know if I am using the dilators correctly?
Before you take your dilator(s) home with you, your gynecologist should show you how to use it and allow time for you to practice placing the dilator in the right spot. You will use one dilator at a time beginning with the smallest size. It is best to be in a semi-reclining position with your knees flexed. Ask if you can use a mirror to help you find the spot where you will be applying pressure.
Getting Ready
Set aside about 20 minutes, twice a day when you won't be interrupted and can have privacy in your bedroom or place of your choice. Work this out with a parent or other family member so they can make sure that you won't be interrupted unless you don't mind. It can help to hang something on your bedroom door such as a Do Not Disturb sign, which will signal others in your household that you are not available for a while.
Try to take a warm bath for at least 10 minutes before you use your dilator. Although this step is not absolutely necessary, the warm water helps to soften the skin where you will be using the dilator and allows your skin to stretch more easily.
Wash your dilator with warm water and mild soap then dry it off.
Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly® or Surgilube Jelly®, on the tip of your vaginal dilator.
Using the Dilator
Lie on your back and bend your legs (the same position for a pelvic exam), and place the lubricated dilator against your skin below your urethra (where your urine leaves your body), right in your vaginal dimple (this is the beginning of an indentation, where your vagina will be). You can find this spot by slowly and gently sliding the tip of the dilator along the spot right under your urethra.
Using pressure, hold the dilator in place for about 20 minutes. Push the dilator at an angle in the direction of your lower back or tail bone and simply hold it in place. Do NOT use an in and out motion. You should be able to feel the pressure but not pain. If you have pain, you may be pushing too hard. If you don't feel anything, you may not be using enough pressure. After a few tries, it will feel like the right amount of pressure.
After you Dilate
Keep your dilator in a safe place where you will remember to find it the next day. Although your dilator does NOT need to be sterilized, it's a good idea to get in the habit of rinsing it off with mild soap and water and drying it before you put it away. Some girls have suggested buying an inexpensive locking box to store the dilators for privacy.
Keep scheduled appointments with your doctor, so he/she can check on your progress! As your vagina stretches, your gynecologist will have you use the next size dilator which is slightly thicker and longer than the one before. It's a good idea to bring your dilator with you to your appointments.
Deciding to use dilators should be YOUR decision. If you decide that you want to move forward with this treatment, your parents and medical team should support you. You may decide not to create a vagina and that's okay too. There's no right or wrong decision, but it's important to feel comfortable either way. If you decide to use dilator(s) and you don't get good results after using them consistently, your gynecologist may suggest surgery.

Sexual Health

2009-03-14T09:49:00.002+05:30

What do I need to know if I'm sexually active or if I'm thinking about becoming sexually active?
Young people make lots of decisions about their sexuality during college, including whether to abstain from sexual intercourse or become, or continue being, sexually active. Other sexuality issues that teens need to make decisions about are the gender of partners, the type of contraception, and the intensity of the relationships. You should never let others pressure you into having sex if you don't want to. The decision is only yours as to when you want to have sex, the first time and every time.
Before you decide to have a sexual relationship, talk to your partner about whether this is the right decision for you. Ask about his or her sexual history, including if he or she has been exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Discuss whether you or your partner will be sexually involved with other people. Remember, the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease or a virus that can cause cancer or AIDS is increased if you or your partner are having sexual intercourse with other people. The more partners, the greater the risk. The only way to absolutely prevent getting a sexually transmitted disease is to not have sex. If you do decide to have sex, the best way to avoid getting any sexually transmitted diseases is to have sex with only one person that has never been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. You should use a latex condom every time you have sex, from start to finish.
If you are in a heterosexual relationship (you are dating a male), talk about birth control (latex condom, birth control pill, injection hormones) and what you would do if it failed. If you feel that you cannot talk to your partner about these issues, then you should rethink if you should be having a sexual relationship with him. Talk to your Student Health Service about what methods of birth control they offer for students and what types of counseling and services are offered for young women who have a planned or unplanned pregnancy. Make sure you know how to receive confidential, non-judgmental services.
Practice these questions to ask:
What happens to the bills from my visits here or to a gynecologist in the community?
If I'm covered by my parents' insurance, will they find out about examinations and tests that are done on me?
What if I need birth control?
Can you tell me what happens to my lab test results? Who do you call?
What if I want to be tested for STDs or HIV?
What if you find out that I have a STD?
What if you find out that I am pregnant?
Is there any information that you are obligated to tell my parents?
What happens if I have a big problem and need help telling my parents?
If your birth control method fails, you do have an option called emergency contraception, also know as the "morning-after pill." Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception pills are taken in 2 doses. The first dose should be taken within the 72 hours after unprotected sex, and the second dose should be taken 12 hours later. The sooner you start the medicine after unprotected sex, the more effective the treatment is. You can usually get emergency contraception from Planned Parenthood (see hotline number below), other family planning clinics, or your college Student Health Services. Find out whether your Health Services offers emergency contraception and whether it can be given out in advance.
College is also a time when many young people are trying to figure out their sexual orientation. There are counselors available at your Student Health Service if you wish to talk with someone. Many colleges also have support groups for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students.

Pelvic Ultrasound

2009-03-12T15:01:00.002+05:30

A pelvic ultrasound is a way to take pictures of your pelvic organs and is usually done to look at the reproductive organs and bladder in girls. An ultrasound may help your doctor figure out the cause of your pain or other discomfort.
Most often it is necessary to have a full "bladder" (where the urine is stored) before the procedure. That means you will need to drink a lot of water before you arrive for the test-usually about 32 ounces or 4 tall glasses. If your bladder isn't full when you arrive, you will be asked to drink more water.
The test itself is not painful but you may feel a little comfortable since your bladder will be full until you pass urine (pee) after the test.
You will lie on your back on an exam table while the technician places a warm gel on your lower belly with something that looks like a microphone. The technician will gently move this microphone-like instrument around your belly. You will probably feel a little bit of pressure but you shouldn't feel any pain. The instrument actually makes a picture by picking up sound waves. The ultrasound is usually performed through your belly but sometimes is done through the vagina.
After the test is over (about 15-20 minutes later) you may use the bathroom. You will feel a lot better once you empty your bladder. Your health care provider will let you know the results when they are available.
If you are scheduled to have an ultrasound at Children's Hospital, Boston and would like more information on how to prepare for this test, you can click here: Ultrasound Information.

Types Of Hymen

2009-03-09T20:30:00.002+05:30

A Guide for Teens
Hymen: a thin membrane that surrounds the opening to a young woman's vagina. Hymens can come in different shapes. The most common hymen is shaped like a half moon. This shape allows menstrual blood to flow out of a girl's vagina.
Imperforate hymen: An imperforate hymen can be diagnosed at birth but sometimes the diagnosis isn't made until the teen years. An imperforate hymen is a thin membrane that completely covers the opening to a young girl's or young woman's vagina. Menstrual blood cannot flow out of the vagina. This usually causes the blood to back up into the vagina and the abdomen (belly) resulting in abdominal and/or back pain. Some teens may also have pain with bowel movements and difficulty passing urine.
The treatment for an imperforate hymen is minor to remove the extra hymenal tissue and create a normal sized vaginal opening so that menstrual blood can flow out of the vagina.
Microperforate hymen: A microperforate hymen is a thin membrane that almost completely covers the opening to a young women's vagina. Some menstrual blood may be able to flow out of the vagina but the opening is very small. A teen with a microperforate hymen usually will not be able to get a tampon into her vagina and may not realize that she has a very tiny opening. If she is able to put a tampon into her vagina she may not be able to remove it when it becomes filled with blood. The treatment is minor to remove the extra hymenal tissue making a normal sized opening for menstrual blood to flow out.
Septate hymen: A septate hymen is when the thin hymenal membrane has a band of extra tissue in the middle that causes two small vaginal openings instead of one. Teens with a septate hymen may have trouble getting a tampon in or trouble getting a tampon out. The treatment for a septate hymen is minor to remove the extra band of tissue and create a normal sized vaginal opening.

Breast-Measuring For Bra

2009-03-05T15:36:00.004+05:30

Why do I need to measure for a bra and how do I do it?
If you're ready to buy your first bra or your breast size has changed, you may be wondering what size to buy. This can be tricky unless you do your homework first. This guide will help you measure for the size you will need (Chest Size and Cup Size). This will be important when buying your bra as well as other clothing that uses bra or cup measurements such as bathing suits. Of course, trying on bras is always necessary, since different brands and styles fit differently.
Figuring out your Bra size:
If you are about to buy your first bra, it's best to go to a department store that has a special department that sells bras and underwear. This department is usually called the "lingerie department." Ask to be fitted by a "lingerie specialist" (a professional who has special training in fitting bras). There is no charge for this service and having it done by a professional will make sure that your bra fits correctly. You will still need to try on different styles in the size that's right for you because not all bras fit the same way. By doing this, you will find the bra that feels the best and also looks the best under your clothes.
If you decide you would feel more comfortable figuring out your bra size at home, the following information will guide you through the steps of measuring yourself.
Chest Size:
Place a cloth measuring tape under your breasts. Wrap the tape around your chest so the tape measure meets the beginning part of the tape. When you have the measurement number, add 5 inches.
For example: your measurement around your chest is: 27" +5" 32"
This means that your Chest Size is 32.
If your measurement ends up to be an ODD number, you will need to go up to the next EVEN number to figure out your size.
For example: your measurement around your chest is: 28" +5" 33"
This means that your Chest Size is 34.
Cup Size:
Next, you will measure around your chest at the largest or fullest part of your breasts, called your "bustline." You need to measure with your arms straight down, so ask someone you feel comfortable with to help you (like your mom, sister, or friend).
Your Bustline Measurement will be higher than your chest ("under the breast") measurement. Your Cup Size is the difference between your Chest Size and your Bustline Measurement. size.
For example: Your Bust Measurement at the fullest part of your bust is 34: 34"
And your Chest Size is 32" (27" + 5) -32" 2"
The difference is 2 inches, which means your Cup Size is a "B cup"
Guide to Figuring Out Bra Cup Size
Cup Size Difference
AA Cup ½ inch
A Cup 1 inch
B Cup 2 inch
C Cup 3 inch
D Cup 4 inch

Breast Cancer Risk

2009-03-03T10:18:00.002+05:30

Who is at risk for breast cancer?
Women with certain conditions, habits, or traits (referred to as "risk factors") may be more likely than other women to get cancer. However, having risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer. Most women who develop breast cancer have no risk factors at all. But overall, you are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer if you:
have close relatives (mother, sister, grandmother, or aunt) who have had breast cancer
are obese
drink alcohol excessively
How can I lower my risk for breast cancer?
You can lower your risk for breast cancer by not smoking, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, and having regular checkups with your health care provider.

Do I need to have a mammogram?
Teenagers don't need to get mammograms. In fact, it's difficult to get a clear picture with a mammogram because young women have thick breast tissue. A mammogram is an x-ray of your breasts and most women start having mammograms when they are 40 years old. Mammograms are important for older women because they can help find breast cancer early. Some women younger than 40 years old have mammograms if they have a family history of breast cancer or if they have had radiation treatment for cancer.
Learning to care for your breasts when you're a teenager is an important way to make sure that your whole body stays healthy when you're older! Although breast cancer is very uncommon in women under the age of 35, if you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts now, you will be taking an important step toward good general health for the future.

Lumpy & Bumps Breast

2009-02-27T10:38:00.003+05:30

Is it normal to have lumpy breasts?
Normal breasts can be smooth or lumpy. Most lumps are due to normal changes in breast tissue that occur during development. Your breasts may also feel different or lumpy around the time of your period. If you do notice that a new lump appears in your breast and does not disappear after your period, you should contact your health care provider.
What if I notice a new lump or something different about my breasts?
Most lumps or changes in your breasts that occur when you are a teen or young woman are due to normal changes in the breast tissue. If you find a lump it could be because of hormonal changes, a bump from an injury, a breast cyst filled with fluid from a blocked mammary gland (milk-producing gland), an infection, or a benign (not cancerous) tumor called a fibroadenoma. If the lump is sore or the skin over it is red, you may have an infection and you should contact your health care provider. If your breast just feels lumpy, check it again three to four days after your next period, since your breasts may feel different or lumpy to touch around the time of your period. If the lump does not disappear after you finish your period, see your health care provider. Your health care provider may order an ultrasound of your breast to figure out what kind of lump you have. If you have a fibroadenoma, your doctor will discuss whether it can just be regularly examined or if you need surgery to remove it.
What if I notice a hard lump and redness on my breast?
A hard lump and redness could mean you have a breast abscess, especially if you also have pain and a fever too. Although a breast abscess is more often a complication from breastfeeding, other things can cause an infection, such as shaving, tweezing, or plucking hairs around the nipple area; sexual play that causes trauma; or getting a cut on the breast. Abcesses can also occur because of a blocked duct during breast development or an infection caused by bacteria getting into the nipple. It is best to try to prevent a breast infection by avoiding things that could cause trauma or cuts to your breast(s). If you are breastfeeding, keep your nipples clean and dry.
If you think you or a friend might have a breast abscess, don't wait! Make an appointment to see your health care provider to start antibiotics right away.
What if I have a bump on my breast(s) from a sports injury or fall?
Treat your injury as you would treat any injury on any other part of your body. If the lump is sore and black and blue, it is probably from the injury. If you feel a lump but you don't remember injuring yourself, or if the lump is still present after a week, see your health care provider. But don't worry-there is no link between breast injury and breast cancer.

Normal Breast

2009-02-24T15:49:00.003+05:30

My breasts are uneven. Is this normal?
Your breasts may be two different sizes during development but usually they will look about the same by the time they are done growing. If the size difference bothers you, you can try foam inserts that fit into your bra or bathing suit. These inserts are sold at specialty bra and lingerie shops. Sometimes breasts can still be really uneven after they've finished growing. If you are unhappy about the difference in your breasts' sizes and your breasts have finished growing (3-5 years after your breasts started developing), you have the option of talking with your health care provider about the benefits and risks of cosmetic surgery.
Is it normal to have hair around my nipples?
Some girls have hair around their nipples. This is completely normal. If the hair bothers you, it's best to cut it with small scissors. Plucking or shaving the hair can cause infection.
My nipples point inward instead of out. Is this normal?
If your nipples point inward instead of out, you have "inverted nipples." Between 10%-20% of all girls have inverted nipples. This is normal and will not affect your health in any way. If you have inverted nipples, it is important to keep them clean to avoid getting an infection in the folds of skin around your nipple. If your nipples used to point out but have suddenly turned in, you should contact your health care provider for an examination.
What are stretch marks? Are they normal?
Stretch marks are red spoke-like lines that appear on the skin during periods of rapid physical growth (such as puberty or pregnancy). During puberty, stretch marks on the breasts are very common and completely normal. Other common places for stretch marks are on the hips and thighs. Over time, the stretch marks will fade to match your normal skin color (usually within 1 to 2 years).
If I have a rash around the nipple area on my breasts, does that mean that my breasts are infected?
Usually, yes. A rash can be a sign of an infection with or without a fever, especially if one breast is swollen and tender or a discharge is present. You can also get a rash on the skin under your breasts, which is usually either a heat rash or a yeast infection. If any of these signs of infection are present, call your health care provider. Sometimes a hair root around your nipple area can become infected. When this happens, one or more tiny red bumps appear. The tiny red bumps are called folliculitis. If you have this concern, talk to your health care provider.
Is breast pain or tenderness normal?
You may feel a tingling or aching in your chest when your breast buds start developing. After you start to get your periods you may notice that your breasts become tender or sore about a week before you get your period each month. This soreness not happen to everyone. If you are having pain, check with your health care provider who may suggest taking medications such as ibuprofen to help with the symptoms.
What if I have a discharge coming from my breasts?

A discharge from your breast(s) could mean that your breast(s) are infected, that a breast duct is dilated (widened), or that you have a hormone imbalance. The discharge may be on just one side or from both breasts. When a milky discharge comes from a young woman's breast when she is not breast feeding, it's called galactorrhea. This condition can result from taking certain medications such as birth control pills or anti-depressants, from being pregnant or recently being pregnant, low thyroid levels, or rarely from a small benign (not cancerous) pituitary tumor. Your body may be making extra amounts of prolactin, which can cause this white discharge from your nipples. A brown or bloody discharge may come from dilated breast duct or small polyps in the breast ducts. A small amount of yellow discharge sometimes occurs around the time a girl starts her period. Your health care provider should always check any breast discharge

Breast Development

2009-02-22T21:12:00.002+05:30

How do breasts develop?
The inside of your breasts is made up of fatty tissue and many milk-producing glands, called mammary glands. The dark area of your breast around your nipple is called the areola. As your body starts to develop, a small bump grows under the areola and nipple. This bump is called the breast bud. As the buds get larger and rounder, the breasts grow.
As your breasts develop, the areolae get bigger and darker. Areolae and nipples can range in color from light pink to purplish to light gray depending on your skin color.

When will I get breasts?
Your breasts start growing when you begin puberty. Puberty is the name for the time when your body goes through changes and you begin to go from being a child to an adult. During puberty the hormone levels in your body change and this causes your breasts to develop and your menstrual periods to start. Heredity (the way certain characteristics are passed down from generation to generation) and nutrition determine when you are going to begin puberty and develop breasts. Most girls' breasts begin growing when they are about 10 or 11 years old, but some girls may start developing breasts earlier or later than this age.
How long will it take to get breasts?
It takes three to five years from the time your breasts start growing until they reach their full size. The age when you start to develop does not have an effect on the final size of your breasts. For example, if you develop earlier than most girls, this doesn't mean that you will have bigger breasts than most girls.
Is there anything I can do to increase the size of my breasts?
Heredity is the most important factor in determining breast shape and size. No creams, exercises, or clothing will change your breast size. Your breasts may change with weight loss or gain or after a pregnancy, but for the most part the size of your breasts stays the same once you have finished puberty. Also, breast size has no effect on whether a woman will be able to breastfeed her baby.
When and how will my breasts make milk?
Inside a woman's breasts are tiny pockets called alveoli. After a woman gives birth, her body's hormones tell her alveoli to produce milk. When her baby sucks on her nipple, the sucking draws milk from the alveoli through the milk ducts and out small holes in the nipple. When the mother stops breast-feeding her baby, her alveoli slowly stop making milk.

Health Tip: Storing Breast Milk

2009-02-18T22:00:00.001+05:30

If you want to store breast milk for when you're not available to breast-feed, the Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions for doing it safely:-

Breast milk can be refrigerated for about two or three days, as long as the temperature is between 32 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit (0 C to 3.9 C).
Breast milk can be frozen for three to four months in many freezers, as long as the temperature is 0 F (-18 C). But lengths may vary based on the type of freezer.
Breast milk can be kept at room temperature for four to eight hours, as long as the room is kept at 77 F (25 C) or cooler.
Always store breast milk in sterile bottles that have a screw cap, a sterilized nursing bag, or tightly-capped hard plastic cups. Always label the bottles with the date that the milk was pumped.
You can let milk thaw in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but never refreeze milk that has been thawed

Natural Breast Enlarge Herbs

2009-02-15T09:15:00.003+05:30

Breast Success contains the 13 most powerful breast enhancing herbs. For more information, visit the website listed above.
Breast development begins at puberty and is regulated by the balance of specific hormones. Medical research has shown that the development of breast tissue depends on the delicate balance of progesterone, estrogen, prostaglandins, prolactin and other compounds. An imbalance of these hormones can result in poor breast development or even atrophy (decrease in size).
Phytoestrogens are a group of substances found in plants that have moderate estrogenic properties. The phytoestrogens compete for the same receptor cells as true estrogen. Phytoestrogens, through their natural balance of female hormones, promote the development of glandular breast tissue. Most women taking herbs containing these phytoestrogens notice a significant increase in the fullness and balance of their breasts.
There are a number of herbs that have been promoted by different companies that contain good levels of phytoestrogens and have the action of promoting breast tissue growth and tone.
Dandelion Root: has two particularly important uses: to promote the formation of bile and to remove excess water from the body in edemas conditions resulting from liver problems. The root especially effects all forms of secretion and excretion from the body. This boosting of secretion is key to the breast enhancement and formation of new breast cells and tissue. No side effects or contradictions with normal use.
Watercress Leaf:is the most ancient of green vegetables known to man and it's use can be traced back to the Persians, Greeks and Romans. Watercress is one of the best sources of vitamin E and contains significant amounts of folic acid and Lucien. Vitamin E is the fertility vitamin, essential to breast enlargement, Vitamin E helps the body to use oxygen, which increases physical endurance and stamina and improves heart response.
Red Clover: is a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is also considered to be one of the richest sources of isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens).
Dong Quai Root: aids the body in the efficient use of hormones. It is widely considered the ultimate female tonic herb. This herb helps restore energy, vitality and resistance to disease, and stimulates natural breast enlargement. Scientists believe that one mechanism of action of Dong Quai is to promote natural progesterone synthesis. Progesterone is another hormone whose production declines at menopause. The plant nutrients can help to wash these out of the system, aiding in increasing the health of the breast tissue.
Fenugreek Seed Extract: Fenugreek is a unique herb rich in phyto-estrogens. Fenugreek aids in hormonal production, and facilitates the development of the mammary glands which 'feed' on estrogens.
Saw Palmetto Berry: Saw Palmetto is a small palm tree with large leaves and large deep red-black berries. Saw Palmetto berries contain an oil with a variety of physosterols. Studies have shown Saw Palmetto to successfully reverse atrophy of the mammary gland.
Fennel Seed: Fennel has long been praised for its abundance of flavonoids. These compounds exert mild estrogenic effects and are completely harmless and non-toxic.

Mexican Wild Yam Root: Commonly used as a treatment for osteoporosis, Mexican Wild Yam is a excellent source of Beta-Carotene and diosgenin, which are powerful Phytochemicals aiding in optimal breast development.
Hops Flower: Hops flower is a shrub rich in flavonoids, whose action in regulating the hormonal production facilitates development of the mammary glands.
There are a large number of herbal products that claim to enlarge a woman's breasts naturally - Breast Actives, Breast Success, Benefil, Bountiful Breast and Perfig are amongst some of the products and no doubt there are many others. The important thing is to carefully review the ingredients listing, testimonials and look out for a money back guarantee. Go with a company that has been in business for a while and has the money back guarantee.
Our research shows that the most effective natural breast enhancement program is Breast Success by NaturoMeds. They have been around for 10 years and offer an unconditional money back guarantee. Their program consists of a capsule containing the 13 most potent breast enhancing herbs. This combination gives the greatest percentage of success and the best results.

Breast Augmentation

2009-02-12T12:29:00.002+05:30

The concept of “lunch break boob jobs” has been in the news recently, as California biotech company Cytori Therapeutics is developing a procedure involving fat transfer from the stomach or buttocks to the breasts. It is estimated that it will be performed under general anesthetic in just over an hour. Cytori products are only available in Europe and Japan, but I’m wondering what is the likelihood that lunch hour cosmetic surgery will hit the states any time soon. I beg the question-
Could breast augmentation by way of a fat transfer change breast enhancement entirely?
After all, given the choice of: 1. The traditional method of placing implants into my breasts while keeping all of my, ahem, backside volume in place, or, 2. Gaining breast enhancement while losing some of said backside volume – well, what would you choose? Would this add a new scope to the field that surgeons would inevitably be forced to provide?
At least one facility (that I know of) already does: Manhattan’s Tribeca Plastic Surgery, where Dr. Sydney Coleman and Dr. Alesia Saboeiro have performed cosmetic fat grafting surgery for some time, and have recently begun offering it for breast augmentation purposes.

However, with their LipoStructure™ technique, this type of fat transfer surgery is said to last longer than using breast implants.
I’m also wondering (and maybe you are too): Just what would breast augmentation by way of a fat transfer mean for the patient? Think about it. A woman’s breasts have been surgically enhanced with her own body fat. Later, she loses a significant amount of weight, and then…are they just GONE?
Insights, anyone?

breast strengthening exercises

2009-02-09T21:57:00.002+05:30

The run-down on sports bras and A glossary to sports bras
Running is one of the most economical sports in terms of equipment, with only one important item, that being well adapted footwear. However, women runners (including recreational joggers) need to make the additional essential investment of a high-performing sports bra.
Breast strengthening exercises
As breasts consist purely of fat and contain no muscle, losing weight from running often results in reduced breast size. Although this might be a godsend to the very competitive athlete, it can be disappointing side effect to the benefits of running for the average woman runner. The only way to help increase the illusion of bust firmness is to work on the pectoral (chest) muscles by way of:
Bench Press: Using a set of dumbbells lie flat on your back (on a bench) with your arms out (palms up) and slightly bent holding a light dumbell weigh in each hand. Bring the weights together over your head without farther bending your arms.
Push-ups: These work your entire chest and back, as well as your arms and abdominal muscles. If you can't do a set with your legs fully extended behind you, begin on your knees and work up to it.
Arm movements: In the standing position (make sure your back is straight), bend your arms with elbows out at right angles and hands at breast level, push the elbows out towards your back, bring them in and then fully extend your arms outstretched outwards and pull back in towards your back.

Urinary incontinence in women

2009-02-07T22:14:00.002+05:30

What is urinary incontinence?
Many women find it hard talking about their incontinence, but urinary incontinence is actually very common. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder. This is a common problem that can affect both sexes but women are more commonly affected.
Urine is normally prevented from leaking by the urinary sphincter, which is a tight ring of muscle at the neck of the bladder and the support of the muscles of the pelvic floor. Voluntary passing of urine involves relaxing the sphincter and pelvic floor muscles, together with a gentle contraction of the bladder muscle.
For many women the leakage of a small amount of urine on an occasional basis is normal and does not prevent them from getting on with their lives.
For other women, urinary incontinence may be serious enough to involve having to change their clothes and to avoid performing certain tasks or exercises. For these women, advice from a health professional is appropriate.
What causes urinary incontinence?
The study of urinary incontinence has revealed two main types of incontinence.
The commonest is called stress urinary incontinence (SUI) - when the bladder sphincter just gives way under pressure and a small amount of urine escapes on straining, for example when coughing, laughing, sneezing or doing physical exercise.
In severe cases it can happen while walking or when getting up from a sitting position. Stress incontinence is usually the result of weakening of the muscles in the pelvic floor that surround the bladder. This often happens during pregnancy, following childbirth or after the menopause.
The second type of urinary incontinence is called urge incontinence. This happens when the urge to pass urine becomes overwhelming and urine is passed before a toilet can be reached.
Urge incontinence is caused by the bladder sending a message to the brain that it is full, often too early and the bladder muscle starts to contract too early (also called bladder instability).
This may be caused by cystitis (urinary infection) or an overactive or unstable bladder, which can sometimes be related to nerve problems including stroke, dementia, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury.
The two types may occur together, but treatment is quite different.
Incontinence can also be associated with narrowings (strictures) of the urethra.
Incontinence can also be caused as a side effect of some kinds of drugs or medicines.
When should I seek medical help?
If you are experiencing more than very occasional episodes of incontinence then you should consult your family doctor.
What will the doctor do?
The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, which is likely to include a vaginal and rectal examination to assess the pelvic organs.
History and examination alone are often insufficient and special tests may also be required to establish what kind of incontinence it is and, therefore, what the treatment options are.
A GP may also refer the patient to a physiotherapist, an incontinence advisor or to a hospital specialist (urologist or gynaecologist).
What further investigations may be be necessary?
Bacteriology and microscopy. A simple urine sample analysis by a laboratory for infection will help show if any bacteria are present, and what the best antibiotic would be for them.
Urodynamic studies are special measurements of urine flow and pressure taken with a catheter in the bladder while passing urine. The information gained can distinguish between the two major types of incontinence.
X-rays and ultrasound may be useful in certain patients to check the kidneys and the tubes (ureters) that drain them. It will also show the size and shape of the pelvic organs if any enlargements are detected during the examination.
Cystoscopy, a look inside the bladder using a thin telescope, may be done to check that the inside of the bladder is healthy. It may be performed under a local or general anaesthetic.
How is urinary incontinence treated?
The treatment of urinary incontinence varies according to the type of incontinence, how troubling it is to the woman concerned and also her general level of fitness.
The majority of women with urinary incontinence can be effectively managed in general practice with fairly simple treatment, without the need for many of the surgical treatments mentioned below.
Non-surgical treatment for stress incontinence
The best way to prevent urinary stress incontinence is to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises. To do this, simply tighten the muscles of your pelvic floor as if you are trying to stop the flow of urine. This will make you more aware of these muscles and how to use them. You can also try to put two fingers in your vagina, squeeze and then relax the muscles. When you know which muscles you use to squeeze and relax, you can do the exercises anywhere and anytime.
Slowly count to 10 while you tense the muscle, then count to 10 while you relax again. Repeat this 10 times and do it at least 10 times a day - while watching TV, waiting for the bus and so on. Special weighted vaginal cones may be also used to help train the muscles. Doing these exercises regularly throughout life will keep the pelvic muscles in good shape.
Collagen injections around the neck of the bladder are occasionally suitable as an alternative treatment for patients who need but are not suitable for surgery. Incontinence nurses are specially trained in assessing and advising on incontinence, including the provision of aids and supports, and are now part of the nursing service in all areas of the UK. Surgical treatments for stress incontinence
Anterior vaginal wall repair surgery. If prolapse is the underlying cause of incontinence, then repair of the prolapse, through the vagina, may be sufficient to correct the problem.
Colposuspension. The muscle support of the bladder can also be improved by colposuspension, in which the top of the vagina is pulled forward and stitched. This is generally successful and does not cause any problems with sexual intercourse.
Surgical tape procedure. A similar result to colposuspension can now be achieved by the use of surgical tape, which is positioned so as to support the bladder. This procedure was developed in Sweden and is not readily available yet on the NHS in the UK. There are, however, a number of centres providing private therapy. The operation takes up to 30 minutes to complete and can be performed as a day-case procedure, under a local or a general anaesthetic. The early results show a success rate that is comparable with colposuspension.
Laproscopic (keyhole) surgery is also showing promise as a new technique in treating incontinence.
Non-surgical treatment for urge incontinence
Bladder training aims to teach the bladder not to send signals to the brain too early. A training schedule is devised that gradually increases the length of time a person waits before emptying their bladder, so that reasonable control of a full bladder can be achieved.
Medicines that reduce the excitability of the bladder detrusor muscle (anticholinergics), such as oxybutynin (eg Lyrinel XL) or tolterodine (eg Detrusitol XL). The medicines commonly used to treat urge incontinence can sometimes cause a dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation, though these are not that common in practice providing one commences the patient on a relatively low dose, allowing them to become accustomed to the treatment before increasing the dose as required.
Hormone replacement therapy is useful in helping urge incontinence in women after the menopause. It is not particularly effective in stress incontinence.
Surgical treatment for urge incontinence
Stretching (dilatation) of the urethra under general anaesthetic may be helpful.
What complications might arise from surgery?
Even with the best possible technique, all surgical procedures carry a small but recognised risk of excess bleeding and infection. The individual operations concerned each carry certain risk factors that are best explained by the surgeon performing the operation.
The anaesthetic can cause side effects that can be quite different between individuals, and these should be discussed with the anaesthetist beforehand.
What can a person do to help urinary incontinence?
Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetable and cereals to avoid constipation.
Drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid every day.
If you experience urgency that makes you rush to the toilet, drink less tea, coffee and cola that contain caffeine and drink more water.
Take regular exercise - walk as much as possible.
Wear clothes that are easy to manage.
If you have to get up more than once during the night to pass urine (nocturia) then it is advisable not to drink any fluid within three hours of going to bed.
Involve your family in understanding the problems so that embarrassment is not so much of a problem.
Get someone else to do heavy lifting and avoid strenuous exertion in general.
Drinking alcohol is likely to worsen any type of urinary incontinence because it is a diuretic and stimulates the kidneys to produce more urine

pelvic examination

2009-02-04T22:55:00.002+05:30

What is a pelvic examination?
Once the reasons for performing the examination have been explained, the doctor, nurse or midwife will usually want to examine the cervix first.
This is performed by passing a speculum into the vagina. The speculum looks a little like a duck's bill and allows the cervix to be seen clearly.
After this, the doctor, nurse or midwife will feel inside the vagina. One or two fingers are placed inside the vagina with the other hand flat on the lower abdomen.
In this manner it is possible to feel the womb, its size and how it is placed. If the ovaries are enlarged by cysts, then they can often also be felt. Throughout the examination, the woman will be asked whether she is feeling any pain or discomfort. Most women experience mild discomfort only.
Is it normal to be worried or embarrassed?
Most of us find it embarrassing to have highly personal examinations. This is understandable. Yet there are situations where procedures such as a pelvic examination are necessary.
Who needs a pelvic examination?
Young women might need to have a pelvic examination when they first start using contraception. A pelvic examination would be considered a routine investigation in women complaining of irregular or heavy periods, painful periods or lower abdominal pain.
A pelvic examination is usually performed when a woman attends for a cervical smear (Pap smear).

Bacterial Vaginosis

2009-02-03T16:45:00.003+05:30

What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (often known as BV) is a common cause of vaginal discharge.
Its name needs a little bit of explanation. The word ‘vaginosis’ is the American equivalent of what British doctors call ‘vaginitis’, meaning inflammation of the vagina and ‘bacterial’ means caused by a bacterium.
UK genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics treated around 94,000 new cases last year, which is some indication of how frequently it occurs.
In fact, BV is seen more frequently in GUM clinics than thrush is. (79,000 cases of thrush were seen last year, although many more women will have been to see their GP or treated themselves.)
The discharge is usually whitish or greyish or sometimes yellowish, and tends to have an off putting ‘fishy’ odour. Unlike the discharges caused by thrush or trichomonas, it’s not usually associated with soreness, discomfort or itching.
What causes BV?
The name of the condition is rather misleading, because no-one actually knows the precise cause of BV. It’s thought to be due to an imbalance in the bacterial content of the vagina.
You may be surprised to hear that there are any bacteria at all in the vagina. However, it’s important to realise that the vaginal cavity is not a completely sterile place.
A normal healthy vagina contains many harmless bacteria, particularly those of the genus Lactobacillus. These probably help to protect the woman against harmful germs.
It's thought that if other bacteria get into the vagina and disturb the normal balance then you develop a vaginal discharge.
Potentially, this upset could occur because of various factors, such as:
an operation on the vagina douching (the practice of washing out or syringing out the vagina)
putting inappropriate and non-sterile objects into the vagina sex.
In practice, BV often appears soon after a sexual encounter. But sometimes it happens for no obvious reason.
Is it sexually transmitted?
If you search the many websites devoted to bacterial vaginosis, you will find that some authorities confidently state that it is not sexually transmitted while others state that it is, while some simply say that ‘there is no evidence that it is sexually transmitted’.
In other words, we still do not know whether BV is sexually transmissible or not. However, it's worth noting that it is rare in virgins, and that it often flares up after sex.
Can the disease be transmitted to men?
Many doctors would say no, but there’s a type of inflammation of the tip of the penis (balanitis) that seems to be linked to germs found in BV, though it’s not common.
What are the symptoms?
The chief symptom is the grey, white or yellowish, non-irritant discharge mentioned above, accompanied by an off-putting odour.
Who is at risk?
It tends to keep coming back over a period of time and doesn’t respond to the drugs used to treat thrush, nor to ‘ordinary’ antibiotics like penicillin. All women are at some risk, but particularly those who are sexually active.
How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?
The condition is diagnosed by looking at the appearance of the discharge, and by the three tests mentioned below.
Checking the pH (the alkalinity) of the vaginal secretions. These are slightly acid when the woman is in normal health, but in BV the pH is greater than 5, in other words, more alkaline than normal.
The potassium hydroxide test: if a small amount of 10% potassium hydroxide solution is added to a specimen of the discharge, there is a distinctive smell. This is called ‘the whiff test’. It’s becoming less commonly used because potassium hydroxide is a caustic liquid and therefore potentially harmful.
On examining the discharge under a microscope, unusual cells called ‘clue cells’ are usually seen if BV is present. These have come from the top layer of the walls of the vagina. They have an odd, stippled appearance on microscopic examination, due to the fact that germs are clinging to them.
In practice, BV is only likely to be diagnosed in a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or sometimes by a gynaecologist, since hardly any GPs or family planning clinics have the technical facilities to make the diagnosis.
However, if a woman has a persistent discharge like we’ve described, it doesn’t respond to anti-thrush medications or ordinary antibiotics and no other cause for the symptom is found (for instance, a forgotten tampon), then it is reasonable to say that she probably has BV.
How is BV treated?
The standard treatment is the anti-bacterial drug metronidazole (eg Zidoval). It’s highly effective against anaerobic bacteria in the vagina and elsewhere (eg the mouth), and that is presumably why it works in BV.
If metronidazole doesn’t work, or the discharge keeps coming back, GUM clinics tend to give a course of other anti-anaerobic antibiotics, such as clindamycin (eg Dalacin cream).
It’s not usual to treat the patient’s partner, but in recurrent cases of BV this might be worth considering.
What can you do to prevent BV?
Since the exact cause of BV is still not really known, it is difficult to give precise advice about how to prevent it. However, doctors who work in the field of sexual health often give the following hygiene advice:
Don’t douche. This habit, which is common in the USA and some other countries, is generally regarded by British medics as liable to upset the bacteriological balance of the vagina.
Avoid thongs. Some experts say that these can transfer germs from the anus to the vagina, and so cause vaginosis.
If attacks occur after intercourse, try to stop having sex for a while. If that advice is impossible to follow, then it may be worth trying the effect of making love with a female condom or Femidom. This lines the whole of the inside of the vagina during sex.
Bacterial vaginosis has become very common these days. If you have a non-irritant, unpleasant-smelling, greyish, whitish or yellowish discharge, it may be due to be BV. Your best move would be to go to your local GUM clinic for fast, accurate diagnosis and advice.

The Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer

2009-02-01T15:15:00.000+05:30

It's important to understand the risk factors for male breast cancer — particularly because men are not routinely screened for the disease and don't think about the possibility that they'll get it. As a result, breast cancer tends to be more advanced in men than in women when it is first detected.
A number of factors can increase a man's risk of getting breast cancer:
Growing older: This is the biggest factor. Just as is the case for women, risk increases as age increases. The median age of men diagnosed with breast cancer is about 67. This means that half the men who are diagnosed are over 67 and half are under.
High estrogen levels: Breast cell growth — both normal and abnormal — is stimulated by the presence of estrogen. Men can have high estrogen levels as a result of:
taking hormonal medicines
being overweight, which increases the production of estrogen
having been exposed to estrogens in the environment (such as estrogen and other hormones fed to fatten up beef cattle, or the breakdown products of the pesticide DDT, which can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body)
being heavy users of alcohol, which can limit the liver's ability to regulate blood estrogen levels
having liver disease, which usually leads to lower levels of androgens (male hormones) and higher levels of estrogen (female hormones). This increases the risk of developing gynecomastia (breast tissue growth that is non-cancerous) as well as breast cancer.
Klinefelter syndrome: Men with Klinefelter syndrome have lower levels of androgens (male hormones) and higher levels of estrogen (female hormones). Therefore, they have a higher risk of developing gynecomastia (breast tissue growth that is non-cancerous) and breast cancer. Klinefelter syndrome is a condition present at birth that affects about 1 in 1,000 men. Normally men have a single X and single Y chromosome. Men with Klinefelter syndrome have more than one X chromosome (sometimes as many as four). Symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome include having longer legs, a higher voice, and a thinner beard than average men; having smaller than normal testicles; and being infertile (unable to produce sperm).
A strong family history of breast cancer or genetic alterations: Family history can increase the risk of breast cancer in men — particularly if other men in the family have had breast cancer. The risk is also higher if there is a proven breast cancer gene abnormality in the family. Men who inherit abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (BR stands for BReast, and CA stands for CAncer) have an increased risk for male breast cancer. This risk of developing breast cancer by age 70 is approximately 1% with the BRCA1 gene and 6% with the BRCA2 gene. Overall, that's about 80 times greater than the lifetime risk of men without BRCA1 or BRCA2 abnormalities. Still, the majority of male breast cancers happen in men who have no family history of breast cancer and no inherited gene abnormality.
Radiation exposure: Having radiation therapy to the chest before age 30, and particularly during adolescence, may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. This has been seen in young people receiving radiation to treat Hodgkin's disease. (This does NOT include radiation therapy to treat breast cancer.)

Male Breast Cancer

2009-01-29T22:11:00.003+05:30

Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer
One study found that male breast cancer is on the rise, with a 25% increase over the 25 years from 1973 to 1988. But it's still rare. It's unclear whether the reported rise means the disease is slowly becoming more common, or whether men better understand the symptoms and report their symptoms, leading to diagnoses that might have been missed in the past.
If you notice any persistent changes to your breasts, you should contact your doctor. Here are some signs to watch for:
a lump felt in the breast
nipple pain
an inverted nipple
nipple discharge (clear or bloody)
sores on the nipple and areola (the small ring of color around the center of the nipple)
enlarged lymph nodes under the arm
It's important to note that enlargement of both breasts (not just on one side) is usually NOT cancer. The medical term for this is gynecomastia. Sometimes the breasts can become quite large. Non-cancer-related enlargement of the breasts can be caused by medications, heavy alcohol use, weight gain, or marijuana use.
A small study about male breast cancer found that the average time between first symptom and diagnosis was 19 months, or over a year and a half. That's a very long time! This is probably because people don't expect breast cancer to happen to men, so there is little to no early detection.
Earlier diagnosis could make a life-saving difference. With more research and more public awareness, men will learn that — just like women — they need to go to their doctor right away if they detect any persistent changes to their breasts.
Treatment of Male Breast Cancer
Most men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will undergo some form of treatment for the disease. The most favorable course of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the size and location of the breast tumor, the stage of the cancer, and results of other laboratory tests. This section provides information about the treatment options for men with breast cancer.
In the following pages, you can learn about how the following treatments are performed and what to expect from each:
Surgery for Male Breast Cancer
Lymph Node Surgery for Male Breast Cancer
Radiation Therapy for Male Breast Cancer
Hormonal Therapy for Male Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy for Male Breast Cancer

Nipple discharge

2009-01-26T16:28:00.003+05:30

Because your breast is a gland, your nipples may occasionally secrete fluids, even if you've never been pregnant. Cancer is rarely the underlying cause, but other conditions that require treatment may be. To find the cause, you'll need to see your doctor.
What is nipple discharge?
Unless you're lactating, fluid seeping out of your nipple is referred to as nipple discharge. Non-milk discharge comes out of your breasts through the same nipple openings that carry milk. On each of your nipples is a cluster of about ten of these openings.
One or both breasts may produce a nipple discharge, either spontaneously or when you squeeze your nipples or breasts. A nipple discharge may look milky, or it may be yellow, green, brown or bloody. The consistency of nipple discharge varies from thick and sticky to thin and watery.
Your chances of having nipple discharge increase as you get older and with the number of pregnancies you've had.
Your doctor's assessment
When you go to a doctor to have nipple discharge checked out, you'll need to give a detailed description of what's going on. Specifically:
What color is the discharge?
How much discharge is there?
Does it happen in one or both breasts?
Does the discharge appear to come from one opening in your nipple or multiple openings?
Is the discharge spontaneous, or does it happen only when you squeeze your nipple?
Do you have any other signs and symptoms, such as fever, redness, pain in the breast, headaches or vision changes?
Have you recently experienced an injury to the chest?
What medications do you take?
Based on this information and a physical exam, you might need additional testing to help pinpoint the underlying cause. Such testing might include a blood test, mammography, a breast ultrasound, a special type of X-ray (ductogram) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor might collect a sample of the fluid to send to a lab for analysis. However, even after lab analysis, further evaluation may be necessary.
Possible causes
Nipple discharge might just be a normal (physiological) part of your breast's function. If that's the case, the discharge might resolve on its own. Avoid nipple stimulation — such as by frequently checking for discharge — because stimulation actually makes the discharge persist.
Beyond normal, physiological functioning, other possible causes of nipple discharge include:
Mammary duct ectasia. Mammary duct ectasia is one of the most common causes of abnormal nipple discharge. One or more of the ducts beneath your nipple becomes inflamed and clogged with a thick, sticky, green or black substance. Most often, mammary duct ectasia affects women in their 40s and 50s. You can relieve some of your symptoms by applying warm compresses to your breast. Taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may help relieve some symptoms. Also, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear up any infection. In some cases, surgery might be necessary to remove the affected duct.
Intraductal papilloma. Intraductal papilloma is a small, usually noncancerous (benign) growth that projects into a milk duct near your nipple. It occurs most often in women between the ages of 35 and 55. Nobody knows what causes intraductal papillomas, and there are no known risk factors.
The discharge may be bloody or sticky and usually occurs spontaneously from one duct only, with manipulation of your nipple. You may notice staining or spotting from the discharge on your shirt or the inside of your bra. You may also feel a small lump behind and near the edge of your nipple (areola).
Your doctor may perform an ultrasound on your areola and the surrounding area to check for a nodule in a duct. Treatment involves surgical removal of the involved duct and examination of the tissue to rule out cancer.
Galactorrhea. The nipple discharge associated with galactorrhea is usually white or clear, but it could be yellow or green, and it may leak from one or both breasts. Galactorrhea occurs because your body is making too much prolactin — the hormone your brain produces to stimulate milk production after you have a baby. This also might happen if you have a hormonal imbalance, such as from taking birth control pills; an underactive thyroid gland; a tumor (prolactinoma) or other disorder of the pituitary gland; or chronic breast stimulation, such as from frequent breast self-exams or sexual activity.
Injury. A blunt trauma — for instance, the impact of the steering wheel in a car accident or a hard blow to your chest during sports — can cause nipple discharge in both your breasts. The nipple discharge results from tissue damage and may be clear, yellow or bloody. The discharge often occurs spontaneously and involves multiple ducts.
Abscess. Most common in lactating women, a breast abscess can happen when your nipples become irritated or infected from breast-feeding. A break or crack in your skin can allow bacteria to invade your breast tissue, causing an infection. The nipple discharge may contain pus, and the breast can become red, swollen and warm to the touch. Treatment involves surgically draining the abscess, and your doctor also may prescribe antibiotics.
Fibrocystic changes. Fibrocystic breast changes result in lumpy, tender breasts and can produce a clear, yellow or light green discharge from your nipples. Fibrocystic changes are very common, occurring to varying degrees in about half of all women. Your doctor may run some tests — such as a mammogram or an ultrasound — to make sure the discharge isn't caused by cancer. If the tests show fibrocystic changes as the underlying cause, no further treatment is necessary.
Breast cancer. Nipple discharge rarely is a sign of breast cancer, but it's possible that discharge may indicate cancer is present within a duct (intraductal breast cancer) or outside the duct (invasive breast cancer). See your doctor promptly for evaluation if your discharge is bloody, spontaneous and occurs in only one breast.
Another form of cancer — Paget's disease of the breast — also is associated with nipple discharge. Paget's disease of the breast is uncommon, occurring in only 1 percent to 4 percent of all women with breast cancer. Signs and symptoms include itching, burning, redness or scaling of the nipple and areola — the darker colored skin surrounding the nipple. You may also have a bloody discharge from the nipple, and the nipple may appear flattened against your breast. Your doctor can diagnose the disease by doing a biopsy of the affected area of the areola. Standard treatment is removal of the breast (mastectomy), but removal of just the breast tumor (lumpectomy) may sometimes be an option. Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy or radiation after surgery.
Gain peace of mind
Take comfort in knowing that most nipple problems are the result of a benign condition. But it's best to see your doctor anytime you notice changes in your nipples or breasts because the problem may require treatment. If a more serious condition is present, catching it early gives you the best chance for recovery.

Before 1st Period

2009-01-24T22:11:00.003+05:30

What are periods?
When girls become sexually mature and their bodies become capable of carrying a baby, they begin to produce female sex hormones. These are naturally occurring chemicals that control the development of breasts, the growth of pubic and armpit hair and also control periods.
Menstruation, or periods, are times when a girl or woman bleeds naturally from the vagina. Periods are a sign of health and show that the body is functioning as it should.
It is a good idea for a girl to talk to her mother about periods, or if this seems difficult or is not possible, she might prefer to speak to a sister, a cousin or someone else she feels comfortable talking to.
What happens in the body during a period?
The female reproductive organs inside a girl's body comprise:
the ovaries, which produce eggs and hormones.
the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus.
the uterus (womb), a muscular organ where the egg can attach itself once it has been fertilized by a male sperm cell when pregnancy occurs.
the cervix or neck of the womb, which connects the uterus to the vagina.
the vagina starts at the bottom of the cervix and is the passage that leads outside the body. It does several things. It leads the blood out of the uterus and away from the body. The vagina is also the opening into which the man puts his penis during sexual intercourse and the channel through which a child is born.
When a girl reaches puberty, her hormones become active.
A hormone called oestrogen is made in the ovaries. Oestrogen affects the lining of the womb (endometrium) and makes it grow and develop.
After 10 to 14 days, the ovaries release an egg, and begin to produce another hormone called progesterone. The egg has now moved from the ovary to the uterus through the Fallopian tube. If the egg has not been fertilised by a sperm, the production of progesterone stops. When that happens, the lining of the womb comes away with a little blood and the girl gets her monthly period. The entire process takes about 28 days.
When do girls begin to have periods?
Most girls get their first period when they are 10 to 16 years old. The average age is 12.5 years. Women continue to have periods until they are 45 to 55 years old when the menopause occurs. Periods stop during pregnancy.
How often do women menstruate?
Periods happen about once a month. They last for four to seven days after which there is a pause of about 23 days (three weeks or so) until the next period, although the menstrual cycle varies from one girl to another. In some girls it may be longer or shorter than 28 days or it may be irregular, especially in the first few months after they have started.
It is a good idea to note the days your period occurs in a diary or calendar. This will make it easy to see exactly how many days there are between periods and makes it possible to work out when to expect your next period.
How do you prepare for your first period?
It is practical and reassuring to know that there are sanitary towels ready in the bathroom or bedroom to prepare for a first period.
When a period begins, a sanitary pad is simply placed in the underwear to absorb the blood. It is also a good idea to have a sanitary towel in a school bag, just in case a period begins while she is at school. However, if a girl has not brought a sanitary pad to school and her period begins, she should be able to get them from the school nurse or from a teacher.
When a girl begins her period, she usually discovers it by noticing blood on her underwear or on toilet paper after drying herself. She may also feel some cramping pain or discomfort in her lower abdomen.
What do you do with a used sanitary towel?
When changing a sanitary towel, wrap some toilet paper around the one you have used, or, if the new sanitary towel is sealed in a plastic bag, put the used one into that. Then place it in the waste bin which is almost always located next to the toilet. It should not be flushed down the toilet, as it absorbs water and may block the toilet.

Over view & Facts -Breast cancer

2009-01-20T21:17:00.004+05:30

Is your breast cancer information based on facts or fear? Nix worry by learning about breast cancer causes, risk factors, symptoms, and prevention.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer Facts
Read a detailed description of breast cancer.
What are the Stages of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer stages run from 0 to 4, noting the size and spread of the tumors. Get definitions of all stages of breast cancer.
The Normal Breast
Learn about the healthy, normal breast and breast anatomy in this brief article.
Causes
What Causes Breast Cancer?
It’s often hard to say exactly what causes a given person’s cancer. But some factors are associated with breast cancer. Read about them here.
Are You at Risk?
Overview of Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Nearly one in eight U.S. women develops breast cancer some time in her life. Doctors don’t always know why breast cancer starts, but some risk factors stand out. Read an overview.
Genetic Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Learn about the genetic risk factors for breast cancer.
Testing for Breast Cancer Genes
Checking for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations may help screen for breast cancer. But the results don’t mean breast cancer is certain or impossible. Get the facts.
Race, Ethnicity and Breast Cancer Risk
Breast cancer affects all women. But it may differ by racial and ethnic group. For instance, breast cancer is found more often in white women but kills more black women. Read more.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to a higher breast cancer risk. Get the facts on hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer.
Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer Risk
Read about the debate on what role, if any, birth control pills may play in breast cancer risk.
Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk
Drinking alcohol regularly may raise a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Read what researchers say about the topic.
Prevention
Breast Cancer Prevention
Doctors can’t make any promises, but some habits -- like exercise and a healthy diet -- may cut your risk of breast cancer. Read more about breast cancer prevention.
Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer Prevention
The drug tamoxifen may be used to help prevent breast cancer in women at high risk of breast cancer. This article and drawing explains tamoxifen’s use for breast cancer prevention.
Evista for Breast Cancer Prevention?
Read why the osteoporosis drug Evista may help cut breast cancer risk in high-risk postmenopausal women.
Preventive Mastectomy
Preventive mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breasts to avoid breast cancer in high-risk women.

Breast cancer --canola oil may risk

2009-01-18T20:40:00.005+05:30

Could the type of oil a woman consumes during pregnancy influence her daughter's breast cancer risk years later?
Early research in mice suggests that it might -- and that pregnant women may be better off choosing canola oil over most other vegetable oils.
Canola oil has more omega-3 fatty acids and less omega-6 than other widely used cooking oils.
"We showed that canola oil in the maternal diet during pregnancy and nursing reduced the risk for breast cancer in babies for up to five months after birth," researcher W. Elaine Hardman, PhD, of Marshall University School of Medicine,
The research was presented today in Washington D.C. at the American Association for Cancer Research's Seventh Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research.
Canola Oil vs. Corn Oil
"Corn oil has 50% omega-6 and almost no omega-3, while canola oil has 20% omega-6 and 10% omega-3," Hardman says. "Flaxseed oil is 50% omega-3, but you wouldn't want to cook with it. It tastes pretty bad. Canola is about the best cooking oil out there in terms of omega-6 to omega-3 ratio."
In the newly reported study, the mothers of mice genetically engineered to develop breast cancer were fed diets that contained either 10% canola oil or 10% corn oil for several weeks prior to breeding up until the time their offspring were weaned.
Following weaning, the offspring were fed the corn-oil rich diet.
Throughout the study, the female mice born to the mothers fed corn oil had more breast tumors and bulkier tumors than the mice born to mothers who followed the canola-oil diet. They also had tumors in more mammary glands.
This was particularly significant because on a regular diet the genetically engineered mice could be expected to develop breast cancer by 6 months of age, Hardman says.
But mice aren't people, and the findings fall far short of proving that women can protect their unborn daughters from breast cancer or increase their daughters' risk by choosing a particular cooking oil, American Cancer Society nutritional epidemiologist Margie McCullough, ScD,
"This finding is intriguing, but many important questions remain," she says.
Omega-3 vs. Omega-6
There is increasing evidence that exposures in the womb may affect risk for a wide range of diseases later in life, but this has not been proven.
And since cancers usually occur in humans late in life, a study examining the impact of gestational and early-life nutritional exposure on cancer could take 50 or 60 years, McCullough says.
But Hardman says studies targeting gene expression in humans may help researchers learn more about the impact of pre-birth exposures on cancer risk much more quickly.
Her study identified 40 separate genetic changes in the mammary glands of the canola-fed mice, some of which have been identified with suppressing tumor growth.
She adds that there are many other good reasons that people should try to maximize the amount of omega-3 in their diets and reduce omega-6.
Studies suggest that both long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, found primarily in fatty fish, and short-chain omega-3 fatty acids, like those in canola oil, help protect against cardiovascular disease.
"Switching from corn to canola oil might have benefits in terms of reducing cancer risk, and it certainly couldn't hurt," Hardman says..

Vigorous Exercise

2009-01-15T14:54:00.003+05:30

Exercise cuts a woman's risk of breast cancer after menopause -- but only vigorous exercise, a National Cancer Institute study shows.
Moderate exercise did not cut breast cancer risk. Vigorous exercise did, but only in women who were not overweight. However, it's possible that overweight and obese women found moderate exercise more taxing and misreported it as strenuous exercise.
The findings suggest that exercise itself protects against breast cancer, regardless of whether it leads to weight loss, note Michael F. Leitzmann, MD, and colleagues at the National Cancer Institute.
The researchers analyzed data on more than 32,000 postmenopausal women collected over 11 years as part of the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project.
Women were asked about their exercise habits, and Leitzmann's team rated their exercise as "moderate" or "vigorous."
Activities rated as "moderate" were rated "non-vigorous." They included:
Light housework
Vacuuming
Washing clothes
Painting
Home repairs
Lawn mowing
General gardening
Raking
Light sports or exercise
Walking
Hiking
Light jogging
Recreational tennis
Bowling
Golf
Bicycling on level ground
"We observed no association between non-vigorous activity and breast cancer," Leitzmann and colleagues report.
Activities rated as "vigorous" include:
Housework such as scrubbing floors or washing windows
Heavy yard work
Digging in the garden
Chopping wood
Strenuous sports or exercise
Running
Fast jogging
Competitive tennis
Aerobics
Bicycling on hills
Fast dancing
Overall, women who got a lot of vigorous exercise had only a small decrease in breast cancer. But the researchers saw a much stronger effect in women who were neither overweight nor obese.
"When we evaluated the relation of vigorous activity to breast cancer among women who were of normal weight ... the risk among women reporting the highest amount of vigorous activity decreased by about 30% compared with women with no vigorous activity," Leitzmann and colleagues found.
The study appears in the Oct. 31 online issue of the open-access journal Breast Cancer Research. Leitzmann is now with University Hospital Regensburg, Germany.

New Breast Cancer -Scan

2009-01-13T16:54:00.002+05:30

A new type of scan may cut down on the number of false alarms associated with currently used techniques for spotting breast cancer, researchers report.
The method, called positron emission mammography, or PEM, is also at least as accurate, if not more accurate, than breast MRI at finding true cancers, says Kathy Schilling, MD, director of breast imaging and intervention at the Center for Breast Care at Boca Raton Community Hospital in Florida.
Women undergo breast MRI when standard mammography results are hard to read, typically due to very dense breast tissue. But breast MRI is also associated with a high rate of false-positive test results that indicate cancer is present when it is not. Researchers believe that's due in part to hormonal changes that occur during a woman's menstrual cycle.
PEM is not affected by either breast density or a woman's hormonal status.
That means "fewer women will be called back for additional tests and biopsies, which is emotionally traumatic for the patient as well as the family," she says.
Schilling presented results of a new study of PEM at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
Breast-Specific PET Scan
PEM can be thought of as breast-specific positron emission tomography, or PET, says RSNA spokeswoman Stamatia Destounis, MD, of Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in Rochester, N.Y.
It involves injecting the body with a small amount of radioactive tracer dye that is bound to sugar. Fast-growing cancer cells feed on the sugar and utilize it more quickly than normal cells, so they appear brighter on images created by the PET scanner.
PEM isn't meant to replace mammograms or breast MRI, but rather act as an extra tool, Destounis tells WebMD. "It may fulfill a need when mammograms and MRI don't give us all the information we need."
In the new study, 182 women with breast cancer underwent PEM and breast MRIs. Both techniques proved 89% accurate at spotting breast cancer.
But PEM correctly detected 90% of early, noninvasive cancers known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) confined to the ducts of the breast, while MRI was only accurate in 83% of cases. And PEM spotted 100% of early, tiny, invasive tumors less than 5 millimeters in diameter, while MRI found them only 75% of time.
PEM gave false-positive results to 18% of women who didn't have tumors. The comparable figure for MRI testing was 33%.
All the findings could have been due to chance. But Schilling thinks that they will take on what researchers call statistical significance - meaning there's less than five-in-100 odds that they're due to chance as more women are studied.
PEM Accurate in Women With Dense Breasts
The researchers also looked at PEM alone to see if was affected by breast density or hormonal status. It wasn't, successfully detecting cancer in 77% of women with extremely dense breasts and in 88% of women with dense breasts. As for premenopausal women -- whose hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can influence MRI results PEM proved accurate in 88% of cases.
"Unless breast MRI is performed on days seven through 14 of the menstrual cycle, reading images is extremely difficult," Schilling says. With PEM, we don't have that problem."
Another advantage of PEM is that it avoids the close confinement of an MRI exam, during which a woman's arms are restrained and "she has to go into the bore of the magnet," Schilling says. During PEM, a woman sits upright and has freedom to move around a bit, she says.
Doctors also find it easier, as breast MRI exams produce more than 2,000 images to be interpreted, while PEM produces just 48 images that can be correlated with a woman's mammogram, she says.
Schilling notes that PEM is already approved for use in some women who have breast cancer, to see if their cancer has spread or if their treatment is working. If the findings of the new study can be replicated in larger trials "it will be a new item in our toolbox for screening high-risk women for cancer," she says.
One such study, of 400 women, is under way.

Breast cancer & Oil

2009-01-11T17:59:00.004+05:30

extra-virgin olive oil - cut the risk of breast cancer?
Yes - but only the 20% to 30% of breast cancers that express the HER2 molecules, suggest studies by Javier A. Menendez, PhD, at the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Girona, Spain, and colleagues.
The Spanish researchers wondered why some studies show that the olive-oil-rich Mediterranean diet cuts breast cancer risk while other studies do not. They theorized that the active compounds in olive oil only affect certain cancers.
The breast cancer drug Herceptin targets the HER2 molecule on tumor cells. Could olive oil compounds have the same target?
Menendez's team first isolated various compounds from EVOO -- which, because it is made without heat, keeps most of the olive compounds that are lost in more processed, lower quality olive oils.
They found that two types of these compounds, secoiridoids and lignans, killed off HER2-positive human breast cancer cells but had little effect on HER2-negative cells.
They also found that when they fed large amounts of EVOO to rats with carcinogen-induced breast cancers, the animals' tumors became less malignant.
But this does not mean that eating a lot of EVOO will prevent or treat breast cancer.
"Extreme caution must be applied" in interpreting their findings, Menendez and colleagues warn.
One class of EVOO anticancer compounds, the secoiridoids, "rapidly split into inactive compounds" when eaten. These compounds likely won't help if eaten, but could be a starting point for development of new breast cancer drugs.
On the other hand, the lignan compounds "may represent a different molecular scenario," Menendez and colleagues suggest. In mouse-feeding studies, tumor tissues accumulate lignans, "thus suggesting that the anti-cancer activity of lignans may be due to their direct local effects on the breast cancer tissues."
A recent study suggested that eating flaxseed is beneficial to women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Flaxseed has high lignan concentrations.
Even so, Menendez and colleagues note that much more study will be needed before doctors can recommend EVOO for breast cancer prevention or treatment.
The Menendez study appears in the open-access journal BMC Cancer

Female breast Anatomy

2009-01-09T22:40:00.004+05:30

The term breast refers to the upper ventral region of an animals torso, particularly that of mammals, including human beings. The breasts of a female primates body contain the mammary glands, which secrete milk used to feed infants. This article deals with the human breast; for other animals, see udder and mammary gland.
Breasts are more visible on adult women, but male humans also have breasts which, although usually less prominent, are structurally identical (homologous) to the female, as they develop embryologically from the same tissues.
The breasts are modified sudoriferous (sweat) glands, producing milk in women, and in some rare cases, men. Each breast has one nipple surrounded by the areola. The areola is colored from pink to dark brown and has several sebaceous glands.
In women, the larger mammary glands within the breast produce the milk. They are distributed throughout the breast, with two-thirds of the tissue found within 30 mm of the base of the nipple.[3] These are drained to the nipple by between 4 and 18 lactiferous ducts, where each duct has its own opening.
The network formed by these ducts is complex, like the tangled roots of a tree. It is not always arranged radially, and branches close to the nipple. The ducts near the nipple do not act as milk reservoirs; Ramsay et al. have shown that conventionally described lactiferous sinuses do not, in fact, exist.
The remainder of the breast is composed of connective tissue (collagen and elastin), adipose tissue (fat), and Cooper’s ligaments. The ratio of glands to adipose tissues rises from 1:1 in nonlactating women to 2:1 in lactating women.
The breasts sit over the pectoralis major muscle and usually extend from the level of the 2nd rib to the level of the 6th rib anteriorly. The superior lateral quadrant of the breast extends diagonally upwards towards the axillae and is known as the tail of Spence. A thin layer of mammary tissue extends from the clavicle above to the seventh or eighth ribs below and from the midline to the edge of the latissimus dorsi posteriorly.
The arterial blood supply to the breasts is derived from the internal thoracic artery (formerly called the internal mammary artery), lateral thoracic artery, thoracoacromial artery, and posterior intercostal arteries.
The venous drainage of the breast is mainly to the axillary vein, but there is some drainage to the internal thoracic vein and the intercostal veins. Both sexes have a large concentration of blood vessels and nerves in their nipples. The nipples of both women and men can become erect in response to sexual stimuli, and also to cold.
The breast is innervated by the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the fourth through sixth intercostal nerves. The nipple is supplied by the T4 dermatome.
Breasts vary in both size and shape, and their external appearance is not predictive of their internal anatomy or lactation potential. The shape of a womans breasts is in large part dependent on their support, which primarily comes from the Cooper’s ligaments, and the underlying chest on which they rest.
The breast is attached at its base to the chest wall by the deep fascia over the pectoral muscles. On its upper surface it is given some support by the covering skin where it continues on to the upper chest wall. It is this support which determines the shape of the breasts. In a small fraction of women, the frontal milk sinuses (ampulla) in the breasts are not flush with the surrounding breast tissue, which causes the sinus area to visibly bulge outward.
In discussing the support of breasts, it is helpful to draw a distinction between breasts which rest on the chest below, and those which do not. High, rounded breasts protrude almost horizontally from the chest wall. All breasts are like this in early stages of development, and such a shape is common in younger women and girls. This protruding or high breast is anchored to the chest at its base, and the weight is distributed evenly over the area of the base of the approximately dome- or cone-shaped breasts.[citation needed]
In the low breast, a proportion of the breasts weight is actually supported by the chest against which the lower breast surface comes to rest, as well as the deep anchorage at the base.
The weight is thus distributed over a larger area, which has the effect of reducing the strain. In both males and females, the thoracic cavity slopes progressively outwards from the thoracic inlet (at the top of the breastbone) above to the lowest ribs which mark its lower boundary, allowing it to support the breasts.

Increase Breast size with food

2009-01-08T22:43:00.003+05:30

Many women wants they breast getting large.many ways the women to enlarge the breast. when the enlargement breast many women very concern about the foods because some of foods can reduce the breast size.but many womens do not know there are many foods that can enlarge the breast.The researcher says that some of foods that containing soy may increase breast size.the food that contain soy are chicken and beef.chicken and beef can enlarge the breast size for teens.
Beside the food contain soy can enlarge the breast size the sugar is also can enlarge the breast size but the sugar can increase your weight loss.at the moment many supplement that contain soy to enlarge the breast size.

Many women concern about their breast and many of them is also wanna have a beautiful breast.as we know at the most men magazine who also fills with beautiful women with beautiful breast.this is not difficult to have beautiful breast you just have to care your breast with massage or take the vitamin to make your breast beautiful and large.
for the first step you have to health diet to maintenance your body.after that you have to massage your breast by your self during bath.you also can use cream and vitamin to make your breast still beautiful.you have to stable your weight and don’t to much losing fat because the fat can effect your breast size.beside of that you have to sleep with your back because the this way can make your breast keep beautiful and do to much put weight on your breast.you have find the best size of bra for your breast keep looking beautiful.

Medicines for beautiful Breast

2009-01-07T14:00:00.003+05:30

According to Namita Gokhale, writer, "Big was never out in India, the female breasts are associated with fecundity and fertility."
Big and firm breasts have been considered the most important feature in a woman's body for centuries. Women, who have them, carry it off with pride and turn every head. Women, in order to enhance their breasts have tried different methods from surgery to massage. Some of them have been useful, while others have just been a waste of time and money. Hollywood sex symbol Pamela Anderson had a breast implant done in 1990s. She is just one of the many who opted for this seduction surgery. But this has it's own flaws. Breast implants may lead to breast cancer at the later stage of life. So, what is the solution to achieve those desired aspects of body?
A lot of women today prefer the easiest, cheapest and the safest method for breast enhancement and that is breast enhancement pills. These are natural, non-invasive and less expensive. Many of these pills are derived from traditional herbal products that mostly contain, Saw palmetto, blessed thistle, Dong Quai and Mexican wild yam for breast enhancement. These pills produce estrogen, which give in the same hormonal effects that happen during puberty.
Natural hormones, estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the growth and development of breast tissues. During puberty, the quantities of estrogen and progesterone increase 20 fold or more with the influence of the pituitary hormones (LH, FHS) which causes breast development in teenage girls.
The two most used products this year is, Breast success pills and Zoft Breast Enhancement Gum. They enhance the growth naturally, though you have to wait for nearly three months.
Breast Success: This capsule has proven effective and safe. It is made from a blend of 13 ingredients. It works by using phyto - estrogens, flavonoids and natural non-hormonal plant extracts. This promotes the growth of new breast tissue and also keeps the breast area firm. Women who have used this have reported an increase of 1-2 cup sizes.
Zoft Breast Enhancement Gum: The person using this pill will see the result within a month of usage. It is recommended to chew 2 pieces of zoft a day for fifteen minutes. The herbs used are completely safe and are listed in the FDA's GRAS list of safe foods. Chewing gum offers many physical and psychological benefits too. It improves concentration, improves digestion and eases tension. Both the products enhance fuller and firmer growth of breasts. They have no known side effects and can be taken without any prescriptions.
Well, there may be many such pills in the market. But the safest way of enhancing your beautiful breasts would be frequent massage, swimming, minor exercises and use of the right bra.
Learn more about breast enhancement according to the growing age and how to choose the right bra in our in the breast care section.

maintain healthy breasts

2009-01-05T21:26:00.003+05:30

When we think about breast health, cancer surveillance and mammograms often come to mind. But as important as those measures are, (see tip 5), there are lots of other ways to keep your breasts in good shape both inside and out.
We consulted with gynecologists and dermatologists to gather the six most important breast maintenance tips—from which creams have been proved to help preserve breast skin elasticity to what causes sagging (no, it's not breast-feeding) and a little-known consequence of breast augmentation you should know about.
1) Form and Function A body of research that goes back nearly 20 years has found a lower risk for breast and ovarian cancers among women who breast-feed their children. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that women try to breast-feed for the first 12 months of life because of the benefits for both the mother and baby. But doesn't nursing make breasts sag? Not according to a small 2007 study published by the University of Kentucky. The good news is that the study participants who breast-fed were no more likely to have lost elasticity in their breasts than those who didn't. The bad news is that the number of pregnancies a woman had did affect breast elasticity. Other factors that contributed to sagging were age and smoking. Study author and plastic surgeon Brian Rinker explained that the smoking connection was logical because "smoking breaks down a protein in the skin called elastin, which gives youthful skin its elastic appearance and supports the breast."
2) Implants? Not So Fast The list of possible complications related to breast augmentation surgery (with either silicone or saline implants) is long. Just take a look at the FDA consumer handbook on the subject. But the most ominous warning may be this: "Breast implants don't last a lifetime," advises the FDA. "You are likely to have the implants removed, with or without replacement, because of one or more complications over the course of your life." Those complications, the government says, include leaking implants and encapsulation, whereby a woman's immune system rebels against the implant and forms a capsule of hard collagen fibers around what it considers a foreign body. However, the most common issue for women with implants may be the normal aging process of a woman's body. Dr. Stephen B. Baker, a Georgetown University associate professor of plastic surgery, says he warns against breast augmentation for patients in their 20s. "You'll age but your implants won't," he says. "In 10 or 20 years, as your natural tissue loses elasticity, it can hang over the implant like Snoopy's nose. Then you need to get a bigger implant to fill out the skin, and you can only go so big. Or you'll have to get a breast lift." These factors obviously didn't deter the 329,000 women who had breast enlargement procedures in the United States in 2006, but if you're planning on joining them, make sure you've gotten all the latest information before you proceed. (See this NEWSWEEK article about new research on nonimplant breast augmentation and reconstruction. )
3) The Bounce Factor The most uncomfortable part of running may not be the burn in your legs. A 2007 study by researchers at the University of Portsmouth in England found that women experience an average bounce of about four inches. Some experienced more than double that amount, which, for some women, can interfere with jogging performance and unnecessarily stretch breast tissue. The experts' advice is to invest in a very supportive, well-fitting sports bra even if you think you're not big enough or old enough to need it. Your breasts will thank you someday. (You can find a large selection of sports bras here and a guide to bra fit here.)
4. The Firm Leslie Baumann, author of "The Skin Type Solution" and a dermatologist in Miami, says that while most breast-firming creams are useless, there are a few that can do the sensitive skin of your breasts some good. A retinoid cream, like Retin A (available with prescription) or Roc Correction (available over the counter) can be applied to the breast at night (be sure to avoid the nipple and areola). Baumann recommends applying Relastin face cream to the breasts in the morning, which has been shown to increase skin elasticity.
5. Keeping Watch Any Ob-Gyn will tell you that the most important regimen for healthy breasts is yearly mammograms. Carol Runowicz, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Connecticut and past president of the American Cancer Society, recommends women begin with yearly mammograms at age 40. But according to a recent report by the National Cancer Institute, many women are not following that advice: Between 2000 and 2005 mammogram usage dropped roughly 7 percent among women between 50 and 64 and 4 percent among women over 65
6. The Big Picture Your breasts aren't an isolated system—they are affected by how well you treat the rest of your body. Runowicz notes that obesity is associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, so maintaining a healthy body weight is just as important for your breasts as it is for the rest of your figure. Exercising—with the correct sports bra, of course—can be one of the most important ways to keep your weight and breasts in check. It can even help protect you if you do get breast cancer, according to research from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. A 2006 study in the journal Cancer found that the level of exercise in the year prior to breast cancer diagnosis affects patients' ability to survive after a diagnosis. So a jog may be a good dose of preventive medicine after all.

vaginal cone

2009-01-03T17:02:00.003+05:30

Vaginal cones are small weights that can be placed in your vagina to help you train your pelvic floor muscles.
They were first used by Peattie, Plevnik and Stanton, whose study showed that you can be trained to use your pelvic floor muscles by retaining a weighted cone in the vagina.
The cones are a similar shape to a tampon. There are two types:
a set of several cones, each one heavier than the last
a cone that unscrews so you can put different weights inside it.
What kind of incontinence can they help?
Vaginal cones are used to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
How effective are vaginal cones?
A 1995 study by Norwegian scientists used EMG recordings and vaginal cones.
It showed that when cones were used there was an increase in muscle tone, whether the women were able to retain the cone or not. This study also showed improved coordination of pelvic floor muscle activity.
Later studies also showed that it's better to use cone therapy than no treatment at all, and using a cone may be as effective as pelvic floor muscle exercises alone.
However, the studies showed that using cones doesn’t have a better effect than pelvic floor muscle exercises.
How does the treatment help SUI?
The theory behind the use of cones is that the feeling of losing the cone makes you contract your pelvic floor in an attempt to keep the cone in place. This helps increase the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.
How does the treatment work?
You insert the cone, with the appropriate weight, and use your pelvic muscles to keep the cone in place.
Start with the cone that you can hold for one minute.
Do this twice a day.
Gradually increase the length of time that you can hold the cone in place, until you can hold it for 15 minutes.
You can then increase the weight, or use the next heaviest cone.
Continue until you can use the heaviest cone in the set (or the heaviest cone) for 15 minutes, twice a day.
Who may this not be suitable for?
Your doctor or continence specialist may advise you not to use cones if:
you are pregnant and have a history of miscarriage or have been advised to avoid sex
your vulva or vagina is inflamed or infected
you have a moderate or severe vaginal prolapse (where the front wall of your vagina and part of your bladder drops down into the entrance of your vagina) you are menstruating you've had sexual intercourse within the last two hours you've had pelvic surgery in the last three months
you have psychosexual problems. The pros of using vaginal cones The cones may help motivate you because you can see a steady improvement in the weight you can hold and the length of time you can hold the cone.
The cones can help you do your pelvic floor exercises properly.
They're available in pharmacies or directly from the manufacturers. The Continence Foundation can give advice about suppliers. They're not particularly expensive. The downside of using vaginal cones You may find it difficult to put the cone in. Some women find the cone slips out even if they have reasonably strong pelvic floor muscle control. You may not need to use any effort to keep cone in place.
You may not need them if you do your pelvic floor exercises properly, so it’s best to talk to a continence adviser before you start using them.
Some women find that using a cone results in vaginitis and vaginal bleeding.

Understanding Breast Cancer

2009-01-02T14:05:00.003+05:30

How Can I Prevent Breast Cancer?
Doctors still are not certain how you can stop breast cancer from happening in the first place.
Regular aerobic exercise may offer some protection against a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Studies have found that women who exercised vigorously and often were only half as likely as non-exercisers to get breast cancer, even though other factors probably played a role. Exercise also can help women with breast cancer better tolerate the side effects of radiation or chemotherapy and can help promote a faster recovery after surgery.
Nutrition and Diet to Prevent Breast Cancer
Diet plays a very small but measurable role in breast cancer prevention. Dietary fats may increase your risk of developing breast cancer, and fruits, vegetables, and grains may help to reduce the risk. It's a good idea to make whole-milk dairy products, meat, and foods fried at high temperatures only occasional treats rather than staples. You can enliven your menus by sampling different kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables and basing new dishes on whole grains and legumes. This way, you're bound to get plenty of fiber, along with vitamins and minerals thought to protect against breast cancer, specifically vitamins A, C, D, and E, and calcium, selenium, and iodine. Some doctors recommend that breast cancer patients take antioxidant supplements.
It's important to keep in mind that dietary measures are insufficient to overcome other risk factors for breast cancer. Women who take adhere to a healthy diet should still take other preventive measures such as having regular mammograms.
Early detection, catching the disease and treating it early in its development when it is the most treatable remains proper strategy for better cancer outcome. The following is a common strategy, but ask your doctor exactly what you should do to help prevent breast cancer or find it early:
Check your breasts once a month, three to five days after your menstrual period ends. Have a thorough medical checkup once a year, and have mammograms every one to two years if you are aged 40 or older. Beginning at 50, yearly mammograms are recommended. Start mammograms earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Build your diet around fruit, vegetables, grains, and fish.
If you use contraception, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of birth control pills.
If you are near or in menopause, ask your doctor if you should use hormone replacement therapy to treat menopause symptoms. Studies suggest that hormone replacement can increase the risk of breast cancer. You and your doctor can make this decision based on your risk of breast cancer.

High Insulin May Boost Odds of Breast Cancer

2009-01-01T13:41:00.003+05:30

(HealthDay News) Women with high levels of insulin in their blood appear to be more likely to develop breast cancer than those with lower insulin levels.
And that might be the link between obesity and breast cancer, say researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. High insulin levels have already been associated with obesity. The researchers compared insulin levels in 835 women who developed breast cancer and 816 women who did not. All women were participating in the Women's Health Initiative study. Those whose fasting insulin levels were the highest had a 1.5 times greater risk of breast cancer than did women with the lowest fasting insulin levels, the study found.
The risk was even greater among women who were not taking hormone therapy. The study found that those women were 2.4 times more likely to have developed breast cancer if their insulin levels were high than if they were low.
The findings were published in the Dec. 30 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
In laboratory studies, insulin has been shown to stimulate the growth of breast cells. And, being overweight or obese has been identified as a risk factor for breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
"These data suggest that hyperinsulinemia [excess insulin in the blood] is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and may have a substantial role in explaining the obesity-breast cancer relationship," the researchers wrote Linda Searing

Supplements May Not Cut Cancer Risk For the second time in two months, new research shows no signs of cancer prevention from taking certain vitamin supplements. In November, scientists noted no cancer benefits in male doctors assigned to take vitamin C or vitamin E pills. Now, other researchers report similar results in women at high risk of heart disease who took vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene supplements. The new study "provides little or no evidence that such vitamin supplementation as tested offers any measurable preventive impact on cancer in women," states an editorial published with the study in the Jan. 7, 2009, edition of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
But the study tested a narrow question and isn't the final word, according to a spokesperson for the supplements industry.
Supplements Study
The new study comes from researchers including Jennifer Lin, PhD, of the division of preventive medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
Lin's team reviewed data on 7,600 U.S. women aged 40 and older who were followed for about nine years, on average.
When the study started, the women were 60 years old, on average. They had no history of cancer other than nonmelanoma skin cancer, but they were at high risk for heart disease because they had cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, obesity, or parental history of heart attack.
The women were randomly assigned to take vitamin C (500 milligrams of ascorbic acid) or a placebo daily, vitamin E (600 international units of alpha-tocopherol) or a placebo every other day, and beta-carotene (50 milligrams) or a placebo every other day.
Study's Findings
During the follow-up period, 624 women were diagnosed with cancer other than nonmelanoma skin cancer, and 176 women died of cancer.
The odds of being diagnosed with cancer or dying of cancer were similar between women taking the supplements or the placebo pills. So the researchers conclude that there was no overall advantage in taking the supplements individually or together, at least in women at high risk of heart disease.
Lin's team notes that their study was one of few trials that lasted a long time, but that cancer can take decades to develop, so the study may still have been too short to gauge the supplements' effects. The study was only on vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene in supplements. The researchers didn't study those nutrients in food.
Supplement Industry's View
Lin's study was "well-conducted," but it's just one piece of a larger puzzle, says Andrew Shao, PhD, vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade group for the supplements industry.
Shao points out that the women had adequate dietary intake of the antioxidants even without the supplements, so there wasn't a good comparison group of people lacking those nutrients.
It's "hard to say" whether the study lasted long enough, says Shao. He also notes the study's narrow focus on women at high risk for heart disease who began taking supplements at the average age of 60.
Shao doesn't claim that supplements, by themselves, prevent cancer. "These are nutrients. They're not drugs; they're not a magic bullet," says Shao. He says supplements are "just one tool," that, along with other healthy habits, "people should incorporate into their lifestyle to maintain health and avoid chronic disease."

Breast cancer

2008-12-29T17:24:00.004+05:30

Are you eating too much of meat and sweets?
Think twice because it might increase risks of breast cancer, says a recent study in China.
Subjected on more than a thousand women, this study found that western diet increases the risk of breast cancer in post menopausal Asian women.
"Western diet consists of meat and animal fats and refined bread. This triggers hormonal imbalances that increases the risks of breast cancer," says nutritionist, Dr Shikha Sharma.
The study also stated that the risks of breast cancer highest among post-menopausal women and also that high fat intake could trigger the risks of breast cancer.
Ten years ago, the numbers for women with breast cancer in urban areas in India were five to eight women per 10,000. Now number has risen to 12, which is almost double.
Dr Sharma adds, "Asian diet is traditionally low in fat and is genetically not tuned to western fatty diet. But now trends crossing borders, along with the lifestyle changes, more fat is coming into the Asian diet pattern."
Cancer specialist/Oncologist, Max Hospital, Dr Amit Bhargava says, " The rising numbers are a result of socio-economic changes in people's lifestyle. More and more people are adapting western patterns of living and diet."
Although doctors agree that the genetic pattern also plays a huge role in resisting this change but they also warn that small lifestyle changes can go a long way.
So one should start pay more attention to diet and eat less red meat and include more fruits and green leafy vegetables in the diet.

Can Dogs Smell Breast Cancer?

2008-12-27T23:19:00.003+05:30

In a society where lung and breast cancers are leading causes of cancer death worldwide, early detection of the disease is highly desirable. In a new scientific study, researchers present astonishing new evidence that man's best friend, the dog, may have the capacity to contribute to the process of early cancer detection..
In this study which will be published in the March 2006 issue of the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies published by SAGE Publications, researchers reveal scientific evidence that a dog's extraordinary scenting ability can distinguish people with both early and late stage lung and breast cancers from healthy controls. The research, which was performed in California, was recently documented by the BBC in the United Kingdom, and is soon to be aired in the United States.
Other scientific studies have documented the abilities of dogs to identify chemicals that are diluted as low as parts per trillion. The clinical implications of canine olfaction first came to light in the case report of a dog alerting its owner to the presence of a melanoma by constantly sniffing the skin lesion. Subsequent studies published in major medical journals confirmed the ability of trained dogs to detect both melanomas and bladder cancers. The new study, led by Michael McCulloch of the Pine Street Foundation in San Anselmo, California, and Tadeusz Jezierski of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, is the first to test whether dogs can detect cancers only by sniffing the exhaled breath of cancer patients.
In this study, five household dogs were trained within a short 3-week period to detect lung or breast cancer by sniffing the breath of cancer participants. The trial itself consisted of 86 cancer patients (55 with lung cancer and 31 with breast cancer) and a control sample of 83 healthy patients. All cancer patients had recently been diagnosed with cancer through biopsy-confirmed conventional methods such as a mammogram, or CAT scan and had not yet undergone any chemotherapy treatment. During the study, the dogs were presented with breath samples from the cancer patients and the controls, captured in a special tube. Dogs were trained to give a positive identification of a cancer patient by sitting or lying down directly in front of a test station containing a cancer patient sample, while ignoring control samples. Standard, humane methods of dog training employing food rewards and a clicker, as well as assessment of the dog's behavior by observers blinded to the identity of the cancer patient and control samples, were used in the experiment.
The results of the study showed that dogs can detect breast and lung cancer with sensitivity and specificity between 88% and 97%. The high accuracy persisted even after results were adjusted to take into account whether the lung cancer patients were currently smokers. Moreover, the study also confirmed that the trained dogs could even detect the early stages of lung cancer, as well as early breast cancer. The researchers concluded that breath analysis has the potential to provide a substantial reduction in the uncertainty currently seen in cancer diagnosis, once further work has been carried out to standardize and expand this methodology.
This study was supported by the MACH Foundation (Fairfax, CA), Guide Dogs for the Blind (San Rafael, CA) and Frank and Carol Rosemayr (Kentfield, CA).
The article "Diagnostic Accuracy of Canine Scent Detection in Early and Late Stage Lung and Breast Cancers" can be accessed at no-charge for a limited time on the Integrative Cancer Therapies web site at http://ict.sagepub.com.

Baby Girl Free Of Breast Cancer Gene Due To Be Born Soon

2008-12-26T10:01:00.004+05:30

The first British baby girl free of the faulty BRCA 1 gene, which significantly raises a woman's chances of developing breast cancer, is due to be born soon. The girl has been genetically selected to be free of the faulty gene. As an embryo, she was screened to make sure she did not have the faulty gene.
The BRCA 1 gene passes the risk of breast cancer down generations. Experts say a woman who carries this gene runs a 50% to 85% risk of developing breast cancer.
All the girl's father's female relatives have developed breast cancer. The mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, decided to undergo the screening, called PGD (pre-implantation genetic diagnosis) in June 2008. She said that both she and her husband decided that is there was a possibility of eliminating this risk for their offspring, then that was a route they had to go down.
PGD has been used before in the UK, but never for the BRCA 1 gene. Screening has been carried out to select embryos free of cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease.
As breast cancer does not affect a person from birth, and can sometimes be cured, permission for carrying out PGD in this case was sought from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
The Assisted Conception Unit, a private clinic which carried out the procedure, is within University College Hospital, London. Experts carried out tests on 11 3-day-old embryos. Six of them were found to carry the gene. Two embryos which did not have the gene were implanted. The mother became pregnant with one.
The screening was carried out by Mr. Paul Serhal - Medical Director, The Assisted Conception Unit.
About Mr. Paul Serhal
The Assisted Conception Unit at University College London Hospital was founded in 1990 by its Medical Director Mr. Paul Serhal MBBS, MRCOG. He has vast experience of male and female infertility and his efforts have ensured that the Assisted Conception Unit is amongst World Class leaders in the pioneering of new techniques for Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis. He has published numerous articles in leading international fertility journals and has presented papers and given lectures at World Conferences. He has appeared on many radio and television documentary programmes debating different issues relating to women's health.
What is Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)?
PGD was developed as an alternative to prenatal diagnosis, which takes place during the pregnancy. With prenatal diagnosis the parents are told if the fetus is affected by a genetic disease. If so, they can then decide whether to continue with the pregnancy or terminate. Terminating a pregnancy is a hard option for most couples.
With PGD, however, the parents undergo IVF (in-vitro fertilization) procedures - the embryos are produced outside the body. When the embryos are at the 6 to 8 cell stage one or two blastomeres are removed (a blastomere is a type of cell produced by division of the egg after fertilisation). Single cell diagnosis is performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH), depending on the disease being diagnosed. Embryos that do not carry faulty genes are transferred to the uterus, and the pregnancy then starts.
Couples that opt for PGD are usually fertile, and have often experienced a termination of an affected pregnancy. They may have moral or religious reasons for not wanting a pregnancy termination (abortion). Some couples may have experiencds several miscarriages due to chromosomal abnormalities. Click here to view a full explanation for lay people.

Breast Exercises

2008-12-24T19:32:00.002+05:30

A beautiful breast shape is most women’s dream. You know, charming bared female breast makes stronger sex trembling, raises erotic imaginations (and not only …). However, men will never guess, how many excitements and efforts it delivers to women. Some think it is too small, others - languid, someone would like to reduce its sizes.
Sometimes men also add fuel to the fire, being lost in contemplation of a sexy movie star, and even neigbour at your presence.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature left few chances to us as for changing bust shape. But, all the same, it is possible to correct something, without resorting to surgical interventions.
To keep breast muscles elastic, give it more beautiful shape, there is a complex of exercises.
You need to do them every day. There’s a lot of exercises, therefore it is possible to choose what will be more pleasant to you.
1. Pressing palms. Stand straight. Feet on width of shoulders. Combine palms in front of you, fingers upwards, elbows at breast level. 2 times on “one, two” compress the bottom parts of palms strongly, on “three” turn fingers to you, on “four” straighten palms, on “five” lower hands downwards, on “six” combine hands in front of you. Repeat exercise 5-8 times.
2. Finger coupling. Stand straight. Feet on width of shoulders. Lift arms bent in elbows on a face level. Link fingers strong. Then try to dissolve hands apart in a sharp movement. Repeat exercise 10-12 times.
3. Serial hand lifting. Stand straight, join feet together. On “one” raise right, straightened hand upwards (muscles are weakened) and turn it up behind the head, on “two” try to turn it up further, on “three” lower hand forward-downwards. Repeat same movement with the left hand. Repeat exercise 4-6 times for each hand.
3. Hand lifting. Stand straight. On “one” lift straightened hands forward softly, on “two” dissolve them apart, on “three” turn palms upwards, on “four” lift hands over a head and slap hands together, on “five” lower hands downwards, on “six” return to a starting position.
4. Circles. Stand straight. Feet on width of shoulders, feet are parallel. Put the left hand on a hip, make a big circle wit the right one (muscles are weakened), starting moving forward. Do this exercise in fast rate. Make three circles on “one, two, three”. Following three circles - on “four, five, six”, start with movement back, i.e. in the opposite direction. Then put the right hand on a hip, and make circles with the left one. Repeat exercise 3-5 times for each hand.
5. Arching. Lying on a stomach on a floor. Bend arms in elbows and put behind the head. On “one”, “two” lift a head slowly taking elbows back, and then lift also breast above the floor as far, as it is possible. On “three”, “four” - fall downwards, relaxing completely, lower head, turn face aside. Repeat exercise 5-6 times.
6. Fast inclination - slow straightening. Kneel, rest hands against the floor, so that hands and feet would make a right angle with a trunk, a head at trunk level, not lifted and not lowered. Straighten toes, hands on width of shoulders. Now bend hands in elbows quickly (elbows outside) on “one”, on “two, three, four” straighten hands slowly. Repeat exercise 10 times.
7. Slow inclination - fast straightening. Stand in front of the table or stool, clasp hands lateral edges of a seat, then take away firstly right, and then left foot back, leaning against hands. Whole body makes a straight line, shovels together. In this position on “one, two, three” bend hands in elbows slowly (elbows outside) and on “four” straighten hands quickly. Repeat exercise 5-6 times. Then rise, relax. After you rest a little, repeat exercise again (5-6 times).
8. Pushing away from a wall. Stand faced to a wall on a distance of outstretched arms. Rest hands against a wall, then, bending hands in elbows on “one, two, three” come nearer to a wall slowly. On “four” return to a starting position quickly. Repeat exercise 10-15 times.
9. Breast stroke hand movements. Stand straight, feet together, lift hands upwards and little forward. On “one” turn out palms outside and, straining, lower hands little forward and downwards, bend elbows slightly, but do not lower them - palms should not fall below a line of shoulders. On “two” - bend hands in elbows strongly, press them to a trunk, press also palms to yourself approximately at neck height. On “three” lift palms forward-upwards. On “one, two” slow, on “three” - fast, but the whole exercise should be done smoothly, with a short pause after three. Repeat exercise 10-20 times.
Here some the general rules:
If your breast reached the smallest size of a bra, you need to wear it necessarily. It protects breast skin from future stretch marks, and breast - from casual mechanical damages.
After daily shower or bath rinse breast with cool water. It will allow keeping breast skin elastic for a long. It is quite good to wipe breast skin (together with facial skin, neck) with herbal decoction, frozen in a deep-freezer. You can also use, about once a week, both nutritious creams, and masks.
Watch the bearing. While walking, keep head up, and back straight. In such position breast droops less, and looks better.
The best exercise for breast - is swimming. Cool water is an excellent cosmetic remedy, and in combination with swimming, it is simply a fantastic gift to transformate Cinderella into a harmonous and flexible sexual woman. Swimming has double effect: hand movements strengthen pectoral muscles, and cold water tempers organism and makes skin more elastic. Therefore, let’s bathe, bathe, bathe … Certainly, it is better swimming in the sea, but both small river, and lake will be good too.
However, it is still better (for a breast) to be in a bathing suit in summer. Scientists of all countries repeat unanimously, that this year sun is very active, and breast skin (and, in particular, nipples) is so gentle.
We wish you being graceful and seductive.

Breast Awareness

2008-12-22T22:27:00.003+05:30

With many lumps detected by women themselves, it's vital that women check their breasts on a regular basis. And as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there's never been a better time to start.
What's the best way to check breasts?
Advice about the best way to check your own breasts differs from country to country.
While US experts recommend systematically checking your breasts on the same day of your monthly cycle and noting any changes in a diary, a recent review of clinical studies found no evidence that such rigorous examinations are effective.
They can also lead to unnecessary biopsies.
Experts in the UK agree: 'We don't recommend a specific time for women to check their breasts or tell them there's a "right" way to do it because this can increase women's anxiety,' says Antonia Dean, clinical nurse specialist for Breast Cancer Care.
'Instead, self-checks can be built into your daily routine, when you're in the shower or getting dressed. This way, women get to know their breasts and what feels right for them.' Breastlight
The Breastlight is a torch-like gadget designed to help women check their breasts. It shines a harmless red light through the breast tissue to help detect any lumps.
However, there are concerns that self-check devices may cause unnecessary anxiety.
'This device feeds the misconception that lumps are the only breast change that might indicate breast cancer,' says Antonia Dean, clinical nurse specialist for Breast Cancer Care.
'Currently, there is no proof or sufficient clinical evidence that the Breastlight product results in earlier detection of breast cancer, increases survival or is any more helpful than the normal practice of being breast aware.'
What am I looking for?
'Breast changes at different points in your monthly cycle are perfectly normal,' says Dean. 'Breasts can often be more tender, swollen and lumpy before your period then settle down again after.'
So what are you looking for?
'Any persistent change to your breasts that doesn't return to normal in the course of your cycle,' says Dean. These include:
changes in size, although most women naturally have one breast larger than the other a change in the positioning - if one breast suddenly appears lower than normal nipple changes, for example a persistent nipple rash, sudden inverted nipple, discharge or any change in position or shape pain in a particular part of the breast that doesn't go away and that isn't linked to your period increased lumpiness or any thickening in the breast that feels different or doesn’t go away during your cycle skin puckering or any changes to the surface of the breast.
What if I find something?
Make an appointment to see your GP.
'Your GP will check your breasts and might refer you to a specialist breast clinic to have further tests, such as an ultrasound or mammogram,' says Dean. 'Even then, most women – about 9 out of 10 – won't be found to have breast cancer.' Breast awareness five point code Know what is normal for you.
Know what changes to look and feel for. Look and feel.
Report any changes to your GP without delay.
Attend for routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or over.

Gene Test for Breast Cancer

2008-12-21T18:06:00.003+05:30

(San Antonio) - A new genetic test is much better at predicting breast cancer risk than the standard model, researchers report.
The new test, known as OncoVue, looks at variations in 19 genes associated with breast cancer risk, says Kathie Dalessandri, MD, a breast cancer researcher at the University of California, San Francisco.
Currently, doctors use the Gail model to determine a woman's chance of developing breast cancer. It evaluates five personal and family predictors of breast cancer risk -- age, age at first period, number of breast biopsies performed, age at the birth of first child, and number of immediate relatives who have had breast cancer.
"We know the Gail model is good at predicting risk of breast cancer within a population, but on an individual level, it's not much better than a flip of a coin," says Jennifer Eng-Wong, MD, a breast cancer specialist at Georgetown University Hospital. She was not involved with the work.
"One way to improve on the Gail model would be to incorporate an individual's own genetic assessment

OncoVue vs. Gail Model
The researchers theorized that the OncoVue model, which incorporates the influence of genetic variation with information evaluated by the Gail model, would better accurately estimate breast cancer risk.
So they put OncoVue to the test in 177 women without breast cancer and 169 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1997 and 1999 in Marin County, California. Marin County has higher than average breast cancer rates. Cell samples from the mouth were used to examine genetic patterns.
The research was presented at the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
Results showed that OncoVue was 2.4 times more accurate than the Gail model in identifying which women had breast cancer. It identified 56 cases of breast cancer vs. 37 for the Gail model.
"Put another way, OncoVue found 19 additional cases of breast cancer, translating to a 51% improvement over the Gail model,"
So why didn't the test identify even more women with breast cancer? "At this point, no test is going to be 100% accurate as we don't know all the risk factors, all the genes, involved in breast cancer," says Eldon Jupe, PhD, vice president at InterGenetics Inc., which developed the test.
He says the company hopes to gain FDA approval for OncoVue in the near future.
Breast Density Predicts Response to Tamoxifen
Also at the meeting, researchers reported that a change in breast density, as determined by mammography, can predict which women will respond to preventive therapy with tamoxifen.
Researchers studied 1,063 women and found that those with at least a 10% reduction in breast density after 12 to 18 months of treatment with tamoxifen had a 66% reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
In contrast, women who did not have a decrease in breast density gained no benefit from tamoxifen.
"For the first time, we have found a biomarker that predicts who will and who will not respond to a preventive therapy for breast cancer," says Jack Cuzick, PhD, of the Centre for Epidemiology, Mathematics and Statistics at Cancer Research UK in London.
While he says he would like to see the findings replicated in other studies, "they suggest that if there is no reduction in breast density after a year or two of tamoxifen, there may be no benefit to continuing treatment.

Tamoxifen, along with Evista, is approved by the FDA for the prevention of breast cancer in high-risk women.

Benign Breast Lump

2008-12-20T20:33:00.003+05:30

What is a benign breast lump?
Most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous).
All women have lumpy breasts: many lumps or nodules that women find are areas of normal breast tissue which can become more prominent just before a period.
Lumpy breasts used to be called fibrocystic disease or fibroadenosis. It is now realised that lumpy breasts are not diseased breasts but are normal.
Two common causes of lumps are fibroadenomas and cysts.
Fibroadenomas
These lumps are not strictly speaking disease at all but a simple overgrowth of the lobules or the leaf of the breast tree (tissue). They are most common in women under the age of 30.
How is it diagnosed?
Fibroadenomas move freely within the breast and can be diagnosed by a combination of clinical examination, ultrasound and removing cells with a needle (needle aspiration).
How is it treated?
If you have a fibroadenoma, it may not need to be removed. If left alone, at least one in three of these lumps gets smaller or disappears within two years.
If you are worried about the lump or it gets bigger, you can opt to have it removed.
Cysts
Cysts are smooth, mobile lumps and some are large enough to be seen through the skin. They may be painful.
Cysts are most common in women between the ages of 40 and 50, but are less common in women who are in their 20s, 30s and 60s.
The breast goes through various stages during its development. It may help to think of these stages as seasons.
During 'spring' the breast develops and this is when overgrowth of lobules (fibroadenomas) occur.
In 'summer' the breasts live through regular menstrual cycles; women often notice pain and lumpiness immediately before their period.
During 'autumn' the lobules of the breast tissue can become abnormal and enlarge to form cysts. Cysts are a form of ageing.
How is it diagnosed?
A cyst can be diagnosed by ultrasound or by inserting a needle into the lump. The fluid removed from cysts varies in colour from yellow to green to blue-black. Only if the fluid is bloodstained will it be sent for tests.
How is it treated?
If the cyst is large, your doctor may use a needle to drain it of fluid. Cysts do not need to be drained every time because they can be easily diagnosed on ultrasound.
Of every six women who develop cysts:
three will develop only one cyst during their lifetime two will get between three and five cysts
one will have more than five cysts.
Women who have cysts are at a small increased risk of developing breast cancer, but this risk is not considered significant.
What should I do if I find a lump?
Lumps are common, and the majority are not cancerous.

Vaginal cancer

2008-12-19T23:50:00.003+05:30

What is vaginal cancer?
Cancer originating in the vagina is a rare disease, accounting for less than 1 per cent of cancers in women.
Many cancers involving the vagina have actually spread from adjacent tissues, usually from the uterus (womb) or cervix (neck of the womb).
Vaginal cancer is very rare among women of less than 50 years of age and the average age of a woman at diagnosis is 60 to 65.
What are the symptoms of vaginal cancer?
There aren't many clear symptoms. If you have a bloody discharge and bleeding during sexual intercourse or if you experience bleeding from the vagina after the menopause you should always be examined by your doctor or gynaecologist.
Sometimes vaginal cancer develops silently, and is discovered during examination for another reason, such as cervical screening (smear test).
How is vaginal cancer diagnosed?
Vaginal cancer arises from the lining cells of the vagina – which is covered in a type of cell called squamous epithelium. It can therefore be detected visually, using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope. This is carried out by a gynaecologist in a short examination which is much like an ordinary smear test.
A biopsy is always necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Further tests such as scans can also be used to determine the extent to which the cancer has already spread, which is known as the stage of the cancer.
Stage 1 cancer is limited to the wall of the vagina.
Stage 2 cancer has spread through the vaginal wall but has not extended outwards into the tissues of the pelvis.
Stage 3 and 4 cancer is that which has reached either the bladder or lower bowel (rectum) or which has spread more widely, including outwards into the pelvis.
How is vaginal cancer treated?
Surgery to remove a part or the whole of the vagina is usually necessary. Technically, it can be a complicated operation for the surgeon because the vagina lies so close to the bladder at the front, and the bowel at the back.
This type of surgery is only performed by specially trained gynaecologists in a small number of hospitals in the UK.
Radiotherapy may also be necessary.
What is the outlook?
As with most cancers, the long-term outlook depends on many factors, the most important of which is the stage of the disease when it is diagnosed. It is also modified by the fact that it is mostly older women who have the condition.
About 70 per cent of women will still be alive five years after treatment for stage 1 vaginal cancer but this falls to 15-20 per cent for stage 4.

Breast cancer -Is the pills a threat?

2008-12-18T22:42:00.003+05:30

A recent study has identified that some women are at greater risk of breast cancer if they take the contraceptive pill, but how big is the risk and how worried should we be?
Some women who take the Pill may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Latest research
Research recently completed in Canada has shown that some women are more at risk of developing breast cancer if they have used the contraceptive pill for five or more years.
The study, which was undertaken by the Centre for Research in Women’s Health and the Women’s College Health Sciences Centre at the University of Toronto, examined the medical history and oral contraceptive use of 1,311 pairs of women known to carry certain types of gene mutation.
The gene mutations apparently occur in women with a strong family history of breast cancer – women with one relative under 40 years of age who has had breast cancer, two under 60, or three of any age on the same side of a family who have suffered from the disease.
The research found that women with the BRCA1 gene mutation and who have used oral contraceptives for five or more years have a 33 per cent increased risk of early onset of breast cancer, compared to women who have never used birth control pills.
Dr Steven Narod and his team who carried out the research also found elevated risk levels for women who used birth control pills before the age of 30 and women who first used the pill before 1975.
Qualified risks
The researchers were careful to point out that their findings do not mean that all women who take the contraceptive pill are at a great risk of developing breast cancer.
In his report, Dr Narod stated firmly, 'The findings…are relevant only to women who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. In general the pill does not appear to increase the risk of breast cancer in the wider population.'
In the UK, it is estimated that between 5 and 10 per cent of the 39,000 breast cancers diagnosed each year are due to strong hereditary factors. Of these, BRCA1 and BRCA2 account for around 80 per cent, with the former being the more common.
At first glance, the report appears to pose a dilemma for women under 30 who may wish to take the contraceptive pill. But Bernie Gardiner, an information nurse specialist with Breast Cancer Care, says, 'It is important that family history is taken into consideration when prescribing the Pill so that an informed decision can be made.'
Delyth Morgan, chief executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, supports this view, adding that the research provides important information for women with a strong family history of breast cancer. '[They] can be given clear advice about the pros and cons of taking the Pill in relation to their own risk of developing the disease,' she says.
Confusing messages
Dr Richard Sullivan, head of clinical programmes at Cancer Research UK, says he sympathises with women in the light of this report. 'There are so many messages coming out from different sources that it is very confusing for women to know what they should be concerned about,' he says.
'However, it must be borne in mind that hormone therapies, such as the contraceptive pill and HRT, are considered a weak risk factor for developing breast cancer, along with things like diet, being overweight, alcohol and even being tall.'
Dr Sullivan continues, 'Women should not be unduly worried about this particular report, unless they do have a strong family history of breast cancer and then it is vital to consult with their doctor.
Experts warn that it is extremely important to bear in mind that the study in no way suggests the Pill causes an increased breast cancer risk for all women, as there are advantages of taking it, for example a reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer.
Talk to the experts
Obviously the report’s findings need to be kept in perspective. Pill-users can be reassured that firstly the number of women in the high-risk bracket is relatively small and secondly that breast cancer is rare in young women, particularly in the age groups most likely to consider use of the contraceptive pill.
The simple advice if you are thinking about going on the Pill is to consult your doctor so that he/she has all relevant information about your family history and can prescribe the contraceptive safely, say experts.

Small Breast

2008-12-17T16:05:00.003+05:30

Breasts not only develop differently from woman to woman, they continue to change shape and size throughout your life. The right breast may not even be the same size as the left.
Breasts can start developing from the age of 10. They continue to grow and change shape throughout puberty.
Their final shape and size depends more or less on inherited characteristics, but a mother and daughter's breasts can develop completely differently.
Is it possible to change the size of my breasts?
One thing is common for all women: there is no medicine of any kind, no work-out machine or exercise that will significantly change the shape or size of your breasts.
Only in special medical cases can a hormone supplement be used to make breasts grow.
Birth control pills may give the feeling of a larger bosom, but it's only in pregnancy and when breastfeeding that your breasts may grow visibly.
Are silicone implants an option?
If you are very unhappy with your breast size or shape, or have had part of a breast removed as a result of cancer, you may decide to have silicone implants.
For many it is a costly and often painful operation, but it is becoming more common. Plastic surgeons have become very skilful in this field, so the results are usually satisfactory.
However, there have been several health scares as a result of implants. Some women claim the silicone has leaked and caused related health problems, but these claims have not been medically proven.
How is the operation performed?
The implants are placed on the chest under the muscles, which leaves the breast tissue untouched and also means that the nipples will stay in natural contact with the gland tissue.
The implants are inserted under the skin, with the exact location depending on the size and shape of the breasts.
Some women go to hospital for the operation, whereas others are treated as outpatients but rely on receiving rest and care at home. The operation is performed under full anaesthetic.
How much the implant cost ?

Most women have to pay for the operation, but it can also be done under the NHS when the need arises following breast surgery, perhaps for cancer.
Also, if you are very distressed by your breast size and it is judged that an operation is the best method to deal with your distress, it can be done via the NHS. Nevertheless, the waiting time is likely to be long.
An average cost for a private operation in the UK is usually between £2,500 and £4,000. Always make sure your surgeon is registered with The Association of Cosmetic Surgeons - ask your own doctor first, who will give advice and guidance.

Breast cancer latest development

2008-12-16T12:22:00.003+05:30

Written by Gabrielle Collett-White, health journalist
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we look at the latest developments in fighting the disease and find out how you can cut your risk of developing it in the first place.
Nearly 45,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year.
The number of cases has risen in recent years, but thanks to early detection and improved treatment, survival rates are up.
In fact, breast cancer deaths in the UK have fallen by a fifth in the last ten years.
Developments in screening
National screening programme extended
Research has shown that early detection by screening really works.
The 2008 audit of the NHS Cancer Screening Programme found that women with early stage breast cancer picked up by screening are likely to live as long as someone who has never had the disease.
The number one risk factor for breast cancer is age: 80 per cent of cases are in women over 50.
Women aged 50 to 70 are automatically offered screening, but last year the government pledged to extend this to all women aged 47 to 73.
The programme will be rolled out gradually and should be in place by 2012.
Older and younger women not covered can still request a screening from their GP.
Digital technology introduced
Screening techniques have improved, too.
Antonia Dean, clinical nurse specialist for Breast Cancer Care says: ‘The screening process now involves taking two views of each breast rather than one to improve detection.
'Increasingly hospitals are using digital mammography as well. It's still X-ray technology, but the X-ray images can be viewed digitally, meaning radiographers can zoom in on any part of the breast that's unclear.'
One of the latest developments in screening is the use of computers to read mammograms so only one radiographer is needed instead of two.
A new study from Cancer Research UK has found that one radiographer plus a computer is just as effective at detecting breast cancer as two radiographers alone.
'Using Computer Aid Detection (CAD) in the UK will mean that the same number of experts can read more mammograms in a given period of time,' says Professor Fiona Gilbert, lead author of the study.
It's an important development given that the extension of the screening programme will increase screening numbers by about 30 per cent.
Blood test for breast cancer
A number of research centres around the world are looking into the possibility of developing a reliable blood test for breast cancer.
In the UK trials are underway on a test developed at Nottingham University that could detect breast cancer up to four years earlier than a mammogram.
The test detects subtle changes in proteins in the blood that happen when the immune system begins to fight cancer.
It's hoped that it will lead to cancers being picked up much earlier, making treatment options more effective.
Developments in prevention
Tamoxifen
The hormone therapy drug tamoxifen has been found to reduce the chance of breast cancer returning in certain women.
A review of all tamoxifen prevention trials, where the drug is used on 'high-risk' women who are cancer free, also showed a fall in breast cancer risk of 38 per cent.
But the drug has significant side-effects and more research is needed before it can be considered as a preventative drug.
Gene research
Some women are more at risk of developing breast cancer because they carry a faulty gene.
Two of the most important gene faults are known as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.

Women who carry one or both of these genes have a 50 to 80 per cent risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
Genetic tests are available for women with a high risk of having these faulty genes, and scientists are looking into other genetic links that may also increase the risk.
But research suggests only 5 to 10 per cent of breast cancer cases have a genetic link – for the vast majority of women the causes aren't clear.
Breast cancer vaccine
While plenty of money has been spent on developing new treatments, research into a preventative vaccine is still in its infancy.
In September 2008 researchers at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in the US announced they had developed a vaccine that targeted excess HER2 protein and eliminated drug-resistant tumours in mice.
Too much HER2 protein causes an aggressive form of breast cancer that affects up to one in five women.
Research is still at a very early stage, but it's hoped that eventually it could lead to a vaccine that can control HER2-positive breast cancer - and even prevent it developing in the first place.
Leading cancer expert Professor Valerie Beral from Oxford University has also called for more investigation into vaccines for breast cancer.
She believes more research should be done on the possibility of developing a vaccine that mimics the hormones in pregnancy and lactation - known factors in reducing a woman's risk of breast cancer.
Developments in treatment
Herceptin
Herceptin is one of the newest treatments available. Research has shown it to help stop some breast cancers returning and it may help keep advanced breast cancer under control.
Herceptin works by disarming the protein HER2 that stimulates the spread of cancer, so it only works on HER2-positive breast cancer.
While it is now available on the NHS, Herceptin is a new drug so studies are still ongoing to determine the most effective way to treat women with this medicine.
Tyverb
Another treatment to look out for is called Tyverb (lapatinib).
This is a similar drug to Herceptin, but given in tablet form rather than by intravenous drip. It's designed for patients with an aggressive form of advanced breast cancer that has not responded to other treatments.
Like Herceptin, its use is limited to those cancers that overproduce the HER2 protein. But the drug has been rejected by NICE who decided that there was not enough clinical evidence to approve it on the NHS.
Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK's chief clinician says: 'Cancer Research UK is already supporting clinical trials to find out whether lapatinib is more effective than other treatments for some women with breast cancer.
'We hope the results of these trials will provide better evidence to support the introduction of lapatinib on the NHS in the future.'
New findings
Other promising treatment developments that are at a much earlier stage include:
sorafenib, a kidney cancer medication that a US study found reactivated breast cancer drugs when they had stopped working
a UK-Finnish study that found using a combination of two existing drugs for cancer (doxorubicin) and brittle bone disease (zoledronic acid) stopped the growth of tumours in mice
Five ways to cut your risk
There are plenty of factors known to increase your risk of breast cancer, and most of these you can do something about.
Diet: research suggests up to 35 per cent of cancers may be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is one of the best places to start. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli are rich in antioxidants and are thought to have particular powers in cutting cancer risk.
Weight: maintain a healthy weight for your height. Research has found that post-menopausal women who are overweight have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Alcohol: a large international study found that heavy drinkers had a higher risk of getting breast cancer. Cancer Research UK recommends drinking less than 14 units of alcohol a week.
Regular exercise: research by scientists in the States found that women who exercised had a 23 per cent lower risk of developing breast cancer before the menopause than those who avoided physical activity.
Smoking: quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to cut your risk of getting virtually all types of cancer.

Beast inflammation

2008-12-15T16:31:00.004+05:30

What is breast inflammation?

Breast infection most commonly affects women between the ages of 18 and 50 and is much less common than it used to be. Breast infection can be split into two groups: those which occur in women who are breastfeeding and that which occurs spontaneously.

Breastfeeding infection

This is most likely to occur during the first six weeks of breastfeeding although some women develop it during weaning. With better hygiene, breastfeeding infection is much less common than it used to be.

It is important at all times to be careful and try to prevent breast infection by careful attention to hygiene. If you have problems getting your baby to breastfeed, seek the advice of a midwife, a breastfeeding counsellor or a health visitor.

What are the symptoms of breastfeeding infection?

The first symptoms of breast infection are pain, swelling, redness and tenderness. You may start to feel unwell, almost as if you have the flu with a raised temperature, general aches and pains and a headache.

You may be aware, before infection is apparent, of a cracked nipple or a break in the surrounding skin. You may also be aware that part of the breast is engorged because the breast is not draining properly.

If you suspect you are developing an infection, you should see your doctor as soon as you can. You will almost certainly be given an antibiotic that can be safely taken while you are breastfeeding.

It is important that you carry on breastfeeding because draining the infected milk can reduce the chances of an abscess forming. Your baby will not come to any harm from germs in the milk as they will easily be killed off once they reach the baby's stomach.

If you cannot carry on breastfeeding for any reason, then you should express your milk.

If, having started antibiotics, your infection does not settle quickly, then it is likely that an abscess has developed and your GP will send you to hospital to have it drained. It used to be necessary to have a general anaesthetic to drain a breast abscess but now it is usually possible to treat it either by removing the pus through a needle or making a small hole in the breast and draining the abscess under local anaesthetic.

Non-breastfeeding infection

Women who are not breastfeeding can still develop infection. The most common site affected is the area close to the nipple. Most women who get this type of infection are in their late 20s and early 30s and about 90 per cent of them smoke cigarettes.

It seems that something in cigarette smoke damages the duct underneath the nipple and causes it to become infected. This condition is called periductal mastitis and causes pain and redness around the nipple and there is sometimes an associated lump.

Antibiotics will get rid of the infection, but if the duct underneath the nipple is damaged, then it is likely that the infection will recur. If you do get recurrent episodes of infection, then you may have to have an operation to remove the diseased duct or ducts.

Infection of the skin over the breast

Some women with large breasts find that the skin underneath the breasts becomes infected on a number of occasions. This happens because this area becomes hot and sweaty and this provides an ideal breeding ground for germs, including bacteria and fungi.

Once antibiotic or antifungal cream has settled the infection, you need to need to ensure that you try and keep the area underneath your breasts as dry and clean as possible. This usually means washing the area twice a day and dabbing it dry with a cotton towel or even using a hair dryer to dry the skin.

You should avoid using any talc or creams and wear cotton next to the skin either using a cotton bra or a cotton T-shirt worn inside the bra.

If you are overweight, you can reduce the chances of getting further episodes of infection by losing weight. If you have large breasts, it may be worth asking your doctor if you would benefit from breast reduction surgery.

Breast Cancer Myths and Tips

2008-12-14T12:46:00.003+05:30

“Many people think they aren’t at risk for breast cancer if a family member has never been diagnosed,” said Margaret C. Kirk, CEO, Breast Cancer Network of Strength (formerly Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization). “Arming yourself with facts and information is the key to understanding and facing this disease that could affect one in eight American women.”

Questions about breast cancer and breast health can be answered by Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s “YourShoes” 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center, which includes the country’s only 24-hour toll-free hotline staffed by breast cancer survivors. Peer counselors provide callers with immediate information on topics ranging from risk factors and treatment options to breast health safety tips and support groups.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors
• Gender. Being a woman is the biggest risk factor for breast cancer.
• Aging. The majority of all breast cancer diagnoses are in women over age 50.
• Family History. Less than 10 percent of breast cancer cases are genetically inherited, according to the American Cancer Society.
• Personal History of Breast Cancer. A woman with cancer in one breast has a three- to fourfold increased risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast.
• Race. Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than African-American women, yet African-American women are more likely to die from the disease. More Caucasian women will develop breast cancer and die from the disease than Asian American, Pacific Islander, American Indian, Alaska Native or Hispanic/Latino women.
• Previous Breast Radiation. Women who as children or young adults have had radiation therapy to the chest area as treatment for another cancer (such as Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) have a significantly increased risk for breast cancer.

Other risk factors include previous abnormal breast biopsy, early onset of menstrual period (before age 12), late onset of menopause (after age 55), age at first full-term pregnancy, and use of diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy. Some lifestyle factors that could affect breast cancer risk include being overweight, using hormone replacement therapy and alcohol consumption.

Breast Cancer Network of Strength recommends a three-pronged approach to maximize breast health that includes mammography, clinical breast exams and self breast exams.
Get A Routine Mammogram

Breast Cancer Network of Strength recommends that women begin annual mammography screening at age 40. Women who have a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about their personal risk should consult a medical professional about when to begin mammography.

See Your Medical Professional On A Regular Basis

A clinical breast examination should be part of your routine checkup. Beginning at age 20, women should have a clinical breast examination every two to three years. Women age 40 and older should have an annual breast examination.

Perform A Monthly Breast Self-Examination

Understanding the geography of your breast is critical to performing a self-exam properly. The “ABC’s” of performing a self-exam are checking the entire area enclosed by the Armpit, Bra line and Collarbone for lumps and changes in breast tissue. If you find something unusual, have a doctor check it. A lump should never be ignored.

For more information about Breast Cancer Network of Strength or to ask questions via e-mail, visit www.networkofstrength.org. Peer counselors can also be contacted 24 hours a day at (800) 221-2141, with interpreters available in 150 languages.
Calls are answered 24 hours a day at Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast cancer

2008-12-13T11:13:00.003+05:30

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime and early detection is critical for her survival – which is why it's critical that all women be aware of possible breast cancer signs and symptoms.

To learn about known breast cancer signs and symptoms and how to detect them in your own body, keep reading
Lump
Most instances of breast cancer are diagnosed after the patient finds a lump in her breast. This is the most common method of detecting breast cancer and the clearest sign or symptom of the disease.

Whether during a routine self breast examination or simply by accident, a woman will notice or feel a bump that feels significantly different than the surrounding breast tissue. To learn how to do a self breast examination, try the Breast Self Exam (BSE) tutorial on the Komen website at http://komen.org/bse.
Change in Breast Size, Shape or Texture

Another common symptom or sign is a distinct change in the breast's shape, size or texture. Many women experience a dimpling of the skin with an almost orange peel effect around and under the nipple.
Skin Irritation or Swelling
Women diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) typically experience redness, swelling, heat and pain throughout the breast and nipple. The symptom basically resembles a skin inflammation, like an allergic reaction to a product or fabric.

Paget's
One complex symptom of breast cancer is Paget's disease – this is a general inflammation of the breast skin. Essentially, the skin around the nipple becomes dry, flaky, red and itchy – resembling eczema in many cases.

Weight Loss
Not all breast cancer patients experience a decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss, but many do. Cancer is a disease that can often affect the entire body, even if it's localized. Often, patients diets are adversely affected.

Depression and Anxiety
Though not as thoroughly documented as other physical symptoms, many breast cancer patients report experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression even before they were diagnosed. While most doctors won't make a diagnosis on this alone, it can be a helpful indicator.

Family History
If you have a family history of women diagnosed with breast cancer, then it's critical that you let your doctor know and commit to annual mammograms.

Diagnosing Symptoms
If you suspect that you may have breast cancer, it's important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the higher a patient's survival and success rate.

The American Cancer Society recommends conducting a monthly self breast exam (see link above for directions on how-to) to detect breast cancer signs like a lump or skin changes and an annual mammogram.

Breast selfexam -Not a good practies

2008-12-12T16:28:00.003+05:30

According to a new report from the Center for the Advance of Health — breast self-exams do not appear to reduce breast cancer deaths.

Such were the findings that came out from a review of recent studies, thereby trumping the all-time advice to women to self examine their breasts on a regular basis to check for lumps. This report said that the practice has actually did more harm than good:

However, a review of recent studies says there is no evidence that self-exams actually reduce breast cancer deaths.

Instead, the practice may be doing more harm than good, since it led to almost twice as many biopsies that turned up no cancer in women who performed the self-exams, compared to women who did not do the exams.

Jan Peter Kosters, Ph.D., and Peter Gotzsche, Ph.D., of the Nordic Cochrane Centre, conclude in the review:

“At present, screening by breast self-examination or physical examination [by a trained health worker] cannot be recommended.”

Indeed it is tricky what diagnostic tool to pursue in our hope to catch breast cancer (or any other cancer for that matter) at the earliest possible stage. I have always said that getting a second or third opinion always helps in any case that your initial test turn out positive.

This reminds me of a pre-employment medical exam a long time ago. One company that hired me, sent me to one hospital/clinic for a full medical exam.

By the time it was my turn for a chest x-ray, the current x-ray machine has to be pulled out of the radiology room for some emergency trauma case. The technician then had to use a spare machine that has been lying in one dusty corner of the room. (This one detail of course didn’t easily come to mind when I got my x-ray result later — which turned out to have a big white spot (the size of a small child’s fist) in the middle of my chest.) I was told by the doctor that ‘cleared’ my medical exam that I have to go back to my company’s clinic and it’s up to them what to do with me.

I knew something was wrong but the doctor won’t tell me. On my way to the pharma plant (the company who hired me) I couldn’t resist but open the x-ray film that the doctor sealed in the big brown envelope I was told to bring. Well I was young, out of college and of course scared that what if I have breast or lung tumor? Besides, I never really led a healthy life in college.

I felt I needed to know right away. So I opened the envelope, looked at my x-ray film and saw the ‘hole’ I mentioned above. At the bottom the doctor commented in a few lines: for apico-lordotic view.

I didn’t know what that meant back then (this was 12 years ago!) but I knew I had to be sent for another x-ray appointment. The company doctor gave me a reference letter for another clinic, another x-ray session. The radiologist did an apico lordotic view x-ray (instead of havi ng my back to the machine, this time I am facing it) and it turned out I’ve got a normal, clear lungs from that x-ray film.

The night before that? That was the scariest night of my life. The morning after after I got cleared from the apico-lordotic x-ray…I went ahead to my first day of work as quality control lab analyst in that particular pharma plant.

If now something similar happened again (i hope not, knock on wood!), I won’t let any doctor get away by not telling me the truth about the results of any medical exam or procedure or test.

The moral of this story really is: get a second or third opinion. Not just one test, but if possible 2 or more. For your own good! ;-)

10 tips for Breast health

2008-12-11T22:56:00.002+05:30

With American Thanksgiving and the December holidays fast approaching, does it make me a Grinch if I point out that ’tis the season for breast infections? As exciting and fun as the holidays are, they can be stressful, too. For nursing mothers, that stress can translate into plugged ducts and mastitis. Here are ten tips to help prevent breast infections this holiday season:

1. Wash your hands often. What does hand-washing have to do with breast infections? Frequent hand-washing can reduce the number of respiratory illnesses you contract by up to 45 percent. Bouts of colds and flu wear down nursing mothers, making them vulnerable to breast infections (particularly if the children are sick too and the whole household isn’t getting enough sleep).

2. Consider getting a flu shot. If you vaccinate, add the flu shot to your list for you and your children for the very reasons stated in Tip #1. Influenza also can leave a mother dehydrated, which in turn can lead to plugged ducts.

3. Get enough rest. With holiday travel, festivities, and the whole family sleeping in your parents’ spare room, it can be difficult to get adequate sleep. Plan ahead for time differences (decide whether to keep your kids on their schedule or slowly adjust them to any time change in advance). Keep in mind that “rest” does not have to mean “sleep.” Get some rest by retreating to a quiet bedroom to nurse in the side-lying position in bed.

4. Stay hydrated. Holiday travel by airplane can be dehydrating, and dehydration is a factor in breast infections. After you go through the airport security checkpoint, buy some water to drink on the plane. Also, if you indulge responsibly in a holiday cocktail, make sure to drink enough water to counter the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

5. Say “No.” Don’t overextend yourself this holiday season. Volunteer to bake cookies, chaperone your child’s school party, or host the neighborhood social gathering, but not all three.

6. Say “Yes.” If your mother-in-law generously offers to cook a meal while she’s staying with you for the holidays, gladly accept her help! (Guess who cooked the roast last year at my house!)

7. Exercise. Exercise boosts your immune system, so make an extra stroller lap around the mall as you shop or take a swim in the hotel pool.

8. Remember to nurse! It may sound silly but with the excitement and distraction of holiday festivities, a nursling may not ask to nurse as much and a mother may forget to offer. It’s important to nurse regularly and not let your breasts become engorged.

9. Read more. If you’re prone to breast infections, read this article on recurrent mastitis or plugged ducts.

10. Pay attention to warning signs. If you do show signs of a plugged duct (redness, swelling, tenderness) or mastitis (plugged duct symptoms plus fever and flu-like symptoms), start treatment right away. The sooner a plugged duct is resolved the less likely it is to progress into mastitis, and the sooner mastitis is resolved the less likely it is to progress into a breast abscess. Continue to nurse on the problem side.

Happy and healthy holidays!

Breast cancer Radiation

2008-12-10T16:18:00.003+05:30

Radiation therapy involves using a large machine called a linear accelerator to deliver precise amounts of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. The radiation stops the reproduction of cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Radiation therapy has been shown to improve survival in women with breast cancer.

Print out these Questions to Ask before your first appointment.
Radiation therapy can be used:
After lumpectomy or mastectomy, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, to reduce the risk of cancer re-growing in the breast.
As the main treatment for breast cancer if the surgeon believes the tumor cannot be safely removed, if a woman's health does not allow surgery, or if the woman chooses not to have surgery.
To treat cancer that has spread into the bones or the brain.
To relieve pain or other problems if the cancer recurs.

Managing Side Effects
Radiation therapy is painless. However, some women experience side effects, which include:
Redness, discomfort, and dryness of the skin in the treated area. Your doctor will recommend a specific treatment if this happens. The redness can take as long as a year to fade.
Fatigue, usually starting two to three weeks after treatment begins. The fatigue increases during the duration of treatment and goes away about a month after treatment ends. Fatigue should not disable you. Most women cope by taking a nap or by going to bed earlier.
Reduced blood counts. Your blood will be checked regularly, especially if you are also receiving chemotherapy.
Sometimes women also experience a sore mouth or throat, or dry mouth, if these areas are irradiated.

For more information about possible side effects, see Side Effects of Cancer Drugs and Radiation.
During radiation therapy, women should:
Contact the doctor if they develop unusual symptoms, such as coughing, sweating, fever or unusual pain.
Get enough rest and eat a healthy diet.
Go for regular blood tests as required by the doctor.
Be extra kind to the involved area. Avoid tight clothes or anything that rubs.
Protect the area from exposure to the sun.
Apply moisturizing creams after radiation is complete.
Many advances in radiation therapy have helped women avoid long-term side effects. However, they can happen and include:
Rib fractures, which tend to heal without treatment (less than 1%)
Lung inflammation, which tends to resolve on its own (less than 1%)
Damage to the heart (Older methods of radiation therapy caused more problems. New advances avoid direct radiation to the heart.)
Scarring
Very rarely, radiation therapy may be associated with causing other tumors such as sarcoma
Reviewed by Sonja Eva Singletary, MD, Professor of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

2008-12-09T12:04:00.002+05:30

Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss; but after chemotherapy hair does grow back.
While some of the newer, more targeted chemotherapy drugs will not affect hair, the majority do cause hair loss. And unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to prevent it. Depending on the chemotherapy drug, your hair may gradually thin before you lose all your hair -- or you may lose it all at once.
For example:
The breast cancer drug Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) causes hair thinning but not hair loss.
Adrucil (fluorouracil) does not cause hair loss.
Adriamycin (doxorubicin) causes hair to thin during the first three weeks of treatment, then hair falls out.
With Taxol (paclitaxel), there is very sudden hair loss; you will likely wake up one morning with your hair on your pillow.
To prepare themselves emotionally for the change, most patients have their hair cut before they start chemotherapy. Others choose to have their heads shaved. Just be assured it will grow back.
Typically, within a few weeks after treatment ends, your hair will start growing back. If you've been using hair color or chemicals, your hair may be slower to grow back or may be more brittle.

What Does New Hair Look Like After Chemotherapy?
As hair begins to grow back after chemotherapy, it will have a different texture; it may be curlier than before. Six months or a year later, your hair will have returned to its normal texture. Until your hair grows back, moisturizer on your scalp might help skin feel more comfortable and less itchy.
Until their hair grows back, some people choose to wear a wig or hairpiece, which insurance usually covers. Women sometimes wear scarves; others prefer the natural look, as an expression of their battle with cancer. This is your choice; whatever makes you most comfortable is the right decision.
Just don't worry if -- during months of chemotherapy -- your hair starts growing back a little. This is not a sign your chemotherapy isn't working. It's just a natural part of the process.

Don't let your hair loss bother you too much. It's an unfortunate side effect of chemotherapy that just about everyone goes through. But thankfully, it is temporary -- and it's helping you battle your disease.

Breast Problems-Preparing For Your Appointment

2008-12-09T11:41:00.002+05:30

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:
What symptoms do you have?
How long have you had your symptoms? Do your breast changes occur at the same time each month?
What is your age and general health?
Do you have menstrual periods? Are your periods regular?
Are you pregnant?
Have you had children? Did you breast-feed? Are you currently breast-feeding?
Have you had a breast infection (mastitis) or a blocked milk duct in the past?
What prescription and nonprescription medicines are you taking?
Have you ever been diagnosed with breast lumps or had any fluid or cysts drained from your breasts?
Have you ever had a mammogram or breast ultrasound?
Have you ever been diagnosed with breast cancer?
Do you have any relatives who have noncancerous (benign) breast lumps or breast cancer?
Do you have any health risks?

How to make small Breast look Bigger

2008-12-03T21:44:00.003+05:30

Choose tops that enhance your breasts.
T-shirts: Get tees with high, asymmetrical necklines. If you have slender arms, sleeveless t-shirts will draw your attention to them and give the illusion of a larger bust. Stay away from deep v-necks or very low scoop-necks, although vees are better than scoops. Tighter fitting tops are better too.
Blouses: A pretty fitted blouse with a narrow v-neck will accentuate your bust. Ruffles, lace, breast pockets, and wide lapels will also give the illusion of having larger breasts. Stay away from blouses that are too big or flowing.
Cross Your Bra Straps. In the back of your bra (behind, where it clasps) unhook the two straps and switch the little loophole they're fastened in. This will pull up your breasts, and make them look larger!
Get a push-up or padded bra. Push-up bras push your cleavage together to enhance your breasts, and padded bras add heft to your breasts. Some bras have both these features. Gel bras, air bras, and water bras work in the same way, but they may move better with your breasts to appear more natural, and you may find them more comfortable.
Eat more, but exercise. During a growth spurt, even if you do get physical activity, extra fat will go into your breasts.
· Get a reality check! Sometimes, you just think your boobs look too small, when actually, people envy them! Take a moment to figure out for yourself whether you just have low self-esteem, or if you really do have small breasts. Also, check with someone honest who will tell you the truth about your boobs. If they still feel too small to you, then follow the steps and tips.
· Going to the beach? Swimsuits with padding or underwires are available, and bikini tops with triangular cups tend to accentuate your cleavage.
· Try not to buy too big of a bra, but also don't buy bras too tight, and don't let your breasts hang over the cups
· When wearing a low-cut shirt, brush a little bit of eyeshadow on the side of your breast in your cleavage.
· High-estrogen birth control pills can temporarily enlarge your breasts, but this doesn't happen for everybody, and you should always consider all the potential side effects of any medication before using it.
· If you want to get firmer breasts without the extra sweat from exercising, massage around your breasts to get the blood circulation flowing, firming and filling your boobs.
· It is good to know that your body fat content plays a major role in the size of your breasts. If you have a low body fat content, and a sporty figure, you will probably also have smaller breasts. However, for many, many men (also some of the guys you like), the size of the boobs is not that important. Being nice and self-confident is.
· When you have clipped your bra in place, bend forwards and shake your bra from the bottom, this fills the bra more, stand up straight and grab your breast and pull towards the other breast this gets more fat into the bra making them look bigger, tighten the straps until the cups have moved up your chest a good inch and pull your breasts towards each other again. This makes your boobs look perky and a lot larger.
· Despite what you may think, men are less interested in the size of breasts, wearing the right clothes make it hard for men to get an impression of them. You can tell how big your breasts are, but men can't exactly spend along time working it out.
Warning !
· Be careful of bra inserts; especially if you have very small breasts, because they can shift and slide around quite a lot during the course of your day. Be sure you regularly (and discreetly) check them to make sure they are tucked in and not on the verge of falling out.
·Don't try anything too drastic, like surgery, without first consulting your doctor and, if you're a teen, your parents.
·If you feel that cosmetic surgery is right for you, be entirely sure that this is what you really want. All surgeries are life-threatening, so be very picky about which surgeon you will go to, and consider counseling if you are really unhappy with your body.
·Beware herbal supplements that claim to enhance breasts. Some of these may in fact work, but a lot of them are gimmicks or even dangerous.
·Taking doses of estrogen above what your body naturally provides increases your breast cancer risk.

Healthy bust

2008-12-02T20:48:00.004+05:30

The law of gravity is always working against women, particularly those with big busts. Nothing is worse than a saggy breast, particularly when that happens during 30s and 40s when that should not be the case. So to keep a firm bust for a long time, some simple tricks and practices are critical. We have collected these as part of our research project that eventually led to publication of an electronic book "Flat, but proud: A guide to love and life."

The bust is an icon in all cultures. It is also one of the most neglected areas of the body because of the embarrassment associated with it, particularly here in America where any kind of display can invite trouble. If bust is too small there is problem and if it is too big, that is a problem too. In the Western cultures, the bigger bust is better while some people have told us that in some Oriental cultures, bust does not need to be too big, but there is no consensus on the subject.

How can you take care of you bust? Here is some advice for big breasted women:

1- Maintain your weight under control. Weight fluctuations affect the chest probably more than anything else. Therefore, join a more complete health program that allows you to control every dimension of weight control. Avoid all those miracle diets because you will lose weight very fast and gain it back at the same speed. These weight fluctuations make the breasts sag.

2- Get the right bra. This is our best weapon against the force of gravity. The bras have to be the right size and type. Bust size changes with time and changes in our weight. Stay alert if you notice that the size is not fitting you well. If you are not sure about your size, consult a bra fitter in a department store. Don't buy a bra just because it is cute; also make sure that it provides all the functions of a bra. The type of bra depends on the size of the bust and your lifestyle. The larger the bust the more protection it requires. So the straps have to be strong. Women with smaller bust can use a larger variety of bras. Padded bras are sometimes very popular among flat-chested women because they can create the illusion of a larger bust. The disadvantages of the padded bra are that the skin cannot breath. If you would rather have a full-breasted look on special occasions, you might instead try an enhancer bra from time to time. (Related article: Bra fitting)
3- Stand up straight. Bad posture is also a major enemy of a beautiful bust. Good posture elevates the bust making it look bigger and giving it the right support. Exercise strengthens the muscles that support the bust. So make sure that you do that regularly. If you have problems with your posture, try to join a high-quality fitness program and seek help of a chiropractor.

4- Lack of moisturizer. The bust and the décolleté are very delicate areas and most women do not apply moisturizers in this area. The décolleté gets sun directly and thus it requires sun block and the use of creams to preserve the youthful look.

5- Examine your bust regularly. In order to detect any abnormalities the doctors recommend to examine the bust regularly. One of the easiest ways to do it is to select specific dates in a month and stick to the same dates always (because of hormonal changes during ovulation, menstruation, etc.). During the shower raise one arm and with the other hand softly massage your breasts following up, circular movements in the shape of the number eight. (Related article: Breast massage)

6- If you exercise or run, you must always wear a sports bra. Sagging will be faster and more pronounced without proper support. A study done by a research team at Portsmouth University in England showed that bouncing (that leads to sagginess) was reduced by almost 40 percent when women wear a regular bra. However, bouncing was reduced by a considerable 78 percent when the proper sports bra was worn while jogging.

You can keep your bust perky and firm if you invest in them.