Does a Mammogram Really Hurt?

If you have large breasts, the mammogram will not hurt, unless you are overly sensitive. If you have small breasts, however, there can be pain, and your breasts may be sore for a day or two following the mammogram. You may even find that your breasts have been bruised. Bruising does happen, but it isn’t common, and this greatly depends on the size of your breasts, and the skill of the technician.

During the mammogram, you may be uncomfortable, but you should not experience true pain. If you are experiencing true pain – and not just discomfort – you should notify the technician who is doing the test. The technician may be able to adjust you to cause less pain, or decrease the pressure of the plates a bit.

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It is also important to realize that the skill of the technician will also determine whether the mammogram will hurt, or if you will experience pain or tenderness after the test is over. When you schedule your mammogram, find out if the technician specializes in mammograms. If he or she does not, schedule your appointment at a different facility if possible.

Lessen the Pain of a Mammogram

Start by making sure that the technician knows what he or she is doing. You may need to call several different facilities to find a technician who specializes in mammograms. You may even need to travel to a different city or town. Ask your doctor for a referral, and let him or her know that you want a skilled technician. When the technician is skilled, the discomfort is considerably less, or even non-existent, and you may be pleasantly surprised as to how painless a mammogram can actually be – and more willing to get mammograms in the future.

You can also take ibuprofen right before the mammogram is done. This will help to minimize any pain that you may feel during the procedure, and may help you to feel less soreness after the procedure as well. Talk to your doctor about the pain of a mammogram before the procedure is done. Most physicians recommend over-the-counter ibuprofen about an hour before the procedure. Even though the directions on the medication recommend two of the tablets, which are 200mg each, the actual full adult dosage of ibuprofen is 800mg, up to three times per day, but you do need to check with your doctor first.

It is important that you check with your doctor before doing anything to lessen the pain or discomfort of a mammogram before it occurs, because some things that you do could have a poor effect on the images that are produced, which may mean that you are going for another mammogram long before you planned to.

Treating Pain after a Mammogram

If your breasts are sore or tender after a mammogram, there are several things that you can do to alleviate the discomfort. Wear a comfortable bra that doesn’t put too much pressure on the breasts. Also continue to take ibuprofen, following the directions on the package, for a few days if necessary. You might also use a lidocaine gel directly on the breasts. If you are breastfeeding you will need to check with your doctor first. You can also apply heat to your breasts for twenty minutes, followed by ice for twenty minutes, as this will help to decrease any swelling, if swelling exists.

Note that in most cases, no pain reliever is necessary at all, and any discomfort you may have experienced goes away within a few minutes of the completion of the mammogram. If the mammogram has taken a great deal of time, where several different images were needed, however, there could be a need for mild, over-the-counter pain relievers for a short period of time, but no more than a day or two.

If the pain of the mammogram continues for more than a week after the procedure is done, you need to contact your doctor to find out what is going on. The procedure could have caused damage to the tissue, or even to the nerves. The damage may or may not be reversible. This is why it is so important to use only a skilled technician, and preferably one who specializes in mammography.

Source: www.cnn.com/health

The Strain and Pressure of Pregnancy

Although all of your organs have a place in your body, they do get moved around – especially during pregnancy, when the size of the fetus and uterus is displacing organs. If you think only the organs in your lower abdomen are affected by pregnancy, think again. When you lay down, the fetus actually moves up, and this can put more pressure on the stomach, the lungs, the heart, and the liver, all of which are located above the uterus.

This is why it is important for pregnant women to avoid lying in a flat position, on their backs. It gets rather hard to breathe, and your heart may be having to work overtime as well to adjust for the pressure that is being placed on it.

Adjust as Your Body Changes

Unfortunately, one sleeping position is not going to cut it during pregnancy. The positioning that is comfortable in your first trimester isn’t going to work well in your second or third trimester. Once you readjust for the second trimester, you need to know that when the third trimester rolls around, you are going to have to readjust for a more comfortable position.

The fetus is constantly growing. This means that the sleeping position that is comfortable during the first six weeks of the pregnancy is probably not going to be comfortable between the sixth and twelfth week of the pregnancy. The position that is comfortable at 29 weeks will not be as comfortable as the same position at 32 weeks of pregnancy. You will constantly be changing your sleep position as the fetus grows and your body changes.

How Can I Get Some Rest?

First, all throughout your pregnancy, you should arrange pillows behind your head and upper back that prevent you from lying in a flat position. Obviously, as the fetus grows, sleeping on your stomach will not be possible – or even comfortable. For many women, sleeping on their backs, even if they are slightly elevated, will not be comfortable either.

As your belly continues to grow, you will find that the use of multiple pillows is needed. You need at least two behind you, and you will most likely be most comfortable sleeping on your side, with a pillow tucked between the bed and your belly. This will support the weight of your belly, but this isn’t enough. You need another pillow between your knees, to keep your spine straight, and to take pressure off of your hips and lower back. Many women also find that having an additional pillow to hold close against the breasts also brings more comfort. Experts recommend that you sleep on your left side, as this creates a biological situation where circulation is better.

Positioning isn’t everything. When you decide to sleep, this does not mean that the fetus is also going to sleep or be still so that you can rest. That isn’t going to happen. In fact, many fetuses become more active when the mother lies down. Sleep when you can. You may not be used to napping during the day, but while you are pregnant, this is almost a requirement for your health. Pregnancy is very hard on the body regardless of how well you may feel. You need as much rest as possible.

Make sure that you are getting plenty of liquids during the day to cut down on leg cramps, which are common during pregnancy. At the same time, make sure that you stop drinking liquids in the evening hours before bedtime to cut down on trips to the restroom in the middle of the night. Live and sleep on a schedule as much as possible.

Did you know that you are most likely to suffer from acid reflux or heartburn during pregnancy? Did you know that lying down after eating makes these problems much worse, and can keep you from sleeping? Avoid spicy foods, and avoid eating within a few hours of bedtime if possible.

Staying in bed when you are not sleeping is not beneficial. If you cannot sleep – regardless of the reason – get up out of bed and do something else. Just make sure that what you are doing is rather boring, and you may actually be able to ‘bore yourself to sleep.’ You do not want to do anything that takes much concentration or anything that causes excitement, such as watching a great horror movie on television. Instead, read a boring book.

Source: http://kidshealth.org/, http://www.sleepfoundation.org/

A Mammogram is an X-Ray

When a mammogram is done, a very low dose of radiation is used to create the image that is necessary for diagnostic purposes. The procedure is non-invasive, and an image is being made of the interior of the breasts. The usual form of a mammogram is an x-ray, but advances in technology have given us two more types of mammograms, which include computer aided detection mammograms and digital mammography.

With digital mammography, the x-ray image is converted into electrical signals, and these signals produce images of the breasts, with the images being displayed on a computer. The image is then printed out on special paper, which is much like the film used for x-rays. In computer-aided detection, or CAD, the image is digitized. The digital image can come from an old fashioned x-ray, or from digital mammography. Software is then used to find abnormalities in the image, which could identify cancer.

Why are Mammograms Done?

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There are essentially two reasons why a mammogram is done. The first is to detect, diagnose, and treat early breast cancer – usually in women. This is a test that is suggested by your doctor on an annual or semi-annual basis after you have reached a certain age. Age isn’t the only factor in determining how often you should have a mammogram, however. Your family history, your health condition, and whether or not you have ever had any type of cancer in the past are also factors. Mammograms are usually recommended for women who are over the age of 40.

The second reason why a mammogram may be done is strictly for diagnostic purposes – if other problems have been found. For example, if you or your doctor has found a lump in your breast, a mammogram will be done almost immediately to see what the lump is. Unfortunately, images don’t always tell us everything that we need to know, and a biopsy may be needed as well. Your doctor may also order a mammogram if you have blood work that came back abnormal, or if he simply suspects that you might have breast cancer for other reasons, such as an unusual discharge from the nipples.

Are You Ready for Your Mammogram?

In most cases, your health insurance will pay for a mammogram. In some cases, they will only pay for a portion of the mammogram, depending on the policy that you have. Most insurers will require you to get a referral from your family doctor for a mammogram. Your doctors office should set up the appointment for you, and let you know when and where the mammogram will be done.

Your doctor will need to know when you regular period is, because mammograms are typically not scheduled the week before your period. Experts suggest that the best time to have a mammogram done is the week after your period. If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant, your doctor needs to know this, and the technician who does the mammogram also needs to be informed of this. Make sure that you tell them, even if you are not sure that you are pregnant.

On the day of your mammogram, shower as usual, but do not apply lotion, powder, or deodorant under your arms. You may want to take some ibuprofen about an hour before the examination as well. Wear a comfortable bra, as your breasts may be tender or sore after the examination.

When you arrive for your appointment, there may or may not be paperwork for you to fill out. You will need to present your insurance card, and possibly your picture identification as well.

When the technician is ready for you, you will be directed to a room, where you will remove your shirt and bra. You may be given a hospital gown to wear. You will then be taken to the machine, and the technician will actually position your breasts in the machine, one at a time, and a plate will come down on top of the breast and squeeze it until it is flat enough for a clear image. For some women, this is uncomfortable. If it is extremely painful, you need to let the technician know this.

Typically, women with larger breasts do not feel any pain, and very little discomfort. However, women with smaller breasts report that there is pain involved with a mammogram. This is because enough of the breast has to be placed and flattened between the two plates, causing considerable discomfort for women who have smaller breasts, and for men who need a mammogram.

Source: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=mammo

Living with Acne as an Adult

If you thought living with acne as a teenager was hard, try living with acne as an adult. Adult acne can have just as much of a social impact as it does when you are a teenager, and in some cases, the impact is even stronger. People are not always nice, and they will look at you in a different – worse – light, thinking ‘why doesn’t she do something about that?’

What Can You Do about Adult Acne?

You probably are trying to do something about it. You’ve probably been trying every product that has come to the market since you were a kid, in an effort to fight acne, and nothing is working.

If no over the counter products are working, it is time for serious professional help. Make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss the available options for getting rid of your adult acne.

What Treatments are Available?

In the case of adult acne, the first thing your dermatologist will want to know is if you are taking any regular medications, such as birth control. This type of medicine could actually be the cause of your acne. Sometimes, simple changes to your medication, with the approval of your family doctor, is all that is needed.

If this doesn’t work, the next thing that the dermatologist will try will be topical treatment. This involves prescription strength creams and face washes that you can try. You may also be advised not to wear makeup, or to purchase makeup designed specifically to help fight acne. Oral medication may also be prescribed. These medications could include hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, or antibiotics.

Your dermatologist may try other treatments as well, such as laser procedures or injections. The treatment options are varied, and each option is not always a viable choice for each patient. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your dermatologist, and make sure that you continue to see the dermatologist until your acne is gone.

Causes and Symptoms

Vaginal thrush occurs when skin is kept in a warm and moist condition. One way that yeast infections happen is by wearing a wet bathing suit for a period of time. This is not the only cause, however. Eating an unhealthy diet can also lead to vaginal thrush, and certain health conditions can also be the culprit.

The symptoms of vaginal thrush are pretty much unmistakable, and you will definitely notice those symptoms. Vaginal itching and discharge is usually the first sign. Additionally, you could have flaky skin in the area of the vagina, vaginal burning, and painful intercourse, a burning sensation when you urinate, or swollen labia.

Natural Treatment for Vaginal Thrush

Look for yogurt that has live bacteria. This information is usually on the label, and you can purchase it in your grocery store. Eat as much of that as you can. Keep the vaginal area as dry as possible. Also consume more garlic and avoid eating a lot of sugar and other refined foods. Soaking in a hot tub of water can relieve symptoms, but some women find more relief soaking in cool water.

While eating yogurt helps, some women find more relief in a shorter period of time if they actually insert the yogurt in the vagina. Do this once or twice a day, but make sure that you are using plain yogurt with live bacteria.

When to See Your Doctor

If the vaginal thrush is not severe, you can usually cure it with natural treatments. If it is a bit more serious, you can purchase over-the-counter medications to treat it. In some cases, you need to see a doctor and get prescription medication. If you have never had a yeast infection, see your doctor for the first one. Also, if you find that you have vaginal thrush often, you should visit your doctor just to rule out any other health problems that may be causing the condition.

Recent Research about Hot Flashes

A government funded study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that after eight weeks of taking an antidepressant known as Lexapro, had fewer hot flashes each day. The study was conducted on a group of 200 menopausal women who were reporting an average of ten hot flashes each day. After eight weeks on the antidepressant, the instances of hot flashes were cut almost in half – to just above five hot flashes per day.

Are Antidepressants Safer than Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy, also known as HRT is currently the only type of medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. HRT, however, is no longer recommended for long term use because of the risks associated with this type of drug. These risks include many types of cancer – including breast cancer, heart disease, and other health related problems. Antidepressants, however, do not have these same risks associated with their usage, even if they are used over a long period of time. Menopause can last for five years or more.

Other Medications Used for Hot Flashes

Aside from antidepressants and hormone therapy, there are some other types of drugs that have had some success in curtailing hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. These include anti-seizure medications and medications used to treat hypertension. Some doctors will prescribe these medications, or antidepressants, to treat menopausal symptoms even though the medications are not labeled for that type of usage simply because these drugs are much safer than HRT.

If you are experiencing hot flashes or other symptoms of menopause, be sure to talk to your doctor about the available options. Do not think that you simply have to live with those uncomfortable symptoms or risk HRT for the next five years or so. Today, you do have some options.

How Does Hepatitis C Affect a Fetus?

The first thing that most responsible women want to know is how hepatitis C will affect their unborn baby. The chance that you will transmit this disease to your unborn baby ranges from zero to thirty six percent. The average risk of transmission is just five percent.

The risk of having a baby who has fetal distress or malformations is not increased with the presence of HCV. Additionally, the risk of stillbirth is not increased. While little research has been done in this area the research that is available notes that there is no increased risk of complications during your pregnancy or birth – for you or the baby – simply because you have HCV.

Can You Prevent Transmission to Your Baby?

To date, there is no medical way to stop the transmission of HCV to your baby if you are infected – but the chances are greater that you won’t transmit the disease. What most experts agree on is that if you have HCV, you should have a cesarean section birth instead of a vaginal birth, as it is believed that this lowers the risk of transmission.

Although this is really the only thing that can medically be done to prevent transmission, if you have hepatitis C, and find out that you are pregnant, make sure that you notify your doctor immediately, and that you let your obstetrician know, as well as the pediatrician that you choose to care for your baby.

After the Birth

Once your child is born, he or she will be tested for hepatitis C. If hepatitis C is present, treatment will begin, but your child can still live a long, full life. If you planned to breastfeed, check with your doctor first. There has not been a great deal of research in this area, and it may be best to bottle feed to avoid transmission after the child is born. However, if the child has hepatitis C, breastfeeding will not harm the child in any way.

Why is there Pain?

Pains during pregnancy are caused by changes that are occurring within your body in most cases. In the later stages of pregnancy, backaches are extremely common because the weight of your belly has changed your posture significantly. During the early stages of pregnancy, breast pain is common, and this is typically due to hormonal changes, but your breasts can also hurt later in the pregnancy due to breast growth and lactation.

Common Pregnancy Pains

Aside from backaches and breast pain, there is other pain that you may experience during pregnancy as well. Headaches are not uncommon. You may experience pain in the lower abdomen, and this is not labor. Instead, it is caused by the ligaments stretching as your belly grows.

Additionally, you may experience constipation, heartburn, indigestion, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, leg cramps, swollen feet, and other types of pain during pregnancy. You should discuss any type of pain that you are having with your doctor on your regular visits, unless the pain is extreme or alarming, in which case you should call your doctor immediately. Your doctor will be able to offer you advice to alleviate the normal pains that tend to come along with pregnancy.

Labor Pains

Labor pains, also known as contractions, can start long before you are actually in labor. These are called Braxton-Hicks contractions, and they are usually fairly mild, irregular, and stop fairly soon.

During real labor, you will feel pain in most cases, and as the labor progresses, the pain will intensify. There are many things that you can do to reduce or alleviate this pain. You can use breathing exercises, which are learned in child birth classes, use focus methods to take your mind off of the pain, or ask your doctor for medication to help reduce the pain.

Why a Vaginal Birth is Preferred

A vaginal birth is preferred by patients for a number of reasons. First, there is no visible scarring. Second, you will heal faster from this type of birth. Third, there are fewer complications during the birth and the healing process. A vaginal birth is always better for the mother and the child – except in certain cases.

Is a VBAC Possible?

Recently, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology updated the guidelines for VBAC. In the past, if you had one cesarean, you would have a cesarean for all future births as well – no questions asked.

If you have had a cesarean section in the past, but you are interested in attempting a vaginal birth, be sure to discuss this with your doctor early in your pregnancy. This isn’t possible for all women, however in many instances, the woman can attempt a vaginal birth, and it becomes apparent during the labor if this will be possible or not.

Some doctors simply will not agree to a VBAC due to the risks that are involved. If your doctor does not agree, find out his or her reasons. If those reasons do not pertain specifically to a health issue that you already have or have had, consult with another doctor to get their expert opinion. It could be that you simply need a different doctor.

What are the Risks Associated with VBAC

In the past, the biggest risk for VBAC was uterine rupture. This can have tragic consequences for the mother and the baby, and the odds of it happening are anywhere from one in one hundred to one in two hundred VBACs.

The situation that caused you to have a cesarean section in the first place could still be a factor, and of course there will be risks associated with that as well. In some cases, women have had cesarean sections because of the baby’s size, and this is not an issue with a subsequent pregnancy, enabling them to have a VBAC with fewer risks.

Oral Medications to Prevent Pregnancy

The oldest and most common way to prevent pregnancy – aside from not having sex at all – is the birth control pill, commonly referred to as ‘the pill.’ While many women still rely on the pill, most find it to be more of a bother than anything else, since you have to remember to take the pill every day. Many women today are opting for the birth control injection. The injection is taken once every three months.

Vaginal Methods for Preventing Pregnancy

There are three options to vaginally prevent pregnancy. The first is the use of a diaphragm. The diaphragm is before having sexual intercourse. Another option is the use of a sponge with a spermacide product, which is also inserted before sexual intercourse, and removed after intercourse. The third option is to have an IUD implanted. An IUD is an Intrauterine Device, which is implanted in the uterus.

Other Pregnancy Prevention Methods

One way to prevent pregnancy is with sterilization. For women, this means having a tubal ligation. For men, this means having a vasectomy. Before you resort to this, make sure that you do not want children at all, or that you do not want any additional children. Although there can be success with reversal procedures, reversal is not guaranteed for all people.

Another option is to use condoms to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are often the preferred form of birth control because it is the only form of birth control that also offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Not all birth control methods are suitable for all women. Some are just down right inconvenient, while others simply do not work well for some women. Before making a final decision regarding the birth control method that you will use, talk to your gynecologist and your sexual partner first to determine which method of birth control will fit your life, your health, and your sex life, the best.