In keeping with the responsibilities of houses, family and social responsibilities, we women always put ourselves in the face of physical and emotional pressures, But sometimes we fail to understand that if we are healthy, only then we can handle everything around us. Dr. Raiatun Tehrin, Professional health advisor & Public health specialist of Ziska Pharmaceuticals Ltd. was present in the session of “Female Hygiene Awareness” held on 25th October 2018 for the female members of Bikroy. Throughout this interactive session, she highlighted and discussed various aspects of women health.
First, let’s see how and when the complications of the health of women are:
- Unawareness
- Unable to prevent health problems
- Irregularity in the health checkup
- Period
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STI)’s
- Violence against women
- Family planning
Now we’ll see the barriers women face to seek health care:
- Financial issues
- Cultural issues
- Lack of female doctors/gynecologist
- Lack of education
At this stage we will talk about some common health problems and its remedies for women:
Menstrual Cramping:
Menstrual cramping is a pain in the stomach or back during menstruation or period. This pain is called Mental throttle. This pain is felt due to the contraction of the uterus due to the effects of the prostaglandin hormone. If this prostaglandin extends too much to the waist or abdominal pain, nausea, appetite, mood swings or a little bit of nervousness and the head swings. In this case, exercise helps. However, it is not convenient to exercise very intensively during the period. Exercise too light can be done so that the exercise will not be too much pressure on the body.
Tips for Pre Menstruation Syndrom (PMS):
- Stay Active
- Change Your Diet
- Limit Caffeine
- Consider yoga, deep breathing, or meditation
- Remain socially active
Tips for period management:
- Maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness
- Eat a balanced diet to provide the body with essential nutrients
- Maintain an active lifestyle while avoiding stress and tension
- Always to keep separate underwear for your periods
- To Place sanitary pads well to avoid rashes
- The external genitalia needs to be clean to be safe
- To change regularly every six hours after
- Avoid using soaps or vaginal hygiene products
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common problem among women. This problem can be caused by not drinking enough water, bacterial infection etc. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) may occur in the bladder. It can happen during puberty, it can happen to any woman and boys too. However, the problem is more common among women than men. Once the disease is affected, then the probability of having this problem again increases by 20%. So avoid plenty of water to avoid it and follow the proper cleanliness and cleanliness.
Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women after lung cancer. It usually begins as a slightly thickened lump in the armpit or the breast. This easily gets ignored, and thus grows into invasive cancer that spreads and becomes fatal. Symptoms such as pain the armpits, or breasts that does not go away with the changing cycles; rash or discharge around the nipples; sunken or inverted nipple, redness of the breast skin; size or shape change and peeling or scaling skin, must not go unnoticed and checked. Being a female puts you at an alarmingly higher risk for breast cancer compared to men. It is 100 times more common in females. Some situations like an early menstrual onset, a late menopause, first child at an older age or never having a child, put you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Apart from these, certain lifestyle habits that could be avoided also put you at a risk of developing breast cancer. Lethargic lifestyles, poor diet, obesity, alcohol addiction, exposure to some radiations or some hormone replacement therapy are risk factors that can be modified to reduce the risk. Knowing whether you fall into the risk cancer could help you keep regular checks on your health and help diagnose at an early stage when it can be managed and cured. Looking after yourself is looking after your future and your generations ahead.
Cervical Cancer:
Cervical cancer is when the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the women’s uterus, start growing out of control. If detected at an early stage, it could be successfully treated. The conscious effort to prevent it and follow measures to keep a timely check on it could help protect from this disease.
The human papillomavirus or HPV is the cause of cervical cancer. It is usually spread by coming into sexual contact with a person who is infected with HPV. HPV is of many types, and not all HPV develop cervical cancer. This infection is most commonly found in females at the start of their sexual activity, may disappear on its own, but may also develop into genital warts or more severely cervical cancer.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STI)’s:
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STI) is a disease that spreads from person to person through sexual contact. For example, HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes etc. Condoms can be used for a safe sex. In addition, temporary methods to prevent abortion can be a contraceptive pill or emergency contraceptive pill, injection, and male ligation (Vasectomy) or female ligation (Tubectomy) as a permanent procedure. However, except condom, none of these methods should be used without consulting the doctor.
If we take a little change in our daily diet and lifestyle, it is possible to avoid many health complications. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Intake high-fiber fruits and vegetables
- Drink at least 3 liters of water each day
- Take at least eight hours of sleep at night
- Spend some time in the sun regularly from 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM
- Exercise regularly for at least some time
So we can say that there must not be any shame or negligence so that we can avoid these health risks. To live a happy and healthy life, all we need is a bit of consciousness and to follow few rules and regulations.
