I was just 12 years old when I got my first...

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Mind-body connections refer to how our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and attitudes can positively or negatively affect our body functions. Each thought can set off a cascade of cellular reactions within our nervous system that influence the molecular pathways in our body. Scientific research can now prove that mind-body interventions can also be used to help augment conventional medical therapies.  The neuroscience of wellness and the undeniable connections between the mind and body have long been neglected in modern medicine. Below is a representation of how I would look at wellness .

If you are a woman you will learn one thing that you are supposed to be desirable. It is a strange concept to grow up with. Before young girls are taught about health, they are taught to be pretty. It begins at birth, consciously or sub-consciously. It happens as if it is meant to be. The color of the skin is seen and approved. As if it is a measure to greatness. The “Gori ladki,” is a treasure. The “Kaali ladki” might be a burden to her parents as her skin is not desirable. It is a lie that we love black. We detest it. Little girls are not taught about healthy skin. They are asked to scrub their skins with “Besan,” it makes the skin fairer. Mothers are supposed to be apologetic about their daughter’s skin. They often dismiss the dark skin as “She plays in the Sun.” So, the Sun God has taken the blame for years. I went to meet someone for lunch the other day. She asked me, “Are you tanned?” I said, “No, this is my natural color.” She used her fairness app, while she clicked a few selfies. This is the level of confidence that young girls in this country begin their journey to womanhood. We are supposed to be desirable. It begins with our skin.

If you are like 86% of the American workforce, you have a sedentary desk job that involves you sitting for a several hours a day. Add your long commute, bad eating habits and stressful all-nighters to the mix, and you could be an easy target for chronic diseases. There are three millennia of evidence from Ancient India and the Western civilizations that highlight the detrimental effects of physical inactivity.  The Ayurvedic texts written by Susruta from 600 BC state that inactivity can lead to accumulation of bad energy in the body that can result in diseases. A quote from Hippocrates rings true - “If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health”.  Bringing together the wealth of knowledge from the past with scientific knowledge of the present can help us make informed decisions about our health.

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Every woman has a monthly menstrual cycle soon after they hit puberty. A normal cycle is usually between 21-35 days long.  Composition of menstrual blood: It is composed of blood, old parts of uterine tissues, cells from the mucus lining of vagina and bacteria and making the vaginal flora, vaginal secretions containing electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Content of menstrual blood: The content of menstrual blood varies from person to person, from one cycle to another, which depends on a woman's age and thickness of uterus. All these contents are found in lower concentration than in ordinary blood, e.g., there is more water, less iron and less hemoglobin. The pH level of menstrual blood is similar to that of normal blood. 

Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs are infections that occur when bacteria from outside enter the urinary tract. UTIs are more common among women than men, since bacteria can reach the urinary tract more easily in women because the vagina, rectal area and urethra are close. UTIs are not limited to the bladder as most people may believe; it can occur in any part of the urinary tract, i.e., the kidneys, ureters, and the urethra.  

Puberty is the period when a person’s body...

The onset of menstruation is one of the changes that occur in a girl’s body during puberty. A menstrual cycle is usually 28 days long where the uterus prepares for pregnancy and develops a uterine lining made up of tissue and blood vessels called the endometrium. When pregnancy does not occur, the lining sheds and a mixture of blood and tissue exits through the vagina, this process is called menstruation or periods, as is more commonly known.  Some women go through periods with little to no problems. However, several women experience problems during their menstrual cycle which are known as menstrual disorders. These problems include the painful cramps one experiences in the days leading up to or even during periods, abnormally heavy bleeding during periods or not having any bleeding at all. Though variations in menstrual patterns can occur normally too, but one should be concerned if the cycle is less than 21 days or more than 3 months long. It is also a sign of a disorder if your periods last for more than 10 days. 

Puberty is the period in which a person’s body...

Girls experience a number of changes in their body when they hit puberty, of which, the changes in the breasts may be of most concern. It is important for an adolescent to understand what changes their breasts are undergoing and how to identify them correctly. Some of the changes in the breasts are also related to the menstrual cycle, contraceptive pills or other hormonal forms of contraception. Most of the breast conditions are usually not that harmful or non - cancerous, however it is essential for teenagers to be aware of proper breast health in order to able to detect any problems.

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A healthy vagina has many beneficial bacteria. Yeast is a fungus that lives in the vagina in very small numbers. However, when it grows in large quantities it means that you are suffering from vaginal yeast infections. They are a common infection and usually not serious. However, they can bother you a lot. What is the cause of yeast infection in vagina? The most common bacteria present in our vagina is Lactobacillus acidophilus that helps keep other organisms like yeast in control. However, the growth of yeast called Candida albicans causes yeast infection in the inner part of the vagina, and is a threat to our hygiene and safety. This happens when due to some reason the balance of these organisms’ changes. It can be because of intake of antibiotics, pregnancy resulting in high estrogen levels or hormonal therapy, or health problems like diabetes, HIV infection, etc.

Every month, a woman has periods on an average for 5 days, it can be less or more, as it varies from person to person. However, what is common in all of us is that at some point or another we all have faced those rashes on the bikini line, itchiness and foul smell due to sanitary napkins and tampons. We try our best to stay clean and fresh, we use different products so that the pad doesn’t irritate our skin, even change it as often as we can. Yet we face the same problems!  Do you know why? It’s because most of the pads and tampons are made of bleached rayon, cotton and plastics. Moreover, these products usually leave behind fibers that can lead to many bladder and vaginal infections. Further, it has also been discovered that tampons tend to absorb even the natural fluids and friendly bacteria that help in cleansing the vagina. 

Cancer occurs when our body cells are not in control and they start growing in large numbers.  Cancer can start in nearly any part of the body and can spread into different parts within a matter of months, leading to disastrous consequences. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that arises from the cervix and has the tendency to spread to different genital organs. Cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens in the vagina. Most cervical cancer is due a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), which also causes genital warts. 

We all know the vagina is a self-cleansing organ. The cervix that is located in our vagina is a gland that produces mucous. This mucous-like fluid flows down the vaginal canal opening and helps in flushing out the vaginal skin cells which are dead or exfoliated.  Vaginal discharge is this sticky liquid discharge from the vagina which is mostly the mixture of mucous, dead skin, and bacteria. This also provides a home for healthy bacteria lactobacillus, which prevents the growth of bad bacteria and yeast, by producing hydrogen peroxide keeping the vagina acidic.  Normal vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function, and it’s your body’s way of cleaning and protecting the vagina. It’s normal for discharge to increase with exercise, sexual arousal, ovulation, birth control pill use, and emotional stress.

We all understand that the vagina is one of the most vital, as well as sensitive, parts of a woman’s body. But what most of us are unaware of, is the fact that our vagina is a self-cleansing organ. A healthy vagina is acidic in nature and naturally cleans itself as it contains rich quantities of beneficial bacteria, and we do not need to use all those products available in the market to keep it clean and hygienic. Any interference often causes imbalance in the normal condition(s), which can lead to irritation or infection in our vagina; these however are not harmful in the long run.

Travelling is one thing every other person craves for, irrespective of the fact if we talk about a man or a woman. In a patriarchal society, it is far easier for a man to travel on his own, rather than a woman. An additional problem for women at times is that they have to manage another totally normal phenomenon, which they experience in their daily routine: the menstruation cycle. Planning a trip and simultaneously dealing with the menstruation cycle can be stressful for women.  The menstruation cycle could be taken care of by many means available these days, including birth control pills, tampons, or IUD implant. 

Lubricants are gel-like substances that are used during sexual intercourse or masturbation to reduce friction.  When a woman is aroused, the first thing that happens is that she becomes ‘wet.’ This ‘wetness’ is a natural lubricant. However, the amount produced each time can vary according to certain factors like the woman’s menstrual time, age, stress levels, etc. But it isn’t necessary that we only use lubricants to overcome the dryness in the vagina. They can also be used to make sex and masturbation easier and enjoyable. It is known that lubricants increase the pleasure during sexual intercourse.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs are the infections which spread from person-to-person through sexual contact. This is one of those diseases which are metaphorically swept under the carpet, as it is taboo in our society to talk about sex. As sex or even talking about it is not encouraged, how can one talk about the diseases or infections spread through intercourse, especially in the case of women.  Many people don’t even realize that they probably have an STD.  

The maternity period is a period of mixed emotions, you cherish the coming motherhood stage and at the same time, you are going through so many emotional as well as physical changes that it becomes difficult for you to work. This emotional conflict plays an adverse impact on working women, who have a hard time coping with the stresses of professional life. Because of the high premiums our society places on motherhood, returning to work for some women can become difficult after maternity. 

Let us accept the fact that sex is more than just the ability to procreate. It can also be a sheer means of pleasure or a means of connecting to your partner. However, sex is a subject that is largely only whispered reluctantly, left under wraps and never properly spoken about— even at the cost of health and safety.  Sex is a mystery for most of the teenagers as they do not have any elder who is ready to come forward and shed some light on the subject of the body. Sex education is not a part of school curricula for the same reasons – a confusing mixture of embarrassment and awkwardness is evoked. This automatically means most of our knowledge about sex comes from unreliable sources like our friends, the Internet, some hideous magazine, porn etc. 

Women who wish to have healthy kids and are...

For most women, the toughest part of their pregnancy is the first few months where you have to experience morning sickness.  Morning sickness is a term used to describe the nausea and vomiting experienced by many women during pregnancy. The term is a misnomer as this doesn’t just happen in the morning but can happen during any time in the day. However, it varies from individual to individual. Usually, the first bouts of morning sickness develop after the first month of pregnancy i.e. when you miss your menstrual cycle and realize you are pregnant. Your hormonal levels rise during this period.

Menstrual cups are considered to be the best eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons. Menstrual cups are small, flexible bell-shaped cups made of silicone or latex rubber. Unlike pads or tampons, menstrual cups do not absorb the blood, rather they collect the blood. These cups are reusable and can be made to last up to 10 years or at least for 5 years. Whereas some brands recommend changing the models within a year, others recommend replacement between 5-10 years.

Menopause also called climacteric, is a stage when a women’s menstrual cycle stops. It is considered to officially occur when a woman misses her 12 consecutive menstrual cycles or periods, and usually takes place between 48-55 years of age. Reaching this age can be quite stressful for a lot of women, as hormonal imbalances are common and affect a woman’s physical as well as mental health. This period in a woman’s life is often marked by emotional instability in many cases. Because of the stigma that pervades women’s health, the emotional ramifications of menopause are also barely understood by families, and women are conditioned to not talk about it. This further worsens the state of isolation, anxiety and even depression in some cases.

Tampons, like sanitary napkins, are feminine hygiene products used to absorb the menstrual blood which gets discharged from a woman’s body every month. It is a small, cylindrical substance made of complex substances such as rayon and cotton, pressed together so that it can be easily inserted in your vaginal opening. Due to the physical ease felt whilst using a tampon during periods, some women prefer them over sanitary napkins. Like pads, they too come in different sizes and levels of absorbing. 

After hitting puberty, a woman’s body undergoes many changes. These changes affect your physical as well as mental health - thus, it is quite important for a woman to be aware of all the changes her body is undergoing - and if she feels anything wrong, we advise you to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Many women during their childbearing years are diagnosed with a condition called Endometriosis. In this condition, a tissue that lines a woman’s uterus also starts growing outside it. Usually it doesn’t have any symptoms and isn’t considered dangerous. However, sometimes it causes tremendous pain followed by other problems. The lumps which grow outside the uterus are called implants and they usually grow on the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the outer wall of the uterus or other organs located in the abdomen region. In some rare cases, they have also been found in the area beyond the abdomen or in the belly region.

Endometriosis is a problem in which the inner lining of a tissue inside the uterus starts growing outside. It is a very serious condition and neglecting it or not diagnosing it at a right time can also lead to many health issues in women. If not treated it can also lead to infertility.  Due to the stigma prevalent in our society, many women do not feel comfortable talking about these issues. However, suppressing these issues is not good for your health. You must never ignore the signs your body is giving to you. Common symptoms like excessive pain during periods are ignored by many as a part of being woman, but you must know that these are the signs your body gives that something is wrong.

Nearly 75 percent of all women will experience pain during intercourse. This includes vaginal penetration— whether by fingers, toys,or genitalia. Sexually transmitted diseases such as genital warts, herpes sores, or other STDs, trichomoniasis, and yeast infections can make sex uncomfortable. Most genital infections are easily controlled or curable. The solution to this problem is open communication, as well as more awareness of factors which surround this problem or issue. Consult a doctor and get tested, if necessary, but don’t ignore the symptoms. Another reason to feel pain during sex is endometriosis. It can lead to pain during intercourse and vaginal penetration, and can be intolerable.

Only 12% of India's 355 million menstruating women use sanitary napkins. Over 88% women resort to alternatives such as non-sanitary cloth, ashes, and even husk sand at times. The major reason behind these statistics is the problem of accessibility and affordability. Around 70% of women in India say their families can't afford to buy sanitary napkins. Many rural women cannot afford these basic amenities, as they have access to very few resources. In the urban spaces with access to safer hygiene products, sanitary devices other than napkins— such as tampons or menstrual cups— will take relatively more time to gain popularity in India. Tampon sales in India is seven times lower than that of sanitary napkins, according to a survey. While there is no detailed survey available on the sale of tampons, Johnson & Johnson is believed to dominate this segment in India.

Body shapers are a multi-million pound industry, with companies increasingly working towards manufacturing them. Body shapers are considered as an easy and convenient way to look “slim and beautiful”. While not helping you lose weight in a healthy way, tummy-tuckers give the appearance of reduced belly fat, fat from the posterior regions of the body, and minimized body bumps.

Mastectomy is the medical procedure, which includes removal of the whole breast, or certain breast tissues. There are five different types of mastectomy:  Simple or total mastectomy: This surgery involves removal of the entire breast. This process doesn’t involve removal of lymph nodes. However, sometimes if the lymph nodes are located within the breast tissues taken during surgery, they are removed. No muscles are removed from beneath the breast. Modified radical mastectomy: This surgery involves the removal of both breast tissue and lymph nodes. The entire breast is removed followed by Axillary lymph node dissection (levels I and II of underarm lymph nodes are removed). No muscles are removed from beneath the breast. Radical mastectomy: Surgery involves removal of the entire breast. Levels I, II, and III of the underarm lymph nodes are removed. The surgeon also removes the chest wall muscles under the breast Partial mastectomy: Partial mastectomy involves removal of the cancerous part of the breast tissue and some normal tissue around it. While lumpectomy is technically a form of partial mastectomy, more tissue is removed in partial mastectomy than in lumpectomy.  Subcutaneous (nipple-sparing) mastectomy: During nipple-sparing mastectomy, all of the breast tissue is removed, but the nipple is left alone.

Body image and women’s body hair Pubic hair protects female genitalia from friction and infection. It is absolutely not necessary to shave it— although depilation does help in preventing hair lice. While removing pubic hair, a lot of women get cuts or ingrown hairs, and some develop inflammation of the hair follicles, or hyperpigmentation. If  precautions are not taken, with regard to using a clean, sterilised razor – there is a possibility of skin infections and perhaps an increased risk of contracting herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. Pubic hair removal is personal and cosmetic, not medical If a woman likes how she looks with no pubic hair, great. Whatever she likes and makes her feel best is great. A lot many times, women are often pressured into getting rod 

The human female reproductive system is a series of organs primarily located inside the body and around the pelvic region and contains three main parts:  the vagina, which leads from the vulva, the vaginal opening, to the uterus the uterus, which holds the developing fetus, and the ovaries, which produce the female's ova. The vagina meets the outside at the vulva. During intercourse, this area is lubricated by mucus secreted by the Bartholin's glands. The vagina is attached to the uterus through the cervix, while the uterus is attached to the ovaries via the Fallopian tubes.

The vagina keeps itself clean in many ways. Glands in the vagina produce fluid that flows out daily to help get rid of dead cells and other potentially infectious discharge. The folds of the vagina also protect against infection, by sticking together to keep as much pollutants on the outside as possible. The skin of the vaginal folds also has glands that produce fluid, called sebum, for added protection against infection, and even for waterproofing. The vagina should not be washed with soap or any other disinfectants as the naturally self-sustaining properties can get washed away. 

Vaginal dryness is a common problem faced by...

The concept of female virginity seems to be a very complicated topic,with plenty of misinformation surrounding the issue. The notions of chastity and honour surrounding a woman’s ‘virginity’ only makes matters worse. So here is an attempt to unravel the mystery behind the Hymen.

I am facing the issue of finding good Gynaecologists who are non-judgemental and friendly to unma...