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Frequently Asked Questions
Can my contraception affect my fertility?
NO! whilst Most contraceptive affect ovulation and may cause a delay in conception until ovulation resumes , they do not affect fertility.
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Injectable contraception takes the longest to return to regular ovulation (6-12 months)
Sexual intimacy?
Sexual intimacy really starts in the brain for most women – her mood, mental preoccupation, her perception of the appropriateness of engaging. As ladies it is important and empowering to understand first how our bodies work, how to unwind, put aside concerns from a busy day, and approach sexual intimacy not as a chore but rather something that first and foremost benefits self.
– Dr. Gynae
Are dads Pregnant too?
11 – 22%% of males have symptoms of the male pregnancy syndrome: “‘Couvade syndrome’’ or ‘sympathy pains’’ Mainly gastrointestinal complaints, usually not recognised as being an effect of expecting a baby’
Research shows that positive involvement of dads during pregnancy improves outcomes for both mom and baby
Who can please you?
You should be more familiar with your sexual body
than your lover is. And it makes sense, because if you
can’t please yourself, who can please you? Women
who masturbate to orgasm are more likely to reach
orgasm with their partners too.
– Susan Crain Bakos
A healthy pregnancy by getting a head start before conception.
1. Have a conversation with your Doctor.
2. Take 400mcg folic acid at least a month before conception
3. Speak about effects of your current medication if any.
4. Learn about your family medical history.
5. Discuss any relevant history of previous pregnancies if any.
6. Reach and maintain healthy weight through a balanced diet & exercising.
7. Stop using harmful substances ( smoking & alcohol).
8. look after your mental wellbeing and eliminate stress.
What can your partner do to improve successful conception?
- Exercise: moderate exercise positively affects sperm characteristics
- Folic Acid: YES YES YES folic acid improves sperm quality
- Things to avoid that affect sperm quality & quantity
- Antibiotics, anabolic steroids
- Exposure to radiation
- Alcohol/drugs/smoking
- Excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks
Do kegel exercises help?
Women who practice kegel exercises increase their awareness and sense control over their genital areas and also sexual pleasure both for themselves and their partner. In preparation for childbirth, it’s recommended to try these exercises, as well as a way to correct or prevent urinary incontinence
What is HPV?
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus, it’s a group of sexually transmitted viruses. Persistent infection with the “high risk strains” namely 16,18,31,45 & 52 is associated with current or future precancerous lesion and cervical cancer hence the importance of PAP SMEARS
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• Once Sexually active discuss with your doctor the need for a pap smear
• HPV Vaccine is available and recommended from pre-sexual debut up to 45 years
How often should I get a Pap smear?
In South Africa, women should start pap smears at the age of 25, or at time of diagnosis of HIV -seropositive. If HIV negative, get a Pap smear at least every 3 years and if HIV-positive at-least once a year.
Top-Tip:
ASK your gynae to thoroughly explain what your results mean.
How long is the menstrual cycle?
Each woman’s menstrual cycle varies, but on average a menstrual period (the days you actually bleed) lasts for 3-7 days and the average length of a woman’s cycle is 21-35 days.
Your menstrual cycle might be regular — about the same length every month — or somewhat irregular, and your period might be light or heavy, painful or pain-free, long or short, and still be considered normal. Within a broad range, “normal” is what’s normal for you.
Home remedies for period pain?
If period pain is cramping your style every month, there are steps you can take to gain back control. Here are 5 home remedies that you can try to ease your discomfort and help you get back on track with your busy life:
1. Use a hot water bottle or heat patch
2. Massage your abdomen with essential oils like; lavender, sage, cinnamon
3. Exercise/Yoga
4. Soak in a tub
5. Stay hydrated
Menopause symptoms?
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:
1. Hot flushes, Night sweats, insomnia
2. Mood changes: irritability ,depression, anxiety
3. Sexual function changes: low libido , vaginal dryness resulting in painful intercourse
4. Sore or tender breasts
5. Metabolic changes : easy weight gain, more difficult to loose
6. Urogenital changes : more prone to urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, thrush
7. Memory problems
8. Bone changes : more prone to osteoporosis
Is slight brown spotting after periods normal?
Though it may be alarming for some ladies, yes this is quite normal. Menstrual period flow and volume decrease significantly toward the end, that means it leaves the womb slower, and has more exposure to air. When blood is exposed to air it oxidizes turning brown. So as long as it’s not accompanied by other symptoms its likely just old or dried blood that was slow to leave the womb.
Why we have sex?
In a study by Meston & Buss, they found at least 237 reasons why human beings have SEX . Here’s the Top 5 of that list in no particular order:
• Attraction – Chazekile
• To escalate depth of relationship – LEEEEEVELS
• Feeling desired – ndi hot, SBWL
• Expressing Love – Semathandweni
• Physical Pleasure – Mnandi-ville
Whatever your reasons , care to ensure it is an expression of the truest SELF .