Menstruation refers to a woman's monthly period. It occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle when the uterine lining or endometrial is shed in preparation for another cycle. The cycles last for 28 days on average however, the length of the cycle may vary form woman to woman. During the first half of the cycle, the levels of estrogen hormone rise. This causes the uterine lining to thicken. At this time, the follicle stimulating hormone or FSH causes an egg in the ovary to mature. Half way through the cycle, or on day 14 of an average 28 day cycle, the egg is released from the ovary and begins its journey through the fallopian tubes into the uterus. At this time, the level of progesterone hormone also increases... Read More >>
PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common problem affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by problems like anovulation, infertility, excess body hair, hair thinning. This disorder is a problem of the endocrine system, which exerts an impact on the reproductive system. In normal healthy women the ovaries release an egg every month. There are several follicles within the ovaries. Each follicle harbors an egg. The follicle which reaches maturity faster will release the egg first and the other follicles degenerate. In women with PCOS, the ovaries appear larger than normal and cysts may be seen... Read More >>
Vaginal yeast infection occurs due to a type of yeast called Candida albicans. Areas of the skin which are rich in moisture, such as the mouth and the vagina, normally have a small amount of yeast present. However, when there is inflammation of the vagina due to yeast, it is referred to as a vaginal yeast infection, or, vaginal candidiasis. This condition usually occurs when there is new yeast that is introduced to the vagina or the area surrounding it, or else when the quantity of yeast normally present exceeds the optimal levels... Read More >>
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus is responsible for AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In most cases of viral infection, the body's own immune system will be able to counter and clear the infection. HIV virus on the other hand, infects the cells of the immune system. This virus infects CD4+ helper T cells of the immune system. The virus multiplies within the CD4 cells and... Read More >>
A man who has been infected with HIV initially stays asymptomatic. However, there are a few symptoms that can serve as an indication that a man is infected with this virus. The first symptom that is to be looked for is mild to moderate fever that could occur as soon as 2 weeks after infection. Quite often, this fever will be accompanied by a persistent headache. Fever caused by HIV usually resembles that which is caused by the flu, and disappears within a few days. This is one reason why it is rarely taken into account by most infected men... Read More >>
HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that kills or damages the body's immune system and progressively destroys the body's mechanisms to fight against diseases. This leads people to end up with life threatening conditions with are caused due to opportunistic infections. These infections are caused by organisms which take advantage of the body's lowered immunity. T-helper cells or CD4+ T cells are critical immune cells which get killed or disabled when a person in infected by HIV. As these cells are killed, opportunistic infections and cancers attack the person, and this is accompanied by gradual degeneration of the entire body... Read More >>