Pregnancy is a fulfilling experience. But it comes with its share of aches & discomfort. From swollen ankles to tender breasts, a lot goes on during those 9 months. But a sudden twinge in your stomach might leave you wondering if something is wrong with your baby. Stomach pain during pregnancy can be experienced due to several reasons. While some of these are harmless, others might need immediate attention.

This blog will help you understand the possible causes of stomach pain or cramps during pregnancy. And you’ll also learn how to tell apart the serious & not so serious causes of these stomach pains.

So keep reading!

Common Causes Of Stomach Pain During Pregnancy

There are some common reasons why you might experience stomach or abdominal pain in pregnancy. Generally considered harmless, these reasons include:

Baby’s Development

During the first trimester, your growing baby will likely put some pressure on your abdomen. You might feel a pulling sensation on either or both sides of your belly. This type of stomach pain during early pregnancy is both natural & normal & generally an accompanying sign of pregnancy. Though usually not something to worry about, you must monitor it closely if it worsens.

Digestive Problems

Bloating, gas, constipation & heartburn are all common problems during pregnancy. The changing hormone levels at this time have a slowing effect on your digestive system. This affects the way you tolerate your food & also how your food moves down your digestive tract. Another reason for this could be your growing uterus which puts pressure on the abdominal region causing more flatulence.

Sex

Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, vaginal sex is considered safe during pregnancy. But sometimes, the stimulation or orgasm can cause some discomfort or cramping in your abdominal region. This could be due to fluid buildup, changes in vaginal anatomy, and reduced lubrication.

Round Ligament Pain

Round ligaments support the sides of your uterus. And when the uterus grows, this tension causes lower abdominal pain during pregnancy. Women usually experience this pain in their second trimester during sudden movements.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Also sometimes called practice contractions, these are like false labour pains. These contractions are uncomfortable, unpredictable and irregular pains that women start to feel in their second trimester. But it is more common in the third trimester. Their intensity does not increase. Rather it tapers off and goes away altogether.

Now, let’s read about some serious causes of stomach pain during pregnancy.

When Is Stomach Pain During Pregnancy A Serious Concern?

In a few cases, stomach pain during pregnancy might be serious. These include:

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a medical condition when the implantation happens outside your womb. This type of pregnancy cannot continue and must be medically terminated. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include:

• Stomach pain & bleeding
• Pain in shoulder tips
• Difficulty during urination & pooping

These symptoms start to appear between the first and third months of pregnancy.

Miscarriage

When a mother loses her baby in the womb before the 20th week, it’s called a miscarriage. The typical symptoms of a miscarriage include:

• Lower stomach pain
• Discharge of fluid & tissue from the vagina
• Loss of pregnancy symptoms

Preeclampsia

It’s a condition in which the expectant mother experiences high blood pressure & passes protein along with the urine. Preeclampsia can cause lingering pain that’s felt in the right side of your abdomen. Its other symptoms include:

• Severe headache
• Problems with vision
• Swelling in feet, hands and face

Preterm Labour

Sometimes the labour pain might start before the actual due date (i.e. 37 weeks of pregnancy). This could feel like a regular tightening of the abdomen and requires immediate medical attention.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are quite common during pregnancy but you can easily get them treated. UTIs also cause pain in the abdominal region & sometimes during peeing.

Placental Abruption

The placenta is the organ connecting you & your baby during pregnancy. During the placental abruption, the placenta breaks off from the uterus even while the baby is still inside your womb. Its symptoms include a constant severe pain & accompanying bleeding.

HELLP Syndrome

HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated liver enzymes & Low platelet count. It’s a rare but serious condition that usually affects women in their latter half of pregnancy or soon after they’ve given birth. The common symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:

• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Quick weight gain
• Pain when taking deep breaths

In rare cases, uncontrolled bleeding or seizures might occur.

In the next section, we’ll tell you about the typical symptoms that warrant a doctor’s intervention.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

While it’s important to trust your gut in such situations, here are a few telltale signs that call for immediate medical attention. These include:

• Severe persistent pain
• Pain & contractions in your lower belly
• Vaginal cramps, bleeding or discharge
• Gastrointestinal symptoms and dizziness

Summing Up

Stomach pain during pregnancy can be hard when you’re expecting. But as mentioned earlier, you don’t have to worry about every stomach pain that comes your way. That said, you need to carefully monitor any such pain during pregnancy and consult your doctor right away if you find anything fishy.

Also, as you prepare to give birth, don’t forget the most important thing! We’re talking about cord blood banking — a simple step that can safeguard your baby & entire family against the impact of 80+ deadly diseases.

Call us at 18002665533 to book a free presentation & understand how cord blood banking can help you & your family. Visit LifeCell website for more information.

Article Source :

This Article was originally published on :

https://www.lifecell.in/blog/general/stomach-pain-during-pregnancy

Myths and misconceptions go hand in hand when it comes to reproductive health, especially in women. One of the most common misconceptions is whether female masturbation causes infertility. Women have been conditioned to or misinformed about how masturbation might harm their chances of getting pregnant. So what is the truth? That is what you are here to find out about. So to answer your question…NOPE! Female masturbation does not cause infertility. That being said, let’s talk about its general impact on the female body.

So, read this blog to get insights on the psychological impact of masturbation with relation to ovulation, menstruation, implantation, and more.

Physiological Impact of Female Masturbation

Masturbation is natural and a common act among women. Contrary to popular belief, there is no proof or scientific evidence that female masturbation causes infertility. When it comes to the physical effects, masturbation involves the release of sexual tension, which results in muscle relaxation and stress reduction. Physiologically, it increases blood flow to the pelvic area including the ovaries but does not affect their normal bodily function. Hormonally, masturbation releases a certain amount of feel-good hormones such as dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin, testosterone & prolactin. It also works against cortisol which is a stress hormone. Again, these rises in hormonal levels are temporary and do not cause problems in conceiving.

Does Female Masturbation Affect Ovulation?

Ovulation is the process where an egg is released from the ovary, typically occurring around the 14th day of a 28-day menstrual cycle. There is no scientific research that suggests that masturbation affects or disrupts ovulation in any way. The female reproductive system is in no way influenced by the stimulation from masturbation. It just follows its biological cycle.

In fact, female masturbation is known to reduce stress, relieve tension and boost mood due to hormonal release associated with sexual pleasure. This, in turn, supports a healthy menstrual cycle. We all know that stress is one of the factors that leads to ovulation irregularities that may cause infertility. Masturbation might actually contribute to overall well-being, including reproductive health.

Does Female Masturbation Impact Menstruation?

The idea that menstrual periods may be impacted by masturbation is another cause for apprehension. There’s a concern that overindulging in masturbation can change the course or timing of menstruation. There is no scientific proof that female masturbation affects the menstrual cycle in any way. Hormones like progesterone and oestrogen control the cycle and are unaffected by sexual self-stimulation.

Consequently, rather than being harmful, masturbating might possibly provide a natural means of controlling menstruation symptoms such as pain or cramps.

Does Masturbation Impact Implantation?

Implantation is a stage during fertilisation where a fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. So does female masturbation cause infertility by impacting implantation? NO, just as with ovulation, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The process of implantation is controlled by hormonal and cellular mechanisms which are not disrupted by masturbation.

Therefore, it is unwarranted to worry that masturbating during early pregnancy or implantation may negatively impact fertility.

Benefits of Masturbation: When Is Masturbation a Good Thing?

There are several benefits of masturbation which include:

Stress reduction

1. Improved sleep quality
2. Enhanced good mood
3. Tension relief
4. Increased focus
5. Enhanced sex life
6. Lowered anxiety & depression levels
7. Reduced pain & aches

Furthermore, research shows that masturbating encourages individuals to explore their sexuality, experience joy, and become aware of their own physiological reactions—all of which may contribute to positive body image, healthy sexual development, and self-esteem. Masturbation can be a useful tool for women to better understand their bodies and conduct self-examination if they struggle to achieve orgasm or have sexual dysfunction. Enhancing sexual satisfaction can have a beneficial effect on intimate relationships.

That said, anything in excess can turn out to be bad for you. Although female masturbation does not cause infertility, it may lead to compulsive sexual behaviour (repetitive behaviours that are hard to stop) like sex addiction or decrease your sexual sensitivity.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

Although it’s usually safe and helpful, excessive or obsessive behaviour related to masturbation can indicate problems such as stress or anxiety. See a healthcare professional if it has an impact on your day-to-day activities or general health.

A fertility professional can assist if you’re having trouble becoming pregnant and are concerned about the effects of masturbating. Infertility is not caused by masturbation; instead, it is often caused by ovulatory failure or hormone abnormalities.

Conclusion

So, does female masturbation cause infertility? Based on scientific evidence and expert opinions, the answer is – No. Masturbation does not affect ovulation, menstruation, implantation, or overall reproductive health. In fact, it can have numerous mental and physical health benefits, such as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. However, if you have concerns related to fertility, it’s important to consult a doctor, as conditions like PCOS or hormonal imbalances could be contributing factors. Also, if you are looking to track your fertility status from the comfort of your home, LifeCell OvaScore kit is the most reliable option. It tests for 9 most important reproductive hormones and gives accurate insight into your reproductive health without any hassle of clinic visits.

FAQs:

1. Does masturbation cause hormonal imbalance in females?

No, masturbation does not cause hormonal imbalance in females. It is a natural activity that may actually promote hormonal balance by reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

2. Does female masturbation affect PCOS?

There is no research suggesting the same. So, No.

3. Does female masturbation have any health benefits?

Yes, female masturbation can help relieve stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep.

4. Can masturbation affect my menstrual cycle?

No, masturbation does not impact your menstrual cycle; it may even help alleviate menstrual cramps.

5. Is it normal for women to masturbate?

Yes, masturbation is a normal and common practice among women.

6. Does female masturbation cause infertility?

No, masturbation does not affect fertility and is not linked to infertility issues in women.

Article Source :

This artical was originally published on :

https://www.lifecell.in/blog/health-clinic/does-female-masturbation-cause-infertility

A leaky faucet that just wouldn’t stop. Quite frustrating isn’t it? But how about when it’s something messier & leaking from your own body? We’re talking about semen leakage: a phenomenon that many men might sometimes experience in their lives.

While the problem does seem annoying, it isn’t always a cause for concern. But when does it become one? We’ll be answering all such questions in this blog.

So read along.

What Is Semen Leakage?

Men normally expel semen when they reach sexual climax, such as when engaging in a sexual act. But sometimes semen gets unintentionally expelled at other times too — for example during sleep. This is called semen leakage & it may or may not be due to an underlying condition.

So what are these causes & how to stop semen leakage? Let’s find out.

What Causes Semen Leakage?

Besides proactive sexual activity, several other causes of semen leakage include:

1. Unintended Sexual Arousal

Sometimes, men might get sexually aroused & expel a small amount of clear fluid called pre-cum. This can happen either before or after the actual ejaculation. While the clear fluid that’s expelled in this case is not semen, it might contain some sperm cells mixed with it. So if you’re not planning on parenthood, wearing a condom would be wise even if you don’t ejaculate.

2. Nocturnal Emissions

Wet dreams are a common phenomenon among adolescents & young men. When a man has a wet dream, he’s sexually aroused by what he experiences in his dreams & this leads to the unintentional release of semen. These dreams get less frequent as a man ages. Nocturnal emissions are quite normal & usually not something to worry about.

3. Urination

If you’ve recently ejaculated & gone to take a pee, it’s quite normal for you to see some semen come out from your penis along with the urine. You generally have nothing to worry about here. However, sometimes, the presence of semen in urine could also be due to an underlying medical condition called ‘retrograde ejaculation’. It’s a disorder where your semen, instead of coming out from your penis during climax, travels back into the urinary bladder. This could cause fertility issues in men & might need a medical intervention.

Drugs can treat cases of retrograde ejaculation which are caused by nerve damage. Other cases resulting from surgery (eg. bladder neck surgery & transurethral resection of the prostate) don’t usually respond to drugs. If you suffer from this condition, it can be difficult to get your partner pregnant. In such cases, sperm banking can help you achieve parenthood via assisted reproductive technology.

4. As A Medication Side Effect

Certain medications or antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also cause semen leakage as a side effect. If that’s your case, you can talk to your doctor to make a dose change or swap the medication altogether for the semen leakage treatment.

5. Prostatitis & Prostate Cancer

An inflammation of the prostate gland, also called prostatitis, might also cause semen leakage. Prostatitis is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as stinging, burning & pain during urination along with fever & chills. Your doctor will prescribe medications such as antibiotics or recommend supportive therapies like massage or hot bath to treat the condition. Prostate cancer could also cause semen leakage.

6. Injury To The Nervous System

Semen leakage can also result from an injury to the nervous system. This can happen in cases of spinal cord injury, brain tumour, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis. Your doctor can prescribe medications & recommend treatment depending on the underlying cause.

Summing Up

If you’ve made it this far, we’re sure you would have understood the true nature of semen leakage (or ‘sperm leakage’ as some might call it). While it’s not always a cause for concern, you should stay vigilant about its underlying causes & consult a doctor for prompt treatment if need be.

Being proactive about your seminal health is also crucial, and regular testing can provide you with that assurance. An easy and discreet way to do this is with LifeCell’s SpermScore — an at-home sperm testing kit that offers detailed insights into your sperm health, including its quantity & quality.

If you wish to know more about the benefits of this test for you, visit lifecell.in or just dial 18002665533.

Article Source :

This Article was originally published on :

https://www.lifecell.in/blog/health-check/semen-leakage

Did you know? More than a million Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are acquired daily worldwide? And, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) majority of these infections are asymptomatic. However, the good news is that, with the help of a simple STD test early detection and prevention of these infections is possible!

But, do you know the appropriate method used for STD testing? And, if it is the same for both men and women? Let’s find it out in this article!

How To Get Tested And What To Expect During An STD Test

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are majorly transmitted by having vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected person. And, there are more than 20 types of STDs which could be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.

So, let’s begin with understanding some numbers related to the common STDs that can affect men and women.

WHO estimates that most of these infections can often go undetected, hence it is advised to take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your partner. One such step is taking an STD test as a precautionary measure.

Who Should Take This Test?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), below mentioned are the screening recommendations for STDs:

1. If you’re a sexually active male or female you must get tested once a year for gonorrhea and chlamydia if you’re –
   – younger than 25 years of age or
   – above 25 years with certain risk factors (having new or multiple partners or an infected partner).
2. All pregnant women are advised to get tested for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, especially in their first trimester.

How Is STD Testing Carried Out?

Depending on the infection, the following tests can be advised by your doctor –

• Blood test: Basically used to diagnose syphilis, and sometimes herpes. During this test, your doctor will collect a blood sample from your arm into a test tube or vial.
• Urine test: Some infections such as trichomoniasis and gonorrhea can be diagnosed with the help of urine tests.
• Swab test: Used to diagnose HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes infections. For women, a swab sample from the vagina or cervix is taken while for men sample from the penis or urethra is collected.

But, did you know that the real-time PCR technique is apt to diagnose an STI?

Yes, out of all the laboratory methods used, real-time PCR is said to be the most advanced diagnostic tool to screen STIs. And, to detect an STI in men and women the first morning urine is usually preferred.

So, to protect your sexual health have open conversations with your doctor and most importantly get tested! Now, what if we tell you that, you can get tested for STDs right from the comfort of your home?

Yes, that’s possible! Of all the STD test kits available, LifeCell’s STD Male and Female at-home self-collection kits will give you this opportunity. Check out what this kit offers in detail below.

An Overview Of LifeCell’s STD Test Kit

How Many STDs Does LifeCell’s At-Home Kit Test For?

LifeCell’s STD Male and Female kit can detect 7 STIs in men and 8 STIs in women with the help of real-time PCR technique. The sample type required to carry out this test includes:-

• Vaginal swab sample from women and
• Urine sample from men

And, once you’ve taken this test, here’s what the results may indicate:

What If Your Results Are Positive? What’s Next?

If you test positive for any STD, don’t panic! Remember, STDs affect millions of people around the world and all are treatable with medicine and some can be cured completely as well. So, as a next step you can:

• Speak to LifeCell’s in-house health expert and get guidance on possible treatment and the best way forward.
• Consult your physician and get advice on appropriate treatment for your condition.
• Get tested again after you’ve completed your course of treatment as recommended.
• If required, get your partner tested and treated to avoid relapse of the infection.

Takeaway Message

The fact is, anyone can get an STI, regardless of age or gender if they are sexually active. And, one way to ensure your and your partner’s safety in the long run is “STD screening.” So, if you wish to opt for LifeCell’s at-home STD test kit, just follow these simple steps one by one and get started!

• Step 1: Visit www.lifecell.in/ website
• Step 2: Order STD Test – Male or STD Test – Female kit
• Step 3: Self collect the sample from your home
• Step 4: Schedule sample pick up
• Step 5: Receive expert-reviewed results in 3 days
• Step 6: Get personalised recommendations based on your report with our experts

Article Source:

This article was originally published on:

https://www.lifecell.in/blog/health-check/know-what-to-expect-from-an-std-test

What Is Sperm Count?

Sperm count refers to the total sperm number present in the semen sample. As per WHO standards, a normal sperm count may range between 39 million to 701 million per ejaculate . At any given time, a man’s sperm count in his semen ejaculated is determined by two key elements :

• Sertoli cells in the testes (responsible for testes formation and sperm development)
• Abstinence period (time since last ejaculation)

Sperm — Basics And Characteristics

Sperms are produced in small structures called the seminiferous tubules within each testicle. The two oval-shaped testicles of a man who has reached sexual maturity produce and store millions of microscopic sperm cells. Each sperm is incredibly tiny, measuring only 1/600 of an inch (0.05 millimeters long). During birth, the seminiferous tubules contain simple spherical cells. Testosterone and other hormones induce these cells to change into sperm cells throughout adolescence. The cells tend to divide and alter themselves until a head and a short tail emerge.

The DNA in the head of the sperm is what creates a new individual when it fuses with the DNA in the egg. The tip of the sperm head called the acrosome allows the sperm to penetrate. The mitochondria in the midpiece provide the energy required for the tail to move. The tail makes whip-like movements back and forth to drive the sperm towards the egg.

Factors Affecting Sperm Count

Decrease in sperm count is typically coupled with lower sperm quality, such as less motility or aberrant shape, which adds to the unfavorable impact . Problems with sperm count may be linked to:

• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Seminal Infection
• Age
• Genital Operations
• Deficiencies in certain nutrients
• Medical conditions
• Testosterone levels
• Adverse lifestyle factors

Variation In Sperm Count

1. Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count means that the sperm number in the ejaculate is fewer than normal. It may be more difficult to conceive naturally if one has low sperm count. Despite this, many men with low sperm counts can nonetheless father a kid. Low sperm count can be due to several hidden defects such as:

• Inherited chromosomal abnormality: Inherited medical disorder caused due to abnormality in the DNA
• Hormonal imbalance: When there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream.
• Varicocele: A medical condition characterized by dilated testicular veins
• Conditions that blocks the passage of sperm: This can be caused due to any infection or defects of tubules that transport sperm

2. High Sperm Count

Even while only one sperm is required to fertilize an egg, the journey there can be challenging. In short, more the sperms, better are the chances.

Sperm Count And Fertility

• Understanding Azoospermia

Fact: Azoospermia is characterized by the complete lack of sperms. About 3%- 10% of male infertility cases are caused due to azoospermia. Natural pregnancy cannot be possible in the case of azoospermia due to the absence of sperm. There are two types of azoospermia, depending on the cause:

• Secretory or Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (When the testis is incapable of producing sperm)
• Obstructive Azoospermia (Due to ejaculatory duct obstruction, sperms are produced but cannot be released with the ejaculate).

Implication: To begin treatment, it is necessary to determine the type of azoospermia. Furthermore, it should be mentioned that some cases of azoospermia have no cure and, therefore, no sperm can be obtained. Generally, azoospermia is treated with a variety of natural, hormonal and surgical methods (depending on the cause). Recent advancements in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) are allowing a growing number of patients to have options. M-TESE followed by ICSI would be the preferred technique in case of ART option. Azoospermia may also have a genetic linkage wherein certain genes may be responsible for the occurence of the condition. Take up InferGenes test, an at-home genetic test that helps analyze the genetic root cause of the condition.

Ways To Improve Your Sperm Health

1. Avoid Smoking

Semen parameters and sperm function test results are lower in smokers than in nonsmokers. Most of these effects are usually dose-dependent.

2. Reduce Alcohol Consumption And Drug Use

Drugs (steroids, marijuana) and alcohol can negatively impact sperm health leading to abnormally shaped sperm, decreased sperm motility and/or decreased sperm production.

3. Maintain Healthy Weight

There exists a clear link between obesity and reduced sperm production. Overweight men who want to improve their fertility should maintain a healthy weight.

4. Practice Safe Sex

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a leading cause of infertility. Having safe sex today may increase your chances of conception in the future.

5. Reduce Heat Exposure

Men who are exposed to prolonged high heat (like hot tubs or using laptops on your lap) can affect your fertility by lowering sperm production.

6. Avoid Commercial Lubricants

Some commercial lubricants/substances used for lubrication should be avoided during the fertile period. This may reduce sperm movement and their ability to survive.

7. Choose The Right Clothing

Men who wear heat retaining clothes experience decreased sperm production . As per studies wearing brief underwear may decrease sperm quality.

8. Manage Your Stress

Many stress-reducing techniques like Meditation, Yoga, Music, Therapies etc., can effectively keep stress at bay.

How Can You Check Sperm Count?

You can get a semen analysis done. Semen analysis evaluates the characteristics of a male’s semen and the sperm contained therein.

As a result of social stigma in some parts of the world, many men refrain from getting their semen tested. While in-clinic semen analysis was the only choice previously, there is now an at-home option that delivers concrete data. With LifeCell’s Semen analysis test SpermScore, get clarity on your fertility by testing 11 sperm health parameters and 14 sperm health conditions from the comfort of your home!

Article Source: This article was originally published on:

https://www.lifecell.in/blog/health-check/sperm-count-basics-and-overview