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Contraceptives and weight gain

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The relationship between contraceptives and weight gain is a common concern. However, the evidence varies depending on the type of contraceptive used. Here is a closer look at the potential impact of different contraceptives on weight:

1. Oral Contraceptive Pills (Birth Control Pills)

Evidence: Studies have shown mixed results. Most research indicates that combined oral contraceptives (containing both estrogen and progestin) do not cause significant weight gain. Some women may experience slight weight changes due to fluid retention or hormonal fluctuations, but these changes are generally minimal.

Summary: Significant weight gain is not a common side effect of oral contraceptives.

2. Injectable Contraceptives (Depo-Provera)

Evidence: Some studies have found that Depo-Provera (an injectable contraceptive containing progestin) is associated with weight gain in a subset of users. The average weight gain can be around 5-10 pounds over the first couple of years of use.

Summary: Injectable contraceptives are more likely to be associated with weight gain compared to other forms.

3. Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Kyleena)

Evidence: Hormonal IUDs release localized hormones (levonorgestrel) in the uterus, and systemic absorption is minimal. Studies generally do not show significant weight gain with hormonal IUDs.

Summary: Hormonal IUDs are not commonly associated with weight gain.

4. Non-Hormonal IUD (ParaGard)

Evidence: The copper IUD (ParaGard) is non-hormonal and does not affect weight.

Summary: Non-hormonal IUDs do not cause weight gain.

5. Contraceptive Implants (e.g., Nexplanon)

Evidence: Some users of contraceptive implants may experience weight gain, though the amount and prevalence vary. Studies suggest that any weight changes are generally modest and not significantly different from the general population’s weight changes.

Summary: Contraceptive implants may be associated with slight weight gain in some users.

Factors Influencing Weight Changes

– Individual Variation: Responses to contraceptives can vary widely among individuals. Some may experience weight changes, while others may not.

– Diet and Lifestyle: Weight gain can also be influenced by factors unrelated to contraceptive use, such as changes in diet, physical activity, stress, and overall lifestyle.

– Hormonal Sensitivity: Some individuals may be more sensitive to hormonal changes, which could potentially affect appetite and metabolism.

 

Most modern contraceptives do not cause significant weight gain. Injectable contraceptives like Depo-Provera have the strongest association with weight gain, while other methods, such as oral contraceptives, hormonal IUDs, and implants, have minimal or no significant impact on weight for most users. It’s important to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider, who can help choose the most appropriate contraceptive method based on individual health needs and preferences.

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Health

Peripheral Neuropathy

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PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Peripheral neuropathy. The general term for nerve disorders that impact a particular segment of your nervous system is peripheral neuropathy. Since it can be caused by a variety of disorders, a wide range of symptoms may also be present. The way and cause of peripheral neuropathy can also determine which bodily regions are affected.

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Damage to the peripheral nerves that link the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body causes this disorder, which manifests as a range of symptoms include tingling, pain, weakness, and numbness. Along with affecting digestion and urination, it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the hands and feet.

Types

Demyelinating neuropathy: This condition occurs when the axon’s myelin sheath breaks down or fails to develop properly. This has an impact on how signals move through the neuron.
Axonal degeneration: This results in the axon’s degradation and eventual death. The effect is worse the longer the neuron. Your legs and feet, which are located furthest from your spinal cord and depend on connections made by longer axons, are therefore frequently affected by axonal degeneration disorders. The most prevalent pattern of peripheral neuropathy is axonal degeneration.

Symptoms

It can present with a variety of symptoms. A single nerve, an interconnected network of related nerves, or numerous nerves spread throughout your body may be impacted by this illness. Multiple signal types may be implicated, and the symptoms also depend on the sort of nerve signals that are impacted.
The sorts of symptoms (more on these are provided below) are:
Motor.
both pain and sensory.
Autonomic.

Causes

Diabetes type 2. Type 2 diabetes that is left untreated is the most frequent cause of peripheral neuropathy. Excessive blood sugar levels over an extended period of time can harm peripheral nerves. People who have type 2 diabetes may therefore experience a loss of sensation in their lower legs and feet.
addiction to alcohol. Nerve injury can result from excessive alcohol consumption, particularly over extended periods of time. In addition to contributing to vitamin deficiencies that produce peripheral neuropathy, alcohol use disorder is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy.
nutritional and vitamin deficits. When a person is deficient in certain vitamins, nerve injury may result.

Treatment

Medications. Peripheral nervous system issues can be treated with a variety of drugs. These can take many different forms, such as oral pills, injections, skin-sticking patches, slow-release drugs, and more.
Surgery. Reconnecting severed nerves and relieving pain from imprisoned nerves can be accomplished by surgery. In order to prevent damaged or defective nerves from sending signals to the brain and vice versa, it can also cut or delete them.
physical treatment. This might lessen pain symptoms or aid in your recovery from illnesses or injuries. Along with enhancing balance and reducing the risk of falls, it can also assist you in adjusting to changes in your neurological system.

 

 

Summary

Peripheral neuropathy may be curable, transient, or both for certain individuals. For others, it’s incurable and permanent. Many of the symptoms or manifestations of peripheral neuropathy can now be treated because of advancements in medical research and technology. Many people can live longer and with fewer limitations or effects from the associated diseases and symptoms if they manage this condition.

 

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Health

Penile Cancer

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PENILE CANCER

PENILE CANCER

Penile cancer. When your penis’s healthy cells alter and proliferate uncontrollably, penile cancer results. The rod-shaped reproductive organ that enables urination and sexual activity is your penis. It consists of the glans, a rod-like region (shaft) that runs from your low abdomen to the tip of your penis. The foreskin is a layer of skin that covers the head if you are not circumcised. Your penis’ head is visible if you have had circumcision.

PENILE CANCER

Cancer can develop anywhere in the penis, but if you are not circumcised, it usually begins on the head or foreskin. Penile cancer, a relatively uncommon cancer of the penis, is frequently a squamous cell carcinoma, originating from the skin cells. Uncircumcision, HPV infection, smoking, and poor hygiene are risk factors. Successful treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, depends on early detection.

Types

SCC stands for squamous cell cancer. The epithelium, the outermost layer of your skin, is where this cancer develops. 95% of all penile malignancies are of this type.
Melanoma. Melanocytes, the cells that regulate how dark or light your skin is, are where this type of cancer starts. A more aggressive type of cancer is melanoma.
BCC, or basal cell cancer. The lowermost layer of your epithelium is where the cancer starts. BCC is a type of penile cancer that grows slowly.
Adenocarcinoma. Your glandular cells, which produce perspiration, mucus, and other bodily fluids, are where this cancer begins.
cancer of the urothelium. The urothelium, the tissue lining your bladder, kidneys, and other urinary system organs, is where this cancer develops.
Sarcoma. Muscle or connective tissue is where this kind of cancer first appears.

Signs

Not every cancer results in visible alterations. However, penile cancer typically results in a change in the appearance of your penis. There may be a lump and discoloration of the skin on your penis.
Symptoms of penile cancer include:
A sore or bump that doesn’t hurt and could leak
Flat growths with a blueish-brown appearance
Something that smells bad beneath your foreskin Rash
Skin thickening or color change
little, crusty lumps
inflammation and swelling, particularly in the penis’ head (balanitis)
These symptoms are sometimes brought on by less serious illnesses including allergies and infections. Don’t leave anything to chance, though. To ensure that early-stage cancer is not left untreated, it is preferable to have a medical professional examine it.

Causes

When healthy cells alter and proliferate uncontrollably, cancer results. However, scientists are unsure of the initial reason of that transformation.
Although they haven’t discovered any reasons, researchers have discovered risk factors.

Treatment

Circumcision. Your doctor might remove the tissue if the cancer is limited to your foreskin.
Cryotherapy. Extreme cold is used in this therapy to kill the tumor.
Excision. Your doctor might remove the tumor or cancerous cells from your penis.
Ablation via laser. In order to eliminate the tumor, this treatment uses lasers that produce extremely high temperatures.
creams with medication. You apply this lotion to your penis on a regular basis. Imiciquimod and fluorouracil are common medications.
Mohs surgery. In order to reach the healthy tissue underlying, your healthcare practitioner will remove the malignant skin layer by layer throughout this treatment.
radiation treatment. Before surgery, your doctor might employ energy beams, such as X-rays, to reduce a tumor or kill cancer cells.

 

 

Summary

Receiving a diagnosis of penile cancer is a life-altering event that causes a flurry of feelings and questions. Feeling overburdened is normal and acceptable, so it’s crucial to look after yourself during this time. Consult your physician. In addition to discussing possible treatment choices, they can direct you to resources for both emotional and practical support. Rely on your loved ones and medical team. This is not unique to you.

 

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Health

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE

PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE

Pelvic organ prolapse. Prolapse of the pelvic organs such as the uterus, bladder,, rectum, and vagina is known as pelvic organ prolapse. The muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support your pelvic organs known as the pelvic floor become insufficiently strong to keep your organs in place. Like a hammock, the pelvic floor provides support for the organs in your pelvis from below. The organs they support may droop into the vagina or move out of position if these supports get too loose. Your pelvic floor may become weaker as you age or after giving birth.

PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE

It is a disorder in which one or more organs (the vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum) sag due to weak pelvic muscles. In more extreme situations, an organ protrudes outside of your body or onto another organ. Treatments to correct the prolapse and alleviate your symptoms may be suggested by your healthcare practitioner.

Types

prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall (bladder drop). Your bladder may slide out of position and protrude into your vagina if the pelvic floor muscles above it are weak. Cystocele is another name for this kind of prolapse. The most prevalent kind of POP is anterior vaginal wall prolapse.
Urethrocele. If you have weak pelvic floor muscles, your urethra may descend. A fallen bladder is frequently followed by a dropped urethra.
prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall (rectocele). Your rectum may protrude onto the rear wall of your vagina due to weak pelvic floor muscles between it and your vagina.

Signs

Feeling as though something is dropping out of your vagina is the most typical symptom. Other signs and symptoms include:
Pressure or fullness in your vagina
Pelvic fullness, pressure, or soreness
Dyspareunia, or pressure or pain during sexual activity
Changes in the way you urinate or defecate
The location of the prolapse determines your symptoms. Your doctor can identify the areas where your pelvic floor is weaker if you tell them about your problems.

Causes

giving delivery vaginally. The most frequent reason for prolapse is this. Your pelvic floor muscles are more likely to deteriorate if you have twins or triplets, have many vaginal deliveries, have a huge baby (fetal macrosomia), or have a vacuum or forceps delivery.
the process of aging. As you age, your muscles become weaker. Declining estrogen is one of the factors. Your body makes less estrogen while you go through menopause. Your pelvic floor’s supporting connective tissues may deteriorate as a result of the deterioration.
weighing more than average. According to studies, those who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing POP than those who are within a healthy weight range.

Treatment

pessary vaginal. To keep a drooping organ in place, your healthcare professional can install this detachable silicone device into your vagina.
Kegel exercises for the pelvic floor. These are pelvic floor strengthening exercises. To evaluate the strength of specific muscles and teach you specific exercises to train them, your healthcare physician could recommend that you see a pelvic floor specialist or urogynecologist.
A shortened vagina is the consequence of the obliterative operation known as colpocleisis. It stops any organs from protruding from your body. If you no longer want penetrative sex and are too weak for reconstructive surgery, this is a good alternative.
Reconstructive surgery restores the organs to their normal position and strengthens the weak areas of your pelvic floor.

 

 

Summary

Pelvic organ prolapse is not a life-threatening condition, but it doesn’t mean you have to accept it. You may experience symptoms that make it difficult to fully enjoy life and engage in activities you enjoy. Recognize that you are not alone and that women frequently experience pelvic floor problems. If you believe that your pelvic floor is weak, don’t be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.

 

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