STANNAIJA

Burning, itching, and an unpleasant odor are just some of the common symptoms of vaginal infections. But treatments vary by condition, so it's important to know which type of vaginal infection you have. "To the gynecologist, vaginitis is a vaginal discharge with or without itching and burning, with or without an odor,” says Gregory R. Moore, MD, MPH, an obstetrician-gynecologist and director of the University Health Service at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Some women seem to be more prone to vaginal infections than others for reasons that are not entirely obvious, Dr. Moore says. What Upsets the Normal Vaginal Balance A healthy vagina has many bacteria and yeast. However, some things can disturb that healthy balance. These include: Douches Hormone level changes Antibiotics Vaginal intercourse Pregnancy and breastfeeding The Most Common Types of Vaginal Infections There are three very common types of vaginal infections, says Cynthia Kr...

Medically Reviewed By:   David Mgbeobu T he brain is an extremely complex and delicate organ which takes direct or indirect action in all bodily processes. In its capacity, it regulates homeostatic functions like heartbeats, fluid balance, blood pressure, hormonal balance and body temperature. The brain is responsible for movement, cognition, learning, memory, human emotions, and overall health in the body. According to several scientific studies, the way one lives his or her life could damage brain cells over short or long term periods, leading to the development of degenerative diseases and several other abnormalities. Contrarily, performing positive activities, like eating a balanced diet and physical exercise, activate the brain and make it healthy once again. 10 DAILY HABITS THAT DAMAGE THE BRAIN  1. Not taking breakfast  Breakfast is the most crucial meal of the day because it noticeably influences your daily performance, endurance, and emotional situa...

The first question that many women and couples want to have answered after experiencing a miscarriage is simple. Why? A miscarriage can be an incredibly devastating event, with long-lasting emotional repercussions, including depression, anger, fear, and guilt, but one of the most difficult aspects of a pregnancy loss is simply the complete lack of knowledge surrounding the event. Doctors shrug their shoulders and friends murmur sympathetic "These things happen," but nothing can ease the pain of parents who simply want to know why their miscarriage occurred in the first place. "When you think about a pregnancy and you think about the beginnings of a human being forming and all the things that have to go perfectly, it really and truly is a miracle when it happens," says Dr. Elizabeth Nowacki, an OB/GYN at St. Vincent Fishers Hospital in Indiana. "You have two sets of genetic material coming together that have to divide, and sometimes things go ...

Scientifically Reviewed By: Ezenwa Sylvester P lantain also referred to as platanos is a type of weed that originated in Europe and Asia but is now found worldwide. As in bananas, plantains too belong to the musaceae family. Plantains are a close relative of the bananas and sometimes, without close glance can be mistaken for bananas. Plantain trees grow best in moisture-rich, tropical climates. The tree flowers develop into a bunch, which holds about five to ten fruits or more than. However, plantains don't have a growing season and are always available year-round. Plantains are starchier, contain less sugar than bananas. Unlike bananas, plantains are typically cooked before eating. HISTORY OF PLANTAINS Plantains in this regard, are referenced in history as far back as 2,500 years ago. There are even mentions of the fruit in Ancient Greek records of Alexander the Great's travels to India. According to records, he liked plantains so much that he ordered them to be gro...

  During relaxation of the heart (diastole) the left ventricle of the heart fills with blood returning from the lungs. The left ventricle then contracts and pumps blood into the arteries (systole). The blood pressure in the arteries during contraction of the ventricle (systolic pressure) is higher because blood is being actively ejected into the arteries. It is lower during relaxation of the ventricle (diastolic pressure) when no blood is being ejected into the arteries. The pulse we feel when we place our fingers over an artery is caused by the contraction of the left ventricle and the ejection of blood. Blood pressure is determined by two factors: 1) The amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle of the heart into the arteries, and 2) the resistance to the flow of blood caused by the walls of the arterioles (smaller arteries). Generally, blood pressure tends to be higher if more blood is pumped into the arteries or if the arterioles are narrow and/or sti...

1. Eggs Eggs are considered a great option to increase sperm count, as well as improve their motility. High in vitamin E and full of protein, eating eggs protect sperm cells from the free radicals that can decrease your count. These nutrients assist in the production of strong and healthy sperm, which is important to fertility. 2. Spinach Folic acid is vital to the development of healthy sperm. Spinach and other types of leafy green vegetables are a rich source of this vitamin. When your folate levels are low, there is a greater chance you will produce malformed sperm. This will lead to sperm that will have a hard time reaching the egg and penetrating its protective barrier. Also, there is a greater chance of birth defects because of the faulty sperms chromosomal abnormalities. 3. Bananas Bananas are full of vitamin A, B1 and C, which help your body produce healthier sperm, as well as increase your sperm productivity. This tropical fruit also contains a rar...

There are a number of disorders and ailments that can afflict the penis - and then of course there are the dreaded sexually transmitted infections. Many men don't know a whole lot about the workings of their penis and most of us don't worry much about its general well-being either, which is all a bit surprising, considering how important it tends to be to most of us. But things do go wrong. There are a number of disorders and ailments that can afflict the penis and then of course there are the dreaded STIs (sexually transmitted infections) that can leave you with a present from an amorous encounter you could certainly have done without. Here is a selection of the various conditions that can affect your penis. It is not a completely comprehensive list and if you have a specific concern you should consult a medical doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. • Peyronie's disease involves the extreme curvature of the penis when erect and is th...

Don’t rely on routine tests alone to protect you from cancer. It’s just as important to listen to your body and notice anything that’s different or odd. BELOW ARE 20 IMPORTANT SYMPTOMS WOMEN OVERLOOK: 1. Wheezing or shortness of breath One of the first signs many lung cancer patients remember noticing is the inability to catch their breath. 2. Chronic cough or chest pain Several types of cancer, including leukemia and lung tumors, can cause symptoms that mimic a bad cough or bronchitis. Some lung cancer patients report chest pain that extends up into the shoulder or down the arm. 3. Frequent fevers or infections These can be signs of leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells that starts in the bone marrow. Leukemia causes the marrow to produce abnormal white blood cells, sapping your body’s infection-fighting capabilities. 4. Difficulty swallowing Trouble swallowing is most commonly associated with esophageal or throat cancer, and is sometimes one of the f...

Medically Reviewed By:  Mgbeobu David   T he kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the left and right parts of the body in vertebrates. Kidneys are seen at the back of the abdominal cavity in the retroperitoneal space. However, in adults they are about 11 centimetres (4.3 in) in length. Kidneys receive blood from the paired renal arteries; blood exits into the paired renal veins. Kidney failure happens when your kidneys lose the ability to filter waste from your blood sufficiently and actively. Records had it that many factors can obstruct or interfere with your kidney health and function, such as; Toxic and dangerous exposure to environmental pollutants or certain medications. Certain harmful, acute, and chronic diseases. Dangerous and severe dehydration.  Kidney trauma. Your body becomes overloaded with toxins when your kidneys can't perform their required and regular work. This can lead to kidney failure and even be life-threatening if it's...

M edically Reviewed By: Mgbeobu David H aving a baby is a dream for some women and a nightmare for others. Not all women are in situations where they can have babies easily and happily. When things don't go well for a woman, abortion may be the only option she is left with. Medically speaking, abortion is a forced termination of a viable pregnancy. Many moral issues and stigma surround abortion, and sometimes it is not a personal choice, but a medical necessity. Regardless of the situation, abortion is not a push-the-botton approach. It carries its own set of complications and side effects that affect women on both the physical and emotional level. Although it is generally safe when done at the hands of professionals, competent doctors; it comes with some consequences that are worth considering. Even women who already made their decision need to be aware and educated on the subject. This phase is a lot to deal with and the outcomes could be devastating in the near or far fut...