Love is in the Air: Unwrap Our Valentine’s Day Starter Pack

Feb 14, 2023 | blog, Mental Health

For many people, it’s crucial to capture the feeling of desire or love on Valentine’s Day. To assist with this, we’ve compiled some essentials to help you remember what truly matters.

It’s not about the chocolate!

It’s true, chocolate may be a classic symbol of love and affection, but the sweetness it brings pales in comparison to the joy of spending time with the one you cherish. Don’t let the calendar dictate when you should show your love; every day is an opportunity to celebrate the connection between you and your significant other.

Sure, a box of chocolates may make their heart skip a beat, but the real magic lies in the moments shared. It’s the laughter over inside jokes, the shared experiences that strengthen the bond, and the feeling of being truly seen and understood by another human being.

So go ahead and indulge in some chocolate if you please, but remember that it’s just a sweet treat. The real gift is the love you give and receive every day, in big and small ways. Celebrate your love not just on special occasions, but every chance you get. After all, that’s what makes life truly sweet.

Safer Sex

Why not make safe sex a sexy part of your Valentine’s Day plans? It’s not only responsible but also rewarding – you’ll feel confident and satisfied knowing you’re taking care of yourself and your partner. So, whether you get tested or use your preferred protection method, such as condoms or birth control pills, can be effective tools in preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. It is crucial to have open and honest communication with a partner about contraception and to make informed decisions about sexual health. remember: the safer, the better.

Be your own valentine 

On this day of love, let’s not forget to extend that love to ourselves. While it’s easy to get caught up in sending messages of affection to those we care about, why not take this opportunity to start a new tradition of self-love?

Being kind to yourself can take many forms, from treating yourself to a relaxing bubble bath to indulging in your favorite food. It can also mean letting go of self-judgment and negative self-talk and focusing on positive affirmations and gratitude.

After all, the relationship we have with ourselves sets the tone for all our other relationships. By loving ourselves first, we are better equipped to show love and kindness to others.

So this Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the love within us. Let’s make a promise to be kinder to ourselves and practice self-love every day. Because when we love ourselves, the world becomes a brighter and more beautiful place.

Awkward Beginnings: How I told my partner I have STI

Feb 10, 2023 | blog, Sexual Health

My Dear

It’s never easy to talk about this stuff, it’s nerve-racking, heartbreaking, and trembling. I have been through a tough time writing these saddest lines. It’s such a disappointing feeling to find out you have an STI but even worse when you have to tell someone, especially someone you care about. The risk of losing you is unimaginable but the risk of not telling you will hurt me even more, gradually. 

So what I decided was to get my strong suit on and make the call, to tell you that more than my love, my truth matters and that is my dear I have STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) 

When I first found out that I had an STI I thought everything was ending, my life as I know it was gone, and that made me suffer countless stressful nights, it was an experience that shifted my perspective about many things in my life. But as the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, and with that, I pulled myself from the pools of shame and taboos and decided to tell you that not only I’m living with STI but I am okay with it

What gave me confidence was my realization that millions of people around the world are living with STIs, and to my surprise, I have found many resources and support systems that helped me deal with my condition. 

One of my scariest assumptions was that my life wouldn’t be the same after having STI and I wasn’t sure even in telling you this fearing that you would assume that I am a changed person, but nothing about me is changed, not even a strand of hair. If anything, I have learned a lot about how to take care of myself better, and to be mindful of my health decisions. I would say I’m in a good state of health and mentality, I take care of myself more than I did before, I take my treatments accordingly to my schedule and I still refer back to an incredible online support system from people who have had the same experience and can share it, which helped me escape  a state of alienation and loneliness. 

Although this has been a challenging experience to go through, I’m joyful that I get to tell you honestly about my conditions without fear or shame or a sense of disappointing you, it is because I care deeply about our relationship that I’ve decided to share but all of this wouldn’t be possible without the help and awareness I have got from my friends, doctors and most people like me, People who have gone through the same situation. They made me feel that it’s okay to have STIs and that the bigger lesson is to move forward with mindful decisions and confidence. 

With Love 

The DO’s and DON’Ts of Online Dating

The DO’s and DON’Ts of Online Dating

Feb 7, 2023 | blog, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health

Online dating is an increasingly popular way for many young adults globally, including Ethiopia to connect and find love. With the convenience of being able to connect with potential partners from the comfort of your own home, it’s no wonder that online dating has become a popular choice for many.

 

However, with the increase in online dating comes the potential for danger. It’s important to be aware of the risks and to know how to stay safe while using online dating platforms. That’s why we’ve put together The Do’s and Don’ts of online dating – a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of online dating and make the most of your experience.ax

 

  1. DO use a reputable dating platform or app with privacy features: Protect your personal information and ensure a safe and enjoyable online dating experience.

  2. DON’T share personal information with someone you have just met online: Sharing personal information too soon can be dangerous, it can expose you and make you vulnerable for online scams. 

  3. DO be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for in a relationship: By being honest about who you are and what you’re looking for in a relationship, you attract the right people and avoid wasting time on incompatible matches.

  4. DON’T ignore red flags or warning signs that a person may not be safe: Ignoring red flags or warning signs could put you in danger, so it’s important to trust your gut and stop communicating with someone if they make you feel uncomfortable or if their behavior seems suspicious.

  5. DO always meet in a public place and let someone know where you’ll be: By meeting in a public place and letting someone know where you’ll be, you can ensure your safety and have peace of mind when meeting someone for the first time.

  6. DON’T send inappropriate or explicit photos or messages: Sending explicit or inappropriate photos or messages can be dangerous as it can be used against you in the future.
  7. DO always use protection when engaging in sexual activity: make sure to avoid the potential dangers associated with unprotected sex, such as the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancy.
  8. DON’T EVER compromise consent: By respecting consent, you ensure that your interactions with others are safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

    By following these simple guidelines, you can maximize the benefits and minimize the dangers of online dating. So why wait? Get started on your online dating journey today and see where it takes you!

 

 

Fertility & Related Issues

Oct 15, 2022 | Fact Sheet

Fertility can be affected by several reasons for men and women. 

These factors increase the risk of infertility in all genders:

  • Age (over age 35 for women or over 40 for men).
  • Diabetes.
  • Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
  • Excessive alcohol use.
  • Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and pesticides.
  • Radiation therapy or other cancer treatments.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
  • Smoking.
  • Stress.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Weight problems (obesity or underweight).

Some are:

 

Infertility in Women

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition caused by reproductive hormone problems affecting the ovaries. When a woman has PCOS, her eggs may not develop properly or not be released during ovulation. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the Western countries are affected by PCOS. 

Causes

  • High androgen (male sex hormones present in small amounts for women) levels, preventing eggs to not develop properly & from being released. 
  • High insulin level, causing more androgen production 
  • Family history of PCOS

Symptoms

  • Weight gain
  • Missed, irregular, or light period
  • Excess body hair (face, chest, stomach, and back)
  • Infertility
  • Acne (face, chest, and upper back)
  • Hair thinning/loss
  • Skin darkens (neck creases, groin, and underneath breasts)
  • Excess skin or skin tags (neck or armpit)

In addition, women with PCOS can develop more health issues such as type  2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart & blood vessel issues, and uterine cancer. 

 

Treatment

 

Treatment varies on the severity of symptoms. Treatment includes:

  • Medications to relieve symptoms, prevent blood clots, lower diabetes, and other symptoms 
  • Increasing hydration
  • Diet and exercise 
  • Birth control pills to control menstrual cycles and reduce androgen & acne
  • Frequent physical exams and ultrasounds
  • Blood tests to monitor for dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and other problems

 

Ovulation problems 

When a woman’s ovaries can’t release a mature egg or have eggs mature in the ovaries, it causes ovulation problems, sometimes referred to as Premature Ovarian Failure. This can result in fertility issues. 

Symptoms consist of:

  • Irregular/no periods
  • Abnormally heavy or light vaginal bleeding or period
  • Lack of premenstrual symptoms like bloating or sore breasts 

Treatment involves:

  • Monitoring body weight
  • Taking fertility drugs
  • IVF

 

Endometriosis 

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue (tissue found in the lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus, typically in the pelvis or abdomen.  

 

Some women don’t have any symptoms, while others have:

  • Unusually painful periods
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pain in the pelvis

 

Treatment involves:

  • Surgery to remove endometrial tissue or open blocked fallopian tubes
  • Taking fertility drugs

 

Poor egg quality 

A woman’s egg quality and number declines after the age of 35. If the sperm manages to fertilize the egg, there’s a high probability of miscarriage. Other factors that reduce egg quality include: 

  • Smoking tobacco
  • Excessive alcohol
  • Drinking too much caffeine
  • Consuming excessive sugar and  processed foods, etc

Treatment involves:

  • Taking fertility drugs
  • IVF with your eggs, donor eggs, or donor embryos

 

Issues with fallopian tubes 

Fallopian tubes that are damaged or blocked prevent sperm from reaching the egg and can also prevent the fertilized egg from traveling to the uterus. Issues with fallopian tubes can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, STIs, and previous surgery. 

Treatment includes:

  • Opening & repair tubes through surgery

 

Unexplained fertility problems 

 

Differences in the development of follicles, sperm functions, and fertilization can cause unexplained fertility problems. In addition, certain lifestyles such as being underweight, overweight, ingesting too much caffeine & alcohol, and smoking tobacco can also lead to this. 

Treatments include:

  • Fertility drugs
  • IVF

 

Infertility in Men

A man’s fertility can be determined through semen analysis through sperm amount, movement, and shape. Some factors that affect a man’s fertility include: 

 

Testicular Issues

Testicles can contribute to infertility through certain situations like:

  • Varicocele: a condition where the testicle’s veins are enlarged. This can affect the sperm’s amount and shape. 
  • Injury to the testes can reduce sperm production
  • Alcohol, smoking, steroid, and drug use
  • Cancer treatments: chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery that removes one or both the testicles
  • Certain medications: for diabetes, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune disorders, and infections causing testicular failure

 

Hormonal Disorders

A man’s fertility can be hampered by issues with hormone production that maintain testicular function, such as in the hypothalamus or pituitary glands. Sperm production can be greatly reduced if the pituitary gland is damaged or produces too much prolactin (responsible for improving testosterone & semen production) or the hypothalamus cannot function normally. In addition, certain medical conditions, tumors, and exposure to too much estrogen & testosterone also affect fertility. 

 

Genetic Disorders

Genetic disorders can compromise sperm functions & production and reduce fertility. Some conditions include:

  • Klinefelter Syndrome: occurs when a man has an additional X chromosome in his genome. This causes either no or very low sperm count & testosterone. 
  • Cystic Fibrosis: it’s an inherited disease characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucus that can damage many of the body’s organs including the reproductive organs. 
  • Y Chromosome microdeletions: is when a portion of the Y chromosomes are missing, called microdeletions, resulting in major sperm abnormalities. 

Molar pregnancy & its possible medical complications

Oct 11, 2022 | blog, Mental Health

Molar pregnancy & its possible medical complications

A molar pregnancy which is also known as hydatidiform mole is a rare complication of pregnancy characterised by the abnormal growth of trophoblasts, the cells that normally develop into the placenta.

There are two types of molar pregnancy, complete molar pregnancy and partial molar pregnancy. In a complete molar pregnancy, the placental tissue is abnormal and swollen and appears to form fluid-filled cysts. There’s also no formation of fetal tissue. In a partial molar pregnancy, there may be normal placental tissue along with abnormally forming placental tissue. 

There may also be formation of a fetus, but the fetus is not able to survive, and is usually miscarried early in the pregnancy.

Symptoms

A molar pregnancy may seem like a normal pregnancy at first, but most molar pregnancies cause specific symptoms, including:

  • Dark brown to bright red vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Sometimes vaginal passage of grape like cysts
  • Pelvic pressure or pain

Risk factors

Approximately 1 in every 1,000 pregnancies is diagnosed as a molar pregnancy. Various factors are associated with molar pregnancy, including:

  • Maternal age. A molar pregnancy is more likely in women older than age 35 or younger than age 20.
  • Previous molar pregnancy. If you’ve had one molar pregnancy, you’re more likely to have another. 

Complications

A molar pregnancy can have serious complications including a rare form of cancer and requires early treatment. 

After a molar pregnancy has been removed, molar tissue may remain and continue to grow. This is called persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). This occurs in about 15% to 20% of complete molar pregnancies, and up to 5% of partial molar pregnancies.

Rarely, a cancerous form of GTN known as choriocarcinoma develops and spreads to other organs. Choriocarcinoma is usually successfully treated with multiple cancer drugs. A complete molar pregnancy is more likely to have this complication than a partial molar pregnancy.

Prevention

During any subsequent pregnancies, your care provider may do early ultrasounds to monitor your condition and offer reassurance of normal development. Your provider may also discuss prenatal genetic testing, which can be used to diagnose a molar pregnancy.

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