Tag Archives: gynecological

What Is Vasectomy?

Many men don’t know what vasectomy is and many have heard about it but don’t know exactly how it works. Some of them think that it is a process for complete removal of the testicles; some think that it is a process that will deny the experience that leads to an erection and orgasm while others think about it as a simple removal of manhood. These assumptions are completely wrong. Vasectomy is a medical intervention that permanently ensures men that they won’t be part of any unwanted pregnancy. It is actually a form of contraception that should be taken only when you are sure that you don’t want children. In many countries this procedure can be performed on patients that are older than 30. The procedure is very simple and it is finished only after a few minutes and the good thing is that there are almost no side effects. The surgeon simply redirects, or gets the vas deferens ligated to be more precise, which stops the sperm from leaving the scrotum. Ejaculation during orgasm is still present just like before the surgery but the sperm now doesn’t contain seed that is essential for reproduction.

When a man starts to think about vasectomy it is a little bit different because first of all examinations are a lot more difficult for men compared to women. Women get used to gynecological examinations after their first sexual intercourse or even before. They are not afraid of the examination itself. When it comes to medical procedures of male genitalia the situation is different. Many men don’t even want to talk about it. It is certainly good to know that not every female contraception (designed just for women) brings only positive effects. Hormonal protection (birth control pills) for example can cause a lot of physical complications like migraine, breast cancer etc. while sterilization or intrauterine devices are much more complicated methods compared to vasectomy. Besides that these methods can cause severe inflammation of the womb, discomfort and bleeding during sex and of course unpleasant feeling for the partner. There are cases with intrauterine implants where a man can feel the implant with his penis. In all these cases it is certainly very important to talk about the various options that are available. Condoms are of course the simplest method.

Another not so well known fact is that vasectomy is a reversible process (in 95% of the cases) which is not the case with female sterilization (irreversible process). Of course before any of these two procedures take place the patient should be completely certain that he or she doesn’t want children. Since it is possible for men to change their mind, doctors can perform a procedure that is called vasovasostomy and procedure that can reconnect the seminal vesicles. However this procedure is not always successful and there is a chance that the patient will remain infertile. The process of vasovasostomy is an expensive and difficult and that’s why patients are advised to think about both vasectomy and vasovasostomy carefully.

Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections are one of the most common problems that sexually mature women are faced with. While the symptoms of inflammation are very common, women usually don’t know much about them. Vaginitis, vaginosis and colpitis are different terms that describe the same condition – inflammation of the vagina. The inflammation can be caused by different microorganisms, as well as chemical or physical arousal.

A vagina that is healthy produces secretions that moisturize and maintains it clean in a similar manner to that of salivary gland function in the oral cavity. Vaginal secretion is a normal occurrence in sexually mature women and it is usually clear or a little bit whitish and when it is dried on lingerie it might appear yellow. Appearance of the secretion changes during different phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, changes in diet, emotional stress, taking various medications (including oral contraceptives) or during sexual arousal. The pH of the vagina is acidic and keeps it protected from infections. However, during the different phases of the menstrual cycle the acidity of the vagina is changed and it is lowest just before and during menstruation. It is in this period when most of the infections appear.

Inflammation appears due to changes in the balance between bacteria that is normally found in the vagina of a sexually mature woman and her hormonal changes. The causes that lead to an imbalance may vary: taking different drugs (for example taking antibiotics), contraceptives (both oral and local), emotional stress, sexually transmitted diseases or frequent change of sexual partners.

Vaginal infections can be noticed easily and some of the most common signs of vaginal infections are the following:

–      Change of colors of secretion. It can turn yellow, greenish or a mix of both colors.

–      Extended vaginal secretion with unpleasant smell

–      Burning and itching sensation in the vaginal area

–      Burning sensation during urination

–      Pain and cramps in the lower abdomen

Keep in mind that each symptom should be taken seriously and remember that some infections have no symptoms in the early stage. Do not hesitate to take gynecological examination because the expression of symptoms of inflammation of the vagina is not always in line with the severity of the infection and the possible consequences. Only infections that are timely found can be treated easily. Infections that were not found on time, that are left untreated and/or inadequately treated can spread to other parts of the reproductive system and cause serious damage, such as partial or complete impenetrability of the ovaries. So make sure to make regular visits to a gynecologist in order to keep your health on high level. This is especially important during pregnancy because untreated infection of the vagina can lead to premature birth, low birth weight and other serious complications.

There are few steps that you can make in order to lower the risk of picking up vaginal infections:

–      Wipe the intimate area from the front toward the anus

–      Choose underwear made of cotton

–      Do not wear tight clothing during hot days

–      Use condom and practice safe sex

–      Visit your gynecologist regularly