Discover a range of articles on Women's Health at African Female Voices, tailored for African women. Explore topics like reproductive health, mental well-being, and nutrition. Get informed and empowered with resources addressing the unique health challenges faced by women in Africa.
Known to be a way for women to halt the biological clock, egg freezing has become an increasingly viable option for women in first-world countries, and has trickled down to the rest of the world. With the growing desire for women to climb up the corporate ladder, pursue other passions, and potentially wait a bit longer to settle down and start a family, the procedure, although costly, allows women to be somewhat in control of when is it best for them to have children.
According to the College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the peak reproductive years for women are between the ages of 20 to 30. From the age of 35, fertility is said to decline and by age 45, the chances of pregnancy are almost zero. This is because as a woman grows older, the set number of eggs decreases with age, and are likely to carry abnormalities. Furthermore, as women age, they are inclined to develop health conditions that affect fertility such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, to even cervical cancer which may require a hysterectomy. To combat age-related fertility loss, egg freezing has now become the unconventional way for women to take control of what they deem as the right time to have children. Although health is the primary factor in women opting for egg freezing, studies further reveal that women’s lack of a stable partner and career demands in their early years, serve as grounds for social egg freezing.
The egg freezing procedure- How does it work?
Egg freezing is a clinical procedure where medical professionals retrieve eggs from a woman’s ovaries. The procedure involves injecting yourself with hormone medications for a period of up to 12 days (every day) to allow for a group of eggs to develop at the same time. What follows is bloodwork as well as ultrasounds to track the development of the eggs. An embryologist (a person trained to examine eggs and embryos) will then confirm that the eggs are mature and can therefore be retrieved. With this confirmation, a 30-minute procedure to retrieve the eggs will follow, from which the eggs will then be stored in liquid nitrogen and what is called an embryology lab.
Key considerations- what if it doesn’t work?
Although egg freezing is sold as a way for women to be able to conceive at a later stage in life, it is important to note that the procedure does not guarantee a successful pregnancy later on. Studies by Care Fertility depict that for every 8 eggs frozen, 6 survive the thawing process and chances of birth are up to 32% depending on factors such as age. The general rule is the earlier a woman starts to freeze her eggs, the better the chances of a successful pregnancy.
It is also important to note other health effects that come with egg freezing. These include Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, which is a condition that occurs when there’s an excessive response to the stimulation of the ovaries because of the hormone injections. Although the condition is uncommon, it can lead to abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath, bloating, swelling of the ankles, and weight gain.
It is also worth noting that egg freezing is quite costly for the average woman and rarely covered by health insurance or medical aid. It can cost up to R40 000 per cycle and drugs used to stimulate the eggs are also not covered. You can expect to pay an average of R7000 per annum to have your eggs stored in an embryology lab. This, of course, differs from country to country.
What to expect in preparation for the procedure?
Prior to starting the egg-freezing procedure, there are a couple of checks conducted by a fertility specialist. These include follicle count, confirming your age, and an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test. These checks are all aimed at testing fertility potential.
Now that I have frozen my eggs what is next?
Amongst the advantages that egg freezing presents is the safety of knowing that there is no set limit for how long the eggs can be stored. Furthermore, your eggs will remain in the same genetic state they were in, at the age you chose to harvest and freeze them.
Once you are ready to have children using your frozen eggs, you will undergo the IVF process. This will entail your eggs thawed and combined with a sperm and allowed to develop for up to 6 days. From then on the eggs fertilized will begin to form embryos which can be transferred into a woman’s body. A successful transfer of the embryos and use of a set of frozen eggs may mean some women may have leftover eggs, which they can then opt to donate.
Methods to store the eggs, and the type of drugs used to stimulate the eggs have improved over time to make the process less daunting.
The option for women to freeze their eggs has been met with some criticism where women opting for egg freezing without a medical reason are considered selfish-career-obsessed women. Egg freezing which is being sold as the ‘ultimate lottery ticket’ to later motherhood is also problematic. The accessibility of this option to non-middle and high-income earners due to costs, the health side effects it presents, as well as the lack of guarantee for pregnancy later are important considerations
As someone who suffers from alopecia, I have had to think deeply about these words. Let us be honest, hair is an important part of a woman’s identity. One of the first things that we notice about a woman is her hair. People box you into a particular category based on the hairstyle that you choose to wear. Women are often told that following a hair routine guarantees healthy, vibrant, and long hair. Is a good hair routine all you need to guarantee hair growth?
What is Alopecia
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a disease characterized by permanent hair loss in the crown region of the scalp, inflammation, and scarring. It occurs almost exclusively in black women aged 30 to 55 years. There is no known cause for alopecia nor is there a cure for it.
My journey with Alopecia
There is hope! These are the words that the dermatologist said to me after she diagnosed me with alopecia. My first question to her was ‘what is the cure?’ I had a vague and general idea of what alopecia was. When the dermatologist told me that there is no cure for alopecia, I was devasted. For the first time in my life, I realized that I am my hair. It is one thing to cut your hair by choice, but it is another thing to lose patches of hair with no known cause. My mental health took a knock and I struggled to maintain my self-confidence. I had no say on how to wear my hair, instead, I had to wear wigs whether I wanted to or not. I think one of the most challenging things about alopecia is that it not only takes away your hair but also your ability to choose.
For the sake of my mental health, I decided to educate myself on how to maintain healthy hair especially when suffering from hair loss. It has been a long journey and I have had three ‘alopecia episodes.’ I say alopecia episodes because hair loss for me happens in episodes. My hair will grow and remain healthy for a while, followed by sudden hair loss which forces me to cut my hair and start all over again. I have noticed that the precursor for my ‘alopecia episode’ is always a stressful event in my life.
Conclusion
If you suffer from hair loss that causes bald patches maybe it’s time you pay more attention. The sooner that an alopecia diagnosis is made the better the chances of recovery. There is no cure for alopecia, however, there are things that one can do to grow and maintain healthy hair such as taking vitamins, practicing good hair habits, and maintaining overall health.
One does not wake up with good hair simply because one follows a good hair routine. There are other contributing factors (genes, medication, and illness). I have been on this journey for more than three years and I must say that the journey has been humbling, stressful, and challenging. It has also been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. I hope that my story inspires women out there to keep going and remain hopeful as they navigate their hair journey. At the end of the day, every woman’s hair journey is unique.
Understanding and dealing with baby blues and postpartum depression
Transitioning from normal life to parenthood can be a scary and daunting process. The birth of a baby is an emotional rollercoaster where one experiences joy, excitement, fear, and anxiety.
Many moms and new moms experience a variety of emotions such as anxiety and do not understand why they may be experiencing these feelings. Baby blues and postpartum depression are not often spoken about which is why some mothers do not understand these emotions. Baby blues and postpartum depression are remarkably similar illnesses and are experienced by many parents.
What are baby blues?
Baby blues are a feeling of sudden sadness that often happens after childbirth and affects around 80% of parents. Baby blues are caused by a decrease in estrogen and progesterone which cause mood swings and feelings of sadness. Emotional distress is another cause of baby blues as new parents may be anxious about taking care of a new baby and may be stressed about a life-changing event. Lack of sleep and not eating can add to experiencing baby blues.
Symptoms and signs of baby blues:
Baby blues should only last up to 2 weeks after the baby is born if you are still experiencing these symptoms after 2 weeks you need to see a medical doctor as you may have postpartum depression.
What can I do to feel better?
There is no treatment for baby blues but there are a few things that can make you feel better
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is different from baby blues as symptoms last longer than baby blues and is severe. Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness that affects your mental and physical wellbeing.
Postpartum depression affects your day-to-day life, mothers may feel disconnected from their babies and these feelings can vary from mild to severe. Many new mothers feel overwhelmed and experience baby blues symptoms but if these feelings do not disappear after 2 weeks you should seek medical assistance immediately.
New mothers may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about feeling depressed when they are supposed to be happy. They may also worry they will be seen as bad mothers. Any woman can become depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby. It does not mean you are a bad mom. You and your baby do not have to suffer. There is help. Your doctor can help you figure out whether your symptoms are caused by depression or something else.
Postpartum depression can be treated in many ways such as:
Therapy. During therapy, you talk to a therapist, psychologist, or social worker to learn strategies to change how depression makes you think, feel, and act.
Medication. There are diverse types of medication for postpartum depression. All of them must be prescribed by your doctor or nurse. The most common type is antidepressants. Antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of depression and some can be taken while you are breastfeeding. Antidepressants may take several weeks to start working.
Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it is simply a complication of giving birth. Experiencing baby blues or postpartum depression does not mean you are a bad parent it is normal to feel overwhelmed after childbirth.
In recent years, the popularity of Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, has skyrocketed as an increasing number of people are seeking to achieve a contoured, fuller backside. However, the procedure has been marked by concerns about patient safety. A recent study found that a staggering one in 3000 people who undergo the BBL procedure will experience fatal complications – a mortality rate higher than for any other cosmetic procedure.
Here are some of the dangers and risks associated with BBL surgeries:
1. Fat Embolism: The fat used for a BBL is injected into a layer of fat beneath the skin and sometimes into the dense muscle lying beneath it. Fat droplets can enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, heart or brain, leading to blockages or death. Embolism is considered the deadliest risk associated with the procedure.
2. Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is the risk of infection, including bacterial infections that can develop at the injection site, leading to life-threatening conditions.
3. Seroma: A collection of fluids that can occur wherever fat is removed or deposited, creating a pocket of fluid within tissues. These fluid pockets can become infected or cause the skin to die.
4. Uneven or asymmetrical results: A potential risk associated with BBL procedures is that the transferred fat may be poorly distributed, leading to unevenness, asymmetry, or lumpiness.
5. Skin Necrosis: Blood supply to the skin on or around the injection site can become compromised, causing skin death leading to scarring or further surgery.
6. General anesthesia risks: One of the most significant risks is those related to general anesthesia, which carries its own dangers such as severe reactions, complications, and occasionally even death.
It is important to note that these risks are not exclusive to BBL procedures, but any surgical operation may expose a person to these hazards. Nonetheless, it is vital to consider the risks and benefits of any surgical procedure carefully. BBL is not recommended for individuals suffering from obesity, mobilizing health issues, or who have a history of surgeries or medical treatments.
It is also vital to consult a trained and board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in performing the BBL procedure and follow a strict post-op regiment of care to ensure optimal results.
In conclusion, while a BBL may seem like a quick and easy way to get the body shape you desire, it is crucial to be fully aware of the risks involved. Before committing to any surgical procedure, it is essential that you research and weigh the potential downsides against the desired outcome properly. With careful consideration and consultation with a qualified surgeon, you can make an educated decision regarding your health and long-term safety.
Winter is fast approaching. While the best thing you can do to prevent illness is to wash your hands, it is imperative to boost your health and immunity.
The immune-boosting foods listed below can help strengthen your body's natural defense system.
1. Oranges: This type of fruit is packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient when you’re feeling under the
weather.
2. Water: When you’re feeling sick, good old H2O can be one of the most helpful drinks to sip.
Staying hydrated can help loosen trapped mucus. Try drinking at least the recommended
eight glasses of water a day to keep yourself fully hydrated since we tend to lose more fluids
when we are sick.
3. Blueberries: These are filled with antioxidants that can help treat and prevent coughs
and colds.
4. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are also a great food to eat when you’re sick due to their high
concentration of vitamin C. Just one medium tomato contains a little over 16 milligrams of
vitamin C, which is a proven fuel to your body’s immune system.
5. Dark chocolate: Believe it or not, dark chocolate can be extremely helpful in fighting off of a
cold. Dark chocolate contains a heavy concentration of theobromine, an antioxidant that has
been proven to alleviate coughing.
6. Broccoli: can be a great addition to your diet if you’re trying to prevent a cold. Broccoli and
other cruciferous vegetables were proven to help boost immunity.
7. Spinach: Spinach is a major superfood that is great for your overall health. Not only is it
packed with digestion-regulating fiber, but it also contains vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful
nutrient that can assist in preventing the common cold and help reduce symptoms of
sickness.
8. Whole grain bread: contain anti-inflammatory properties, which allows for an increase of
production of healthy bacteria, it’s important to keep your gut healthy if you want to fend off
any cold-causing germs!
9. Garlic: has built a reputation for being one of the best cold-curing foods, and for good
reason.
10. Apples: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" isn’t just a saying, apples actually can help
prevent illnesses such as the common cold. This fruit contains phytochemical antioxidants,
according to a study published in Nutrition Journal. These antioxidants help boost immunity
and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Vaginal discharge is defined as a fluid that's secreted by your vagina, cervix, and vulva. Its job is to help keep your reproductive system clean and healthy by flushing out dead cells and other debris. The amount and consistency of discharge vary based on where you are in your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Vaginal discharge is a natural part of your body's functioning, but changes in consistency, color, or odor can be a sign of something not being right. Understanding the types of discharge can help you identify potential issues and seek appropriate medical treatment if necessary. If you notice any unusual changes in your discharge, it's best to contact your healthcare provider for medical advice and treatment. Remember, staying on top of your reproductive health is essential for your overall well-being. Below are the types you need to be familiar with.
Maintaining a healthy vaginal pH balance is critical for women's reproductive health. The acidity level of the vagina can fluctuate due to various reasons, including menstruation, sexual activity, and the use of certain medications. A pH imbalance can result in bacterial or yeast infections, unpleasant odor, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Here are some tips on how to regulate your pH and take care of your vagina:
The popularity of vaginal rejuvenation has soared drastically. According to grandviewresearch, global vaginal rejuvenation market size was estimated at USD 1.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1% by 2030. Cosmetic genecology, often referred to colloquially as "Designer vagina" was often reserved for women wanting to repair their vaginas that are damaged by childbirth. However, an increasing number of women have opted for this surgery, even without any damage from childbirth, for the sole purpose of an aesthetically pleasing "peach" and for increased sexual pleasure. Some women may require surgery to alleviate physical discomfort and pain.
Most women who opt for the surgery are in their 40s and above, as the vagina is known to lose elasticity, especially after childbirth or as women hit menopause. The loss of estrogen leads to a thin and dry vaginal mucosa. Therefore, the vagina undergoes atrophy, which leads to vaginal irritation, discharge, pain during sex. However, statistics from grandviewresearch reveals that women in their 30s and 20s have opted for the surgery, to achieve a "tighter" vagina.
In a qualitative study conducted by BMC Women's Health, female genital cosmetic surgery improves the women’s body image and sexual function and the couples’ sexual satisfaction, especially that of the partner.
Here are the common types of vaginal surgery available for women;
1. Labiaplasty: This is a surgical procedure that involves reducing the size or re-shaping the labia minora or labia majora, the folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. Women may request this procedure if they feel self-conscious about the appearance of their labia or experience discomfort from enlarged or stretched labia.
2. Vaginoplasty: This is a type of surgical procedure that involves tightening of the vagina. It is commonly performed to help women who experience vaginal laxity, which may occur after childbirth or due to aging.
3. Hymenoplasty: This is a surgical procedure that involves restoring the hymen or creating a new one. This procedure is typically performed for cultural or religious reasons, or after sexual assault.
Risks and Complications of Cosmetic Vaginal Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with cosmetic vaginal surgery. Some of these risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia.
Additionally, there may be emotional and psychological factors to consider before undergoing cosmetic vaginal surgery. Women should have a clear understanding of their motivations, expectations, and potential outcomes of the procedure before making a decision.
What You Need to Know Before Undergoing Cosmetic Vaginal Surgery
Women considering cosmetic vaginal surgery should first consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in these types of procedures. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's needs and discuss the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of the procedure. If you have opted to undergo surgery, here are some recovery tips;
It's important for women to have realistic expectations of the results and understand that the procedure may not address underlying physical or emotional issues.
Recent studies have suggested that the use of hair relaxers and other chemical hair products may increase a woman's risk of developing uterine fibroids. Several studies have linked exposure to hair relaxers with an increased prevalence of uterine fibroids among black women.
The chemicals in hair relaxers, especially those containing lye, have been found to be endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body's hormonal balance. They can mimic or block hormones, leading to an imbalance that may contribute to the development of uterine fibroids.
One study found that women who used hair relaxers once a month or more for at least a year had a 30% increased risk of developing uterine fibroids compared to women who did not use relaxers. Another study found that black women who used hair relaxers had a 1.4- to 2.3-fold increased risk of developing fibroids compared to those who never used relaxers.
These studies suggest that there may be a connection between the use of chemical hair products, especially hair relaxers.
According to research by McLeod Health, uterine fibroids are more prevalent in black women than in any other ethnic group. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences estimates that 70% to 80% of black women will develop benign fibroids by their late forties and 50% would have had them by age 35. Although there isn’t any conclusive research as to why fibroids are more common in black women than in any other ethnic group and what exactly causes uterine fibroids, there is a growing need to explore treatment options as many women suffer from the symptoms without any proper diagnosis. Some women end up seeing a doctor when symptoms are severe and they have developed anemia, are fatigued, and have experienced heavy periods for a long time. Some black women are said to wait up to 4 years before seeking treatment. Research in sub-Saharan Africa shows prolonged delays in going to the doctor are due to lack of knowledge, corrosive poverty, transportation limitations, misinformation from family and friends, as well as wrongful deep-seated cultural beliefs. Furthermore, the challenges faced by women with uterine fibroids include inadequate access to appropriate healthcare facilities, lack of available well-trained providers, poor quality of services when available, affordability issues, and poor nutritional status.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths that develop in the uterus and are often referred to in medical practice as leiomyomas or myomas. There are three types of major uterine fibroids located in different parts of the uterus. These are Intramural fibroids that grow within the muscular uterine wall, Submucosal fibroids which bulge into the uterine cavity, and Subserosal fibroids which grow on the outside of the uterus.
What causes uterine fibroids?
Although the cause of fibroids is not known, there are several risk factors identified which include;
• Family history
Fibroids appear to have a genetic basis and are common in families where there is a history of fibroids regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality.
• Obesity and nutrition
Women who have a higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to develop uterine fibroids. This is because they tend to have higher estrogen levels which may contribute to the growth of fibroids. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency contributes to fibroid growth.
• Use of hair relaxers
Black Women’s Health study showed a positive trend between hair relaxers and uterine fibroids. The study depicts that women who use hair relaxers more frequently and experienced more burns and scalp lesions are exposed to hormonally active compounds that could contribute to fibroid growth.
Symptoms of Uterine fibroids
Although in some cases there are no obvious symptoms, some women notice belly weight, as though they are pregnant. This is because, in the case of multiple uterine fibroids, they can grow in size. Other symptoms include;
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual periods lasting more than a week or irregular periods
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains
Early detection
Pelvic examinations are most commonly used to detect uterine fibroids. Furthermore, an ultrasound will be conducted to confirm the presence of uterine fibroids. Doctors may perform an ultrasound using a device on your abdomen (transabdominal) or place it inside your vagina (transvaginal). This allows them to see the uterus, detect any abnormalities and in the case where there are fibroids, measure them. Other methods used by doctors to detect fibroids include inserting a small telescope through your cervix and into your uterus to examine uterine walls, using sterile saline to expand your uterine cavity to get a better view of fibroids, or using a dye to highlight your reproductive system to help determine if your fallopian tubes are blocked.
Treatment options
Fibroids can be as small as 1 mm and can further grow to more than 20 cm in extreme cases. When left untreated, they can rapture, causing damage to other organs such as your bladder. Only 1% of uterine fibroids are cancerous, and early detection is pivotal to receiving treatment. Although there is no singular prescribed method for treating fibroids, there are treatment options available depending on your symptoms and underlying health conditions. Doctors may put you on birth control to regulate your hormone levels which will help shrink your fibroids. Over-the-counter meds are also available to relieve pain. Other treatment methods include a medical practitioner freezing fibroids using extreme cold, injecting small particles to cut off blood supply to the fibroids, or using high frequency, high-energy sound waves to target the fibroids inside a special MRI machine. In more severe cases, a myomectomy which is the surgical removal of fibroids followed by the reconstruction of the uterus is prescribed. This doesn’t affect the chances of getting pregnant however, in more severe cases, a hysterectomy, which is the complete removal of the uterus, is performed by doctors.
Pregnancy and infertility
Women with fibroids can get pregnant. In rare cases, fibroids can prevent an egg from attaching itself to the womb lining or even block the fallopian tube. Usually, the size and location of the fibroid will affect the type of delivery you have. Furthermore, fibroids can tend to affect the development of the baby and increase the risk of premature labor or even a miscarriage.
A key takeaway for black women is to ensure that they always have a routine check-up with their gynecologist, especially when they experience symptoms such as prolonged periods and pelvic pain. Although fibroids may not physically kill you, they can impact your quality of life and relationships due to the health effects they present. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms and treatment options.
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