Month: September 2023

HPV Vaccine FAQs: Here we discuss the effectiveness, risks, and safety of taking the vaccine.

Posted on September 7, 2023   by   - Blog

HPV FAQ

The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing HPV infection and its associated health complications, including cervical cancer and other types of cancer. In this blog we will address some frequently asked questions about this vaccine, covering topics such as safety, risks, and effectiveness.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus is a group of viruses, some of which are categorized as high-risk types that can cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, and warts in different parts of the body. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection. In most cases, HPV infection does not display any symptoms.

Usually, for most people at some point in their life, they may get infected by HPV, and their body will naturally clear them. But in some cases, when infected by the high-risk type of HPV it will not get cleared and can also cause the growth of abnormal tissue that can lead to cancer if not treated on time.

What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine helps protect against certain strains of the HPV. It can also help prevent genital warts, mouth and throat cancer, and anal cancers. It is administered through a series of shots and is typically recommended for both males and females in their preteen or teenage years.

When should or at what age can the vaccine be administered?

The HPV vaccine is typically recommended to be administered around 11 or 12 years of age. Vaccination at an early age allows for a better immune response before potential exposure to HPV. However, the vaccine can be given up to the age of 26 for females and 21 for males who have not previously been vaccinated. It is best to administer a vaccine before one has sexual contact and is exposed to HPV. The vaccine may not be effective if you have already been infected with HPV and the response to the vaccine is better at a younger age. The vaccine is administered in two doses with at least a 6-month gap for up to 15 years of age. For those above this age vaccine must be administered in three doses.

Who should not take the HPV vaccine?

Do not take the vaccine if you are pregnant.

Will the vaccine be of any benefit if you are already sexually active?

Yes, because sometimes you may have been infected with only one strain of HPV but this vaccine can help protect you from other types of strains.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes, extensive research has been conducted to ensure the safety of the vaccine. The vaccine has undergone rigorous testing and monitoring by regulatory authorities. Like any vaccine, it can have potential side effects, but they are generally mild, such as pain at the injection site, fever, or dizziness. Serious side effects are rare. You may experience fainting or dizziness when the vaccines have been injected. Hence remain seated for around 10 to 15 mins after receiving the vaccine. Some may also have headaches, fatigue, or nausea for some time.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with this vaccine?

The risks associated with this vaccine are minimal compared to the risks of developing HPV-related diseases. Serious adverse effects are extremely rare. The most common side effects include temporary pain or redness at the injection site and mild flu-like symptoms.

How effective is the HPV vaccine?

The vaccine has been proven to be highly effective in preventing HPV infection and related diseases. It protects against the most common high-risk HPV strains that cause most cervical cancers, as well as certain other types of cancers and genital warts. Administering the vaccine before exposure to the virus through sexual activity maximizes its effectiveness.

How does this vaccine work?

The vaccine stimulates to body to create antibodies. And once the body detects the presence of HPV these antibodies will work on the virus. This  prevents them from infecting the other cells.

Does the HPV vaccine replace the need for cervical cancer screenings, or can we avoid pap smear tests if the vaccine has been taken?

No, the vaccine does not replace the need for regular cervical cancer screenings such as Pap smears. It is still crucial to undergo routine screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider, from 21 years of age, as the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

Can adults receive the HPV vaccine?

Yes, adults who have not previously received the vaccine or completed the full series can still benefit from HPV vaccination. A healthcare professional will recommend the appropriate timing and dosage.

Conclusion

The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective tool in preventing HPV infection. It helps in reducing the risk of associated diseases, including cervical cancer. It is crucial to stay informed and address any concerns with healthcare professionals. By getting vaccinated and following recommended screening guidelines, individuals can take significant steps toward protecting their health and well-being.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Posted on September 7, 2023   by   - Blog

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria. It is usually found in women in the age range of 15-44.

Causes

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an increase in bacteria in the vagina. The exact cause of this overgrowth is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to several factors, including:

  • Sexual activity: BV is more common in sexually active women, and having multiple sexual partners may increase the risk of developing the infection.
  • Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can alter the pH balance of the vagina and increase the risk of developing BV.
  • Antibiotic use: Antibiotic use can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of developing BV.
  • Personal hygiene: Poor personal hygiene, such as not washing your hands before touching your genitals or using scented products on your vagina, can also increase the risk of developing BV.

Symptoms

Many women with bacterial vaginosis do not experience any symptoms. Some women, however, may experience the following symptoms:

  • Vaginal discharge that is thin and white or grey.
  • A strong, fishy odour
  • Experiencing a burning sensation or itching in or around the vagina
  • Pain during urination
  • Mild vaginal bleeding

Diagnosis

Bacterial vaginosis is usually diagnosed during a gynecological exam, during which the doctor will perform a pelvic exam and collect a sample of your vaginal discharge for evaluation. A pH test will be taken to measure the acidity of the vagina, and another test to detect the presence of specific bacteria associated with BV.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options available:

  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most common treatment for BV and are usually prescribed in the form of oral or vaginal medication.
  • Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and may help prevent recurrent BV.
  • Lifestyle changes: Practicing good personal hygiene, avoiding douching or using scented products on the vagina, and using condoms during sexual activity may help reduce the risk of developing BV.

Risks and Complications

Bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of developing certain complications, including:

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Women with bacterial vaginosis may be at an increased risk of developing STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Untreated BV can increase the risk of developing PID, a serious infection of the reproductive organs that can cause infertility and other complications.
  • Preterm labor: Pregnant women with BV may be at an increased risk of delivering their baby prematurely.

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that can cause discomfort and increase the risk of developing certain complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes for affected women. It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about bacterial vaginosis.

 

Cryptic pregnancy

Posted on September 7, 2023   by   - Blog

Stealth Pregnancy

Stealth pregnancy or cryptic pregnancy is just as it sounds, that is the woman does not realize she is pregnant. They do not experience any of the symptoms of pregnancy or mistake the symptoms to be signs of temporary illness.

Who can have a cryptic pregnancy or how does pregnancy not get detected?

Missing your period is an indicator in most cases that you may be pregnant, but some may misinterpret them for the following reasons.

  • If you have given birth recently, your periods will take time to return. And most believe that during breastfeeding you may not ovulate and there are no chances of getting pregnant.
  • Those who have PCOS, as periods are irregular for them and may not realize, they have missed their periods.
  • Women who are in the perimenopause stage (late ’40s), may mistake the pregnancy symptoms as signs of menopause

Other reasons include

  • They have never been pregnant and hence are not able to recognise the symptoms
  • Women who had difficulty getting pregnant or dealt with infertility, and believe that they cannot have children
  • Having stress affects hormones. Women undergoing high stress may have their pregnancy symptoms affected.
  • For those who have an anterior placenta, that is the placenta is across your belly in front of the uterus, in such cases, the mother may not experience baby movement and mistake any slight feeling as gas.
  • In some cases, pregnancy causes spotting or implantation which may be mistaken for periods.
  • Some may take the pregnancy test too early, which gives a negative test hence making them believe that they are not pregnant.

Symptoms of cryptic pregnancy

The symptoms are like that of normal pregnancy. Nausea, fatigue, and heartburn are common but may be misunderstood as an issue related to the food they have taken. An increase in weight is common but, in some cases, the baby’s growth may be small(as proper care was not provided as they do not know they were pregnant), or the weight may be distributed differently based on the body type and hence a prominent baby bump might not be evident. Missing your periods is another common symptom but those who have irregular periods, are breastfeeding, or are in their menopause stage may not take this into consideration.

How to confirm a cryptic pregnancy?

  • Take more than one pregnancy test
  • Consult with your doctor and take a combination of ultrasound, blood test, and urine test.

What are the risks of having a cryptic pregnancy?

You may not have received the prenatal care or support that was necessary for having a healthy pregnancy and chances are this can affect your baby. If you were smoking or having alcohol this could have harmed the fetus. Babies born from cryptic pregnancies are likely to be underweight and small as compared to their gestational age. There is an increased risk of premature birth and stillbirth in cryptic pregnancies

Cryptic pregnancies are rare. Among them, most go unnoticed till the 20th week. Only around one in 2500 pregnancies are unnoticed till delivery.

 

Fetal Macrosomia: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Posted on September 7, 2023   by   - Blog

Fetal Macrosomia - giving birth to big babies

Fetal macrosomia refers to a baby who is larger than average for their gestational age. In general, a baby weighing more than 4kg (8 pounds) at birth is considered to have macrosomia. This can make vaginal delivery more difficult and put the baby at risk of injury during birth.

Causes

Fetal macrosomia can occur due to a variety of factors, including maternal factors such as maternal diabetes, maternal obesity, and excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Maternal diabetes is a leading cause of fetal macrosomia, as high blood glucose levels can cause the fetus to grow too quickly. Other factors that may contribute include genetics, male gender, and post-term pregnancy.

Symptoms

Fetal macrosomia may not have any noticeable symptoms during pregnancy. However, some of the symptoms include:

  • Increased fundal height – the height from your pubic bone to the top of the uterus.
  • Increased amniotic fluid levels – a large baby can produce more urine output as compared to a normal baby, this can cause an increase in amniotic fluid levels.
  • Elevated maternal blood glucose levels
  • Difficulty with fetal movements
  • Difficulty with fetal heartbeat monitoring

 Risk factors

Factors that increase the chances of having fetal macrosomia.

  • pre-gestational diabetes – had diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
  • gestational diabetes –having diabetes in the current pregnancy.
  • maternal obesity
  • fetal macrosomia in a previous pregnancy
  • overdue pregnancy
  • maternal age – if the mother ages more than 35 years the risks are higher.

 Complications 

It can occur to the mother and baby.

Maternal complications-

  • The baby may get wedged in the labor canal due to its size. A c-section may be needed.
  • Vaginal tear during childbirth
  • Uterine rupture– if the mother previously had a c sec, fetal macrosomia can increase the risk of tear along the scar lines. This is a very rare but serious complication.
  • Bleeding due to uterine atony – Fetal macrosomia can increase the risk of the uterus not contracting properly resulting in serious bleeding.

Complications to the baby

  • Birth injuries: There can be an increase in risk of birth injuries, such as shoulder dystocia, which can cause nerve damage, fractures, and other complications.
  • Obesity: Babies who are born with a high birth weight are more likely to become overweight or obese later in life
  • Type 2 diabetes: Fetal macrosomia is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. This may be due to the effect of high blood glucose levels during pregnancy, which can cause the baby’s pancreas to produce more insulin than normal.
  • Metabolic syndrome – a group of conditions characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, elevated cholesterol levels, and excessive fat deposits around the waist. Babies with fetal macrosomia may be at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome later in life.
  • Cardiovascular disease: Fetal macrosomia may be associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

Diagnosis

Fetal macrosomia is typically diagnosed during prenatal care through ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound measurements can estimate fetal weight and can detect if the fetus is growing too quickly. Other diagnostic tests that may be performed include fetal echocardiography and fetal blood sampling.

In most cases, it occurs due to maternal obesity, diabetes, or excessive weight gain. But if these are not the factors causing it, then there could be a medical condition causing increased fetal growth which needs to be diagnosed.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options available depending on the severity of the condition. These may include:

  • Inducing labor before the due date: If the fetus is estimated to be larger than average, inducing labor before the due date may be recommended to reduce the risk of complications during delivery.
  • Caesarean delivery: If the fetus is estimated to be significantly larger than average or if the mother has diabetes, caesarean delivery may be recommended to reduce the risk of complications during delivery.
  • Blood glucose monitoring and control: For mothers with diabetes, controlling blood glucose levels during pregnancy can help prevent fetal macrosomia.

It’s important to note that not all babies born with fetal macrosomia will develop these long-term complications, and early diagnosis and appropriate management can help reduce the risk of these complications. It’s essential to discuss any concerns about fetal macrosomia with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.