My Boyfriend Gave Me An STD?? - by Davita Isles

Annie sat on the toilet, exhausted after a 10 minute battle with herself. For the past 2 days she has been having a frequent and intense urge to urinate. “What is this…like my 5^th time peeing for the day? And it’s only 9 a.m.”, she thought to herself.  However, unlike her previous experiences using the restroom, this time was different. She continued, “I spend all that time forcaying on the toilet just to hear two little drops of pee pee fall down? That making any sense? Why it burning like that nuh?” She pulled up her trousers and sat back unto the toilet. She started wondering about the cause of her problem. 

“But what that really going on with my body there nuh”, she asked herself. Then she gasped with dismay when the most dreadful conclusion struck her. “Jesus Christ! Please! Please don’t let this be what I think it is. My friends warned me about Tom. Papa bordiay please don’t tell me is that”, she cried. Now on the restroom floor, Annie busted out into tears, her face buried into the palms of her hands.  Annie was still a virgin when she had met Tom. Her friends had warned her about him by telling her about his promiscuous ways. They said that he was just like all the other boys their age; first claiming their love for you then leaving you heartbroken after they have gotten what they wanted.  Annie, however, thought that he was different from the rest. Tom said that he genuinely loved her and would never do anything to hurt her. All of that changed when she received a SnapChat picture from her friend showing Tom sitting awfully close to this random girl at the club last Saturday. That was the exact day after she had lost her virginity to Tom. She was hurt. How could he be cheating on her?

The bathroom door came swinging open. It was her mom. She sat on the tiles next to Annie and held her closely in a comforting hug. With a warm voice she spoke to her daughter, “What’s wrong Annie? Why are you crying?” Annie began crying even louder. After some time of comforting and sobbing Annie finally lifted her face up to look at her mother. Her face looked puzzled. She was really concerned as to why her daughter was in such a distressing state. “Mom”, Annie started, “Something is awfully wrong with me. For the past few days I’ve been having this feeling that I want to pee. I’ve been on the toilet over like 30 times in two days mom. Today I’ve been wanting to pee really badly, but when I get to the toilet nothing comes out and it burns so much. Mom, I’m really scared.” Her face was still red from crying. Her mother looked at her and asked “Is there something that you’ve been meaning to tell me Annie?” Annie took in a deep breath and said in a soft tone, “Tom and I did it”. Her mother’s voice suddenly possessed more bass. “So he did this to you?”

***

 “Miss Annie, would you like your mother to remain in the room”, inquired Dr. Charles. “Yes I would, she’s my mother. She needs to know what’s going on with me”, she replied. Dr Charles continued, “Well alright then. Annie I am going to ask you a series of questions and I need you to answer as honestly as possible. Annie gulped as she knew that this session could quickly go down hill.

***

“I would like you to go to the restroom and urinate in this cup. We’re going to do a urine analysis in order to determine what the cause of your problems is Miss Annie.”

***

On her way back from the restroom Annie noticed that the urine contained in the sample cup that she held was rather cloudy. The burning sensation in her pelvic region had returned and there was now a faint ache in her lower abdominal region. She handed Dr. Charles’ assistant the urine sample and then presented her new symptom to the doctor. He instantly noted it down.

“I can assure you Miss Annie that you do not have any sexually transmitted infections or diseases.  However, your urine sample contained leukocytes which is commonly known as pus. As a result the urine possessed a cloudy appearance; this is a condition called pyuria. What you are currently struggling with is known as a UTI, a Urinary Tract Infection. Someway, somehow, a bacteria called Escherichia coli has found its way up your urethra and has been multiplying in your bladder. As a result you are experiencing all of these symptoms.  Luckily for you Miss Annie I have prescribed some antibiotics that will make your problem go away”, he said while handing Annie her prescription. Annie let out a sigh of relief as this was good news to her ears. She quickly glanced at her mother who looked rather upset about the entire situation. At that moment Annie knew that the ride back home was going to be a yelling affair as it pertains to her thinking that she had an STD. Why was she having unprotected sex at the age of 15 in the first place? Her mother trusted her enough to have a boyfriend, but this? This was taking her trust to a whole other level.

Dr Charles continued, “I would like for you to drink lots of fluids throughout the next 2 weeks – preferably 8 glasses of water a day. Also, if you aren’t already aware, after using the restroom please wipe from front to back. This will eradicate possible risks of getting an infection again. Please keep in mind, when you feel the urge to urinate use the restroom instead of trying to hold it in. And, I understand that you are sexually active?” Her mother sucked her teeth. Dr. Charles quickly looked at Mrs. Hill and then back at Annie and proceeded, “After having sexual intercourse I would advise that you urinate. This can help prevent the spread of fecal bacteria to the bladder." Annie nodded as she understood what was being said. At that moment, her phone started vibrating in her back pocket. It was Tom. He was blowing up her phone because he had not heard from her all day. "If he only knew what was going on right now, he would have never been so concerned about me", Annie thought to herself. She sighed. 

***

Annie raced in front of her mother after leaving the doctor’s office. She could hear the office door slamming after the exit of her mother. As she headed quickly into the vehicle, she could feel her mother glaring at her from behind. Their mother-daughter trip to the pharmacy was not going to be a pleasant one.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (by Jurvyn David)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder among women. It causes menstrual irregularities, infertility, signs of excess androgen secretion, and cysts on the ovaries. It is often associated with obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women.

Symptoms include:

• ·        Irregular periods or not having a period at all
• ·        Infertility or miscarriages
• ·        Excessive hair growth (usually found on the face, chest or buttocks)
• ·        Weight gain
• ·        Male like hair loss
• ·        Dark patches of skin
• ·        Excess androgen production

PCOS is a treatable disorder and it can be managed by purchasing pills that can regulate your menstrual cycle, prevent excessive hair growth and diet and exercise.

Take two paracetamol...Really mom?....(By Delra Morgan)

On December 22nd it was my last day of exams at college and thought it was a day of relief for me. heading home form school, I was so excited because school is closed and its was time to prepare for the Christmas holidays. upon arrival to my home that night, I felt the need to void so i went straight to the washroom. whilst voiding there was this burning sensation which seem to be a bit painful; but i took this for nothing because since i was holding in urine for a while now i simply thought this was the cause off the pain.

what is happening to me????......As the days passed by I ignored the pain...but it only seemed to get worst. I started getting severe, intense abdominal pain.especially at nights having me not being able to sleep for two nights a mild fever and I also had a frequent urge to void but not actually doing it.The pain was so unbearable i couldn't stand it any longer. But presently in these day since you have pain leave it in the hand of paracetamol. I complained to my mother of my condition, of the intense pain i was getting but unfortunately, "go drink paracetamol" she said. yes i ran along and drank them but these painkillers did nothing for me.

Am i going to die?....seeing that i could bear the pain any longer i went to the nurse and explained to her my symptoms. I was shocked when i was told that i have a UTI because i did not know what that was. A (UTI) Urinary Tract Infection is an infection of any part of the urinary tract caused by a microbe such as bacteria. UTIs have different names depending on which part of the urinary system is infected.

• bladder infection- cystitis 
• kidney infection- nephritis
• urethra infection-urethritis

But i had urethritis. The pain and the strong urge to void are the exact symptoms of this infection "The pain was more intense at night when the body is a rest  because the bacteria tend to be more active" the nurse said. Another symptom of this infection is having a cloudy, bloody or a strong smelling urine. this symptom occurs if the bacteria moved up to the bladder and or kidneys, but luckily i didn't have it. It is said that women are more likely to develop UTIs than men due to the anatomical differences. the female urethra ids shouter than that of the male, and is closer to the anus making it more likely for bacteria to be transferred from that area to the urethra. There are other factors which may increase the likelihood of developing a UTI. Theses may include:poor personal hygiene,bowel incontinence, use of spermicides etc.

However this can be treated by drinking a lot of water. Water flushes out the infection.also antibiotics can be given for the bacteria.

Female Reproductive System. Julie Bonnie

Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva, mammary glands and breasts. These organs are involved in the production and transportation of gametes and the production of sex hormones. The female reproductive system also facilitates the fertilization of ova by sperm and supports the development of offspring during pregnancy and infancy.

The female reproductive anatomy includes both external and internal structures.The external female genitalia is also referred to as the vulva. It is made up of different organs, the most important ones being the mons pubis, both the labia majora and the labia minora , the vaginal opening, urethral opening (from where urine is dispensed), and the clitoris.

Mons pubis/pubic mound: is pubic bone that provides cushioning to the vulva.
a raised layer of adipose tissue between the skin and the

Labia majora: enclose and protect the other external reproductive organs. During puberty, hair growth occurs and the skin of the labia majora, which also contain sweat and oil-secreting glands.

Labia minora: can have a variety of sizes and shapes. They lie just inside the labia majora, and surround the openings to the vagina and urethra. This skin is very delicate and can become easily irritated and swollen.  

Bartholin’s glands: These glands are located next to the vaginal opening on each side and produce a fluid (mucus) secretion.  

Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that is comparable to the penis in males. The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin, called the prepuce, which is similar to the foreskin at the end of the penis. 

The internal reproductive organs include: 

Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal. The cervix is a narrow, lower portion of the reproductive system that connects the vagina and uterus. Your cervix is what dilates during labor, and it also thins (called effacement) to allow the baby to pass through. In addition to the cervix and the vagina, the internal female anatomy also comprises the uterus. 

Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A canal through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit

Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones. When a woman starts menstruating, the ovaries release eggs on a monthly basis (ovulation) until menopause.

Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as pathways for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization of an egg by a sperm normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants to the uterine lining.

The female reproductive cycle 

The female reproductive cycle is the process of producing an ovum and readying the uterus to receive a fertilized ovum to begin pregnancy. If an ovum is produced but not fertilized and implanted in the uterine wall, the reproductive cycle resets itself through menstruation. The entire reproductive cycle takes about 28 days on average, but may be as short as 24 days or as long as 36 days for some women.

Under the influence of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), the ovaries produce a mature ovum in a process known as ovulation. By about 14 days into the reproductive cycle, an oocyte reaches maturity and is released as an ovum. Although the ovaries begin to mature many oocytes each month, usually only one ovum per cycle is released.

Once the mature ovum is released from the ovary, the fimbriae catch the egg and direct it down the fallopian tube to the uterus. It takes about a week for the ovum to travel to the uterus. If sperm are able to reach and penetrate the ovum, the ovum becomes a fertilized zygote containing a full complement of DNA. After a two-week period of rapid cell division known as the germinal period of development, the zygote forms an embryo. The embryo will then implant itself into the uterine wall and develop there during pregnancy.

While the ovum matures and travels through the fallopian tube, the endometrium grows and develops in preparation for the embryo. If the ovum is not fertilized in time or if it fails to implant into the endometrium, the arteries of the uterus constrict to cut off blood flow to the endometrium. The lack of blood flow causes cell death in the endometrium and the eventual shedding of tissue in a process known as menstruation. In a normal menstrual cycle, this shedding begins around day 28 and continues into the first few days of the new reproductive cycle.

If the ovum is fertilized by a sperm cell, the fertilized embryo will implant itself into the endometrium and begin to form an amniotic cavity, umbilical cord, and placenta. For the first 8 weeks, the embryo will develop almost all of the tissues and organs present in the adult before entering the fetal period of development during weeks 9 through 38. During the fetal period, the fetus grows larger and more complex until it is ready to be born.

Lactation is the production and release of milk to feed an infant. The production of milk begins prior to birth under the control of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is produced in response to the suckling of an infant on the nipple, so milk is produced as long as active breastfeeding occurs. As soon as an infant is weaned, prolactin and milk production end soon after. The release of milk by the nipples is known as the “milk-letdown reflex” and is controlled by the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is also produced in response to infant suckling so that milk is only released when an infant is actively feeding. 




The breasts are specialized organs of the female body that contain mammary glands, milk ducts, and adipose tissue. In the center of each breast is a highly pigmented nipple that releases milk when stimulated. The areola, a thickened, highly pigmented band of skin that surrounds the nipple, protects the underlying tissues during breastfeeding. The mammary glands are a special type of sudoriferous glands that have been modified to produce milk to feed infants. Within each breast, 15 to 20 clusters of mammary glands become active during pregnancy and remain active until milk is no longer needed. The milk passes through milk ducts on its way to the nipple, where it exits the body.

Reference

http://www.innerbody.com/image/repfov.html#full-description
https://www.avawomen.com/avaworld/the-female-reproductive-system/ 
http://babypradise.blogspot.com/2015/03/stages-of-fetal-growth.html

Hormonal Contraceptives (The Pill/s) by Norma Benjamin

I was recently engaged in a discussion with two of my pageant sisters about hormonal contraceptives; birth control/family planning pill and the morning after pill/Emergency contraceptive (Plan B). 

They both contain hormones to change the way the body works and prevent pregnancy but the family planning pill will not allow a fertilized egg to implant while the emergency contraceptive kill an implanted egg. In this case hormones in the pill control the ovaries and the uterus; hormonal birth control prevents the egg from being released from the ovaries, thicken the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus and thinning the lining of the uterus; making it hard for the egg to stick, to prevent pregnancy.   

To understand how hormonal contraceptives works we have to understand how the menstrual cycle works. The 28 day cycle with day one being the day your period starts and day 14 being ovulation day. A typical cycle is approximately 24 to 35 days and the average 28 days for most women. Hormones include from the pituitary gland in the brain - the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH) and from the ovaries estrogen and progesterone. The main hormones that affect the female reproductive organs is estrogen and progesterone. 

On Day 1 of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels are low. Low levels of estrogen and progesterone signal the pituitary gland in the brain to produce Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). In the first half, FSH hormone stimulate the follicle in the ovary to mature and ready to release an egg to ovulate around day 14. The follicle produces more estrogen to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. At ovulation, there is an LH surge which results in the release of an egg from the follicle. ( around the 14th day). If the egg is not fertilized, estrogen and progesterone levels drop and on day 28 the menses begin. 

The Birth Control Pill, aside from being contraceptive, fundamentally changes how a woman’s body was made to function. It basically tricks her body into thinking it is constantly pregnant. The family planning pill contains both estrogen and progestin while emergency pill contains only progestin.What happens is that estrogen and progesterone stabilize a woman's natural hormone levels and prevent estrogen from peaking mid cycle. Without estrogen bump, the pituitary gland does not release hormones that normally cause ovaries to release a mature egg. Constant estrogen levels present causes FSH to be down due to the negative feedback (no follicular development for ovulation). So basically estrogen stops the pituitary gland from producing FSH and LH (decrease in) in order to prevent ovulation. Now progesterone levels present causes LH to never surge due to the negative feedback and stops the pituitary gland from producing LH in order to prevent egg release. It also makes the uterus lining inhospitable to fertilize an egg, partially limit the sperm ability to fertilize an egg and thicken the cervical mucus to hinder sperm movement.  

Weight gain is a controversial side effect argued. *especially in Dominica* Clinical study have found no consistent association between birth control and weight gain. However estrogen influences insulin resistance; causing the insulin in your body to make more because the cells get somewhat numb to the insulin.  So more insulin is needed because fat cells to grow. I have a friend who recently started birth control and she experienced some weight gain as well as rapid weight loss when she made the decision to stop the pill. So maybe birth control and weight gain are somewhat linked for some people. 

To conclude, as teenagers we constantly think of the future ahead of us and when engaged in a relationship, the topic of starting contraceptives may come up. Starting it is all about choice and for the females you may feel like a walking baby machine but you're not. To make this decision one needs to understand that this affects the natural functioning of your body. Your choice of contraception is most certainly a personal one. And in a world full of modern medical technology, we have been taught that taking a pill is the answer to any health problem. However, unnatural choices have unnatural consequences.

#Your choice  

*References: 

http://womeninbalance.org/about-hormone-imbalance/ 

  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290196.php 

  http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-do-birth-control-pills-work 

AIR GOES IN AIR COMES OUT, HOW DIFFICULT COULD THAT BE?

It started with a reoccurring shortness of breath (dyspnoea) and a nasty occasional cough.  She had also notice it had become a difficult task for her to complete her daily exercises because it was difficult for her to breathe.  Jenny obviously pushed it away until it got worse.  On conducting her own research, she found a disease called emphysema which entailed some of her symptoms.  The cough was as result of mucus production and she then realised she had another symptom she did not even realised "pursed-lip breathing."  To empty trapped air the individual would purse their lips, leaving only a small opening. Then upon exhaling, the lips cause obstruction of the flow of air, increasing pressure in the collapsed airways, and opening them, allowing the trapped air to empty.

She then decided it was time for a check-up.  At her doctor’s office, it was concluded that she had a "barrel chest," which was common in people with emphysema.  The distance from the chest to the back becomes more pronounced. This is a result of air becoming trapped behind obstructed airways.

Emphysema symptoms:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Tightness feeling in the chest
• Barrel-like distended chest
• Constant fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Morning headaches
• Weight loss
• ankle swelling
• difficulty concentrating

Emphysema/obstructive lung disease is a long-term, progressive disease of the air sacs found in the lungs it is due to over-inflation of the alveoli.  The alveoli walls are destroyed, this is a dangerous disease because the alveoli tissue is involved in exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide).  It produces abnormally big air spaces that will remain filled with air even during exhalation.

Emphysema is part of the disease COPD/Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with chronic bronchitis.  Chronic Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes which creates mucus.  These two diseases usually occur together.

What could have been the cause of this disease she though not aware that her father’s cigarette habit had caught up with her. This disease can be caused by smoking either second-hand or first-  hand, pollution, exposure to dust or fumes.  A small number of people develop emphysema from the disease alpha 1-antitrpsin deficiency which is an inherited disease. 

 Sadly emphysema can not be cured but treatment can be used to lessen symptoms. 

Medication

• A bronchodilator may be suggested by a doctor depending on the severity of the disease. It can be used to help relieve coughing, shortness of breath and breathing problems by relaxing constricted airways.
• Inhaled steriods which may help relieve shortness of breath. 
• Antibiotics help if you develop a bacterial infection. 

Therapy

• Pulmonary rehabilitation are breathing exercises and techniques that may help reduce your breathlessness and improve your ability to exercise.
• Nutrition therapy provides proper nutrition usually doen in early stages of emphysema.  many people need to lose weight, while people with late-stage emphysema often need to gain weight.
• Supplemental oxygen done usually in severe case isIthe use of oxygen regularly at home.

Surgery

• Lung volume reduction surgery in this procedure done to get rid damaged lung tissue which improves breathing.
• Lung transplant is an option when all has failed.

Resources

http://www.medicinenet.com/emphysema_lung_condition/page2.htm

https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/emphysema.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/basics/treatment/con-20014218