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Vaginal Discharge: What’s normal and what is not?
Mar 5, 2019|Dr. Astha Dayal

Vaginal Discharge: What’s normal and what is not?

Vaginal discharge is seen as a normal cleansing process in the female reproductive system. It is a common phenomenon among girls and women. This discharge is in the form of fluid or mucus from the vaginal and the cervix glands. It helps in keeping the area clean and moist, washes away the dead cells and bacteria, and prevents infection.

However, in line with the various changes you experience in your body over time, this discharge also changes. Abnormal vaginal discharge is also commonly experienced by women during various stages of life. Abnormal vaginal discharge is different in appearance, odour and flow from what is expected. The presence of abnormal discharge indicates an underlying health concern such as infection or onset of menopause. 

In this article, with insights from Dr. Astha Dayal, we will explore what is a vaginal discharge and what to expect from it.

What is normal vaginal discharge?

Normal vaginal discharge varies in amount depending on the time in your menstrual cycle. It varies from body to body. It could be clear or milky white in color, it is thick, sticky and slippery, and might have some odor.

In most women, this is normal. During ovulating, pregnancy, breastfeeding, using birth control or sexually aroused, there is a slight increase in discharge. It may smell different when a woman is pregnant or when she is not paying heed to personal hygiene.

However, none of these changes are a cause for concern. Vaginal discharge is a natural process and has no link with age.

The vaginal discharge amount may vary at times:

  • Immediately, after periods, there is almost no discharge.
  • A couple of days after the period ends, there is a thick, white discharge.
  • A few days later, the consistency changes to appear more like mucous.
  • Before ovulation, the discharge becomes clear and sticky.
  • Before the next menstrual cycle, discharge is thick and white inconsistency.
  • During pregnancy, the discharge is thin, white, milky and has a mild odor. The amount of discharge also increases during pregnancy.
  • During perimenopause and menopause, the discharge decreases due to low estrogen levels.

What are the different types of vaginal discharge? 

There are several different types of vaginal discharge that are usually characterised by their different colours and consistencies. Common types of vaginal discharge include:

White

The most common colour type of discharge is white. It is usually seen at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle. While white discharge is normal, cottage cheese discharge which is thicker in appearance indicates an underlying health problem such as a yeast infection. 

Clear and watery 

Another common type of vaginal discharge is clear and watery. It is mostly seen after heavy exercising. 

Clear and stretchy 

Clear and stretchy discharge is identified by a mucus-like, stretchy discharge. This type of discharge is usually indicative of ovulation. 

Brown or bloody 

You may experience brown or bloody discharge around the time of your menstrual cycle, especially after. Blood discharge is also normally seen in between menstruation, this is known as spotting. If you experience spotting at a time which is not closer to your menstruation, it can be an early sign of pregnancy. In rare cases, this type of discharge may also indicate endometrial or cervical cancer. 

Yellow or green 

A yellow or green tinted discharge is not a normal type, especially when it is thick or has a foul odour. This type of discharge can indicate trichomoniasis infection.

What is abnormal vaginal discharge?

A change in the color, smell, or consistency especially if it is accompanied by vaginal itching or vaginal burning, could be indicative of an infection or any other underlying condition.

The change in the nature of discharge could be because of a change in the balance of the vaginal bacteria.

What causes abnormal vaginal discharge? 

Abnormal vaginal discharge can result from a range of health concerns or underlying conditions. Here is a list of some common causes that can lead to abnormal vaginal discharge:

Antibiotic or steroid use

Antibiotics which are used to treat bacterial infections can upset the yeast and bacterial balance of your vagina causing the development of abnormal vaginal discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection more common in pregnant women or women who have multiple sexual partners. This infection can cause a fishy odour in the vagina along with vaginal irritation.

Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection is a condition that causes irritation and abnormal whitish discharge from the vagina. It is caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina. Symptoms of yeast infection discharge include a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, along with itching, redness, irritation, and burning.

Almost 90 per cent of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their life. Yeast infections are not contagious, and over-the-counter antifungal creams are available for a patient to use.But, if symptoms don’t improve with treatment or you get these infections repeatedly, please consult a gynaecologist. The discharge experienced as a result of yeast infection is often thicker, creamy and white discharge no odour.

Birth control pills

Birth control pills can lead to the formation of an increased amount of vaginal discharge that is slightly different from the normal one. It does not usually indicate any illness and occurs due to an increased production of cervical fluid. 

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when the healthy cells in the cervix begin to divide and multiply at an abnormal rate leading to the formation of a mass called tumour. Cervical cancer can impact your vaginal discharge by making it foul smelling. 

Sexually transmitted infections

A colour-tinted discharge, usually green or yellow, is indicative of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs can cause vaginal discharge smell along with itching and irritation. 

Diabetes

Being diabetic can increase your chances of developing a yeast infection. It is because your body tends to get rid of excess sugar levels through bodily fluids such as vaginal discharge. 

Douches, scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath

Douching is the process of cleaning out the vagina and vulva with a mixture of water and other fluids. Experts suggest that women should avoid douching as the vagina can clean itself. Douching can also increase your chances of developing vaginal infection. It is also advised that women should avoid using scented soaps or other products on the vagina as they can mix with your natural odour and cause vaginal irritation.

Pelvic infection after surgery & Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection causing pain, cervical tenderness and vaginal discharge or white discharge no odour. It usually spreads through sexually transmitted infections. It leads to the secretion of white, cloudy discharge.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection typically contracted and caused by having unprotected sex. This infection can cause vaginal discharge that may be thick, thin or yellowish or green in  colour. 

Vaginal atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is a condition that causes the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause. This condition can cause inflammation of the vaginal wall and lead to a thin, watery and yellow or grey-tinted discharge.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is an inflammation or irritation in or around the vagina leading to discharge, itching and pain. Abnormal vaginal discharge caused from vaginitis can be foul-smelling or brown or green in colour. It occurs due to a change in the balance of vaginal bacteria. 

How is abnormal vaginal discharge diagnosed? 

Abnormal vaginal discharge is usually detected or diagnosed when a woman visits a gyanecologist with complaints of above-given symptoms or during the regular screening. 

Your gynaecologist will discuss your symptoms in detail along with your personal medical history. He/she will then perform a physical test and general health check including a pelvic exam and pap smear to examine and find out the cause of the discharge. In addition, your doctor may also perform a pH test and STD testing.

Types of Abnormal Discharge

Type of Discharge
It Could Be…
Other Symptoms
What You Can Do
Milky or white. Odorless Normal discharge None This is normal
Thick, white, and may resemble cottage cheese Yeast infection Vaginal itching, burning, soreness, or pain. Some women experience pain when urinating or having sex along with and redness, swelling or rash around the vulva Consult your gynecologist
White, yellow or grey Bacterial vaginosis Fishy odor, itching, and swelling Consult your gynecologist
Yellow or green, thick or chunky Trichomoniasis or bacterial infection or sexually transmitted disease Foul odor Consult your gynecologist
Brown or bloody Irregular menstruation or a sign of something more serious Pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding Consult your gynecologist
Cloudy, yellow Gonorrhea Pelvic pain Consult your gynecologist

Yeast Infection Discharge:

It is caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina. Symptoms of yeast infection discharge include a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, along with itching, redness, irritation, and burning.

Almost 90 percent of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their life. Yeast infections are not contagious, and over-the-counter antifungal creams are available for a patient to use.

But, if symptoms don’t improve with treatment or you get these infections repeatedly, please consult a gynecologist.

When to consult a doctor?

In case of the following, please consult your gynecologist:

  • Change in color, smell or texture
  • More than usual quantity of discharge
  • Itching and soreness in the vaginal area
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Pain while urinating
  • Pelvic pain

Home remedies for Vaginal discharge 

While it is recommended to visit a verified gynaecologist for effective treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge, you may take the following measures to help for temporary relief from symptoms.

Common home remedies for vaginal discharge 

Greek yoghurt – Probiotics such as Greek yoghurt contains live bacteria and supports in creating a healthy environment for your vagina.

Coconut oil – Coconut oil has several health benefits. It is popularly known for its antifungal properties. Coconut oil can help in treatment of vaginal yeast infection.

Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil is an essential oil used for the treatment of viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Tea tree oil also has antimicrobial properties that can help in easing vaginal irritation caused by abnormal discharge.

Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for the treatment of vaginal yeast infection. 

Vitamin C – Along with being a immune system booster, vitamin C helps in retaining the vaginal balance and treatment of yeast infections.

How To Stop Discharge Every Day In Case of Infections?

If you are suffering from a vaginal infection, it is recommended that you should practice the following measures to help control or stop excessive discharge:

  • Wear cotton underpants everyday 
  • Avoid wearing tight undergarments
  • Avoid practicing douching 
  • Consult your gynaecologist for early intervention

Breast Cancer Symptoms and Warning Signs

Breast Cancer Symptoms and Warning Signs

Early detection is key when it comes to breast cancer. Though breast pain and breast lumps in the breast are the most noticeable symptoms, some signs may not be as noticeable as others. Hence, it’s important that women know what the symptoms are, and learn how to spot them. Women should check their breasts regularly for any changes/ symptoms and get examined by a specialist. Let us analyze the risk factors and symptoms of breast cancer.

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

    • Genes:

A family history of breast cancer is a risk factor that should not be ignored. If any relatives in your family are affected with breast cancer, your risk of developing it is high.

    • Unhealthy Diet:

French fries, burgers, colas may be your favorite snacking options, but do not ignore the damage they cause. Red meat, saturated fats, processed food can cause cancer of the breast, stomach, bowels, mouth and food pipe.

    • Obesity:

Being obese increases your chances of breast cancer, especially in the case of postmenopausal women.

    • Alcohol:

Regular consumption of alcohol increases your risk of developing breast cancer.
Age: Although breast cancer is more prevalent for women above 40, it is the most common type of cancer diagnosed among women of reproductive age.

In your busy life, how often have you looked and felt your breasts to spot any changes in them? The following signs are indicative of changes in your breast and possible symptoms of breast cancer which need immediate attention.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

  • Change in the size, shape or appearance of the breast
  • Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
  • A lump in the breast or just below the armpit.
  • An Inverted, or upturned nipple
  • Scaling, peeling, or crusting of the skin around the nipple area
  • Redness of the skin over your breast
  • Blood or any unusual discharge from the nipple

Keep checking for any abnormalities/unusual changes in your breast from time to time. Consult our expert Breast cancer Doctors at The Breast Centre to help detect breast cancer in its early stage.

Super Diet for Fertility
Feb 21, 2019|Dr. Anjali Kumar

Super Diet for Fertility

It is a well-known fact, that individuals who lead a more health-conscious lifestyle with a high protein diet, rich in antioxidants, have high fertility rates and likely to conceive sooner than others. This also includes a well maintained physical and mental health. A well balanced and nutritional pre-pregnancy diet is an essential aspect for men and women to support successful conception. Men and women need to be very much aware of what they are and are not eating, to increase fertility and thereby increase their chances of having a baby.

Pre-conception nutrition guidelines for women and men:-

Folic acid: Prevents any serious congenital disabilities of the spinal cord and the brain.

Iron: Iron in the blood increases fertility. Make sure to include iron-rich foods in your diet.

Fish: Fish with lower levels of mercury is a safer choice to intake pre-and-during pregnancy.

Caffeine: Some believe that large amounts of caffeine can have an impact on fertility and could also be a cause for miscarriages during pregnancy. It is best to consume caffeine in moderation.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids and low-fat dairy. Reduce the intake of alcohol or carbonated beverages.

Zinc: Increases the sperm count and improves fertility in men. This mineral also effectively reduces stress.

Folate: An important mineral that men should consume to increase fertility. Dark green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, beans and lentils are high in folate.

Calcium: Increases the mobility and motility of the sperm. Calcium-rich food like milk and yoghurt should do the trick.

Both men and women should maintain a healthy BMI level between 20 to 25. Elevated BMI in men usually reduces fertility due to lower testosterone levels. Elevated BMI in females leads to problems with egg formation and embryo implantation.

In addition to the above, vitamin D must also be consumed along with food that is extremely rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, raspberries, oranges, spinach, beets, broccoli, walnuts, pistachios, and barley. It is also best to let your doctor know if you are taking any additional dietary or herbal supplements that are meant to boost your fertility.

Eating in the right quantities and at the right time is important. Skipping meals frequently or starvation can promote infertility in women.

Not only through a controlled and well-balanced diet, but one can also increase fertility by staying physically active on a regular basis. Mild to moderate aerobic exercise no more than 4 to 6 hours per week is regarded as healthy. An intense level of workout that reduces a woman’s body fat can have problems with proper reproductive hormonal functioning during ovulation. Excess body fat can also result in the same. It is important to maintain a body fat of 20% of total body weight, in women.

For men to increase their level of fertility, it is important for them to reduce or entirely stop their intake of nicotine, alcohol or drugs, which may cause erectile dysfunction and reduce the natural sperm count.

An effective nutrition program that has been customized specifically to your needs is deemed extremely valuable. Consult our fertility experts to maintain a balanced diet.

Female infertility treatment – Know your options
Feb 21, 2019|Dr. Anjali Kumar

Female infertility treatment – Know your options

A range of treatment options is available for childless couples to help them conceive. Treatment varies with the patient’s age, duration of infertility and most importantly, the factor causing infertility. Here we shall discuss the options available specifically for women.

Problems with ovulation, pelvic infections, damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, hormonal imbalances or problems with the cervix are common causes of infertility in females. Age can contribute to infertility because as a woman ages, her fertility naturally tends to decrease.

Fertility drugs

Fertility drugs are given to regulate hormones help in releasing more eggs during the ovulation cycle thus increasing the chances of getting pregnant. There are a few side effects like hot flashes, ovarian cysts, nausea, cervical mucus and mild depression. This is one of the most cost-effective female infertility treatments available.

Surgery

Blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, endometriosis, intrauterine adhesions are some of infertility causing conditions that can be treated successfully with surgery. They help remove or correct abnormalities to help improve the patient’s chances of conceiving. These can be managed with laparoscopy or hysterectomy on a daycare basis.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

IUI is a procedure where the concentrated amount of sperm from the spouse or a donor is placed inside the uterus directly when the patient is ovulating. This is to increase the count of sperms that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization. This is a short OPD procedure.

Read: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) Treatment

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

The eggs from the ovaries are combined with the sperm from a partner or donor in a laboratory. When the eggs are fertilized and the embryos are formed, the embryo or embryos created are transferred to the patient’s womb. The surplus embryos can be preserved for the future as well.

Your doctor can suggest you the right procedure, and in fact, it all begins with the drugs. Later, when you are not able to conceive even after medication, IUI and IVF are suggested. But, in women, where the problem is not simple, IVF and IUI can be given even at the early stage. In major cities like Delhi and NCR, lots of tests and pregnancy ultrasound in Gurgaon are conducted before this.

Visit our fertility consultants at the CK Birla Hospital to know more.

Also, read: Planning to start IVF? Here is what you need to know

Behavioral problems in children in a cosmopolitan city like Gurgaon – Fussy Eating
Feb 19, 2019|Dr. Shreya Dubey

Behavioral problems in children in a cosmopolitan city like Gurgaon – Fussy Eating

Does your kid often reject food or is too choosy on what he/she wants to eat? You are not the only one facing this though this doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Picky eating is usually common in toddler and preschool years. The constant worry whether your child is getting enough nutrition and the stressful meal times can have a huge impact on your day to day life.

Labelling “picky eating” as a bad behaviour is very easy. But it is important to understand the child’s perspective. Fussy or picky eating is just another step in the process of growing up and becoming independent. Understanding their little minds is essential.

  • Are they trying to defy you?
  • Are they struggling with the meal or texture?
  • Have they had any reason to form negative association with food in the past (reflux, choking, other health issues)?
  • Are they anxious about trying something new?
  • Are they inconsistent (Liking something one day and totally disliking it the next day)?
  • Do they refuse to chew?

Once you know the answers to the above questions, it would be easier to handle your fussy eater.

Children grow in phases and their needs can change on a daily basis. Some days what you might perceive as the minimum requirement for the kid is totally different than what he/she actually needs. It is recommended that sometimes the kids be put in charge of deciding how much they should eat. But to have that mindset, you need to be confident that they are healthy and thriving. It is important to get their height, weight and BMI periodically assessed by a paediatrician so that you can have that reassurance.

The following tips might help you get out of the vicious cycle of picky eating.

Let them be independent

Post infancy, babies learn a lot of new things and it is a time of constant change. Its only obvious that they seek “sameness” as much as possible. Consistency helps them feel safe and secure. You can help them try variety by giving them some power. Encourage self-feeding. Offer them safe finger foods. Give them a spoon to hold while you are feeding them. Let your child decide which foods to fill their plates with.

Respect your child’s appetite

Sometimes the child is not that hungry. Do not force a meal or snack. Do not bribe your child. Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming your child.

Stick to the routine

Serve meals and snacks at about the same time every day. Do not fill him/her up on juice, milk or snacks. Keep mealtimes short (20-30 mins). Put healthy foods where they can reach easily when hungry. Make family mealtimes a priority. Maintain a calm and pleasant attitude throughout a meal. Avoid distractions such as television, cell phones etc during meal times.

Be patient with new foods

Repeated exposure (usually >10 times) is required before he/she takes the first bite. Serve new foods along with your child’s favourite foods. Keep serving him healthy choices until they become familiar & preferred. Try introducing new or non-favourite foods at times different than meals so that they don’t associate the table with unpleasant experiences. Offer only one new food at a time. Make sure that at each meal, there is something your kid knows & likes. Let him/her spill a little. Accept age appropriate mess.

Don’t be a short order cook

Preparing a separate meal for your child after she rejects the original food doesn’t help. Give him/her what the rest of the family is eating in toddler sized portions.

Make food fun! 

There can be several visually interesting ways of serving food items. Catchy names like Doraemon’s pancakes or chhota bheem’s carrots will help a lot. Indulge in imaginative rebranding, eg. broccoli is dinosaur’s food.  Serve a variety of brightly coloured foods. Create new tastes by pairing low fat dressings & dips with vegetables. Let them be the grocery pickers. Let them help you prepare meals. When they help in making food, chances are very less that they will reject it.

Stop having unrealistic expectations

Your little one’s stomach and clenched fist are of same size. Often, there is a lot of confusion when pediatricians urge you to feed your children a varied diet, including fruits & veggies, to help with their development, but at the same time, they tell you not to worry if your child refuses to eat certain foods. As a parent, your job is to provide your child with healthy food choices & pleasant meals. Leave it to your child to decide which of these healthy foods to eat & how much to eat.

Be a role model

Eat healthy. Avoid showing disgust or disinterest when trying new foods in front of your children.

Remember, you are not alone. Picky eating is temporary. Your child will outgrow it. You just have to be patient. But if you feel that your child is not able to swallow properly or has any health issues or is not growing properly, consult an expert in paediatrics.

At the CK Birla Hospital, we also provide routine paediatric care including vaccinations, management of infectious diseases, advices on nutrition, growth, development and child behaviour.

Visit our consultants to know more.

Contraception – Myth vs. Fact
Feb 19, 2019|Dr. Anjali Kumar

Contraception – Myth vs. Fact

We asked our experts to expose some of the most common myths about oral contraception.

  1. Taking a birth control pill delays pregnancy

One of the myths, that is prevalent across the globe, is that pregnancy is delayed when you are on contraceptive pills for months. On the contrary, you can get pregnant as soon as you stop taking the pill. A woman can get pregnant within a week, after stopping the pill. Infact, oral contraceptive pills reduce the likelihood of infertility ; specifically because of all the good effects mentioned below

The pill can also reduce or help prevent:

  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Acne
  • Cysts in the breasts and ovaries
  • Ectopic pregnancy—a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, particularly in the fallopian tubes
  • Some kinds of cancers- the pill is also known to decrease the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. In addition, researchers are also investigating whether birth control pills decrease the chance of developing colon or rectal cancers.
  • Serious infections in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus
  • Iron deficiency (anaemia)
  1. Taking contraceptive pills makes you gain weight

Another popular misunderstanding is that oral contraceptive pills result in weight gain. Hormonal disturbances can cause weight gain but the pills are not directly responsible for it. There is also cyclical weight gain that is due to fluid retention; this is more noticeable in some than others. The NHS has published several papers and studies to show that there is little medical evidence that the latest contraceptive pills cause women to gain weight. The most important factor in weight gain is a poor, high-calorie diet and lack of exercise.

  1. Oral contraception has to be taken at the same time every day

A difference by a couple of hours is not going to make any difference. If you stick to the same time, the only advantage is that you will not forget taking it. If you miss one pill (late by up to 24 hours), take a pill  as soon as you remember and take your next pill, of the day too. Even if that means taking two in one day.

  1. Hormonal problems can be caused by using contraceptives for long

Minor side effects can be breast enlargement, cramps, pains in the legs, headache and nausea. The hormone levels present in these pills isn’t too high, and they can be safely used for years. Before rushing to change formulations, never forget that there might be another, non-pill related explanation for these side effects.

  1. Using 2 condoms makes sex safer

Condoms are 98% effective. But using 2 at the same time will not cut the risk of 2%. On the contrary, they rub against each other and tear off easily.

Same goes for baby oils; these oils destroy over 90% of a condom’s strength after only 15 min of contact.

  1. Use only good quality condoms
  2. Avoid any oil based lubricants
  3. Use each condom once only
  1. Breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive

Ask a gynaecology specialist for a safe contraceptive when breastfeeding, because it is not going to cut down the chances of getting pregnant. The absence of periods during the initial days of motherhood is also believed to prevent pregnancy, which is not true. If your baby is 6 months old, you have resumed periods, or your baby has started top feed; consult an expert gynaecologist and start another method of contraception.

  1. Taking pills can lead to other problems

Contraceptive pills can protect you against endometrial and ovarian cancer. There is no data suggesting that oral contraceptive pills causes depression or any other psychiatric disorder.

  1. Contraceptive methods cannot be used by everyone

Women who are obese, who smoke, are under age of 35 years and are diabetic can also resort to pills and UTI to prevent pregnancy.

  1. Sex during periods is safe

Being on your period is not going to stop your chances of getting pregnant. The sperm will live in the body till 7 days. The moment your period ends, and the eggs are produced, there are high chances of getting pregnant.

  1. Emergency contraceptive pills should be taken only in the morning

ECP is meant to be taken immediately after unprotected sex. But many women who do not have pills ready take it the next morning, and still, they are effective. In fact, a few pellets are active even if taken after 5 to 6 days after sex. We should be aware that abdominal pain after EC pill can be due to pregnancy in the fallopian tube. Consult your gynaecologist if you experience any discomfort or pain after taking ECP.

Visit our consultants at the CK Birla Hospital to know more.

 

Curbing your child’s screen addiction
Feb 15, 2019|Dr. Saurabh Khanna

Curbing your child’s screen addiction

As much as technology has been a boon to generations, it is also a curse that makes us more dependent and easily submissive to the virtual world. Children today are more restless and on a constant lookout for dynamic entertainment. And they do find it, faster than ever, by clicking on a video or immersing in an engaging game. Rightly said, kids these days learn to use gadgets even before they know how to speak.

By over-exposing them to the virtual world, parents inadvertently push their children towards unhealthy consequences. This happens when a gadget replaces human touch to calm a tantrum, or boredom is quick-fixed with a gaming app. Smartphones have become the modern pacifier. For young children, the digital screens seem to be a magical world to explore. They constantly ask for a smartphone to go back to the “magic land”, eventually getting addicted to it.

Undeniably, smartphones and laptops open a world of knowledge too. Albeit the advantages, too much screen time comes with long-term side effects. Children are likely to become overweight and prone to lifestyle problems early in life. For such issues, parents can visit a child specialist or paediatrician to seek advice. At the same time, psychological harm such as aggressive behaviour, decreased energy level, deflecting from play and learn, social anxiety and insomnia present deeper concerns and could require specialised attention.

One must consider that for little children, imitation is a major development milestone. Parents’ behaviour and lifestyle are common subjects in role play games. Naturally, keeping a child away from gadgets would be virtually impossible if the parents are hooked on to tablets and smartphones. So as a concerned parent, what steps could you take in managing your child’s screen time?

Steps to manage your child’s screen time: –

  1. Be an example: If you expect to reform your child, it is important to follow certain guidelines yourself. Show your child how exciting the world outside is. Encourage them to make friends and engage in outdoor activities. This will not only set their mind free but will also make them healthy and more social. Also, introduce them to the joy of reading.
  1. Open their creative side: What does your child like? Art? Music? Dance? Cooking? Encourage him or her to take up related activities. Allow them to participate more in extra-curricular activities at school. If possible, be a part of their performances, take a role in their plays or join them in art and craft.
  1. Create tech-free zones at home: There should be zones free from all electronic gadgets at home; like a living room where everybody can come together without any interference and spend quality time together. It is very important to engage in constant interaction with your child to help them remove the feeling of isolation. Consider putting your phone on a silent mode during that time.
  1. Get specialized care: A little professional help could go a long way, if you are finding it hard to curb your child’s screen addiction. Consult a child specialist who will provide the right guidance on creating a healthy and wholesome growing environment for your child.

Visit our expert paediatric consultants at the CK Birla Hospital to know more.

What Your Gynaecologist Wants You to Know
Feb 15, 2019|Dr. Astha Dayal

What Your Gynaecologist Wants You to Know

Your gynaecologist wants you to open up about your health concerns so that he/she can offer you the best care and treatment methods. After all, it’s your own body, and you know it the best.

At the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon, awareness and care is our utmost priority!

Here are some things which your gynaecologist might want you to be aware of: –

Keep a watch on the discharge

Itching, irritation and abnormal discharge do not always mean that you have an infection. There could be other reasons as well. If over the counter medication does not help, please contact your gynaecologist. Having clear and ordourless discharge is quite normal, as is having the consistency of discharge changing throughout your menstrual cycle. 

Are you having painful periods?

Periods can be associated with cramps and discomfort, but it does not mean the pain should stop you from doing your everyday activities. So ask your gynecologist for advice and support.

Birth control methods

Various birth control methods exist, and you need to opt for the one you’re most comfortable with. If you do not want to opt for a barrier method such as a condom or taking the contraceptive pill, you might want a long-term solution such as an intrauterine device or a skin implant.

Personal hygiene

Your private parts have hair as nature knows hair fights infection. Your gynecologist never minds, how groomed the area is as it is not associated with hygiene. Another thing women relate to the cleanliness of their private parts is the use of sprays, douche, and wipes. Your vagina maintains a pH balance itself and these hygiene products can mess with the normal balance. Check with your gynaecologist before using such products.

Regular pap smears

Regular Pap smears are the way of diagnosing of cervical cancer at the earliest. But, not all abnormal pap smears mean cancer. They can be treated even before cancer is diagnosed. When you are scheduled for the yearly pap test, you don’t have to cancel your appointment because of your period. If it is light bleeding, then you can always attend your appointment. However, this is not the same in case if you are being tested for an infection.

STD and Pap smear are not same

Do not think that pap smears are automatically screening for STDs too. If you think you are at risk of a sexually transmitted disease, consult your doctor without hesitation for confidential advice and treatment.

Be honest about your sex life

Your sex life can be the cause of a few infections, and there are chances of STDs too. So be honest with your gynaecologist about your gender preferences or having multiple partners. This helps the professional to arrive at the right conclusion. The gynecologist is not there to judge your morality but to decide the best treatment for you. 

Discuss your fertility

Your fertility decreases as you age and goes alarmingly low when you are above 35. But do not think that IVF should be the only way to give birth when you are over 35 years of age. Individual cases can vary. So, if you are trying to get pregnant, or postponing your pregnancy, check for the options available. 

The bottom line

Just be clear about these things with your gynaecologist and feel comfortable with them. While the doctor can diagnose and treat the problem, your cooperation to find the underlying issue and get the treatment done in the required amount of time matters the most.

Visit our expert gynaecology consultants at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon to know more.

Urinary Tract Infections – A common issue in the corporate crowd
Feb 15, 2019|Dr. Astha Dayal

Urinary Tract Infections – A common issue in the corporate crowd

Travelling is a nightmare for many women in India, majorly because of the lack of clean restrooms. Trains, restaurants, and the other public washroom options aren’t the cleanest and have chances of spreading Urinary tract infections (UTI) in women.

Corporate offices mostly have common washrooms. The sad part is, to avoid infections, women control their pee. This, in fact, could aggravate the chances of UTI.

Here are a few symptoms of UTI to look out for: 

  • Persistent urge to urinate without passing much urine
  • Burning with urination
  • Blood in urine
  • Dense/cloudy urine
  • Urine that looks like cola or tea
  • Foul smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain in women
  • Cramping, fatigue and even fever

What data says?

Women are more prone to catching UTI’s compared to men due to the anatomy of their urinary tract. In India, 10 million people are affected by urinary tract infections in a year. And 1 in 2 women contract UTI, while 1 in 5 get affected by it for the second time.

A UTI is usually easily curable in its early stages, but its important not to self medicate or delay contacting a doctor. A delayed or inadequate treatment can cause it to come back again, or even complicate it to involve your kidneys.

The good news is that simple measures and timely action can help prevent a UTI or its recurrence.

Preventive Measures for UTI

  • Keep yourself hydrated and drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water in a day.
  • Maintain proper hygiene. Keep the area dry. Dab yourself dry with tissue paper after washing yourself. Avoid tight synthetic underclothes/jeans in summer as they can cause excess sweating.
  • Always clean from front to back.
  • Try using Indian-type toilet that lets you squat and relieve yourself,  wherever possible. This reduces the chance of UTI by 50% as you don’t touch the seat.
  • When you want to urinate, do not delay. Find the nearest place to pee as holding it for long can be the primary reason for your urinary tract infection.
  • Some women get a UTI after intercourse. Always use condoms and wash your private parts and urinate after sex to avoid this. Do not use any harsh cleaning agents or perfumed soaps while washing the genital area.
  • Also, when you see and feel symptoms, it is important to meet a doctor and give your urine sample before starting medication. At the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon, we have 24 hour laboratory services and experienced gynaecologists to guide you.

What can you carry?

  • There are devices like funnels explicitly designed for women to urinate. These help you to stay off from the toilet seat and still pee.
  • You could also use disposable toilet seat covers, if your bladder gets full quickly. They restrict the touch of your skin to the toilet seat and save the trouble. You can also carry tissue paper rolls in your bag.
  • Also, you can find many easy to carry toilet sanitizers. They are available in the form of sprays. Use them on the seat before you use the toilet seats in the restaurants, offices and even in aircrafts.

Conclusion

UTI’s can be prevented by good hydration, maintaining hygiene and taking simple measures while using public washrooms. If you still feel an increase in your frequency of peeing, or a repeated urge to pee or pain or burning while passing urine, please seek help from your doctor. It is important to give a urine sample before taking any antibiotics. We, at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon, have experts who specialize in diagnosing UTI infections, provide medication to prevent repeated infections, and deal with special situations like a urinary stone or UTI if you are planning for pregnancy or already pregnant.