Health (Page 15)

pro-choice malta

Being pro choice is something I feel very passionate about, especially as a woman. But I still find it hard to write about because the conversation is so widely suppressed that I often get scared to merely bring it up. This is a huge problem because the only way we can learn is if we can openly talk. Conversation and opposing opinions should under no circumstance take away a woman’s reproductive rights, the basic idea that a person should have complete bodily autonomy should always prevail. Usually, the counter-argument to that would claim that the foetus is its own person (this is another debate inRead More…

bacterial vaginosis penis microbiome

Bacterial Vaginosis is an infection caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome; a common cause of unusual smelly vaginal discharge with a different consistency and colour, evident especially after sex. However, about 50% of women with Bacterial Vaginosis experience no symptoms. Similarly, itchiness and soreness are usually not present during this infection. Bacterial Vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in itself, but it can increase your chance of getting various STI’s such as HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, as well as lead to fertility issues. Although Bacterial Vaginosis is quite common, there is not yet a clearly known cause. However,Read More…

mesotherapy malta

Youthful, radiant, healthy skin – the holy grail of the medical aesthetics industry. But how can we achieve it? And how do we maintain it? An effective solution is mesotherapy, a treatment that originated in France in the 1950s and has steadily gained global popularity over the years as a specialty discipline.    Mesotherapy is also known as biorevitalization or skin “boosting”. It’s a simple and effective treatment that targets ageing skin and gives natural results with essentially no downtime. Let’s look at what mesotherapy is, how it works and some misconceptions surrounding it. How does Mesotherapy work? Mesotherapy formulas commonly contain a combination ofRead More…

fibromyalgia

Five years might not be seen as too long, however, constant pain, sleep difficulties, migraines and headaches, as well as problems with mental processes can make those 5 years feel like a never-ending hell. I am a 19 year old young woman, and finally, after 5 years begging various doctors to answer questions regarding all issues with my body, I was able to rule out other possible conditions and come to the conclusion that what I most likely have is Fibromyalgia. It all started 7 years ago, when I was admitted to Mater Dei Hospital with Tachycardia: my heart was beating at an average rateRead More…

mindful masturbation

Research points towards mindful masturbation being effective in improving sexual health and in treating sexual difficulties. Here’s why… Most women of my generation grew up with a negative view of female sexuality, where sex was reserved for procreation and for after marriage. The words vulva, vagina and clitoris were taboo and rarely spoken about. There was an aura of shame, guilt and disgust around female sexual pleasure and we were tasked with the responsibility of keeping the boys in check by our behavior, the way we dressed and our general demeanor. We were told by authority figures that masturbation was bad and to be avoided.Read More…

covid positive family member

Few weeks ago my husband was feeling unwell, just a sore throat and body aches but no fever. He tested positive to Covid19… This COVID-19 has been a word that everyone seems to be afraid of. I would like to share my experience so that others that may have to go through it wont feel as helpless as I felt. Few weeks ago my husband was feeling unwell, just a sore throat and body aches but no fever. We thought it would be best that he goes to do the test before going to see our family gp. He tested positive to covid19. The shockRead More…

MAP Morning After Pill Malta

After a recent post on Facebook, Gynaecologist Dr. Rita Hansagi felt she had to intervene to explain more about the MAP (Morning After Pill) and how it works. Ladies. I am a gynecologist. It is my profession to answer this question. There are 2 types of MAP available in Malta. 1. Escapelle – which contains a high dose of artificial progesterone hormone. Only thing it does when taken is delaying/postponing or blocking ovulation, by delaying the LH surge. It is simple hormone biology. Does not kill any baby. 2. Ella One – this contains another type of chemical called ullipristat – has a bit ofRead More…

anxiety apps

Covid has made people who never worry or who have never experienced anxiety start to suffer from it too. These downloadable anxiety apps can help curb anxiety… We all go through different phases in life, and suffer ups and downs, some of us take these in our stride and seem to be able to ride the waves without suffering much, many of us however need some help. To top it all Covid has made people who never worry or experienced anxiety start to also suffer too. Thankfully, there is a lot of help around and Richmond Foundation are doing a great job offering free counsellingRead More…

osteoporosis osteopenia

In discussing osteoporosis and bone health, it’s good that there are things you can do to fight osteoporosis and promote healthier bones…. Osteoporosis is a health condition that develops over a number of years. It weakens bones, making them more fragile and more likely to break. It is often diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a fracture. Osteopenia (bone loss) would have been taking place for years before osteoporosis occurs. This is why it is important to do a bone density scan (depending on your age and risk factors) to check how strong your bones are. If you do have osteopenia, there areRead More…

Maskne acne from covid masks

Wham asked Dr. Charmaine Apap about Maskne… In my practice I am increasingly consulting a lot of patients (both female as well as male) who have started seeing acne due to prolonged mask use. This is occurring even in people who have never had acne before, as well as aggravating acne in people who were already prone to the problem. Such is the frequent worldwide occurrence of this problem that a new term “Maskne” has been recently coined. It is primarily caused by the heat, friction and occlusion which develops under the mask (in fact it is a type of occlusive acne called “acne mechanica“). This isRead More…