Sexual and Reproductive Health (Page 5)

fertility after breast cancer

“Fertility preservation can be effective,” says Dr Khalife. “Around one in six of those who stored their gametes had a good outcome”… The first long-term record of how cancer patients made use of their stored eggs and embryos after cancer treatment is presented today at the 36th Annual Meeting of ESHRE. The results demonstrate from the 20-year data how successful fertility preservation can be in these patients, especially those with breast cancer. Details of the analysis, covering the longest reported period of use, are presented today online by Dr Dalia Khalife from Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital, London, at the virtual Annual Meeting of ESHRE.Read More…

what does a miscarriage feel like

A very common question women ask during pregnancy is “what does a miscarriage feel like?”. Here is all you need to know about miscarriages… A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy within the first 22 weeks where the baby has not gained 500g in weight. There are different types of miscarriages, as listed below: Spontaneous / Complete Miscarriage: when the womb empties itself completely Silent Miscarriage: when the baby dies but is not miscarried Incomplete Miscarriage: when pregnancy tissue is left in the womb Blighted Ovum: when the pregnancy doesn’t develop properly Although the cause of a miscarriage is sometimes unknown, it happens mostlyRead More…

reproductive technologies in malta

Wham received a request from one of our readers to find out more about reproductive technologies available for lesbian couples and the policies surrounding these opportunities. So, we contacted Ms. Simone Attard the Executive Director of the Embryo Protection Authority to update us with the latest regulations and information and to tell us what’s available for couples or single persons trying to conceive. Can you tell us more about the current practices and policies in place for couples wanting to start a family in this manner – using reproductive technologies. The Embryo Protection Act came into force on the 1st of January 2013 with theRead More…

Nutrition during pregnancy is a very vital aspect for a healthy pregnancy or when planning to concieve, as it helps your baby develop well… Nutrition During Pregnancy: A Balanced Diet A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time but isespecially vital if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow well. Unless you suffer from any diet-related conditions, you do not need to go on a special diet, but it’s important to eat a variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that youRead More…

Emergency contraception in Malta includes two types of emergency contraceptive pills, with the more popular ones named ESCAPELLE®. Read on to find out who stocks the MAP in your locality. What are Emergency Contraceptive Pills and what are they used for? ECPs are sometimes called “morning after” pills (MAP). ECPs can be used any time a woman is worried that she might become pregnant. For example, after: Unprotected sex Mistakes using contraception, such as: Condom was used incorrectly, slipped, or broke Delays in taking the daily oral contraceptive pill or missed pills Couple incorrectly uses a fertility awareness method (for example, failed to abstain orRead More…

Exercise for pregnant women provides countless benefits for both the mother and her developing baby. By participating in safe effective exercise and physical activity, you will not only feel better physically, but also mentally. Benefits of exercise for pregnant women Keeping within the recommended healthy gestational weight gain Minimising aches and pains that are commonly associated with pregnancy such as back pain Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles which will be helpful during labour Keeping under control your blood pressure, especially since pregnancy may cause it to fluctuate Relieving stress and decreasing the risk of post natal depression Achieving your pre-pregnancy shape quicker and easier ConsiderationsRead More…

It’s exciting planning an addition to your family. Dr Natalie Psaila’s pre pregnancy advice can help you get your and your partner’s health in tip top condition before getting pregnant. Let’s take a look at some of them. Pre Pregnancy Advice Diet Nutrition is one of the most important aspects within this pre pregnancy advice list. Think fresh. Reach out for lots of fruit and vegetables. While it takes more effort, it pays off to cook all your meals from seasonal produce. It’s a sure way to get all the vitamins, proteins and healthy carbs you need. But stay away from processed or man-made foodsRead More…

Article written by Dr. Michele MONTANARO-GAUCI MD. MSc. FRCOG – Specialist Gynaecologist A variety of contraceptive options should be available and easily accessible to women (and men) of all ages in Malta. Everyone has a right to access effective contraception, as this allows them to stay healthy, to avoid unintended pregnancies and have a safe and satisfying sexual life. A visit to a contraception clinic will include advice, information and discussion to help choose a suitable contraceptive method from all the many options available. It also offers initiation of the chosen method and can provide subsequent follow-up consultations if necessary. Consultations could cover topics suchRead More…