Sexual and Reproductive Health (Page 5)

pro-choice malta

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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

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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…

mindful masturbation

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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…

MAP Morning After Pill Malta

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In: Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health

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…

mirena coil can fall out

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In: Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health

Unfortunately my coil fell out. I became pregnant at 43 after being told by my gynaecologist that a mirena would be safer and more reliable.. All my life I had been on the pill, but when I was no longer in a long term sexual relationship I decided to stop for a few years. Then I met the man of my dreams and we used condoms for the first few years. At one of my regular gynae visits, my gynae rightly asked me what contraception I was using and I said condom or the pull out method. Since I was 42 and it was reallyRead More…

sti symptoms malta

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In: Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that commonly spread by sex, all types of sex i.e. vaginal, oral and anal sex. The organisms (bacteria, viruses or parasites) that cause sexually transmitted infections may pass from person to person in blood, semen or vaginal and other body fluids. Sexually transmitted infections don’t always cause symptoms. Because of this, they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed. If STIs do cause symptoms in men, these include Burning on passing urine Discharge from the penis Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the or rectal area Itching of the genitals Rashes over theRead More…

fertility after breast cancer

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In: Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health

“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

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In: Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health

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

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In: Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health

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…

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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…