HOMEMADE FACE AND BODY SCRUBS RECIPES WITH THE USE OF COFFEE

Coffee and sugar body scrub:

Mix 4 table spoons of coffee grounds (from freshly brewed coffee or collected from the previous one) with 2 table spoons of brown sugar, add 6 table spoons of olive oil (you can also use liquid coconut oil) and 1 table spoon of row honey.

The caffeine can be very helpful in diminishing cellulite and softening the skin, sugar will work as a gentle exfoliator, honey will nourish the skin and the oil will help hydrate and moisturise. Massage your wet skin (while in the shower) with this scrub in circular motions for couple of minutes, paying special attention to cellulite areas and places, where you have dry skin, then, rinse with water. Your skin will feel very soft, moisturized and smooth; dull skin will come alive and your body will acquire natural glow of smooth perfection.

Simple coffee body scrub:

Mix 4 table spoons of coffee grounds with 5 table spoons of olive oil (if you don’t have the oil, you can use liquid row honey instead), (if the scrub is too thick and difficult to work with – add a little bit of water) massage your skin with this scrub for couple of minutes while in the shower, concentrating on the areas with cellulite and dull skin, then, rinse with water and enjoy baby soft, beautiful and nourished body!

Note: When you massage your skin with a scrub, you help unclog pores and stimulate circulation, thus, allowing your skin to take all the benefits from your hydrating lotion. If you use a body scrub regularly, you can forget about unpleasant alligator skin on your legs forever!

Relax your eyes at home

1. Milk  when mixed with lemon juice when used  topically on under-eyes areas is a great cure for dark circles treatment.

2.  The potent blend of gram flour and lemon juice makes for a very effective dark circles treatment at home.

3. You can add orange juice to glycerin to dab on your dark circles.

4. Strawberry is rich in vitamin C which helps in curing dark circles. Apply its pulp on your dark circles to lighten them naturally.

5. Multani mitti(fuller's earth) and rose water makes for a great natural remedy for treating dark circles.

6. Mix basil juice and lemon juice in equal amount and apply on under-eye areas. Try this recipe for fast results.

7. Tomato juice and potato juice blend is very effective for removing dark circles quickly.

8. Tomato juice and mint juice  mixture is an ideal home remedy to fade dark circles.

9. Mix jojoba oil and olive oil together and massage on your under-eye areas.

10. Add almond oil to milk and then add a loaf of bread into it. Next dip bread crumbs into milk and almond oil mixture and put this bread in the fridge. Thereafter place this frozen breadcrumb on your under-eye area. A perfect way to get rid of dark circles, baggy eyes and puffiness of eyes.

Eyes are beautiful without dark circles

21. Apply retinol on your dark circles, animal forms of vitamin A, it helps in lightening dark circles naturally.

22. Milk cream mixed with castor oil when applied on under-eye areas helps to cure dark circles.

23. Apply green tea mask on your under-eye areas to ged rid of dark circles and puffy eyes. Opt for men and women in their 30s.

24. Put rose water or cucumber juice in freezer and put these juicy ice cubes on your tired and puffy eyes. Good tip for working women.

25. Boil black tea in water and wash your eyes with this mixture to cure eye-puffiness and redness.

26. Dab carrot juice on dark circles get rid of dark circles quickly. Drinking carrot juice is immensely helpful in keeping eyes healthy and improving vision.

27. Apply orange juice on under-eye circles. This home remedy can be used by boys also.

28. The mixture of nutmeg and sandalwood is a great cure for dark circles treatment.

29. Blend almond oil and milk together and apply on your under-eyes areas.

30. Put q tips in freezer after soaking up its both ends in water and roll these q tips around your eyes.

Dark circles are Bothering you

11. Crush some parijat(night jasmine) flower and add some curd to it and apply on your dark circles to cure them.

12. Massaging avocado pulp on your dark circles helps to diminish dark circles naturally.

13. Milk cream and lemon juice is great aid in curing dark circles naturally. Very effective recipe for banishing dark circles.

14. Grind nutmeg in milk and apply on our dark circles. in addition, this home remedy is very helpful in reducing under-eye bags and, puffy eyes and eye-wrinkles nat
urally.

15. Mix honey with pinch of saffron and apply on your dark circles.

16. Blend of honey and almond oil is a great cure for dark circles eye-bags and puffiness of eyes. Women in their 40s can immensely benefit from this natural remedy.

17.Mix corn flour with curd and apply on under-eyes circles.

18. Crush some fresh rose petals and mix with raw milk and apply on  your dark circles.

19. Apply papaya juice on dark circles. Rubbing frozen papapa cube helps to reduce puffiness of eyes.

20 Massaging your under-eyes areas with peanut oil helps.

HIV Diagnosis

What to Do After Being Diagnosed As HIV-Positive
If you've just found out you're HIV-positive, you may feel overwhelmed, fearful, and alone. Know that you are far from alone. Countless people and resources are available to help you and the more than 1 million HIV-positive people living in the U.S. today.

Tests
The HIV Test
What does it mean to get an HIV test? Here's the scoop.

HIV Viral Load
After finding out whether you have HIV, you need to know your viral load. Learn about this test here.


CD4 Cell Count
HIV attacks immune cells called CD4 cells. This test keeps track of how many you've got left. Learn more about this essential test that, all by itself, can determine whether or not you have AIDS.

Pregnancy and HIV Testing
Doctors recommend all pregnant women get tested for HIV. Medications are available to prevent the spread of the virus to your unborn babyHIV attacks immune cells called CD4 cells. This test keeps track of how many you've got left.

AIDS--Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of AIDS are caused by the deterioration of the immune system and the decline of CD4+ T cells, which are the immune system's key infection fighters. As soon as HIV enters the body, it begins to destroy these cells.


Some common symptoms include:

Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
Dry cough
Memory loss, depression and neurological disorders
Pneumonia
Profound, unexplained fatigue

Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
Red, brown, pink or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids
Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck
White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat


Infections Associated with AIDS


Because people with AIDS have weakened immune systems, they're more prone to infections, called opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections are caused by organisms that typically don't cause disease in healthy people but affect people with damaged immune systems. These organisms attack when there's an opportunity to infect.

Deterioration of the immune system is caused by the decline in CD4+ T cells, which are key infection fighters. As soon as HIV enters the body, it begins to destroy these cells.

Symptoms of opportunistic infections common with AIDS include:

Coma
Coughing and shortness of breath
Difficult or painful swallowing
Extreme fatigue
Fever
Mental symptoms such as confusion and forgetfulness
Nausea, abdominal cramps and vomiting
Seizures and lack of coordination
Severe, persistent diarrhea
Severe headaches
Vision loss
Weight loss
Many opportunistic infections associated with AIDS cause serious illness. Some may be prevented. Below is a list of infections and how they affect the body.

Opportunistic Infections: Brain
Cryptoccoccal Menigitis — This is a yeast-like fungus infection that usually involves the brain and lungs, although it can affect almost any organ. The fungus that causes this condition is found in soil throughout the world. It is most common in soil contaminated by bird droppings. This disease most often occurs when a person's CD4+ T cell count falls below 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

HIV-related Encephalopathy — Encephalopathy is a term for diseases that alter brain function or structure, leading to problems with cognitive function, or mental processes, and memory. In people with HIV and AIDS, encephalopathy is usually caused by an infectious agent, such as a bacteria, virus or prion.

Encephalopathy most often occurs when a person's CD4+T cell count falls below 50 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Toxoplasma-seropositive patients who have a CD4+T cell count of less than 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood should be treated with prophylaxis to prevent developing encephalopathy.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) — Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare disorder of the nervous system caused by a common human polyomavirus, JC virus. It leads to the destruction of the myelin sheath that covers nerve cells. The myelin sheath is the fatty covering that acts as an insulator on nerve fibers in the brain. Symptoms include mental deterioration, vision loss, speech disturbances, inability to coordinate movements, paralysis and ultimately coma. In rare cases, seizures may occur.

This disease can occur when the CD4+T cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Toxoplasmosis — This condition occurs when a parasite infects the brain. Symptoms include confusion or delusional behavior, severe headaches, fever, seizures and coma. It can affect the eye, causing eye pain and reduced vision.

Toxoplasmosis most likely occurs when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Preventative treatment — usually with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also called Septra and Bactrim — may be administered when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Opportunistic Infections: Eyes
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) — Although this virus can affect the entire body, it commonly affects the eye's retina, causing blurry vision and in severe cases, blindness. Other common symptoms include chronic diarrhea and nerve problems. It is most likely to occur when a person’s CD4+ T cell count falls below 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Opportunistic Infections: Gastrointestinal Tract
Cryptosporidiosis — This is a parasite that can cause chronic diarrhea. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, vomiting and dehydration.

This infection is difficult to treat and there is no definitive effective treatment. Symptom control and treatment of HIV are necessary.

Cytomegalovirus — Although this virus can affect the entire body, it commonly occurs in the stomach, causing fever, diarrhea and stomach pain. It most likely occurs when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 50 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Mycobacterium Avium Complex — This is a bacterial infection that can cause persistent fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, anemia, abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhea and weakness. The bacteria that cause this infection is found in water, dust, soil and bird droppings.

This disease most likely occurs when the CD4+T cell count falls below 50 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Preventive treatment, usually with azithromycin, is administered when CD4+ T cells are less than 50 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Opportunistic Infections: Genitals
Candidiasis — Candidiasis is an infection caused by the candida fungi. Also known as a yeast infection, it's the most common HIV-related fungus infection. It can affect the entire body, but most commonly occurs in the mouth, called thrush, or vagina. An overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can cause irritation, itching, burning and thick white discharge.

Herpes Simplex — This virus causes genital herpes, which are painful blisters in the genital area, or cold sores. Severe conditions are more common in the advanced stage of AIDS.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) — This condition is considered the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. It can cause warts on the anus, cervix, esophagus, penis, urethra, vagina and vulva. Studies have shown that certain types of HPV can contribute to the development of cervical and anal cancer. Individuals with HIV and AIDS are at increased risk for developing precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Opportunistic Infections: Liver
Liver Disease — Liver disease is one of the leading causes of death among AIDS patients, especially liver disease caused by the hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus. Many drugs used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS can cause liver disease or hepatitis. It is important that patients infected with hepatitis receive treatment and follow-up care.

Opportunistic Infections: Lungs
Coccidiomycosis — This infection is caused by inhaling an infective fungus called Coccidioides immitis, found mainly in contaminated soil in the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. The lungs are most commonly affected by this infection. In severe cases, it can involve the kidneys, lymph system, brain and spleen. Symptoms include cough, weight loss and fatigue. Meningitis is a common complication when left untreated.

Histoplasmosis — This infection almost always involves the lungs, although other organs may be affected. The fungus that causes this condition is found in southern parts of the United States and South America. It is usually found in soil contaminated with bird droppings and must be inhaled to cause infection.

Signs and symptoms include high fever; weight loss; respiratory complaints; an enlarged liver, spleen, or lymph nodes; depressed production of white cells, red blood cells and platelets from the bone marrow; and life-threatening, unstable, low blood pressure.

Pneumocystis Carinii — This condition occurs when a fungus infects the lungs. Symptoms may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, weight loss, night sweats and fatigue.

It is most likely to occur when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Preventative treatment may be administered when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Treatment is usually trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also called Septra or Bactrim, dapsone or atovoquone.

Recurrent Pneumonia — People with AIDS are at risk for recurrent bacterial pneumonia. Bacteria can infect the lungs, which may lead to problems ranging from a mild cough to severe pneumonia. Recurrent pneumonia is most likely to occur when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Tuberculosis (TB) — This is a serious, and often deadly, bacterial infection that primarily infects the lungs. TB is transmitted when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes, releasing microscopic particles into the air. If inhaled, these particles may transmit the condition.

Once infected by TB, most people remain healthy and develop only latent infection. People with latent infection are neither sick nor infectious. However, they do have the potential to become sick and infectious with active TB. It can occur at any CD4+ T cell level but especially when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 350 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Opportunistic Infections: Lymphatic System
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma — Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a disease in which tumors develop from white blood cells in the lymphatic system. It is another common disease associated with AIDS. See AIDS-related lymphoma.

Opportunistic Infections: Mouth and Throat
Candidiasis — This is the most common HIV-related fungus infection. It can affect the entire body, but most commonly occurs in the mouth (thrush) or vagina. An overgrowth of yeast causes white patches on gums, tongue or lining of the mouth, pain, difficulty in swallowing and loss of appetite. Candida in the esophagus, trachea, bronchi or lungs is AIDS defining.

Opportunistic Infections: Skin
Herpes Simplex — This virus causes cold sores or genital herpes, which are painful blisters in the genital area. Chronic herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions and severe mucocutaneous HSV disease are common in the advanced stages of AIDS.

Kaposi's Sarcoma — This is the most common AIDS-related cancer. It causes reddish-purple lesions that usually appear on the skin. They also can appear on the lymph nodes, mouth, gastrointestinal tract and lungs.

How to remove scars and marks of acne

51. Boil cumin seeds in water and use this water to rinse your face.

52. Mix a pinch of salt to half spoon of ginger juice and dab on your acne to dry it up fast.

53. Mix lemon juice with a pinch of camphor and apply on pimples.

54. Mix neem oil, coconut oil with a pinch of camphor and then massage this mix gently on your face affected with pimple and pimple marks.

55. Mix curd, honey and egg white for smearing on acne and its ugly marks. Apt for mature and aged skin also.

56. Grate a potato and apply this on face to cure acne and its ugly marks. Potato's mild bleaching qualities lighten acne marks well.

57. 2 spoons of choker, half spoon of lemon juice and one spoon of honey and raw milk mask is good for treating pimple marks.

58. When you see a pimple popping out, just place ice cubes on it for 5 minutes to suppress it and then dab clove oil on it, pimple will not erupt.

59. Drink rose water and honey mixture daily on empty stomach and get rid of pimple and pimple marks naturally.

60. Drinking wheat grass juice daily helps to combat acne.

Treating Acne And Acne Scars Using Home Remedies

1. Apply the juice of  of raw papaya on your acne and its ugly scars. Papain and vitamin A found in papaya help to heal acne and lightens it scars.

2. Roast few pods of clove in a pan. grind them mixing with curd and apply this preparation on your acne and pimples to treat them quickly. You will see quick results in 2-3 days.

3. Grind cinnamon to fine powder and mix it with  honey and apply this potent mixture on acne and its stubborn scars to cure them right away. This home made facial mask helps fade away acne scars very effectively.

4. Mash a tomato and apply this mash on your face. Tomato reduces the pore size of skin to control oiliness of skin and preventing further break out of pimples.

5. Apply a little amount of toothpaste on the spot when pimple breaks out suddenly. Believe me! This recipe works miracle in reducing the size and redness of a pimple overnight.

6. Grate an apple and mix it with honey and apply on your face affected with persistent acne and acne scars.

7. Pour lemon juice in hot milk and apply the resultant mixture on your small pimples. Good for teenager girls.

8. Grind margosa leaves with turmeric and apply on your pimples. This beauty tip aids a great deal in reducing redness and inflammation caused by painful pimples.

9. Apply honey on the spot where you have pimple and place a band aid on the spot for 2 days. Remove the band aid and see how pimple vanishes completely.

10. Grate a cucumber and apply this mash blended with camphor and apply on your face. Boys in their teen can use this remedy.

11. Grind sun-dried orange peels and mix this with curd and apply on your face to treat acne and its ugly scars. This acne-treatment recipe is very good for lightening your complexion also.

12. Mix 2 spoons of fuller's earth with half spoon of clove powder, a pinch of camphor and rose water together and smear this paste on face to heal pimple fast. Use this herbal remedy daily to see visible results. Good for oily skin.

13.Grind honey with 2-3 garlic bulbs and apply on the affected area to dry up pimple fast.

14. Grind nutmeg with milk and keep this preparation on face 60 minutes. Use this recipe daily to cure pimples and pimple marks. Good for inflamed and itching pimples.

15. Grind mint leaves to fine paste and apply this preparation on your face for 2 hours. For best results, keep this on your face overnight. This ayurvedic kitchen remedy helps a great measure to dry up and heal pimple overnight.

16. Grind basil leaves and mint leaves together and use this preparation on your face for lessening acne and acne scars.

17. Boil basil leaves and mint leaves and use this water as skin toner to dry up acne and pimples.

18. Mix sandalwood powder with rose water and use this to fade away acne and pimple marks. A nice skin -lightening face pack for oily skin!

19. Make a preparation with 2 spoons of oatmeal powder, 3 spoons of olive oil and 2 spoons of  lemon juice and dab on your pimple and its marks to reduce it.

20. You can take hot epsom bath bath to keep pimples away.

WEAR SUNSCREEN

Here's what is possibly one of the most famous speeches of all time; famous enough to rival those by Martin Luther. The 'speech' was originally written by Mary Schmich in her column for the Chicago Tribune, which she addressed to graduates of the year '97. Within a short time, the column had been picked up and was widely forwarded by email to every corner of the world. The email stated that this was a speech made by novelist Kurt Vonnegut, while addressing the '97 graduating class of MIT. When contacted, Vonnegut stated that he had never been the guest speaker at MIT's graduation ceremony. When Vonnegut's wife received the forward in her mailbox and demanded to know why her husband never mentioned that he made such a brilliant speech, he answered: "Because I didn't".
In the year of 1997, the graduating speaker at MIT had been a Mr. Kofi Annan, the general secretary of the UN, and while he certainly did dispense invaluable advice, 'wear sunscreen'was not part of it.

The original author, Mary Schmich, was certainly not prepared for the huge response her editorial invoked. And while she was initially dumbfounded when she saw her article, attributed to someone else, in her inbox, she bears no grouches against the internet. After all, the email is what raised these few lines to epic status. The lyrics were subsequently converted into a hit song by Baz Luhrmann, where Mary Schmich finally received the credit she so richly deserved.

So if you had ever received this via email and didn't pay much attention to it, now's your chance. Take a print-out, and try and lead your life according to these no-so-profound but wonderfully realistic words of wisdom.
Advice, like youth, wasted on the young
By Mary Schmich

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '97:

Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.

The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.

I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.

You are NOT as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't, maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't, maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either. Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body.

Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it is the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance.

Dance, Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings; they are your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

Menopause

What is Menopause

Menopause is the cessation of periods.It is generally between the age of 45- 50 years. It is a normal aging process. It is due to low production of  hormone, estrogen. Menopause occurs after 1 year of amenorrhoea. Get more information on menopause, read on.

What is menopause

Menopause is derived from the Greek word menos (m
onth) and pause (to stop) refers to the last menstrual period and is generally considered to have occurred after 1 year of amenorrhoea. At the age of 45- 50 years:

The sexual cycles in a female usually become irregular;
Ovulation fails to occur during many of the cycles.
After a few months to a few years, the cycles cease and the female sex hormones diminish rapidly to almost none at all. Sometimes the phrase 'the change of life' is used and often doctors use the term 'climacteric'.

Whom does menopause affect

Menopause, occurring on an average at the age of 45, is a normal event but it leads to much pathology in excess of that of the normal aging process. The average age of menopause has not changed for centuries. The age of menopause seems unrelated to socioeconomic factors, race, weight or height although severe malnutrition or cigarette smoking may result in an earlier onset.

The real importance of menopause today lies in the increasing longevity of the 20th century woman. With the increased longevity, women will now spend a third of their lives in the postmenopausal state (characterized by estrogen deficiency) attendant to many long-term symptomatic and metabolic complications.


Why does menopause occur

The cause of menopause is 'burning out' of the ovaries. The aging of the ovary begins even before birth when a progressive decline in the number of primordial follicles compresses. The percentage of growing follicles increases substantially at puberty and is maintained throughout reproductive life and declines in the climacteric period (period of time around menopause).

Natural menopause: Estrogens are produced in sub critical quantities for a short time after menopause, but over a few years falls almost to zero.
"Artificial" menopause: Besides natural menopause, loss of ovarian function can also occur in patients receiving pelvic radiation or chemotherapy or those having ovarian failure or bilateral surgical removal of ovaries.

What are the different phases of menopause

Menopause can be divided into three phases:

Pre-menopause: There is a little disruption of the ovarian function and the menstrual cycle remains regular. Some symptoms may begin to occur in this phase.

Peri-menopause: This phase represents declining ovarian function with menstrual irregularities and symptoms commonly start or become troublesome during this time.
Post-menopause: Once there have been no menses for 12 months the post-menopause phase is entered.



Side-Effects of Menopause and HRT

Menopause is the term given to cessation of periods. It is characterized by many symptoms. The ill effects of menopause can be prevented by ERT or estrogen replacement therapy, which is actually a part of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).Read here to know the benefits of HRT.

How can the ill-effects of menopause be reduced

The ill-effects of menopause can largely be prevented with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).  ERT reduces the incidence of osteoporosis, heart attacks, strokes and generally improves the well being and life span of women. For more than three decades estrogens have been prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms. Treatments like Estrogen Replacement Therapies (ERT) and Hormone Replacement Therapies (HRT) can reduce the gynecological and psychological changes associated with menopause while inhibiting bone resorption and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.


What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

All menopausal and post-menopausal women go through estrogen deficient years, which can manifest in both physical and emotional ways leading to an impairment in the quality of life.  As the female life expectancy has increased, it is possible for a woman to live one third of the life after menopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment for menopause given to women to correct the hormonal deficiency in peri- and post-menopausal state.

The Cervical Cap

The Cervical Cap

The cervical cap is a method of birth control for women. It is to be inserted under doctor’s supervision. It has many advantages over other methods of birth control. Read on to know more about cervical cap.

The cervical cap operates on the same premise as a diaphragm, i.e. it prevents the sperm from getting into the uterus. It is 85% effective. As in the case of the diaphragm, you will need a prescription to get the right size and it will have to be inserted under doctor's supervision the first time. The difference is that it is smaller and more rigid and fits snugly over the cervix.

The cervical cap has certain advantages over the diaphragm. It can be left in for up to forty-eight hours. Spermicide need not be reapplied for repeated intercourse. In addition, the cervical cap can be inserted at any convenient time and not necessarily just prior to intercourse. It provides moderate protection against venereal disease and does not affect the sensation during sex. However, it is more difficult to insert and remove than the diaphragm. As there are limited sizes, there is a greater risk of dislodgement as result of not getting the proper fit.

You must have normal Pap smears before you can wear the cap. The cap cannot be worn during menses, or in the first few weeks after delivery or an abortion as there is a slightly increased risk of toxic shock syndrome during these times.

Diaphragm (A Female Contraceptive Device)

Diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It is highly effective if used along with a Spermicide. A health care practitioner is consulted to determine the size of Diaphragm that fits a woman. Diaphragm is a preferred choice of contraception as it is an easy barrier method of contraception for women. Read on to know more about the advantages and side effects of Diaphragm.

The Diaphragm is a soft rubber device that has a flexible spring attached to its outside edge. The Diaphragm is a shallow rubber disk that is dome-shaped. And its flexible ring is inserted in a way that it perfectly fits inside the vagina.

How Does Diaphragm Work?

Diaphragms are highly effective when used conjointly with Spermicides wither in the form of gels or cremes. The gel or creme acts as an indispensable contraceptive agent and stays close to the cervical area of the woman. As a result, the sperm is effectively prevented from entering the uterus. Chances of pregnancy thus get alleviated.

The Diaphragm is said to be highly effective with a score of a high 94%. But it is extremely important to ensure that the spermicidal gel or creme is used properly as otherwise, the effectiveness can fall drastically.

A Diaphragm can be effective even when continually used for two to three years. But before each usage it is very necessary to observe and check minutely for the presence of tiny rips or holes on the surface. This can be easily ascertained if the Diaphragm is stretched and held up against a source of light.

The proper size of the Diaphragm can be determined only by a physician. The woman needs to visit a health care practitioner in order to find which size exactly fits her body.

The Diaphragm must be inserted before sex and should be removed within 6-8 hours after intercourse takes place. Spermicide must be applied every two hours or before each intercourse.

The Diaphragm does not interfere with the sexual actions and can hold its place during urination and bowel movements. The woman can also go under the shower while wearing Diaphragm.


Size of Diaphragm

In order to ensure its high effectiveness, the size of the Diaphragm needs to be regularly checked.

Especially under the following conditions:

The woman has just begun an active sex life
Experiences fluctuating body weight. The situation must be carefully monitored if there is a recent weight gain or twenty pounds or more.
If the woman has become pregnant recently
If any variant of pelvic surgery is carried out on the woman.

Advantages of Diaphragm

Following are the advantages of using Diaphragm for contraception.

Women and couples are found to prefer Diaphragms due to the fact that its presence is not felt by either partner during sexual intercourse.
Compared to the other barrier method contraceptive devices like the cervical cap, the Diaphragm is easier to insert and this makes women feel more comfortable in using it.

Side Effects of Diaphragm

Have a quick look at the side effects of Diaphragm.

TSS or Toxic Shock Syndrome can happen in women if the Diaphragm is left for over a day after the sexual intercourse. This is a rare medical condition.
The woman is likely to experience bacterial infections in some cases.
Some women are allergic to rubber which is the base constituent of the Diaphragm and therefore experience irritation or allergy due to it.
The Spermicide can also cause mild to serious irritation or allergies in some women.
It is important to note that the Diaphragm merely is a contraceptive that prevents pregnancy and does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infections. The most common diseases and infections like gonorrhea, Chlamydia, herpes or HIV are not prevented with a Diaphragm. It is therefore advisable to use the Diaphragm along with the male condom to experience safe sex for both the partners.