PrEP Can Prevent HIV Infections, But Most Women Don’t Know They Can Take It

Posted on 02/12/2023 by Boris Clair

When it comes to lowering your risk of getting infected with HIV, there is one immensely valuable yet grossly underused medication that doctors recommend.

The drug is known as PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, and is a medication that reduces the risk of someone getting HIV, said Dr. Shivanjali Shankaran, an infectious disease physician who specializes in HIV at RUSH University Medical Group in Chicago.

PrEP is an important HIV infection prevention tool that many folks either don’t know about or don’t think they’re eligible for. It’s estimated that only “about 30% of the people who should be on PrEP are on PrEP and of them in the U.S., only 7% of PrEP users are women,” Shankaran said.

There’s a dangerous myth that women can’t take PrEP, which is probably why use among this demographic is so low. But with 18% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. happening in women, prevention is necessary.

We spoke with experts about PrEP and why it’s valuable for everyone — including women. Here’s what they said:

PrEP is a medication that HIV-negative people can use to stay HIV-negative.

PrEP reduces the risk of becoming infected with HIV both via sexual activity and via injection drug use, Shankaran said.

The Centers for Disease Control states that PrEP lowers your risk of contracting HIV sexually by 99% and 74% when it comes to HIV contraction via injection drug use.

“The different studies had varying levels of protection, but most of those were related to how well someone adhered to taking the pills,” Shankaran explained. “So if you took the pills most of the time, if not all of the time, it’s very, very effective — obviously, if you don’t take it, it’s not going to be effective.”

There are currently three options for PrEP in the U.S.; two of the treatments are pills and one is an injectable. Cisgender women are eligible for two of the three treatments, according to Shankaran: Truvada, a pill treatment, and Apretude, which is the injectable medication.

Truvada is one PrEP medication that women can take. (Astrid Riecken/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

“The CDC currently recommends that if you’re a cis woman, you take the medication, the Truvada, for example, if it is a pill, you take it every day, and about after about 21 days or so you’re fully protected,” Shankaran said.

For Apretude, the injectable medication, the time it takes for someone to be fully protected is unknown, according to the CDC. This is because the medication has been available for a shorter time, Shankaran said.

“The duration is shorter for men, also [men] can do sort of on-demand PrEP, where you take it if you’re going to have sex,” Shankaran explained. However, taking the medication “on demand” is not currently recommended for cis women.

Additionally, cisgender women cannot take Descovy, the third PrEP medication, which is also administered in pill form. “Because, unfortunately, studies were not done in cis women, and so there was not enough data in the use of Descovy … which is why it’s not approved for that use,” Shankaran said.

PrEP is just one part of a full strategy for people to stay HIV-free.

“The reason I say it’s a strategy because I think the medication, whether it be a pill, or injectable, is sort of just part of it — so, it’s either a pill a day that people can take, or an injectable medication every two months,” said Dr. Oni Blackstock, the founder and executive director of Health Justice, an organisation that works with health care groups to reduce health inequities and centre anti-racism.

But, beyond the pill or injectable, there are additional levels of care someone receives when they start PrEP.

“They’re going to be seeing a provider every few months, they’re going to be tested for sexually transmitted infections that can co-occur with HIV, they’ll be checked for how they’re tolerating the medication, they’ll be counselled on any sort of sexual or drug use behaviours that may be associated with HIV,” Blackstock said.

“So, I just think of it as sort of a bundle of care to help people who are HIV-negative stay HIV-negative,” she added.

A daily pill treatment can reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV.

The marketing of PrEP, along with misinformation, has created the inaccurate idea that cisgender women can’t take the medication.

Through no fault of their own, many cisgender women do not know that PrEP is a medication they can use to reduce their risk of contracting HIV.

“Because PrEP has been historically heavily marketed to men who have sex with men … it really gave the impression that PrEP was not something that … cisgender women could take, and unfortunately, this is sort of reinforced by many health care providers.” Blackstock said, “I’ve heard stories of women saying, ‘Well, my doctor said this is something only gay men take or that I can’t take it if I’m pregnant or if I’m breastfeeding or if I’m trying to get pregnant.’”

(For the record, oral PrEP is safe for use in people who are pregnant, breastfeeding and trying to get pregnant.)

“So, there’s a lot of misinformation also from health care providers as well,” Blackstock noted.

The misinformation combined with the lack of marketing toward cisgender women has led to a low uptake of PrEP among this group, Blackstock said. Black women, who account for half of new HIV infections in women, are on PrEP even less.

When asked why this is the case, Blackstock said “it’s multifactorial.”

“Some of that has to do with women, particularly Black women thinking that they may not be at risk, so sort of low perceived risk of HIV, but it’s also because a lot of women may not be aware of PrEP because it’s something that health care providers aren’t talking to them about or offering.”

Additionally, it may have to do with health insurance coverage. “We know that the South is the epicentre of the HIV epidemic [and] there are many states in the South that haven’t expanded Medicaid, so for various reasons, Black women may not have access to PrEP,” Blackstock added.

Shankaran noted that for uninsured or underinsured people, there are still options.

“You can get access to medications, either via the CDC, they have something called a Ready Set PrEP program, as well as the manufacturer, they have programs where they can help you get medications, even if you are uninsured,” Shankaran said. (Keep in mind that everyone won’t qualify for these programs.)

PrEP is a powerful tool that puts women in control of their health.

You can take PrEP for as long as you are at risk of contracting HIV, Shankaran said, and you can stop taking it when you are no longer at risk. You can also pick it up again if necessary.

Additionally, you don’t have to go to an HIV doctor of infectious disease doctor for the medication. “Your primary care physician can prescribe it, some places family medicine [can prescribe], adolescent clinics [and] some places GYN clinics will prescribe it,” Shankaran said.

What’s more, you’re given peace of mind when you properly take PrEP.

“The really wonderful thing about PrEP is that it’s user-controlled, a woman can take it with or without her partner’s awareness and knowledge — some women may be in a situation where it may not be safe to share with their partner that they’re taking PrEP, but it allows a woman to protect herself,” Blackstock noted.

And just to underscore this point: PrEP is for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations and is an immensely valuable way to stay HIV-free.

Oh Good, Period Blood Can Flow Backwards

Posted on 10/11/2023 by Boris Clair

You know when you stumble across something that damn near makes you spit out your tea? We’ve got one of those for you.

Did you know that menstrual blood can flow backwards into your body? Yep. According to an in-depth, interesting and, frankly, wild thread posted by the Vagina Museum to X, formerly known as Twitter, we’re now the wiser.

The Vagina Museum, described on its website as “the world’s first brick and mortar museum dedicated to vaginas, vulvas and the gynaecological anatomy,” has a vision “of a world where no one is ashamed of their bodies, everyone has bodily autonomy and all of humanity works together to build a society than is free and equal.”

After spilling the tea on this little bit of info, you can bet we’re feeling informed.

Most of you have probably never heard this before, but…
✨it’s perfectly normal for some of your period blood to flow in the wrong direction and into your pelvis✨

It’s called retrograde menstruation and most of the time it’s perfectly harmless!

— Vagina Museum (@vagina_museum) November 9, 2023

The thread explains that this is actually pretty common, and — for the most part, is harmless, except for the fact that this bodily function might have contributed to some misinformation on a *literal* astronomical scale.

“In the 1920s, the first theory on the cause of endometriosis was posited. John A. Sampson proposed that endometriosis was caused by retrograde menstruation – period blood flowing backwards into the pelvic organs, rather than out through the cervix,” reads the post.

Endometriosis is a disease that predominantly affects female bodies, though it has been found on rare occasions in male bodies too. It’s common too, impacting an estimated 1 in 10 women and girls of reproductive age worldwide.

But, what is endometriosis, actually?

“Endometriosis is a condition in which cells that resemble the lining of the uterus are present anywhere in the body,” Dr Gaby Moawad, a clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at The George Washington University and founder of The Center for Endometriosis & Advanced Pelvic Surgery (CEAPS) explained to HuffPost.

It’s also considered one of the top 20 most painful conditions people can experience.

However, this theory that Sampson presented wasn’t actually true but remained a popular school of thought for years to come. It was so popular, that it became an influential factor in NASA’s “reticence to send women into space until the 1980s.”

Whether or not endometriosis is believed to be caused by the endometrium is a point of contention. While some use retrograde menstruation to explain the causation of the disease, others are of the firm belief that it does not.

But, according to the NHS website, the cause of endometriosis is still unknown to this day.

**So how does menstrual blood flow backwards then?**

You might wonder *how* blood can escape from the womb into the body.

In another spit-your-drink-out moment, the Vagina Museum shared that our ovaries aren’t actually attached to the fallopian tubes. “They kind of noodle around in there, meaning that blood can pass from the uterus that way,” they wrote.

The truth is that the body knows how to deal with the backwash, and the immune system usually breaks down anything left over, meaning there’s no clear relationship between period problems and retrograde menstruation.

But, why does it happen?

The Vagina Museum says, “It’s uncertain exactly why sometimes menstrual blood goes up instead of down, and it could be as simple as the effect of gravity: if you’re lying down, the blood goes the other way.”

So, there you have it.

Sometimes we bleed internally and we’re none-the-wiser, it doesn’t cause endometriosis, though no one can agree what causes it — and, ovaries and fallopian tubes float about like the women astronauts might have had they been allowed in space before the 80s.

And with that, we’ve officially run out of tea to spit.

1 In 61 Pregnant Women Say Their Boss Insinuated They Should Have An Abortion

Posted on 19/07/2023 by Boris Clair

Shocking new research from the campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed has revealed that 1 in every 61 pregnant workers says their boss has insinuated they should terminate their pregnancy for the sake of their career.

Pregnant Then Screwed, who campaign for the rights of parents and against sex discrimination, surveyed over 24,000 parents to uncover the discrimination that women face in the workplace when they become mothers.

The data shows that over half of all mothers (52%) have faced some form of discrimination when pregnant, on maternity leave, or when they returned to work.

One woman involved in the study, Connie*, told her boss about her pregnancy at eight weeks and was told, “It would be easier for your future career if you just brought a coat hanger”. Three colleagues went on to tell Connie that she had ruined her career and should have had an abortion.

For some women, the consequences of having children can have life-changing consequences on their career, with one in five mothers (19%) making the decision to leave their employer due to a negative experience.

Additionally, one in 10 women (10%) revealed they were bullied or harassed when pregnant or returning to work, and 7% of women lost their job — through redundancy, sacking, or feeling forced to leave due to a flexible working request being declined or due to health and safety issues.

If scaled up, this could mean as many as 41,752 pregnant women or mothers are sacked or made redundant every year.

“These stats show how far we have to go before mothers are truly accepted as equal members of the workplace,” says Joeli Brearley, CEO and founder of Pregnant Then Screwed.

“We know that women are treated differently from the point they get pregnant. They are viewed as distracted and less committed to their work, despite there being no change to their performance. This bias plays out in numerous ways, affecting women’s earnings and career potential. There is absolutely no excuse for bosses, who hold the power, to tell their employees to abort a pregnancy. It is sex discrimination and it is inhumane.”

Portrait of a stressed woman tries to work from home with baby in arms

The discrimination that women face doesn’t always come from their boss; in fact, 73% of women shared that a colleague made hurtful comments about their pregnancy or maternity leave, and 74% of women said that a colleague insinuated that their performance had dipped due to pregnancy or maternity leave. Some women even experience criticism based on the way they look when they are pregnant – with 64% saying their boss or a colleague had made inappropriate comments about their looks.

“The fact that the majority of pregnant women have experienced inappropriate and degrading comments from a colleague or their boss about the way they look is shameful,” says Brearley.

“Why as a society do we accept women being a target for such abuse? These hurtful comments chip away at women’s confidence, ambition and feeling of belonging,” she says.

“Pregnant women are made to feel like an unsightly burden, no wonder a high proportion of women report feeling depressed or anxious when pregnant and one in five women leave their employer after becoming pregnant.’’

The study’s data and the shocking stories shared by pregnant women in workplaces around the UK highlight the worrying and pervasive attitudes towards women in society — even in a supposedly equal one like the UK.

It isn’t just about having children; women are being treated differently for decisions relating to their reproductive health, too. An especially worrying trend in our post-Roe v Wade world, which is seeing our rights rolled back across the globe.

For instance, a third of women (31.58%) who told their employer about having an abortion felt that they experienced discrimination or were unfairly treated as a result. And the majority of women (57.6%) didn’t even tell their employer they had an abortion, presumably for fear of being judged negatively.

Women being bullied out of the workplace for being pregnant, or choosing not to be, is just one more example of the ways women’s freedoms are being infringed upon, and shows that, in the end, the patriarchy doesn’t want us to win.

It’s something we should all vehemently stand against, together.

If you or anyone you know has experienced discrimination in the workplace, please call the Pregnant Then Screwed helpline on Tel: 0161 2229879

*Name changed to protect anonymity

Women Of Colour Are Struggling To Access Menopause Support, Here’s Why That Matters

Posted on 27/06/2023 by Boris Clair

Nearly every woman and non-binary person with a uterus will experience menopause – yet some feel that their experiences aren’t being considered.

Following 25 years of research from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation – also known as SWAN – they’ve found that 51% of women from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds believe that current menopause advice is not representative and too focused on the experience of white women.

In fact, a quarter of women from minority ethnic communities find it difficult to access menopause support relevant to their specific backgrounds.

A little goes a long way, as nearly a third of those surveyed believe being able to speak to a healthcare professional of the same ethnicity and gender as them would have made a difference to their menopause experience. 15% even went as far as saying that being able to communicate in their mother tongue would make a positive difference.

Why race and cultural background matter with menopause

Cross-cultural research shows a person’s race and cultural background may impact how a woman may feel about menopause, the severity of their symptoms, when the symptoms might start, and even how long they will last.

Black women are more likely to have worse symptoms when experiencing menopause.

Additionally, Black women reach menopause 8.5 months earlier than White women. They’re also more likely to deal with worse symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, and sleep disturbances.

However, they are also less likely to receive hormone therapy, as well as help from medical and mental health services.

As a result of this, Holland & Barrett, is continuing its menopause campaign work to make “every menopause matter” with the help of Olympian and menopause campaigner, Michelle Griffith Robinson and expert Meera Bhogal.

The retailer is launching several new initiatives to make its information and support on menopause more inclusive by offering more diverse and personalised advice and content, tailored to different needs.

“In the South Asian community, women’s health isn’t talked about generally, so when I started experiencing perimenopausal symptoms at 40, I had no clue what was happening to me,” Meera Bhogal, says.

She wishes she was equipped with the right information when she was dealing with menopause. “I really want to help remove the stigma of menopause and open-up conversations and help women from all communities be able to access the advice and support they need,” Bhogal adds.

As part of the Every Menopause Matters campaign, customers will find menopause content online in different languages, and in a pilot, its ad campaign will be translated into Hindi to reach and support a wider community of women for whom language may be a barrier.

As well as this, the retailer has also partnered with leading women’s health charity, Wellbeing of Women, to launch The Women’s Health Community Fund.

They will provide resources to individuals and groups in under-served communities, with a specific focus on those from lower income families, from the LGBTQ+ community, ethnically diverse communities, and those with disabilities to raise awareness and provide information on menopause in the way that best reaches and serves the needs of their community.

“There are stark inequalities for women and people when accessing menopause information and care which are generally not designed to meet the particular needs of Black, Asian or other ethnic minority groups, as well as those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities and LGBTQ+,” Janet Lindsay, CEO, Wellbeing of Women, said.

Why Young British-Born Muslim Women Are Skipping Smear Tests

Posted on 21/03/2023 by Boris Clair

Let’s face it, smear tests are about as fun as going to the dentist and when that inevitable letter from your GP reminding you that your next appointment is due arrives, it is easy to feel cringed out. However, for Muslim women, it goes beyond five minutes of embarrassment.

Research shows that Muslim women are the least likely to go for a smear test. However, it isn’t the first generation Muslim immigrant mums missing out on their appointments.

Nope, it’s young British born Muslim women skipping their smears, with the cultural barriers of the past a present force when it comes to their health.

The trend is particularly worrying when you consider that cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35, with 3,200 women diagnosed every year in the UK.

While cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to effective national screening programmes which enables early detection and treatment, the cultural stigma around smears themselves means that many women from the Muslim community are missing out on a test that could potentially save their lives.

But why? Well, misconceptions surrounding the test act as a major issue along with cultural factors and social pressures.

Even though it’s clear that hymens are not CSI level proof of virginity, there is still the misconception among young Muslim women that if they have the test, they are ‘impure’ and will damage their chances of getting married.

It’s something Dr Zohra Ali, an oncologist who carries out leading cancer screening work for the British Islamic Medical Association, can attest to. She explains: “There remains a huge amount of stigma associated with cervical cancer screening in Muslim women of all ages, but particularly younger women.

“Reasons may include modesty within the Islamic faith and the significant embarrassment to genital exposure even for medical reasons, the concept of chastity in unmarried women, and the concern that speculum examination interferes with this.”

There is also the myth that smear tests are for women who have had multiple sexual partners or have been unfaithful which is a huge taboo in Muslim culture.

Dr Ali explains: “As cervical cancer is primarily but not always sexually transmitted, if found to be infected, the woman may be accused of promiscuity or unfaithfulness.”

Like a lot of Muslim women, Nylah Salam, said she received a reminder for her test, but was “petrified” about booking an appointment.

“It’s the fear of the unknown. I don’t know what to expect with the procedure, like how they do it and whether it’s a quick process or not. I have a low pain threshold, so pain is also another factor,” said Nylah, who works as a social media journalist.

“A lot of the fear is because in the Muslim community speaking about the intimate parts of your body is a big taboo and often seen as shameful to share this kind of information.

“It’s sad, but it stems from first generation parents who maybe don’t have that open relationship with their daughters to speak about such things because they probably didn’t ever have that with their own parents.”

Many women are also deterred from having the smear test due to family pressure. Often, young Muslim women will be nervous about going to their usual GP’s surgery because they don’t want family to know if they are sexually active or be wrongly accused of being sexually active when they are not.

“I avoided the test for years because I was so scared that my family would find out I have been sleeping with my boyfriend,” said Ayesha,* 24, who wished to stay anonymous. “A lot of girls who don’t even have boyfriends won’t have the test in case their parents think they are sleeping around. I’d rather risk cancer than risk my parents finding out I wasn’t a virgin.”

Tackling the misconceptions within the Muslim community about smear tests is no easy task.

When Laila*, a 26-year-old wannabe influencer decided to speak out about having a smear test on TikTok to raise awareness about the issue, she faced a massive backlash, mostly from Muslim men, but some women too and ended up closing her account.

“I had guys calling me a prostitute and asking me really intrusive questions about my sex life. There were guys calling it the slut test. My boyfriend was getting really angry that he couldn’t protect me and his family and friends also gave him a hard time.

“I am not ashamed of going public about having a smear test, but the negative attention I faced was overwhelming and affected my mental health and my relationship with my boyfriend and family.”

However, many Muslim women also feel there is a lack of cultural awareness within health services which puts them off booking the all important appointment.

“When I went for my test, I was a virgin, but the nurse didn’t discuss it with me. When she stuck the speculum in, I wasn’t prepared so it really hurt. I bled for a few days after. I wasn’t that bothered, but I can imagine a lot of Muslim girls would freak out about their hymens,” said Naima Hussain, a 28-year-old teacher.

“Health services are not completely inclusive despite saying they are. There needs to be a lot more culturally appropriate support for ethnic minority women. There is also a lack of knowledge when it comes to cultural and religious sensitivity among healthcare professions. I feel like they don’t see religion as a factor when it comes to women’s health.”

According to research by Jo’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for cervical cancer, women from minority ethnic and disadvantaged communities are less likely to attend smear tests, with the charity warning that more needs to be done to address these cultural barriers.

“There are many barriers to cervical screening, such as past experience or trauma, or being unsure about what the test is for. There are cultural barriers too and the first step is understanding what the needs are in communities where uptake is lower and ensuring that everything is being done to make it easier for women to attend,” said Samantha Dixon, CEO of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

“This can be achieved through sharing information in home languages, having local advocates, or improving the accessibility of cervical screening.”

However, the dangers of skipping your smear test mean you could be playing Russian roulette with your health as Uzma from Glasgow discovered: “I wasn’t regular with smears because I wasn’t convinced I needed them. When I moved house, my new GP was really insistent about it so I did it. I hated the unpleasantness but it was done in five minutes.”

Three weeks later, Uzma received a call from her doctor. Her smear test had detected ‘invasive adenocarcinoma’, a rare and aggressive form of cancer and the doctor thought she may need a hysterectomy to survive.

Uzma told us: “I was only 29. I didn’t want to die. I thought I would never have kids. I fell into my mum’s arms sobbing.”

However, luckily because of the smear test, the tumour was caught early enough so she didn’t have to have the procedure. Now a mum of two, Uzma says the smear test saved her life.

“It’s frightening to think if I hadn’t had that smear I wouldn’t be alive today or had kids. That five minutes of mild unpleasantness during the smear changed the entire direction of my life. I know sometimes there isn’t awareness in our culture, but smears can save lives and the earlier women get them the better.”

If you are worried about having a test, there are a number of things you can do to make it easier.

Be open with your doctor and nurse and discuss your fears and worries, and that includes religious and cultural issues too. Also, you can always book a longer appointment if you need more time. Jo’s Trust have a handy guide on things you can do to make the experience easier.

While the test can be embarrassing, when you think about the alternative, perhaps it is not so bad after all. So next time the letter comes, we need to stop hiding it in a drawer and as a community, we can hopefully stop sweeping the issue of smear tests under the carpet.

8 ‘Gross’ Things Your Body Does That Are Actually Good For You

Posted on 04/01/2023 by Boris Clair

Have you ever wondered why you have earwax or why you fart? Although these bodily functions might seem gross, they are actually beneficial to maintaining your overall health. So even though they may be stinky, unsightly or a huge nuisance – you need them for optimal functioning.

To provide more insight on the most common disgust-inducing body mechanisms, we chatted with a few doctors on what you might notice and why they happen. Here’s what to know:

1. Earwax

If you’ve noticed a clogged feeling in your ears, then it may be due to a buildup of earwax, also known as cerumen. However, when it’s not causing damage and discomfort, earwax is actually good for you.

“Not only is earwax normal, it’s necessary. Earwax protects the ears from things that could hurt the eardrum, such as dust, hair or small insects,” says Dr. Jaclyn Railsback, an internal medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Florida Weston Hospital.

Certain factors that may affect the amount of earwax you have include previous ear surgery or trauma, recurrent ear infections, or wearing hearing aids or deep earplugs.

“Unless there is a serious condition, such as hearing loss or infection, it is best to leave earwax alone in most cases,” Railsback says.

2. Leaky nipples

Not everyone has leaky nipples, however, those who just had a baby will likely experience this phenomenon.

“Your body would rather produce too much milk than not enough in the early stages of breastfeeding,” says Dr. Whitney Casares, the founder and CEO of the Modern Mamas Club. “All that extra milk can get messy as your body works out the balance of supply and demand between you and your baby and you may end up with leaky nipples and a wet shirt.”

Leaky nipples are a normal part of the breastfeeding process and are a clear sign of heavy milk production for nursing people. That said, if other discharge leaks from the nipples, or if there’s pain, you’ll want to consult with your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

3. Flatulence

While passing gas may be embarrassing and gross, it’s a natural result of the digestive process.

“It is a way for your body to expel both swallowed air as well as the fermented byproducts of undigested food,” says Dr. Brett Mendel, a gastroenterologist and Everlywell adviser.

The volume and frequency of flatulence can vary greatly between individuals and can be affected by diet, activity level, antibiotic use and even altitude.

Additionally, farting may indicate that your diet is high in fibre which can signal improved gut health and that of the microbiome. Plus, it can help prevent unwanted stomach pain and bloating which is commonly caused by “holding it in”.

While farting is normal, too much may not be a good thing. “Excess gas leading to bloating and abdominal pain can be signs of serious medical conditions you should share with your doctor,” Mendel says.

According to Healthline, excessive flatulence is categorised as farting more than 20 times per day. While this is frequently caused by diets high in fibre, in some rare cases it can be indicative of other issues such as Crohn’s disease or dumping syndrome.

4. Burps

You’ve probably been told not to belch at the dinner table, but sometimes you just have to let it out for your health.

“Burping is the body’s way of expelling excess gas from your stomach and even though it seems gross, it is a normal bodily function,” Railsback says. “When we swallow food or drinks, it goes through the esophagus and into the stomach where stomach acids and digestive enzymes work to break food down into nutrients that we use for energy which creates gas during the process.”

If you always hold in your burps because you’re embarrassed or they are just not something you like to do, then you might experience bloating and an overinflation of the stomach that may cause discomfort.

While burping a few times isn’t a cause for concern, if it persists, then you might want to take a trip to the doctor’s office. “While burping is a normal function, it can be associated with certain conditions like GERD, indigestion, gastritis, ulcers and IBS,” Railsback says.

5. Vaginal discharge

While using the restroom, you might notice some discharge when you wipe. Although this clear jelly-like substance might seem gross, it’s actually a sign of a healthy reproductive system.

“Vaginal discharge is a way your body carries away dead cells and bacteria, keeping the vagina clean and preventing infection,” Casares said.

While discharge is normal, Casares noted that if your discharge has a fishy odor, causes itching or changes color, you’ll want to get checked out by a medical professional to rule out any underlying conditions or infections.

6. Mucus

After blowing your nose, you’ll most likely see mucus in a tissue. Mucus is naturally produced by the cells in your mouth, throat, nose and sinuses.

“Mucus plays an important role in lubricating and protecting your upper and lower airway,” Railsback says. “Its slippery consistency helps trap potential irritants as it contains special antibodies and proteins to help fight harmful germs that may be introduced into your respiratory tract.”

Railsback noted that healthy mucus tends to be thin and clear, but if you’re sick or have other lung disease, mucus can become thick, colourful and can potentially cause difficulty breathing.

7. Pooing

As the popular saying goes, “everybody poops.” While it may not smell pleasant, “bowel movements are the mechanism for our body to get rid of materials that cannot be digested,” Mendel says. “It is generally accepted that normal bowel movements are from three times a day to three times a week.”

According to the Bristol Stool Chart, a “sausage-like” poop with cracks or a “smooth soft sausage or snake-like” type of poop is ideal (Types 3 and 4). Anything that falls too far out from the descriptions above should be flagged to a professional for evaluation.

While pooping is healthy, alterations in bowel movements can be an indicator of overall health. For example, if you have chronic constipation, diarrhea, or blood in your stool, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your physician.

8. Pus

When you get an infection, like a staphylococcus (a bacterial infection) or folliculitis (infection of a hair follicle), you might notice that pus develops. While it may be an eyesore to look at, pus is actually a good thing.

“The white stuff coming out of an infection ― known as pus ― is the collection of defensive white blood cells that are attacking bacteria to trap and kill them,” said Dr. William Li, a doctor and author of Eat To Beat Disease.

It’s usually normal to have some pus present shortly following the presence of a wound – around one or two days after. This means that the white blood cells have flocked to the open wound and are working to fight germs and bacteria. If the wound is healing, it’ll usually be odour-free and not show signs of discolouration.

When you get an infection, however, the pus may smell and the wound may be hot to the touch so you’ll want to be sure to head to the doctor to get it treated and prescribed medication to clear it as soon as possible.

We Hear You, Dina Asher-Smith, Periods Are Still A Bloody Mystery

Posted on 19/08/2022 by Boris Clair

Sprint superstar Dina Asher-Smith has revealed the cramps she experienced in her calf earlier this week, causing her to finish last in a 100m race at the European Championships, were down to her period – and we can relate.

When asked about what happened, the 26-year-old responded: “It was just ‘girl stuff’. It’s just frustrating. It’s one of those things. It’s a shame because I’m in really good shape and I was really looking to come and run fast.”

True to form, a few days later she returned to the track and qualified for the 200m final.

She has now called for more research into how periods impact performance from a sports science perspective, “because it’s huge”.

“People don’t always talk about it either,” she said. “Sometimes you see girls that have been so consistent and there’s a random dip and behind the scenes they’ve been really struggling. Everybody else will go ‘What’s that? That’s random’.

“So we could just do with more funding. I feel if it was a men’s issue there would be a million different ways to combat things.”

We’ve all got stories like this. A colleague reveals she had her first period while sitting her GCSE exams and honestly thought she was going to die. Needless to say, she struggled to perform to the best of her ability.

I’ve had moments where the ability to do even the most basic of tasks – let alone run a race or sit an exam – have been completely obliterated by my menstrual cycle.

One memory instantly comes to mind: commuting home from work on the tube and having to get off several stops early because I was doubled over in so much pain and there were no seats available.

Hot, nauseous and unable to stand up straight, I made it to a bench on the platform and sat there for some time before my boyfriend turned up in a taxi to take me home. So yes, I tip my hat to Dina for even finishing the race.

Wherever you turn, women and people who menstruate are dealing with periods – and we agree with Dina, it’s time sports bodies invested heavily in research.

Tennis star Heather Watson previously told HuffPost UK how she quietly handles her period, which makes her feel bloated and low on energy when she’s on the court: “I really don’t think there’s much you can do when you’re on your period before a game except be strong and deal with it as best you can, because that’s what we all do on a monthly basis.”

She’s previously taken the contraceptive pill to delay her period during big tournaments. But even taking the pill can sometimes backfire or cause unwanted side effects.

Speaking to HuffPost UK, British synchronised swimmer Isabelle Thorpe revealed there have been a few occasions “when it’s gone wrong and I’ve bled for longer than I expected”.

British runner Eilish McColgan was also prescribed the pill after experiencing, what she described for a BBC column as, “excruciating cramps every month to the point where my body would go into a fever and start vomiting”. She recalled having a full day in bed “feeling like death” and then waking up the next day like nothing had happened.

But being on the pill made her feel “rotten,” she said, and it impacted her emotionally.

“It still fascinates me that a large majority of women struggle with their menstrual cycles every month, and yet no one seems to have the answers. Even now, the research in regards to sport, especially, is sparse,” wrote McColgan.

Dr Sarah Zipp, an expert in menstrual health and sport, and associate professor at Mount St Mary’s University, in Maryland, says we now need to see more research into the area. “The menstrual cycle has enormous impacts on physical health, performance, etc.,” she tells HuffPost UK.

“The body experiences many changes throughout the cycle, it goes beyond just coping with symptoms of menstruation. Yet we have relatively little research on the impact of menstrual cycles, which is pretty shocking given that there is sport science research into just about anything that might provide the tiniest performance advantage.”

She says the lack of research is in line with “the overall absence of research on women’s health” more broadly.

Dr Camilla Mørk Røstvik, a historian of menstruation at the University of Aberdeen and University of St Andrews, agrees “there needs to be more research into every facet of the menstrual cycle”.

“Many of us are trying to do that through, for example, the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research (established 1970), the Menstruation Research Network and more,” she says.

But these areas are woefully underfunded. “Asher-Smith is so right, and I’d add that we need proper funding too,” she continues.

“It’s a frustration, because there is clearly an interest amongst the public, just not amongst funding bodies or sponsors (yet).”

If you’d like to share how periods have impacted your performance in sport or at work, please tweet us: @huffpostuklife and we may include some of the tweets in this article.

Period Poverty Is Getting Worse, Here’s How To Donate And Find Help

Posted on 25/05/2022 by Boris Clair

The cost of living is making it harder for women and girls to buy period products.

A new poll of 1,000 girls aged 14-21 reveals that more than one in four (28%) are struggling to afford period products, and nearly one in five (19%) report being unable to afford period products at all since the start of 2022.

One in 10 of the young women who took part in the survey had to go to a food bank to obtain free period products. And half of the girls who struggled to afford period products since the start of 2022 had to cut back on food and groceries to be able to buy them. This number dramatically increased by almost double compared to last year.

Almost a quarter (23%) of girls had to cut back spending money on school supplies to afford to buy period products and 19% cut back on buying non-prescription health products.

Shockingly, the vast majority (80%) of girls who struggled or were unable to afford period products have used toilet paper as a substitute for period products, up an eighth on last year. Around 12% have used socks, 10% have used newspaper/paper and 7% have used other fabric.

As the cost-of-living continues to rise rapidly – with the price of food, energy and multiple household items skyrocketing – the survey also found that overall, over a quarter (26%) of UK girls are concerned about being able to afford period products over the coming months.

Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK, described the findings as “devastating”.

“As we look to an uncertain future, many more families will face tough financial choices, and more young women than ever are likely to face issues affording the products they need,” she said. “Period products are a necessity, not a luxury, and they need to be treated as such.”

How can you help combat period poverty?

Let’s be real: we need intervention from those in power to reduce the price of period products and tackle the cost of living crisis, so that women are girls can afford to buy them in the first place. You can write to big brands and your MP to get your voice on this heard.

But if you’re able to donate items to support those in need, the sustainable period brand Dame recommends donating “reusables or plastic-free products where possible, and remember pads are more popular than tampons”.

“Products need to make more financial sense, and the rise of reusable products like menstrual cups in particular is helping to address this as the cup can be used for an entire period each cycle and lasts for years,” a spokesperson explained.

“Single use products will almost always end up more expensive over time, so the move to reusables can really help here as long as we can get the products into people’s hands for little or no cost.”

Some charities prefer to receive donated products including pads, tampons and menstrual cups, whereas other organisations prefer monetary donations, so they can buy items most suitable for their clients and distribute accordingly. If you’re not sure, always ask.

Where can you provide or find help?

There are organisations around the country helping girls and women to access period products. We’ve listed just a few of them below:

Your local food bank or community hub

The majority of food banks/hubs now stock period products, so your local centre is a good first port of call if you’d like to donate items or you need to access help. The Trussell Trust website has a directory of nationwide food banks, but you’ll find others by googling support in your area or looking at local Facebook groups. While some food banks require a referral (from a GP or social worker), others do not. Never be afraid to walk in and ask for help. To donate to a food bank, check if there are preferred ‘donation days’ listed online, or place items for donation in community ‘collection points’ (often in supermarkets).

Freedom4girls

Freedom4girls s a Leeds-based charity that fights against period poverty. They work with people who menstruate to challenge stigmas and gender inequalities linked with menstruation. You can donate products directly to the charity via its multiple ‘donation stations’ situated in Leeds and other areas of West Yorkshire. The charity also accepts postal donations and financial donations. Products are distributed to women and girls in need, primarily among those based in Leeds and Sheffield. You can find details on how to donate here and request free products via this online form.

Bloody Good Period

Bloody Good Period has over 100 partners across England and Wales, including charities and food banks. They give period products to refugees, asylum-seekers and those who can’t afford or access them. Since March 2020, they’ve been able to distribute over 100,000 packs of period products.

The charity does not accept physical donations of period products, but it does reply on financial donations. It operates by bulk ordering products and distributing them across the country. You can read more about donating funds here, or even organise a Bloody Good Fundraiser.

Hey Girls is a “buy-one, donate-one” social enterprise, meaning every time you buy a period product via the site, you’re helping another woman to access a product she needs. There are cups, pads, tampons, period pants and more available via the shop.

Girlguiding

Girlguiding aims to end period poverty and the stigma associated with periods. They are a leading charity for girls and young women. They’ve teamed up with WaterAid to develop activities to get girls and young women talking openly about period.

Schools

Schools across the country can sign up to access free period products for pupils who need them. Speak to your/your child’s school if this is something that would help,

5 Myths Debunked About How The Covid Vaccine Affects Pregnancy And Fertility

Posted on 16/11/2021 by Boris Clair

There is no pattern from any reports so far which suggest any of the vaccines used in the UK, or reactions to them, increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said.

It said the numbers of reports of miscarriages and stillbirth are “low in relation to the number of pregnant women who have received Covid-19 vaccines to date and how commonly these events occur in the UK outside of the pandemic”.

Myth 2: The jab will affect your fertility

There is no evidence to indicate the Covid-19 vaccine will affect fertility or the ability to have children, according to the UK’s medical regulator.

The rigorous evaluation completed to date did not show a link between changes to menstrual periods and related symptoms and Covid-19 vaccines.

The number of reports of menstrual disorders and vaginal bleeding is low in relation to both the number of people who have received vaccines to date and how common menstrual disorders are generally.

The menstrual changes reported are mostly transient in nature. There is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will affect fertility and the ability to have children.

Myth 3: The vaccine will affect birth outcomes

There is no evidence that having the coronavirus vaccine when pregnant is altering birth outcomes, a UK study concluded.

The research – which was the first from the UK focusing on safety outcomes for pregnant women – found similar birth outcomes for those who have had a Covid-19 vaccine and those who have not. Similar studies have been conducted abroad.

There were no statistically significant differences in the data, with no increase in stillbirths or premature births, no abnormalities with development and no evidence of babies being smaller or bigger, the research team at St George’s, University of London said.

Thousands of pregnant women in England have been vaccinated against coronavirus, with no safety concerns reported.

Myth 4: The vaccine is riskier than Covid

Some parents-to-be are worried about what the vaccine will mean for their unborn child. However, several studies have shown that the vaccine is safe for pregnant mums and their babies, especially as the vaccine does not include a live strain of the virus.

In fact, if mums choose not to get vaccinated but catch Covid, this is more likely to affect the baby.

Pregnant women who do get symptomatic Covid-19, particularly in the third trimester, are two to three times more likely to give birth to their baby prematurely, according to data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System. Premature birth remains the leading cause of death, illness and disability in babies.

Myth 5: There are too many ‘mixed messages’ about the vaccine

Over half of pregnant women (58%) have declined the Covid-19 vaccination, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). The groups blame “mixed messages” about the vaccine and pregnancy earlier in the pandemic.

However, both the NHS and CDC (US Centres for Disease Control), plus the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), all recommend vaccinations for pregnant people.

Earlier in the pandemic, when the vaccine was newer and research only emerging, healthcare officials did warn against vaccinations for expectant mums. However, we now know far more about the virus and the vaccines, and earlier on in the year, healthcare officials said it was safe for this cohort to get the jab and actively encouraged them to do so.

So, there are plenty of reasons to go for the jab. If you have any other concerns about the jab while pregnant or trying for a baby, chat to your doctor or midwife.

This Is What It’s Like To Go Through Menopause At Work

Posted on 03/09/2021 by Boris Clair

Lisa Miller likens her mind to a sieve when “menopause brain” hits at work.

“My co-workers will always be like, ‘Remember last week when we were talking about that slide?’ and I’m like, ‘Nope, I have no idea what you’re talking about,’” said Miller, a customer relations and document control specialist for an aerospace company in Virginia.

“It’s like my brain is a sieve, and just spots and memories go right through it, like a spaghetti strainer. It’s very frustrating. I know my colleagues do get frustrated. I get frustrated.“

Forgetfulness and having difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly are common symptoms, collectively known as “brain fog,” that can affect one-third to two-thirds of people going through menopause, according to researchers’ estimates.

It’s also one of the 34 documented symptoms associated with perimenopause, the phase before menopause when a person’s body starts making less oestrogen until eventually their ovaries stop releasing eggs. (Menopause itself is calculated as beginning on the 365th day since a person’s last period.)

Although menopause can be surgically or medically induced, there are usually no predictable starting and ending points when it occurs naturally. It often takes place between the ages of 45 and 55 ― critical career years when people typically take on more leadership and responsibilities at work and consider their legacies.

Perimenopause lasts for an average of about four years, but the menopause transition can stretch on for 14. This uncertain timeline can cause a lot of career anxieties. One 2014 survey in the US revealed that 12% of women admitted they had passed up a more demanding job or promotion because of their menopausal symptoms.

Because her brain fog interferes with her ability to do her job, Miller, who is 53, said she worries her menopause transition will last into her retirement.

“I’m hoping every day that it ends, but I’ve been told it could last seven to 10 years, which is terrifying,” Miller said.

Here’s what people told us about how menopause affects them at work, for better or worse, and what coping strategies and advice they have for how to put this transition in perspective.

There can be work-disrupting physical symptoms, like hot flushes and heavier periods.

For Kimberly Caprio, a Connecticut-based breast surgeon, it’s the hot flushes that make it obvious what she is going through. “When I take my gown off, it looks like a bucket of water was poured on my head,” she said.

“I don’t find it depressing or anything like that, it’s just annoying as hell.”

– Kimberly Caprio

Caprio said the excessive sweating she often experiences is inescapable and distracting while she is working. “I’m trying to concentrate on an operation; it’s rather annoying to be feeling the drips,” she said.

She’s currently looking into buying a cooling vest to wear with her hospital scrubs, but in the meantime, she said, “I just have to deal with it.” She also experiences heavier periods and cramping because of her menopause transition, and “when that happens on a long operating day, it’s never a disaster, but it’s always like ‘Ughhh.’ It’s another weight in the bag that you’re carrying.”

Putting symptoms in perspective is helpful, because they can last a while. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2015 found that menopausal people experience hot flushes and night sweats for a median of seven and a half years.

Menopause symptoms can be treatable, however. Health care providers can guide people through this time and suggest options including hormone and oestrogen therapy, non-hormonal alternatives, lifestyle changes or medications for specific symptoms.

“Many of these symptoms can be treated safely and effectively, and I try to raise that awareness in women,” Heather Hirsch, the director of Brigham and Women’s Hospital Menopause and Midlife Clinic, said on her hospital’s website. “It’s a time when many patients feel lost, frustrated and fearful — and a lot of that is unnecessary. Education and myth-busting have become big parts of my job.”

Caprio said she doesn’t attach negative meaning to the menopause experience, but she is waiting for hers to be over.

“I don’t find it depressing or anything like that; it’s just annoying as hell,” she said.

Workplace coping strategies include rehearsing, finding understanding among colleagues and taking lots of notes.

People face a choice when menopause symptoms become noticeable to their colleagues: talk about it or not? For many around the world, menopause in the workplace is still a taboo subject. In one British survey, about 47% of people who needed to take a day off due to menopause symptoms did not feel comfortable telling their bosses or colleagues the reason. In a separate survey across five countries, 44% of people who experienced menopause symptoms said they have felt too embarrassed to ask for support in the workplace.

After her first five months of menopause, Miller decided to not dance around the subject with her colleagues, most of whom are male, or make excuses for it. She felt it had become “super obvious” what was going on when she needed a fan on days when it was freezing outside.

“It is what it is. It’s a part of life,” she said. When she has brain fog, she said, “I just flat-out tell my co-workers: ‘You’re going to have to show me. Can you go into greater detail?’”

Sometimes she receives heavy sighs in response. But Miller said that for the most part, the men she works with are receptive because of other women in their lives.

“I have one co-worker whose wife is my age, so he totally gets it,” Miller said.

Tina Opie said she manages her brain fog by asking colleagues for what she really wants or needs without feeling guilty about it. A management researcher, founder of the Opie Consulting Group and a visiting Harvard Business School scholar, she also does additional prep work before teaching her classes.

“I will actually go through the slides, and I look crazy when I’m doing it, because I’m rehearsing what I’m going to say. Even the transitions in between slides, a joke I may tell … ,” she said. “Typically, I make my brain go through that process beforehand, because my short-term memory is definitely challenging.”

Another perimenopausal symptom she experiences is anger that flares quickly and stays. When she is in this emotion, Opie said, she has found it helpful to write before she speaks so that she can recognise and surface her own assumptions and extend grace, an important aspect of her leadership style.

If she is feeling invalidated or disrespected in public, for example, she asks herself, “Well, do they do that because I’m Black, because I’m a woman, because I’m 50? And then I try to write down alternative explanations for what they could have done. The writing forces me to slow down.”

Creating an open dialogue with co-workers and practicing individual coping strategies raise awareness, but Opie noted that there is an institutional responsibility, too.

“Roughly 50% of the population is going through menopause at the workplace. What are you doing from a systemic standpoint to make this an inclusive workplace?” she said.

An organisation’s answers don’t necessarily have to be elaborate, but they should be focused on supporting employees. Researchers have found that menopausal workers want their employers to offer four practical accommodations: fans, easy access to temperature control, the option to work remotely and including menopause in occupational health and safety and human resource policies.

“These steps are not just about alleviating symptoms,” management professors Kathleen Riach and Gavin Jack wrote at The Conversation. “They are about avoiding signalling that women of a certain age are an inconvenience or less valued as employees.”

But experiencing menopause at work is not always negative. In fact, it can be a gateway to a better or more improved career.

The physical symptoms of menopause aren’t fun, but the transition can also be a positive, freeing experience.

Omisade Burney-Scott, a North Carolina-based social justice advocate and the creator of “The Black Girls’ Guide to Surviving Menopause,” a podcast and multimedia project, said that too often menopause is reduced to a stereotype of “hot, sweaty, angry people without any context.”

“I feel like it’s giving me more permission to be really, really clear about the things that bring me joy, like the things that I enjoy doing, or the things that I enjoy offering or feel confident about offering to a workspace, or to social justice work or creative work,” she said. “And that feels really liberating.”

“It requires a level of focus on yourself that you may not have engaged in before.”

– Tina Opie, founder of the Opie Consulting Group

The experience pushed Claire Hattrick into pursuing a long-held passion. The aesthetician and blogger lives in Hampshire. In the UK, 900,000 women reported that they quit their jobs due to menopause symptoms in 2019.

When she went through menopause, Hattrick had “horrendous” joint pain that caused her to have to lie down on the floor between waxing clients. It eventually pushed her to work fewer hours, switch up the types of beauty treatments she performed and start blogging about her life, which ultimately turned into an additional career path.

Hattrick, who is now postmenopausal, said she sees positives in this outcome, including a new self-confidence: “It kind of makes you feel like you can take on the world almost. Like if you can deal with this, you can deal with anything.”

“If I hadn’t gone through this, I would have plodded on with the beauty [work],” Hattrick said. “It made me look at doing something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s almost forced me a little bit into saying, ‘Well, if I don’t jump ship now, I’m never going to do that.’“

Opie, too, said menopause can be a gateway for deeper career introspection and transitions, in the way turning 50 and going through perimenopause has been for her.

“It requires a level of focus on yourself that you may not have engaged in before,” she said. “You are trying to converge upon ‘what is going on with me,’ because you don’t know how to label this constellation of symptoms, and as a result, there is a self-focus that enters. …

“Now I’m applying this focus to ‘How do I feel about myself in this relationship, how do I feel about myself at work? How do I feel about myself in the mirror at night?’ It has led me to begin to explore all of those things and to try to change trajectories that I don’t find satisfactory.”