Women are more prone to bladder problems
than men. The female urethra, the tube carrying urine
from the bladder, is located just above the vagina. The
urethra is short in length and can be easily contaminated
by vaginal bacteria. The male urethra is quite long and
not easily accessible to bacteria. Infection originally
comes from her rectum. The women should, after each bowel
movement, cleanse properly and wipe from front to back so
that the bacteria are not transferred from the rectum
into her vagina or urethra. After each intercourse the
woman should urinate immediately so that the bacteria
which have been put into the urethra by the thrusting
penis are washed out. She should thereafter take some
fluid, water or traditional hot milk in India. That will
help her to flush out a second time. It is advisable to
empty your bladder before intercourse as well. In one
study women who postpone urinating for more than 15
minutes after sex were likely to develop urinary tract
infection.
To avoid urinary problems drink lot of fluids so that
flusing takes place. Cranberry Juice helps in these
problems. It acidifies the urine which prevents the
bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Some women
consider douching necessary for the sanitation of their
reproductive system. This is not correct.
According to the American Medical Association 'Book of
Woman Care' 1982 frequent vaginal douching can shrink the
vaginal tissues, make inter-course painful and cause
vaginal irritation. "The vaginal vault acts to
cleanse itself by mucus secretion, which moves from the
upper part down toward the entrance. Gentle cleansing in
a bath or shower is recommended, using fingers and mild
soapy water inside the lower two or three inches of the
vagina. Perfumed spray or deodrant products for vaginal
use are not generally recommended by gynecologists
because of the risk of painful inflammantion".
Cases of incontinence are known where one wets oneself
when one laughs or sneezes or when one exercises. It may
have a neurological basis. The exercise to control this
is simple. "Every time you urinate, let the flow
start then stop it, start and stop till you can stop and
start the urine at least 5 times". Start immediately
after the urination begins when you have a full bladder.
In non pregnant women, mild cyclic breast tenderness does
not require a special treatment. A low salt diet may
decrease engorgement of the breasts during premenstrual
period. A supportive bra is advisable if you are prone to
breast soreness, especially during physical activity.
Recent studies indicate that fibrocystic breast disease
may improve if the caffeine intake is eliminated. In
another study vitamin E when taken for two months was
reported to decrease the symptoms. In case of breast
infection hot compresses will reduce the symptoms
generally.
Increase the iron content of the diet. To increase
absorption of iron, take it with foods rich in vitamin C
and in between major meals. Cooking in iron pots also
increases the iron content of food. Try to meet the
situation by taking iron rich foods and avoid
supplements. These vitamin and minerals should preferably
be taken through foods rich in these.
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