Category: Women’s Health

For teens and young girls just starting their periods, the different options and information available may feel overwhelming. But managing your period and finding the right product for you is easier than ever with how many products are out there, from tried and true options to newer innovations. To help you navigate the various menstrual products on the pharmacy shelves, we’ve compiled a guide to explain everything from feminine hygiene products to remedies for menstrual discomfort.

Menstrual Products

The following menstrual products are designed to absorb menstrual blood so that you can go about your day without worrying about leaks or stains on clothing.

Pads

Pads are small patches made of absorbent material that adheres to underwear. Pads are available in many different sizes and levels of absorbency to align with how heavy or light your flow is during your period. You may also find pads with wings, the material on the sides that folds over the edges of underwear to provide extra protection.

With the many different sizes and absorbency options available, it may take some time to find the right pad for you. You should use a pad that is both comfortable and provides reliable protection. Reusable pads are also available as an eco-friendly menstrual product option.

Tampons

Made of absorbent material and compressed into a small tube, tampons are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Like pads, tampons are available in varying levels of absorbency for heavy versus light days. Tampons are convenient and comfortable, and while they may seem intimidating at first, are easy to use.

Most tampons come packaged with an applicator that makes it easy to insert. If it’s your first time using a tampon, you may want to use a handheld mirror as a visual guide. After 3 to 4 hours, use the string to pull the tampon out. Tampons can clog toilets and pipes, so wrap the tampon in toilet paper and dispose of it in the trash instead of flushing.

You should not leave a tampon in for more than 3 to 4 hours. Leaving a tampon in for too long can put you at risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but very dangerous bacterial infection.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are reusable cups, typically made of silicone, that are placed in the vagina to collect blood. The funnel-shaped cups can hold more blood than alternative options, and depending on how heavy or light your period, you can wear a menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours. Once removed, the cup can be emptied, washed and wiped, and re-inserted. 

Many women use menstrual cups as an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable products like tampons or non-reusable pads. Other benefits of menstrual cups include that they are affordable and safe.

Period Panties

Period panties are underwear designed to absorb menstrual blood. Some period panties are designed as an added layer of protection for products like pads or menstrual cups, while some are designed as an alternative to those products. Many women use period panties as a solution for unpredictable spotting.

Period panties are another environmentally-friendly option compared to disposable menstrual products. If you decide to use period panties, be sure to follow instructions for care and cleaning.  

Products for Menstrual Discomfort

Periods can sometimes result in pain or discomfort. Menstrual cramps, which are throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen, are the most common form of period-related pain. Others include lower back pain, nausea, and headaches. The following menstrual products may help alleviate pain associated with menstruation.

• Midol: Midol is an over-the-counter pain reliever that helps reduce pain and discomfort caused by period cramps. Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers can also ease discomfort.

• Heat Therapy: Heat is a great way to reduce aches and pains associated with menstruation, from cramps to lower back pain. A heating pad, heat therapy patches that connect to the skin, or even a warm bath have been known to ease menstrual pain.

• Electrical Nerve Stimulator: Many women have found that electric stimulation helps alleviate menstrual pain, which involves using a small device that delivers an electric current through adhesive patches on the skin.

• Hormonal birth control: Different forms of oral birth control can help regulate periods and reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist to determine if hormonal birth control is a good option for you.

• Stress relief: Stress can increase the severity of menstrual cramps and the pain associated with them. Use your favorite stress relief products or practices to put your mind and body at ease.

Contact Green Valley OB/GYN

Green Valley OB/GYN has been providing the highest quality of obstetric and gynecological care for over 70 years. If you have questions about your period or any of these menstrual products, reach out to Green Valley OB/GYN today. Call us at (336) 378-1110 to schedule an appointment.

Some people think of UTIs, or urinary tract infections, as just part of being a woman. However, both women and men can develop UTIs, though they are more common in women. Some women experience them occasionally, and others chronically. UTIs can cause pain or discomfort during urination, pelvic pain, more frequent urination, and more. 

Here’s your guide to UTIs: their causes, symptoms, and how to treat and prevent them.  

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection in the urinary system, which includes the bladder, kidneys, uterus, and urethra. They are the second most common type of infection in the body. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urethra and infect the urinary system. In some cases, UTIs are caused by fungi or more rarely by viruses. 

There are three different types of UTIs, each distinguished by which part of the urinary tract they affect:

• Cystitis: affects the bladder
• Urethritis: affects the urethra
• Pyelonephritis: affects the kidneys, which can be more serious 

What causes a UTI?

Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system through the urethra, but certain factors and risks can make you more susceptible to UTIs. Cystitis is often caused by E. coli, commonly found in the GI tract, and can also result from sexual intercourse. 

Urethritis can also occur when GI bacteria travel from the anus to the urethra. Women are more susceptible to UTIs due to their anatomy and the proximity between the anus and urethra. 

Additional causes and risk factors of UTIs include:

• A previous UTI
• Pregnancy
• Age
• Poor hygiene
• Urinary tract abnormalities
• Weak immune system
• Blockages in the urinary tract (kidney stones, an enlarged prostate in men)

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTI symptoms vary depending on the type of UTI. Symptoms of bladder infections, or urethritis or cystitis, mostly affect urination and may include:

• Painful urination or a burning sensation when urinating
• Increased frequency and urgency of urination
• Cloudy urine
• Strong or foul-smelling urine
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis

Symptoms of kidney infections include:

• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the flank (sides of the body below the rib cage)

How are UTIs treated?

UTI treatment depends on the cause. If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms, your doctor can diagnose the UTI, determine which part of the urinary system is infected, and prescribe treatment. Most commonly, bacterial UTIs are treated with antibiotics. A UTI resulting from fungi or a virus will be treated with antifungal or antiviral medications respectively. 

Oral antibiotics will typically treat lower tract UTIs. However, upper urinary tract infections may need to be treated with intravenous antibiotics. 

Can UTIs be prevented?

UTIs can’t always be avoided, but there are ways to reduce the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. To prevent a UTI, you need to avoid the spread of bacteria in the genital area. 

A few ways to do this include: wiping from front to back when using the restroom to keep GI bacteria away from the urethra, drinking plenty of urine to promote more frequent urination and the flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract, urinating before and after sex, and avoiding products like douches, scented pads or tampons, scented powders, and deodorant sprays. You should also avoid holding your urine, which can promote bacterial growth. 

If you experience recurrent UTIs, talk to your gynecologist about what treatments may work for you. They may prescribe a low dose of daily oral antibiotics or have other recommendations to reduce the recurrence of infections. 

Contact Green Valley OB/GYN

If you need help managing UTIs, contact your gynecologist. Green Valley OB/GYN has been providing the highest quality of obstetric and gynecological care for over 70 years, offering a comprehensive list of services. To set up an appointment or talk about your health, call Green Valley OB/GYN at (336) 378-1110 to schedule an appointment.