Gender Issues Tips


Breast Reduction Facts and Figures

Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure which reduces the size of the breasts by reducing fat, skin, and glandular tissue. The size of a woman’s breasts is partly determined by her genes - the inherited factors that also affect height and size. Weight and hormones also have an influence. Some women develop particularly large breasts from early adolescence. Others develop them later in life, during menopause or following the use of HRT.

Breast reduction is usually undertaken for physical reasons rather than cosmetic reasons. Breast reduction surgery is predominately undertaken by women with large, pendulous breasts, since the weight of their breasts may cause neck, back, shoulder, circulation, and/or breathing problems. Or it may be because of inability to exercise or play sport as a result of breast size , or difficulty buying clothes due to being top-heavy.
Even if physical discomfort is not a problem, some women feel uncomfortable with the large size of their breasts in proportion to the rest of their bodies, or it may be that one breast is much larger than the other. Reduction mammoplasty means the breasts are reshaped to form smaller, lighter and firmer breasts, and the nipples are repositioned.

Predominately breast reduction is not undertaken until the breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious discomfort.

Before you decide on breast reduction, you should consider what you hope to achieve. Some women initially want a radical reduction in size, but this can affect the final shape and appearance of the breasts, so a more moderate reduction may be a better option.

Breast reduction is usually undertaken in a hospital, as an inpatient procedure. This procedure usually takes two to four hours, with a hospital stay of two to three days.

After surgery, the patient will be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two. There may be some pain for the first couple of days some discomfort for a week or more. The surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain. The bandages will he removed ater a couple of days, but the surgical bra will be required for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising reduces. A week or two after surgery, the stitches will either dissolve, or need to be removed.

Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts will probably still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. Patients may take a few weeks for initial recovery, however it may take from six months to a year for the body to completely adjust to the new breast size. Some women may experience discomfort during their initial menstruation following the surgery due to the breasts swelling.

Many women find that the benefits of breast reduction far outweigh the side-effects. However you need to consider the risks involved.
Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but is normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; which can be treated with antibiotic creams.

The surgical procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars. Initially these scars are lumpy and red, but gradually reduce into smaller sizes as thin white lines. The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. If you are overweight, you may be advised to lose weight beforehand. Smokers will be advised to give up because smoking increases the risks of surgery, including delayed healing.

Insurance coverage is sometimes available for breast reduction surgery. Your plastic surgeon should be able to advise you about this. Finance is also available for breast reduction operations.

The cost for breast reduction tends to range between $5,000-$10,000.

Because breast size alters with body weight, it is better if your weight is stable. Breasts won’t grow again after surgery, but they may still fluctuate in size if weight is gained or lost. And don’t forget - as with breasts that have not been surgically reduced - some drooping will still occur as you get older!

Gay Redmile is the webmaster of several health and wellbeing sites. For further important information and resources on breast reduction visit her site at http://www.getabreastreduction.com; or visit one of her other sites at http://www.plasticsurgeryinfosite.com; http://www.getabreastlift.com

May 20 2008 05:36 am | Gender Issues Tips | Comments Off

Premature Ejaculation Treatment

The cause of premature ejaculation is not clear and the disease is believed to be mainly a psychological problem. To understand how premature ejaculation can be successfully treated, we need to present some facts related to ejaculation and its mechanism.

The mechanism of ejaculation is actually quite complicated and is associated with three different simultaneous events:

  • release of semen from the prostate (seminal emission),
  • propelling the semen out the prostate and penis (ejaculation ),
  • and prevention of semen going backwards into the bladder (bladder neck closure).

In a very simple representation, the male ejaculatory mechanism consists of two reflexes: the glans-vasal and urethromuscular. Glans-vasal reflex seems to bring the semen to the posterior urethra (the emission phase of ejaculation) and then the urethromuscular reflex ejects it to the exterior (ejection phase of ejaculation).

Deeply involved in mechanism of ejaculation is the paired, striated muscles at the base of the penis called the bulbospongiosus. Once the seminal fluid reaches the bulbous urethra, the bulbocavernosus muscle contraction (BCM) compresses the urethra and expelled its contents.

This introduction was necessary because any dysfunction of all mentioned above seem to induce ejaculatory disorders and any treatment is close related to this dysfunction.

  1. Squeeze Technique aims to educate bulbocavernosus muscle to eliminate involuntary contractions that may cause the ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation. This technique described by Masters and Johnson is very successful if the sufferer has a willing and understanding partner. The person with premature ejaculation is stimulated by his partner to the point of imminent ejaculation. Just prior to ejaculation, the partner squeezes the penis in its base to prevent ejaculation. Once the sensation of impending ejaculation has subsided, the process is repeated. Gradually, over time, a man can prolong his time until ejaculation.

  2. “Stop and start” method This involves sexual stimulation until the man recognizes that he is about to ejaculate. The stimulation is then removed for about thirty seconds and then may be resumed. The sequence is repeated until ejaculation is desired, the final time allowing the stimulation to continue until ejaculation occurs. To be successful this method also claims the partner co-operation.

  3. Reducing the stimulation For men with premature ejaculation a number of creams are available that can partially anesthetize (numb) the penis and reduce the stimulation that leads to orgasm. Another option is to use one or more condoms. However, either of these techniques may interfere with the pleasure experienced during sex.

Drugs Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe medication that helps to delay ejaculation. Delayed orgasm is a common side effect of certain drugs, particularly those used to treat depression. When this type of medication is given to men who experience premature ejaculation, it can help to postpone orgasm for up to several minutes.

Valerian, freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men
http://www.dapoxetine-online.biz

May 03 2008 11:24 pm | Gender Issues Tips | Comments Off

Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

There are many signs and symptoms of menopause, which occur when a woman stops menstruating. The gradual menopause transition is due to fluctuating levels of female hormones progesterone and estrogen. Menopause normally occurs in the age range of 48-55 years. Such signs and symptoms of menopause occur still earlier in women who have never been pregnant and who smoke regularly.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Absence of menstrual periods for a full year is a sure indication of the onset of menopause. Hot flashes and mood swings are among the most common signs and symptoms of menopause experienced by more than eighty percent of women. Hot flashes are a sudden warm feeling in either your neck and face or your whole body.

Hot flashes normally with sweating and cold shivering could form red notches on your arms, back, and chest. Hormonal changes disrupt your body’s natural ability to regulate body temperature. You experience this common sign and symptom of menopause in the middle of the night, disturbing your sleep. Mostly hot flashes last from thirty seconds to five minutes.

Other common signs and symptoms of menopause include depression, mood swings, and memory loss. You gain weight around the waist and experience loss of stretchiness in the skin. Lower estrogen levels leads to brittle bones, which lose their calcium contents and become weak causing osteoporosis. Fall in estrogen levels also increase risks of heart diseases. Not all women experience all signs and symptoms of menopause.

Irregular periods are among the most general signs and symptoms of menopause. Some women experience heavy bleeding for more than ten days with periods occurring within three weeks. Vaginal and bladder problems are few other signs and symptoms of menopause. Vaginal infections are also common, sometimes leading to problems in the urinary tract like incontinence, burning sensation or pain when urinating.

Lower libido is another common sign and symptom of menopause. Genital body tissue becomes drier and thinner causing pain during sexual intercourse. Vaginal discomfort often causes lower sexual arousal. Restlessness, anxiety, panic, depression are all different signs and symptoms of menopause, often a fallout of lack of sufficient rest due to disturbed sleep and higher stress levels.

Other signs and symptoms of menopause include fatigue and sleep problems, buzzing in the ear, etc. You are unable to sleep again after waking up in the middle of the night. This causes fatigue. You also experience stiffness in joints and muscle pain. Thinning of hair and increased facial hair due to higher levels of testosterone are other signs and symptoms of menopause.

It is however, not necessary for all women to experience all such signs and symptoms of menopause. Some women may not experience most of them while some others could experience all of them. All signs and symptoms of menopause depend largely on fluctuation of your hormone levels and your individual body capability to bear such hormonal fluctuations.

Jodie Phillips is the owner of several Women’s Health-related websites at http://wrinkle-cream.ramiller.com/ and she shares her knowledge and research on Women’s Health in a series of articles.

May 02 2008 08:52 pm | Gender Issues Tips | Comments Off

DRESSING TIPS FOR 50-SOMETHINGS YOU MUST KNOW

As the Baby Boomers in this country come of age, it certainly
seems that 50 is the new 30! The typical thoughts and images of
50 year olds are certainly banished when these active
individuals strive to live a fulfilling and exciting life. Most
individuals who are apart of the Baby Boomer generation are
reaching the age of retirement, and they have alternative goals
and methods for their lifestyle. Additionally, most women in
their 50s have keen fashion sense and style, always dressing
their best in a variety of situations. If you find yourself in
your 50s and unsure what items to wear for any function, look no
further! These simple tips will allow you to dress for success
for any situation.

1.) Tips on selecting clothes that show your personal flair

When it comes to finding items that should be in your wardrobe,
look to find pieces that express your individual interest and
personality. Consider shopping at unique shops or boutiques to
find those one of a kind items that will certainly win you a
great many compliments. Whether you choose to invest in a great
jacket, sweater, dress, sweater, skirt, or anything else, you
should work to adapt this unique item into a variety of outfits.

2.) Tips on finding items that best fit your body and your age

Even though you may feel like a teenager does not necessarily
dress like one! If you find you are swapping clothes with your
kids or grandkids, then perhaps you should rethink you choice in
clothing. Conversely, you are certainly not ready for “old lady”
staples, so strive to find clothing that best fits your age and
this point in your life. Furthermore, choose items of clothing
that best fits your size and shape of your body. As we age,
attention may need to be shifted from different parts of our
bodies and onto more flattering parts, so strive to find items
that spotlight your body in the best life possible.

3.) Accessorize! Acessorize! Acessorize!

Everyone needs a fun and funky accessory that makes a ho-hum
outfit completely unforgettable! Regardless if you are looking
for a piece of jewelry, super bag, great pair or shoes, or
fashionable scarf, an accessory can make or break an outfit.
Furthermore, you will be able to get more wear out of your
wardrobe if you have a variety of accessories to keep your
staple items looking different and unique.

Apr 02 2008 10:38 am | Gender Issues Tips | Comments Off

Gemstones, Color and Mystical Symbolism

The universe of colored gemstones is endlessly fascinating, for
centuries, nearly every culture has held the belief that colored
stones possess magical powers or the ability to endow the wearer
with certain attributes. Due to the magical powers associated
with colored gems, they were used extensively as amulets and
talismans, portals to the future; and as important components to
many spiritual practices.

Yellow stones when worn by a woman were a sign of generosity.
Worn by a man, a yellow stone signaled secrecy (as with a secret
lover).

A violet stone worn by a woman indicated lofty thoughts and love
of a spiritual nature. For a man, sober judgment, steadfastness,
and ambition.

Black stones revealed foolishness and capriciousness in young
women, while in married women it showed fidelity, constant love
and perseverance. A man wearing a black stone exhibited gravity,
common sense, constancy, and inner strength.

Red stones when worn by a women indicated pride, haughtiness,
and obstinacy. On a man nobility, command, leadership and
vengeance.

Blue stones on a woman exposed jealousy in love, vigilance and
social correctness. A man wearing blue stones meant wisdom,
lofty thoughts and generosity.

Green stones for a woman meant unfounded ambition, childish
delight, and change. Green stones for a man meant joy, lost
friendship, and transitory hope.

In our modern world, gemstones are worn primarily for their
inherent beauty. An almost endless choice of colors are
available.

Red- rubies, garnets, red tourmalines, red diamonds and spinels.
Blue- topaz, blue tourmaline, blue spinel, tanzanite, iolite and
even blue diamonds. Green- emeralds, green garnet (tsauorite)
green tourmalines, peridots, green zirconia and diamonds …and so
on.

Today the possibilities for self-expression with colored stones
are seemingly endless with choices in every price range and
every taste. Whether for fashion, fun or to express your inner
feelings, everyone should enjoy the bounty of colorful stones
that nature has provided.

Apr 01 2008 05:37 pm | Gender Issues Tips | Comments Off