When it comes to health issues, women and men have different challenges. Gynaecological conditions and menopause are just some of the concerns that only affect women. We have provided you ladies with pro’s and con’s so that you take charge of them before they take charge of you.
Contraceptives
According to the Department of Health, an estimated 65% of women are on some form of contraceptive in South Africa. Years ago, women didn’t have options when it came to family planning. But with new developments, they now have a far wider choice range. This includes access to hormonal methods that can be used long term, such as implants, injections, IUD (the loop) and sterilisation. Short-term solutions include the pill, patch and condoms. Dr Mala Panday, a gynaecologist in the department’s family planning services section in KwaZulu-Natal, says while one method may be safe for you, another might not be as ideal. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional who will weigh the risks and benefits of the different methods before recommending one. She adds that the benefits of contraceptives far outweigh the risks. For example, oral contraceptives can help to clear up acne and protect you against ovarian and uterine cancers. Besides the pill and injection, here is a summary of other methods:
IUD – If you are forgetful, then this is the perfect choice for you. It works for up to 10 years. The bad side: It may cause irregular bleeding, headaches or nausea.
Patch – This method works if you are not an orderly person. You use one patch a week and go without it on the third one. It also doesn’t
affect your menstrual cycle. The bad side: It may increase the risk of blood clots.
Implant – This is one of the most effective contraceptive methods available because it lasts long and is reversible. Also, it does not require any action from you. The bad side: It might cause nausea, mood swings and irregular periods.
Menopause
Another issue that affects women is menopause. This is a normal stage that occurs when menstruation ceases between the ages of 45 and 50. But, you can also go through menopause in your 30s. The symptoms include hot flushes, mood swings, insomnia and vaginal dryness. Although often the brunt of many jokes, there is nothing funny about menopause. ‘Dealing with the changes may be too much. But, together with a few lifestyle changes and tips to manage it, you might feel less of the menopause blues,’ says nutrition expert Patrick Holford.
Here are a few tips on how you can make menopause bearable:
– Reduce hot flushes by taking natural soya, red clover and chickpeas. These foods are a good source of isoflavones, which can dramatically decrease the occurrence of hot flushes.
– Regular exercise, a low-glycaemic load diet and the right nutrients are essential for calming moods and emotions associated with menopause.
– Meditation is relaxing, so use it to compensate for the lack of sleep. To fight insomnia, you can also avoid caffeine and take supplements that combine magnesium and calming herbs an hour before bedtime.
Written by Grace Mantjiu
