5 Compelling Facts You Need To Know About the Zika Virus

The Zika virus has drawn quite the attention from other countries and now in the United States. Not many are aware of the Zika virus or what kind of damage it can cause to one’s body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been cases of this emerging infectious disease soaring in the Americas. How much of a threat can this Zika virus be towards women’s health?

Zika-related birth defects are known to be as an international public health emergency by the WHO. Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) posted a travel alert advising pregnant women to delay traveling to areas where Zika is most active. The travel alert list continues to expand each day and now includes 45 countries or territories in the Americas, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and possibly more.

The CDC guidelines recommends that pregnant women coming back from these Zika hot zone areas to get tested for Zika. As of May 26, there has been 168 U.S. cases of Zika in pregnant women and an additional 142 in U.S territories.

This disease could not have arrived at a worse time than now with the 2016 summer Olympic Games coming up in Rio de Janeiro. Health experts fear the Zika virus could spread far beyond Latin America. The World Health Organization is already expecting Zika to spread in all but two countries in the Americas: Canada and Chile. This kind of situation leaves the athletes who are competing to consider skipping the games for their own good. The U.S. Olympic Committee believes that preventing the spread of Zika is critical, especially for women in their childbearing years.

Here are the facts about the Zika virus:

1. Although usually spread by mosquito’s bites, the Zika virus is also transmitted through sex. As a matter of fact, there have been cases of sexual transmission confirmed in Texas and others wonder where else it could be spreading. Zika is an RNA virus related to the West Nile, yellow fever, and dengue viruses, and eventually passed on by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. For example, if a person were to be bitten by a mosquito that has the virus then that person becomes viremic. More than likely the person’s initial bite will attract other mosquitoes, which then passes the virus along.

As mentioned earlier, the Zika virus can also be sexually transmitted, which leaves intimate partners at risk. The CDC advises if you’re pregnant and your partner had or has Zika, you should speak with your doctor and consider using condoms or abstaining from sex throughout pregnancy. As a safety measure to protect others from receiving Zika, the FDA recommends not donating blood, tissue, or organs. This only applies if within the last six months you have been diagnosed with the Zika virus, been in an area with active Zika virus or had sex with a man who’s had the virus.

2. Unborn babies are most at risk from Zika virus complications due to their mothers being exposed to the virus. The Zika virus affects pregnant women by producing illnesses and horrific effects of microcephaly. Fortunately, doctors have not found that the Zika virus can cause breast cancer, or menopause issues. However, not even some of the best women's health doctors cannot predict when in pregnancy the consequences are greatest. There have been cases where up to nine pregnant U.S. travelers have consumed the Zika virus. The CDC has established a registry to track pregnant U.S. women who have a lab-confirmed Zika virus infection.

As of now, there’s no vaccine to protect against the Zika virus, those who have the virus can only rely on the rubella vaccination in order to avoid birth defects. This certain vaccine is recommended for adults and it helps prevent miscarriages in pregnant women, heart problems, and hearing loss in newborns.

3. The Zika virus began in Africa and is only spreading rapidly as people continue to travel to Zika active areas and take the virus back to their homes. The virus was originally named ZIKV, and first discovered in 1947 in a rhesus macaque in the Zika forest in Uganda.

There were outbreaks reported from 1951 to 1981 throughout Africa and Asia. In 2007, 73 percent of the Polynesian population was infected by the Zika virus. In December 2015, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAN/WHO) recommended Latin American countries to demand healthcare systems to provide medications.

4. Travelers probably won’t bring infected mosquitoes along with them due to the fact that mosquitoes are not capable of traveling long distances. Mosquitoes have been known to be fragile insects and only a fraction of the total mosquito population are in Zika-endemic areas. The bigger concern people should have is that someone else who is infected is more capable of passing the virus along by having sex.

In addition, if the person infected with the virus is exposed to mosquito populations, those mosquitoes will carry the virus themselves and spread it to other people. It’s a continuous cycle that doesn’t end well for many people, especially women who are pregnant.

5. Mosquito control can help prevent the Zika virus from spreading towards others. One of the best things to do is control the insect vector by cutting down on mosquito breeding and other mosquito-borne viruses. One thing to take notice is that breeding sites include water-filled habitats like plant containers. toilets inside the home, puddles, and pooled water outdoors. However, chemical pesticides have the ability to kill mosquitoes, but use them carefully in order to prevent contamination that could be harmful to your health.

If you are pregnant and are concerned that you may have been exposed to the Zika virus, please visit the Institute For Women’s Health for evaluation.

Navigating The Symptoms Of Menopause

Menopause impacts all women eventually! While it is not comfortable, it is completely normal. This natural decline in reproductive hormones usually occurs between ages 40 and 50. However, certain medical conditions or surgeries can cause it to appear in women of all ages.

In this transitional time when a woman stops having menstrual periods, she can experience symptoms that range from simple period changes to problems sleeping for an extended amount of time. You may not experience every single symptom listed below and the severity of symptoms varies from woman to woman. Luckily, woman do not need to simply grit and bear the pain and discomfort!There are ways to overcome the symptoms associated with this transition.

So, without further ado, here are the common symptoms associated with menopause and a few pointers that will help make dealing with them more comfortable.

Insomnia or Problems Sleeping

During menopause, it may be challenging to get the recommended eight hours of sleep. Take part in activities that will make you exhausted by the end of the day, such as exercising or working out. Avoid tasks that may induce problems, like checking your phone before going to sleep and eating right before.

Frequent Urination

It is not uncommon for women to have a dire need to urinate even without a full bladder. Keep away from alcoholic drinks and stay hydrated. If problems persist or worsen, seek medical treatment options from your doctor.

Decreased Libido, Vaginal Dryness and Pain during Intercourse

Being less interested in sex is a typical symptom in the months or years leading up to menopause. Additionally, the decreased production of estrogen and progesterone can be very unsatisfying. Many over-the-counter and prescriptive treatments and lubricants are available to assist in sexual arousal.

Hot Flashes

Many women experience sudden feelings of heat in the body which can range from mild to intense. According to the National Institute on Aging, a typical hot flash lasts between 30 seconds to 10 minutes. While hot flashes are perhaps the best well-known symptom of menopause, it is not one that you simply have to accept as part of the process. Speak with your doctor to find proper options that offer relief from hot flash symptoms.

Depression and Mood Swings

You aren’t crazy! Irritability, depression, and quick transitions between mood swings are common with changes in hormone production. As long as you are self-aware of these symptoms, you can overcome them. If your moods are not too extreme, then simply being honest with your friends and family is enough. They’ll understand! But, if your moods are extreme enough that it is impacting your daily life, speak to your doctor about options for helping you find your balance again.

Irregular Periods

Periods don’t simply start or stop. For some time before stopping, your menstrual cycle may unpredictable. Ironically, heavier or prolonged periods are common at the start of menopause. Spotting may also continue for some time after normal menstrual cycles stop. It’s not fun but it is normal! However, please reach out to a doctor if your periods are very close together, last more than a week, have extreme bleeding, or experience severe pain.

Weight Gain/Slowed Metabolism

Throughout the menopause, it is extremelyimportant to keep up with your health. Your body is your most important asset. Get a fitbit, exercise often, track your diet, and download apps that will help you do all of these things. Sudden weight gain or loss is a typical symptom of menopause, so it’s important to remain in control of your body.

If you feel that your symptoms are more severe than they should be, seeking medical attention is very important. If you’re located in San Antonio and you would like to schedule an appointment at the Institute for Women’s Health for services related to menopause management, symptoms and treatment options above, click here. 

Women’s Health Vocabulary for Men

For many people, especially young men, anything related to women’s health is a confusing. What is a hysterectomy? What are the symptoms of menopause?

Regardless of your gender, everyone needs a basic understanding of women’s health terminology. These terms will often come up when discussing news stories like the Zika virusorrobotic surgery. It is equally important for men to know these terms if and when they decide to start a family.

This simple vocabulary guide will give a quick rundown of the terms everyone should know when your loved ones are having a serious conversation about setting up a meeting with a gynecologist.

Gynecology

Gynecology is the study of the female reproductive systems and any related injuries, illnesses or diseases.

Gynecologist

A gynecologist is a physician that specializes in women’s health, particularly in the diseases of the female genital tract, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva.

Obstetrics

Obstetrics is the study of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period which involves the care of women during and after pregnancy.

OB-GYN

OB-GYN is an abbreviation used to describe a medical specialty that focuses on obstetrics and gynecology.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus, or womb. The doctor may also remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth in the breasts cells that develops into a malignant tumor. This disease mostly occurs in women, but has a 1-6% chance of occurring in men.

Menopause

Menopause is the period in a woman’s life in which there is a permanent cessation of menstruation. This is a natural biological process that usually develops between ages 40 through 50. It may occur earlier if a woman has a hysterectomy. Such cases are referred to as “surgical menopause.”

Cystocele

A cystocele, or anterior prolapse, is also known as a prolapsed or dropped bladder and occurs when the wall between a woman’s bladder and her vagina is torn during childbirth.

If your family is located in San Antonio and you would like to schedule an appointment at the Institute for Women’s Health for services related to the definitions above, click here.

Three Types Of Hysterectomies

Surgery is a frightening prospect. However, women cannot afford to ignore health issues when they arise. If your gynecologist recommends a hysterectomy, you need to consider her advice seriously.

Hysterectomies are a common surgery where the uterus is removed. If you hear your doctor mention an oophorectomy, that is a separate procedure to remove the ovaries. Both can be completed together but they are not necessarily a package deal.

While every hysterectomy involves removing the uterus, how extensive the surgery is can vary widely. Depending on why you need a hysterectomy, your surgeon may decide to take different amounts of tissue. 

There are three types of hysterectomies.

PARTIAL/SUBTOTAL HYSTERECTOMY

A partial or subtotal hysterectomy only removes the upper portion of the uterus. The cervix is left intact. Women who receive a partial hysterectomy are still at risk for cervical and ovarian cancer. Decreased blood flow to the ovaries will impact hormone levels, which can impact bone density and may result in emotional problems. In some cases, the change in hormone levels can cause the symptoms of menopause.

TOTAL/COMPLETE HYSTERECTOMY

A total or complete hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix entirely. This is the most common type of hysterectomy. The risk of cervical cancer is removed, but ovarian cancer is still possible.

RADICAL HYSTERECTOMY

A radical hysterectomy, as the name implies, is the most extensive, removing the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper vagina, lymph nodes, and some surrounding tissue. The risk of cervical and ovarian cancer is completely removed with this procedure.

You may also hear about a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This procedure is when the surgeon takes the whole uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

If you are high risk for ovarian cancer, this procedure is incredibly helpful for avoiding developing this disease.However, if you are not high risk, an oophorectomy is not recommended. A hysterectomy obviously impacts your ability to get pregnant but removing ovaries also removes alterative reproductive options, like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy. The change in your body’s hormones without ovaries causes surgical menopause to begin. Women without ovaries are also at higher risk for heart disease and osteoporosis.

With or without an oophorectomy, a hysterectomy can be overwhelming, as the changes impact every aspect of a woman’s health and life. Don’t feel alone! The medical professionals at the Institute for Women’s Health in San Antonio can help you make informed decisions about which hysterectomy may be the best option for you.