What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of PCOS globally is between 4% and 20% with 116 million affected. While in Nigeria, PCOS affects women of reproductive age as data shows 1 in 6 infertile women and has an estimated prevalence rate of 13.8% and 18.1%.

PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. PCOS is more common in women who are overweight or obese, and it is also more common in women of certain ethnic groups, such as Hispanic and African American women.

PCOS is characterized by a combination of symptoms, including irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth. While PCOS is a lifelong condition, various strategies, and treatments are available to help manage its related symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. Treatment options for PCOS include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and eating a healthy diet, and medication, such as birth control pills and insulin sensitizers. In this blog post, we will explore effective approaches to managing PCOS-related symptoms, especially as a Nigerian woman.

5 Ways To Manage PCOS-Related Symptoms.

Regular monitoring and follow-up

Regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare professionals are crucial in PCOS management. Routine check-ups with your preferred practitioner allow for the evaluation of symptom progression and adjustment of treatment plans when necessary. Monitoring hormone levels, lipid profiles, and glucose tolerance can help identify potential complications of PCOS, such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, allowing for early intervention and prevention of long-term health issues.

Lifestyle modifications

A significant aspect of PCOS management involves adopting a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that weight loss through diet and exercise can have a positive impact on PCOS symptoms. Research also shows that losing just 5-10% of body weight can restore ovulation, regulate menstrual cycles, and improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. Implementing a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help stabilize blood sugar levels and manage weight.

Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits like oranges, strawberries, and raspberries, and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing the consumption of processed foods and sugary snacks may help reduce the severity. Additionally, dermatological treatments such as topical retinoids, antibiotics, and hormonal therapies like oral contraceptives can be prescribed to target health-related issues.

Fertility treatments

Anovulatory infertility is a common consequence of PCOS, and the incidence of PCOS in women with anovulatory infertility is higher at 70% to 80%. PCOS affects 5-10% of women in their reproductive age, and most women who are affected often face challenges when trying to get pregnant. However, several fertility treatments can improve the chances of pregnancy. Ovulation induction with medications such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole are often administered for inducing ovulation in women with PCOS. In more complex cases, assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered.

Medications

Medications are an important part of managing PCOS-related symptoms, and in certain cases, medications may be prescribed to manage specific PCOS symptoms. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are medications used to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels, which can help manage PCOS symptoms like acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth). OCPs can also help to manage bone density, heavy bleeding, and other related challenges. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable medication and dosage for individual needs. You can reach out to a medical professional anywhere and at any time in Nigeria on the DRO Health app here.

Psychological support

PCOS can have a significant impact on a woman’s emotional and mental health due to the hormonal imbalances and physical symptoms associated with the condition. Research shows that women with PCOS found that psychological interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, resulted in significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. However, psychological support, such as counseling or therapy, can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges that affect them. For psychological support, we have professional therapists you can speak to at any time when you download the DRO Health app on your mobile device.

Our final words,

Ready to take control of your PCOS symptoms? Speak to an experienced Gynecologist today on the DRO Health app. Get personalized guidance and treatment options for effective PCOS management. Download the app now and start your journey toward better health! Visit our website for more information.

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In Nigeria, the annual recorded number of cervical cancer cases are 12,075 while 7,968 cases lead to deaths. Unfortunately, most sexually active men and women have already been exposed to HPV infection. There are over 100 different types of HPV but the low risk types cause no health danger. However, there are medically tested vaccines that can prevent HPV from being contracted.

HPV (types 6 & 11) are major causes of genital warts, but they are regarded as low-risk HPV. While HPV (types 16 & 18) are the major causes of HPV related cancers and are regarded as high-risk HPV. Medically, there is currently no cure for HPV but there is a vaccine that can prevent infection and help to keep you safe. Also, regular HPV screening can help detect infection early and manage/prevent complications.

What are the causes of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

As mentioned earlier, HPV infection is transmitted through sexual intercourse including oral sex. It is passed through skin-to-skin contact and you can contract HPV even though your partner shows no symptoms.

Apart from sexually Transmitted HPV infections, a pregnant woman can transfer HPV to her baby during child birth; however this happens in rare cases. This makes the child to develop a respiratory issue called Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, where the child has HPV related warts in their throat or airways.

What are the symptoms of Human Papillomavirus?

Most sexually active people have had common HPV at some point in their lives and it disappears after two years without any symptoms. While HPV has no major symptoms, it only shows other symptoms when it has caused another life threatening problem like cancer. For this reason, it is medically advisable to take regular HPV tests early enough or get the vaccine. You should speak to a doctor on the DRO Health app if you notice any growth around your genital area. Early detection and regular tests can help to prevent future complications.

What are the prevention methods to avoid contracting Human Papillomavirus?

• Get a HPV vaccine.

Getting HPV vaccinated protects you from any HPV related issues. However vaccination is not advised for adults older than 26 years. If you decide that you want to take the vaccine and you’re older than 26, you should speak to a doctor first to get a professional view. Vaccines work best for people between the ages of 9-25 years. You can book to get the HPV vaccine on the DRO Health app.

• Get screened for cervical cancer.

For women aged 30-65 years, regular cervical cancer screening tests can help to identify HPV infection early enough before it becomes a case of cancer. If you get an abnormal pap test result, you should speak to a doctor immediately to get advise on the next steps to take.

• Always stay safe and protected during sexual intercourse.

The best way to stay safe while having sex is to use a condom. Although condoms do not fully protect against HPV, because it can infect areas that are not covered by condom. However safe sexual practices, early screening and vaccination can protect one from HPV.

There are many types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), some go away on their own, while other types cause serious health challenges. The best way to avoid contracting a threatening type of HPV is to get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine serves as a preventive measure for every form of the virus. On the DRO Health app, you can book for the HPV vaccine or a cervical cancer screening test. Simply visit www.drohealth.com to download the app and get started.

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For today’s post, we spoke to Anne, a 27 years old Nigerian woman who attributes having sex while on her period to being the best sex she has ever had. Read what she has to say.

DRO Health: There are many reservations with the topic of having sex while on your period. What were your own reservations or fears?

Anne: Before I tried it, I’d read so many tweets and opinions about it especially on Twitter. There is a certain viral video on Twitter where a babe said that she’d allow her man lick her out when she’s on her period, and Nigerian Twitter almost burned that day. It sounded weird to me, but I’m very open-minded and I understand that people love and explore different things when it comes to sex. My fears were only about if I was going to keep bleeding during sex and create a mess or if my partner was going to be open to the idea.

DRO Health: Was having sex on your period a sexual fantasy for you or it just happened randomly?

Anne: Honestly, I had thought of it but just on the surface. I mean, how many Nigerian men or women will agree to it? So I’d thought about it, but again my fears about it always overshadowed my thoughts. It happened so randomly, one minute I was horny and my body needed sex and the next minute someone was deep inside my vagina, blood or not.

DRO Health: Ah! For your menstrual flow, are you heavy or light?

Anne: Funny enough I bleed heavily. I sometimes have to wear two menstrual pads to avoid getting stained. So that also contributed to my fears about it. But on the day I had sex on my period, I was on my last day of menstrual cycle. I think that was why there was no mess and I didn’t have to clean up before sex.

DRO Health: Do you care to share how it went down?

Anne: Of course, that’s why we’re here! First off, it happened with a Nigerian man so that’s a shocker and I never expected it. It was one of those ‘come out, let’s chill’ situations and I told him I was on my period, so we couldn’t have sex as per normal. We decided to just go out, eat, watch a movie and go home. But after the movies, we made out so much and I became horny and we decided to just have sex. I didn’t wash up or anything, we got to his house and the next thing, he was deep in me and sliding in and out, very easily.

No need for lube or foreplay. We went 3 rounds and it was the best sex ever! I had to cleanup after though, but we didn’t create a mess or I didn’t stain the sheets. I use pads, so it was easier to remove my underwear without obstruction. If I had a tampon or a menstrual cup, we might not have continued.

DRO Health: Must be very nice o. Was being on your period part of what made it the best sex ever?

Anne: Yes o. I think the presence of the blood and my wetness made penetration so much easier. Before then, I had never experienced orgasm but that day I came twice. Everywhere was wet, so the sliding in and out was easier and sweeter. I have to mention that we only had sex in missionary and doggy styles, so that managed the messiness that could have happened.

DRO Health: You mentioned not experiencing an orgasm before then, do you know why?

Anne: Naturally, not many women will experience what an orgasm through penetration feels like in their lifetime. When I first started having sex at 23 years, I was really bothered about it but I had to stop stressing when I spoke to a doctor. The day I orgasmed, I almost fainted twice but a Queen must continue.

DRO Health: What does sex feel like for you nowadays? More sex on your period?

Anne: Yes, yes, yes! At the time I was with the guy we were only friends with benefits, but we got married last year. After that day he couldn’t leave me alone and now we’re married. So I’ll say it was the best sex for the both of us and we never get tired. Also, with having sex on my period I’ve never tried in within the first 3 days of my cycle. I only have period sex on the last day of my cycle, so there’s less mess and stains.

DRO Health: Congratulations! Regarding sex, do you have anything that you think you and your partner would never try?

Anne: The part about licking me out while I’m on my period can never happen. Oral sex when I’m on my period is a big no, so that’s one. We’re open to every other thing, including BDSM, not the fifty shades type though.

DRO Health: Thank you Anne!

DRO Health is a telehealth platform that allows anyone in Nigeria to speak to a doctor at anytime. We offer consultations with various medical practitioners and mental health therapists on the DRO Health app. You can speak to a doctor with only N2,000. Visit www.drohealth.com to get started today.

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