In recent years, telemedicine has transformed the landscape of healthcare, offering patients greater access and convenience. At DRO Health, we are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance patient care.

Telemedicine allows patients to consult with healthcare practitioners from the comfort of their homes, breaking down geographical barriers and reducing the need for in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. DRO Health’s telehealth platform is designed with user experience in mind. Our intuitive interface ensures that scheduling appointments, accessing medical records, and communicating with healthcare professionals is seamless and efficient.

Our telemedicine platform allows virtual consultations with qualified practitioners, specialists and therapists via chat, audio, and video calls. Patients can select which doctor they want to consult with based on their profile and price. Prices are set very low and are a wide range so care is affordable for all. The app also has trackers for several health-related needs, such as blood pressure, blood sugar and weight tracking. This is part of our wellness programs to help manage chronic illness including Cardiovascular disease (Heart Health) and Mental Health.

Our commitment to personalized care remains strong. Each patient receives tailored treatment plans that consider their unique health needs. Our team of dedicated healthcare practitioners is just a click away, ready to provide guidance and support.

As we look to the future, DRO Health is excited about the potential of telehealth to improve outcomes. By continuing to innovate and adapt, we aim to make healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone. Join us on this journey as we redefine what healthcare can be!

The post The Future of Telemedicine: How DRO Health is improving Patient Care. appeared first on DRO Health.

Endometriosis is a disease that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, and it can have a significant impact on your physical, mental, and social well-being. But what exactly is Endometriosis and how does it affect your health? In this blog post, we’ll dive into what Endometriosis is and explore its impact on women’s health, what causes it, what are the symptoms and complications, and how it can be diagnosed and treated.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, typically in the pelvic area. It can grow on various organs in the pelvic area, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, or rectum. In rare cases, it can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. This misplaced tissue continues to act as it would inside the uterus, thickening and breaking down during each menstrual cycle. However, since it’s located outside the uterus, it has no way to exit the body. As a result, it causes inflammation, scarring, and pain.

The ectopic endometrial tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, just like the normal endometrium. This means that it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds every month. However, unlike the normal endometrium, which exits the body through the vagina as menstrual blood, the ectopic tissue has no way to escape. This causes inflammation, pain, scarring, and adhesions (abnormal attachments between organs) in the affected areas.

Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women worldwide, making it a prevalent condition. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, with an average delay of 7-10 years in diagnosis. This delay is due to a lack of awareness and the normalization of period pain in society. Women often suffer in silence, believing that severe pain is just a regular part of being a woman. A study conducted in Lagos revealed that 40% of women with infertility issues were diagnosed with Endometriosis. This suggests a significant impact on women’s reproductive health in Nigeria. With increased awareness and access to proper healthcare, we can empower women to seek timely diagnosis and treatment.

On the DRO Health app, you can speak to a General Practitioner or a Gynecologist if you need to speak to a professional about any pains you might be experiencing as a woman. Visit www.drohealth.com for more information on the next steps.

What causes Endometriosis?

The exact cause of Endometriosis is not known, as several factors may contribute to its development. Some of these factors include:

1. Retrograde menstruation: This occurs when menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity at the time that blood is flowing out of the body through the cervix and vagina during periods. Retrograde menstruation can result in endometrial-like cells being deposited outside the uterus where they can implant and grow.

2. Cellular metaplasia: This occurs when cells change from one form to another. Cells outside the uterus change into endometrial-like cells and start to grow.

3. Stem cells: These are cells that can give rise to different types of cells in the body. Stem cells may migrate from the bone marrow or other tissues to the pelvic area and differentiate into endometrial-like cells.

4. Genetic factors: Some women may inherit genes that make them more prone to developing endometriosis or having more severe symptoms.

5. Immune system dysfunction: Some women may have an impaired immune system that fails to recognize and eliminate the ectopic endometrial cells or produces inflammatory substances that aggravate the condition.

6. Environmental factors: Some chemicals or toxins in the environment may disrupt the hormonal balance or affect the immune system and increase the risk of Endometriosis.

What are the symptoms and complications of Endometriosis?

The most common symptom of Endometriosis is pain. The pain can vary in intensity, frequency, location, and timing. Some women may experience pain only during their periods (dysmenorrhea), while others may have pain throughout their cycle or even constantly. The pain can affect different body parts depending on where the ectopic tissue is located. Beyond the excruciating menstrual pain, Endometriosis can manifest through a variety of symptoms. For example, some women may have pain in their lower abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs; others may have pain during or after sex (dyspareunia), urination (dysuria), or bowel movements (dyschezia).

Other symptoms of endometriosis may include:

1. Chronic pelvic pain: Women with endometriosis often experience persistent pelvic pain that may worsen during menstruation or sexual intercourse.
2. Fatigue and low energy levels: The constant pain and inflammation can drain a woman’s energy, affecting her quality of life. Some women may have excessive bleeding during their periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia). This can lead to anaemia (low red blood cell count) and fatigue.
3. Painful bowel movements and urination: Some women may have endometriosis in their bowel or bladder, which can cause symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine or stool, or urinary tract infections. Endometriosis can cause pain and discomfort during bowel movements and urination, sometimes leading to misdiagnoses like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
4. Infertility: Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility in women, affecting up to 50% of those struggling to conceive. This can be caused by scarring or adhesions that block or damage the fallopian tubes or ovaries; inflammation or hormonal imbalance that affects ovulation or implantation; or immune system dysfunction that interferes with fertilization or embryo development.
5. Other complications: In rare cases, endometriosis can cause serious complications such as bowel obstruction, bladder rupture, kidney damage, lung collapse, or brain haemorrhage due to the spread of the ectopic tissue to these organs.

The emotional and psychological toll of endometriosis cannot be overlooked. Coping with chronic pain, fertility concerns, and the impact on relationships can lead to anxiety, depression, and a decreased sense of well-being. It’s crucial to provide emotional support and resources to help women navigate these challenges.

How is Endometriosis diagnosed and treated?

If you suspect you might have endometriosis, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Your doctor will likely begin with a detailed medical history, and physical examination, and may recommend imaging tests or laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgery) for a definitive diagnosis. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows the doctor to see and biopsy the ectopic tissue inside the abdomen.

However, laparoscopy is not always available or affordable for many women, especially in low-resource settings. Therefore, some doctors may rely on other methods such as medical history, physical examination, ultrasound, blood tests, or empirical treatment to diagnose or rule out endometriosis.

To book an affordable diagnostic test anywhere in Nigeria, download the DRO Health app here. Book a test on your mobile phone, get your test done at a centre and receive your results within 7 days.

While there is no cure for endometriosis, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include pain medications, hormonal therapies, or in severe cases, surgery to remove endometrial tissue. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, taking into account factors like pain severity, desire for fertility, and overall health.

The key to overcoming endometriosis lies in raising awareness and breaking the silence. Educating ourselves and others can empower women to seek timely medical intervention, reduce diagnostic delays, and enhance their overall well-being. In Nigeria, organizations like the Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) are actively working to create awareness, provide support, and advocate for better healthcare services for women with Endometriosis.

Our final words to you,

Endometriosis is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects many women around the world. By understanding the symptoms, impact, and available treatment options, we can support women in their journey towards better health and well-being. Together, let’s break the silence, raise awareness, and ensure that no woman suffers in silence. Remember, your pain matters, and you deserve to live a life free from endometriosis.

If you suspect you may have endometriosis or know someone who does, please consult with a doctor or a Gynecologist by visiting our website www.drohealth.com. Our professionals are always ready to speak to you.

The post Beyond Period Pain: Understanding Endometriosis and Its Impact on Women’s Health appeared first on DRO Health.

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.

The post PCOS Management: How to manage PCOS-related symptoms. appeared first on DRO Health.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is blocked. 80% of the time, it happens as a result of a blood clot or blocked artery. Other times, strokes happen because the blood vessels in the brain are damaged. When there is an inadequate blood supply, the brain cells don’t get the oxygen they need to function. The effects of a stroke depend on how long the blood supply is blocked. If the supply is blocked for a long time, parts of the brain cells die or become damaged. This can lead to long-term disability or even death.

What causes a stroke?

The following medical conditions or lifestyles are associated with a higher risk of developing a stroke:

Medical Risk Factors:

● Personal or family history of stroke or cardiovascular diseases such as heart infection and heart failure

● High blood pressure

● High cholesterol

● High levels of anxiety and stress

● Diabetes

● Obstructive Sleep Apnea

● Medical conditions, such as a bleeding disorder or sickle cell disease

Lifestyle Risk Factors:

● Lack of good nutrition

● Obesity

● Low physical activity

● Smoking

● High alcohol consumption

● Consumption of illegal drugs like cocaine

What Are The Types of Stroke You Should Know?

1. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, occurs when the blood vessel is just temporarily blocked. The symptoms last for just about five minutes, after which blood flow returns to the brain cells. Although it is temporary and can go by itself without permanent damage to the cells, it is important to seek medical attention because a mini-stroke may be a sign that a major stroke is on the way. About 4 out of 10 people who have a TIA develop a major stroke later.

2. Major Stroke:

A major stroke can cause long-term problems because of damage to the brain cells and could be fatal if help is not received quickly. The faster medical assistance is received, the better the chances of recovery. There are two major types of stroke:

Ischemic stroke: Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke. They occur when blood clots or other debris block the blood vessels to the brain, preventing the brain tissues from getting oxygen and nutrients. Fatty deposits called plaque can also cause blockages by building up in the blood vessel.

Hemorrhagic stroke: A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain ruptures and bleeds inside the brain. The bleeding in the brain puts pressure on surrounding brain cells, leading to brain tissue damage. About 13% of stroke cases are reported to be hemorrhagic. Some factors related to hemorrhagic stroke include:

● Uncontrolled High blood pressure

● Trauma(for example an accident)

● Overtreatment with blood-thinning drugs

● Abnormal bulges or ballooning at weak spots in your artery (aneurysms)

● Cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Knowing the warning signs of stroke and how to react quickly can help save lives.

6 Signs of a Possible Stroke: What to Look Out For.

1. Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

2. Sudden vision trouble in one or both eyes, such as blurred vision or seeing double.

3. Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.

4. Sudden difficulty in walking, lack of coordination or stumbling.

5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

6. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.

How to Detect a Stroke at Home.

If you suspect that someone has a stroke, the FAST acronym gives an easy way to remember the most common warning signs of a stroke and the course of action:

● F– Face drooping: Ask them to smile to see if their smile is crooked or one-sided.

● A– Arm weakness or numbness: Ask them to lift both arms and check to see if one arm drops lower than the other.

● S–Speech problems: Ask them to speak to see if they slur or have difficulty repeating a sentence.

● T– Time to call an ambulance if they’re exhibiting the above symptoms.

After using the FAST acronym to test to see if someone is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately and get them to the hospital as soon as possible. Earlier treatment increases the chances of recovery.

Our final words,

Knowing how to detect stroke at home and recognizing the signs can save someone’s life. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve discussed, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention immediately. Remember to act fast, because every second counts when it comes to stroke. You can speak to a doctor immediately anywhere in Nigeria on the DRO Health mobile app.

By staying informed and aware, you can help prevent the devastating effects of stroke and ensure a healthier future for yourself and your loved ones. Let’s all work together to spread awareness and help reduce the impact of stroke in our community.

The post How To Detect Stroke At Home and Signs You Should Know. appeared first on DRO Health.

As a result of the ‘need-to’ behavior exhibited by many adults, it has become important to bring the hospital closer to people, thereby making healthcare and medical related issues affordable and convenient. With the presence of telehealth companies like DRO Health, getting immediate access to a healthcare professional’s opinion is easier than it was 10 years ago. With the DRO Health app, all you need to do is download the app and speak to medical professionals and book diagnostic tests at anywhere and anytime in Nigeria, it’s that convenient. So, stop delaying on getting a medical check-up and visit our website once you understand why regular medical check-ups are important.

This post will discuss why regular medical check-ups are necessary and very important for your well-being.

1. Early detection of health issues.

When you embark on regular medical check-ups, you give room for early detection of health problems before they deteriorate to more severe conditions. For example, issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels are best detected in their early stages, thus preventing complications that arise when they reach an advanced stage. Likewise, with heart diseases, regular check-ups help to reduce the risks significantly, and statements by the American Heart Association back this.

2. Management of chronic conditions.

For persons with chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, regular medical check-ups are crucial to help monitor and manage the situation effectively. These regular check-ups help your doctor or healthcare providers evaluate your present condition, adjust your medication or treatment plan, and detect and prevent any potential or oncoming complications. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular check-ups can help persons with chronic conditions better manage their health and improve their quality of life.

3. Prevention of health issues.

With preventive healthcare practice, early identification of risk factors would enable you and your doctor to embark on preventive measures. For example, regular screenings for a type of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer, can help detect the presence of cancerous growth in its earliest stages. This then makes it much easier to treat. In addition, according to the American Cancer Society, regular screening can help detect certain cancers before symptoms develop, leading to better treatment outcomes. Regular blood pressure checks can also help prevent heart diseases, and cholesterol screenings can help prevent the occurrence of strokes and this is backed by statements from the American Heart Association.

4. Building long-term relationships with Healthcare providers.

Regular medical check-ups help build a relationship with your healthcare provider, which is crucial for your long-term health. A good relationship with your healthcare provider can help ensure that you receive personalized care that meets your unique needs. It also lets your healthcare provider know your medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors that may affect your health.

In the cases of emergencies, there would already be an established relationship and history that would make treatment easier and faster. Also, accessibility is better when there is an already-established relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider.

5. Improvement of mental health conditions.

Regular medical check-ups benefit not only physical health but also improves one’s mental health. For example, regular medical check-ups can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in patients. In addition, regular check-ups can provide reassurance that you are in good health and reduce any worry or anxiety you may have about your health.

6. Cost-Effectiveness.

You can save the cost of healthcare by carrying out regular medical check-ups. This is because early detection helps prevent health issues from becoming severe and thus requires expensive medical treatments. Therefore, regular check-ups can lead to cost savings by reducing the need for hospitalizations and emergency room visits. In addition, by simply prescribing medication for more minor conditions, you save yourself the cost of spending on drugs for more severe conditions.

7. Peace of mind.

Regular medical check-ups can provide peace of mind by ensuring that you are in good health and addressing any concerns you may have. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, regular medical check-ups are associated with lower stress and anxiety levels. In addition, a certain level of confidence exists when you are fully aware of your health condition due to a recent check-up. It puts you in control of your health and more in charge of how to conduct your life and nutrition with respect to the state of your health.

Our final words,

Regular medical check-ups are essential to preventive healthcare and are crucial for maintaining good health and preventing health issues from becoming severe. In addition, frequent check-ups allow healthcare providers to detect health issues early, manage chronic conditions, prevent health issues, build relationships with patients, and improve mental health. The importance of regular medical check-ups cannot be overstated, and everyone should make them a part of their healthcare routine. Therefore, it is essential to schedule regular medical check-ups to ensure that you are taking care of your overall health and well-being.

With the DRO Health mobile app, you get access to healthcare that is affordable, fast and convenient. Visit www.drohealth.com today.

The post The Importance and Need For Regular Medical Checkups. appeared first on DRO Health.

Embracing equity reflects on the different discriminatory laws against women all over the world, even in a time where technology is gradually changing the modus operandi of many countries. The campaign for IWD 2023 is not only focused on pandering gender equality topics, it nose dives into making sure that there are equal opportunities accessible for all regardless of their gender.

Navigating equality in the healthcare space in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. To this end, we are celebrating some women at DRO Health and asking them what equity means and how their roles help to promote Equity while working at DRO Health.

“Equity is giving everyone what they need to be successful. It’s not giving everyone the exact same thing. If we give everyone the exact same thing, expecting that will make everyone equal, it assumes that everyone started out in the same place- and this can be vastly inaccurate because everyone isn’t the same.” – Norris Campbell, Chief Operating Officer.

For Norris, her role as the COO at DRO Health helps her use technology to improve access to healthcare for all users. Through this, she is able to tackle any form of discrimination in healthcare, including mobility, access to specialists and privacy.

“Equity means fairness and putting into consideration our unique differences.” – Adaobi Ogu, Healthcare Service Manager.

For Adaobi, her role as a Healthcare Service Manager affords her the opportunity to deal with specific health needs of women. Through the wellness product on the DRO Health app, women have the opportunity to speak to doctors about their reproductive, physiological, mental issues without any bias and at an affordable rate. Her role also allows her to suggest new features for the wellness program which she believes may be integral to women located anywhere in Nigeria.

“Equity means treating people with fairness no matter their gender, race or the state they are in. It is giving everyone equal treatment no matter what.” – Irene Aruku, Lead Liaison Officer.

For Irene, her role as a Lead Liaison Officer for DRO Health allows her to ensure that proper and unconditional medical care is given to everyone, no matter the time or day.

“Equity means being fair and just to everyone, regardless of your knowledge of them. Without equity, equality is a farce and a wishful ideology; and one cannot exist without another. As humans, we have distinct features and attributes that make us different from the next person. Equity is that conscious effort taken to recognize that irrespective of a person’s race, ethnicity, religion, physical attributes, disability, etc, we should all be treated with fairness at all times.” – Obianuju Okeke, Content Manager.

For Obianuju, she ensures that all types of content including blogs, emails, social media content, reflect the health concerns of all genders including women. In creating content, she is aware of the numerous changes women experience as they go through life, so she makes a conscious effort on educating women about taking charge of their lives through deliberate content ideas.

“Equity is the quality of being fair and impartial. It recognizes that not all fingers are equal and makes adjustments to ensure that the imbalances of life, does not exempt one from opportunities.” – Jennifer Chu, Executive Assistant & Pharmacy Liaison Officer.

Jennifer’s role at DRO Health allows her to interface with new employees during recruitment and onboarding sessions. She ensures that candidates are only employed based on their skills and experience without any form of bias and she also looks for ways to accommodate the needs of employees at DRO Health.

Embracing Equity in the society begins with you. Don’t let it stop at today, continue to ensure that you speak up and speak out for equity and fairness using every means available to you. Happy International Women’s Day!

You can download the DRO Health app on your mobile device via Google playstore or Apple store and get access to doctors anywhere and at any time in Nigeria. To get more information about the products and services that we offer, visit our website at www.drohealth.com

The post IWD 2023: Celebrating International Women’s Day by Embracing Equity at DRO Health. appeared first on DRO Health.

When Should Women Get a Pap Test and How Often?

Doctors generally recommend that women ages 21 to 65 have a Pap smear procedure every 3 years, unless they have certain risk factors. Risk factors would require more frequent Pap smears, and the frequency would be determined by your doctor. These risk factors include:

● A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a previous Pap smear that showed precancerous cells

● HIV infection

● Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth

● Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy chronic corticosteroid use

● A history of smoking

From age 30, women may choose Pap testing every five years if the procedure is combined with testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What Is a Pap Smear Procedure Like?

A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix. During the procedure, a small brush is used to gently scrape cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it. The cells are then examined for any abnormal growth which could be cancerous cells or cells that may lead to cervical cancer. The procedure could be mildly uncomfortable, but doesn’t usually result in any long-term pain.

How Do You Prefer For a Pap Test?

Doctors recommend these tips 48 hours before your test to ensure that your Pap smear gives the most accurate results:

● Do not have sexual intercourse or use lubricants

● Avoid douching(rinsing the vagina with water, vinegar, or other fluids)

● Do not insert anything into the vagina. This includes tampons, creams, gels, etc.

● Do not use sprays or powders around the vagina

Doctors do not recommend scheduling a Pap smear during your menstrual period as heavy flow may affect the results.

What Happens During The Pap Test?

A Pap smear takes only a few minutes and is performed in your doctor’s office. During the procedure:

1. You’ll lie on your back on an examination table with your legs spread and your knees bent while your feet rests in supports called stirrups.
2. Your doctor will gently insert a device called a speculum into your vagina. This device keeps the vaginal walls open and provides access to the cervix. Some women may feel a sensation of pressure in the pelvic area during the insertion of the speculum.
3. Your doctor will then scrape a small sample of cells from your cervix using a small brush and a spatula. This usually doesn’t hurt, although you may experience some discomfort.

What Happens After The Pap Test?

The sample of cells from your cervix will be preserved and sent to a lab to be examined for the presence of abnormal cells. Find out from your doctor when you can expect the results of your test. After your Pap smear, you can go about your day as usual. It is normal to feel mild discomfort from the scraping or some cramping. You could also experience minor vaginal bleeding immediately after the test. If the discomfort or bleeding continues after the day, inform your doctor.

What Do The Results of a Pap Smear Mean?

There are two possible results from a Pap smear; normal or abnormal.

Normal Pap smear: A normal or negative pap smear result means that no abnormal cells were spotted. If your results are normal, your next Pap smear is recommended to be in three years.

Abnormal Pap smear: An abnormal Pap smear result doesn’t always mean you have cancer. It just means that there are abnormal cells on your cervix, and some of them could be precancerous. Milder abnormal cells are more common than severe abnormalities.

Are Pap Smear Results Accurate?

Pap tests are very accurate. Regular Pap tests reduce cervical cancer rates and mortality by at least 80 percent. Although Pap smears can be uncomfortable, the brief discomfort is a small price to pay to protect your health for life.

Our final words,

Pap Smear (Pap smear test) is still a rising phenomenon among women, especially women living in Nigeria. However, as we help to spread the word about the importance of it, we’re also encouraging women who fall under the age group mentioned above from 21 years and above to get a pap smear.

On the DRO Health app, we offer pap smears with our women standard health bundle for N23,300. Visit www.drohealth.com today to book and schedule a session with a doctor today. The first step to beating cervical cancer is getting a pap smear, so start today.

The post Pap Smear Tests and Why It’s Important for Women. appeared first on DRO Health.

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.

The post Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The Symptoms and Preventions. appeared first on DRO Health.

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.

The post True story- I Had Sex On My Period and It Was The Best Ever! appeared first on DRO Health.

In a bid to spread more awareness to many Nigerian women, DRO Health spoke to a Nonye Ezeaka, a Nigerian woman who had a breast cancer scare when she was 19 years old. Read her story below.

1. How old were you when you felt lumps in your breast?

Nonye: I think I was around 19-20 years old when I felt it.

2. How did you feel and what was your reaction?

Nonye: Okay, so I didn’t want to believe it at first when I felt the lump. I was settling down to sleep so I brushed aside the thought. But when I woke up, I checked again and the lump was still there it was a call for panic.

3. On which breast did you feel the lump in?

Nonye: The lump was growing in my left breast.

4. Is there a history of breast cancer in your family? Has anyone in your family tree had breast cancer?

Nonye: No, no one in my family has had breast cancer before.

5. How did you find the lump at first? Through a breast self-exam or a diagnostic test?

Nonye: I was at home when I felt the lump, so I’ll say through a self breast exam. I went for an ultrasound later on.

6. What were the next steps for you after confirming there was a lump in your breast?

Nonye: I went to the breast clinic in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to confirm if the lump was benign or cancerous. Thankfully it was benign, so that was a relief. I just had to go through some more tests to confirm was really benign and had not spread.

7. How many more tests did you go through to confirm?

Nonye: I went through two more tests before a confirmation was given. I had to go through an ultrasound and I had a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) procedure carried out.

8. What was the process to get the lump removed from your breast?

Nonye: The lump was removed through a surgical process. A simple lump excision or lumpectomy was carried out. The procedure was simple and pain free, I was given an anesthesia to numb any pain. The process took less than 2 hours in total. After the procedure I wasn’t given any drugs, just some instructions to let the wound heal properly.

9. Where did you have the lump removed and how much did it cost?

Nonye: The lump was removed at a private hospital in Ikeja, Lagos. The procedure cost around 80,000 Naira.

10. Nowadays are you taking any conscious efforts to ensure you’re healthy and safe in the future?

Nonye: Nothing specific. Nowadays, I just try to be more conscious about living a healthier lifestyle.

11. What’s your message to other Nigerian women about breast cancer?

Nonye: Learn how to perform breast self-examinations.

Some early signs of breast cancer are: swelling, bulging of the skin, redness, fluids from the nipples, inverted nipples, etc. You can perform a breast self-exam on yourself at home to detect these signs early enough. If you feel the need to speak to a professional at anytime, you can do so on the DRO Health app. You can also book for a breast cancer diagnostic test on the app or visit www.drohealth.com to start.

The post Breast Cancer Awareness: She found a lump in her breast at 19. appeared first on DRO Health.