Sep 15, 2012 | OB/GYN, Sexual Health, Women's Health
Barely-there underwear, Brazilian bikini waxes and shaved pubic hair have become cultural beauty standards for women. What most women don’t take into account is that the skin of a woman’s genital area is more sensitive than the skin on her face. The very practices women undertake to keep their private areas “pretty and pristine” are actually doing just the opposite. These new grooming routines are landing women in my office with complaints of irritation and discomfort. These symptoms are the result of harsh grooming procedures and tight clothing, and they’re your body’s way of saying, “Stop torturing me!”
What we call a “yeast infection” is an overpopulation of the yeast microorganism Candida albicans, which is found normally in the vagina. The way to prevent irritating yeast and other bacterial infections is to make sure that there is a healthy population of good bacteria in the vagina. These good bacteria are called probiotics and one of them, Acidophilus lactobacillus, has a name that means “acid-loving.” Help keep an acidic and healthy environment “down there” by following all of these tips:
Are you using panty liners? If so, STOP! Panty liners actually trap moisture and allow yeast infections to grow.
Wear cotton underwear ONLY, and I don’t mean just a cotton underwear crotch. The entire pair of underwear should be 100% cotton—it’s the least irritating fabric and it allows moisture to evaporate.
Underwear should not rub against the genital and anal areas, as they do with thongs or tight bikinis. Instead, panties should comfortably cover the sensitive areas, yet be loose enough not to chafe.
Are you waxing or shaving your pubic hair? Don’t! We evolved with pubic hair for a reason—it protects the vagina from dirt and other irritants. Continually removing pubic hair can cause ingrown hairs, decreased sensitivity, irritation and red bumps.
Skip skin-tight exercise pants. I know you want to look cute in your workout clothes, but opting for loose-fitting cotton shorts will help prevent vaginal irritation and infection.
Avoid harsh soaps or douches. The vaginal region should be treated gently and kept on the acidic side, which is the opposite of most soaps. Wash gently with plain water and use a very dilute solution of vinegar, if you feel douching is necessary.
Lisa Dabney, MD is Co-director of Urogynecology and Reconstrucitve Pelvic Surgery at Roosevelt Hospital.
Sep 1, 2012 | Holistic Health, Integrative Medicine, Surgery, Women's Health
I am a surgeon and I understand that you may be anxious, nervous and hesitant about your upcoming surgery. Anxiety, however, causes your blood pressure and heart rate to increase, lowers your threshold for pain, and agitates your nervous system. I have a prescription for that. It’s called meditation and breath work. As a vascular surgeon at Beth Israel Medical Center who is also a devoted yoga practitioner, I have seen many patients benefit from meditation as a part of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative healing work.
Do you remember what your Mama told you when you were nervous? “Take a deep breath, relax, focus and it will all feel better.” Mama knows best because that is an accurate description of meditation!
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that refers to breath work and is an essential and important part of meditation. Prana refers to that life force that is within us all and moves as the breath. When patients are comfortably and kindly ushered into a gentle space where they can engage in their breath, they experience a significant drop in their feelings of stress, nervousness, anxiety and pain.
Here’s how to meditate:
* Find a comfortable, quiet seat.
* Close your eyes and clear the chatter in your mind. Center center your mind and turn inward.
* Find a soothing mantra to repeat to yourself. Try, “I am relaxed and calm. I trust my surgeon. I see a life where I am strong and healthy.”
* As you repeat your mantra, breathe in deeply to a count of 8. Hold the breath in for a count of 2. Exhale to a count of 8.
* When your mind returns to distracting, fearful or anxious thoughts, simply say “hello” to them briefly and then refocus on the quiet meditative power of your breath.
Meditation is something everyone can do, regardless of what surgical procedure they have had or are about to undergo. You don’t need to be an expert or an accomplished yogi to practice meditation. Even if you find it challenging to quiet your mind, the practice will be helpful to you as you heal and in your everyday life.
Jennifer Svahn, MD, FACS is an attending vascular surgeon at Beth Israel Medical Center and registered yoga teacher.
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Diet and Nutrition, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Women's Health
I have been a lactation consultant at Beth Israel Medical Center since 2001. Mount Sinai Beth Israel has been working on the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. “Baby-Friendly” is the official description of an initiative created by the World Health Organization and UNICEF to encourage hospitals all over the world to promote healthy feeding choices for infants. Achieving baby-friendly designation is a lengthy process and involves a thorough site visit. There are currently about 130 hospitals in the United States that have achieved this designation. In 2010, Beth Israel was awarded a grant from the New York City Department of Health to pursue this designation. (more…)
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Exercise, Family Medicine, Integrative Medicine, OB/GYN, The Center for Health & Healing, Women's Health
Guest Post by H. Marie Williams
Exercising during pregnancy has been considered something for celebrities and the wealthy. While every expectant mother may not have access to a personal trainer certified to work with prenatal and postpartum clients, there are some things about exercise that every pregnant woman should know. (more…)
