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Eclampsia and Seizures | Brooklyn Gynecology Services

Eclampsia and Seizures | Brooklyn Gynecology Services

Eclampsia is a rare but serious condition that causes seizures during pregnancy. It can affect every woman during pregnancy, no matter if you have had or not a history of seizures in the past. However, some women are at a greater risk of suffering from Eclampsia than others.

Seizures are a period of disturbed brain activity accompanied with convulsions and decreased alertness.

Some women are at e greater risk of suffering from eclampsia than others. Risk factors include:

  • Preeclampsia
  • High blood pressure
  • Being pregnant for the first time
  • Being pregnant with twins
  • Being under the age of 20 or over the age of 35
  • Diabetes or any other medical condition that affects the blood vessels, etc.

 

What causes Eclampsia?

The real cause of Eclampsia is not known. However, in many cases Eclampsia follows Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure in a pregnant woman after the 20th week of pregnancy. When the preeclampsia worsens and affects the brain, eclampsia has developed.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Eclampsia

Because eclampsia often follows preeclamsia, pregnant women can have the signs and symptoms of both conditions. Common signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include: headaches, swelling especially in the face and hands, excessive weight gain, nausea and vomiting, difficulties while urinating, vision problems, etc. Signs and symptoms of eclampsia include: headaches, muscle pain, seizures, agitation, loss of consciousness, etc.

 

How Is Eclampsia Diagnosed?

In cases when preeclampsia is diagnosed, your doctor will order regular check-up tests in order to monitor your condition and to diagnose on time if preeclampsia has worsen and eclampsia has occurred. If you have had preeclampsia or eclampsia in previous pregnancies, your doctor will also order regular check-ups in order to determine if the condition will reoccur. Regular tests that help diagnose preeclampsia and eclampsia include:

Blood tests – a total check-up of your blood, including hematocrit and platelet count in order to determine how is the blood clotting and how many red blood cells you have in your body

Urine tests – to check for the presence of protein in the urine and the rate at which it is being excreted

Creatinine tests – are done in order to determine how the kidneys work. Creatinine is a waste product produces by the muscles. Having higher levels of creatinine in the blood indicate preeclampsia.

 

How is Eclampsia Treated?  

Delivery is the only treating option in cases with preeclampsia and eclampsia. If preeclampsia is diagnosed, your doctor will monitor your condition and treat you with medications in order to prevent eclampsia. Early delivery of the baby is necessary in cases with severe signs and symptoms, when eclampsia threatens the life of the mother and the baby. Early delivery usually occurs between the 32 – 36th week of pregnancy. In cases with high blood pressure medications to lower it may be used. In cases with seizures, anticonvulsants may be used.

 

How Does Eclampsia Affect the Baby?

Eclampsia affects the placenta, which is the organ that delivers the blood, oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby inside of the womb. In cases with preeclampsia or eclampsia, the high blood pressure reduces the blood flow and the placenta is not able to function normally. This leads to delivering a baby with low birth weight or delivering a baby with other health problems. In rare cases, stillbirth may occur.

 

Nipple Pain Causes | Brooklyn Gynecology Services

Nipple Pain Causes | Brooklyn Gynecology Services

Nipple Pain Causes | Brooklyn Gynecology Services

Nipples are considered as the most erogenous zones of the female body. These high sensitive areas are easily stimulated, but also easily irritated. There are many different causes of nipple pain.

Nipple problems are often in women. Many nipple problems are not related to breast cancer, but they could indicate a serious underlying condition.

 

Nipple Pain Causes

  • Wearing tight underwear and non-fitting bras
  • Vigorous sexual activity
  • Repeated friction while jogging
  • Infections of the breast – often occur in cases when the nipple was firstly traumatized. Nipple pain in these cases is often accompanied with high fever. Antibiotics and a proper personal hygiene are always recommended in these cases.
  • Paget’s disease – occurs in cases when the breast cancer invades and spreads to the nipple and areola. The areola and nipple are often swollen, red in color and painful. This is all due to a blockage of the small lymphatic channels which drain the fluid from the areola. The blocking of the small lymphatic channels is caused by a rapid proliferation of the cancer cells.
  • Breastfeeding – could cause pain in the nipples. The pain is usually due to nipple vasospasm or any trauma of the nipple during breastfeeding. Changes in the saliva during teething of the baby could result in nipple pain.
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes – which are normal every month in a female’s organism can cause nipple pain or even breast pain.

Possible Breast Diseases

Other possible signs and symptoms that can accompany the pain in the nipple area, and that can suggest any possible disease that affect the breast, include:

  • Bleeding from the nipple
  • Nipple discharge
  • Breast lump
  • Breast tenderness
  • Change in the size, shape or appearance of the breast
  • Hardened area within the breast
  • Rash or sore on the breast or nipple
  • Redness, warmth or swelling
  • Retracted nipple
  • Skin discoloration, etc.

If you notice any difference in the nipples or in the breast area you should consult with your physician immediately. It can be something harmless, but there is always the possibility for something more serious, like breast cancer. Consult your physician immediately in cases when a nipple discharge is present. The nipple discharge could be brownish, bloody or it could be even pus.

 

Nipple Pain and Nipple Discharge Treatment Options

The treatment of the nipple pain depends from its cause.

Abrasive trauma to the nipples should heel on its own in a few days.

In cases with infection of the nipple antibiotics, antifungal and any other appropriate medication are necessary.

In cases with small noncancerous tumors, regular check-ups are necessary. Usually these types of tumors are not removed.

In cases with Paget’s disease of the breast and nipple the treatment will depend on how much the tumor has spread into the breast or into the other surrounding areas. If no other tumors are found, treatment includes surgery to remove the nipple and areola. After surgery a series of radiation treatments are usually necessary. In cases when other tumors are found, a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) is performed.

 

Contraceptive Options Available for Women over 40

Contraceptive Options Available for Women over 40

Contraceptive Options Available for Women over 40

Women over the age of 40 should not forget to consider different contraceptive options available. Whether you have children and don’t plan to have any more children in the future, or you are still planning to have a family, the only important thing is the right contraception that can protect you from the unexpected pregnancy.

 

Fertility and Age

It is true that fertility declines with age and once you are over the age of 35 or 40 it is much harder to get pregnant compared to when you are in your twenties or in your early thirties. However, various studies have shown that women between the age of 40 and 45 are still able to get pregnant. The fertility declines with age but it does not stop until you reach menopause. The menopause is considered the period with the lack of menstruations for more than 12 months. Women usually enter menopause around the age of 50. For some women, menopause comes early, before the age of 40, called premature menopause.

Keep in mind that even though you have finished planning your family, but you still continue to be sexually active, you and your partner should take precautions and learn your contraceptive options in order to prevent any possible pregnancy in the future.

 

Contraceptive Options Available Nowadays

  • Birth control pills – are safe to use and they can be used until the age of 50. Women who have problems with the blood pressure, any cardiovascular disease or smoke, should be careful while taking the birth control pills. There are two types of pills available, the pill that contains both estrogen and progesterone, or the pill that contains only progestin. Contraceptive pills are taken daily in order to keep the ovaries from releasing an egg.
  • IUD – is a T shaped device that is inserted inside of the uterus. There are two types: copper IUD and hormonal IUD. Protection is for more than 5 years.
  • Condoms – today there are female and male condoms available. The female condom is worn by the female inside of the vagina in order to keep the sperm from getting inside of the body. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before having sex. The male condom is worn by the male during sexual intercourse in order to keep the sperm from entering the woman’s body. Condoms are either: lubricated or non-lubricated. Keep in mind that condoms can tear or break if you keep them in a hot place.

 

Permanent Birth Control Methods

If you don’t plan to have children in the future, there are always the permanent contraceptive options like:

  • Sterilization implant – it is a non-surgical sterilization method for women. The scar tissue may take up to three months to form, so in the meantime it is very important to use other contraceptive options. The sterilization implant works by blocking the fallopian tubes.
  • Surgical sterilization – closes the fallopian tubes by cutting, tying or sealing them. This will stop the egg from traveling into the uterus.

 

Emergency Contraception

If one of the above mentioned contraceptive options failed for any possible reason, there is always the so called baby after pill. Emergency contraception can be taken as a single dose or in two doses. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg or keeping the sperm from joining with the egg. For the best chances for it to work, take the pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It should be taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. It is often known as the morning after pill.  Keep in mind that it should not be used as a regular contraceptive method.

 

 

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Disclaimer:

This website contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not medical advice.

If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.