Latest news with #reproductiveHealth
Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Does Crohn's Disease Affect Fertility?
More studies are needed to better understand Crohn's effects on fertility and reproductive health. Here's what we know so far. People with Crohn's disease may be concerned about how their condition might affect their fertility or their ability to conceive children. Many people who have Crohn's are able to safely conceive. Research to understand how Crohn's affects fertility is still ongoing. What the research says Inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and surgery can all impact your fertility and sexual health when you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Women who have IBD (including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis) have similar fertility rates as women who do not, according to a 2021 review of medical literature. Women with IBD do have a higher risk of complications, such as preterm delivery and cesarean delivery. Women who have Crohn's may have slightly lower fertility rates than the general population, according to a 2021 Swedish study. In another 2021 review, women with Crohn's disease were found to have infertility rates of 3% to 14%. This is around the same as the infertility rates of women without Crohn's, which range from 2.4% to 14%. Many researchers currently believe that men who have well-managed Crohn's disease have the same fertility rates as the general population (or people without IBD). The exception to this might be those taking certain types of Crohn's medication. The medication sulfasalazine is often used for treating Crohn's disease. It can temporarily reduce sperm count and the viability of the sperm that's produced. It can take several months for sperm to return to healthy levels after sulfasalazine treatment. A note on gender and sex terminology Most research surrounding fertility and IBD separates participants into male and female sex categories and uses gender and sex terminology interchangeably. Gender and sex are not the same, and both occur on a spectrum. In summarizing scientific articles or studies for our readers, we use their language to preserve intent and accuracy. However, Healthline acknowledges that medical research often doesn't represent everyone equally, and we should all strive toward more inclusive practices. People of all sexes can have IBD, including Crohn's disease, and may also experience fertility and sexual health effects. Finding a doctor you trust and receiving an individualized approach to your care is essential. Potential causes of fertility issues in IBD There's no single component of IBD that definitively impacts fertility. Many people with IBD will have little to no effects on fertility or libido. However, there are a variety of factors that, separately or together, may become issues for someone with IBD trying to conceive children. Let's look at some common concerns and research findings. Crohn's and getting pregnant Women with Crohn's may have difficulty getting pregnant after colon resection surgery. This type of surgery may sometimes impact reproductive organs and leave scar tissue in the area. There's also concern that pelvic inflammation from unmanaged Crohn's could decrease the chances of conceiving. Crohn's and being pregnant There's a chance Crohn's may flare during pregnancy, even if you were in remission when you got pregnant. This is why it's essential to have active treatment for your IBD during pregnancy and work with your doctor to safely address any symptom flare-ups should they arise. Crohn's and sperm count A 2019 review of 14 studies found that quality studies on how all types of IBD affect male fertility are lacking. From what we do know, it seems most people with Crohn's have no issue with having levels of healthy, viable sperm. Medications for Crohn's, especially sulfasalazine, can cause a temporary reduction in sperm quality and sperm count. Switching to a different medication for several months typically solves this issue. Crohn's and choosing to be child-free Some people with Crohn's may view their condition as an obstacle to pregnancy. They may avoid trying to conceive children out of concern for their health. Medical literature points to widespread misconceptions about Crohn's and fertility as part of the reason many people with Crohn's forego having children. While there's research suggesting IBD can affect fertility and reproductive health, many people with Crohn's are able to have healthy, safe pregnancies. Managing Crohn's symptoms effectively is key. It's important to keep in mind that not everyone wants children. Some people may make the personal decision to be child-free due in part to their Crohn's disease, or completely irrespective of it. Your sexual and reproductive health is no one's business but your own. While everyone deserves access to the information and care surrounding fertility that they need, no one should face judgment for the decisions they make regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Group urges ‘more humane approach' after woman jailed for ending pregnancy
Young women need to be provided with accurate information, protection, and access to care, says Annuar Husain Hussein of the Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia. (Freepik pic) PETALING JAYA : An association has called for a more humane approach on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), following the jailing of a 21-year-old convicted of terminating her pregnancy. The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia said the punitive outcome reflects systemic gaps in access to safe, legal, and non-judgmental reproductive health services, particularly for young and vulnerable individuals. Its acting chairman, Annuar Husain Hussein, said criminalising women for reproductive choices only deepens the cycle of silence, stigma, and suffering. 'Malaysia must adopt a public health and human rights approach to sexual and reproductive health and rights, one that empowers individuals, provides accurate information, and ensures protection and access to care,' Annuar said in a statement. He said the woman's situation also revealed multiple SRHR failures, including the lack of affordable contraceptive and family planning services, limited access to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and the absence of supportive and non-judgmental services for women facing unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. To prevent such tragedies, Malaysia must prioritise the strengthening of CSE in schools and communities, and expand access to contraception and family planning services for young people as well as underserved populations. The government should also ensure the availability of safe abortion services within the legal framework, and implement youth-friendly SRHR services that are confidential, respectful, and sensitive to the challenges young women face. 'In addition, there is an urgent need to tackle the stigma and cultural silence surrounding sexual and reproductive health, which often drives women to seek unsafe solutions such as purchasing pills online,' Annuar said. On Friday, it was reported that the woman was sentenced to nine months in jail by the Ayer Keroh magistrates' court in Melaka after pleading guilty to causing the death of her child before birth. The woman had purchased misoprostol online for RM600 to terminate her five-month pregnancy. A health think tank has since urged the government to reform the nation's abortion laws, saying the case exposed outdated laws that criminalised women while ignoring the root causes of unplanned pregnancies. Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Khalib said Malaysia's abortion laws were based on 19th-century provisions and did not reflect modern medical standards or the challenges faced by young, poor, or unmarried women. While abortion is legally allowed under certain conditions, he said, stigma and poor access to services often force women to resort to unsafe methods.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How soon do pregnancy symptoms start? Here's what experts say.
Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this story misstated how to calculate pregnancy duration. It has since been updated. If you think there's a chance you might be pregnant, you want to know as soon as possible. But how soon can symptoms be attributed to a new pregnancy, rather than other ailments or conditions? It's helpful first to know how to actually measure pregnancy duration: It's calculated from the first day of your last period, not the actual day of conception, says Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)." And symptoms could begin to arise sooner than you might think. Here's what gynecological experts want you to know about early pregnancy symptoms and detection. How does IVF work? Plus what the process is like and how much it costs. Pregnancy (or "morning sickness") symptoms can begin to show within four to eight weeks, experts say. Symptoms including nausea, fatigue, moodiness, breast tenderness, light bleeding and mild pelvic cramping. Food cravings or aversions are common. But not everyone experiences those symptoms in that timeframe – and not everyone who experiences those symptoms is pregnant. It's rare, but in some cases, false negative tests occur. "Some people never notice symptoms, which is why pregnancies are detected at all different gestational ages, even sometimes in the third trimester," Tang says. "Some of the symptoms of pregnancy can be the same as what people experience in PMS, because they're also caused by a hormone called progesterone that rises in both the luteal phase before your period, and as the placenta develops. You could also think you have a virus because of feeling nauseated, tired and achy." Noted: Can you actually get pregnant during your period? What an OB/GYN needs you to know. The "most sensitive" drugstore tests can detect pregnancy as early as three or four weeks after your period date, Tang says. In those first few weeks, pregnancy hormones are on the rise every day. If you take a test early on that turns up negative but you still believe you may be pregnant, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends testing again in a week. Getting a blood test done by a medical professional also may be helpful, as blood tests are able to detect pregnancy before urine tests and ultrasounds. "You should take a test as soon as you are worried you might be pregnant, but most over-the-counter tests may not turn positive until around the time that you'd be due for or missing your period," she adds. "Pregnancy hormone (HCG) is most concentrated in the first morning urine, so that may have the best chance of showing a positive, but obviously take the test whenever in the day you're able to." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When do pregnancy symptoms start? Expert thoughts on morning sickness
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How to safely have sex while pregnant, according to health experts
Being pregnant doesn't have to put a pause on your sex life. Sure, it may change your sex drive or comfort levels. But from a health and safety perspective, the good news is that "most people can safely have sex while pregnant," says Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)." For the record, health experts say it's completely normal if you or your partner don't feel like having sex while pregnant, for any reason. The key is keeping an open dialogue about how you're feeling, and any worries about how the current pregnancy could impact your sex life as a couple. But if you are interested in learning the dos and don'ts of having sex while pregnant, Tang is answering your FAQs. 'Pregnancy nose' videos go viral. Here's the problem with the trend. In most cases, there's no need to worry about vaginal penetration, sperm or orgasms hurting a "normally-developing pregnancy," she adds. The uterine muscles and amniotic fluid are there to protect the baby, according to the Mayo Clinic. But there are certain cases in which a doctor might suggest putting a pause on bedroom activity. Conditions that might lead an OB/GYN to recommend against having sex, according to Tang, include an early cervical dilation or weakening, concern about risk of uterine infection, placenta covering the opening of the cervix, a history of early labor, leaking amniotic fluid or experiencing vaginal bleeding. Folate is crucial for prenatal care. But it could also prolong your life. As long as your doctor has said you don't have any of the aforementioned conditions that could make sex during pregnancy unsafe, you're fine to have sex throughout your pregnancy, experts say. Ultimately, pregnancy sex should be discussed on a personal basis with your doctor, who can offer guidance depending on your unique situation, Tang says. Condoms obviously aren't needed to prevent pregnancy if you already are pregnant, but the Mayo Clinic notes that condom usage is vital if your partner has a sexually transmitted infection, or if either of you have sex with a new partner while pregnant, as an STI can cause serious health issues for you and the baby. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can you have sex while pregnant? You likely won't hurt the baby.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Australian women lagging on use of IUDs due to education ‘failure', experts say
Most Australian women don't know that intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most effective form of contraception. Experts say this nationwide 'failure in public education' has contributed to low uptake and caused Australia to lag behind other western countries. The latest Jean Hailes National Women's Health Survey of 3,537 reproductive age women found more than 80% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 60% of 25 to 44-year-olds want to avoid getting pregnant. The survey found only 7% of women aged 18 to 24 and 11% of women aged 25 to 44 reported using an IUD. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email The CEO of Jean Hailes, Dr Sarah White, said the results show Australia is 'far behind' equivalent countries such as the UK, South Korea, France and the US. In Sweden and England rates of use are over 30%. IUDs are small devices implanted in the uterus. As a form of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), they are the most effective way to prevent pregnancy (over 99%). Contraceptive pills also have a rate of efficacy above 99% if taken correctly. But its effectiveness can be reduced if taken irregularly or absorption can be affected by diarrhoea and vomiting. When the survey tested women's knowledge on which methods were best at preventing pregnancy, the most common answer (32%) incorrectly identified condoms, while 27% said all are equally effective. Just one in four women (27%) correctly identified IUDs. Conducted online in mid-2024, the survey found three in 10 women aged 25 to 44 and 8% of women aged 18 to 24 said they'd had an unplanned pregnancy. White said 'most women are not aware that these long-acting, reversible contraceptives are actually the most effective form of contraception at a time when so many of them are saying it's really important for them not to become pregnant.' 'They're walking past one of the best options they've got because they just don't know about it.' Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion The lack of knowledge of the effectiveness of IUDs 'goes a long way to driving that low uptake,' White said. IUDs had other benefits, she said, including their convenience in not interrupting sex, easing period pain and being more cost effective over the long term than other forms of contraception. The leader of the Sphere Centre of Research Excellence in women's sexual and reproductive health in primary care, Prof Danielle Mazza, said not enough healthcare providers in Australia are trained in the insertion of IUDs, and may be less likely to emphasise the benefits. Sphere conducted the survey in collaboration with Jean Hailes. In its most recent budget, as part of the half a billion dollar package for women's health, the federal government increased payments to doctors and nurse practitioners to insert and remove IUDs. Eight centres will be set up to train healthcare professionals. White said access issues in rural and regional Australia might be alleviated if more women were considered using IUDs. IUD insertions by a private provider has higher upfront costs, White said, but that cost is 'well and truly recouped' compared with buying the pill or condoms over the long term. As several states have moved towards pharmacy prescribing the contraceptive pill, Mazza said it is important women are still being advised about all their contraceptive options, including LARCs, even though pharmacists can't provide them. White said some women are also concerned about the pain of insertion, in part fuelled by social media amplifying negative experiences. 'But in fact, there's a lot of people who really swear by having IUDs and love how convenient they are..' The chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' sexual reproductive health committee, Prof Kirsten Black, said in her experience patients will often say 'that's not nearly as bad as they thought' after the procedure. Black said it was surprising knowledge was so low in the survey, but added 'we have a real failure of public education in this area,' unlike in northern Europe. Black said she hopes the government incentives will improve the skills of primary care practitioners to provide IUDs.
