Migraine

A migraine is a severe, painful headachethat is often preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days. 

Migraine headaches result from a combination of blood vessel enlargement and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels. During the headache, an artery enlarges that is located on the outside of the skull just under the skin of the temple (temporal artery). This causes a release of chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. 

A migraine headache causes the sympathetic nervous system to respond with feelings of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. This response also delays the emptying of the stomach into the small intestine (affecting food absorption), decreases blood circulation (leading to cold hands and feet), and increases sensitivity to light and sound. 

More than 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, and females are much more likely to get them than males.

Researchers from the Glia Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil and the Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA, found that kids with migraines are much more likely to also have behavioral problems, such as attention issues, anxiety, and depression, compared to children who never have migraines.

Brain lesions and migraine link - women who suffer from migraines have a greater risk of having deep white matter hyperintensities (brain lesions) compared to other women, researchers from Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands, reported in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) (November 2012). They added that migraine severity, frequency and how long they had been going on for were not associated with the progression of lesions.

What causes migraines?

Some people who suffer from migraines can clearly identify triggers or factors that cause the headaches, but many cannot. Potential migraine triggers include:

• Allergies and allergic reactions


• Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes


• Physical or emotional stress


• Changes in sleep patterns or irregular sleep


• Smoking or exposure to smoke


• Skipping meals or fasting


• Alcohol


• Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during menopauseonset


• Tension headaches


• Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)


• Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods.

Triggers do not always cause migraines, and avoiding triggers does not always prevent migraines.

What are the symptoms of migraine?

Symptoms of migraine can occur a while before the headache, immediately before the headache, during the headache, and after the headache. Although not all migraines are the same, typical symptoms include:

• Moderate to severe pain, usually confined to one side of the head, but switching in successive migraines
• Pulsing and throbbing head pain
• Increasing pain during physical activity
• Inability to perform regular activities due to pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound

Many people experience migraines with auras just before or during the head pain, but most do not. Auras are perceptual disturbances such as confusing thoughts or experiences and the perception of strange lights, sparkling or flashing lights, lines in the visual field, blind spots, pins and needles in an arm or leg, or unpleasant smells. Researchers from INSERM, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Bordeaux, and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, found that women who have migraines with aura have a higher risk of heart attack, while those taking newer contraceptives may have a greater risk of blood clots.

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Migraine sufferers also may have premonitions called prodrome that can occur several hours or a day or so before the headache. These premonitions may consist of feelings of elation or intense energy, cravings for sweets, thirst, drowsiness, irritability, or depression.

How is migraine diagnosed?

Physicians will look at family medical history and check the patient for the symptoms described above in order to diagnose migraine. The International Headache Society recommends the "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 criteria" to diagnose migraines without aura. This stands for:

• 5 or more attacks


• 4 hours to 3 days in duration


• At least 2 of unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate to severe pain, aggravation by or avoidance of routine physical activity


• At least 1 additional symptom such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound.

Tests such as electroencephalography (EEG), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and spinal tap may also be performed that check for:

• Bleeding within the skull
• Blood clot within the membrane that covers the brain
• Stroke
• Dilated blood vessel in the brain
• Too much or too little cerebrospinal fluid
• Inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord
• Nasal sinus blockage
• Postictal headache (after stroke or seizure)
• Tumors

How is migraine treated and prevented?

Migraine treatment (abortive therapies) and prevention (prophylactic therapies) focus on avoiding triggers, controlling symptoms, and taking medicines. Over-the-counter medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen, acetaminophen (paracetamol), and other analgesics like Excedrin(aspirin with caffeine) are often the first abortive therapies to eliminate the headache or substantially reduce pain. Anti-emetics may also be employed to control symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. 

Serotonin agonists such as sumatriptan may also be prescribed for severe migraines or for migraines that are not responding to the over-the-counter medications. Similarly, some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - antidepressants such as tricyclics - are prescribed to reduce migraine symptoms although they are not approved in all countries for this purpose. 

Another class of abortive treatments are called ergots, which are usually effective if administered at the first sign of migraine. Other drugs have also been used to treat migraine such as combinations of barbituates, paracetamol or aspirin, and caffeine (Fioricet or Fiorinal) and combinations of acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene (Amidrine, Duadrin, and Midrin). If vomiting makes drugs difficult to ingest, anti-emetics will be prescribed. 

Migraine prevention begins with avoiding things that trigger the condition. The main goals of prophylactic therapies are to reduce the frequency, painfulness, and duration of migraine headaches and to increase the effectiveness of abortive therapies. There are several categories of preventive migraine medicine, ranging from diet changes and exercise to prescription drugs. Some of these include:

• Prescription beta blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants


• Botulinum toxin A (Botox)


• Herbs and vitamins such as butterbur, cannabis, coenzyme Q10, feverfew, magnesium citrate, riboflavin, B12, melatonin


• Surgery that severs corrugator supercilii muscle and zygomaticotemporal nerve in the brain


• Spinal cord stimulator implantation


• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy


• Vision correction


• Exercise, sleep, sexual activity


• Visualization and self-hypnosis


• Chiropractic care or acupuncture


• Special diets such as gluten free

It is possible for people to get medication overuse headache (MOH), or rebound headache, when taking too many medications in an attempt to prevent migraine.

What is an STD? What is an STI?

 Sexually transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs, are diseases that are spread by having sex with someone who has an STD. You can get a sexually transmitted disease from sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis.

According to the American Social Health Organization, one out of four teens in the United States becomes infected with an STD each year and by the age of 25, half of all sexually active young adults will get an STD.

Recommended Related to Sexual Conditions

Understanding Chlamydia -- Prevention

To reduce your risk of getting infected, use a condom each time you have sex. Limit the numbers of sexual partners, or consider practicing abstinence. If you think you are infected, avoid sexual contact and see a doctor. Most doctors recommend that all people who have more than one sexual partner, especially women, be tested for chlamydia regularly even in the absence of symptoms.

Read the Understanding Chlamydia -- Prevention article > >

STDs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STDs, like HIV, cannot be cured and are deadly. By learning more, you can find out ways to protect yourself from the following STDs.

• Genital herpes
• Human papilloma virus/Genital warts
• Hepatitis B
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea ("Clap")

What Are the Symptoms of STDs?

Sometimes, there are no symptoms of STDs. If symptoms are present, they may include one or more of the following:

• Bumps, sores, or warts near the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina.
• Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina.
• Skin rash.
• Painful urination.
• Weight loss, loose stools, night sweats.
• Aches, pains, fever, and chills.
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
• Discharge from the penis or vagina. (Vaginal discharge may have an odor.)
• Bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period.
• Painful sex.
• Severe itching near the penis or vagina.

How Do I Know If I Have an STD?

Talk to your doctor. He or she can examine you and perform tests to determine if you have an STD. Treatment can:

• Cure many STDs.
• Lessen the symptoms of STDs.
• Make it less likely that you will spread the disease.
• Help you to get healthy and stay healthy.

How Are STDs Treated?

Many STDs are treated with antibiotics.

If you are given an antibiotic to treat an STD, it's important that you take all of the drug, even if the symptoms go away. Also, never take someone else's medicine to treat your illness. By doing so, you may make it more difficult to diagnose and treat the infection. Likewise, you should not share your medicine with others. Some doctors, however, may provide additional antibiotics to be given to your partner so that you can be treated at the same time.

How Can I Protect Myself From STDs?

Here are some basic steps that you can take to protect yourself from STDs:

• Consider that not having sex or sexual relations (abstinence) is the only sure way to prevent STDs.
• Use a latex condom every time you have sex. (If you use a lubricant, make sure it is water-based.)
• Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STD.
• Practice monogamy. This means having sex with only one person. That person must also have sex with only you to reduce your risk.
• Choose your sex partners with care. Don't have sex with someone whom you suspect may have an STD. However, keep in mind that you can't always tell by looking if your partner has an STD.
• Get checked for STDs. Don't risk giving the infection to someone else.
• Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex. You may be less likely to use a condom if you are drunk or high.
• Know the signs and symptoms of STDs. Look for them in yourself and your sex partners.
• Learn about STDs. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself.

• How Can I Avoid Spreading an STD?

  • If you have an STD, stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment.
  • Use condoms whenever you have sex, especially with new partners.
  • Don't resume having sex unless your doctor says it's okay.
  • Return to your doctor to get rechecked.
  • Be sure your sex partner or partners also are treated.

G spot

 Woman’s G spot: does it really exist and how do I find it?

There is no ‘prescription’ that helps you find or stimulate the G spot. Even if you know where the G spot is supposed to be located, the only real way to find it is by exploration and touch. (Photo shutterstock)

Most adults have heard of the G spot, an elusive part of the female anatomy said to enhance orgasm pleasure. Despite the popularity of the term and a general acceptance that it does exist, little evidence has ever conclusively pointed to a specific area that could be concretely identified as the legendary G spot.

The most recent research indicating the legend might be true came from Dr. Adam Ostrzenski, a Poland-trained anatomist and physician. According to the Los Angeles Times, Ostrzenski’s research over in Poland allowed him to view cadavers in a more in-depth way than is allowed in the United States.

Using the body of a recently deceased 83-year-old women, Ostrzenski dissected the six layers of vaginal tissue and found what he believes is the real G spot. Hidden between the fifth and sixth vaginal layers, a small cluster of erectile tissue — no bigger than a centimeter — was discovered.

Despite the finding, critics claim Ostrzenski was too quick to call the tissue cluster the G-spot, and claim he did not prove the erectile clusters indeed had nerve endings related to sexual enhancement.

Beverly Whipple, a Rutgers University sexologist who helped bring the phrase “G spot” into popularity, says Ostrzenski’s claims contradict previous studies showing orgasms are a far more complex sequence in women than in men.

There is no universal, magical spot for orgasm, she says.

• What is the G spot, exactly?

How does one find the G Spot? (Photo Shutterstock)

For those who believe in the G spot, it is an area within the vaginal wall considered to be the equivalent to the male prostate. It is approximately the size of a quarter, says Dr. Victoria Zdrok on Ask Men, made up of spongy tissue of the paraurethral gland. Composed of erectile tissue, the area swells during arousal.

The location is said to be on the front vaginal wall (belly side) approximately 2 inches up the vaginal canal.

According to Zdrok, the area is easiest to find when a woman is already aroused, making foreplay an important part of the G spot location process.

• How does one find the G spot?

Not all women will react the same way to G spot stimulation. (Photo/ cafemom)

Even if you know where the G spot is supposed to be located, the only real way to find it is by touch.

Zdrok recommends having the woman lie on her back. Her partner should gently insert the index finger or middle finger into the vagina as far as it will go. Using the fingertip, locate an area on the vaginal wall which feels texturally different than the rest of the area. This is supposed to be the G spot, and it is effectively stimulated with a “come here” motion of the finger.

Not all women will react the same way to G spot stimulation though. Some women need to have external pressure placed above the pubic region; some women prefer a firm tapping motion to a tickling caress.

The key is good communication with the partner to assess when her needs are being met.

• How to stimulate the G spot during intercourse

For many couples, the ideal scenario involves both the man and the woman climaxing during intercourse. (In Stock)

For many couples, the ideal scenario involves both the man and the woman climaxing during intercourse. For some women, however, this isn’t always possible. Being able to stimulate the ‘alleged’ G spot during intercourse can be an important step toward a more satisfying sexual experience.

Sexual position can mean everything in this particular G spot quest. Ask Men recommends the following positions:

• Woman on top: Having the woman on top of the man during intercourse allows her to adjust the tilt of her hips for G spot stimulation.
• From behind: Whether “doggy style” or from a spooning position, intercourse at this angle causes the penis to move against the front wall of the vaginal canal, stimulating the G spot.
• Rotated woman: not for the faint of heart, the rotated woman position is considered a tantric sex move. To start, the woman sit on top of the man, facing his feet. Once the penis has entered the vaginal canal, the woman gently lays down over the man’s legs, grabbing his ankles. This position causes the vaginal canal to tighten, and results in more G spot contact during sex.
• Legs up: This is also a tantric sex position, but one which relies on traditional missionary style intercourse. To achieve G spot stimulation in this manner, the man should place his partner’s feet or legs on his chest. The move elevates the buttocks and allows for deeper penetration and a G spot-stimulating angle.

• Is there a male G spot?

The male G spot is another phrase used for prostate stimulation. While the male and female G spots may share characteristics, the male prostate serves a specific function within the body; it controls whether a man ejaculates or whether he urinates.

Not all men enjoy having their prostate stimulated, and Steady Health states some women may not be able to reach their partner’s prostate. In a common rectal examination at a doctor’s office, the physician often has to push hard and deep to locate the area. For women with short fingers, prostate stimulation may not be an option.

For ladies looking to try, a man should be on his back, and your hand should be facing palm up. Because there is no natural lubrication, the use of a sterile jelly is recommended. You can use the same “come here” finger motion to gently locate the male G spot.

• Fact or fiction?

While the debate about the female G spot still rages, many women vouch for its authenticity. Regardless of the scientific proof, pleasuring a partner means finding the areas of arousal specific to that individual. For some women, breast stimulation or stimulation of the clitoris may be more enjoyable.

Read more: http://www.voxxi.com/what-is-g-spot-find/#ixzz2QS4gH1QY