II.CO. is the basis of the well-known pregnancy tests. It does not take long before H.CG. appears in the bloodstream. As its production increases, certain amounts are also excreted in the urine; the urine tests for pregnancy rely on detecting H.CG. If present, it is fairly positive evidence (hat pregnancy has taken place. However, it [...]
Carbohydrates Sixty per cent of your total energy intake should be obtained from complex carbohydrates. Fresh salads, fruits and vegetables are not only nutritious but help support the organs that cleanse the blood: the kidneys and liver. These complex carbohydrate foods are high in vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy baby. Don’t [...]
How long should I wait before resuming walking and tennis after having a hysterectomy? Most women who have had a laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy can walk short distances within a week and longer distances after about three weeks. For abdominal hysterectomy, add a further two weeks. From then on, be guided by how you feel. [...]
For some unknown reason the ovaries have a ‘use-by’ date. After a time of useful function, when they can produce eggs to make babies, they and their neighbour (the uterus) down tools and walk off the job, so to speak. Usually the rest of the body has a couple of decades to go, but not [...]
Most men have some bruising and discomfort for a few days after the vasectomy operation. It is important to use another method of contraception like condoms, until the semen has been tested and no sperms arc found in your semen. It takes about eight weeks for you to have enough ejaculations to remove all the [...]
How effective is Natural Family Planning? It is difficult to be accurate about the effectiveness of natural methods. We know that natural methods become more effective the longer they are practiced. They are also more effective if people are very motivated to use them. Some Natural Family Planning specialists believe that if you use a [...]
Where do you get the minipill? You have to go to a local doctor, or see a doctor at a Family Planning Centre to have the minipill prescribed for you. The doctor will take your medical history and give you a check up which will include taking your weight and blood pressure, checking your breasts [...]
Cervical caps are similar to diaphragms but they are much smaller. A diaphragm fits across the upper part of the vagina, and covers the cervix and part of the vaginal wall. A cervical cap just fits over the cervix like a little cap. Most people just call the cervical cap ‘the cap’ and that’s what [...]