Over 35 and Want to Have a Baby? Try These Three Fertility-Boosting Tips
If you’re over 35 and want to become pregnant, there are obstacles, but it’s not impossible. We have three fertility-boosting tips for you for a happy, healthy pregnancy.
Holiday Self-Care Tips for Coping with Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a woman’s health issue where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, either on its surface or on other parts of your body.
The errant tissue can lead to painful symptoms that impact your menstrual cycle and daily life. In addition, some women living with endometriosis have difficulty getting pregnant because of scarring and potential fallopian tube blockage as well.
At the OB/GYN office of Dr. Hany H Ahmed in Houston, Texas, Dr. Ahmed and his team treat all forms of irregular bleeding, including endometriosis. Along with treatment options, our team offers self-care tips. Here are some to use during the upcoming holiday season.
Endometriosis symptoms
Endometriosis is relatively common, affecting about 1 in 10 women worldwide. Health care providers usually diagnose it in women in their 20s and 30s.
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which can be intense or mild. Symptoms often feel worse just before and during your period because hormonal changes at that time lead to increased inflammation.
Other symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Abdominal or back pain during or between periods
- Heavy bleeding during periods or spotting between periods
- Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
- Infertility
- Pain when defecating or urinating
- Stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
Some women have no symptoms at all. They may be unaware of the problem until they’re unable to get pregnant.
Interestingly, there’s no connection between your symptoms and the severity of the condition. Some people with minor patches of endometriosis experience severe pain, while others have many but no pain at all.
Self-care tips for coping with endometriosis
These self-care tips are great around the holiday season and the rest of the year. They include:
Prioritize your physical and mental health
Yes, Aunt Sophie insists you come to her holiday party, but if you don’t feel well, physically or mentally, stand your ground, give a polite no, and stay home and do something fun for you.
Don’t compound one problem with another; you’re the only one who can tell what you’re feeling and knows what you can and can’t handle.
Eat a healthy diet
Of course, the holidays are filled with many tasty treats, and most people’s diets fly right out the window until New Year’s resolutions come around. That doesn’t mean you can’t eat a healthy diet and allow yourself to splurge a little when your symptoms allow you to go out.
Focus on healthy grains, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (e.g., omega-3), and lean protein. That gives you a little room to maneuver at a holiday dinner or party. Choose one or two small items that are your favorites, and allow yourself to enjoy them without penalty.
Exercise regularly
Find something physical you enjoy, and stick with it. If your goal is a half-hour of steady exercise five times a week, keep a calendar on the wall and mark off which days you achieved that. Keep up the activity during the holidays to help counteract all the goodies.
Get enough good-quality sleep
Experts recommend adults sleep 7-9 hours every night and go to bed and wake up at the same time. Make small adjustments to include party times, but don’t overdo it. Sleeping less than seven hours a night may contribute to poorer health than those who get seven or more.
Always follow your treatment plans for existing conditions
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you can blow off your carefully tailored treatment plan. If Dr. Ahmed or another provider prescribes treatment, continue the treatment so you can get better or at least manage the symptoms.
Attend the festivities you think you can handle without compromising your health. Pushing when you don’t have enough energy to push only hurts you.
Want to learn more self-care tips or about how we treat endometriosis? Call our office to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
The Lesser-Known Symptoms of Menopause That Might Surprise You
Most everyone who knows about menopause knows of the ongoing problems with hot flashes, night sweats, and moodiness, but there are lesser-known symptoms you should be aware of. We discuss some of them here.
With So Many Contraception Options, How Can I Pick the Right One for Me?
If you’re looking for effective contraception options, you have a wide variety to choose from. Hormonal or barrier? Rings, patches, or implants? Condoms or diaphragms? We break down the options here so you can make an informed choice.
When Should I Be Concerned About Irregular Menstrual Bleeding?
Irregular menstrual bleeding may be cause for concern, or it may be nothing much. Learn about some of the most common causes of irregular bleeding here.
5 STDs and How to Prevent Them
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) come in many forms, some more easily transmissible than others. Keep reading to learn more about the most common types and how to prevent their spread.
Your Guide to Tubal Reversal
Many women get their tubes “tied” to prevent getting pregnant. But what happens if you have a change of heart? A tubal reversal may be possible, but there are some caveats.