On 27 December, Mosaic Health was pleased to sponsor a special TikTok Live led by Claudia Mwangi, a Kenyan nurse and women’s wellness expert, to inform and educate young women about menstrual health.
After surveying her audience to learn which menstrual and sexual health topics were on ladies’ minds, Claudia hosted a dynamic 90-minute conversation focused on period cramps, UTIs, and yeast infections, which revealed a range of insights about these vital women’s health issues. Below are some highlights from the TikTok Live and additional resources on the questions covered.
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps occur when the muscles of the uterus contract, usually just before or on the first day of your period. Pain may occur in your abdomen or surrounding areas and could last from a few hours to a few days, typically declining as your cycle progresses.
While many girls and women experience some cramping during their time of the month, continued severe pain during their period may be a sign of another health condition that should be evaluated by a health provider.
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Questions for Nurse Claudia
Q: Why am I having cramps during my period?
Nurse Claudia says: The uterine muscles contract during the shedding of the uterus lining, which is essentially your period.
Q: What should I use to manage or reduce period pain?
Nurse Claudia says: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or hyoscine butylbromide (which is the molecule of Buscopan) are the safest and most effective forms of pain relief. For pain that does not seem to go away, using over-the-counter pain relievers, kindly visit a physician for higher dosages or a change of prescription after a clinical assessment.
Q: When should I consult a doctor or nurse about my menstrual cramps?
Nurse Claudia says: When you notice the pain seemingly increase over time, or when the over-the-counter drugs do not seem to help anymore, then it is time to get checked.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Most UTIs occur when bacteria enter your vagina and spread upward through your urinary tract, often following sex (or if your bladder doesn’t fully empty). Girls and women with UTIs may feel a repeatedly strong urge to urinate, a sharp burning during urination, and/or abdominal pain, and their urine may smell or appear cloudy. UTIs are relatively common and manageable with antibiotics and good hygiene; however, they can develop into or be signs of more serious conditions like bladder, kidney, or vaginal infections.
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Questions for Nurse Claudia
Q: How do I know if I have a UTI?
Nurse Claudia says: A sign of a UTI is that everything regarding peeing is haywire. There is a frequent urge to urinate, a reduced amount of urine, and mild to excruciating pain while urinating.
Q: What should I do if I think I have a UTI?
Nurse Claudia says: It is prudent of you to get your urine tested to ensure that your cause of infection is either bacterial, fungal, or viral and is treated accordingly. However, your local pharmacist will be able to prescribe medication when you make known your symptoms. Antibiotics are often prescribed for UTIs.
Q: What can I (or my partner) do to prevent UTIs?
Nurse Claudia says: Hygiene plays a part in preventing UTIs, especially sexual hygiene if you are sexually active. Probiotics and cranberries are also a great addition to your supplement intake. Recurring infections should prompt you and your partner to get tested.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections occur when the balance of natural bacteria and yeast in the vagina changes, causing yeast to grow in the area. These infections can lead to vaginal itching, burning, swelling, or discharge, and should be treated with medication. Common factors associated with yeast infections include pregnancy, HIV, diabetes, and the use of certain antibiotics.
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Questions for Nurse Claudia
Q: How do I know if I have a yeast infection?
Nurse Claudia says: Have you ever seen the consistency of cheese? There is a white discharge that has no foul smell. The intense itchiness crowns the symptoms.
Q: What treatments should I seek out for a yeast infection?
Nurse Claudia says: It is a fungal infection, hence over-the-counter antifungals are often prescribed and could be in the form of pessaries, tablets, or creams.
Q: Is there anything I can do to prevent them?
Nurse Claudia says: Yes, diet controls sugar levels, which essentially trigger yeast overgrowths. Cut down on the carbs. Hormonal balance medications may also be prescribed to keep your hormonal levels in check.
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