World Contraception Day: www.your-life.com

Puberty is the period of time when our bodies become sexually mature. This period is also sometimes called adolescence, the transition period between childhood and adulthood.

The whole puberty process can take several years. Some people start going through puberty earlier than others – there’s no ‘right’ time for puberty to start, although everyone matures at their own pace and everyone will have gone through it eventually.

During this period of our lives, we will notice a number of changes to our body, for example our body shape and appearance will change, girls will have started their menstrual periods and boys’ voices will have become deeper. This is caused by a change in hormone release. We may also experience emotional outbursts or mood swings. This is all part of the normal maturing process.

Hormones are naturally occurring chemicals in the body which help to control the way we feel and function.

For example, as you approach puberty, the brain and pituitary gland release hormones that affect the sexual organs of both males and females. These hormones are estrogen, progestin and testosterone. These hormones can be found in females and males, but in differing amounts. Estrogen and progestin are more prominent in women and responsible for the development of female sex characteristics and reproductive functions, and testosterone is found in greater amounts in men and is responsible for the development of male sex characteristics.

Growth hormones are also released at this time, which makes the body grow larger. This major growth surge can last for several years, and when it is over, you will have usually reached your adult height.

Hormones are also responsible for the emotional changes that take place during puberty.

Further information:

http://resources.schoolscience.co.uk/ABPI/new/resources/hormones/index.asp
http://www.healthline.com

Periods, also called menstruation, start once a female reaches puberty, and are a normal part of growing up.

The menstrual cycle begins when the hormones estrogen and progestin reach levels which cause the ovaries to produce and release an egg. This egg leaves the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus (womb).

Meanwhile, in preparation for receiving the egg, the uterus starts to develop a thicker lining and its walls become spongy. If the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tubes by a sperm cell (after sexual intercourse), it then attaches to this spongy wall in the uterus and pregnancy begins.

If a sperm cell isn’t present, the egg just passes through into the uterus without being fertilised. Then, since the uterus no longer needs the extra blood and tissue which made up the thick walls, it sheds them through the vagina. This is called menstrual bleeding.

This cycle happens every month until the ovaries stop releasing eggs (usually when a woman is in her 40s or 50s). The time of life when the last period occurs is called a woman’s menopause. A woman will have approximately 500 periods in her lifetime.¹

There is no set age for periods to start. Some girls start menstruation when they're 9 or 10; others do not start menstruating until their late teens.

The length of the cycle also varies. Some last longer than 28 days, and some are shorter. Some females experience regular periods, for others they may be erratic, for example, they may have two cycles in one month and miss having one the next month.

The length of time for menstrual bleeding also varies. Some females bleed for only 3 or 4 days, others bleed for a week. The amount of blood shed varies, some females have heavy periods (i.e. they lose a lot of blood), whilst for other females, their periods are lighter. The average amount of blood lost is usually less than 80ml.¹

Some females may have body and / or mood changes around the time of their period. Menstrual cramps are pretty common during the first few days of your period. As your period approaches, you may also experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). You may find your emotions amplified during this time. Many females get depressed, irritated, angry, and others cry more than usual or get cravings for certain foods. PMS is related to the changes in hormones and is perfectly normal, yet can be very distressing. If, however, you start having symptoms like those described above you should talk to your doctor or gynaecologist.

There are different stages to a menstrual cycle, and understanding them will help to understand how the female body functions. You can think of the menstrual cycle as having four stages:

Menstruation is the stage during which a female has her period. The day bleeding starts is counted as the first day of a given cycle.

The pre-ovulatory stage is when her body is getting ready for ovulation – that is to release an egg. Higher levels of estrogen are produced, and in response to estrogen stimulation, the lining of the uterus thickens. The length of time the pre-ovulatory phase lasts varies from woman to woman and from month to month.

Ovulation is the mid-cycle stage and is the time of the month when she is most fertile. This is the time she would be most likely to get pregnant, unless she is taking the contraceptive pill. In this phase her ovaries release an egg.

Postovulatory stage is the final stage, which in effect is the lead-up to menstruation. This phase lasts for 14 days and concludes the cycle. She will then have her period and the whole cycle begins again.

Further information:

http://www.menstruation.com.au
http://resources.schoolscience.co.uk
http://www.kidshealth.org

From about the age of 40 onwards the ovaries gradually cease to function. The supply of eggs decreases, and ovulation does not occur any more in every cycle. At the same time production of the sex hormones estrogen and progestin decreases continuously

The practical consequence of these changes is that periods become irregular. This is a sign of the age-related decline in fertility.

The last menstrual period (menopause) occurs usually when a woman reaches her early fifties. This marks the end of the years of sexual maturity. Once she has had her very last period a woman can no longer become pregnant.

Many women around the age of 40 underestimate the possibility of becoming pregnant. But until she has definitely had her last period, some form of contraception must still be used if the woman and her partner do not want her to become pregnant.

The decrease in fertility is not the only feature of menopause. The hormonal changes can also lead to a number of other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbances and palpitations, and can contribute to the development of certain diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Women going through the menopause can speak to their doctor about their symptoms, and discuss available treatment options if required, such as hormone replacement therapy. A healthy lifestyle can also do a lot to preserve your physical and mental wellbeing during menopause.

Further information:

http://www.jeanhailes.org.au/content/view/223/335/

Pregnancy is not only a hormonally controlled biological event. It is also a time of psychological and social change. Being pregnant and having babies is an adventure, and the pregnancy, the birth and child raising is very exciting. For most women, being pregnant and preparing for having the baby is a very pleasurable experience.

Pregnancy is possible if sperm comes into contact with the vagina in any way. This includes sperm coming from the penis, the fingers, or the inside of a condom.

A few drops of sperm are produced as soon as a man’s penis gets hard, which is why withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation is not an efficient method of contraception. If you are in a sexual relationship and do not wish to become pregnant, then you should be using a reliable method of contraception.

Pregnancy in humans lasts an average of 280 days counting from the first day of the last menstrual period. Hormones play a crucial role in the course of the pregnancy and in the physical and psychological changes in the mother and child.

There are a number of signs of pregnancy, but a missed period is usually the first indication as most women do not continue to have normal periods when pregnant. However, some women may still experience lighter / shorter periods, and for women who do not experience a regular cycle, it is difficult to know when their period is due. The only sure way to know is by taking a pregnancy test.

Pregnancy tests are usually available from family planning clinics, your doctor, or your local pharmacist.

Most pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine. These tests can be conducted at home, at your doctor’s surgery or at a family planning clinic. Some tests carried out by physicians detect hCG in the blood. hCG is produced in pregnancy soon after conception. The pregnancy test is usually in the form of a plastic stick with a little window at one end. The usual way of testing is to urinate on the end of the pregnancy test stick, and a chemical in the stick changes its colour when it comes into contact with the hCG hormone. The colour change will appear in the window and the accompanying instructions will explain how to interpret the results. Some home pregnancy tests have a digital readout that simply say “pregnant” or “not pregnant”, which might be helpful if you are worried about interpreting the results correctly. It is best to take the pregnancy test two to three weeks after having unprotected sex, as this is roughly how long it will take for the hormone levels to show up on the test. A reliable result may not be achieved if the test is used any sooner. The best time to take a home pregnancy test is in the morning, using your first urine of the day as this will be less diluted so the hCG levels (if there are any) will be more concentrated. Tests can vary so it is always advisable to ask your doctor / pharmacist for advice, and read the label and instructions very carefully if a pregnancy test had been purchased to carry out at home. Some tests are very sensitive and will detect even very low levels of hCG in urine, which is beneficial if you want to know as soon as possible. If you have recently had a miscarriage or given birth, it is better to use a test that will only detect a high level of hCG to avoid a “false” positive reading.

If you think that you are / your partner is pregnant, it is important to find out as soon as possible. If you plan to keep the baby, you can make the necessary lifestyle choices (e.g. stopping smoking and drinking) to give your baby the best chance of being healthy. If you haven't already done so, it is advisable you consult with your doctor about antenatal care (that is the care you'll receive leading up to the birth of your baby). Alternatively, if the pregnancy was unplanned, you will need to take some time to decide what you want to do. This can be a complicated decision and there is support available to assist you. If you decide to have an abortion, you will need to ensure that you are in time to have the procedure safely and legally.

If you are thinking about having a baby, you should speak to your doctor to discuss what you need to do to give your baby the best chance of being healthy, and about what to expect during the pregnancy. Your doctor can also advise you on your current birth control to assist with family planning so that you have children when you feel ready, and discuss your future birth control options after giving birth. Your doctor can also advise you if you are having trouble conceiving.

Further information:

http://www.pregnancy.org/
http://www.pregnancyetc.com
http://www.sofeminine.co.uk
http://www.bbc.co.uk
http://www.babycentre.co.uk

Having a baby to love and care for is a unique experience to treasure and enjoy. A woman’s life changes following the birth of a baby, as she takes on the role of being a mother and looking after a newborn. Like all good relationships, the relationship between mother and baby will grow over time.

New mothers are often so engaged with their new parental responsibilities that they may put their own health and sometimes their relationship with a partner as a low priority. This section covers a few post-pregnancy aspects which maybe need to be thought about and addressed.

Breastfeeding is recommended as it promotes both infant and maternal health and is more beneficial than formula feeding. It also helps cement the mother and baby bond and encourages it to blossom.

Breastfeeding mothers should visit their doctor for guidance and to discuss any difficulties they experience, for example painful breast engorgement or improper milk drainage. Breast health is also a concern for women when they decide to stop breastfeeding. All new mothers should undergo a regular breast exam at their doctors, regardless of whether they are breastfeeding or not.

A pelvic examination should also be conducted by a doctor after giving birth to ensure the uterus and surrounding tissues are healthy following the pregnancy. Additional tests, such as a cervical smear and blood tests may also be given.

If weight gain is a concern following pregnancy, it is advisable for women to talk to their doctor to discuss when they can begin exercise and / or reduce calories following birth and determine an appropriate weight loss plan for their individual needs.

Having a baby can evoke a number of emotions, most of which are very positive. It is only natural that some lifestyle adjustments will need to be made after the birth of a baby, and coping with the new responsibility of looking after a baby can take some getting used to. Occasionally some new mothers experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability or depression, but these feelings usually go after a short period of time as the woman adjusts to her new role. New mother support groups and family members can often help alleviate these feelings. If the feelings persist, a doctor should be consulted for advice and treatment if required.

Becoming a parent is a joyful time. Each step of your baby’s development is an exciting experience for you to cherish. Along with the new found joy, becoming a parent also means a number of changes to your lifestyle as your baby will require a lot of immediate attention, and it is only natural that new anxieties also arise:

Will I be a good enough parent?
Can I keep my baby safe?
Will we be able to cope financially?
How can I work and also find enough quality time to spend with my child?
How do I make more time for my partner?
Will my partner ever have more time for me?
Will I ever have any spare time just for me?
When can we get more sleep?

These are all common questions for new parents. People do adapt to their new role, but to make things easier, share your thoughts and feelings with your partner, family and friends. Speak to people who have been through it all before so you can benefit from their experience. Try and sleep when your baby sleeps, and don’t be afraid to ask for someone to mind the baby even if it is just for 30 minutes so you can complete some chores or put your feet up with your partner.

It is usually recommended that women wait four to six weeks after giving birth before having sex, to allow time to heal properly - this time will vary based on the mode of delivery. Vaginal dryness due to low estrogen levels associated with breastfeeding may cause painful intercourse. Women experiencing this problem should speak with their doctors about soothing topical creams and lubricants.

Resumption of menstruation after delivery is extremely variable. It can begin as early as six weeks or as late as one year or more. Many new mothers falsely assume that because they have not started menstruating or are breastfeeding that they do not ovulate and will not get pregnant. Ovulation (release of egg) happens two weeks before the first menstruation, so this misconception can lead to an unplanned conception. All women should be encouraged to use some form of birth control as soon as they resume having sexual intercourse whether or not they have begun menstruating. Contraceptive needs can also change dramatically after the birth of a child, and many women might seek alternative methods to suit their new lifestyle as a mother to ensure their birth control is convenient, has high efficacy and allows spontaneity during intimate moments.

Further information:

http://www.pregnancy.org/
http://www.bbc.co.uk
http://www.babycentre.co.uk

If you are / your partner is pregnant and decide you don't want to continue with the pregnancy, you will need to see a doctor. If appropriate, the doctor will discuss referral for an abortion, which is a procedure to end the pregnancy. Abortions can be carried out surgically under a local or general anaesthetic, conscious sedation or medically using the abortion pill provided the pregnancy has not exceeded nine weeks gestation. An overnight stay in the clinic or hospital is not normally necessary, but assistance will be needed to get home after the operation. A follow-up consultation may be necessary.

The earlier the abortion is carried out, the better and easier it will be, and in most cases you must be less than 24 weeks pregnant. Laws and regulations surrounding abortion vary from country to country, and you will need to check a local information source to find out about national legislation and processes. Facing an unplanned pregnancy and abortion alone is tough, and it is advisable to get support from a partner, close friends, parents and / or organisations offering support for women who have an abortion.

Further information:

http://www.abortionfacts.com
http://www.thesite.org
http://www.mariestopes.org.uk

^1. NetDoctor. The Menstrual Cycle
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/menstruation_cycle.htm