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Health Line
18-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Does Your Sex Life Look Like After a Cesarean Delivery?
You can resume sexual activity whenever you'd like, but you should avoid vaginal penetration until you get the green light from a healthcare professional. It may take 6 or more weeks to heal. Some people may feel ready to resume sexual activity sooner than others. It's ultimately up to you and your individual comfort level. However, healthcare professionals recommend that you wait until your cervix completely closes to engage in vaginal penetration of any kind. This includes: fingering or fisting inserting a dildo, vibrator, or other sex toy penis-in-vagina sex menstrual cups, discs, or tampons Timeline for recovery after a cesarean delivery You'll likely stay at the hospital for 2 to 4 days after a c-section so that healthcare professionals can monitor your recovery. During this time, they'll gradually reduce pain medications and remove your urinary catheter. As a nurse, I noticed that people who had a cesarean delivery usually did not experience as much bleeding as those who delivered vaginally. That's because some of the blood tends to get cleared out during surgery. However, you can still expect to bleed for four to six weeks. It also takes the uterus about six weeks to return to its typical size and for the cervix to close back up. The physical timeline for your body to heal after childbirth is pretty much the same, no matter how you deliver. Staples from the incision site will be removed within a week of surgery. The actual incision site itself should be healed by six weeks postpartum. But it's common for people to feel some discomfort in the incision area. Some experience numbness or tingling for months after surgery. This is generally OK, as long as the pain doesn't increase and isn't accompanied by other symptoms like a fever. Managing physical, mental, and emotional side effects The area around your incision site might be uncomfortable, so it will be helpful to try sex positions that don't put any pressure on your abdomen. The first time you have solo or partnered sex, you may be fearful of what it will feel like. Because sex is not just physical, it's also mental, any hesitation or fear you have about having sex again is very real and may have an effect on your sexual experience. Be sure to talk with your sexual partners, take your time, engage in some non-sexual intimacy to help you relax, and use over-the-counter lubrication to get started. Some people experience sexual dysfunction after a cesarean delivery, so if you find sex is abnormally painful, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. How to perform Kegels Kegels aren't just for your vagina. They're an exercise for the muscles in your whole pelvic floor. This is affected by pregnancy, no matter how you deliver. Start performing Kegels as soon as you'd like after birth. You can also start doing Kegels during pregnancy, before you deliver. To perform a Kegel: Squeeze your pelvic floor as if you were stopping urine midstream. Hold those muscles for a few seconds. Repeat as frequently as you'd like throughout the day. The more, the merrier. It's important to consider birth control Take it from this obstetrics nurse: I've taken care of more than one patient returning almost exactly nine months after delivering a baby to have a second. Pregnancy can happen pretty much immediately, even after you've given birth. Don't wait until you've resumed sexual activity to start your preferred birth control method. There are a lot of options for long-acting birth control. Many of these options are safe for people who are nursing. Talk with a healthcare professional about what method is best for you. When to consult a doctor or other healthcare professional Speak with a healthcare professional if you have increased pain, discharge, or bleeding after a cesarean delivery. I always tell my patients that they should start to feel better, not worse, as time goes on. If anything starts hurting more, it's a sign that something might be wrong. Having sex for the first time postpartum might be a little uncomfortable, especially if you're nursing, your menstrual period hasn't returned, or you're using hormonal birth control. All of these could lead to a lowered amount of natural vaginal secretions. Use lubrication and take your time. You should also keep an eye on your incision site as you recover. Contact a healthcare professional if the incision opens, is painful, or becomes reddened or swollen. These may be signs of an infection. The bottom line When it comes to enjoying sex after a cesarean delivery, remember to take your time and pay attention to your body. There's no rush to get back to 'normal.' You'll probably need a little time to adjust. Everyone is different, so communicate openly with each other. If you encounter any problems along the way, don't be afraid to talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional about resuming sexual activities. Trust me, they've seen it all. There's no such thing as an embarrassing question when it comes to your health.
Medical News Today
17-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Does Medicare cover cochlear implants?
Medicare can cover cochlear implants for those who meet the eligibility costs may vary depending on whether the procedure is inpatient or eligibility for cochlear implantsFor Medicare to pay for cochlear implants, a person must have:a diagnosis of bilateral moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing impairment with limited benefit from standard hearing aidsthe ability to understand and participate in training and rehab after surgeryan accessible cochlear lumen, which is the fluid-filled area in the inner ear, that's suitable for implantationAlso, a person must not have:a middle ear infectiondamaged areas in the auditory nerve and sound areas of the central nervous systemother conditions that could prevent a safe surgeryWhat is the cochlear implant 60-60 rule?The 60-60 rule refers to specific standards a person must meet to qualify for cochlear first 60 refers to the pure-tone average (PTA). A healthcare professional can check whether someone's ear with less hearing loss has a PTA of 60 decibels of hearing level or second 60 refers to word recognition. On a hearing test, a person must have a word recognition score of 60% or someone meets these standards, they can qualify for cochlear implant costs with MedicareAccording to Medicare's 2025 national average data, the average cost of cochlear implantation surgery in a hospital outpatient department is $939. This cost includes doctors' fees and facility implantation procedures occur in ambulatory surgical centers, which are outpatient facilities. They have an average cost of $ both instances, Medicare Part B may typically cover the costs can include premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The standard 2025 monthly Part B premium is $185, and the deductible is $257. Once a person pays their deductible, they must typically pay a 20% a person experiences a hospital admittance, Medicare Part A may cover the costs of cochlear implants. Part A costs include a 2025 deductible of $1,676. After paying this, the first 60 days in the hospital are not subject to any other out-of-pocket expenses.
Medical News Today
01-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Aquatic exercises for seniors: A guide
Aquatic exercises can be beneficial for balance, mood, and overall well-being in older adults. There are many different types of exercises people can try in the pool. Regular physical activity is important for everyone, especially as a person ages. It can help with muscle and bone loss. It can also benefit balance and some people may find physical activity like walking difficult. Aquatic exercises can be a good alternative that is often easier on the body.A person should always speak with a healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise you know? Medicare may cover aquatic therapy if a doctor or another healthcare professional deems it medically therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves performing certain exercises in a water environment. It can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis, MS, and spinal cord injuries. Benefits of aquatic exercises for older adultsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that aquatic exercise, such as swimming, can improve mood. People have also reported enjoying aquatic exercise more than exercise on can often exercise for longer in the water without increasing joint or muscle pain. This makes aquatic exercise a suitable option for people with arthritis, such as CDC also notes that water-based exercises can increase the quality of life of older adults, decrease disability, and increase bone health in postmenopausal to research from 2021, water-based training (WT) showed support for improvement in the following ways: balancecardiorespiratory fitnessbone painflexibilitystrengthImprovement was based on each group engaging in WT for a specific period of of the conditions that this research showed aquatic exercise helped improve were:coronary artery diseasestrokediabetesfibromyalgiamultiple sclerosis (MS)Parkinson's diseasehigh blood pressure (hypertension)bone diseasePool safety tipsKeep hydrated: It can be difficult to tell how much you are sweating when you are in the pool. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your workout. You can even keep a bottle of water at the pool's pool hygiene: Being in a public pool can increase your risk of developing swimming-related illnesses, such as diarrhea, lung infections, and swimmer's ear. Avoid swallowing the water at a pool and consider skipping a day if you are feeling hot water temperatures: Consider avoiding working out in water that is above 90°F (32°C).Use a flotation device: If you feel you are not a strong swimmer or you have an injury, illness, or condition that may hinder your ability, be sure to use a flotation device. »Learn more:Physical and mental benefits of swimmingUpper body aquatic stretchesUpper body aquatic stretches can help stretch joints and strengthen muscles in the:neckshouldersarmsFor each of these exercises, hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat each one a few for doing upper body stretchesDo each exercise in shoulder-high your spine in a neutral position: stand with your feet shoulder-width apartstand with your knees slightly bent and your weight distributed evenlyGently tighten your stomach muscles to help you balance. Keep them tightened during each you feel any of the following signs of fatigue, stop exercising and tell a lifeguard or instructor: difficulty catching your breath or feeling short of breathfaintness or dizzinessfeeling flushednauseasuddenly feeling tired or weakpounding or irregular heartbeatpressure in your upper body or chestconfusion or loss of your sense of directionNeck stretches ExerciseInstructionsExercise 11. Slowly turn your head, keeping your chin up, to look over your right shoulder.2. Hold there and feel the stretch in the back and side of your neck.3. Slowly turn your head back to look over your left shoulder.4. Hold this again to feel the 21. Bend your head so that your right ear goes toward your right shoulder. 2. Hold there and feel the stretch in the side of your neck.3. Bring your head back to the center. 4. Bend your head so your left ear goes toward your left shoulder. 5. Hold there and feel the stretch. Exercise 31. Place one hand behind your back. 2. Reach up and over the top of your head with the other hand. 3. Hold there and feel the stretch down your neck and into your shoulder. 4. Repeat and then change arm positions to stretch the other side. Arm and shoulder stretchesExerciseInstructionsExercise 11. Reach both arms behind your back. 2. Lace your fingers together. 3. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you slowly raise and straighten your arms. 4. Hold there and then relax. 5. Repeat. Exercise 21. Bend your elbows and lift them above your head. 2. Hold one elbow in the opposite hand. 3. Gently pull the elbow back and feel the stretch in your arm. 4. Hold the stretch. 5. Switch hand positions to stretch the other shoulder. Exercise 31. Lift one arm up and bend the elbow to bring the hand over the opposite shoulder. 2. Use your other hand to gently pull on the elbow and feel the stretch in the shoulder. 3. Hold there to really feel the stretch. 4. Repeat on the other side. Lower body aquatic stretchesLower body aquatic stretches can help strengthen muscles and stretch joints in the:lower backbuttockships legsHold each exercise for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat a few times. Do each exercise in shoulder-height for doing lower body exercisesDo these exercises with a neutral spine: stand with your feet shoulder-width apartslightly bend your kneesevenly distribute your weightGently tighten your stomach muscles to help you feel balanced. Keep your stomach muscles tight for each to keep hold your breath while exercising. Stop exercising if you feel any symptoms of fatigue. Lower and back of leg stretchesExerciseInstructionsExercise 11. Stand approximately 18 to 24 inches away from the wall of the pool. 2. Place your hands on the edge of the pool, keeping your arms straight. 3. Lean forward with your back straight. 4. Step one foot back and bend the knee of the other leg. 5. Keep the heel of the back foot on the bottom of the pool and lean into the wall. 6. Hold there and feel the stretch across the lower part of the back leg. 7. Repeat on the other leg. Exercise 21. Using the pool stairs, place one foot on either the second or third step. 2. Keep your back leg straight. 3. Lean forward, feeling the stretch in your back leg and hip. 4. Hold and then repeat with the other leg. Exercise 31. Using the pool stairs, place the heel of one foot on the second or third step. 2. Keep both legs straight. 3. Lean your upper body forward, feeling the stretch in the back of the leg on the step. 4. Hold, then repeat with the other leg and hip stretchesExerciseInstructionsExercise 11. Stand along the wall of the pool, holding the edge with one hand. 2. Cross one foot in front of the other. 3. Lean your hips into the pool wall. 4. Feel the stretch in the hip at the wall. 5. Turn around and cross the other foot over to stretch the other hip. Exercise 21. Stand near the edge of the pool, holding the edge with one hand. 2. Pull one knee up, grasping it with your hand. 3. Use your hand to gently push the knee across your body. 4. Hold there and feel the stretch in your upper leg and hip. 5. Repeat with the other leg. Aquatic strengthening exercisesAquatic strengthening exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the:armsshoulderschest neckbuttocksabdomenhipslegsDo each exercise slowly with smooth movements and repeat a few times. Tips for strengthening exercisesDo these exercises with your spine in a neutral position. Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight evenly distributed. For lower body exercises, begin each one with your feet together and knees straight, unless otherwise stated. Remember to breathe and not hold your breath. Gently tighten your abdominal muscles for you feel any signs of fatigue, stop exercising right away. Upper body strengtheningExercise InstructionsExercise 11. Hold your arms out at your sides at chest level. 2. Keep your elbows straight and your thumbs facing up. 3. Push your arms in, keeping them straight, until your hands meet in front of you.4. Pull your arms back to your sides at chest 21. Stand with your arms at your sides with your palms facing forward. 2. Bend your elbows, bringing your hands through the water to your chest. 3. Turn your palms to face down. 4. Push your arms back down through the water until they are straight by your sides. Exercise 31. Lift both of your arms up and out to your sides at shoulder level. 2. Keeping your arms straight, push them down and through the water to your legs.3. Pull back up to shoulder level at your sides, keeping them straight. Exercise 41. Stand with your arms at your sides, palms down, and hands turned out. 2. Pull your shoulders up, keeping your elbows straight. 3. Punch your arms down in the water, keeping your elbows straight, so your shoulders move down under the water. Lower body strengtheningExercisesInstructionsExercise 11. Move your right foot out to the side and hold.2. Pull your right foot across in front of the other leg and hold.3. Repeat, then do the same thing with the left leg. Exercise 21. Go to the corner of the pool. 2. Rest your arms on either side of the corner.3. Lift your feet off the bottom of the pool.4. Cycle your legs, trying to keep your buttocks as high as you can in the 31. March in place, lifting one foot and then the other. Exercise 41. Pull one knee up in front of your body, bent at a 90-degree angle.2. Keep your knee bent.3. Push your leg back behind you.4. Repeat with the other leg. Aquatic aerobic exercisesAquatic aerobic exercises can help strengthen the:heartlungslegshipsabdomenbuttocksTips for aquatic aerobic exercisesDo these exercises with your spine in a neutral these exercises in shoulder-height your stomach muscles tight with each exercise to help you balance. Remember to breathe and not hold your breath. Start each exercise with your feet together and knees straight, unless otherwise noted. If you feel any signs of fatigue, stop exercising right away. A person should start slowly with aerobic exercises and only do as much as their body tells them it can 1Goal: Start with 1 lap and work toward a goal of 2 laps.1. Walk forward in the water. 2. Walk backward in the water. Exercise 2Goal: 3 to 5 minutes1. Step out to the side with your left foot. 2. Step your right foot in front of your left foot. 3. Step out to the side with your left foot again. 4. Step your right foot behind your left foot. 5. Go back in the other direction, alternating your foot in front and then 31. Stand in the water with your arms at your sides. 2. Keeping your elbows and knees straight, kick your legs out to the sides and lift your arms to your sides at shoulder height. (Similar to a jumping jack)3. Pull your legs back to the center. 4. Bring your arms back to your sides. Exercise 41. Hold onto the side of the pool. 2. Float on your stomach.3. Kick your legs behind you.4. Point your toes and keep your legs fairly straight. 5. Be sure to move your legs from the hips. Tips for getting started with aquatic exercisesCheck with a local community center or YMCA for aquatic for aquatic classes at a local swimming with your SilverSneakers program if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that offers with local gyms to see if they offer aquatic exercises can be highly beneficial for older adults. They can help strengthen muscles and joints and can also aid with exercises can be a good alternative to higher impact exercises like walking or jogging. These types of exercises can help a person exercise longer with less pain.
Health Line
18-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Can IVF Cause Early Menopause?
No, in vitro fertilization (IVF) cannot cause early menopause. It is a common misconception that IVF can quicken the transition to menopause by causing you to 'run out of eggs' at a faster rate. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this is true. Menopause that occurs before the age of 45 is considered early. There are various factors that may contribute to early menopause, including: having a family history of early menopause smoking, which may also lead to more severe menopause symptoms having or having had chemotherapy having a bilateral oophorectomy, which is the surgical removal of the ovaries having a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus having autoimmune conditions, like thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis It's also important to note that early menopause may not be linked to a condition or treatment and occur with no clear reason. How do I know if I'm going through early menopause? The most common sign of early menopause is having irregular periods or periods that stop completely before the age of 45. You may also experience the following symptoms: hot flashes difficulty sleeping night sweats vaginal dryness low mood anxiety reduced sex drive If you think you may be experiencing early menopause, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can run blood tests to confirm this and suggest treatment options to help you manage symptoms.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teva Canada brand Seasonale tablets recalled for extra placebo pills
Health Canada has issued a recall for a brand of birth control pills after some packages were packed with extra placebo tablets. The agency says the recall covers Seasonale Tablets made by Teva Canada with 0.03 milligrams of ethinylestradiol and 0.15 milligrams of levonorgestrel. Health Canada says anyone with the affected pills should keep taking the pink active pills until the last row of the third tray, which contains white placebo bills. It says anyone with white placebo pills in the first or second tray should not take the white pills and should instead return the product to a pharmacy for a replacement product. People who cannot get to a pharmacy right away is told to take the next pink active pill in the order as noted in the product instructions. Anyone with questions about which pill is the right pill to take is asked to speak with their pharmacist and anyone who took a placebo pill instead of an active pill is advised to use another method of non-hormonal contraception and consult with a health-care professional. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2025. The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
