Latest news with #womenshealth
News.com.au
16 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Itching, swelling and burning after sex may be signs of a common allergy
Itchy genitalia, a burning sensation, and feeling breathless are all considered normal after sex. But for a growing number of women, these symptoms could be a sign of seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH) — an allergy to semen. While it's considered a rare allergy, it's also underdiagnosed. Michael Carroll, associate professor in reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University, explained it isn't triggered by sperm cells, but the fluid that carried the sperm. 'First documented in 1967, when a woman was hospitalised after a 'violent allergic reaction' to sex, SPH is now recognised as a type 1 hypersensitivity, the same category as hay fever, peanut allergy and cat dander,' he said, according to The Sun. Writing for The Conversation, Associate Professor Carroll said symptoms of SPH can range from mild to severe. While some women experience local reactions, such as burning, itching, redness and swelling of the vulva or vagina, others develop full-body symptoms such ashives, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis. He added: 'Until 1977, SPH was thought to affect fewer than 100 women globally. 'But a study led by allergist Jonathan Bernstein found among women reporting post-coital symptoms, nearly 12 per cent could be classified as having probable SPH. 'I conducted a small, unpublished survey in 2013 and found a similar 12 per cent rate. The true figure may be higher still. 'Many cases go unreported, misdiagnosed, or dismissed as STIs, yeast infections, or general 'sensitivity'. 'One revealing clue: symptoms disappear when condoms are used.' The main allergen, according to Carroll, is prostate-specific antigen — a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. And cross-reactivity is a possibility, for example, f5, a protein found in dog dander, is structurally similar to PSA. So a woman allergic to dogs may also be allergic to semen too. Also, woman may not be the only ones affected, said Carroll. It's possible some men be allergic to their own semen too. A paper published in American Journal of Case Reports described a 22-year-old was consumed by sneezing, watery eyes, stomach cramps, muscle pain and deep fatigue in the hours after climaxing. The condition is known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). While SPH doesn't cause infertility directly, it can complicate conception. Carroll said: 'Avoiding the allergen – usually the most effective treatment for allergies – isn't feasible for couples trying to conceive. Treatments include prophylactic antihistamines (antihistamine medications taken in advance of anticipated exposure to an allergen, or before allergy symptoms are expected to appear to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions), anti-inflammatories and desensitisation using diluted seminal plasma. In more severe cases, couples may choose IVF with washed sperm, bypassing the allergic trigger altogether.
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Naga Munchetty's new book flops in the charts as price is slashed amid BBC Breakfast bullying probe
The price of Naga Munchetty's women's healthcare book has been slashed after it failed to set the book charts alight. Her tome – called It's Probably Nothing: Critical Conversations on the Women's Health Crisis (and How to Thrive Despite It) – only came out last month, costing £22. But now it is on sale for almost half price at £11.99 and is languishing at 1,825 in the Amazon book sales charts after attracting just 22 reviews. Naga penned the book to discuss her own and other women's experience with 'medical misogyny' after it took more than 30 years to receive her adenomyosis diagnosis. Adenomyosis, which affects one in 10 women in the UK, occurs where the lining of the uterus starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb. Naga's book currently has a respectable Amazon customer rating of 4.2 stars, however, one reviewer had an issue with BBC broadcaster's knowledge of oral sex. They penned on Amazon: 'I have one criticism: on page 184 she describes oral sex as licking or sucking the vagina, penis or anus. What the heck happened to the labia, perineum and clitoris?' Another said: 'This is a complicated subject and can't be presented in such a unidimensional way. The diagnosis that 'Its probably nothing' is overwhelmingly correct and the alternative is unnecessary tests. ' However, BBC pal Emma Barnett gushed: 'Sizzling with rage and disbelief, here's to a much-needed women's health revolution.' MailOnline has contacted Naga's representatives and publisher for comment. Naga has been on a publicity tour for the book amid her work on BBC Breakfast and on Friday kept a low-profile as she left the studios alongside co-presenter Ben Thompson The news show has hit headlines in recent weeks as a number of those working on the programme has come under criticism, including Naga and editor Richard Frediani. Staff have defended their 'overwhelmingly loved' boss under fire from Naga - and claimed 'he's not a bully at all and the truth will come out'. It was revealed last week that editor Richard has reportedly taken an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show. It was previously claimed that the show's staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around Frediani, and just last week it was claimed that Naga and other presenters no longer speak to their 'loathed' boss. But now some have rushed to defend Richard. One of those members of staff told The Mirror: 'He is not a bully at all and the truth will come out. 'He's a great boss and was - and is still - overwhelmingly loved by the team, who respect his drive, expertise, and journalistic ambition. 'He has delivered great audiences and the first ever Bafta for Breakfast. He can be brash and opinionated but works so hard for his team and allows people to flourish.' Another said: 'Yes, he is old-school and can rub people up the wrong way but it's always in the pursuit of great television. 'It's the best-rating breakfast show in the country - it's not supposed to be a walk in the park. 'Some - Naga included - need to understand this. It feels like it's a case of presenter power turfing out a brilliant journalist.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' Last week the BBC reportedly launched a bullying probe into BBC Breakfast, which has been branded 'toxic' behind the scenes in the latest crisis for the corporation. Back in April, MailOnline exclusively revealed some staff had expressed unhappiness with the show's editor Richard, accusing him of being on occasion 'aggressive' and 'belittling' towards his underlings. Now, tensions are said to be 'rife' between hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga, who has already expressed her uneasiness about Richard's behaviour, with the probe said to have left the newsroom 'divided'. A source told The Sun at the time: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture. 'Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy'. 'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. 'He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head'. 'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. 'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom'. More recently BBC Breakfast staff have reportedly compared the studio to 'the Hunger Games' after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show. BBC Breakfast has been on screens since 2000 and Richard joined the show in 2019.
Times
a day ago
- Health
- Times
UK slides down women's health rankings for fourth year in a row
The UK has dropped down a worldwide women's health league for the fourth consecutive year, as countries such as Lithuania, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia perform better. Experts described the change as 'alarming' and 'unacceptable', as it was also revealed women in the UK were more likely to experience poor emotional health and chronic pain than the EU average. There has been a year-on-year decline in how women in the UK rate their pregnancy care, and they were less likely to be screened for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer than in comparable countries, the global study found. The UK now ranks at just 41 out of 142 countries in the Hologic Global Women's Health Index, down from 37 last year and 30 in 2023. The annual league table is based on surveys of more than 78,000 women globally. The UK is also below the US, where women's healthcare has been hit by restrictions on access to abortion in many states. The report found women living in the UK were now more likely to experience negative feelings such as sadness, stress and anger than they were in 2020 during the pandemic, with 39 per cent saying they felt 'worry'. The number of women in the UK who thought their pregnancy care was 'high quality' has also dropped every year since the survey began, falling from 79 per cent four years ago to 72 per cent in this year's report. • Hilary Rose: Gynaecology is seen as a lifestyle medicine — women are being betrayed And a record 29 per cent of UK women said they experienced daily physical pain, up from 24 per cent four years ago. More than 25 per cent said they were limited in daily activities by ongoing health issues. Janet Lindsay, the chief executive of the charity Wellbeing of Women, said: 'These figures are unacceptable for one of the world's wealthier nations and reflect long-standing underinvestment in women's health. 'Women's health should not be treated as an afterthought. It requires sustained political leadership, better access to care, increased research funding, and a shift in culture that truly values and listens to women.' Lindsay called for women's health to be put at 'the heart of our national agenda' in the government's forthcoming ten-year plan for the NHS. • NHS drops dementia and women's health targets to end 'overspending' Researchers blamed the rankings slide on the UK's failure to act to improve women's healthcare since the pandemic, despite the creation of a women's health strategy. 'While the women's health strategy, now nearly three years in, has delivered some progress, it is yet to deliver significant impact,' the report's authors said. 'The latest data exposes a widening gap between policy ambition and the everyday experiences of women.' Professor Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, added: 'Too often, systemic, operational, structural and cultural issues mean women do not get the care they deserve. The government's ten-year health plan offers a vital opportunity to change this.' For the index, each country was assigned a score based on its performance in five areas of women's health and wellbeing: preventive care (such as screening for cancer and high blood pressure); basic needs (including ease of access to food and housing); health and safety (including how safe women feel walking at night and the quality of pregnancy care); individual health (including how pain affects women's daily lives); and emotional health. The UK scored 59 out of 100, putting it below the EU average of 60 and on a par with Iceland, Bulgaria and France. Although the UK ranked in the top third of countries worldwide, it was in the bottom third in Europe, placed at just 23 out of 31 European countries. Other countries have made progress and moved ahead. Slovenia, for example, was ranked at 27 out of 31 European countries last year, but has now edged in front of the UK into 19th place. 'This is a four-year decline that no one can ignore,' said Tim Simpson, a senior director at Hologic. 'Women's health must remain a national priority, yet this data shows we are losing ground.' The top-ranked countries globally were Taiwan (68), Kuwait (67), Austria (66), Switzerland (65) and Finland (65). • Women left in pain by healthcare no better than Kosovo, poll finds Other countries which outperformed the UK included Bahrain, which was eighth overall with a score of 64, Kazakhstan (13th with a score of 63), Saudi Arabia (14th with a score of 63), Slovenia (31st with a score of 60) and Kosovo (35th with a score of 60). New Zealand was ranked at 37th and the USA at 38th, both with a score of 60, while Australia dropped to 43rd place, with a score of 59. The worst countries for women's health were Afghanistan, with a score of 30, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (34), Chad (35), Sierra Leone (36) and Liberia (37). Globally, the average score was 53. This year's index was compiled based on data obtained from interviews carried out in 2023 with around 500 women in each country by the global analytics firm Gallup and Hologic, a medical technology company specialising in women's health. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said that the previous government was in power at the time the surveys for the report were carried out. 'Women have been let down by a health service which was not focused on their needs, which is why we are on a mission to get the NHS working for women,' the spokesman added. 'Equality will be at the heart of our ten-year health plan to fix the NHS. 'We're making progress, including adding 4.2 million extra appointments, tackling gynaecology waiting lists using the private sector, trialling AI for breast cancer screening, and from October this year, making emergency hormonal contraception free in pharmacies. 'There's still more to do, and we are committed to turning commitments into tangible action.'
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Shock as UK drops down global women's health league for fourth year in a row
THE UK has dropped down a global women's health league for the fourth year in a row. Countries such as Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia ranked better. British women are more likely to experience poor emotional health and chronic pain than the EU average, it was revealed. The UK — the sixth richest nation in the world — ranks 41st out of 142 in the Hologic Global Women's Health Index. That is down from 37 last year and 30 in 2023. The annual league is based on polls of more than 78,000 women globally. It showed maternity care quality has declined and women here are less likely than in similar nations to be checked for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. British women also report higher rates of sadness, stress and anger than five years ago. Tim Simpson, of health tech firm Hologic, said: 'This is a four-year decline that no one can ignore.' Janet Lindsay, boss of charity Wellbeing of Women, said: 'These figures are unacceptable for one of the world's wealthier nations. They reflect long- standing under-investment.' The report scores countries out of 100 based on women's responses on issues such as illness, personal safety, medical care and mental health. Top of the table was Taiwan (68) and Kuwait (67). Millions of women live life according to their menstrual cycle, study shows The UK scored 59, behind USA (60), Kazakhstan (63), Saudi Arabia (63) and Kosovo (60). We placed 23rd out of 31 in Europe. The Department of Health said: 'We're on a mission to get the NHS working for women. Equality will be at the heart of our Ten-Year Health Plan.' 1
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
No Beating Around The Bush: The Rise Of Vagiceuticals & Intimate Care
close up woman and healthy womb concept getty Gone are the days when Summer's Eve was the default for what was once narrowly defined as 'women's intimate care'—and thank goodness. Today, a new generation of brands are reshaping the conversation, where skincare science merges with women's intimate wellness to support the health of our most delicate areas. From microbiome-friendly cleansers to hydrating serums, a growing array of products is addressing the specific needs of women. But this shift goes beyond beauty. It's about honoring holistic well-being, embracing our bodies without shame, and empowering us to feel confident at every stage of life. As more women open up about the hormonal fluctuations that shape nearly every phase of our lives, intimate care is becoming a meaningful part of both the wellness conversation and our daily routines. According to Global Market Insights , the women's intimate care market was valued at $40.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $59.8 billion by 2032. 'From Halle Berry and Naomi Watts (who I interviewed about a year ago) opening up about their menopause journeys to Olivia Munn raising critical awareness around early breast cancer detection, and Halsey and Amy Schumer candidly sharing their struggles with endometriosis, a growing number of high-profile women are helping to destigmatize taboo health topics,' says Dr. Roxanne Pero, OBGYN and Medical Advisory Board member for O Positiv Health over email. 'Their vulnerability is empowering others to speak up—and it's making a difference.' She adds that in her own practice, more women are reporting symptoms like shifts in body odor or intermittent vaginal itching. 'It validates just how powerful it is when women realize they're not alone.' Hygiene Hero Courtesy of Hygiene Hero Michelle Yeh, founder of Hygiene Hero, was one of the first to bring science-backed, menopause-focused products into the intimate care space in 2022. 'The brand is rooted in science, sensuality, and self-love. We create clean, effective, and elegant solutions for concerns often ignored by mainstream beauty and health industries,' she explains. With over 30 years in the beauty world, it was her own menopause journey that exposed the glaring lack of intimate wellness solutions. 'Most products were made for men's convenience, masked with synthetic fragrances, or loaded with chemical-based ingredients that compromised long-term health,' says Yeh. 'That's when I realized women deserve better. Intimacy doesn't have an expiration date.' Menopause Meets Microbiome: Inside Hygiene Hero's Approach Hygiene Hero debuted with microbiome-balancing vulva care products formulated to address hyperpigmentation, ingrown hairs, irritation, and age-related skin changes. In 2023, Yeh launched a first-of-its-kind product designed for labial skin dryness and discomfort—with ingredients that also enhance desire. 'This is how our VipStick Serum , our self-proclaimed world's first skin-nourishing pleasure primer for your 'lower lips,' came about,' says Yeh. I've been loving the products I've tried from Hygiene Hero—especially the Private Bars and Perfect Pause VV Oil, a moisturizer-lubricant hybrid designed for women in menopause. What Are Vagiceuticals—And Why Women Need Them Now Plum Courtesy of Plum Another innovator in the space is Plum , which launched in 2025 with two pharmacist-developed formulations dryness in a serum and a spray to address vaginal—what co-founder Lisa Krady coined 'vagiceuticals,' a term she tells me over a call she decided not to trademark to keep the category open for others to provide solutions. 'Over 50% of women will experience vaginal dryness at some point in their lives. That's a lot of women who weren't being offered solutions that spoke to them,' Krady explains. 'We wanted the opposite of the outdated, clinical products women felt they had to hide in a drawer—so we created vulvovaginal care that's both clinically proven and shelf-worthy.' 'Skincare for the Vulva Deserves Clinical Rigor' Vagiceuticals, she explains, are science-backed, hormone-free products designed specifically for vulvovaginal skin. 'Before Plum, options were either mild, but ineffective long-term or relied on strong hormonal ingredients suitable only for severe cases,' says Krady. 'We saw an opportunity to offer something safe, effective, and empowering.' Clinical testing, she adds, is non-negotiable. 'Skincare for the vulva requires a different level of care. It must be evidence-based, thoroughly tested, and guided by real expertise. Our team includes experienced pharmacists and a medical advisory board specializing in women's health. This is a category that demands intention and clinical rigor.' Vaginal dryness and itching are about as fun as it sounds, and it can be intense. It's also pretty embarrassing to have to explain. Plum's patented-peptide based formulas have been saviors and offer fast relief. I particularly like the preventative protection the products provide with consistent use. The Vagina Is Self-Cleaning—So What Should We Use? Clue Medical expert Dr. Marcella Israel, OB/GYN, echoes the need for caution. 'The vagina is a self-cleaning organ with a delicately balanced ecosystem. In most cases, inserting products—even water—can disrupt that balance and cause irritation or infection,' she shares over email. Instead, she encourages focusing on education around vulvovaginal anatomy and function. 'I always advise patients to avoid irritants like scented soaps, harsh detergents, and unnecessary additives.' The First-Ever Serum for Breast Skin Savior Beauty Courtesy of Savior Beauty Intimate care is also expanding beyond the vulva. Carla Guerra, former executive at La Mer and Dior, launched SAVIOR Beauty in 2024 to address the often-overlooked skin of the breasts. Inspired by her breast cancer journey, Guerra created the first serum formulated specifically for this delicate area. 'SAVIOR isn't about firming, lifting, or making the breasts larger,' she shares with me on a call. 'This product is patent pending, clinically proven, and dermatologist-tested to treat the unique needs of breast skin.' 'The Beauty Industry Has Ignored This Area for Too Long' According to Guerra, the breast is one of the most dynamic and sensitive parts of a woman's body—affected by everything from hormonal changes to clothing friction and life stages like PMS, pregnancy, and menopause. She explains, 'With fewer oil glands and a weaker barrier, the skin is more prone to dryness, irritation, and long-term damage—yet it's largely been ignored by the beauty industry.' SAVIOR's clinical testing included 30 women over 35, half of whom had undergone some type of breast surgery. 'The results were exceptional,' says Guerra. 'Participants reported improved texture, reduced redness, and stronger skin barrier function within two weeks.' Additional benefits included microbiome restoration and protection against environmental stressors. I love this serum. It sinks right into the skin and provides a great base for makeup to cover sun damage on my decollete. I also give the brand bonus points for the glass bottle being stunningly beautiful—one that made coveted real estate space on my bathroom counter. Natural Support for Hormonal Wellness The Way Apothecary Courtesy of The Way Apothecary The Way Apothecary, founded by Francoise Decatrel in 2024, takes a holistic approach to personal care, offering aromatherapy-based bath and body products that support hormonal balance, emotional well-being, and nervous system regulation. 'The Way Apothecary is a sanctuary for the modern woman in midlife,' says Decatrel. 'But the brand is also deeply rooted in content—supporting women through lifestyle, not just products. On the site, there are sections that go into mind, body, and spirit with journal entries, meditations, and soon, some classes too. There's also the podcast, The Way Home to Yourself.' Supporting Midlife with Ritual, Not Resistance The brand's Women's Circle collection includes shower gels and body oils in three formulations tailored to different stages of midlife. 'These phases begin as early as our late 30s and unfold through perimenopause and beyond,' Decatrel explains. 'Each formula supports shifting needs—skin, hormones, mood—while offering deeper nourishment through ritual.' Her inspiration came from personal experience. 'I dealt with reactive skin, anxiety, and a deep shift in how I felt physically and emotionally—symptoms I later recognized as perimenopause,' she says. As a clinical aromatherapist, she began formulating products to support rather than suppress these changes. 'It was transformative.' Decatrel's goal: a natural alternative to HRT. 'Essential oils interact with the limbic system through the olfactory pathway, influencing mood, memory, and stress response,' she says. 'Some also support hormonal balance by regulating estrogen, modulating cortisol, or easing progesterone-related symptoms.' I have been using the body oil regularly and found great relief to my intense and chronic mastitis almost immediately upon application, which has truly been a godsend for me. I also find the fragrance of the oils both uplifting and calming. Real Solutions for Real Bodies These are just a few of the brands leading the way with innovative, thoughtful solutions—and this is only the beginning. As someone navigating perimenopause, it's deeply encouraging to see more science-backed options addressing the personal, often-taboo challenges women face. I've used many of the products mentioned here, and they've truly changed how I care for my body. I now enjoy the ritual of tending to areas I once felt conflicted about. It feels good to celebrate them—not hide them—as essential parts of who I am.
