A recent study in Africa could change the way health workers approach the public health crises of HIV and infant mortality in the Sub-Sahara. For 20 years research has suggested there was a connection to increased risk of HIV transmission and hormone contraception, yet only one prior study was done specifically addressing oral hormone contraceptives. Now findings show a possible relation to injectable hormone contraception, commonly known as the hormone shot. The study suggests women are twice as likely to contract the HIV virus as women who use other forms of contraception, including none at all. This proves to be a problem because injectable hormone contraception is the number one method of birth control in women of the Sub-Sahara.
It is not clear why women who use the hormone shot are at higher risk. Samples taken from HIV-infected women using the injectable hormone contraception were found to have higher concentrations of the HIV virus in their vaginal fluid. The same concentrations were not found in their blood however. This suggests that possible mechanisms that contribute to the increased susceptibility could include changes to the vaginal structure and cervicovaginal HIV shedding of cells. It is important to take the findings in context. This particular study was not targeted to find the relation between injectable hormonal contraception and HIV transmission. The results were discovered during the research process and were potentially compromised by the self-reporting techniques used in information gathering. More research needs to be conducted before drawing a definitive conclusion.
The possible link between the widely-used hormone shot and HIV transmission is counterproductive to public health initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa. Health issues such as low birth weight and high infant mortality rates continue to plague the region. The use of hormone contraceptives is very effective in controlling pregnancy. The idea that this form of contraception could be harmful would be a tragic outcome for the population and committed health workers in the area. It is widely agreed that more testing needs to be done before eliminating the option of injectable hormone contraception. The benefits received must be balanced against the risk of HIV transmission. HIV testing, education and counseling combined with contraceptive counseling emphasizing dual protection with condoms will continue to be the public health message to the women of the Sub-Sahara.
Rachel Owens is a health and fitness blogger. She also takes a particular interest in mental health and how tool like subliminal cds can be used to help overcome self esteem battles.
A bra is one thing that most women start wearing early on in their lives while other women start wearing bras later on in life. The question that many younger women and some men want to know is why do women wear bras? Is it just a fashionable under garment or does it serve a more practical purpose?
Bras are also necessary for women who live active lifestyles, have physically demanding jobs or exercise frequently. A well designed bra helps them to insure that their breasts have the proper support for any occasion.
Maternity Bra – This type of bra is adjustable and is typically worn by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Minimizer Bra- Helps reduce your bust size.
Nursing Bra – A nursing bra is typically worn by women who are breastfeeding their babies. Typical maternity bras have flaps on the front that can be conveniently removed so a woman can breastfeed her baby any time she wants.
Underwire Bra – Unlike other bras, an underwire bra provides excellent support while at the same time helping to retain the bras shape. Although this type of bra does help a woman to have firm support for her breasts, many women have claimed that underwire bras are uncomfortable while other women love them.
The health of your bra and the health of your bust are both very important. If you take good care of your bras, they will take good care of you in that they will be comfortable and they will last for a long period of time. It can be hard to find good bras, especially if you're on a budget, but you can locate them if you're a savvy shopper. Taking care of the bras you have will also help you when it comes to saving money, because your bras will last a lot longer.
If you're just throwing your bras into the washing machine with all your other clothing, you could be shortening their lifespan. It's much better to wash them separately, or at least put them in a net bag that is made specifically for washing delicate items like bras, underwear, and stockings. When you care for your bras, they'll fit better and last longer.
It's tempting to buy something inexpensive as long as it fits well, but you might want to spend those extra few dollars to get a bra that is of a higher quality. You don't have to, but high-quality bras last longer overall than low-quality bras. If you want to have a healthy bra and a healthy, comfortable bustline, buying bras that are of a good quality will be the better choice.
Overall, there are many options when purchasing a bra. You should pay attention to size, fit, quality, brand, material, and other factors. Consider all of the issue when you buy a wacoal bra, and carefully read the instructions in order to learn the right way to care for your new purchase. That way, the bras you purchase will be more comfortable and last you much longer.