The Power of Confessions

So I have been quite reflective in the last few days. So many people are hurting and anxious about their fertility and having children. Fertility treatments, doctors and clinics are springing forth everywhere in the Naija and the statistics of families TTC is on the increase. Women are mostly affected; although male factor fertility is also on the increase , but because society places a lot of responsibility on the woman, she is the first point of questioning.

I am a proponent for knowledge. By all means if you are knowledgeable about your health, your body and events happening around you the better. So I usually advice friends and people who come to my way to ask questions, strive to know and avoid doctors and people who hoard information. As a matter of fact, TTC is an integral part of life (if you aint lucky to get pregnant at the drop of an hat), and should be approached strategically, like you would an MBA. I am sure you wont pay for your MBA if the campus is a one storey brick wall in a corner somewhere unknown. So why would you go to a shack, a quack or someone who doesnt know the difference between herbs and vegetable all in a bid to get pregnant. I am not against herbal preparations, my late grandma was one you could call 'alagbo-omo" and I grew up to see women from all works of life visit our home to consult with her. I was her favourite and i know a thing or two about herbs. my take is that there are so many fakes around and one just need to be careful.

Apart from this, there is the need to know God, have a relationship with Him and build up your faith. God absolutely wants you to have a child. He said we should go and replenish the earth; multiply, breed and whatever name you wish to call it. Ps 127:1 says Children are his heritage. The only woman in Bible that remained barren was one that blasphemed against King David's act of worship. None other didn't receive their children. Rachael, Hanna, Elizabeth.

Now, hubby and I listens a lot to Pastor Poju Oyemade and in 2009/2010 he was talking so much about confessions as a form of prayer. We adopted it and wrote out a 2-page confession for the children we wanted. Morning and night we bring the confession sheets out and read it aloud, then we break bread (communion).

Today I want to share that confession with you. I have edited it incase anyone wants to use it. All you need to do is add your special request and make it your own.

THE CONFESSIONS FOR GLORIOUS CHILDREN IN THIS YEAR 2014

• I have received the grace and the opportunity to have great and wonderful children that will prosper in all their endeavours and make heavy and massive impact in the world
• There is a recognition of the need of God and humanity for children that will grow up like Moses, Joshua, Deborah, Esther and the Apostles of our time and take the people of God in their generation out of the house and land of slavery and bring them to their promised land where there is milk and honey.
• In the year 2014, God has given us children that will bring be a proof of God’s mightiness
• In 2014, God has given us children (twins) that are growing from their childhood in the knowledge of Christ and the power of His might
• In 2014, God has given us children that will affect, effect and infect the nations with the principles of the kingdom of God and of His Christ; that the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our God and of His Christ in their lives according to Rev 11:15
• That I, (Put your name here) have become pregnant with twins (or what you want) this 2014
• For the Lord God who did it for the women I have heard their testimonies, who by-passed all the medical barriers and limitations of the enemy to make them pregnant, the same God has done it again this 2014 which I will delivered safely after 9 months
• For God is our only source of strength and accomplishment and with God nothing is impossible
• The Lord God has subdued impossibility in our lives concerning this pregnancy in 2014 for possibility to the glory of His name
• As I have delivered baby(ies) in this year 2014, they are beauty to behold, glorious in the nature of God almighty
• These children are loved by us, their parents, by all members of our family far or near, friends all over the world and by everybody whoever see them
• There is no corruption or defect in their bodies, skin, organ, brain, system, blood, muscle, all their makeup internally or externally
• The child(ren) do not acquire or inherit any disease, infirmity or whatever that is not of god in their genetic formation
• The child(ren)  are as pure and clean as baby Jesus with no defect
• The child(ren)  are indeed beauty to behold from the crown of their head to the sole of their feet
• The child(ren) of ours grow up exceptionally brilliant and creative following strictly the order and purpose of God all the days of their lives and putting flight to the enemies of God in any institution they find themselves.

Please praise and worship God and believe his word concerning your situation.

I am waiting for your testimonies.

 

In the Waiting Room: My Journey to Motherhood

 (This was initially written for www.9jamom.com but a lot of 

people have asked me to put it here too. So there you have it.....)

By Dolapo Taiwo-Fajolu

In the beginning…

Getting married was high on my priority list once I survived the long and arduous journey to achieving academic qualification. By the time I was through with school and landed a plum job in the bank, there was nothing stopping me and my fiancé from taking the plunge. We were ready and believed in our dreams of starting a family immediately.

At 31, I couldn’t wait to start making babies. I didn’t feel anything could stop me from getting pregnant on the first try; I was healthy, and had a clock-work regular cycle. Also, no one in my family had to deal with infertility, so I felt it would be a breeze. Although, a few years prior, I had discovered milky-like discharges from my left breast and went for a check-up after I told my mum. The doctor said it was probably nothing to be worried about as there were no lumps. I had no idea that that “nothing” was actually a major sign of an abnormality that would delay my attempts at conceiving.

Getting worried

After Eight months of unprotected, deliberate sex and no pregnancy, I began to worry that something was wrong. My hubby didn’t see any problem and would jokingly ask me what the rush was for? I began to suspect the discharges from my breast were something more than nothing especially as it now leaked from both breasts. I googled it and what I discovered was frightening.

My diagnosis: Prolactin and Infertility

It was from medical journals and googled articles that I discovered a world of prolactin levels and infertility. I went to a specialist hospital armed with the information I already had about my condition and the blood work revealed a higher than normal level of prolactin. The doctor confirmed that my periods, though regular were just my uterus shedding its walls.

I was not ovulating at all!

The shock of the news, the fear of treatment and all the associated psychological issues were overwhelming.

Another term for high prolactin levels is hyperprolactinemia. Women who are not pregnant and are not breastfeeding should have low levels of prolactin. While Prolactin plays a vital role during lactation and breast development in pregnancy, If a non-pregnant woman has abnormally high levels of prolactin, it may cause her difficulty in becoming pregnant. The occurrence of a milky flow from the breast of a woman who has not recently been pregnant or nursing is called galactorrhea. This was the initial condition I experienced that the doctor I visited did not see as anything to worry about!  While galactorrhea can be caused by excessive local stimulation as well as hormonal imbalance, a full examination to rule out the cause, should have occurred.

Getting treated.

The doctor had to eliminate the causes of my galactorrhea. Some medications cause an increase in prolactin levels. One of such was a drug I was using for ulcer (Cimetidine).  Other drugs that could result in galactorrhea include some types of anti-depressants, sedatives, Estrogen, Oral contraceptives (birth control pills), blood pressure medications (methyldopa, verapamil), and medication for nausea (Reglan, metoclopramide). It can sometimes also be due to physical stress (i).

I was placed on a high course of Bromocriptine (Parlodel) and Six weeks into treatment, I conceived! Oh I thought if I only knew it was that simple!! And then I miscarried. This happened twice and then nothing again for months. The doctor placed me on a regime of weekly injections to boost my hormones and I got pregnant again. This 3rd time, the pregnancy went past the first trimester and into the 24th week and all of a sudden, I began to dilate and my cervix couldn’t hold up again! (ii)

Another clog in my wheel: Incompetent cervix

By the time I got to the hospital that fateful 1st Saturday in January 2009, I was 24 weeks into my pregnancy and 4cm dilated! The doctor told us the prognosis was bad, my baby’s lungs were immature and could risk grave infections if born at that age. He did an emergency cerclage. Cervical cerclage is a rarely used type of surgery that involves sewing shut the outlet of the uterus (cervix) to prevent it from opening before a pregnancy is carried to full term.

I was placed on full bed rest and we began to pray for a miracle. The doctor opined that if I could keep my son in for four - six more weeks, he would have a high chance of survival. I must add here that the cases of premature births in Nigeria are very high and most hospitals are not equipped for the care of such delicate children. Three days into my bed rest, my water broke and I had to deliver my son prematurely. He didn’t survive the delivery and died immediately after. The devastation I felt was indescribable. It was just 5 days into a new year and I could not believe I was starting the year on such a sour note.

The diagnosis was clear - my cervix gave up mid-way into my pregnancy. The doctor said the condition is not pre-determined and most times, it is diagnosed only when it has happened. Now apart from hyperprolactinemia, I had to contend with an incompetent cervix! I felt my world crashing on me and was depressed for a long time. Friends and family came around and in a few months I was ready to begin the journey again. Now this time, with the Parlodel, the injections and all I was finding it difficult to repeat the magic that made me conceive before. And how could I forget the crazy side effects of Parlodel! I was constantly feeling sorry for myself and sex with my husband was more of a reproductive research than an expression of love to each other.

I went through several procedures; Hsg (X-ray examination of the uterus, fallopian tubes and surrounding areas), laparoscopy, D&C to remove tissue in the uterus after the miscarriage, just name it. I felt violated, invaded and a lot of times, just sick of all the probing and needles.

Next steps: putting my faith to gear

I am a believer and both my hubby and I serve God as workers in our church. My husband and I began to pray to God to step in. We started taking communion together daily and around that time we listened to Pastor Poju Oyemade of Covenant Christian Center in Lagos talk about the power of confession. We wrote our confessions and consistently declared that we were parents of the kind of children we wanted. About that time too, we changed churches to a place that was instrumental in developing our faith beyond serving God to relating with God as a powerful and miracle-working Father.

I had peace that God would give me children, I just didn’t know when. I was still taking my drugs the entire time. I knew I had to get pregnant! Do you know what it feels like when all the women around you are either pregnant or have a baby? Apart from the emotional and physical issues, there is also the societal stigma that is prevalent in our Naija society. People ask how far? How many children do you have now? Those who know you are still waiting are careful not to upset you and at the same time, you really want to rejoice with your friends who are having children but deep down you feel sad about your condition.

The same society that places a high mark on fertility however lacks the moral and spiritual guidance and counseling backings needed to help people face these challenges.

Medical counseling is rare if not non-existent and most doctors are seeing the high infertility rate in the country solely from an entrepreneurial point of view rather than a balance of providing succor and solution to a prevalent problem.

Hope rising

Unexpectedly in June 2010 I realized I was late. I took a test and it was positive. I didn’t know how to react as elation was mixed with fear but I was determined to do all the right things for this child. So with prayers and the best medical care available, I proceeded with my pregnancy. I researched my condition and took note of all my symptoms. This pregnancy from the beginning was unlike any I had before. I was sick, and had bleedings at the 8th and 11 weeks. I had cervical cerclage when I was 13weeks.  Now all I had to do was take things easy, take my medications and lie low. The months moved slowly and every week that passed brought relief. I was constantly in pains, and sometimes felt like my pelvic would burst out from under me but prayers and faith in God’s words and my confession kept me going.

When I passed the 24-week mark, I celebrated quietly as my pregnancy had passed the point where I lost my last baby. However, at 30 weeks, I began to lose my mucous plug and then started having discharges of mucous and blood. By now I was on complete bed rest and the doctor was hoping I could carry my son beyond 32weeks.

Oh! The joys of motherhood!

That was not to be as my water broke early one beautiful Monday morning. The stitches were removed and I delivered my son weighing 1.6kg and we immediately began the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) ordeal.

Prior to this, I had never met or spoken to anyone who had a preterm baby and all the experiences online were different from my Nigerian situation.

OT in NICU (Pictured L, R)

I was however consoled that my son and I received the best treatment a Nigerian hospital can offer and from a plummeting weight loss of 1.35kg, he gradually began to gain some weight. After four weeks in the NICU, at 1.7kg and having overcome apnea, and luckily escaping jaundice (A miracle I praise God for), I took my son home.

I learnt some valuable lessons while in the hospital, one of which is that you are your own counselor and encourager. Another lesson is that no matter how hard you worry, God is in control and he has your best interest at hand.

Five Months later

Moving forward

There are women who have fertility issues that have gone undiagnosed or been mis-diagnosed. Many, today, spend a lot of money on tests that are either too expensive or invasive or outrightly unnecessary.

So many women are hiding away because of the stigma ascribed to infertility in our society and many groan under the persecution and label of barrenness.  There are hardly counselors or teachers who are willing to show the way and where biology has failed, spiritual lessons are one-sided or insufficient. Even the bible says a barren womb is unsatisfied! As long as the woman is not with a child, there can never be fulfillment! How then can we help? How can knowledge empower us? How can we be sure our circumstances will not be exploited by entrepreneurs in our money-driven society? I advise women to arm themselves with knowledge, to be brave and face their illnesses or whatever is causing delay.

The first step towards healing is acceptance. Accept you have a problem, identify your symptoms if any, in case there is none (unexplained infertility), check your diets. Most delays can be from our partners as well so the test should include semen analysis. A good doctor will not start to treat you without first confirming the status of your spouse’s semen. Lifestyle changes too are key to finding healing. Apart from this there is the belief that external influence beyond the physical causes infertility. I would be fooling myself if I didn’t mention this as our African roots and society are riddled with such stories of people being cursed or placed under the influence of one juju or voodoo. While not glorifying the devil that is masterful in deceit, it is important to note that the Almighty God is sovereign and powerful than any influence. So I hold the belief that no voodoo, charm or juju is able to keep a woman barren. Once your faith is in gear, believe the word of God concerning your situation, learn all you can about it and keep believing. Once that is done other steps follow.

I also would like to candidly advice that as women we should not wait too late to begin child-bearing if interested in having children and the opportunity presents itself. As much as we can, and is possible, we should start early. Yes, I know the economic situation and relationship problems may cause delays but we must please encourage the young ones to start early, especially if motherhood is high on our priorities in life. It is a known fact that the older a woman is; the harder it is to get pregnant and there are associated complications/age-related defects that might arise with the pregnancy despite current technological advances.

Lastly don’t give up. If you don’t get that BFP (Big Fat Positive on a Pregnancy Test) this month, next month is there. Keep hope alive!

Further reading:

• Fertility Problems – Treatment Overview
• God’s Waiting Room 1 & 2 by Yewande Zaccheus: these books contain testimonies of women who overcame their infertility either by miracle babies, IVF, Adoption and others. It is a good read and I found it helpful in my journey. I recommend it to every woman in the waiting room.

 References

(i) Prolactin Medical Information

(ii) Healthy Mother

Much Ado About Flat Tummy

I was reading comments on a post on  my favourite women's Facebook group, BR (Babes redefined) early this week on why women don't have or work towards a flatter tummy after childbirth. The discussion was captivating, grossing over xxx comments. I contributed a simple "hmmm", but I thought deeper about it and asked myself why I don't care about a flatter tummy or didn't work towards one before.

Before I gained weight in 2001, I was d bonga-fish of the family. In my days at Ibapoly I was very thin. What we celebrate as Lepa today. Small breast, small bum, flat tummy, thin neck, thin legs n arms. And bottom line was I hated me.

I started eating to add weight and in 2000/2001 it paid off. I filled out in the right places and became curvy. I liked me! Our society appraise curviness and even our fashion supports it. Iro and buba, blouse and wrappers looks better on orobos than on stick-thin women. Our men (most of them) likes some flesh on their women.

Now I agree with most of the comments on this topic. Yes African women don't really care or work on belly-fat which is a multi-million dollar business abroad. Yes, 80% of us or more "jiggles with it" and proudly too in our tight fitting Lycra tops as if it is normal (or is it?) but I asked myself how I haven't achieved more in terms of having an ideal tummy size bandied about. I realised that years of fertility treatment, being a mom to a pre term baby and having to care for him in d hospital where hot water and tummy-tying was not encouraged for over a month after birth are valid reasons or excuses for my tummy "trouble".

Have I tried to get it down? Oh! I got body magic and I almost died! Lol. I've removed it inside BRT before, yes inside the big red commuter bus popular in Lagos when my life was ebbing away cos of the restrictions. I wear shape-wears now, a more comfortable alternative to body magic or girdle but I've also removed it at work sometimes to "free myself". For permanent solutions I have tried Low-cost diets, No-carb diets, water therapy.

But in all I just feel you can't get 100/100. So u win some and lose some. I won't do a tummy-tuck, take slimming drugs or any extreme exercise to get a flat tummy. My tummy does not define me, I give definition to my self and what I am.

Comments are welcome!

"WHAT NOT TO SAY TO A PREEMIE PARENT" - Copied

I read this list online today and wish to share it here. I confess I didn't get much of these but there was the occasional ,"aww, he is so small", or "what did you do that made him come early". Mostly people were sympathetic, afraid and sometimes ignorant. I also didn't take him out in those early days and didn't expose him to germs cos i had people sanitize their hands before they carried him. For those new on this blog, I had my son prematurely at 31 weeks. You can read all about it on previous posts.




1. “You’re so lucky that you didn't have to go through the end of pregnancy!”

2. “At least, with the baby in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), you can get rest at night!”

3. “He’s so small!”

4. “When will he catch up?”

5. “What did you do, that he was born so early?”

6. “Everything happens for a reason.”

7. “Now that you have her home and off all that medical equipment, everything will be fine.”

8. “You’re just being paranoid about his health.”

9. “He needs to be exposed to germs to build up immunity.”

10. “He’s how old? My child is the same age and twice his size.”

11. "With all those nurses around, you and your husband should just go out…you’ve got great babysitters"

12. "Is your baby going to make it?"

13. "When is your baby coming home?"

14. "Don't adjust his months, stop taking months out"

What do you think?

Bellanaija Features: Born Too Soon

Dear friends,

DO visit http://www.bellanaija.com/2012/10/17/bn-our-stories-our-miracles-born-too-soon-dolapo-taiwo-fajolu-shares-the-story-of-the-loss-of-her-son-her-second-chance/ to read up a feature about prematurity.

You already know this blog is dedicated to family, fertility, babies, women's health and all other things on the side.

Love you all.

World Prematurity Day is November 17 2012

Come November 17, 2012 I will be joining the World to celebrate WORLD PREMATURITY DAY. This is a day set aside to draw attention to children born before the full gestational period and to mothers who face the onerous task of waiting with fear, anxiety and prayers for these dear babies. If u want to join me, comment below this post and let me know if you are a preemie, a mother to one, a medical practitioner interested in the care of preemies or just a kind hearted person.

More information onthe programme of events will be sent your way.

If youhave links in the media and will like to partner with me on this programme do not hesitate to contact me as well.

God bless you

A short note to my beautiful kicker!!!

In a few weeks I'll meet you, hold you and look into your eyes for the first time. Although we've not met your presence is evidence in every kick, hiccups and movement in my tummy.




I wasn't expecting you; cos I was still revelling in knowing and caring for your brother, our brave ever-smiling miracle baby. But God had plans for you and you came. We didn't even know until almost 12weeks after.


I ask myself how do I share my love equally between you and still remain impartial and make you feel the love. While OT was sought for, you are a gift, a favour God bestowed on us. I'm preparing to meet you and I love you so much already.

Now that I have you, I am more optimistic and unrepentantly so that there is no impossibility with our God and therefore I can boldly say that every woman and man deserves children and there are many ways to achive this success. The only obstacle is fear and giving up too early in the day.

If anyone reads this note, and wants to know the ways, dont hesistate to ask me.

xoxo

My Story was featured on 9jamom.com!

Dear Friends,

My story is the month's feature on http://9jamom.com/

The response has been overwhelming and i never knew how opening up and sharing my personal story could touch people the way it has done.

I appreciate the admin of 9jamom for the opportunity and all who has commented and shared their stories with me too. We are going somewhere with this and opening up is just the beginning. Friends and families suffering in silence can stop as a problem shared is one half-solved.

Visit http://9jamom.com/profiles/blog/9ja-mom-real-stories

Drop a word of encouragement and pass the word around. There is hope!!! 

When Your Period Signals a Problem

Heavy periods, no periods, painful periods, spotting -- find out when it's time to call your doctor.



By Stephanie Watson


Reviewed by Mikio A. Nihira, MD


As you probably learned back in middle school, menstruation is the monthly shedding of your uterine lining. Though it can be uncomfortable and sometimes inconvenient, your period is your body's way of telling you that your reproductive system is working properly.



Just as every woman is unique, every woman's period has its own personality. Some periods are short, others are long. Some are heavy, others are light.


After a few years' worth of monthly bleeding, most women start to get a feel for their period's frequency, duration, and flow. When something out of the ordinary happens -- such as spotting between periods or an exceptionally heavy flow -- it's natural to wonder what's going on.


Is There Such a Thing as a Normal Period?


Not really. The average woman's menstrual cycle is 28 days long, and the average period lasts for three to five days, but there can be huge menstrual cycle variations from woman to woman.


"Three days is normal for some women, seven days is normal for others," says Franklin Loffer, MD, executive vice president and medical director of AAGL (formerly known as the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists). Similarly, the normal period flow can be heavier in some women than in others.


Rather than worrying about the length or frequency of your period, you need to consider whether anything has changed.


"A woman should really be tracking her own menstrual cycle, because it provides huge numbers of clues about whether something's not right," says Frances Ginsburg, MD, director of reproductive endocrinology at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Conn., and assistant professor of clinical obstetrics/gynecology in the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.


Here are some common menstrual period changes, and what they might mean.


Your Period Has Slowed or Stopped


The big question if you're not getting your period is -- how old are you?


The cause of a missing menstrual period (called amenorrhea) varies by age. "To quit having periods at age 25 is a significantly different issue than quitting at age 50," Loffer says.


For a woman in her 20s or 30s who is sexually active, pregnancy is always a possibility. "Even if a woman thinks she's protected, that's not an absolute guarantee," Loffer says.


On the other hand, women in their 40s or 50s could be in perimenopause -- the period surrounding menopause. As your ovaries slow their estrogen production, periods become less frequent. Periods also can get shorter or lighter during perimenopause. Once your periods stop for a full 12 months in a row, you're in menopause. The average age for menopause is 51.


Another possible cause of missed periods is excessive exercise. Anywhere from 5% to 25% of female athletes work out so hard that they stop getting their periods. Called exercise-induced amenorrhea, this phenomenon is particularly common among ballet dancers and runners. Intense exercise affects the production and regulation of reproductive hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.










Your Period Has Slowed or Stopped continued...


For similar reasons, women who have eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa can also stop getting their period. Severely restricting the amount of calories you eat suppresses the release of hormones your body needs for ovulation.


Other possible causes of missed periods include:


• Thyroid or pituitary gland disorders


• Disorder of the hypothalamus (brain area that assists with reproductive hormone regulation)


• Breastfeeding


• Obesity


• Oral contraceptives (although birth control pills will usually just make the periods lighter, rather than stopping them entirely)


• Stress


• Polycystic ovarian syndrome and other hormone imbalances


• Ovarian failure (the loss of normal ovarian function before age 40)


• Disease of the uterus (womb)


Your Period Is Heavier Than Normal


Most women only shed about 2 or 3 tablespoons of blood each month. Those with heavy periods (menorrhagia) can lose 5 or more tablespoons of blood monthly.


When you bleed excessively, you lose iron. Your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, the molecule that helps your red blood cells transport oxygen throughout your body. Without enough iron, your red blood cell count will drop, leading to anemia. Signs of anemia include shortness of breath, unusually pale skin, and fatigue.


If you have a persistently heavy flow, see your doctor for a blood count to make sure you're not iron deficient, Ginsburg advises. If so, you might need to take a supplement.


A number of conditions can increase your period flow, including:


• Uterine fibroids or polyps (noncancerous growths in the uterine lining)


• Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy


• Use of certain drugs (including blood thinners or steroids)


• A change in your birth control pills


• Clotting disorders, such as von Willebrand's disease


• Cancer of the uterus


You can gauge how heavy your period is by how many tampons or pads you're using. Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for a few hours in a row is a sign that you're bleeding abnormally heavily.


Taking oral contraceptives can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding. If you use an IUD for contraception, your doctor may choose to insert a specific type of hormone-releasing IUD called Mirena to help reduce bleeding. Another option is a medicine called Lysteda, a pill that helps stop bleeding by increasing blood clotting.


If the bleeding continues, your ob/gyn might recommend that you have an ultrasound or other test to identify the source of the problem.






You're Bleeding In Between Periods


This is one period problem you shouldn’t ignore. "If you're bleeding between periods, it should be investigated," Loffer says.


Causes can range from something benign -- such as having an irritated sore in the vaginal area or forgetting to take your birth control pill -- to something as serious as an ectopic pregnancy or cancer. Visit your doctor for an exam.


You're Experiencing a Lot of Pain with Your Period


Your period generally isn't the most comfortable time of the month. Most women have cramps as the uterus contracts to shed its lining. Usually the discomfort is mild and it subsides in a day or two.


But for some women, the pain is so intense that they can't get out of bed.


Painful periods are called dysmenorrhea. They can be accompanied by other symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, or discomfort in the lower back.


Sometimes the pain is from the period itself, but it also can be caused by conditions like endometriosis and fibroids. To find the source of the problem, your doctor can do a pelvic exam and Pap test, as well as other diagnostic tests such as an ultrasound or laparoscopy.


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help because they not only relieve pain, they also prevent the body from making prostaglandins -- the chemicals that stimulate your uterus to contract during your period. Your doctor might recommend that you go on the pill or get an IUD, which can also reduce period pain. Fibroids and endometriosis are sometimes treated with surgery.


When to See Your Doctor


Any period issue that is out of the ordinary for you warrants a call to your doctor, especially if it makes you uncomfortable or keeps you from doing your normal activities. "If a woman feels that it's interfering with her lifestyle, then she needs to address it," Loffer says.


Definitely call your doctor if:


• Your periods used to be regular, but they've become irregular.


• Your period comes more often than every 21 days, or less often than every 35 days, for several cycles.


• You bleed for more than seven days straight.


• You stopped bleeding for 12 months in a row (menopause) and are now bleeding again.


• You are soaking through one or more pads or tampons each hour for several hours in a row.


• You have bleeding between periods.


• Your periods are very painful.


(Culled from WebMD.com)

Random Thoughts on Fertility

I listened to a radio call-in programme last night on IVF and 70% of the people who called in said they had the procedure and didn't receive post-procedure counselling after their cycles failed. This confirms to me that most fertility clinics are merely concerned about the money and not necessarily the emotional condition of their patients.

A woman called in and said she is over 50, and had IVF only to be told her ovum was not producing eggs! I believe someone like that need not have waited till her 50s to attempt IVF and also that the doctors should have done their investigative tests to ascertain her suitability for the procedure instead of allowing such a couple go through the emotional, and financial stress of the procedure.

It is common knowledge that if you are in your 20s and you have had unprotected sex for 1 year without conception you need to see a doctor and if you are in your 30s and has had unprotected sex for 6months without conception you are a candidate for fertility reviews. We should not wait until the 50s to seek help. One major factor leading to the high incidence of infertility in Nigeria as I have observed is late marriages. After spending all our productive years in school, we find out guys are afraid of commitment and ladies are getting married in their 30s. However, this does not stop anyone from getting to know your body while you are still single.

Ladies should review the changes in their monthly cycles. How long? How much? What changes? Seek healthy options to your favorites habits by eating well, avoid sinful relationships, don't do drugs and never take a drug without prescription. Do you know some prescription drugs causes infertility? if you have painful unexplained cramps, clots or irregular periods, they could be a pointer to deeper reproductive issues later in life. Knowledge is power and the earlier these are tackled the better.

Having a prayer network and receiving counsel goes a long way in calming nerves and knowing that someone has gone through the same path can go a long way in providing the succour and help that may be absent in the impersonal doctor's examination room. I can assure you that the feeling of being violated while on the examination table is not peculiar and any woman who has had to go through an examination knows what it feels like.

What am I rambling about? Reach out! Talk to someone!! It may not necessarily be easy to tell your friends and family what it is but in a personalised counselling you get to pour out your heart knowing the information will not be used against you.

 I strongly believe that any family going through infertility and considering treatment should seek out personalised counselling. It is a long road most of the time, and you need your support system. Please don't hesitate to reach out. Call 08121716955 today or add 2A38E9E7 on bbm. It could be the best decision you ever made on your journey through the waiting room.