HowToDoThings.com Recent Women's Health Articles

How To Determine When You Ovulate

Laura Gagnon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:34:43 -0600

How To Determine if You Are Depressed

Laura Gagnon — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:21:25 -0600

How To Become Pregnant

Deirdre — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:21:06 -0500

The ability to get pregnant is supposed to be a normal part of the human female’s biology but there are some women who have more trouble than others. If you are one of these women, or just thinking about having children but unsure if you can, follow these steps to determine how to get pregnant.

How To Use a Tampon

teen — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:19:02 -0500

Using a tampon seems awkward and uncomfortable for many girls as they approach puberty. If you are lucky your mom or big sister used tampons and can show you the ropes without too much embarrassment. If you are learning on your own, follow these instructions for using a tampon.

How To Get Birth Control

teen — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:43:50 -0500

When thinking about sexual activity, you need to consider the physical, emotional and health consequences before making a decision. One prime consideration for most women is birth control. If you need to get birth control, consider following these steps.

How To Help a Woman After a Miscarriage

ellen66 — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:58:26 -0600

Are you at a loss when it comes to knowing what to say or do to help a woman who has miscarried? Often, we don't know what to say or do and opt for either saying, or doing, nothing. To make matters worse, we make the mistake of dismissing her grief. I'm here to help you by offering a few simple support tips if you find yourself with a friend or loved one who has miscarried.

How To Use the Billings Ovulation Method (BOM)

JLSmith — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:23:00 -0600

Every woman has a right to knowledge and understanding of her fertility and reproductive health. If you want to practice natural fertility regulation, the Billings Ovulation Method (BOM) offers the following advantages:

How To Ease Back Pain in Labor

robin — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:44:25 -0600

Changing positions during labor is one thing you can do to relieve pain in your lower back. That pressure is often due to your baby’s position and is called back labor: the back of your baby's head presses against your lower back. In clinical terms, it's called Occiput (head) Posterior (back) or O.P. position. It's not uncommon, nor is it dangerous or an emergency, but it is uncomfortable and labor may progress more slowly. Being upright and in motion will lessen that pressure and help your baby move. And the good new is, once your baby is in a good position, she/he usually stays that way! Here are other effective techniques to help you and your baby.

When you are pregnant:

How To Have a Positive Birth Experience

robin — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:58:15 -0600

‘I can do this’ is the best way to approach labor. It’s also a great way to step into parenting. The fact is, your body is designed to grow, give birth to and nurture healthy babies. And the fact is that labor is an act of love, physically and hormonally speaking. The contractions of labor massage your baby for a most responsive and alert beginning. The hormone that stimulates these contractions, oxytocin, is called ‘the love hormone’. It also stimulates the area in your brain that has to do with bonding, love, social connection. So when you love yourself, love your baby and have loving, patient people around you, you are helping with the positive work of oxytocin and labor.

During pregnancy:

How To Use Yoga to Escape from the Holiday Hustle

melbeau — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:28:47 -0600

Wings and Prayers is a beautiful, calming yoga exercise that can take you from a state of stress and anxiety to a place of quietness and calmness. All you need is your breath and a willing mind.

How To Use the Power of Touch in Your Yoga Practice

melbeau — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:15:02 -0600

When we suffer from anxiety, our minds can become scattered and our bodies riddled with tension. Yoga has the ability to pull us out of a state of anxiety and place us into an environment of physical and mental solitude. Practicing yoga enables us to use all of our physical senses to help pull us back to calmness. One powerful sense we can learn to apply and cultivate in our asana (pose) is touch. By shifting our attention into pressing our hands and feet to the earth and grounding our asana, we've established a stable environment that can be calming and healing.

How To Prevent or Heal Osteoporosis

freepam — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 15:14:44 -0500

Women in the U.S. are diagnosed with bone problems, first osteopenia and then osteoporosis, more than in any other country in the world. Most doctors recommend bisphosphonate drugs, but there are many easy non-drug alternatives that can make your bones much stronger with no side effects.

How To Treat and Prevent Insomnia

contact@bodyfixes.com — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 13:17:13 -0500

It is one thing to know why older people don't sleep as well; it is quite another to do something about it. There is no easy solution because the aging process proceeds at a different pace in different people and affects each of us differently. If you are one of the 35 million Americans who has trouble sleeping, remember that age is not the only culprit. Here are some general measures to help you get sleep, no matter how old or how young you are:

How To Plan a Healthy Pregnancy

eashoor — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:11:09 -0500

Here are some pieces of valuable advice for those of you trying or planning on getting pregnant in the near future.

How To Face Your Biggest Fears

leslie gail — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:45:46 -0500

When I was 15 years old I attended an outward bound camp. I remember completing many trust exercises with my group as a way to conquer fears and rely on others. It was an absolutely amazing week, but one exercise in particular was a defining moment in my life. There was a pole, roughly 30 feet tall, with small pieces of wood secured to the pole, to be used as a way to climb the pole. The instruction was to climb the pole to the very top, pull yourself up on top of a small round disc, and then stand up. Keep in mind the pole was swaying the entire time, and there was nothing to help you pull yourself up. Of course we were secured to a harness, but this gave little to no comfort at the time.

How To Buy Condoms

Tiny Dancer — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 23:08:57 -0500

Condoms. Just about everybody buys them at some point, and just about everybody gets embarrassed, confused or frustrated by the experience. Many men and women feel ashamed buying condoms because of our cultural attitudes labeling sex as dirty, and certainly not something to flaunt in public. That's a shame, because except for a few test tube babies, sex is how each and every one of us got here! Others find themselves confused by the variety of condoms available, or are frustrated by past experiences that didn't go so well. So let's talk condoms and clear up some of the confusion--it'll go a long way toward clearing up any reluctance you might have about using one, and hopefully spruce up your sex life as well. Sex is a good thing--and knowing your condoms can be a great way to add a boost to your sex life and protect yourself and your lucky sex partner from horrible things like children and disease!

How To Deal with The Symptoms of Menopause

Elizabeth69 — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 14:30:40 -0500

Many women find that just when they are getting their lives in order - steady career, solid relationship, children either grown or well on their way - they begin to experience a variety of symptoms due to the fluctuating hormone levels associated with impending menopause. While some women make this transition with barely a noticeable symptom, most will experience at least a few physical and emotional discomforts.

Since perimenopause (the years preceding true menopause, when hormones are in a constant state of flux) can last from two to eight years, it is important for women to understand that there are ways to manage their symptoms. Taking active steps to make those years as trouble-free as possible can help women to transition easily through menopause.

How To Go Braless

Vanessa264 — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:15:00 -0500

Just go without a bra, right? Well, it's not quite that simple. Here are some tips on why you'd want to go braless in the first place and how to transition from your over-the-shoulder boulder-holder.

How To Treat Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Staff468 — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 15:52:00 -0500

There are many different methods of treatment available for uterine fibroid tumors. Treatment options depend primarily upon whether or not you plan to bear more children. If you plan to bear children, you will want to choose a treatment method that does not in any way impair your chances of becoming pregnant or carrying a child to term. Be sure to consult with your doctor over which of the many treatment options available is best for you. If you would like to learn more about the symptoms of uterine fibroid tumors, read How To Learn About Uterine Fibroid Tumors. Below is some information that will help you to better understand the treatment options available for uterine fibroid tumors:

How To Learn About Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Staff468 — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 14:09:00 -0500

Uterine fibroid tumors, also called myomas, fibromyomas and leiomyomas, are most often found in women of childbearing years. These noncancerous tumors occur in as many as three out of four women but the tumors create problems in only one out of four. Uterine fibroid tumors almost never develop into cancer and aren't associated with an increased risk of cancer. Fibroids can be individual tumors, but often occur en masse. Here is some information that will help you to better understand uterine fibroid tumors:

Indications that you may have fibroid tumors. The following signs may indicate the presence of uterine fibroid tumors:
- Unusually heavy menstrual bleeding
- Unusually long menstrual periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic area or the back or legs
- Abdominal swelling
  
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How To Recognize Perimenopause

Staff468 — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:47:00 -0500

Understanding that the prefix "peri" means "around" helps explain the meaning of perimenopause. Perimenopause is the time around menopause, both the years leading up to menopause and then the first year or so after. Here is some information that will help you to recognize perimenopause:

Hormone Levels. During perimenopause, your hormone levels are all over the map. Estrogen and progesterone levels, which used to shift predictably, begin to rise and fall unevenly.

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How To Learn About Mid-Cycle Spotting

Staff468 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:15:00 -0500

Whether you've always had regular menstrual cycles or never had a regular menstrual cycle in your life, the sudden appearance of mid-cycle spotting can be startling. Spotting is when a small amount of blood is passed, just enough to "spot" your underwear or toilet tissue. The blood spots can be many different colors, from brown to red to pinkish, so don't be too concerned about the color of mid-cycle spotting. Fortunately, mid-cycle spotting is usually nothing to worry about. Here is some information to better understand mid-cycle spotting:

Changes in Hormonal Balance. All of the changes in a woman's menstrual cycle are due to alterations in the progesterone/estrogen balance. Changes in a woman's hormonal balance are especially common in perimenopause.

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How To Learn About the Hormone Replacement Therapy Study

Staff468 — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:02:00 -0500

From 1991-2006, the National Institutes of Health ran the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), a long-term study that focused on strategies to prevent diseases that affect women. The 15-year project involved more than 161,000 women from across the United States, aged 50-79. As part of the Women's Health Initiative, a clinical trial testing the effects of hormone replacement therapy on heart disease, breast and colorectal cancer risk and osteoporotic fractures, was run. Hormone therapy is the administration of either estrogen only or estrogen in combination with either progesterone or progestin (progesterone in synthetic form). We have the Women's Health Initiative to thank for putting a stop to the routine practice of prescribing women hormone replacement therapy upon menopause. The information here (gleaned from the hormone therapy trial of the Women's Health Initiative) will help you better understand why:

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How To Understand Hot Flashes

Staff468 — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 14:54:00 -0500

If you're wondering what exactly a hot flash is, then chances are that you haven't had one. A hot flash is that distinctive! A hot flash is a wave of heat, ranging from mild to intense, that passes through your upper body, flushing your face and causing you to sweat, sometimes profusely. More than half of all women experience hot flashes during menopause or perimenopause, the period just before and immediately after menopause. Many women also experience hot flashes during pregnancy. Additionally, young women of reproductive age who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or chronic menstrual cycle-related symptoms can experience hot flashes that are not associated with menopause.

If you’re hunting for proven natural ways to relieve hot flashes and other menopause symptoms, I recommend Natural Menopause Relief Secrets.

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How To Prevent Osteoporosis

Kem517 — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:11:00 -0600

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by severely weakened fragile bones. Bones affected by osteoporosis are more likely to fracture due to their weakened state. Left untreated, osteoporosis can progress to severely debilitating bone breaks. The areas most commonly affected by osteoporosis are the wrists, hips and spine.

80% of those afflicted with osteoporosis are female. Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop the disease than any other ethnic groups. It is important to note that gender or ethnicity alone do not determine one's risk factor for osteoporosis. Several factors increase the risk of osteoporosis development. These factors include:

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How To Eliminate Lice

Kem517 — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 09:27:00 -0600

The word "lice" strikes fear in the hearts of parents everywhere. Lice are small wingless parasites that feed on the blood supply of a host. Lice attach themselves to hair follicles. Once attached, the lice lay eggs called nits. Nits usually hatch within 2 weeks after they are laid. Although the lice parasite is an equal opportunity offender, lice infestation is most commonly spread amongst school-age children. Having lice can be embarrassing for children: It is important for children to be reassured that lice infestation is not a sign of poor hygiene.

Lice is very contagious and is passed through direct contact with the parasite or through shared contact with infested belongings. Items such as combs, brushes, towels, pillows and hats become ready carriers for lice.

Lice are small but can be seen with the naked eye. Lice are usually no larger than a sesame seed. Nits resemble dandruff and can range in color.

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How To Understand Bulimia

Staff468 — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:47:00 -0600

Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder also known as binge and purge syndrome. Someone who suffers from bulimia typically binges on large quantities of food and then attempts to prevent weight gain by vomiting, fasting, exercising compulsively, or abusing laxatives, diuretics and even enemas. Below are some facts to give you a better understanding of bulimia:

90% of bulimics are women.

Bulimics are not as easy to identify as sufferers of anorexia nervosa because their weight may range from underweight to normal to overweight.

Bulimic cycles vary: Some people binge and purge as frequently as several times per day (for example, after every meal) while others suffer episodes as sporadically as every few months.

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How To Understand the HPV Vaccine

Vanessa264 — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 11:28:00 -0600

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common viral infection transmitted by sexual intercourse and genital contact. There are many different strains of HPV and some of them increase a woman's risk for genital warts and cervical cancer. These HPV types have also been associated with an increase in other genital cancers such as cancers of the anus, vagina and vulva. Recently a vaccine that protects against four types of HPV has been developed-together, these four types of HPV are responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts. Here is what you should know about Human Papillomavirus and the HPV vaccine:

At least half of sexually active people will get HPV at some time in their lives! Both men and women can get HPV.

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How To Understand Anorexia Nervosa

Staff468 — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 23:44:00 -0600

Anorexia nervosa is an illness that predominantly afflicts female teenagers. Anorexia nervosa differs from bulimia in that bulimics eat excess amounts of food but prevent themselves from gaining weight by vomiting and/or using laxatives and diuretics, while anorexia nervosa sufferers abstain from food as much as humanly possible. People who suffer from anorexia nervosa exhibit some combination of the following symptoms:

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How To Get Laser Eye Surgery

Staff468 — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 16:34:00 -0600

Laser eye surgery is a term commonly thought to be synonymous with refractive eye surgery. Well-known refractive surgical procedures like PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), LASEK (laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis) and LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) have cemented the association between refractive surgery and laser eye surgery. In truth, a nonrefractive procedure can involve the use of a laser, just as refractive surgery does not necessarily involve a laser. For the purposes of this article, however, we will explore how to get the refractive kinds of laser eye surgery.

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How To Know If You Qualify for LASIK

Staff468 — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:54:00 -0600

LASIK eye surgery is a great option for many people who suffer from poor vision. The word "LASIK" stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, a procedure to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. But not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK.

Age. If you are under the age of eighteen, you are not eligible for LASIK.

History of vision correction. Recent history is more the concern when it comes to LASIK. Risk of complications rises if you are in a period of what is known as "refractive instability." Essentially, this means that your vision is possibly changing because it has changed very recently. If you have been seen by an eye doctor within the past year, and prescribed new corrective eyewear, then you are not a good candidate for LASIK. Vision is often in flux for young twentysomethings and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

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How To Buy Ostomy Supplies

Staff468 — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 15:03:00 -0500

It comes as no surprise that every ostomy patient is physically unique, since we all accept that each person on earth is physically unique. So it should come as no surprise that ostomy supplies are prevalent and diverse. You return from the hospital with a particular ostomy bag and particular ostomy supplies, but might come to the conclusion that you could benefit from experimenting with other ostomy supplies. Ostomy bags and barriers, ostomy belts, covers, adhesives, odor removers - all of these ostomy supplies and more can be found in various forms and from various manufacturers. Available models vary within the same manufacturer's catalogue, and there are numerous manufacturers of ostomy supplies, so your choices of ostomy supplies are abundant.

To buy ostomy supplies, you can visit a pharmacy, make a call on the telephone or order online. Where you purchase ostomy supplies can limit the kind of supplies you can buy in certain ways.

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How To Find a Lasik Surgeon

Staff468 — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:14:00 -0500

Looking for a Lasik surgeon? Many people struggle with poor vision and yearn for a reasonable solution. Lasik surgery can dramatically improve your vision, and Lasik surgeons are becoming increasingly easier to find. But when eyes are concerned, you can't be too careful. Find the best possible Lasik surgeon in your area.

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How To Change Your Ostomy Pouch or Bag

Staff468 — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 13:28:00 -0500

All aspects of caring for your ostomy bag will to some extent depend on what kind of bag you have chosen, but some general guidelines will be useful to everyone when it comes to changing an ostomy bag.
One way to divide ostomy bags is by the number of pieces in their assembly.

If your ostomy bag is a one-piece, then its bag and barrier are the same piece. A barrier is sometimes called a flange or wafer - basically, it's the part of the apparatus that connects to the skin around your stoma. Most often, the barrier contains an adhesive layer that binds to your skin, but some people prefer to use a belt system to keep the ostomy bag pressed firmly against the body.

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How To Clean an Ostomy Bag

Staff468 — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:22:00 -0500

If you're preparing for the changes in your daily routine that an ostomy bag will bring, this article and its links will provide you with information about cleaning an ostomy bag. If you're a patient with an ostomy bag, or a nurse or caregiver assigned to care for the patient, you should have received training from your hospital prior to reading this. If you are confused by the process and feel that you never received adequate training by a professional in the proper technique of cleaning an ostomy bag, then be sure to talk to your doctor's office; this article offers general guidelines, but does not comprehensively cover the subject of ostomy bags and could not substitute for the information you can gain from your medical professional.

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How To Use a Breast Pump

Theresa157 — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 08:01:00 -0500

A breast pump can be a big help if you want to give breast milk to your baby but are returning to work or want to leave your baby with a caregiver. It can also be a plus if Dad wants to have the fun of feeding your baby, but you don't want to offer your baby formula. Remember though, if you are exclusively breastfeeding, don't offer an artificial nipple to your baby until your baby is four to six weeks old.

A breast pump suctions breast milk out of your breasts and into a container so you can save it for your baby.

Since each breast pump is different, remember to always read and follow the instructions that come with your breast pump. This is extremely important when putting together an electric pump because it will not work the way it is supposed to if not put together properly.

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