From being more flexible to being able to get some extra shut-eye, here are some things that all of us women should know about...
Hey ladies: ever wonder why you feel like dying every time Aunt Flo comes around? Or why you can squeeze into the tiniest hiding space while your hubby can’t? We’ve done the research and come up with the most important facts every woman should know about their bodies and their health. Some of these may come as a surprise to you…
1) PMS is oh-so-real (and don’t we know it)
Contrary to what some people (read: men) may believe, PMS does exist. Cramping, bloating, irritability, mood swings, fatigue, depression – these are all symptoms of PMS. Although these symptoms can vanish within a few days, it doesn’t mean PMS isn’t real. However, studies have yet to reveal what exactly causes PMS and how to cure it. Sounds to us like we need more women on that task.
2) It’s OK to have a sleep in
Research shows that on average, women need twenty more minutes of sleep per day than men. This is because women are more likely to multi-task and use more of their actual brain than men. Now we know why we get so annoyed every time we see our partners fall asleep before we do (aside from the fact that we’ll be the one getting up to the wailing baby now that he’s in snoozeville).
3) Bladder prolapse is normal, especially after childbirth
If you’ve ever had a baby, you’ll know that your pelvic floor gets weak after pregnancy and childbirth. Because it’s so weak, one or more of our pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, and/or bowel) could move down the walls of our vagina, also known as prolapse. If you’re currently experiencing this – don’t worry. Bladder prolapse is common, and totally treatable (talk to your gynaecologist to find out more)!
4) Mummies are better at playing hide-and-seek than daddies
Ever wonder why you’re better at touching your toes and squeezing into small spaces than your partner? That’s because women are naturally more flexible than men. The oestrogen in our bodies keeps muscle mass in check, giving us leaner, longer muscle as opposed to bulk. Also, because our bodies are built to stretch for childbirth, it’s easier for us to do movements such as splits and lunges. Kudos to us!
5) There’s no need to be embarrassed – UTIs are common
(No) thanks to our shorter urethras, bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to our urinary tract making it easier for us to get urinary tract infections. Also, because of the bacteria in our vaginas, we are more susceptible to frequent urinary tract infections – ugh!
6) It’s OK to ask for that epidural
You know that study that supposedly says women have a higher pain threshold than men? Well, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine, women feel pain more intensely than men. Childbirth hurts and it’s definitely OK to ask for an epidural if you need it – just because you’re a woman, it doesn’t make you impervious to pain. Don’t be a hero.
7) We live longer than men
Did you know that among the world’s population of people who have lived over 100 years old, 85 percent are women? And it’s a known fact that women live five to 10 years longer than men too – woo hoo!
8) Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Singapore
Known as the ‘silent killer’, ovarian cancer shows very few symptoms compared to other forms of cancer. It refers to a malignant growth in the ovary. Although it usually occurs in postmenopausal women, it can be diagnosed at a younger age. Other women’s health-related cancers such as uterine and cervical cancer are on the rise as well. Thus, with regular screening and early diagnosis, some of the factors that could cause ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer could be prevented. More info please, you say?…
How do we get diagnosed?
Gleneagles Hospital offers the ThinPrep Pap Test, proven to detect cervical cancer better than the conventional Pap Smear test. The ThinPrep Pap Test was reported to be significantly more sensitive than conventional smears. This means higher accuracy, lesser false negatives and more peace of mind.
How often should we get checked?
According to the specialists at Gleneagles Hospital, women should have regular screenings with gynaecologists. For women who are sexually active, they should receive pap smear screenings (Conventional or ThinPrep Pap Test) every three years. For HPV DNA screening and Co-testing (HPV DNA and pap smear) for women aged 30 years or older, getting screened every five years is recommended.
If you are sexually active or aged 30 or older and are looking to conceive your first child, have concerns about fertility or irregular periods, have a family history of gynaecological problems, perhaps you should consider a first consult with a gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital. Not only will you receive an expert diagnosis and a thorough understanding of your gynaecological health, you will also be able to book the ThinPrep Pap Test at $25 with GST, or the HPV DNA test at $75 with GST.
Remember, a trained eye makes all the difference when it comes to your health. Let’s keep on living longer lives than men by adding extra healthy years through regular screening and early diagnosis!
For more information, please visit www.gleneagles.com.sg/womenshealth
This advertorial was brought to you by Honeykids in conjunction with Gleneagles Hospital