According to recent figures from the British Menopause Society, one in three women experience vaginal dryness during menopause. Alongside vaginal itching and irritation, these common symptoms can prove challenging to manage.

The good news is these challenges don’t need to define your menopause journey. Here, we look at what vaginal dryness is, what causes the problem, and how you can treat it.

What is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness can show up in different ways. Some women might notice it only occurs during intimate moments, while others may experience continuous discomfort throughout the day. Along with dryness, you may experience a range of other sensations, such as a feeling of ‘prickliness,’ itchiness, irritation, and even pain.

This condition can increase your susceptibility to yeast infections (also known as thrush). This happens because the delicate tissues of the vagina lose their natural defences due to the dryness. You might notice a change in your vaginal discharge as well, which could either decrease or increase.

The risk of developing bacterial vaginosis can also increase when you have vaginal dryness. It occurs when there’s an imbalance in the usual bacteria that live in the vagina. In some cases, if there’s an increase in vaginal discharge, it might lead to more irritation.

The causes of vaginal dryness

The hormone known as oestrogen plays a significant role in maintaining the lubrication, health, and elasticity of our tissues. However, during perimenopause and menopause, levels of this crucial hormone drop, leading to delicate and dry tissues.

This hormonal shift can also result in loss of elasticity in the vagina and vulva, potentially making intimate moments painful. The vagina might also become shorter and lose its natural folds, undergoing changes medically termed as urogenital atrophy.

Treating vaginal dryness

Menopausal changes such as vaginal dryness, itching, and irritation are common but can be managed with a variety of solutions. Lubricants, especially oil, water-based or silicone-based, can help during intimate moments.

For daily relief, over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers and soap-free washes are beneficial. Remember to avoid any products with perfumes or added features like heating or tingling, as these might cause more discomfort.

If over-the-counter treatments don’t provide enough relief, medical options are available. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) might help some women, but for others, supplementary vaginal oestrogen, prescribed by your doctor, can be beneficial. Applying oestrogen directly to the vagina exposes your body to only a tiny amount, minimising risk while alleviating symptoms. Remember, everyone is unique, so what works best will depend on your personal circumstances and symptoms.

If you are experiencing vaginal dryness or any other concerning symptoms, schedule a menopause health check with SureScan today.

New research has hinted at a link between job-related activities and sperm quality. Led by scientists from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the latest study reveals that men who engage in jobs requiring regular lifting of heavy objects, tend to have a greater sperm count compared to those in less physically demanding roles.

Published in the journal, Human Reproduction, the research falls under the larger Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study. The EARTH study focuses on examining the impact of environmental factors and lifestyle choices on reproductive health. The researchers aimed to explore how occupational factors could be connected to sperm concentration and testosterone levels in men.

Here, we look at the rising rates of male infertility, and what the study revealed about the effects physical labour has on fertility.

Problems affecting male fertility

Male infertility is a growing problem across the West. Issues with sperm count and semen quality are the primary contributors to these escalating rates. In an eye-opening analysis led by the EARTH study group, it was revealed that men who sought fertility treatment experienced a staggering decline in sperm count and quality, dropping by up to 42% from the year 2000 to 2017.

Mounting evidence also suggests a link between male infertility and prevalent chronic ailments such as cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.

How physically demanding work boosts male fertility

The EARTH study represents a joint effort between Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Mass General. Their goal is to examine how environmental elements and lifestyle choices impact fertility.

With a comprehensive collection of samples and survey responses from over 1,500 individuals, the study zoomed in on a specific group within this pool – those who were having fertility issues. There were a total of 377 men included in the study, whose partners were seeking help at a fertility clinic.

The findings revealed men who frequently lifted or moved heavy objects in their line of work had a 46% increase in sperm concentration. Furthermore, there was a 44% rise in total sperm count compared to those engaged in less physically demanding professions.

Men who were more physically active at work were also found to have elevated levels of testosterone. Surprisingly, they also had higher levels of oestrogen, which is typically considered a female hormone.

Undergo a fertility health check

There are a lot of factors that can impact male fertility. While this recent study suggests physically demanding work could boost male fertility, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue.

If you or your partner are experiencing fertility issues, book a fertility health check with SureScan. Together, we’ll get to the root cause of the problem, and explore the treatment options available.

In the intricate dance of conception and pregnancy, every step is critical. But when a step goes awry, as happens in around 1% of pregnancies in the UK, the outcome is an ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical condition where the pregnancy develops outside the womb, most often in the fallopian tube, and it’s unable to progress normally. For those who’ve had a previous ectopic pregnancy, the risk factor increases notably.

Due to the potential health risks they present, awareness of the symptoms and readiness to seek emergency care is vital. So, in this article we will arm you with knowledge of this critical health issue.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is a complication that arises when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb. This typically occurs in one of the fallopian tubes. Due to its location, the egg cannot develop into a healthy baby, and the situation becomes life-threatening for the mother. The growing egg could cause the fallopian tube to burst, leading to severe internal bleeding.

Women usually experience symptoms of ectopic pregnancy between weeks 4 and 12. However, some women will not experience any symptoms, so it would only show up on an early scan. The most common symptoms are:

• Missing a period – even without a positive pregnancy test
• Vaginal bleeding – this may be irregular, dark brown and watery
• Tummy pain – typically low down on one side
• Diarrhoea or discomfort on the toilet
• Shoulder tip pain

If the ectopic pregnancy grows large enough to split the fallopian tube, it can result in rupture. Signs of a rupture include sharp intense stomach pain, feeling faint, dizzy or nauseous. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

What causes it?

Ectopic pregnancies are most caused by conditions that hamper the progress of the fertilised egg through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Factors such as inflammation or infection of the tube, hormonal factors, genetic abnormalities, and certain medical conditions, can contribute to its development.

A recent study highlights the dangers of this condition. It remains the leading cause of maternal death in early pregnancy. Alarmingly, the study highlighted significant disparities in maternal mortality rates associated with ectopic pregnancy amongst women from different ethnic backgrounds. The mortality rate is over three times higher in Black women, and nearly double in Asian women, compared to their white counterparts.

The study also emphasises that young and vulnerable women are overrepresented in ectopic pregnancy-related deaths. There are indications that better care could have possibly prevented these tragedies.

The findings highlight an urgent need for improved awareness about symptoms amongst both healthcare professionals, and the public, to facilitate early detection and intervention.

How is it treated?

Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy varies depending on the situation. If it is detected early, and the fallopian tube has not ruptured, medication may be administered to stop the egg’s growth. In cases where the tube has ruptured, emergency surgery is required to remove the ectopic tissue and stop the bleeding. In some cases, the affected fallopian tube may also need to be removed.

Early detection through awareness and timely medical consultation, significantly reduces the risk associated with this condition.

Ultrasound scans are typically used to detect an ectopic pregnancy. Call our friendly team today on 0121 308 7774 to book an ultrasound scan and see how your pregnancy is developing.

A recent study has revealed how an unacceptably high occurrence of missed breech presentations could be improved. Researchers suggest that providing all expectant mothers with a third-trimester ultrasound scan could significantly decrease the occurrence of undiagnosed breech presentations by over two-thirds.

Featured in PLOS Medicine, the research highlights that breech presentations at term have a 3-4% prevalence, with breech vaginal deliveries correlating to heightened perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

When expectant mothers are informed of a breech presentation, they can effectively weigh the pros and cons of their choices. Here we look at what the latest study found and why third trimester ultrasound could prove essential for expectant mothers.

Current level of missed breech presentations is unacceptable

The latest study was carried out by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London. It revealed the rates of overlooked breech or non-cephalic presentations are alarmingly high. Also, the current clinical examination methods fail to provide sufficient accuracy in determining foetal presentation.

For instance, abdominal palpation exhibits a meagre sensitivity of 50-70%. To assess the effectiveness of reducing undiagnosed term breech presentations, the research team compared pre- and post-screening periods. They did this by examining the implementation of policies involving routine third-trimester ultrasound performed by sonographers (at St. George’s) or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) conducted by trained midwives using handheld devices (at Norwich).

A third trimester scan could drastically reduce undiagnosed breech

One of the most substantial findings of the study was that the percentage of undetected term breech presentations significantly decreased after introducing routine third-trimester ultrasound scans. The rate dropped from 14.2% to 2.8% with sonographer-perform ultrasounds, and from 16.2% to 3.5% with POCUS.

The research used Bayesian regression analysis, which showed a 71% reduction in undiagnosed breech presentations after implementing universal ultrasound policies. This result had a probability of more than 99.9%.

It also revealed a reduction in emergency C-sections from 12.9% to 11.5% after introducing screening policies. However, elective C-section rates slightly increased during this period (from 12.0% to 13.0%).

The findings showed improvements in short-term perinatal outcomes for pregnancies with diagnosed breech presentations at term. These improvements included a decrease in low Apgar scores (less than 7 at 5 minutes), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, unexpected neonatal unit admissions, and extended perinatal mortality rates.

UK lacking skilled providers for breech births

While research indicates that pregnant women may opt for planned breech vaginal births, a significant number of maternity units in the UK lack the expertise to facilitate these deliveries.

Early detection of breech presentation would allow expectant mothers to make informed decisions and enjoy more positive birthing experiences.

One of the main challenges of implementing routine third-trimester scan policies is the associated costs. However, a review by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment proposes that handheld portable ultrasounds could bridge this gap as an affordable alternative. These devices would allow antenatal care providers, such as midwives, to detect foetal presentations with minimal training.

While the NHS doesn’t currently offer third semester presentation scans, there are alternatives. SureScan provides a presentation scan after 36 weeks to provide reassurance that your baby is developing exactly as they should.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop either within or on an ovary’s surface. These cysts come in various types, with the majority being benign, asymptomatic, and resolving spontaneously without treatment over several months.

Their size can vary from a few centimetres to more than a foot in length. Many women will experience ovarian cysts at some point in their lives and although they are often harmless, causing minimal or no discomfort, some may twist or rupture, leading to potentially serious issues.

To safeguard your health, it is essential to undergo regular pelvic examinations and be aware of the symptoms that could indicate potential complications. Here, we look at the most common types of ovarian cysts, and how they are diagnosed.

Understanding the Different Types of Ovarian Cysts

There are different types of cysts you may experience, with some being more worrisome than others. Let’s look at the most common types of cysts you may develop.

Functional Cysts

Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cysts. They form naturally during a woman’s reproductive years due to the menstrual cycle. When small follicles in the ovaries continue to grow and retain fluid after menstruation, they become functional cysts.

These cysts are almost always harmless and tend to shrink and disappear on their own within four to eight weeks.

Endometriotic Cysts

Endometriotic cysts form in those who suffer with endometriosis. As tissue accumulates due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, dark reddish-brown cysts, known as ‘chocolate cysts’, develop.

These cysts usually do not resolve spontaneously and can cause pelvic pain, adhesions, and infertility if they rupture.

Benign Neoplastic Cysts

Benign neoplastic cysts, while rare, can present in various forms and are characterised by abnormal tissue growth. Cystic teratomas, or dermoid cysts, are the most common type, containing different tissues such as sebaceous glands, skin cells, or hair follicles.

These cysts may not cause symptoms but can sometimes lead to medical complications and pelvic pain, and they typically do not resolve on their own.

What complications can arise from ovarian cysts?

While most cysts are benign, any type of cyst can become malignant or cancerous, indicating ovarian cancer. Malignant cysts are suspected based on certain characteristics observed during physical exams, ultrasounds, or in a patient’s medical history. In these cases, a biopsy or complete removal of the cyst is recommended.

Ovarian cyst ruptures are relatively common. They can sometimes be painless and go unnoticed, but they may also cause sudden lower abdominal pain, typically on one side of the body. This pain often begins during physical activity, which leads to the cyst’s rupture.

Ruptured cysts often require no treatment beyond pain medication and observation, but surgical intervention may be necessary if blood pressure becomes unstable or bleeding continues.

Ovarian torsion is another complication that can occur. This can happen when the cysts grow large enough to cause the ovary to twist out of its natural position, partially or fully cutting off the blood supply. Symptoms of ovarian torsion are acute and sudden, including lower abdominal pain (often unilateral), nausea, or vomiting. This condition is among the most common gynaecological emergencies and requires surgical intervention for correction.

At SureScan, our gynaecology scans are performed by highly skilled consultants with extensive experience in both the NHS and private sectors. Schedule a scan with one of our friendly and experienced experts today.