Q Hi, I am suffering from itching at vaginal area. kindly advice me some medicine or ointments

There are many reasons for vaginal itching. The most common cause is fungal infection. Other causes include vaginal irritation, inflammation, allergy. Physical examination by a doctor is important to know the exact cause of vaginal itching without which medicine cannot be prescribed.

Q How can I tell when Im ovulating?

Ovulation usually occurs 12-15 days before your period starts. So if your periods are regular, you can easily determine your ovulation period by subtracting 14 days from the expected date of the next menstrual cycle. One in 5 women experience mild abdominal cramps when they are ovulating. You can also use a basal body thermometer to check your basal body temperature which shows the lowest reading followed by a sudden rise when you ovulate. During ovulation, your cervix becomes softer and gives out more discharge (mucus) than normal. You can also buy ovulation kit available in chemist to determine your ovulation.

Q My teenage girls want to use nail polish, but I have heard that many nail polishes contain formaldehyde and can cause cancer. Is it safe for my daughters to use it?

As per the guidelines given by FDA if the formaldehyde content of nail polish is less than 0.2 percent by weight than it is safe to use. So make sure you buy good quality nail polish for your daughters. If you used carefully nail polish as are safe.

Q Can eating plain cornstarch be harmful?

Cornstarch is a commonly used cooking ingredient. It is safe to eat plain cornstarch. This is unlikely to cause significant health concerns.

Q Diagnosis of high cholesterol

The diagnosis of high cholesterol levels is based on a simple blood test. Usually a complete Lipid profile is advised to test the levels of different components of cholesterol and triglycerides. Total cholesterol levels should be less than 200 mg/dl. LDL levels less than 100 mg/dL ( 2.6 mmol/L) are considered optimal. An acceptable HDL range is between 40- 60 mg/dL (1.04-1.56 mmol/L). Triglyceride levels should be maintained less than 150 mg/dl. High levels of HDL have a protective effect against heart disease whereas high levels of LDL and triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Q Very severe spasms in calf muscles every night. I am 35 year old woman always remain over worked

Excessive physical exertion, dehydration, deficiency of potassium, magnesium or calcium, poor blood circulation are some of the causes of cramps in calf region. However excessive physical exertion seems to be the probable cause in your case. Following tips may help: follow a well balanced diet, include foods like banana, coconut water regularly in your meals, stay well hydrated, include some stretching exercise in your routine, give hot fomentation over the calf muscle. If all these measures do not help consult your physician to prescribe you medications.rnrn 

Q When is it safe to have sex after an episode of heart attack?

It is natural to be concerned about being sexually active after a heart attack or other cardiovascular problem. Like any form of physical activity, having sex can make your heart work harder by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. It is important to note that, if you do not experience cardiac symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness during exercise, you will not experience them during the sex. Most people can safely resume sexual activity a couple of weeks after a heart attack, if they have no serious complications. Like any form of physical activity, having sex can make your heart work harder by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. You have to consult your physician about the fitness and the preventions during sex, to enjoy the moment.

Q How to avoid dandfuff?

There are many reasons for dandruff - Stress, nutritional deficiencies, excessive dryness of the scalp, fungal infection, vitamin C deficiency, pregnancy, long illness, thyroid imbalance, as well as hair damage caused by procedures like hair coloring/dyeing, bleaching, straightening, perming, etc. You can do following things to prevent hair loss: Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair. Water, protein, biotin (part of the vitamin B complex), vitamins A, B6, B12, C, copper, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair. Using your fingertips to massage your scalp will increase circulation in your scalp which is important for hair growth. Take 10-12 jaswand (hibiscus) flower +200gm methi (fig) seeds soaked in coconut oil for 7 days then boil it sleeve it and use it daily for head massage it prevent hair loss, promote new hair growth and hairs become thick and restrict dandruff formation. In a week massage your scalp with yoghurt(curd) or aloe-Vera pulp or neem leaves paste which has antibacterial properties which help to clear dandruff formation. Instead of using chemical shampoo, use rita to wash the hairs; take 7-8 rita soaked for whole night boil in the morning in water gently massage and wash the hairs with this mixture.Gentle combing or brushing of your hair will help break up hardened oils that clog your pores. It is recommended that you comb or brush 100-200 strokes in the morning and at night. Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, and curling irons) on your hair. Tight fitting caps and hats will cause poor circulation in your scalp and will also cause buildup of sweat and grime. Take plenty of water keep yourself hydrated. Take care.

Q What is pelvic floor muscle dysfunction?

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is a condition in which the muscles of the pelvic floor shows disability to work as they should be. Factors such as being over weight, pregnancy, menopause, disorder of the nerves in the pelvic region can lead to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Treatment will be determined by the underlying cause.

Q What is lactational infertility? can I do unprotected intercourse with my wife if she is lactating?

Lactational amenorrhea is the temporary postnatal infertility that occurs when a woman is amenorrheic (not menstruating) and fully breastfeeding. If a woman is exclusively breastfeeding, then this period lasts for upto 14 months. This is a natural family planning method and you can have unprotected intercourse with your wife during the first 6 months after childbirth. After this, the risk of pregnancy increases and another contraception measure is preferable.