Cervical cancer is a slow-growing disease that has mild or no symptoms in the early stages. Caused primarily due to human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, cervical cancer can trigger serious symptoms such as painful intercourse, heavy bleeding and a prolonged menstrual cycle, increased vaginal discharge, and more. While a cancer of this magnitude may need more than a few measures to be eradicated, here are a few tips that can help prevent it in the first place: Regular Pap tests Routine Papanicolaou (Pap) and HPV tests allow the doctor to detect abnormalities or pre-cancer cells in the cervix. This can alert a person to the cancer before it fully develops in the body. Pap tests should be conducted every three years and the ideal age to do so is 21 and above. HPV tests, on the other hand, should be done every five years for women aged 30 and above. One can even opt for co-testing, which is a combination of both Pap and HPV tests. However, they should discuss their options with an expert before going ahead with any of these tests. For those with no health insurance or insurance that doesn’t cover cervical cancer tests, screening tests can be made possible through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) cause several problems in the urinary system. One may develop extremely irritable symptoms in the kidney, urethra, and bladder, and the condition turns unbearable once it spreads to the kidneys. This can also lead to serious complications. So, precautionary measures and certain habits are necessary to prevent a UTI and keep the urinary system healthy and active. On that note, let’s look at five simple and effective prevention tips for UTI: Drink plenty of fluids One should drink at least one and a half, preferably two, liters of water daily. This will dilute the urine and help flush out toxins and bacteria, preventing the urinary tract from getting infected. Along with water, one can try adding healthy fluids like fresh fruit juices (other than citrus) and organic tea to their diet to help reduce the risk of UTI. People living in places with warmer climates are recommended to consume more liquids as the body loses fluids through sweat. Keep chemicals away Products like sprays and deodorants that cause irritation to the genital area should be avoided, as they can induce bacterial growth and cause UTIs. One should think twice before using those scented powders and creams as well.

Ovarian cancer is a growing concern among women these days, but several factors that increase the risk of the disease can be caught early and managed by taking certain precautions. While some external factors that cause ovarian cancer like aging or having a family history cannot be controlled, other lifestyle-related factors can be monitored. Although there aren’t any proven ways for the prevention of ovarian cancer, here are some methods that can help lower the chances of ovarian/fallopian cancer: Birth control It has been observed that taking oral contraceptives for 3 years or more can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in some women. A study has concluded that using oral contraceptives decreases the risk of developing this disease in women by around 20 percent for every 5 years of use. The use of intrauterine devices is also known to decrease the chances of ovarian cancer. Hysterectomy A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure of getting the uterus removed. While it is not advised to get a hysterectomy only for the purpose of preventing ovarian cancer, if a woman is advised to get it for medical reasons, she should talk to her doctor about simultaneously having a prophylactic oophorectomy, or surgically removing the ovaries.

Dry eye syndrome brings with it discomforting symptoms that can hinder our lifestyle. Scratchy, dry eyes can cause pain and irritation and blurred vision, compromising the overall productivity of the patient. While there are many treatments and medications to get relief from this condition, there are remedies that involve natural products to calm your symptoms. Scroll down to know the foods you must include to your diet to treat dry eyes. Fish, Chia, and Flax Seeds Many studies have associated omega-3 fatty acids with enhanced production of tears, relieving the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Omega-3 is also known to relieve any inflammation in the body, and could effectively help soothe the inflammation, which is the main trigger of dry eyes. So, go all out on foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which include salmon, tuna, sardines, walnuts, palm oil, and eggs. Beef Liver, Cheese, and Egg Yolk Usually people with dry eye syndrome are found to have low levels of vitamin D in their system. They’re recommended to add foods that are a rich source of vitamin D to your diet and could substantially make a difference in your condition. Foods like trout, cod liver oil, mushrooms, soy, almonds, oats, milk, and fish make for a great vitamin D booster in every diet.

Individuals often opt for contraceptives in a bit to avoid pregnancies. There are many kinds of contraception, such as implants, condoms, and pills. One needs to choose an option that is suitable to one’s lifestyle and health as there are side effects involved too. Some are more effective than the others in reducing the risk of pregnancy. A few even help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) to a major, if not complete, extent. Take a look at these five popular methods to prevent pregnancies so you can select the one that suits you best. Oral contraceptive pill The oral contraceptive pill is one of the most popular pregnancy prevention methods. Different brands make these pills,so it depends on you to choose which pill is best for you. This option is effective when taken on time as prescribed on the box. The pill usually contains a combination of estrogen and progestin. It is most sought after because it allows for sexual spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt intercourse, as is the case with the condom. However, unlike the condom, it doesn’t prevent STIs, and can have multiple side-effects on the woman. Intrauterine Device (IUD) The IUD is a reversible process that can prevent pregnancies.