9 Easy Steps to a Happier You

 

Happiness is something that people strive for every day. It’s a goal, a destination, and a feeling. We want it, yet we struggle to achieve it.

Finding happiness can be frustrating, elusive, and confusing. However, from changing small habits to finding some “me” time makes a lot of difference. Many individuals also found individual counseling effective in reclaiming joy and reaching their full potential.

Here are some of the simple things you can do to make yourself smile.

1. Be Present with Yourself

The most crucial step for being happy is to be present with yourself. Obviously, there are times when you just can’t help thinking about the past or worrying about the future—but when you notice that happening, try to bring your attention back to the present and focus on the moment. This is imperative because we can miss out on a lot of good moments due to wondering what’s going to happen next or getting stuck in the past.

2. Stop Comparing 

Comparing yourself to other people isn’t a healthy habit and can make you forget about all the good things you have. Instead of looking at others and thinking, “I wish I had her life” or “He’s so lucky,” focus on what makes you happy about your own life.

3. Start Saying “Yes” To New Things

This is one of the easiest ways to open yourself up to new experiences and opportunities. Say yes when an old friend asks if you want to meet up for coffee or when your coworker invites you for a happy hour round of drinks. Push out of your comfort zone regularly—it’ll help build confidence and lead to personal growth.

4. Love Yourself

It may sound cliché, but loving yourself is essential to happiness. Self-love can mean many things; it’s all about doing what makes you feel good both inside and out.

Related, 6 Proven Ways To Fight Anxiety

5. Learn How To Say “No”

You can’t make everyone happy, and you can’t do everything for everyone. So get used to saying no, especially to people who demand so much from you but aren’t there when you need them. Stop trying so hard to please others, and focus on what really matters to you.

6. Surround Yourself With Things You Love

Another important step toward a happier you is to surround yourself with things you love. Whether it’s your favorite piece of art, some candles that you like, or a houseplant that makes you smile, fill your home with things that are meaningful to you. A house filled with your favorite things will help put you in a good mood when you wake up in the morning and come home from work at night.

7. Gratitude

We’ve all heard that gratitude is important, but what does that mean? How do we express our gratitude? There are a number of ways to show how thankful you are for the people who are important to you and appreciating the good things in your life. At the end of each day you can write down three things that made you grateful, and if there’s someone special in your life who makes you smile every day, let them know it! Saying thank you is simple but so powerful. You don’t need to show your gratitude in a grand gesture, that one simple phrase can mean so much to you and them.

8. Mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t about being perfect, it’s about practicing acceptance and gratitude. How can you begin? Just take a few minutes to be still, breathe deeply and bring yourself into the moment by focusing on what you can smell, see, hear and feel around you. Just being present in the moment helps us focus and stop worrying about everything else.

9. Kindness

Kindness can be as simple as a smile, looking someone in the eye when you greet them, or offering a little compliment. These things only take a few minutes and can make a difference to the people around you. Plus, when you’re kind to others, you will feel better about yourself.

The Power is Yours

Happiness is a choice, not an accident. You have the power to make a change in your life, and it all starts with self-love!

https://ibusinessday.com/9-easy-steps-to-a-happier-you/

 

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How Reproductive Endocrinologist Specialists Can Help Infertile Couples?

Infertility has become the new normal these days. Every one of ten couples face difficulty conceiving a child. And after trying for a few years, they need medical intervention to overcome the underlying cause of infertility. The reproductive endocrinologists are the doctors who need to be consulted when an infertile couple truly wants to understand why they are having trouble getting pregnant. 

 

They recommended many tests both for men and women to dig out the base causes of the issue. After conducting many physical examinations and lab tests like sperm count tests, X-rays, blood tests, etc., these specialists identify the problem and suggest surgical procedures, fertility drugs as well as other efficacious treatments to increase a pregnancy. 

When To Consult With Infertility Specialists?

A couple must visit a reproductive endocrinologist after two years of not being able to get pregnant naturally. However, the fertility of females alleviates with time. Hence, when women are over age 35, this time frame shortens to six months.

Generally, most people meet with an ob-gyn before scheduling an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist to figure out any healthcare conditions that may be affecting their fertility. Once these primary healthcare providers confirm that a couple having infertility issues are referred to an endocrinologist for further treatment. 

Causes Of Infertility For Men

Infertility doctors help both males and females overcome their infertility. Males can have a plethora of issues that can make them sterile. However, Varicocele is the most common of all. It is the condition when veins inside the scrotum swell, which eventually have a negative impact on sperm production. Apart from this, sometimes blockages are also there in males’ reproductive tract, which can hinder the transportation of the sperm to the ejaculatory tract. This condition is called Azoospermia. 

Furthermore, sperm count test, motility test, and abnormal shape check is also done to find out the cause of infertility in the male partner.

Causes Of Infertility For Women

Although both men and women can become prey to infertility, females are a bit more likely to be infertile than males. The infertility doctors test females for key issues that can stop them from conceiving naturally or staying pregnant for a full term. 

Like males, females can also have several health issues that can interfere with their fertility. Some face difficulty in ovulation, while others may experience Endometriosis. Apart from this, poor egg quality is another significant cause of non-conception in females. This occurs due to several factors like genetic issues, poor lifestyles as well as increasing age. 

Treatments For Infertility

There are a myriad of treatments for infertility. As mentioned above sperm count test is done to determine the fertility status of men. And if test results are negative, endocrinologists prescribe some drugs to boost the number of sperm cells in the semen. Also, some surgical procedures are done to fix the blockage of the reproductive tract. Sometimes infections can also occur in the male’s reproductive tract, which are treated with antibiotics.

On the other hand, women are prescribed many fertility drugs to fix ovulation problems. However, if medication fails to get a female pregnant, artificial reproductive technologies like IUI and IVF are carried out for positive results. 

Unfortunately, a handful of couples are not able to conceive even after taking ART treatment, for those donor eggs or sperm will be the only option to fulfill the dream of becoming parents.

Wrapping Up-:

Undoubtedly infertile couples face a lot of emotional and psychological problems. However, infertility specialists can help you promote conception by using a variety of Hi-Tech assisted reproductive techniques. To confirm your infertility, search for a “sperm count test near me” on Google and visit the reproductive endocrinologist as soon as possible. You can also order a sperm test kit online to check your sperm health from the comfort of your home. 

Originally Published at  https://mazingus.com/how-reproductive-endocrinologist-specialists-can-help-infertile-couples/

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Miscarriage: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

Miscarriage is a very sensitive matter that is rarely discussed because of its stigma. However, it is very common nowadays; about 10% of pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Frequently, it occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant.

The good news is that there are many ways you can help yourself prevent miscarriage, and we will discuss them in this article. First, let us have a little insight into miscarriage.

 

What Is Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is defined as a pregnancy loss from the time of implantation until 20 weeks gestation. Early miscarriages occur before 8 weeks gestation and are often called a chemical pregnancy because hCG levels do not rise above 50 mIU/ml after conception.

Later miscarriages occur between 8 and 20 weeks gestation and may be termed “anatomical” or “missed” miscarriages because hCG is normally rising, but the embryo does not develop properly or stops developing altogether. This often happens without any symptoms, although some women report light bleeding or cramping around the time they would have expected their period (during week 6).

The symptoms of a miscarriage include:

• Heavy Bleeding

The most common symptom of miscarriage is heavy bleeding. It can start as a light spotting and become heavier than your normal period, with blood clots coming out. If you see blood or clotting in your urine, it’s also possible that you’re having a miscarriage.

• Abdominal Pain

Some women experience lower back pain as well as abdominal cramps that worsen when they cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise. They may have additional symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

• Vaginal Discharge

While some women experience no discharge at all during their pregnancy, others may notice an increase in vaginal discharge around the time of miscarriage. This can be clear or yellowish in color and should not be confused with vaginal secretions during pregnancy, which is usually white or milky-looking due to cervical mucus.

• Pain

Pain in the lower abdomen is another possible sign of miscarriage. Some women may feel mild discomfort or pressure in their lower abdominal area, while others experience sharp cramps that come and go in waves. The cramps might start mild and then get worse over time. Some women also experience back pain during miscarriage due to pressure on the uterus from the growing fetus (placenta).

• Backache

Backache is another symptom of miscarriage that may come on suddenly without any warning signs at all. It may last for several days before subsiding on its own (without treatment).

The causes of miscarriage can vary widely, but they include:

Poor Egg Quality

The first step to a healthy pregnancy is selecting a good-quality egg. In about half of all cases, the cause of miscarriage is a problem with the fertilized egg. In other words, your body was not able to support the pregnancy. This could mean that the egg did not properly divide and grow into a baby or that there was some sort of genetic abnormality in the baby’s chromosomes.

If you’re trying to get pregnant and your egg quality isn’t up to par, your doctor may recommend fertility treatments such as injectable hormones, IVF, and intrauterine insemination (IUI). There are many IVF clinics in Chandigarh that provide these treatments at affordable prices.

Low Sperm Quality

Sperm is the male reproductive cell produced by the testicles, which contains half of the chromosomes needed for conception. Low sperm quality can lead to miscarriage because it may not be able to fertilize an egg properly. If there’s a low count of sperm or if they’re abnormal in shape or size, this could cause pregnancy loss as well.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, and diabetes can cause miscarriages because they interfere with ovulation (releasing an egg from one of your ovaries).

Infections & Disease

Infections in the uterus are a common cause of miscarriage. This includes infection with the bacteria group called listeria, which can be picked up from raw milk or undercooked foods, or toxoplasmosis, which can be contracted from cat feces and soil contaminated by cat feces. These infections can cause bleeding that leads to miscarriage.

Exposure To Certain Medications

Some medications can cause problems during pregnancy, including certain antibiotics and anti-seizure medications. If you’re taking any prescription drugs while trying to conceive, talk to your doctor about switching them before trying to get pregnant so as not to risk losing your baby.

Infections & Disease

Infections like rubella (German measles) during pregnancy can cause miscarriage by damaging the developing fetus. Other infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or toxoplasmosis can also cause miscarriage during pregnancy.

Prevention Of Miscarriage-:

Although miscarriage is not always preventable, there are things you can do to lower your risk, such as:

• If you smoke cigarettes or use nicotine products — like chewing tobacco, cigars, or pipes — quit as soon as possible.
• Exercise regularly but avoid overheating and overexertion during pregnancy.
• Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs before pregnancy, as they can harm your developing baby.
• Don’t sit or stand still for long periods, especially if you’re overweight or obese.

Wrapping Up-:

Always you can not understand the causes of miscarriages. In some cases, doctors may be able to identify an underlying cause for an individual’s miscarriage. If you have a miscarriage, again and again, it is better to consider reaching out IVF clinic as soon as possible.

Source: https://thebiggestbiz.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-miscarriage-symptoms-causes-prevention/

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A Comprehensive Guide To Male Infertility

Many couples dealing with infertility experience conflicting emotions. It’s challenging to sort out the physical, social, and emotional aspects of infertility.

Many men with fertility problems have more than one cause. For example, you may have a low sperm count and poor sperm quality (azoospermia). Another man with infertility might have ejaculation issues. It could take different tests to check for these various causes of infertility. Several treatments are available to improve your chances of conception. 

 

If you suffer from male infertility, you have to visit a doctor or an infertility clinic. This is because most of the male infertility cases are treated with medications and therapies that doctors or health specialists can only prescribe. If left untreated, male infertility can lead to a number of other problems in your reproductive health, such as erectile dysfunction.

Male Infertility Diagnosis

An infertility test for men includes physical examination and sperm analysis. The doctor will look at your medical history and may have you do a genetic test for chromosomal or genetic disorders.

Tests to determine the cause of your infertility may include:

• Hormone Testing 

It is used to measure levels of testosterone and other hormones. Doctors use these tests to look for problems that can cause a decrease in sperm production and quality, such as low testosterone. Hormone testing involves taking blood samples to measure the levels of different hormones in the body. These might include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, estradiol, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and others.

• Genetic tests 

This test is conducted to evaluate the sperm for chromosomal or genetic disorders. If a congenital abnormality such as Klinefelter’s Syndrome (47XXY) or an extra Y chromosome (47XYY) has been identified. In that case, genetic testing may be recommended to determine whether you or your partner carry this abnormal gene.

• Testicular Biopsy

Testicular biopsy is a surgical procedure to remove a sample of testicular tissue for microscopic evaluation. Testicular biopsy is a test to check for sperm in the semen. Doctors use it to determine if there is enough sperm production to fertilize an egg.

The doctor will first numb the scrotum with an injection. Then, he or she will take a sample of tissue from one or both of the testicles. The doctor uses a needle to remove a small amount of tissue, and a biopsy is done.

You may have some pain after the biopsy. You can take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

• Physical Examination

A physical exam can help determine the cause of male infertility. The doctor will perform a physical test to look for any signs that would explain why you are infertile. It also includes questions about any inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries, or surgeries that could affect fertility.

• Scrotal Ultrasound 

It uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your testicles and supporting structures. A scrotal ultrasound can aid your physician see if there is a varicocele or other issues in the testicles to make an effective treatment plan to overcome infertility.

Related, How To Enhance Male’s Semen Quality?

Treatments For Male Infertility:

If the underlying cause is determined, male infertility is treatable in most cases. Here are four common male infertility treatments.

• Surgery – 

Surgery may be an option if a varicocele or obstruction is preventing sperm production or delivery. Varicoceles are enlarged veins in the scrotum that prevent normal cooling of the testicles.

• Treating Infections – 

Infections such as gonorrhea or HIV may decrease your sperm count and motility. Antibiotics may treat those conditions. However, sometimes infections can cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs.

• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) – 

ART involves removing eggs from a woman’s body and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory dish. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus for implantation and pregnancy. It could also be beneficial to overcome fertility in men and help to become a father. Many professionals provide Infertility treatment in Panchkula and other cities, but it is vital to ensure reliability before choosing one.

• Hormone Replacement-

Hormone therapy can be used to treat male infertility that results from hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). In order to induce fertility in these patients, exogenous hCG, LH, and FSH are administered. Such treatment has been used in cases of both congenital and acquired HH.

Foods To Boost Fertility In Males:

• ​Vitamin C

Foods rich in vitamin C like oranges, bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli, and strawberries help boost fertility. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C safeguard sperm from damage. It also helps the body absorb iron better, which is crucial to healthy sperm production.

• Saffron

Saffron contains high amounts of magnesium and potassium. These minerals are important for a healthy reproductive system in males as well as females. Saffron has been known to increase sperm count and motility and improve sexual health in general in both men and women.

•  Banana

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which is known to regulate sex hormones and improve male fertility. They are also rich in potassium and vitamin C, both of which help improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress. Other sources of vitamin B6 include meat, fish, poultry, leafy vegetables, beans, and other legumes.

• Beans and lentils

Beans and lentils are great sources of folate or folic acid, an important nutrient for fertility in men and women. Folate helps protect against congenital disabilities in babies by preventing DNA damage to cells. Other good sources of folate include dark leafy greens like spinach, avocados, oranges, nuts, seeds, and whole grains like brown rice and quinoa.

Final words: 

Hope you found the information interesting and consider the above treatments and foods to boost the chances of conception.

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10 Major Causes of Infertility in Female

Infertility in women is a complex issue that often requires advanced medical treatment. Several factors can affect a woman’s fertility, including general health, lifestyle, eating habits as well as underlying medical conditions.

 

 

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year (or sometimes less) of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. In most cases, infertility is caused by an underlying cause rather than a single event. It may be possible to restore fertility with the help of a doctor or other healthcare professional. With the help of advanced technology, these professionals provide In Vitro Fertilization treatment in Chandigarh and other parts of the county. Infertility treatment aims to address the underlying cause or causes of infertility and restore normal reproductive function.

Signs of fertility problems include: No period for 6 months or more, Menstrual periods are very irregular, Painful periods, very heavy bleeding, missed periods, pain in the pelvic area, Painful sex, Weight gain or loss without dieting, and feeling depressed or irritable. 

If you’re trying to conceive or have been trying unsuccessfully for a while, read on. We will look at 10 causes of infertility in women, what they mean, and how they might affect your ability to have a child.

• Hormonal Issues

Hormones drive the reproductive process, so if there is an imbalance or problem with them, it could affect fertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one such hormonal disorder that is associated with infertility. Ovulation problems also fall under this category.

Doctors can do hormone testing to check how well your thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands are working, as well as to determine if you have adequate levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). Blood tests may also be conducted to determine prolactin (PRL) and testosterone levels, which can interfere with pregnancy.

• Tubal or pelvic factors

A damaged Fallopian tube is the common cause of infertility in women, accounting for about 35 percent of cases. Tubal damage can prevent the egg from traveling through the tube or block the sperm from reaching the egg. Conditions like endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause fertility issues, as scar tissue can build up in the pelvis and interfere with reproduction.

• Uterine or cervical causes

A uterine abnormality like fibroids can interfere with the implantation of an embryo. On the other hand, the cervical mucus provides a sperm-friendly environment for the sperm to swim through on their way to the egg. If the cervical mucus is too thick or acidic, it may slow down or even kill sperm before reaching the egg.

• Obesity

Being overweight can impact a woman’s ability to conceive in several ways. 

First, some of the excess weight is converted into hormones, particularly estrogen, that can result in an imbalance in the normal menstrual cycle. 

Second, being overweight can affect ovulation and make it more difficult to predict when you will ovulate. 

Third, extra weight can put a strain on your heart and other organs, which can cause problems with fertility. Finally, being overweight tends to be a result of poor diet and lack of exercise, which can also affect fertility.

• Being Underweight

Just as being overweight can negatively affect your ability to conceive, so can being underweight.

Weight loss (or gain) at either extreme tends to be associated with irregular periods, affecting ovulation and your ability to get pregnant.

• Getting Older

The older you are, the more challenging it is for you to get pregnant – especially over 35 years old. The reason for this is simple – as women get older, their egg quality declines, which makes conceiving more difficult and increases the risk of miscarriage.

• Stress

Stress can mess with your hormones, leading to irregular periods and infertility. In fact, women who receive fertility treatments may be more likely to become pregnant if they try stress reduction techniques.

• Smoking 

Smoking cigarettes can harm a woman’s eggs, contributing to early menopause and infertility. It’s also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. It has been reported that chain smokers often need In Vitro Fertilization treatment to make their dream of becoming parents come true.

• Exposure To Household Chemicals

 Exposure to certain household chemicals can cause infertility in women. These chemicals include mercury, lead, pesticides, paint thinners, and xylene. These chemicals can cause endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), thus leading to infertility in women. However, there is no such link between chemicals and male infertility. 

 Vigorous Exercise   

Vigorous exercise can also cause infertility in both men and women by decreasing their libido (sex drive). Excessive exercising can stop a woman’s menstrual cycle, affecting her ability to conceive. It also lowers their estrogen levels which makes them difficult to conceive.

Wrapping Up-:

Being healthier is a great goal to aspire towards, not just with infertility in mind but also for your own health. By changing your habits from time to time, you can make sure that you’re doing what you can to get the most out of life. You will feel better about yourself, and who knows? Your body might just be healthier too!

 Originally published at https://trendingsol.com/10-major-causes-of-infertility-in-female/

 

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6 Ways To Solve Family Disputes

We all want to feel loved and secure in our families, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. No matter how strong of a bond you have within the family, there will always be ups and downs. Disputes and arguments are just going to happen occasionally. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost – little efforts can make things better.

  

If you find yourself unable to resolve things, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from experienced family therapists of North Chicagoland and other parts of the United States. Taking part in family therapy is helpful in improving family dynamics and emotional health. 

Here are six things you can try to help solve family disputes when they occur.

1. Create an Environment of Sharing

You must have heard the phrase “sharing is caring.” Start implementing this in your relationships and see the difference!

Healthy communication is the key to keeping families together, which starts when one person shares their point of view without fear or judgment.

If you hesitate to share your feelings or thoughts directly, use technology. In today’s digital era, where technological advancement has become an integral part of our daily lives, there are hundreds more opportunities to share your feelings or thoughts via messages, video calls, chats, etc. 

Sharing your thoughts or point of view openly among family members sets the stage for solving family disputes and preventing future issues.

2. Acknowledge the Problem

The best way to fix a problem is by acknowledging that it exists. By ignoring issues and pretending everything is fine, you’re only hurting yourself and building hurt and distrust within the family.  Talking about the problem may feel uncomfortable at first but will make things better in the long run.

3. Delve Deeper Into The Issue

Family problems are often symptoms of a deep rooted issue that is causing feelings of pain, distrust, guilt and anger. Knowing the source of the issue makes it easier to empathize with family members and find situations that need to change. Once you have acknowledged that a problem exists, take steps to identify the base cause of the dispute and do your best to improve the situation.

4. Focus on the Relationship – Let Anger and Pride Go

Anger and pride are two things that can damage healthy family relationships. They feed negative emotions and restrict positive and open communication. Moreover, anger and pride damage an individual’s mental health and act as fuel for the cyclical patterns of anxiety, stress and depression. 

However, letting go of such emotions is not a ‘piece of cake.’ The fear of pain, failure or vulnerability is what restricts an individual from improving their family relationships. 

One of the best ways to deal with such a situation is to prioritize your relationship goal—a healthier, happier relationship—over the fear of being hurt or the fear of failure. 

Remember, anger and pride make a person lonely while making your relationship better gives you emotional support.

5. Get Professional Help

We all know that family problems can be tough to handle on your own and getting professional help is one of the best ways to solve family disputes. You can receive family therapy in many different forms, such as individual sessions with a therapist or support groups that are designed specifically for your needs. 

6. Remember to Take Care of Yourself

Maintaining a positive, healthy self is essential when solving family issues. This helps you communicate more freely with loved ones without any negative emotions getting in your way—which ultimately helps everyone stay connected!

The Bottom Line:

Remember that no family is perfect. We argue, we fight. We even stop talking to each other at times. But in the end, family is family. The love and support we get from our family members are priceless and need to be preserved.

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