When is a Caesarian done?

Here are questions from readers that were addressed by leading obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Mini Salunkhe. The identities of the solution-seekers have been withheld to protect their privacy.

Doctor I am never in the mood to have sex. I read online that birth control pills can reduce the desire for sex in many women. I have had birth control pills in the past. Could this be the reason? Please help.

A woman’s desire for sex is based on many components affecting intimacy such as physical and mental well-being, emotional or physical stress, experiences and beliefs. The major underlying causes of low libido in young women are overwork, stress in their workplace, keeping up with insane work schedules etc. This is similar for men which is why some of them make use of fleshlights to balance out the stress of modern life. If you are looking for a fleshlight consider using a coupon to get the best deal. Additionally, some medications have side effects which include anti-depressants, oral contraceptive pills, anti epileptics etc. Having no or low libido is a common symptom that sometimes stands on its own but most often it is accompanied by other problems such as fertility issues, menstrual difficulty, fatigue and low energy. Decreased interest in sex is often also due to ongoing issues with the partner thanks to unresolved conflicts, poor communication of sexual needs and preferences. Birth control pills affecting your sex drive? It is possible but unlikely. For most women, birth control pills don’t affect their libido. It’s hard to pinpoint these pills as the only cause. It is possible that as birth control pills prevent you from ovulating, some women won’t have a subtle increase in libido that some women report during ovulation. Pills may decrease lubrication which might in turn affect libido. They may also affect the amount of circulating testosterone in the body. But most studies or reviews suggest that no change in libido. Only 15 of the audience / research sample actually noted a dip. All these issues can be resolved depending on what the cause is.

Is there a risk of pregnancy if I have sex within the few days after my period ends? I have read that one week before and after your periods are safe but my friend ended up getting pregnant even though she followed this safe period.

Women are generally least fertile during menstruation, and just before and after menstruation. Ovulation usually occurs around the midpoint of a woman’s cycle. Few days before and after that falls in the fertile period. It is unlikely that you would get pregnant immediately after the period ends although it can happen if you ovulate prematurely. Also, it is important to know that the sperm can survive in a woman’s body for up to five days after indulging in sexual intercourse.

It may be possible to get pregnant soon after your period ends if you ovulate early which is most often seen in women who have a naturally short cycle.

Dear Doctor, I was blessed with a baby girl 35 days ago and I have been breast feeding her ever since. Now for the past week, feeding has become very painful for me and my breasts feel very sore. I was told that I must breast feed the baby for a year but I don’t know how I can manage. Is it normal to have pain and tenderness with breast feeding? Please tell me what to do. It’s really tough.

Let me assure you that it is perfectly normal to have tenderness and pain while breast feeding. This may also be caused by cracked nipples or breast engorgement. Simple measures to prevent this would be to do hot fomentation on the breasts and express milk as frequently as possible. Do note that it is important to put the entire nipple an areola into the baby’s mouth while suckling to prevent cracked nipples. It does take time for breast feeding to be established but don’t lose heart. Remember, breast milk is best for your baby.

I am 8 months’ pregnant and my EDD (estimated date of delivery) is recorded as August 9. I was told that having a caesarean is very common now and most doctors suggest that. When is a caesarian done doctor? I don’t want to fall prey to something like that unless it is necessary and hence I thought I will seek your guidance.

Personally, I don’t think a good doctor would suggest a Caesarian section when it isn’t warranted. All expectant mothers are scheduled for normal delivery unless there is some high risk factor during pregnancy or a complication arises during the course of labour. In both the above cases, your doctor will definitely talk to you and explain the situation. If the doctor feels that at any given point of time, Caesarian delivery would be safer for you or your baby they will certainly brief you on the same and take an appropriate decision. You can be rest assured that if everything is going well with your pregnancy and during your labour, there is nothing that will stop you from delivering your baby normally.

 

Thank you, readers for your queries. I hope I have been able to answer them and clarify your doubts. I would be more than happy to take time off to answer all your questions week after week. You can reach me via editorial@pune365.com

 

Dr Mini SalunkheDr Mini Salunkhe is a senior gynaecologist practising in Pune for over a decade. Apart from being a private practitioner, she is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist at Inamdar Hospital.

 

 

Dr Mini Salunkhe