As 2018 is on its way out, it’s time to sum up the year. We’ve looked at our statistics and have found the seven topics on women’s health that our users found to be the most interesting. 

Here are the most popular picks among the MIA ladies:

Pain during sex: why it happens and what to do

Nearly one in ten women experience painful intercourse, according to a large study. 

Sex shouldn’t hurt. Let’s find out what pain during intercourse is and what can be done to eliminate this common problem. Painful sex can manifest in pain or discomfort in the vaginal, pelvic or labial areas during or just after sexual intercourse.

Many factors can contribute to pain during sex. Causes can be physical and emotional. 

Pain on sexual entry can be caused by insufficient lubrication, trauma, irritation, inflammation, infection,vaginismus and congenital abnormality skin diseases such as contact dermatitis and eczema. Some health conditions, surgeries, or medical treatments can result in deep pain. Emotional factors may play a role too. Stress, anxiety, depression and other psychological problems can lead to painful sensations. A history of sexual abuse can contribute to this problem too. 

Masturbation during your period 

Masturbation can’t change your menstrual cycle or make your period come earlier or later. Some women masturbate to relieve menstrual cramps and muscle tension before, during, and after their periods. 59% of women had increased libido at some time during their period, while 34% said that it was at a different time, so it’s okay if you feel more sexual attraction while you are menstruating. 

It’s safe and healthy for a woman to masturbate when she has her period. Some women masturbate especially during menstruation to relieve menstrual cramps. 

Penetrating masturbation during your period is not recommended if you use a menstrual cup or tampon. It should be removed beforehand. 

Remember to maintain good hygiene practices during maturbation to keep it safe and pleasant. 

Ovulation symptoms

Symptoms of ovulation can vary from woman to woman and from one menstrual cycle to the next. However, there are some changes that can help you determine ovulation. You may experience minor pain in your pelvic area before or during ovulation. The discomfort may last for a few moments, but some women experience these sensations for a while. You also may feel a heaviness in your lower abdomen before ovulation. Your basal temperature increases about 0.5-1°F a day after ovulation happens. You may notice that your vaginal discharge changes before ovulation, as it might become stretchy and thinner.  

Reasons for irregular cycle 

Irregularities in menstrual cycles have different causes and hormonal imbalances are among the most common. Changes in hormones might occur because of stress or lack of sleep, too much exercise, weight gain or loss, or changing contraceptive pills. That's why it’s common for young girls and women approaching menopause to experience irregular menstruation. 

There are other causes of irregular cycles

• Using certain meds 
• Having an IUD (intrauterine device)
• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
• Ovarian cysts
• Return of the menstrual cycle after pregnancy   
• Extreme methods of contraception
• Thyroid problems (overactive or underactive)
• Fibroids or polyps of the uterine lining 
• Thickening of the uterine lining

Your period might occasionally come earlier than usual, but if it continues to occur chaotically or with delays of over 7 days, you should see your doctor. 

Sex during your period: OK or not?

Sex during your period is not prohibited, especially if you feel OK with it. During sex, a woman’s body produces endorphins, which improve her mood and oxytocin, which causes feelings of peace, attachment to their partner and relaxation.

It’s important to remember about a few things. Use barrier contraceptives even during your period, as the chances of conceiving are still there. 

Be mindful of hygiene. During the rejection of the endometrial layer, the inner side of the uterus is an open wound. This means that it becomes more susceptible to infections. The cervix is half-open, which, in its turn, considerably reduces protection, as does the lack of cervical mucus.

Mood swings depend on the day of your cycle

It's a truth well-known that women are prone to mood swings during their menstrual cycle as there are various phases of hormonal background change.

What products are good and bad for women’s health?

Useful

• Tomatoes
• Calcium (cheeses)
• Avocado
• Oats
• Soybeans
• Blueberries
• Walnuts
• Linseed oil
• Bananas

Harmful

• Confectionery
• Salty food
• Strong tea and coffee
• Alcohol 

Thank you for choosing MIA. We do this to help you be healthy and happy. Happy New Year, dear ladies!