Marla Ahlgrimm: Girls And Physical Maturity

Physical maturity is that age at which a girl reaches sexual maturity and has stopped growing. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this takes place sometime after puberty, typically between 15 and 20 years old. Keep reading for a few quick questions and answers about the transition from girlhood to womanhood. 

 

Q: When do little girls stop growing? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: That’s different for every girl, but typically, a female will reach her adult height by the age of 15. Full physical maturity, however, may not take place until several years after menstruation begins. Once a girl reaches her height, her body will still begin to “fill out” with fat pockets around the thighs and breasts. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: What Causes Menstrual Cramps?

As women, we are all intimately familiar with the side-effects of menstruation. One of these is menstrual cramps, the painful contractions that can leave us lingering in bed for a day or two at the onset of our period. But, what causes them? According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it’s hormones. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the overproduction of prostaglandins, a hormone that tells the uterus it’s time to shed its lining, is most likely the culprit if you are experiencing menstrual cramps. Fortunately, these are short-lived, and often occur just a day or two before bleeding begins. 

Marla Ahlgrimm | Swimming, Your Period, And You

Summer is here, and many young women are gearing up for some fun in the sun. But, Marla Ahlgrimm says that a common concern is swimming during the menstrual cycle. Is it possible? Keep reading for the answer. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, yes, you can swim when you are on your period. To answer the next most obvious question, no, it won’t attract sharks. 

 

Women who wish to swim on their periods should avoid pads and use tampons or a menstrual cup instead. This is because both of these feminine hygiene products stop blood before it exits the body. By contrast, a pad is excellent at absorbing blood, but it has to leave the vagina first. 

What is a menstrual cup? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that a menstrual cup is similar to a small silicone bowl inserted into a woman’s body. Unlike a tampon, which absorbs blood, a cup creates a seal inside of the cervix to catch and collect the monthly flow. Cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, making them a great option for those who plan to swim all day. 

Marla Ahlgrimm | STD Signs You Should NEVER Ignore

Sexually-transmitted diseases are common among sexually active men and women. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, knowing the signs of a sexually transmitted disease or sexually transmitted infection is crucial to your overall health. Here are a few symptoms you should never ignore. 

 

For both genders 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that both men and women should watch first and foremost for pain when urinating. Any unusual tingling, itching, burning, or soreness around the genitals is also cause for alarm. Spots, sores, and blisters around the vagina, penis, or anus should also be brought up to your primary health care provider. Something else to watch for is a black or white powdery substance in underwear, which might indicate the presence of pubic lice. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Why Are Strokes Becoming More Common In Younger Women?

The vast majority of strokes occur in senior citizens, says Marla Ahlgrimm. But, today, more and more women than between the ages of 25 and 44 are being diagnosed with stroke. Why? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are many reasons that young women may experience a potentially life-altering stroke. One is lupus. Lupus is a disease that triggers inflammation throughout the entire body. This leaves people with lupus more than twice as likely to experience what’s known as an ischemic stroke. 

 

Women who experience migraine with aura are also at a slightly increased risk of having a stroke. While the additional risk is small, migraines are often accompanied by other conditions that can elevate a woman’s potential for having a stroke. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that women are more likely to have migraines during their reproductive years – approximately 13 through 45 – then same-age men. 

Women’s Health Brief With Marla Ahlgrimm: Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are no fun, a fact known by around 75% of women in the world. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, while yeast infection is not an STD, this bothersome condition can affect your sex life. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that a yeast infection is typified by vaginal discharge, rash, and soreness. Many women also experience irritation and itching. Sometimes, a burning sensation while urinating or during sexual intercourse is noticeable. 

 

Fortunately, there are very few complications associated with having a yeast infection. Marla Ahlgrimm notes, however, that you may need medical intervention if your yeast infection leads to swelling or sores. Further, women who are pregnant, have HIV, an immune disorder, or diabetes may also need immediate attention. 

What Are The Side-Effects Of The COVID-19 Vaccine? | Marla Ahlgrimm

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated something we’ve never had before: an emergency vaccine for a virus we don’t fully understand. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are several vaccines now released and approved for public use. But, are they safe? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm points out that, despite the rapid release of the vaccines, there is a great deal of science behind them. She notes that pharmaceutical companies and scientists had already put years of work into the method, which is mRNA sequencing, that the vaccines utilize. In the instance of COVID-19, the vaccine drafts a set of instructions that mimics the protein spikes found on the virus. This, in turn, teaches the body to make antibodies, which then fight future infections.