About Sunsum

The body systems each have their own functions but are connected to each other so if one system is faulty, it does have a negative impact on other systems. Chronic stress can cause some damage to every system because it travels through the nervous system and stimulates hormone imbalances caused by cortisol (which is a hormone triggered by anxiety or feeling overwhelmed).

Reproductive diseases are not really discussed enough because they are connected to sexual organs and still seen as taboo subjects by some. We will look at some of these diseases which may be genetic or developed from underlying health conditions or unhealthy lifestyle.

There are reproductive diseases that specifically affect men or women like:

- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) that is linked to a women’s hormones. This condition can be hereditary, which can cause infertility. It may be connected to other underlying health issues. The general symptoms include abnormal periods, weight gain, thinning hair on head and excessive hair on face or body.

- Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the womb that vary in size, number and may grow or shrink, especially during the menopause stage. During the menstrual cycle, it can cause fertility problems. Symptoms include heavy, irregular and painful periods, discomfort in pelvis or bloated stomach.

- Endometriosis is a condition that affects women and involves abnormal tissues that grow outside the uterus. It can cause infertility. The displaced tissues can be found on other parts of sexual organs like fallopian tubes, ovary or uterus. Symptoms include fatigue, heavy and painful periods, problems conceiving or discomfort during sex.

- Prostate Cancer develops when abnormal cells grow inside the prostate gland and transform into cancerous tumours, which can be life threatening if it is not caught in its early stages. It tends to present in men over 40 that’s why from that age onwards, it is important to have a prostate blood test to check own health status. Symptoms include urinating more (especially at night), painful pelvis and lower back, blood in urine or erectile dysfunction.

- Erectile Dysfunction is a condition which is difficult to reverse and has a negative impact on sexual activity because it prevents a man from getting or maintaining an erection in own penis. They are various causes that may develop this condition like nerve damage, psychological problems, hormone issues and underlying health problems like prostate cancer. It is a condition that can cause fertility problems.

- Testicular Cancer is a disease that involves abnormal cells that grow in the testicles and develop into tumours. It can present in men from age 20. It can affect fertility and is not life threatening unless it affects other organs. If it is diagnosed in early stages, it may be curable. Symptoms include a lump in testicle or pain in that area including scrotum, pain in stomach, weight loss, back pain and breathing problems.

It is important to note that such diseases may present due to unresolved trauma, chronic stress, lack of self-awareness, poor diet or hectic lifestyle so reflect on what is causing any of these factors and remove or develop your knowledge of self so you know what self needs to be healthy.