Kidney stones are described as stone-like lumps which can form in either one, or both kidneys. They are quite common, but to understand what they are, we have to discuss the function of the kidneys.

First of all, the kidneys are approximately four inches long and are shaped like a bean. There are two of them in the body and they are located near the back of the abdomen area, one on each side of the spine. The job of a kidney is to remove waste products from our blood and then pass this waste into the bladder along with excess fluids to be disposed of in the urine.

Kidney stones can be categorized into four main types. Calcium stones which are made up of calcium and phosphate or oxalate; struvite stones which are made of ammonia and magnesium (these ones can often be quite large); uric acid stones (the smallest and softest type of kidney stone); and cystine stones which are normally yellowish in color and look like crystals as opposed to stones. All kidney stones can come in different shapes, colors and sizes – from the size of a grain of sand to (in some extreme cases) the size of a golf ball.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are formed when the waste products collected by the kidney do not dissolve properly in the fluid that will make up the urine, which then forms little crystal-like substances that can accumulate in the kidney. Over time these can form a hard lump that looks like a stone – the kidney stone.

When kidney stones are formed, they will very often try to leave the body via the urinary system, which can create problems, especially if they become blocked.

West Nile Virus is a disease which is spread by mosquitoes and for the most part is not a serious disease.  Often there are no symptoms but sometimes if an infected mosquito bites somebody it can lead to inflammation of the brain, spinal cord or the tissues which surround the brain and spinal cord.

The West Nile Virus is caused when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then bites an animal or human.  Most of the time people with West Nile Virus have no symptoms but some people experience symptoms which include headache, muscle ache, loss of appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, back pain, abdominal pain, sore throat and diarrhea.  The symptoms will usually surface roughly three to 14 days after the infected mosquito bite and will last for approximately three to six days.

There can be complications however, and sometimes the virus can cause an infection of the brain and nervous system.  Symptoms of this would include severe headaches, high fever, stiff neck, lack of co-ordination, muscle tremors, convulsions, coma, disorientation, coma or even partial paralysis.

West Nile Virus is not serious if symptoms are mild.  However, if the virus spreads to the brain or spinal cord it can lead to brain damage or death.

The best way to avoid the virus is to protect against mosquito bites at all times when away.  It is advisable to check whether the virus is present in the country you are visiting and take extra precautions against being bitten.

West Nile Virus

A female condom is a thin pouch or sheath that is worn by a woman during sex. It lines the vagina in its entirety and assists in preventing unwanted pregnancy and STD’s.

To use a female condom, you must first open up the package very carefully. This is to make sure you don’t rip or tear it by mistake. Make sure the condom is sufficiently lubricated and then find a comfortable position to insert it. Ensure the inner ring is located at the closed part of the sheath and then hold it with the open side hanging down. You then have to give the inner ring a squeeze with the forefinger and thumb so that it becomes elongated and narrow, after which you place the inner ring along with the sheath into the vagina’s opening. Push the inner ring gently up into the vagina so you can sense it go up. You then place an index finger into the condom and then prod the inner ring to as far as you can get it. Ensure the condom is straight and hasn’t twisted up inside the vagina and then when this is done, make sure the outer ring is outside the vagina, where it should stay.

How to Place a Female Condom

The woman has to then guide the penis into the opening of the condom to ensure that it doesn’t slip passed it and go straight into the vagina. Make sure enough lubricant has been used so that the condom remains in place, and be sure that a male condom is not used at the same time as the friction between the two will cause them to break.