Author: space4knews

Persistent lower abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, or pain during sexual intercourse are symptoms often overlooked by women as common issues. However, these symptoms can sometimes indicate an infection in the reproductive organs known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

Although PID may initially appear as a simple infection, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and can adversely affect reproductive health in the future.

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

PID is an infection in the female reproductive system affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

This condition occurs when harmful bacteria ascend through the vagina and spread to the upper reproductive organs. Normally, the body’s immune system prevents these bacteria from spreading, but if immunity is weakened, the infection can progress. The hallmark of PID is its progressive nature.

Though it initially resembles a minor infection, over time, scarring forms in the fallopian tubes which obstructs the passage of eggs, making conception difficult. PID can also have a negative impact on a woman’s mental health.

How common is PID?

PID is a common concern among women of reproductive age. Studies indicate that millions of women worldwide are affected annually by this disease.

It is most prevalent in women aged 15 to 25 due to higher sexual activity in this group. The prevalence varies across countries and communities but is a global health issue. Many women remain unaware of the condition because its symptoms can be vague, leading to delayed diagnosis and increased complications.

What causes PID?

PID is primarily caused by bacterial infections that typically enter the body through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia are the main causes.

These bacteria ascend via the vagina to infect the uterus and other reproductive organs. PID can also occur after childbirth, miscarriage, or surgical procedures. An imbalance of naturally occurring vaginal bacteria can also contribute to its development.

What are the symptoms?

In some cases, symptoms appear within days, while in others, they may take months to become evident. Many women do not realize they have the infection.

The most common symptom is persistent or intermittent pain in the lower abdomen. Unusual vaginal discharge, often yellow or green and having a foul odor, is another key sign.

Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, pain during sexual intercourse or urination, irregular menstruation, or spotting between periods.

Who is at risk?

While PID can affect any woman, young and sexually active women are at greater risk. Having multiple sexual partners or concurrent partners increases the risk. Women with a prior history of PID are more susceptible to reinfection. Certain surgeries or reproductive treatments also raise susceptibility.

Lack of knowledge about sexual health and poor safe-sex practices further increase the risk of PID.

What tests are needed?

There is no single definitive test for PID; doctors use a combination of approaches. Initially, they evaluate medical history and symptoms and perform a pelvic examination.

Samples of vaginal discharge are collected to identify bacterial infections. Blood and urine tests are also conducted to rule out other infections. Sometimes, an endometrial biopsy may be required. These tests help confirm PID and distinguish it from other conditions.

What is the treatment?

Treatment for PID usually involves antibiotics prescribed for about 14 days. Completing the full course of medication is essential even if symptoms improve early to ensure complete eradication of infection.

In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. If the infection has spread extensively, additional treatments or surgery could be required.

It is crucial that sexual partners also receive treatment to prevent reinfection. Sexual activity should only resume once both partners have completed the treatment.

Maintaining overall immune health is also important. A balanced diet, adequate rest, and regular exercise strengthen the immune system and improve resistance against bacteria and viruses.

What complications arise if untreated?

If left untreated, PID can have serious consequences. Though it may initially feel like a mild infection, prolonged infection can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs.

Scarring in the fallopian tubes can obstruct conception and lead to other health problems. Chronic pelvic pain is a common long-term complication that can persist even after the infection is treated.

Studies show that about 20 percent of affected women suffer from chronic pelvic pain that significantly disrupts daily life.

PID also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This is a dangerous condition requiring immediate treatment.

Another severe complication is infertility. Damage or blockage of the fallopian tubes prevents the meeting of eggs and sperm, making conception impossible. Approximately 10 percent of women with PID experience infertility as a result.

May 22, Pokhara – When heavy rains hit, roads in Pokhara often face flooding. Due to the hilly terrain, the drainage canals beside the roads cannot handle the volume of water, leading to submerged streets and disruptions to transportation. Several small vehicles have been stranded or washed away on the roads.

On Thursday evening, intense rainfall caused flood-like flows across roads in Pokhara. Areas such as New Road, Mahendrapool, Prithvichowk, Sabhagriha, and Lakeside were submerged. Along with rainwater, piles of garbage also floated on the streets.

Even after the rainfall stopped, garbage remained scattered on Pokhara’s streets. While some cleaning occurred in certain locations on Friday morning, many areas still had trash scattered throughout the morning. Flooding during rains and scattered garbage with resulting foul odors have become a persistent issue in Pokhara.

The lack of sustainable waste management in Pokhara causes regular accumulation of garbage on the streets, detracting from the beauty of this popular tourist destination.

Although waste management was ongoing in Pokhara-21, why did this problem reoccur? Prabhat Lamichhane, head of the Waste Management Branch of Pokhara Metropolitan City, explains, “Due to failure to collect garbage for two days in Pokhara-21, citizens dumped their waste on the streets, creating a scattered mess.”

Challenges to Sustainable Waste Management Solutions

Permanent waste management was underway at Lameahal in Pokhara-32, but after that site reached capacity, the metropolitan city now needs to find a new location.

Efforts to transport waste to various locations were met with local opposition, resulting in waste needing to be managed at multiple sites across Pokhara from mid-December to mid-March. Temporary disposal sites were used in Pokhara-14, Prithvichowk, and Dobilla areas.

In March, an agreement was reached to manage waste on private land in Pokhara-21. Despite protests, waste disposal continued there. The site, located on steep terrain, involved placing fencing and dumping garbage from above.

However, two days ago, residents of Dobilla demanded a halt to the work due to the foul odor. Excavator work to manage the waste site began but was interrupted.

“While working, the excavator got stuck at the site. Despite significant efforts, it could not be restarted and the work had to be stopped,” said Hark Gaikwad of the Waste Management Branch. “We will bring another excavator and resume the waste collection work today.”

Currently, efforts are underway to clear the trash scattered across various streets in Pokhara by Thursday’s floods.

Under current waste management practices, garbage is expected to fill again within five to six months, but the metropolitan city has not yet finalized a permanent solution.

Waste Processing Plant Project Also Stalled

A permanent waste processing plant had been planned in Pokhara-33, and land was secured for the project. However, local opposition and other issues have brought the project to a halt.

An agreement to build the plant with an investment of NPR 800 million on 70 ropani of land was signed on December 17 between Pokhara Metropolitan City and Terrasolve Renewal Pvt. Ltd, under a public-private partnership. But protests, agitation, and allegations of corruption have stalled the project.

From 2023 onward, 96 ropani of land owned by 17 landowners was reserved for the establishment of the plant.

To secure the land temporarily, the metropolitan city sent NPR 5.5 million to ward chair Ramchandra’s account, a transaction which became public, prompting the chairperson and Mayor Acharya to reconcile the matter. However, local residents had already taken the temporary lease money.

Now, there is a need to recover that advance payment. Meanwhile, the metropolitan city is moving forward with processes to establish a permanent landfill site, again in Pokhara-32.

Kathmandu: From Friday, four films including two Nepali productions have been released in cinemas. The Nepali-language films ‘Mitjyu’ and ‘Kaji’, Bollywood’s ‘Chand Meri Dil’, and Hollywood’s ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ have all debuted recently on the big screen.

‘Mitjyu’ marks the debut of renowned dancer Teriya Magar. The film also stars Dayahang Rai and Saugat Malla, and is directed by Anil Budhathoki.

Set in a rural backdrop, the film narrates a story of friendship and portrays the life of a jeep driver working in a village setting. Produced by Janak Ghartimagar, the movie runs for 136 minutes and holds a Universal Certificate.

In ‘Kaji’, Bipin Karki and Keki Adhikari play lead roles. The film depicts the tumultuous love story of a couple. Directed by Laxman Rijal, this film runs for 146 minutes and also carries a Universal Certificate.

Bollywood’s ‘Chand Meri Dil’ is a romantic drama featuring Ananya Panday, Lakshya, and Pratham Rathod in leading roles, directed by Vivek Soni. The film focuses on the love story of two university students. Its runtime is 146 minutes, with a PG (Parental Guidance) certificate.

‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ is a newly released ‘Star Wars’ film after seven years that continues the story from the Disney Plus series ‘The Mandalorian’. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Pedro Pascal as bounty hunter Din Djarin and features the character known as ‘Baby Yoda’ (Grogu), who possesses a unique Force-related power.

Following the fall of the Empire, these characters collaborate with the new Republic to stop remaining Imperial warlords. Additionally, they engage in a dangerous rescue mission connected to Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta the Hutt.

The movie has a runtime of 132 minutes and carries a PG certificate.