Puberty is the stage of human development during which adolescents develop into sexually mature adults. During puberty, the body grows faster than it has since the first year of life. Hormones that create changes in the reproductive system are released which causes the body to grow into its adult form. Puberty can sometimes be confusing,…
Tag: body
Rumination Disorder
Rumination disorder is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes a person to unintentionally regurgitate their undigested food shortly after ingestion.1 In most cases, the person expels or vomits up the food up to a half hour after eating. The patient could also regurgitate their food, rechew, then re-swallow it. It is important to note that regurgitation…
A Female’s Guide: How to Optimize Your Sex Life
The topic of female sexuality has progressively become more accepted in modern society, but there are many regions throughout the world where it remains heavily stigmatized. The sexual revolution of the Western world has primarily focused on female reproductive health and rights, but the topics of female sexual desire and pleasure have also steadily gained…
If You Think You Have an Eating Disorder
An eating disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by irregular eating behaviors and patterns coupled with concern and distress over body shape and weight.1 People struggling with an eating disorder may use starvation, purging, or other behaviors to control their physical appearance. Although eating disorders typically develop during adolescence, anyone can develop one…
Bodily Autonomy
Bodily autonomy is defined as the right to self governance over one’s own body without external influence or coercion. It is generally considered to be a fundamental human right. Bodily autonomy relates to the concept of affirmative consent, which requires full and eager participation in any sexual encounter. Bodily autonomy is also applicable to each…
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)
What is EDNOS? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines EDNOS as atypical eating behaviors that cause significant distress and fit most, but not all of the criteria for the DSM-5 recognized eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder). Approximately 40-60% of patients who are treated for an eating disorder…
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
What is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) as a condition in which individuals do not meet the criteria for any currently diagnosable eating disorder yet still experience struggles with food and eating habits. A person diagnosed with ARFID is typically not…
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge Eating Disorder (BED), also referred to as extreme overeating is an eating disorder that can be characterized as an addiction to food. The inability to fight the urge to eat is one of the defining aspects of BED. In addition, those who suffer from BED often seek emotional comfort in food for a variety…
Your First Period (Menarche)
A female’s first period, known as menarche, occurs during a transitional part of her life. Menarche occurs during puberty, when a female’s body and emotions are continually changing. Of all the changes that take place during puberty, menarche is usually the most feared. Fortunately, most of that fear comes from the mystery of the menstrual cycle. This article is here to…