The outbreak, declared on May 15 in Ituri Province, has disrupted maternal healthcare services across affected communities. Health workers say many women are delaying prenatal care or choosing to give birth at home, increasing the risk of complications that could otherwise be treated.

Fear and Misinformation Keep Women Away From Clinics

Health officials say misinformation surrounding Ebola has discouraged many expectant mothers from seeking routine medical care.

Some women fear they will be placed in Ebola isolation if they develop common pregnancy-related symptoms such as fever, while others doubt official information about the outbreak.

Esther Lutula, a 26-year-old resident of Bunia, said she stopped attending prenatal appointments after authorities declared the outbreak. She said she plans to return only after the disease is no longer spreading.

Noemi Dalmonte, deputy country representative for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Congo, said fear of healthcare facilities often increases during disease outbreaks, but misinformation about Ebola has made the situation significantly worse.

Another Bunia resident, Elodie Yabiri, who is heavily pregnant, said she has stayed away from hospitals because she believes anyone who feels sick is immediately placed in isolation. She said she intends to remain at home as long as she continues feeling her baby move.

Maternal Deaths Rise as Healthcare Access Declines

UNFPA data show maternal deaths in Ituri have nearly doubled since the outbreak began.

Weekly maternal deaths increased from an average of 3.1 before the outbreak to 5.8 between May 25 and July 19.

Deaths occurring outside healthcare facilities also rose from 9.1% to 17.4% during the same period.

Medical staff say those figures reflect a growing reluctance among pregnant women to seek professional care even when complications develop.

Ebola Response Stretches Healthcare System

The outbreak has placed additional strain on an already fragile healthcare system.

Health facilities across the affected provinces have redirected staff and medical supplies to Ebola treatment, leaving fewer resources available for routine maternal care.

Authorities say more than 1,600 people have died during what they describe as the country’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak.

The response has also been hampered by attacks on healthcare facilities and workforce shortages. Officials say at least 44 infected healthcare workers have died, while others have stopped working because of unpaid salaries.

Dr. Ghislain Maneba, an epidemiologist in Ituri’s Rwampara health zone, said medical teams continue educating communities despite limited resources and difficult working conditions.

At the Bénédicte Clinic in Bunia, monthly prenatal registrations have dropped from about 60 women to roughly 10 since the outbreak began, according to medical director Dr. Sonny Mwembo.

Congo Already Faces High Maternal Mortality

The Democratic Republic of the Congo already has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates.

United Nations data show nearly 19,000 women died from pregnancy-related complications in the country during 2023, placing Congo second only to Nigeria worldwide and tied with India.

Women in Congo also have an average of nearly six children, increasing the demand for maternal healthcare services.

Pregnant Women Face Greater Health Risks

Health experts warn that Ebola presents additional dangers during pregnancy.

The disease spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated materials. Women often face greater exposure because many serve as caregivers for sick relatives or work in healthcare settings.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says pregnant women infected with Ebola face a higher risk of severe complications, including miscarriage.

Dalmonte said improving public awareness is critical to restoring confidence in healthcare services.

She warned that women who delay treatment may die not only from Ebola but also from pregnancy complications that could have been prevented with timely medical care.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

The post Ebola Outbreak Drives Rise in Maternal Deaths as Pregnant Women Avoid Hospitals in Eastern Congo appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The Role of Lactobacillus in Health

During puberty, rising oestrogen levels encourage the colonization of beneficial bacteria known as Lactobacillus, which can help prevent infections by competing with harmful microbes and producing lactic acid. “They crowd out pathogens, competing with them for nutrients and space,” explains Chrysi Sergaki, head of microbiome at the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Lactobacillus also modulates local immune responses and produces natural antimicrobial substances, creating a hostile environment for harmful bacteria.

When this balance is disrupted, a condition known as vaginal dysbiosis can occur, increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV), thrush, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV. Laura Goodfellow, a clinical lecturer in women’s and children’s health at the University of Liverpool, notes that lower levels of Lactobacillus correlate with higher HIV susceptibility in high-risk populations, and can also impair the clearance of human papillomavirus (HPV), a major contributor to cervical, vulval, and vaginal cancers.

“The microbiome is a bit like a forest,” Goodfellow explains. “A healthy ecosystem resists colonization by harmful microbes. If the microbiome is disrupted, pathogens can establish more easily.”

Implications for Fertility and Pregnancy

The vaginal microbiome also appears to influence reproductive outcomes. Women with low Lactobacillus levels face higher risks of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and preterm birth. Bifidobacterium, another beneficial bacterium present in smaller numbers, may also reduce the likelihood of preterm delivery. Dysbiosis has additionally been linked to reduced success in fertility treatments such as IVF.

One proposed mechanism involves inflammation. While some inflammation is necessary for immune defense, excessive vaginal or placental inflammation may trigger preterm labor or complicate conception. “Women who have Lactobacillus have lower levels of inflammatory proteins within vaginal fluid,” Goodfellow says. “Dysbiosis appears to increase inflammation, which in some cases can contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes.”

Lactobacillus is similarly recognized for its anti-inflammatory effects in the gut, highlighting the systemic importance of maintaining beneficial microbial communities. The presence of pathogens from STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea further underscores the protective role of a healthy microbiome in preventing pregnancy complications and reproductive tract cancers.

Toward Personalized Microbiome Medicine

Research teams are exploring interventions to enhance the vaginal microbiome. At Imperial College London, a clinical trial is testing Lactin-V, a probiotic containing Lactobacillus crispatus, to reduce preterm birth rates among high-risk women. Early results suggest that supplementation can shift the vaginal microbiome toward Lactobacillus dominance. Studies also indicate that blood type may influence microbiome composition, with type A associated with higher Lactobacillus levels and a lower risk of preterm birth, while types B and O may carry slightly higher risks.

Scientists are investigating whether Lactin-V might also protect women at high risk of HIV and are advocating for microbiome-based diagnostic tools. Such tests could non-invasively assess a woman’s microbial composition, predicting risks for miscarriage, infertility, preterm birth, or cervical cancer, and guiding personalized preventive strategies.

Protecting the Vaginal Microbiome

Maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome involves both lifestyle and behavioral considerations. Practices such as vaginal douching can disrupt microbial balance, increasing the risk of BV, preterm birth, and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can impair fertility. Similarly, feminine hygiene products like gels, sprays, or wipes may damage the delicate ecosystem.

Sexually active individuals may benefit from barrier contraceptives, as semen can alter vaginal microbial balance, whereas condom use has been linked to higher Lactobacillus prevalence. Nutrition also plays a role: deficiencies in vitamins A, C, D, E, β-carotene, folate, and calcium, as well as diets high in fat or obesity, are associated with less optimal microbial communities. Smoking is another risk factor, with studies showing increased BV prevalence and reduced Lactobacillus in smokers compared with non-smokers, alongside higher risks of preterm birth.

“Eating plenty of leafy green vegetables, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water—all these general practices that improve overall health will likely benefit the vaginal microbiome too,” Goodfellow adds.

Looking Ahead

As research advances, the vaginal microbiome is increasingly seen as a critical component of reproductive and overall health. From preventing infections and supporting successful pregnancies to reducing cancer risk, the ecosystem of microbes in the vagina is proving to be as essential as its better-studied gut counterpart. Emerging diagnostics, probiotics, and personalized interventions could mark a new era in women’s healthcare, with the potential to transform reproductive medicine and improve health outcomes on a global scale.

Source: BBC – ‘The microbiome is a bit like a forest’: How bacteria in the vagina can improve health

The post ‘The Microbiome Is a Bit Like a Forest’: Understanding Vaginal Bacteria and Women’s Health appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

We often hear a lot about how frequently people should poop, with experts suggesting that it varies depending on various factors. But what about urination? How often should you pee, and what does your frequency say about your health?

How Often Should You Pee?

According to Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health, the average person should urinate about six to eight times a day. Ideally, you shouldn’t be waking up at night to pee, but if you find yourself getting up more than once, it could be an indication that something isn’t quite right. During the day, it’s normal to pee every three to four hours.

However, some people may urinate up to 10 times a day, especially if they’re drinking a lot of water or beverages that stimulate frequent urination, like coffee, tea, or alcohol. These drinks can have diuretic effects that irritate the bladder. Dr. David Shusterman, a board-certified urologist, advises those bothered by frequent trips to the bathroom after drinking these beverages to cut back on caffeine or alcohol, or try diluting them.

Everyone’s body is different, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” rule. What’s most important is knowing what’s normal for your body. If you suddenly find yourself running to the bathroom much more or much less than usual, and it’s affecting your daily life, it might be time to check in with a doctor.

Excessive Urination: What Could Be the Cause?

If you’re urinating more than usual and it’s not related to your beverage intake, several medical conditions could be to blame. Overactive bladder syndrome, diabetes, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or medications like diuretics (commonly prescribed for high blood pressure) can cause excessive urination.

Urination is controlled by a complex neurological system involving the bladder, urethra, and brain. Conditions that affect this system, like stroke, spinal cord injuries, and neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and even tumors, can also lead to frequent urination.

Pregnancy can also contribute to more frequent urination since increased fluid intake and metabolic changes put more pressure on the bladder. In addition, stress and anxiety can stimulate the bladder, increasing the need to pee, as the body releases adrenaline during the fight-or-flight response.

For women, hormonal changes — especially during menopause — can affect urination. Reduced estrogen levels can lead to an overactive bladder. Dr. Jason Kim, a clinical associate professor of urology, explains that estrogen receptors are present in the bladder, which is why treatments like vaginal estrogen creams can be beneficial in managing overactive bladder symptoms.

When to Seek Help

If you notice that your frequent urination is affecting your quality of life, or if you’re waking up at night to pee regularly, it may be time to consult a urologist. They can help determine whether bladder training exercises or other treatments, such as medications, bladder Botox injections, or nerve stimulation, are necessary.

Bladder Botox, for instance, weakens the bladder’s nerves to reduce involuntary contractions and decrease the urge to urinate. This can be far more effective than medications for many patients.

Not Peeing Enough: What Does It Mean?

On the flip side, if you find that you’re only peeing every six to eight hours or less than four times a day, this could be a sign of dehydration or a problem with your bladder or kidneys. Low urinary frequency can increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI), as regular urination helps flush out harmful bacteria.

If you’re not urinating often, make sure you’re getting enough fluids. The National Academy of Medicine recommends that women consume 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of fluids daily, and men should aim for 3.7 liters (125 ounces). This includes all fluids and water-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables.

If you’re holding it in too long, this could cause long-term damage, leading to kidney infections or weakened bladder muscles. If you are still not urinating enough despite maintaining healthy hydration, it’s time to see a doctor.

Why Aren’t You Peeing Enough?

Not urinating frequently enough could indicate an obstruction, such as a blocked urethra, or it could be a behavioral issue, especially for men as they age and experience prostate enlargement. For women, a tightened urethra could contribute to retention issues.

Neurological conditions like those mentioned earlier can also affect urinary function.

Treatment for Infrequent Urination

Unfortunately, there are fewer treatments available for underactive bladder. Depending on the cause, treatment options include self-administered catheterization, long-term catheterization, or sacral neuromodulation — a procedure that involves a bladder pacemaker to regulate urination. These treatments can be life-changing, so if you’re dealing with underactive bladder issues, don’t hesitate to seek help.

Conclusion

Your urination frequency can be a key indicator of your overall health. Whether you’re peeing more or less than usual, it’s important to understand what’s normal for you and take action if something changes. If you’re concerned, speak to a urologist who can help you get to the root of the issue and find an appropriate solution.

Source

The post Is Your Peeing Pattern Normal? Here’s What It Means appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.