After vaginal delivery, diving can be resumed after released by the obstetrician. This is usually after the cervix closes, about 21 days. In another week, most muscle tone has returned, depending upon the level of activity of the mother. Barring any pregnancy related complications, such as anemia and poorly healed episiotomy return to diving is...

PMS is an ill-defined group of symptoms that are associated with the hormonal changes that occur in the week or so prior to menses. When severe, the personality and anti-social behavior associated with PMS could be a definite problem in diver interaction on a dive-boat and with a buddy. If the PMS is severe, there...

There is some concern among divers who are nursing that their infants might be harmed by ‘nitrogen bubbles’ in breast milk. This of no concern as nitrogen does not seem to form bubbles in the milk located in the breast glands. Even if the nitrogen were in bubbles, it would do the infant no harm...

There has been one study done with implants placed in a hyperbaric chamber. This study included silicone, saline and silicone/saline filled at various depth/time profiles that would be seen during recreational diving. The study indicated a 1-4% increase in size of bubbles during the study. Saline implants absorbed less nitrogen, N2 being more soluble in...

There is no pool of diving data to indicate that women are at any more or less risk of DCS or osteonecrosis when perimenopausal or post menopausal. Average menopausal age is 50, osteopoross usually starts between ages 60-65 and fractures average at 70-75. Osteonecrosis and osteoporosis have differing pathophysiologic mechanisms; osteonecrosis resulting from blockage of...