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Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can happen to anyone, but mostly affects young women.It can threaten your health, your well-being, and even your life. Much about anorexia isn't fully understood. But it can be treated. Talk to your doct...
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Most breast conditions are benign (noncancerous), causing no serious harm to you. But all women are at some risk for breast cancer. This risk increases as they become older. So if you notice any breast changes that aren't normal for you, see your ...
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Bulimia nervosa is a disorder in which food intake gets out of control. Having this eating disorder is nothing to be ashamed of. Talk to your doctor or another person you trust. You may find it's a relief just to tell someone. Your doctor can also...
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Regular medical checkups can detect chlamydia early, before it develops into PID. Yellow discharge (fluid) from the vagina or anus;Bleeding between periods;Pain or burning during urinationClear discharge (drip) from the penis or anus;Pain or burni...
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If you have diabetes, you aretwo to four times more likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. This is because most people with diabetes also have the main risk factors for heart disease. But there's good news. You can helpcontrol...
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Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin changing and multiplying out of control. These cells can form lumps of tissue called tumors. Cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus is called endometrial cancer. Surgery to remove the uterus.;Radi...
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Do your breasts ever feel "lumpy," sore, or tender? If so, you may have fibrocystic breasts. This is a very common condition. It is not a disease, and it is not cancer. Your doctor can rule out problems and help you ease your symptoms. Glandular t...
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The more you regularly rely on something external to lift you up, relax you, or help you feel better, the closer you move toward addiction. If you decide you are on the path to addiction, you can take action to keep it under control or find caring...
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Gonorrhea is also called "the clap" or "the drip." Pain or burning when urinating;Watery,milky,or yellow discharge (drip) from the penis or anusYellow or white discharge (fluid) from the vagina or anus;Bleeding between periods
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Testing and treatment can help prevent your baby from being infected with group B strep. Treatment includes IV antibiotics (medications that help stop infections). If complications develop, other specialized treatments may be needed. Early treatme...
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Group B strep (streptococcus) is a common bacteria. It can grow in a woman's vagina, rectum, or urinary tract. It is almost always harmless in adults. But in rare cases, a woman who has group B strep can infect her baby during the birth. Infection...
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Sinus headaches can cause a gnawing pain behind the nose and eyes. The pain most often gets worse in the afternoon and evening. You may also run a fever. Sinus headaches are caused by colds or allergies that make the nasal passages inflamed or inf...
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Tension headaches cause a dull, steady pain on both sides of the head and in the neck and the back of the head. The eyes may also feel tired. Tension headaches can be triggeredby lack of sleep, poor posture, eyestrain, stress, and other factors. M...
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Migraines and cluster headaches cause intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head. With a migraine, you may have nausea and vomiting and be sensitive to light and sound. You may also have warning signs, such as flashing lights or loss of visio...
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If you have herpes, you're not alone. Millions of Americans have it. Herpes has no cure. But you can control it and learn how to protect yourself and others from outbreaks. Reduce stress and tension; both can lower your resistance to infection.;Ge...
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If you know how HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can get into your body and what happens once it's there, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself or others against this virus. A person with HIV can look and feel perfectly healthy. But that...
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Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic and painful condition of the bladder. People with IC have a bladder wall that is tender and easily irritated, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Although IC currently has no cure, the symptoms can be managed...
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Miscarriage is common, but finding its cause may not be easy. If a cause can be found, it's likely to be a problem with the baby or the structure of the uterus. Other factors cause miscarriage, but they are less common. There is a problem with the...
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Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of the organs inside the pelvis (found between the waist and thighs), slip from their normal positions. Normally, muscles and tissues in the pelvic region support the pelvic organs and hold them in place. ...
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes harmless cysts in the ovaries and also causes other symptoms. PCOS is caused by certain hormones being out of balance. The word "syndrome" means a group of symptoms. Women with PCOS have no periods, irregula...
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You've just had a baby. You know you should be excited and happy. But instead you find yourself crying for no reason. You feel sad, tired, and hopeless most of the time. You may even feel ashamed or guilty. But what you're going through is not you...
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People don't talk as much about syphilis today as they did in the past. But people still become infected with syphilis, and it can cause very serious problems.
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When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormone. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this condition, the body's immune system mistakes the thyroid gland for something it needs to a...
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Women can get different kinds of urinary tract infections (UTIs).A diagnosis of a UTI is confirmed with a test called a urine culture.
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Preventing vaginitis may be as simple as changing a few habits related to your hygiene, lifestyle, or clothing. Follow the tips below and see your health care provider if you suspect vaginitis again. Avoid using douches (unless recommended by your...
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Cancers of the colon and rectum together are among the most common cancers
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More than 3,700 American women died from cervical cancer in 2005, but death rates from this cancer are dropping. This is because more women are being screened for it. To learn more about cervical cancer and prevention, take this quiz, based on inf...
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Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord. Its symptoms can range from benign to severe. Find out more about this mysterious illness by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institu...
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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms related to a woman's monthly menstrual cycle, according to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC). Up to 10 percent of women with PMS have disabling symptoms, such as suicidal thou...
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Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of your abdominal organs. It can help detect organ problems, such as gallstones, kidney stones, or liver disease. Be sure to mention the medications you take and ask if...
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An AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) test is a simple blood test. It can show whether your fetus has signs of some birth defects. This test is done between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy. Your due date is different than first thought.;You have twins.Neural tu...
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Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that helps you learn if a fetus has health problems. The test is most often done between weeks 15 and 18 of pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor whether amniocentesis is right for you. You're 35 or older.;There's a ...
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A bone density study helps diagnose osteoporosis (bone thinning). Scans of your lower back, hip, or forearm are taken to measure the amount of calcium (density) in your bones. Calcium is the mineral that makes up your bones. Wear clothing without ...
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A bone scan is an imaging test that uses a special camera to form images of your bones. It is used to diagnose bone problems, such as fractures, cancer, or infections, and joint problems such as arthritis. It is also used to check joint replacemen...
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Percutaneous breast biopsies can be done in a doctor's office or in an outpatient setting. A needle or special probe is used to remove samples through the skin. Once removed, the biopsy sample is sent to a lab for study. If a lump or breast change...
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A sentinel nodeis the first lymph a tumor drains into. So, it's the first place that cancer is likely to spread. In breast cancer, the sentinel node is usually one of the axillary lymph nodes in the armpit. A sentinel node breast biopsy can be per...
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Several surgical procedures are used to treat breast cancer. The goal of each is to remove the cancer. Based on medical factors and your own feelings, you and your surgeon will decide which approach may be best for you. Pain or numbness (under the...
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Your yearly checkup should include a clinical breast exam. This exam may be done by a gynecologist, family doctor, nurse practitioner, or specially trained nurse. Yearly breast exams help to ensure that breast conditions are found early. Mammogra...
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Your surgeon can help you decide whether to have reconstructive surgery. You will be advised to wait if now is not the best time for you. Infection;Muscle weakness;Scar tissue;Increased complications in smokers
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Your surgeon can help you decide whether to have reconstructive surgery. You will be advised to wait if now is not the best time for you. Infection;Need for replacement;Hardened breasts
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A cone biopsyis a quick outpatient surgery used to find and treat a problem in the cervix. Your doctor may do a cone biopsy if one or more Pap tests and a colposcopy (microscope) exam showed abnormal cells on your cervix. A cone biopsy takes less ...
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Colposcopy is a procedure that gives your healthcare provider a magnified view of the cervix. It is done using a lighted microscope called a colposcope. In most cases, a sample of cervical cells is taken during a biopsy. The sample can then be stu...
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Many reproductive organ surgeries are done using laparoscopy. Most often, the goal of surgery is to detect and sometimes treat a problem. The following are common reasons for doing laparoscopy.
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Cervical cryotherapy (also called "cryosurgery" or "cryoablation") is a procedure that removes abnormal cells from the cervix. It's most often done in the doctor's office, and only takes a few minutes. During cryotherapy, tissue that includes the ...
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CVS is a prenatal test that helps you learn if a fetus has health problems. The test is most often done between weeks 9 and 11 of pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor whether CVS is right for you. You're 35 or older.;There's a history of inherited ...
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Endometrial ablation is an outpatient surgery that can reduce or stop heavy uterine bleeding. Treatment takes less than an hour, and you can go home later that day. You may be given medication by mouth or injection for a few weeks or months before...
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Endometrial biopsy is a procedure used to study the endometrium (lining of the uterus). It is usually done in your healthcare provider's office. During the biopsy, small tissue samples are taken from the uterine lining. These are then sent to a la...
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Epidural is a kind of anesthetic (medication to block pain). It is commonly used during labor and delivery. During an epidural, anesthetic is injected into the area around your lower spine. An anesthesiologist (a medical doctor) or nurse anestheti...
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A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman's uterus. It can relieve such symptoms as severe pain and bleeding. If you have cancer, it may save your life. Hysterectomy During a hysterectomy, your doctor performs the surgery through an incisi...
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Problems with any of the reproductive organs can disrupt your cycle, cause symptoms, or threaten your health. Some of the most common problems are shown below. A hysterectomy may also be done for other reasons. How severe is your problem?;Do you w...
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HSG(hysterosalpingography) is an x-ray test used to view your reproductive organs. This can help diagnose why you are unable to get pregnant. HSG is done in the x-ray center of a hospital or clinic. During the procedure, a radiologist (doctor who ...
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Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your healthcare provider to see inside your uterus. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can help find the causes of problems in the uterus. This helps determine the best treatment. In some cases, operative hysteroscopy ...
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Collagen implants are one method to help treat incontinence due to a weak sphincter. Collagen is a protein naturally found in the body of animals and humans. Implanting (injecting) animal collagen into your urethra may help close the sphincter and...
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Many different types of treatment are available to help manage IC symptoms and relieve pain. Some may work well for one person and not for another, so several types of treatment may be tried before you and your doctor determine the plan that's bes...
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If you decide on hysterectomy, your doctor may suggest using a type of surgery called laparoscopy. This method has many benefits compared to open surgery. These include a faster recovery and less time in the hospital. Require less time in the hos...
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LEEP(loop electrosurgical excision procedure) is an effective outpatient treatment for dysplasia (abnormal cell growth). A fine wire loop with a special high-frequency current allows your doctor to precisely remove the abnormal tissue from your ce...
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Lumpectomy is surgery to remove cancer. It's a breast-conserving surgery, which means your breast remains intact. If you're having a lumpectomy, you'll probably also have radiation therapy. Sign any consent forms.;Tell your healthcare provider abo...
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Mammographyis an x-ray exam of breast tissue. The image produced is called a mammogram. A mammogram can help detect problems with your breasts,such as cysts or cancer. Schedule the test for one week after your period,when your breasts are less ten...
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Have screening mammograms and professional breast exams as often as your healthcare provider recommends. Also, be sure to do regular breast self-exams. Tell your healthcare provider that you have breast implants when you schedule your exam.;Schedu...
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Mastectomy is surgery to remove the breast. The most commonly done mastectomies are called simple and modified radical. During these procedures, the chest muscle is not removed. As a result, arm strength remains. Keeping the chest muscle also make...
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Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids. This procedure may preserve your uterus and your ability to have children. Have tests that your doctor has ordered.;Stop eating and drinking 10 hours before surgery.;Take medications a...
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Be sure to discuss with your doctor any questions you have about these procedures. At your doctor's office or hospital, you lie down on your back or side in bed, or you recline in a chair.;A fetal heart monitor (a wide strap or cloth band holding ...
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Schedule your test for a time when you will not be having your period. If you're menstruating at the time of your appointment, call your healthcare provider to ask if you should reschedule. Do not douche.;Do not use vaginal medications, creams, or...
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When your Pap test is sent to the lab, the lab studies your cell samples and reports any abnormal cell changes. Your healthcare provider can discuss these changes with you. In some cases, an abnormal Pap test is due to an infection. More serious c...
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Cystocele is when the bladder sags into the vagina. The goal of surgery is to repair the problem and relieve your symptoms. Your surgery may include one or more repairs. Infection;Bleeding;Risks of anesthesia;Damage to nerves, muscles, or nearby p...
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The pelvic floor muscles that support your urethra and bladder also support other pelvic organs.Weak pelvic floor muscles may cause one or more of your pelvic organs to fall out of place (prolapse).This is called pelvic organ prolapse. During surg...
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Rectocele is when the rectum bulges into the vagina. Enterocele is when the small intestine bulges into the vagina. The goal of surgery is to repair the problem and relieve your symptoms. Infection;Bleeding;Risks of anesthesia;Damage to nerves, mu...
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Uterine prolapse is when the uterus drops into the vagina. In severe cases, the uterus can protrude from the vagina. The goal of surgery is to repair the problem and relieve your symptoms. Infection;Bleeding;Risks of anesthesia;Damage to nerves, m...
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Vaginal vault prolapse is when the walls of the vagina fall in on themselves. This can happen after the uterus has been removed. The goal of surgery is to repair the problem and relieve your symptoms. Infection;Bleeding;Risks of anesthesia;Damage ...
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Pelvic ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of your organs. It can help assess pain or other symptoms within your pelvis (area between your hip bones). And in pregnant women, it is used to check the health of the fe...
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Ultrasound is a common prenatal procedure used even in low-risk pregnancies to confirm your due date or assess your baby's health. If there are any concerns that your baby may be at risk, ultrasound can help provide the information your doctor nee...
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If you have Rh negative blood, your fetus may be at risk for health problems. This is true only if the fetus has Rh positive blood. A simple test followed by treatment can help prevent problems.
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Stereotactic breast biopsy is used to take tiny samples of your breast tissue that can be studied under a microscope. This procedure uses x-rays to find the tissue to be removed. It may prevent the need for an open (surgical) biopsy. Tell your doc...
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A surgical breast biopsy requires an incision in the skin. This allows your doctor to take a large sample of tissue from the breast. In fact, the whole lump is often removed. The sample is then sent to a lab for study.
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Ultrasound is an imaging test. It uses sound waves to form pictures of your organs that appear on a screen. Ultrasound is often done with a probe placed on the abdomen. Transvaginal ultrasound uses a special probe that is placed directly into the ...
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