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Posts in category Women’s Health

Sexual Problems in women

Apr29
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Long considered a taboo subject, women’s sexuality is now openly discussed and portrayed on television, in magazines, and on the internet. Most importantly, women themselves are becoming increasingly aware of their sexuality and their sexual health. Women of all ages are learning more about their sexuality.

What is “sexuality”? For a woman, as for a man, sexuality encompasses a very broad range of physical activities and psychological experiences. These activities fulfill an important physical and emotional need for closeness and intimacy. Sexuality doesn’t include just your sexual practices. Your feelings about yourself, how you relate to others, and about sex and previous sexual experiences are part of your sexual makeup. Your feelings about your partner and your relationship definitely affect your sexual satisfaction.

There is no “normal” level of sexual response, because it is different for every woman. You may also find that what is normal at one stage of your life changes at another stage or age. For example, it’s common for an exhausted mother of a baby to have little interest in sex. And it’s common for both women and men to have less intense sex drives as they age. This is linked in part to hormone changes in the body.

Posted in Women's Health

Physical Activity and Pregnancy

Feb12
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to cope comfortably with your changing shape and weight gain. You are also more likely to get back into shape after the birth. Physical activity is also an excellent way of relaxing.
Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, or dancing, or just walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable. Try to keep up regular exercise at least three times a week. If you can’t manage that, any amount is better than nothing. Don’t exhaust yourself and remember that you will need to slow down as your pregnancy progresses, or if your doctor advises you to. If in doubt, consult your doctor or midwife. READ MORE »

Posted in Pregnancy - Tagged

10 Questions to Ask a New Partner Before Having Sex …

Feb12
2011 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Before hopping into bed with a new sex partner, have an open and honest conversation about your sexual histories, risks, and the last time you were tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Knowing someone’s test results isn’t enough. “Even if your partner tested negative for HIV last week, it doesn’t mean he or she isn’t HIV positive,” says Perry N. Halkitis, PhD, a psychologist specializing in HIV at New York University. “Most HIV tests can only detect the virus starting three to six months after infection—so you should ask about your partner’s sexual history for the past six months.”

Here’s what you need to find out. Of course, you probably won’t get too far down the list if you just roll out the interrogation; but these are the questions you really do need answers to, one way or another. One option: Start by sharing your history, and see what you get back.

  1. Are you HIV positive?
  2. Have you ever tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease? If so, were you treated?
  3. How many sex partners have you had since your last STD and HIV tests?
  4. Have you had any STDs in the past six months?
  5. If you have been diagnosed with herpes or genital warts, are you having outbreaks? Are you being treated?
  6. Have you been at risk for HIV in the past six months?
  7. Do you have any objection to using a condom?
  8. Are you allergic to latex?
  9. Are you on any form of birth control?
  10. Which sexual activities do you want to engage in?
Posted in HEALTH TIPS, Men's Health, Women's Health

Ovarian Cancer

Oct15
2009 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Signs and Symptoms

Ovarian cancer originates in the cells of the ovaries, including surface epithelial cells, germ cells and the sex cord-stromal cells. Ovarian tumors include:

* Germ Cell Tumors — Ovarian germ cell tumors develop from cells that produce the ova or eggs. Most germ cell tumors are benign, although some are cancerous and may be life-threatening. The most common germ cell malignancies are maturing teratomas, dysgerminomas and endodermal sinus tumors. Teenagers and women in their 20s are most often diagnosed with germ cell malignancies. Before combination chemotherapy was available as a treatment, the most aggressive of these tumors — the GNP abnormal sinus tumor — was associated with a one-year disease-free survival rate of only 10 percent to 19 percent, even though 70 percent of these tumors were diagnosed very early. Today, however, 90 percent of women with ovarian germ cell malignancies can be cured and their fertility preserved. READ MORE »

Posted in Ovarian Cancer, Women's Health - Tagged , ,

Fallopian Tube Cancer

Oct15
2009 1 Comment Written by admin

Signs and Symptoms

Fallopian tube cancer, also known as tubal cancer, develops in the fallopian tubes that connect the ovaries and the uterus. It is very rare and accounts for only 1 percent to 2 percent of all gynecologic cancers. About 1,500 to 2,000 cases of fallopian tube cancer have been reported worldwide. Approximately 300 to 400 women are diagnosed with the condition annually in the United States. It is more common for cancer to spread, or metastasize, from other parts of the body, such as the ovaries or endometrium, than for cancer to actually originate in the fallopian tubes.

Fallopian tube cancer typically affects women between the ages of 50 and 60, although it can occur at any age. It is more common in Caucasian women who have had few or no children. Because this cancer is so rare, little is known about what causes it. However, researchers are investigating whether genetics play a role. There is evidence that women who have inherited the gene linked to breast and ovarian cancer, called BRCA1, are also at an increased risk of developing fallopian tube cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of fallopian tube cancer also may mimic those of other gynecological problems. Some of the more common symptoms of the disease may include:

* Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
* Abdominal pain or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen
* Abnormal vaginal discharge that is white, clear or pinkish
* A pelvic mass at the time of diagnosis, which is present in up to two-thirds of patients

Diagnosis

Because fallopian tube cancer is so rare, and its symptoms can resemble other problems, it can be difficult to diagnose. Additionally, in some cases, women don’t learn they have fallopian tube cancer until a tube has been removed surgically during an operation to treat another illness or problem.

However, there are several tests that may be performed in order to make a definite diagnosis of the condition. First your doctor will start by asking about any symptoms you may be experiencing, as well as reviewing your medical history and conducting a thorough physical exam. Other tests that may be performed include:

* Pelvic Exam – This test involves feeling the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and rectum to find any abnormality in their shape or size.
* CA125 Test — This is a blood test that checks levels of a blood protein known as CA125, which is a tumor marker for gynecological diseases, such as fallopian tube cancer. An estimated 85 percent of women with gynecological disease have increased levels of CA125. However, it is important to note that increased levels of CA125 may not necessarily mean that a woman has cancer, since CA125 levels also may be increased during pregnancy, menstruation, in the presence of other non-cancerous gynecologic diseases or cancers affecting other parts of the body.
* Computed tomography (CT) Scan – This imaging test takes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are created by a computer, which is linked to an X-ray machine. A special dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly.

* Ultrasound — An ultrasound of the pelvis may be performed. This test involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body. These waves, which cannot be heard by humans, create a pattern of echoes called a sonogram. Healthy tissues, fluid-filled cysts, and tumors look different on this picture.

Treatment

Treatment for fallopian tube cancer usually involves surgery, followed by chemotherapy. Therapy will depend on your age, your desire to have children, as well as the type and stage of your tumor.

*Surgery – Surgery is typically the first step of treatment for fallopian tube cancer. It usually involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries, a procedure called a total abdominal hysterectomy. During this procedure, specific areas outside of the fallopian tubes are sampled to see if any cancer has spread. If cancer has spread beyond the fallopian tubes, it is extremely important to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Chemotherapy – In some cases, chemotherapy may be recommended as a follow-up treatment to surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Drugs may be given by mouth or they may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called systemic treatment because the drug enters the blo

Posted in Fallopian Tube Cancer, Women's Health - Tagged

Endometrial Cancers

Oct15
2009 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Signs and Symptoms

Endometrial cancers develop in the uterus, though most develop in the endometrial glands that line the inner wall of the uterine cavity rather than in the uterus’ muscular wall.

Although endometrial cancer usually occurs after menopause, it also may occur around the time that menopause begins. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine cancer. Bleeding may start as a watery, blood-streaked flow that gradually contains more blood. Women should not assume that abnormal vaginal bleeding is part of menopause.

You should see your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Difficult or painful urination
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pain in the pelvic area

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms that suggest endometrial cancer, your doctor may check general signs of your health and order blood and urine tests. Your doctor also may perform one or more of the exams or following tests:

* A pelvic exam is done to check a woman’s vagina, uterus, bladder and rectum. The doctor feels these organs for any lumps or changes in their shape or size. To see the upper part of the vagina and the cervix, the doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina.

* A Pap test is when the doctor collects cells from the cervix and upper vagina. A medical laboratory checks for abnormal cells. Although the Pap test can detect cancer of the cervix, cells from inside the uterus usually do not show up on a Pap test. This is why the doctor collects samples of cells from inside the uterus in a procedure called a biopsy.

* Transvaginal ultrasound involves a doctor inserting an instrument into the vagina. The instrument aims high-frequency sound waves at the uterus. The pattern of the echoes they produce creates a picture. If the endometrium looks too thick, the doctor can do a biopsy.

* Biopsy is when the doctor removes a sample of tissue from the uterine lining. This usually can be done in the doctor’s office.

Treatment

There are a number of ways to treat endometrial cancer, including:

Surgery – Most women with uterine cancer have surgery to remove the uterus through an incision in the abdomen — this procedure is called a hysterectomy. If the doctor also removes the fallopian tubes and the ovaries, this procedure is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Hormonal Therapy — If the cancer has spread to other parts of your body, synthetic progestin, a form of the hormone progesterone, may stop it from growing. The progestin used in treating endometrial cancer is in different doses than the progestin used in hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. Some different medications may be used as well. Treatment with progestin may be an option for women with early endometrial cancer who want to have children and therefore do not want to have a hysterectomy. However, this approach is new and does not guarantee that the cancer will not return.

Radiation Therapy — Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. It is a localized treatment, which means that it works to attack cancer cells in one area. The radiation may come from a large machine, called external radiation, or from radioactive materials placed directly into the uterus, called implant radiation. Some patients receive both types of radiation therapy.

Posted in Endometrial Cancers, Women's Health - Tagged

Biopsy

Oct15
2009 Leave a Comment Written by admin

During a biopsy, the doctor removes a sample of the suspicious area to be looked at under a microscope. A biopsy is done when mammograms, other imaging tests, or the physical exam finds a breast change (or abnormality) that is possibly cancer. A biopsy is the only way to tell if cancer is really present.

There are several types of biopsies, such as fine needle aspiration biopsy, core (large needle) biopsy, and surgical biopsy. Each has its pros and cons. The choice of which to use depends on your specific situation. Some of the factors your doctor will consider include how suspicious the lesion appears, how large it is, where in the breast it is located, how many lesions are present, other medical problems you may have, and your personal preferences. You might want to discuss the pros and cons of different biopsy types with your doctor. READ MORE »

Posted in Breast Cancer, Women's Health - Tagged

Nipple discharge exam

Oct15
2009 Leave a Comment Written by admin

If you are having nipple discharge, some of the fluid may be collected and looked at under a microscope to see if any cancer cells are in it. Most nipple discharges or secretions are not cancer. In general, if the secretion appears milky or clear green, cancer is very unlikely. If the discharge is red or red-brown, suggesting that it contains blood, it might possibly be caused by cancer, although an injury, infection, or benign tumors are more likely causes.

Even when no cancer cells are found in a nipple discharge, it is not possible to say for certain that a breast cancer is not there. If a patient has a suspicious mass, it will be necessary to biopsy the mass, even if the nipple discharge does not contain cancer cells. READ MORE »

Posted in Breast Cancer, Women's Health - Tagged

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast

Oct15
2009 Leave a Comment Written by admin

MRI scans use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays. The energy from the radio waves is absorbed and then released in a pattern formed by the type of body tissue and by certain diseases. A computer translates the pattern into a very detailed image of parts of the body. A contrast liquid called gadolinium is often injected into a vein before or during the scan to show details better.

MRI scans can take a long time — often up to an hour. You have to lie inside a narrow tube, which is confining and may upset people with claustrophobia (a fear of enclosed spaces). The machine also makes loud buzzing and clicking noises that you may find disturbing. Some places will give you headphones with music to block this out. MRIs are also expensive, although insurance plans generally pay for them in some situations, such as once cancer is diagnosed. READ MORE »

Posted in Breast Cancer, Women's Health - Tagged

Imaging tests used to evaluate breast disease

Oct15
2009 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Imaging tests use x-rays, magnetic fields, sound waves, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of your body. Imaging tests may be done for a number of reasons, including to help find out whether a suspicious area might be cancerous, to learn how far cancer may have spread, and to help determine if treatment is working.

Diagnostic mammograms

Although mammograms are mostly used for screening, they can also be used to examine the breast of a woman who has a breast problem. This can be a breast mass, nipple discharge, or an abnormality that was found on a screening mammogram. In some cases, special images known as cone views with magnification are used to make a small area of abnormal breast tissue easier to evaluate. READ MORE »

Posted in Breast Cancer, Women's Health - Tagged
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