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What to expect if I have Progeria (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Prognosis of children with progeria is very poor. They may suffer from diseases such as coronary artery disease, cataracts, osteoarthritis and stroke. Death occurs on average at age 13, usually from heart attack or stroke. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Spinal muscular atrophy? | Infants with SMA type I (the most severe form of SMA) are born with very decreased muscle tone, weak muscles, and feeding and breathing problems. With SMA type III (the mildest form), symptoms may not appear until the second year of life.
Often, weakness is first noted in the shoulder muscles and proximal leg muscles. Weakness gets worse over time and will eventually become severe.
Symptoms in an infant:
Breathing difficulty Feeding difficulty Floppy infant (poor muscle tone) Lack of head control Little spontaneous movement Progressive weakness (older infant to toddler) Very weak infant
Symptoms in a child:
Frequent, increasingly severe respiratory infections Nasal speech Worsening posture | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Spinal muscular atrophy? | Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a collection of different muscle diseases. Grouped together, it is the second leading cause of neuromuscular disease. Most of the time, a person must get the defective gene from both parents to be affected. Approximately, 4 out of every 100,000 people have the condition.
The most severe form is SMA type I, also called Werdnig-Hoffman disease. Infants with SMA type II have less severe symptoms during early infancy, but they become progressively weaker with time. SMA type III is the least severe form of the disease.
Rarely, SMA may begin in adulthood. This is usually a milder form of the disease.
A family history of spinal muscular atrophy is a risk factor for all types of the disorder. | Answer this question truthfully |
Possible Complications? | Aspiration Contractions of muscles and tendons Respiratory infections Scoliosis | Answer this question truthfully |
When to Contact a Medical Professional? | Call your health care provider if your child:
Appears weak Develops any other symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy Has difficulty feeding
Breathing difficulty can rapidly become an emergency condition. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Tay-Sachs disease? | The most common form of Tay-Sachs disease becomes apparent in infancy. Infants with this disorder typically appear normal until the age of 3 to 6 months, when their development slows and muscles used for movement weaken. Affected infants lose motor skills such as turning over, sitting, and crawling. They also develop an exaggerated startle reaction to loud noises. As the disease progresses, children with Tay-Sachs disease experience seizures, vision and hearing loss, intellectual disability, and paralysis. An eye abnormality called a cherry-red spot, which can be identified with an eye examination, is characteristic of this disorder. Children with this severe infantile form of Tay-Sachs disease usually live only into early childhood.
Other forms of Tay-Sachs disease are very rare. Signs and symptoms can appear in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and are usually milder than those seen with the infantile form. Characteristic features include muscle weakness, loss of muscle coordination (ataxia) and other problems with movement, speech problems, and mental illness. These signs and symptoms vary widely among people with late-onset forms of Tay-Sachs disease. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at risk for Tay-Sachs disease? | Tay-Sachs disease is an autosomal recessive condition, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.
Tay-Sachs disease is very rare in the general population. The genetic mutations that cause this disease are more common in people of Ashkenazi (eastern and central European) Jewish heritage than in those with other backgrounds. The mutations responsible for this disease are also more common in certain French-Canadian communities of Quebec, the Old Order Amish community in Pennsylvania, and the Cajun population of Louisiana. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Tay-Sachs disease ? | See your doctor immediately if your child displays any of the symptoms listed above | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? | Dementia symptoms involve difficulty with many areas of mental function, including:
Language Memory Perception Emotional behavior or personality Cognitive skills (such as calculation, abstract thinking, or judgment)
Dementia usually first manifests as forgetfulness.
Mild cognitive impairment is the stage between normal forgetfulness due to aging and the development of AD. People with MCI have mild problems with thinking and memory that do not interfere with everyday activities. They are often aware of the forgetfulness. Not everyone with MCI develops AD.
Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment include:
Forgetting recent events or conversations Difficulty performing more than one task at a time Difficulty solving problems Taking longer than normal to perform more difficult activities
The early symptoms of AD can include:
Language problems, such as trouble finding the name of familiar objects Misplacing items Getting lost on familiar routes Personality changes and loss of social skills Losing interest in things previously enjoyed; flat mood Difficulty performing tasks that require some thought, but which used to come easily (e.g., balancing a checkbook, playing complex games such as bridge, and learning new information or routines)
As the AD becomes worse, symptoms become more obvious and interfere with the patient's ability to take care of himself/herself. Symptoms can include:
Forgetting details about current events Forgetting events in your own life history, losing awareness of who you are Change in sleep patterns, often waking up at night Difficulty reading or writing Poor judgment and loss of ability to recognize danger Using the wrong word, mispronouncing words, speaking in confusing sentences Withdrawing from social contact Having hallucinations, arguments, striking out, and exhibiting violent behavior Having delusions; experiencing depression and/or agitation Difficulty carrying out basic tasks, such as preparing meals, choosing proper clothing, and driving
People with severe AD can no longer:
Understand language Recognize family members Perform the basic activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing
Other symptoms that may occur with AD:
Incontinence Swallowing problems | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Alzheimer's disease? | Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but it is clear that it develops because of a complex series of events that take place in the brain over a long period of time. It is likely that the causes include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Because people differ in their genetic make-up and lifestyle, the importance of these factors in preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s differs from person to person. In a very small number of families, people develop Alzheimer’s disease in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Many of these people have a mutation, or permanent change, in one of three genes that they inherited from a parent. We know that these gene mutations cause Alzheimer’s in these “early-onset” familial cases. Not all early-onset cases are caused by such mutations. Most people with Alzheimer’s disease have “late-onset” Alzheimer’s, which usually develops after age 60. Many studies have linked a gene called APOE to late-onset Alzheimer’s. This gene has several forms. One of them, APOE ε4, increases a person’s risk of getting the disease. About 40 percent of all people who develop late-onset Alzheimer’s carry this gene. However, carrying the APOE ε4 form of the gene does not necessarily mean that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease, and people carrying no APOE ε4 forms can also develop the disease. Most experts believe that additional genes may influence the development of late-onset Alzheimer’s in some way. Scientists around the world are searching for these genes. Researchers have identified variants of the SORL1, CLU, PICALM, and CR1 genes that may play a role in risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s.
A nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, and mentally stimulating pursuits can all help people stay healthy. New research suggests the possibility that these factors also might help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are investigating associations between cognitive decline and vascular and metabolic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Understanding these relationships and testing them in clinical trials will help us understand whether reducing risk factors for these diseases may help with Alzheimer’s as well. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Alzheimer%27s disease ? | Age and family history are the best-understood risk factors for AD.
As you get older, your risk of developing AD increases. Nonetheless, developing Alzheimer's disease is not a normal aspect of the aging process. Having a close blood relative, such as a brother, sister, or parent who developed AD increases your risk for developing AD. Having certain combination of genes for proteins that appear to be abnormal in Alzheimer's disease also increases your risk.
Other risk factors that are not as well understood include:
Longstanding high blood pressure History of head trauma Female gender | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Alzheimer%27s disease ? | Call your health care provider if someone close to you experiences symptoms of senile dementia / Alzheimer's disease.
Call your health care provider if a person with this disorder experiences a sudden change in mental status. (A rapid change may indicate the presence of another illness.)
Discuss the situation with your health care provider if you are caring for a person with this disorder and the condition deteriorates to the point where you can no longer care for the person in your home. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Alzheimer%27s disease (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The trajectory of AD is different for each person. If AD develops quickly, it is more likely to worsen quickly. Patients with AD often die earlier than normal, although a patient may live anywhere from 3 to 20 years after being diagnosed. The final phase of the disease may last from a few months to several years. During that time, the patient becomes immobile and totally disabled. Death usually occurs from an infection or a failure of other body systems. | Answer this question truthfully |
Centenarians—What Makes Them the Anti-Aging All Stars? | One way to find what helps people live long healthy lives is to study those who have succeeded. Centenarians have written best selling books, excelled in sports, piloted airplanes, practiced medicine, danced, sculpted, taught in universities, graduated from universities, run for Congress, and even fathered children.
The current documented record holder for longevity was Jeanne Calment, a French woman who lived 122 years and died in 1997. There are reports of older people in some remote villages but there is no documentation to verify the claims (and they live in cultures that give great status to the oldest). Centenarians have become so common, the newest category is “Super Centenarians,” those 110+ years old.
The most definitive research on centenarians is Thomas Perls, MD and Margery’s Living to 100 study of New England centenarians. Interviews with centenarians include Lynn Adler ’s Centenarians: The Bonus Years and photographer Liane Enkelis ’ incredible photographs and stories in On Being 100. There are quite a few autobiographies and biographies including Jeanne Calment: From Van Gough’s Time to Ours.
Research suggests that centenarians have little in common physically. They are physically active people, most don’t smoke, and they typically maintained about the same body weight through their adult life.
The role of genetics in longevity is complex. A genetic vulnerability to a life threatening disease, e.g., malaria, reduces life expectancy. If a vaccine or cure is developed, the same genes no longer present a problem. With Alzheimer’s disease, for example, those with the certain apo-E gene patterns have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. When scientists develop a cure, Alzheimer’s will no longer compromise the quality and length of life for those who are at risk.
There appear to be genes that foster living longer. Researchers have extended the life of fruit flies by 30% by giving them an extra copy of a gene. Other researchers extended the life of nematodes (microscopic worms) by 500% by removing a gene. It isn’t clear yet why the genetic engineering is extending the lives, but the results are promising.
Danish researchers compared identical and fraternal twins and extrapolated that only 30% of longevity is genetic. That means that 70% is lifestyle and the choices people make. George Valliant, Ph.D., and subsequent researchers have followed Harvard freshman in the classes from 1939-1949 periodically to the present. One especially notable finding was that men who had traits such as optimism and humor as freshmen were less likely to develop chronic illness or die by age 45. The difference was even more pronounced at age 60. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Hearing impairment? | Symptoms of hearing loss may include:
Certain sounds seem too loud Difficulty following conversations when two or more people are talking Difficulty hearing in noisy areas Hard to tell high-pitched sounds (such as "s" or "th") from one another Less trouble hearing men's voices than women's voices Problems hearing when there is background noise Voices that sound mumbled or slurred
Other symptoms include:
Feeling of being off-balance or dizzy (more common with Meniere's disease and acoustic neuroma) Pressure in the ear (in fluid behind the eardrum) Ringing or buzzing sound in the ears (tinnitus) | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the causes of Hearing impairment? | Conductive hearing loss (CHL) occurs because of a mechanical problem in the outer or middle ear. The three tiny bones of the ear (ossicles) may not conduct sound properly or the eardrum may not vibrate in response to sound.
Causes of conductive hearing loss can often be treated. They include:
Buildup of wax in the ear canal Damage to the very small bones (ossicles) that are right behind the eardrum Fluid that stays in the ear after an ear infection Foreign object that is stuck in the ear canal Hole in the eardrum Scar on the eardrum from repeat infections
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs when the tiny hair cells (nerve endings) that detect sound in the ear are injured, diseased, do not work correctly, or have died. This type of hearing loss often cannot be reversed.
Sensorineural hearing loss is commonly caused by:
Acoustic neuroma Age-related hearing loss Childhood infections, such as meningitis, mumps, scarlet fever, and measles Meniere's disease Regular exposure to loud noises (such as from work or recreation) Use of certain medicines
Hearing loss may be present at birth (congenital) and can be due to:
Birth defects that cause changes in the ear structures Genetic conditions (more than 400 are known) Infections the mother passes to her baby in the womb (such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, or herpes)
The ear can also be injured by:
Pressure differences between the inside and outside of the eardrum, often from scuba diving Skull fractures (can damage the structures or nerves of the ear) Trauma from explosions, fireworks, gunfire, rock concerts, and earphones | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Neuralgia? | Increased sensitivity of the skin along the path of the damaged nerve, so that any touch or pressure is felt as pain Numbness along the path of the nerve In the same location each episode Sharp, stabbing May come and go (intermittent), or be constant, burning pain May get worse when the area is moved Weakness or complete paralysis of muscles supplied by the same nerve | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Neuralgia? | Causes of neuralgia include:
Chemical irritation Chronic renal insufficiency Diabetes Infections, such as herpes zoster (shingles), HIV, Lyme disease, and syphilis Medications such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, or vincristine Porphyria Pressure on nerves by nearby bones, ligaments, blood vessels, or tumors Trauma (including surgery)
In many cases, the cause is unknown.
Postherpetic neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia are the two most common forms of neuralgia. A related but less common neuralgia affects the glossopharyngeal nerve, which provides feeling to the throat. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Neuralgia ? | Neuralgia is more common in elderly people, but it may occur at any age. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Neuralgia ? | Contact your health care provider if:
You develop shingles You have symptoms of neuralgia, especially if over-the-counter pain medications do not relieve your pain You have severe pain (see a pain specialist) | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Neuralgia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Most neuralgias are not life-threatening and are not signs of other life-threatening disorders. However, pain can be severe. For severe pain that does not improve, see a pain specialist so that you can explore all treatment options.
Most neuralgias will respond to treatment. Attacks of pain usually come and go. However, attacks may become more frequent in some patients as they get older. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Nocturia? | Benign prostatic hyperplasia Certain drugs including diuretics, demeclocycline, lithium, methoxyflurane, phenytoin, and propoxyphene Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection Chronic renal failure Congestive heart failure Cystitis Diabetes Drinking too much fluid before bedtime, particularly coffee, caffeinated beverages, or alcohol High blood calcium level Obstructive sleep apnea and other sleeping disorders | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Nocturia ? | Make an appointment with your health care provider if:
Excessive nighttime urination continues over several days, and is not explained by medications or increase of fluids before bedtime You are bothered by the number of times you must urinate during the night | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease? | Symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary with each individual and the stage of Parkinson's disease. In the early course, Parkinson's disease does not have any symptoms. As the disease developes, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Tremor: Tremor is one of the most common signs of Parkinson's disease. It often affects in a hand, arm, or leg. It occurs when the person is awake and sitting or standing still, and subsides when the person moves the affected body part. Rigidity: Muscle stiffness often occurs in the limbs and neck. Later, the patient can not move an arm or leg normally and feel pain in the limb. Masked face: This appearance is cause by loss of movement in the muscles in the face. Patients with Parkinson's disease may feel it difficult to speak and swallow. Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and impaired balance: In the later course of the disease, patients with Parkinson's disease are likely to take small steps and shuffle with the feet close together. They also have trouble in turning around and keeping balance. These abnormities may result in frequent falls. Freezing Constipation Dementia: Patients may appear progressively memory loss, losing interest in things they previously enjoyed, difficulty communicating, reading or writing, difficulty with performing tasks. With time goes on, more signs such as withdrawing from social contact, personality changes and inappropriate behavior may be observed. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Parkinson%27s disease ? | The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown. Many researchers believe that a combination of several factors is involved in the development of this disease.
Free radicals Aging Environmental toxins Genetic predisposition | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Parkinson%27s disease ? | Call your health care provider if symptoms of Parkinson's disaese develop. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Parkinson%27s disease (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The prognosis of Parkinson's disease varies from person to person. It depends on:
Whether the patient can be treated early Whether the patient can get a good care or not Whether the patient is accompanied with complications, such as pneumonia, dementia, falling injury or fracture. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Adenomyosis? | Long-term or heavy menstrual bleeding Painful menstruation, which gets increasing worse Pelvic pain during intercourse
Note: In many cases, the woman may not have any symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Adenomyosis? | The cause is unknown. Sometimes adenomyosis may cause a mass or growth within the uterus, which is called an adenomyoma. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Adenomyosis ? | The disease usually occurs in women older than 30 who have had children. It is more likely in women with previous cesarean section or other uterine surgery. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Adenomyosis ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of adenomyosis. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Adenomyosis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Symptoms usually go away after menopause. A hysterectomy completely relieves symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Bartholin's abscess? | A tender lump on either side of the vaginal opening Fever Pain with sexual intercourse | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Bartholin's abscess? | A Bartholin's abscess forms when a small opening (duct) from the gland gets blocked. Fluid in the gland builds up and may become infected. Fluid may build up over many years before an abscess occurs.
Often the abscess appears quickly over several days and become very hot and swollen. Activity that puts pressure on the vulva, and walking and sitting, may cause excruciating pain. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Bartholin%27s abscess ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a painful, swollen lump is noted on the labia near the vaginal opening and does not improve with 2 - 3 days of home treatment. Call if pain is severe and interferes with normal activity.
Call your health care provider if you have one of these cysts and develop a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Bartholin%27s abscess (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The chance of full recovery is excellent. About 10% of the time, abscesses recur.
It is important to treat any vaginal infection that may be diagnosed at the same time as the abscess. | Answer this question truthfully |
How is the Colposcopic biopsy done? | You will lie on a table and place your feet in stirrups to position your pelvis for examination. The health care provider will insert an instrument (speculum) into your vagina to open the vaginal walls and examine the cervix.
The cervix and vagina are gently swabbed with dilute vinegar (acetic acid). This removes the mucus that covers the surface and highlights abnormal areas. Sometime an iodine-based solution (Lugol's) similar to solutions used for cleaning skin may also be swabbed on the cervix and vagina.
The health care provider will place the colposcope at the opening of the vagina and examine the area. Photographs may be taken. The colposcope does not touch you.
If any areas look abnormal, a small sample of the tissue will be removed (biopsy) using small biopsy forceps. Many samples may be taken, depending on the size and location of the area. Sometimes a tissue sample from inside the cervix is removed. This is called endocervical curettage (ECC). | Answer this question truthfully |
Who needs Colposcopic biopsy? | Colposcopy is done to detect either cancer of the cervix or changes that may lead to cancer at an early stage.
This procedure is most often done when you have had an abnormal Pap smear. It may also be recommended if you have bleeding after sexual intercourse.
Colposcopy may also be done when your health care provider sees abnormal areas on your cervix during a pelvic exam. These may include:
Any abnormal growth on the cervix, or elsewhere in the vagina Genital warts or HPV Irritation or inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)
The colposcopy may be used to keep track of HPV, and to look for abnormal changes that can come back after treatment. | Answer this question truthfully |
How to prepare for Colposcopic biopsy? | There is no special preparation. You may be more comfortable if you empty your bladder and bowel before the procedure.
You should not douche, place any products into the vagina, or have sexual intercourse for 24 hours before the exam. You should not be menstruating heavily. However, if you are at the very end or beginning of your regular period or you are having abnormal bleeding, you should still keep your appointment.
You may be able to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) before the colposcopy. Ask your doctor if this is okay, and when and how much you should take.
Tell your doctor before the test if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. | Answer this question truthfully |
What do I experience during the procedure? | The placement of the instrument (speculum) to better see the cervix may be more uncomfortable than for a regular Pap smear.
Some women feel a slight sting from the vinegar or Lugol's solution.
The biopsy or curettage may feel like a pinch or cramp each time a tissue sample is taken. You may have some cramping or slight bleeding after the biopsy. Heavy bleeding is unusual; if you have bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour, call your doctor. Do not use tampons or put anything in the vagina for several days after a biopsy.
It is typical for women to hold their breath during pelvic procedures because they expect pain. Concentrating on slow, regular breathing will help you relax and relieve pain. Ask your doctor or nurse about bringing a support person with you if that will help. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Colposcopic biopsy ? | After biopsy, call your health care provider if:
Bleeding is very heavy or lasts for longer than 2 weeks. You have pain in your belly or in the pelvic area. You notice any signs of infection (fever, foul odor, or discharge). | Answer this question truthfully |
Where to find centers that perform Colposcopic biopsy? | Directions to Hospitals Performing Colposcopic biopsy | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Colposcopic biopsy (Outlook/Prognosis)? | After the biopsy, you may have some bleeding for up to a week. You may have mild cramping, your vagina may feel sore, and you may have a dark discharge for 1 - 3 days.
A colposcopy and biopsy will not make it more difficult for you to become pregnant, or cause problems during pregnancy.
You may have some bleeding after the biopsy for up to 1 week.
You should not douche, place tampons or creams into the vagina, or have sex for up to a week afterward. Ask your doctor or nurse how long you should wait. You can use sanitary pads.
If the colposcopy or biopsy does not show why the Pap smear was abnormal, your health care provider may suggest that you have a more extensive biopsy. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Cystocele? | A bladder that has dropped from its normal position may cause two kinds of problems-unwanted urine leakage and incomplete emptying of the bladder. In some women, a fallen bladder stretches the opening into the urethra, causing urine leakage when the woman coughs, sneezes, laughs, or moves in any way that puts pressure on the bladder. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Cystocele? | A cystocele may result from muscle straining while giving birth. Other kinds of straining-such as heavy lifting or repeated straining during bowel movements-may also cause the bladder to fall. The hormone estrogen helps keep the muscles around the vagina strong. When women go through menopause-that is, when they stop having menstrual periods-their bodies stop making estrogen, so the muscles around the vagina and bladder may grow weak.
A cystocele is mild-grade 1-when the bladder droops only a short way into the vagina. With a more severe-grade 2-cystocele, the bladder sinks far enough to reach the opening of the vagina. The most advanced-grade 3-cystocele occurs when the bladder bulges out through the opening of the vagina. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Cystocele ? | Following factors increases the risk for developing cyslocele:
Vaginal delivery of a child Risk increases with age and is seen more frequently in postmenopausal women. Hysterectomy - surgical removal of uterus Connective tissue disorders which occur in genetically predisposed women. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Cystocele ? | Consult your health care provider if you experience the above mentioned symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
How is the Dilation and curettage done? | D and C, also called uterine scraping, may be performed in the hospital or in a clinic while you are under general or local anesthesia.
The health care provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This holds open the vaginal canal. Numbing medicine may be applied to the opening to the uterus (cervix).
The cervical canal is widened using a metal rod, and a curette (a metal loop on the end of a long, thin handle) is passed through the opening into the uterus cavity. The doctor gently scrapes the inner layer of tissue, called the endometrium. The tissue is collected for examination. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who needs Dilation and curettage? | This procedure may be done to:
Diagnose conditions such as uterine cancer Remove tissue after a miscarriage Treat heavy menstrual bleeding or irregular periods Perform a therapeutic or elective abortion
Your doctor may also recommend a D and C if you have:
Abnormal bleeding while on hormone replacement therapy An embedded intrauterine device (IUD) Bleeding after menopause Endometrial polyps Thickening of the uterus
This list may not be all-inclusive. | Answer this question truthfully |
Where to find centers that perform Dilation and curettage? | Directions to Hospitals Performing Dilation and curettage | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Dilation and curettage (Outlook/Prognosis)? | You may return to normal activities as soon as you feel better, possibly even the same day. There may be vaginal bleeding, as well as pelvic cramps and back pain for a few days after the procedure.
You can usually manage pain well with medications. Tampon use and sexual intercourse are not recommended for 1 - 2 weeks after this procedure. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Dyspareunia? | A diaphragm that does not fit properly Endometriosis Genital irritation from soaps, detergents, douches, or feminine hygiene products Hemorrhoids Herpes sores, genital warts, or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Intercourse too soon after surgery or childbirth Menopause Ovarian cysts Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) Reaction to the latex of a diaphragm or condom Sexual abuse or rape Urinary tract infections Use of certain medications Vaginal dryness Vaginal infection Vaginismus | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Dyspareunia ? | Call your doctor if:
Home remedies are not working. You have other symptoms with painful intercourse, like bleeding, genital lesions, irregular periods, discharge from penis or vagina, or involuntary vaginal muscle contraction.
If you have been sexually assaulted, report the crime to the police and go to the emergency room immediately. Get a trusted friend to accompany you. Do NOT change, bathe, shower or even wash your hands before the ER evaluation. The temptation to do so will be great, but it is important to not lose any evidence in order to help find, charge, and convict the suspect. | Answer this question truthfully |
How is the Endometrial biopsy done? | This procedure may be done with or without anesthesia. You will lie on your back with your feet in stirrups.
The health care provider will do a pelvic examination, and will insert an instrument (speculum) into the vagina to hold it open and see the cervix.
The cervix is cleaned with an antiseptic liquid and then grasped with an instrument (tenaculum) to hold the uterus steady. A device called a cervical dilator may be needed to stretch the cervical canal if there is tightness (stenosis). Then a small, hollow plastic tube is gently passed into the uterine cavity.
Gentle suction removes a sample of the lining. The tissue sample and instruments are removed. A specialist called a pathologist examines the sample under a microscope. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who needs Endometrial biopsy? | The test is done to find the cause of:
Abnormal menstrual periods (heavy, prolonged, or irregular bleeding) Bleeding after menopause Bleeding from taking hormone therapy medications Thickened uterine lining seen on ultrasound The test is usually done in women over age 35.
This test can also be used to test for endometrial cancer. Sometimes, it is used as part of the diagnosis in women who have been unable to become pregnant (see infertility). | Answer this question truthfully |
How to prepare for Endometrial biopsy? | There is no special preparation for the biopsy. You may want to take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1 hour before the procedure to reduce cramping. | Answer this question truthfully |
What do I experience during the procedure? | The instruments may feel cold. You may feel some pain when the cervix is grasped. You may have some cramping as the instruments enter the uterus and the sample is collected. | Answer this question truthfully |
Where to find centers that perform Endometrial biopsy? | Directions to Hospitals Performing Endometrial biopsy | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Germ cell tumor? | The symptoms of germ cell tumor depend on the location of the cancer. Early cancer does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, patients may feel the following symptoms.
Pain in the affected area
Constipation
Urinary retention
Cough and/or difficulty breathing
Headache
Vaginal bleeding
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Germ cell tumor ? | At present, the risk factors for the development of a germ cell tumor are not known. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Germ cell tumor ? | Call your health care provider if symptoms of germ cell tumor develop. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible:
Severe pain
Severe constipation
Urinary retention
Severe difficulty breathing
Severe headache
Large vaginal bleeding | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Germ cell tumor (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The prognosis of germ cell tumor depends on the following:
Whether the tumor is benign or cancerous
Whether or not the tumor can be removed by surgery
The stage of the cancer: the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread outside the tumor
Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred
The patient’s general health | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the Symptoms of Gonadoblastoma? | Gonadoblastoma has no specific signs and symptoms. It is a tumor usually arising from a maldeveloped gonad and it can manifest with non-specific symptoms such as:
Excess hair overgrowth Delayed onset of menstrual bleeding Abnormal shape of genitalia
It may also present as a lower abdominal mass in women or growing mass in the testicles causing discomfort in men. | Answer this question truthfully |
What Causes gonadoblastoma? | The exact cause of gonadoblastoma is not clear, but it usually arises in the setting of maldeveloped sex organs. There is also a hypothesis regarding the presence of a putative gene called TSPY gene. Although the exact mechanism of its role in the pathogenesis of the disease is not clear, it has been observed that the product of this gene increased in the gonadoblastoma. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Gonadoblastoma ? | Individuals with sex organ maldevelopment disorders are at highest risk of developing gonadoblastoma. Sex organ maldevelopment disorders are referred to disorders manifesting with an abnormal shape of genitalia during infancy or sexual organ developmental disorders during puberty such as delayed onset of menstruation, excess hair overgrowth. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Gonadoblastoma ? | Individuals with a known diagnosis of sexual maldevelopment disorders such as:
Androgen insensitivity syndrome Swyer syndrome Turner syndrome Frasier syndrome Denys-Drash syndrome 9p partial monosomy
should be screened for the presence of gonadoblastoma. | Answer this question truthfully |
Where to find Medical Care for Gonadoblastoma? | Medical care for gonadoblastoma can be found here. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Gonadoblastoma (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Gonadoblastoma prognosis is excellent after the surgical removal of the tumor. In the case of a coexisting malignant tumor, the prognosis depends on the staging of that tumor. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Granulosa cell tumour? | Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague. Women and their doctors often blame the symptoms on other, more common conditions. By the time the cancer is diagnosed, the tumor has often spread beyond the ovaries.
You should see your doctor if you have the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than a few weeks:
Bloating Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly Pelvic or abdominal pain
Other symptoms are also seen with ovarian cancer. However, these symptoms are also common in women who do not have cancer:
Abnormal menstrual cycles Digestive symptoms: Constipation Increased gas Indigestion Lack of appetite Nausea and vomiting Sense of pelvic heaviness Swollen abdomen or belly Unexplained back pain that worsens over time Vaginal bleeding Vague lower abdominal discomfort Weight gain or loss
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
Excessive hair growth Increased urinary frequency or urgency | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Granulosa cell tumour? | Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women, and it causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer.
The cause is unknown. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Granulosa cell tumour ? | The risk for developing ovarian cancer appears to be affected by several factors. The more children a woman has and the earlier in life she gives birth, the lower her risk for ovarian cancer. Certain genes defects (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are responsible for a small number of ovarian cancer cases. Women with a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer have an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
Women who take estrogen replacement only (not with progesterone) for 5 years or more seem to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Birth control pills, however, decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.
Studies suggest that fertility drugs do not increase the risk for ovarian cancer.
Older women are at highest risk for developing ovarian cancer. Most deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women age 55 and older. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Granulosa cell tumour ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are a woman over 40 years old who has not recently had a pelvic examination. Routine pelvic examinations are recommended for all women over 20 years old.
Call for an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of ovarian cancer. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Granulosa cell tumour (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed in its early stages. It is usually quite advanced by the time diagnosis is made
About 3 out of 4 women with ovarian cancer survive 1 year after diagnosis. Nearly half of women live longer than 5 years after diagnosis. If diagnosis is made early in the disease and treatment is received before the cancer spreads outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is very high | Answer this question truthfully |
What Causes Hirsutism? | All women normally produce low levels of male hormones (androgens). Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) in women may occur when the body makes too much male hormones.
In most cases, the exact cause is never identified. It tends to run in families. In general, hirsutism is a harmless condition. But many women find it bothersome, or even embarrassing.
A common cause is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS and other hormonal conditions that cause unwanted hair growth may also have acne, problems with menstrual periods, trouble losing weight, a deeper voice similar to that of men, and diabetes. If these symptoms start suddenly, there may be a tumor that releases male hormones.
The following other causes of unwanted hair growth are rare:
Tumor or cancer of the adrenal gland Tumor or cancer of the ovary Cushing's syndrome Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Hyperthecosis (a condition in which the ovaries produce too much male hormones) Medications (testosterone, danazol, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil, phenytoin)
Rarely, a woman with hirsutism will have normal levels of male hormones, and the specific cause of the unwanted hair growth cannot be identified. | Answer this question truthfully |
When To Seek Urgent Medical Care? | Call your doctor if:
The hair grows rapidly. The hair growth is associated with male features such as acne, deepening of voice, increased muscle mass, and decreased breast size. You are concerned that a medication may be worsening unwanted hair growth. | Answer this question truthfully |
Where To Find Medical Care For Hirsutism? | Directions to Hospitals Treating Hirsutism) | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Hormone replacement therapy for menopause ? | It is important to have regular checkups with your health care provider when taking hormone therapy.
If you have vaginal bleeding or other unusual symptoms during hormone therapy, call your health care provider. | Answer this question truthfully |
What diseases are caused by HPV? | HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV, and many do not cause problems. However, certain types of HPV can lead to:
Cervical cancer in women Genital warts in men and women Cancer of the penis or anus in men | Answer this question truthfully |
Who needs HPV vaccine? | Gardasil is approved for:
Females ages 9-26 to protect against cervical cancer and to prevent genital warts Males ages 9 - 26 to prevent genital warts
Cervarix is approved for:
Females age 10 - 26 to help protect against cervical cancer
Girls ages 11 and 12 should receive the HPV vaccine series:
The vaccine is given in three shots over a 6-month period. (The second and third doses are given 2 and 6 months after the first dose.) One brand of vaccine can be substituted for another in the 3-dose series. The HPV vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines. Girls as young as age 9 can receive the vaccine if their doctor recommends it.
Girls and women ages 13 - 26:
Those who have not received the HPV vaccine in the past should get a series of three vaccines. Those who have not completed the full vaccine series should catch up on missed doses. (Note: Some experts do not recommend that women between ages 19 and 26 receive catch-up doses of this vaccine. Talk with your provider if you are in this age group.)
Boys and men ages 9 - 26:
May receive Gardasil to reduce the chance of becoming infected with genital and anal warts. The vaccine is not yet being recommended for all boys and men up to age 26. The vaccine can prevent genital warts in men and decrease the risk for cancer of the penis and anus.
Pregnant women should not receive this vaccine. However, there have been no problems found in women who received the vaccine during pregnancy, before they knew they were pregnant. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have HPV vaccine ? | You aren't sure whether you or your child should receive the HPV vaccine You or your child develops complications or severe symptoms after getting an HPV vaccine You have other questions or concerns about the HPV vaccine | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have HPV vaccine (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that lead to cervical cancer. Girls and women should still receive regular screening (Pap tests) to look for any early signs of cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine does not protect against other infections that can be spread during sexual contact. | Answer this question truthfully |
What diseases are caused by HPV? | HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV, and many do not cause problems. However, certain types of HPV can lead to:
Cervical cancer in women Genital warts in men and women Cancer of the penis or anus in men | Answer this question truthfully |
Who needs HPV vaccine? | Gardasil is approved for:
Females ages 9-26 to protect against cervical cancer and to prevent genital warts Males ages 9 - 26 to prevent genital warts
Cervarix is approved for:
Females age 10 - 26 to help protect against cervical cancer
Girls ages 11 and 12 should receive the HPV vaccine series:
The vaccine is given in three shots over a 6-month period. (The second and third doses are given 2 and 6 months after the first dose.) One brand of vaccine can be substituted for another in the 3-dose series. The HPV vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines. Girls as young as age 9 can receive the vaccine if their doctor recommends it.
Girls and women ages 13 - 26:
Those who have not received the HPV vaccine in the past should get a series of three vaccines. Those who have not completed the full vaccine series should catch up on missed doses. (Note: Some experts do not recommend that women between ages 19 and 26 receive catch-up doses of this vaccine. Talk with your provider if you are in this age group.)
Boys and men ages 9 - 26:
May receive Gardasil to reduce the chance of becoming infected with genital and anal warts. The vaccine is not yet being recommended for all boys and men up to age 26. The vaccine can prevent genital warts in men and decrease the risk for cancer of the penis and anus.
Pregnant women should not receive this vaccine. However, there have been no problems found in women who received the vaccine during pregnancy, before they knew they were pregnant. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Human papillomavirus quadrivalent (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) vaccine, recombinant ? | You aren't sure whether you or your child should receive the HPV vaccine You or your child develops complications or severe symptoms after getting an HPV vaccine You have other questions or concerns about the HPV vaccine | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Human papillomavirus quadrivalent (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) vaccine, recombinant (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that lead to cervical cancer. Girls and women should still receive regular screening (Pap tests) to look for any early signs of cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine does not protect against other infections that can be spread during sexual contact. | Answer this question truthfully |
How is the Hysterectomy done? | During a hysterectomy, your doctor may remove the entire uterus or just part of it. The fallopian tubes (the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus) and ovaries may also be removed.
Types of hysterectomy:
Partial (or supracervical) hysterectomy: The upper part of the uterus is removed. The cervix is left in place. Total hysterectomy: The entire uterus and cervix are removed. Radical hysterectomy: The uterus, upper part of the vagina, and tissue on both sides of the cervix are removed. This is most often done if you have cancer.
There are many different ways to perform a hysterectomy. It may be done through a surgical cut in either the belly (abdomen) or vagina.
Your doctor will help you decide which type of hysterectomy is best for you. The specific procedure depends on your medical history and reason for the surgery. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who needs Hysterectomy? | There are many reasons a woman may need a hysterectomy. The procedure may be recommended if you have:
Cancer of the uterus, most often endometrial cancer Cancer of the cervix or a precancerous condition of the cervix called cervical dysplasia Cancer of the ovary Childbirth complications, such as uncontrolled bleeding Long-term (chronic) pelvic pain Severe endometriosis that does not get better with other treatments Severe, long-term vaginal bleeding that cannot be controlled by medicines or other surgeries Slipping of the uterus into the vagina (uterine prolapse) Tumors in the uterus, such as uterine fibroids Adenomyosis, which causes heavy, painful periods
Hysterectomy is a major surgery. It is possible that your condition may be treated without this major surgery. Talk with your doctor about all your treatment options. Less invasive procedures include:
Uterine artery embolization Pelvic laparoscopy Endometrial ablation | Answer this question truthfully |
Where to find centers that perform Hysterectomy? | Directions to Hospitals Performing Hysterectomy | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Hysterectomy (Outlook/Prognosis)? | How long it takes you to recover depends on the type of hysterectomy. Recovery may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. Average recovery times are:
Abdominal hysterectomy: 4 - 6 weeks Vaginal hysterectomy: 3 - 4 weeks Robot-assisted hysterectomy: 2 - 4 weeks
A hysterectomy will cause menopause if you also have your ovaries removed. Removal of the ovaries can also lead to a decreased sex drive. Your doctor may recommend estrogen replacement therapy. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Mastalgia? | Some amount of breast tenderness is normal. The discomfort may be caused by hormone changes from:
Menopause (unless a woman is taking hormone replacement therapy) Menstruation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Pregnancy -- breast tenderness tends to be more common during the first trimester and in women who become pregnant at a young age Puberty in both girls and boys
Soon after having a baby, a woman's breasts may become swollen with milk. This can be very painful. If you also have an area of redness, call your health care provider.
Breastfeeding itself may also cause breast pain.
Fibrocystic breast changes are a common cause of breast pain. Fibrocystic breast tissue contains lumps that tend to be more tender just before your menstrual period.
Certain medications may also cause breast pain, including:
Anadrol Chlorpromazine Diuretics Digitalis preparations Methyldopa (Aldomet) Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Shingles can lead to pain in the breast if the painful blistering rash appears on the skin over one of your breasts. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Mastalgia ? | Call your health care provider if you have:
Bloody or clear discharge from your nipple Given birth within the last week and your breasts are swollen or hard Noticed a new lump with the pain that does not go away after your menstrual period Persistent, unexplained breast pain Signs of a breast infection, including local redness, pus, or fever | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Miscarriage? | Low back pain or abdominal pain that is dull, sharp, or cramping Tissue or clot-like material that passes from the vagina Vaginal bleeding, with or without abdominal cramps | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Miscarriage? | Most miscarriages are caused by chromosome problems that make it impossible for the baby to develop. Usually, these problems are unrelated to the mother or father's genes.
Other possible causes for miscarriage include:
Drug and alcohol abuse Exposure to environmental toxins Hormone problems Infection Obesity Physical problems with the mother's reproductive organs Problem with the body's immune response Serious body-wide (systemic) diseases in the mother (such as uncontrolled diabetes) Smoking
It is estimated that up to half of all fertilized eggs die and are lost (aborted) spontaneously, usually before the woman knows she is pregnant.
Among those women who know they are pregnant, the miscarriage rate is about 15-20%. Most miscarriages occur during the first 7 weeks of pregnancy. The rate of miscarriage drops after the baby's heart beat is detected. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Miscarriage ? | The risk for miscarriage is higher in women:
Older age, with increases beginning by 30, becoming greater between 35 and 40, and highest after 40 Who have had previous miscarriages? | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Miscarriage ? | Call your health care provider if vaginal bleeding with or without cramping occurs during pregnancy.
Call your health care provider if you are pregnant and notice tissue or clot-like material passed vaginally (any such material should be collected and brought in for examination). | Answer this question truthfully |
How is the Pap smear done? | You will lie on a table and place your feet in stirrups. The health care provider will insert an instrument (called a speculum) into the vagina and open it slightly to see inside the vaginal canal. Cells are gently scraped from the cervix area, and sent to a lab for examination. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who needs Pap smear? | The Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers can be detected early if women has routine Pap smears and pelvic examinations.
Screening should start at age 21. After the first test:
Woman should have a Pap smear ever 2 years to check for cervical cancer. If you are over age 30 or your Pap smears have been negative for 3 times in a row, your doctor may tell you that you only need a Pap smear every 3 years. If you or your sexual partner have other new partners, then you should have a Pap smear every 2 years. After age 65-70, most women can stop having Pap smears as long as they have had three negative tests within the past 10 years. If you have a new sexual partner after age 65, you should begin having Pap smear screening again.
You may not need to have a Pap smear if you have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) and do not have a history of cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells), cervical cancer, or other pelvic cancer. | Answer this question truthfully |
How to prepare for Pap smear? | Tell your health care provider if you:
Are taking any medications or birth control pills Have had an abnormal Pap smear Might be pregnant
Avoid the following for 24 hours before the test:
Douching Having intercourse Taking a bath Using tampons
Avoid scheduling your Pap smear while you have your period (are menstruating), because it may affect the accuracy of the Pap smear. If you are having abnormal bleeding, your doctor may still recommend you have the test done.
Empty your bladder just before the test. | Answer this question truthfully |
What do I experience during the procedure? | A Pap smear may cause some discomfort, similar to menstrual cramps. You may also feel some pressure during the exam.
You may bleed a little bit after the test. | Answer this question truthfully |
Where to find centers that perform Pap smear? | Directions to Hospitals Performing Pap smear | Answer this question truthfully |