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Surgical removal of the spleen is a splenectomy. Partial splenectomy is less common than removal of the whole spleen. These procedures may be done to treat spleen enlargement, anemia, cancer, ruptured spleen, and more. Emergency surgery is usually needed as a life-saving treatment after a traumatic spleen rupture. The spleen does not regenerate itself, nor is it an organ that is transplanted. While the spleen is an important part of your immune system, long-term care can allow you to live without it....

The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may lead to concerns about how the potential treatments may impact the lives of the affected individual and their bed partner. In particular, the initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may cause worry about how this could undermine normal sexual relations. From snuggling to one’s sex life, what are the effects of CPAP on libido, sexual hormones, and even erectile dysfunction or impotence in men?...

Trokendi XR (topiramate) is an oral prescription medication used for seizure control and migraine prevention. Because it is an extended-release formulation, it is used once per day. This medication is believed to work by preventing hyperreactivity of neurons in the brain. It can cause side effects, including weight loss, mood issues, and tiredness. Trokendi XR is not recommended for women who are pregnant or who might become pregnant while taking the medication....

A vasectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure that results in permanent male sterility by preventing sperm from being present in semen. The procedure will be performed at a clinic or day surgery center. Usually, you will only have local anesthetic and will be awake throughout the procedure. You will check in, have the procedure, and return home for recovery. There are a few options when it comes to the type of vasectomy you may have....

Voltaren gel is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat joint pain from conditions like osteoarthritis (OA). Also called diclofenac 1%, Voltaren gel is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ease OA-related joint pain in the: KneesFeetAnklesHandsWristsElbows This article will go over how Voltaren gel is used. You will also learn about the side effects of Voltaren, as well as which conditions it is not approved to treat....

Eczema, a group of conditions that cause itchy and dry skin, rashes, and scaly patches, can be difficult to treat, and about 55% of people with the condition can’t control their symptoms. When lifestyle changes and medications fail, you may look toward laser treatment for eczema, which is sometimes effective when other treatments aren’t. This article will explain laser treatment for eczema, including what to expect, why UV light for eczema is beneficial, and how to handle insurance claims....

Vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) are used to prevent HPV infection and reduce a person’s risk of getting HPV-associated cancers in later life, including cervical cancer and anal cancer. Over the years, several vaccines have been cleared for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Currently, however, Gardasil-9 is the only FDA-approved HPV vaccine distributed in the U.S. The vaccine series requires two to three doses but reduces the risk of HPV infection by around 90%....

Your 1-year-old is most likely starting to respond to simple requests, shaking their head no and waving goodbye. Other developmental milestones 1-year-olds may have reached include: Acting shy with strangersPlaying peek-a-booCopying your gestures This age is also a time for a well-baby visit and vaccinations. This article reviews which vaccines your 1-year-old will receive, how to comfort them during and after vaccinations, and how to ease mild side effects. 1-Year-Old Vaccinations Schedule The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a schedule for vaccines to prevent diseases for all ages....

An allergy cough and a COVID-19 cough can be similar. This makes it difficult to tell which condition you have just based on cough alone. A COVID-19 test is the only way you can know for sure if your cough is caused by COVID-19. This article discusses the potential similarities and differences between a cough caused by allergies and a cough caused by COVID-19, including triggers and length of symptoms....

Anise is an herb (Pimpinella anisum) that has a long history of use as a medicinal aid. Anise seed, anise oil, and—less frequently—the root and the leaf, are used to make medicine to treat digestive issues and other problems. According to some sources, anise was used in Egypt as early as 1500 B.C. Anise is also commonly used to flavor foods, beverages, candies, and breath fresheners, and it is often used as a fragrance in soap, creams, perfumes, and sachets....

The anatomy of the female breast is complex and intricate. The breast is made up of milk ducts, lobes, lobules, lymph nodes, and vessels on the inside, and the nipple and areola on the outside. The primary function of the female breasts is to produce breast milk and breastfeed a baby. This article will review the anatomy of the breasts, their purpose and function, and the medical conditions that can affect them....

Constipation occurs when a person does not have a bowel movement within 24 to 72 hours after they’ve eaten, or when a person strains to have a bowel movement. It is a condition, not a disease, and is often defined as having less than three bowels movements per week. People can occasionally experience constipation due to a variety of reasons, such as a change in diet, traveling, medications, and pregnancy....

For many people with Parkinson’s disease, fatigue is just as disabling and unpleasant a symptom as the motor slowing or trembling. Fatigue undermines all kinds of daily activities and rehabilitation programs. It feeds into our emotional reactions to Parkinson’s symptoms and makes them all the harder to bear. It undermines our ability to cope with the challenges the condition presents to us each day and makes it more difficult to connect with others....

Estriol is the main estrogen hormone involved in pregnancy. A lab-made estriol cream, known as bio-identical estriol, is sometimes used for menopause and multiple sclerosis. However, estriol is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the agency warns that there is not enough evidence to confirm that it is safe or effective. Preliminary research suggests that estriol may help with some menopausal symptoms or reduce relapse rates in pregnant people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but more research is needed....

Omphalophobia is an ongoing, intense fear of belly buttons (navels). People with omphalophobia may be afraid of their own or others’ belly buttons. They may go out of their way to avoid situations in which they’ll see belly buttons, such as public swimming pools or beaches. Learn more about omphalophobia, including definition, symptoms, causes, and treatment. Omphalophobia Defined The term “omphalophobia” refers to a persistent, overwhelming fear of belly buttons. While omphalophobia itself isn’t a clinical diagnosis, it is a type of specific phobia within the broader category of anxiety disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)....

A folate deficiency is a lack of vitamin B9 (folate). Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that can only be taken into the body through foods and supplements. The body uses folate to create and repair DNA (the genetic material inside cells) and to produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment for a folate deficiency. Folate Deficiency Symptoms The early signs of a folate deficiency can be subtle, and it’s common for it to go undiagnosed....

Gum surgery is primarily performed to prevent complications that occur as a result of advanced gum disease (periodontitis), such as tooth loss and bone damage. Surgery may also be performed to treat severe gum recession that is not directly caused by periodontitis—for example, trauma/injury or forceful tooth brushing. Removing excess gum tissue in order to improve the appearance of your smile is another potential reason for surgery. If you are a candidate for gum surgery, learning about the different types of surgeries available, as well as the overall preparatory/recovery processes involved, will hopefully help you feel more comfortable and at ease going into it....

The Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade could jeopardize abortion access in multiple states, and force some people to turn toward dangerous alternatives to abortion care. As advocates prepare to bridge access gaps, they note that safe abortions hinge on comprehensive education–which may also be under threat. Key Takeaways Now that the Supreme Court has struck down Roe v. Wade, some medical residents may not receive abortion trainings.Studies show that lack of abortion training is directly related to gaps patient access, so pro-choice advocates are looking for alternative pathways to provide trainings should they become illegal....

An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your body’s cells. The primary goal of treating an autoimmune disorder is to control the immune response in your body. Your treatment options usually involve reducing inflammation and other symptoms. Once you have been diagnosed, some autoimmune diseases can be difficult to treat. You may need to try different options before finding the right combination that works for you....

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), then you may understand how the symptoms can affect your everyday work and recreational activities. The pain, tingling, and weakness in your hand or fingers may keep you from typing on your computer, writing, or holding items. And one of the most challenging characteristics of carpal tunnel syndrome: getting an accurate diagnosis. Getting an accurate diagnosis of your hand pain and tingling can ensure that you get the proper treatment for your specific condition....