The condom (either external, also known as a “male” condom, or a internal, also referred to as a “female” condom) breaks, and the panic begins. After all, that thin sheath may be the only thing protecting you and your partner from a sexually transmitted infection, a pregnancy, or both. As scary as it can be, dealing with the situation promptly may make it less likely that you’ll face a serious outcome....
The nervous system is an organ system that handles communication in the body. There are four types of nerve cells in the nervous system: sensory nerves, motor nerves, autonomic nerves and inter-neurons (neuron is just a fancy word for nerve cell). You can divide up all the nerves in the body into roughly two parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Central Nervous System (CNS) The central nervous system contains two organs—the brain and the spinal cord....
Public health officials around the world have been urging people to wear masks in public since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold this spring. Now, two major health agencies—the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—are taking the recommendations a step further. Key Takeaways The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending that people wear face masks indoors when ventilation in the building is not adequate.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also urging people to wear face masks when they are around people who are not part of their household....
An adenomatous polyp, also known as an adenoma, is an abnormal growth that forms on the colon’s lining (large intestine). An adenomatous polyp resembles the colon’s normal lining but differs in several key ways when examined under the microscope. Adenomatous polyps are common, comprising around 70% of all colon polyps. Roughly one-third to one-half of all people will develop one or more adenomatous polyps in their lifetime. Most adenomatous polyps are benign (noncancerous) and do not cause any symptoms....
Asbestosis is a severe condition that affects the lungs when tiny fibers from asbestos materials are inhaled and become stuck in tissue there. When lodged in the lungs, asbestos causes scar tissue and thickening of connective tissue, making breathing difficult. While this condition is not malignant, it may increase the risk of cancer caused by asbestos, such as mesothelioma, which affects membranes that line the lungs, stomach, heart, and other tissues; and cancers of the lungs, larynx, and ovaries....
Ads for supplements claiming to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) are not hard to come by. Some even say these products work better than prescription ED drugs like Viagra (sildenafil). But this and many of the claims about erectile dysfunction supplements have no or very little supporting research. Supplements are not regulated in the United States, meaning that products you buy may or may not be effective—or safe. This article looks at which herbal supplements do and don’t have scientific backing for treating erectile dysfunction, as well as typical dosages and potential side effects....
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and the most common cause of vision loss or blindness in people with diabetes. It can affect people with any type of diabetes (chronic high blood sugar), whether it’s type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. More than half of people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy. There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, but there are treatments that can help prevent, delay, or in some people, help reverse some loss of vision....
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has once again updated its list of people at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. As of July 17, the organization elaborated on what might put children at an increased risk. Key Takeaways New data from the CDC details the “medical complexities” that may put kids at an increased risk for severe COVID-19.Children without underlying conditions will likely develop only mild symptoms if they are infected....
A chronic sore throat is defined as throat soreness that lasts for 14 days or more. A sore throat can be caused by several conditions. However, when it is chronic, it is most commonly not caused by an infection. Working with a healthcare provider to find the underlying cause of chronic throat pain will help determine the right treatment plan. The top causes are chronic tonsillitis, allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)....
Iron is an essential part of your diet and helps your body to grow and develop properly. This mineral is naturally found in many foods, and you can take iron supplements, as well. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin and myoglobin—proteins in your blood that distribute oxygen. It’s also used to make some hormones. This article looks at iron-rich foods from multiple categories and how much iron you need to maintain your health....
Frey syndrome is a rare neurological condition that causes facial sweating and flushing while eating. This can occur on the temples, cheeks, and behind the ears. Frey syndrome is also known as gustatory hyperhidrosis, gustatory sweating, and auriculotemporal syndrome. The facial sweating and flushing in Frey syndrome is due to damage to the auriculotemporal nerve, which runs down the side of the face. Such damage can be caused by surgery to the parotid glands (which sit in front of the ears), a facial injury, or an illness like shingles....
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol functions to help clear fats from your bloodstream. As a result, it is known as the “good” cholesterol, in comparison to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), which is known as the “bad” kind. Find out what these two types of cholesterol do for you, what your test results mean, and what you can do to improve your cholesterol levels. Types and Function of Cholesterol Cholesterol is a type of waxy fat created by your liver or introduced to your body through the foods you eat....
If you have been diagnosed with acute or chronic anemia, know that it can be corrected. A variety of treatments are used to treat anemia, including blood transfusions to replace very low red blood cells (RBCs) from blood loss. Sometimes anemia is treated with vitamin replacement so the body can make its own RBCs. A major component of your anemia treatment involves managing the cause. For example, when anemia occurs as a medication side effect, the medication is typically discontinued and replaced with another one if possible....
If you’re an immigrant arriving in the U.S., one of the first things on your to-do list is obtaining health insurance. Unlike many other countries, the U.S. does not have universal or single-payer health coverage. And although Medicare and Medicaid are government-sponsored health plans, they’re not available to new immigrants. This article will answer some frequently asked questions about what health insurance options are available for immigrants, including new arrivals and those who have been in the U....
If you lose or quit your job, get a divorce, or no longer qualify as a dependent on a parent’s health plan, you may be eligible for continued group health coverage under a U.S. law known as COBRA. COBRA, or Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, gives workers and their families who lose their group health benefits the right to continue their coverage for a limited period of time under certain circumstances....
In the United States, 38% of people aged 18 years or older have prediabetes. While you can’t control genetics, you can lower your chances of getting prediabetes or having the condition progress into type 2 diabetes by making dietary and lifestyle changes. This article will discuss steps to prevent or reverse prediabetes and improve overall health. Who Is at Risk for Prediabetes? Around 1 out of every 3 adults has prediabetes....
The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are recurring abdominal pain and changes in stool consistency. While IBS is considered a functional bowel disorder, these symptoms can be frustrating and may impact your overall quality of life. It’s important to understand and log the symptoms you may be experiencing and to talk to your healthcare professional about ways to manage your ongoing symptoms. Predominant Symptoms The most common symptoms of IBS are:...
Inhalers are a mainstay of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These medications are inhaled through your mouth so they can directly reach your lungs. There are several types and brands of inhalers used for managing symptoms of COPD. Types of COPD Inhalers [Your healthcare provider may prescribe a combination of inhalers for you to use—some are taken on a daily schedule for disease control, while others can be used if you have an acute flare-up....
While regularly occurring dry skin can cause itchy hands and feet, other causes can be more concerning, requiring an appropriate diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare provider. This article will cover the various reasons you may experience itchy hands and feet, how to treat, stop, and prevent itching, and when to see a healthcare provider. Causes of Itchy Hands and Feet Itchy hands and feet can be caused by different conditions, including eczema, allergic reactions, psoriasis, diabetes, and scabies....
Itchy shins are marked by an urge to scratch the lower legs and accompanying redness or bumps on the skin at times. Having itchy shins can be uncomfortable, but as with itchy skin elsewhere, itchy shins usually fade away and are not a cause for concern. However, knowing the cause behind itchy shins can help with treatment and with pinpointing underlying health issues a person might have. This article examines the potential causes of itchy shins, treatment options, and when to see a healthcare provider....
