Posts Tagged ‘methods’

A Look at Enlarged Prostate Symptoms and Methods of Diagnosing the Condition

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a disorder characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland. This condition is a common part of aging among men and occurs mainly after the age of 40. Some men might not be aware that they have BPH since there are cases where symptoms are lacking. However, a lot more cases include common enlarged prostate symptoms such as, a need to urinate frequently, particularly during the night; pain, burning and difficulty in starting and stopping urination; weak urine flow or dribbling; and a constant feeling that the bladder is not completely empty.

For men who do not experience enlarged prostate symptoms, they might not know that they have BPH until they suddenly find it difficult to urinate. This type of acute symptom called acute urinary retention may be triggered by taking over-the-counter medicines for colds and allergies. These drugs contain a decongestant called sympathomimetic which carries the potential side effect of preventing the bladder from opening or relaxing to allow urine to pass through. Acute urinary retention can also be caused by excessive drinking, cold temperatures and prolonged periods of immobility.

Severe cases of BPH can eventually lead to more serious problems like urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine and lower back pain can also be signs of a severe type of enlarged prostate. However, men should not wait for these symptoms to manifest themselves, a visit to the doctor, particularly for those aged 40 and above, is the best way to know whether BPH has developed.

In diagnosing BPH, a urologist will usually start with a digital rectal exam (DRE). In DRE, the doctor will insert a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the part of the prostate near the rectum. DRE can give the doctor an idea of the size and condition of the prostate. Another test commonly used in cases of BPH is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The PSA test is primarily done to rule out cancer as the cause of urinary symptoms. However, ways of interpreting PSA screening results still remain hazy and doctors are still unable to use the test to differentiate cancer from other prostate conditions. This test, though, works much better when used in conjunction with DRE.

Urine flow study is another method of detecting BPH. The device used in this test measures how quickly the urine is flowing. A reduced flow often suggests an enlarged prostate. Another type of test called the intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is basically an x-ray of the urinary tract which can show blockage or obstruction. Cytoscopy, on the other hand, involves the insertion of a small tube through the opening of the urethra in the penis. The tube called cytoscope helps determine the size of the prostate and identify the location and degree of obstruction.

If there is any suspicion of more severe conditions like cancer, a rectal ultrasound is usually recommended by the physician. The use of this test, though, does not mean that BPH leads to prostate cancer. Despite a lot of similarities between prostate cancer and enlarged prostate symptoms, scientists have claimed that no apparent association exists between the two conditions. Nevertheless, getting tested is the best way to rule out any possible occurrence of BPH or even cancer.

Kenyans Not Using Adequate Family Planning Methods

As the country gears up for the population and housing census to be held later this month, it is being estimated that nearly half of pregnancies in Kenya are unplanned and this is largely attributed to the fact that women are not using family planning methods. Medical services minister, Prof Anyang Nyongo says the government may have to provide free conventional contraceptive pills if women are to stop using herbal contraceptive pills which the ministry says could be lethal.

Contraception, Which Methods Are Available For Men?

Dr. Darney shares the methods of contraception available to men. For more information on hormones visit www.empowher.com

Endometriosis – Prevention Tips and Treatment Methods

Endometrial implants are generally benign. Endometriosis is an often painful disorder of the female reproductive system. Endometriosis is a condition where a fine similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrial stroma and glands, which should only be located inside the uterus) is found elsewhere in the body. Endometrial cells are the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. The cells of endometriosis attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called endometriosis implants. The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain often correlates to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain that doesn’t correlate to her cycle.

Endometriosis can also cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop that can distort a woman’s internal anatomy. Endometriosis can affect any woman, from premenarche to postmenopause, regardless of her race. Endometriosis often persists after menopause. It is estimated that 30-40% of women with endometriosis are infertile. Sometimes it helps to take birth control pills. Symptoms include painful menstrual periods, abnormal menstrual bleeding and pain. Birth control pills, danazol and GnRH analogs are taken for 6 to 9 months. Another medicine that might help is a long-acting progestin . Other medicines are danazol or a monthly shot of a hormone called a GnRH analog. Danazol might cause acne and unwanted facial hair.

Bowel resection can be useful if there is bowel remove. Danazol (Danocrine) and gestrinone are tending steroids with some androgenic activity. Nutrition can also help to boost the immune system, which is important if endometriosis is an auto-immune disorder. Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) induce a profound hypoestrogenism by decreasing FSH and LH levels. Conservative surgery removes endometrial growths, scar tissue and adhesions without removing your reproductive organs. Aromatase inhibitors are medications that block the formation of estrogen and have become of interest for researchers who are treating endometriosis. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures are effective in improving fertility in many women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis – Prevention and Treatment Tips

1. Birth control pills, danazol and GnRH analogs are taken for 6 to 9 months.

2. Danazol (Danocrine) and gestrinone are tending steroids with some androgenic activity.

3. Nutrition can also help to boost the immune system.

4. Conservative surgery removes endometrial growths.

5. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures are effective in improving fertility in many women with endometriosis.

6. Surgery is also used to treat endometriosis.

Breast Cancer: Prevention and Methods of Early Detection

There is every chance that you, or a family member, colleague, or friend has been affected in some way by breast cancer.

The words ‘breast cancer’ send a chill of fear down everyone’s spine. What is breast cancer and can you prevent it? Here are some facts about breast cancer that every woman should know. You will also learn more about prevention and early detection, especially important if you have a history of cancer in your family.

What Should I Know About Breast Cancer?

There are over two hundred different types of cancer and according to the American Cancer Society breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women. While it is also possible for a man to get breast cancer women are 100 times more likely to develop it than men.

There are several forms of breast cancer that occur in different areas of the breast. Most breast cancers are treated with radiation, chemotherapy or surgery. The treatment program determined for any individual depends on the type of cancer, how far it has spread and where it is located. While great strides are taking place in cancer treatment, prevention and early detection are by far the most preferable options.

The statistics are grim. The American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 8 women in the US will experience invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. The chance of dying from breast cancer is one in 33, but that number is decreasing as new forms of treatment and early detection are being implemented.

The good news is that it is possible for women to reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer. When breast cancer is discovered and treated early, the chances for recovery are better.

Women with a high risk should primarily discuss the possible preventive measures currently available with their doctor. However, various simple self-help measures are described below.

Who is Most Likely to Get Breast Cancer?

While every woman has some level of risk there are certain factors that increase the likelihood a person may develop breast cancer. Not having these risk factors does not mean you will not develop cancer just as being at a high risk doesn’t mean you will develop cancer.

Smoking, age and family history are the common factors that are assessed when determining risk.

While smoking can be controlled, age and family history cannot. The older you are the greater the risk that you will develop breast cancer. Almost 8 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50. If women in your family developed breast cancer you are also at an increased risk.

Certain genetic changes increase the risk that a woman will develop cancer to as high as 80%. Testing for these changes can help a woman and her doctor discuss preventative measures that might be taken.

Caucasian women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer but African-American women more often die from the disease. Asians, Hispanics and American Indian women are less likely to get it.

Starting your period (menstruation) before age 12 or going through menopause after 55 slightly increases the risk.

Having taken the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol), which some women were given in the belief it would prevent them from losing a baby, slightly increases the risk while radiation to the chest earlier in life greatly increases the risk.

Being overweight, use of alcohol, long term use of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and not having children have all been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Using birth control pills may increase the risk and should be discussed with your doctor.

On the other hand exercise, healthy eating (especially reducing the intake of alcohol and red meats) or having had children early in life and breastfeeding for as long as 18 to 24 months have been linked to a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.

What Else Can I Do to Reduce the Risk?

While there are no cures yet, researchers have discovered that a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent cancer. Since cancer is a disease that starts in our cells, everything we eat and are exposed to can affect them.

Choose to be a non-smoker and avoid second-hand smoke.

In regards to diet, choose a variety of lower fat, high fiber foods. Studies have shown that intake of total fat, saturated fat and meat are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Maintain a healthy body weight and limit alcohol consumption.

Protect yourself from the sun.

At home and at work, follow health and safety instructions when using hazardous materials.

The link between an active lifestyle and breast cancer prevention is as yet unclear but general health is improved when regular exercise is an integral part of a person’s lifestyle.

Early Detection

Since early detection is so important it is vital that women learn how to detect lumps in their breasts and understand what precautions must be taken. Those who are more at risk of developing cancer should take extra steps to detect cancer as early as possible.

While a doctor or nurse can show you how to perform a BSE (breast self-exam) the American Cancer Society still recommends that women in their twenties and thirties should have a clinical exam every three years and once a year after 40. In later years most women should also have regular mammograms to catch cancers earlier. But what about the time in between mammograms and clinical exams?

This is when regular self examination is so important.

Every woman should know her own breasts so that any changes are noticed soon and can be checked out by a physician.

Regardless of age, all women should do a monthly breast self-examination a few days after their period. When doing breast self-examination, things to look for include: dimpling or puckering of the skin, swelling, discharges other than milk, bleeding or any other change to the nipple, or the appearance of what is sometimes called ‘orange peel skin’.

Any place in your breasts that feels lumpy or harder than the rest needs to be brought to the attention of a doctor. Most breast problems are not breast cancer and most lumps are not cancerous. When a lump is not cancerous it is referred to as ‘benign’. A cancerous lump is called ‘malignant’. But only a professional clinician can make that diagnosis and it’s no use waiting, worrying and hoping it will go away. Sometimes small lumps, in the early stages, are hard to find, but the earlier a lump is diagnosed, the better, so catch lumps small – don’t wait until they’re large.

Taking care of ourselves, including regular breast examinations, is an ongoing commitment that requires self-discipline and knowledge. It is well worth the effort as early diagnosis is definitely the most important factor in surviving breast cancer.

Natural Family Planning Methods: Safe, Inexpensive and No Side Effects

Family planning has been a necessity since time unknown. An unmarried or a married couple is cautious about unwanted pregnancies since they are not prepared for it all the time. There are innumerous methods available today that are both effective and foolproof. However, these methods that are developed by a lot of scientific research may prove to be impractical in cases where certain customs and rituals prohibit the use of it or it is the cost of these methods that are a matter of concern or lastly, the dreadful side effects for the women that may hinder their normal lifestyle. Even before these artificially fabricated methods were developed, man has been practicing natural methods of birth control for ages now. Natural family planning methods are not only safe but they are 100% side-effects-free and inexpensive as well.

To implement these methods onto your regular birth control measures you need proper education of the same as well as a lot of practice to get a hang of it. With limited knowledge and improper calculations there is no guarantee that it would not lead to pregnancy that is uncalled for. So let’s have a look at all these natural family planning methods to gain more knowledge about them.

1. Standard Days Method:

This method is majorly based on a lot of scientific research undertaken on 7,500 different menstrual cycles. Understanding this method is simple. The first day of your periods is the Day 1 of your cycle. From Day1 to Day7 you are infertile so it is safe to have unprotected sex. From Day8 to Day19 you are at your most fertile phase. You must use alternative contraception or have no intercourse at all. Day20 to Day 32 is again safe to practice sex. This method is applicable to only those women whose menstrual cycle is between 26-32 days.

This method needs no calculations, record-keeping or physical exams like in other natural family planning methods. To assist you with this method a colored beaded chain is available in the market. A rubber ring on the beads helps you keep a track of your fertile and infertile days by regularly changing its position over the 32 beads each day.

2. The Ovulation method:

This is also referred to as the cervical mucus method. It is based on interpreting the appearance and feel of the cervical mucus secretions. At the peak of fertility these secretions are clear in texture, sticky and wet in consistency and also stretchy. It resembles the egg white of an uncooked egg. This helps you understand your fertile days.

3. Symptothermal method:

This method involves observing the overall bodily changes that occur on account of ovulation. You see changes in cervical mucus, a rise in the body temperature by 0.2- 0.4 degree Celsius. a change in the position and feel of the opening of the cervix and also other occurrences of bloating, pain in the area of the ovaries, low backache and breast tenderness.

4. Rhythm method:

This method is a little unreliable because it depends on calculations of certain days of a woman’s cycle which have high chances of variations. It is a method based on three line of thought. Firstly, a woman ovulates 14 days before the onset of menstruation, plus or minus 2 days. Secondly, sperm can survive inside a woman’s body for 3 days. Thirdly, an egg can only be fertilized within 24 hours of its release from the ovaries. Based on these assumptions calculations are done. It is not recommended for women with irregular menstrual cycles.

Vaginitis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Vaginitis is a name for swelling, itching, burning or infection in the that can be caused my several different germs. Vaginitis is common in adult women and uncommon in prepubertal girls. Vaginitis is one of the most common reasons for gynecologic consultation consisting of approximately 10 million office visits annually. The three most common infections are bacterial vaginosis, candida vaginitis and trichomonas vaginitis. Vaginitis can also result from reduced estrogen levels after menopause. Some infections are transmitted through contact, but others, such as yeast infections, probably are not. Most women will have at least one form of vaginitis in their lifetime. Vaginitis is defined as the spectrum of conditions that cause symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, and abnormal discharge. It usually is not serious. But it can be annoying and uncomfortable.

Vaginitis can be caused by several different organisms, sometimes at the same time, as well as by hormonal changes, allergies, or irritations. When the walls of the become inflamed, because some irritant has disturbed the balance of the area, vaginitis can occur. In addition, more than one type of vaginitis may be present at the same time, with or without symptoms being present. The itching may be present at any time of the day but it is often most bothersome at night. Women tend to be more susceptible to yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep or illness, or if they are pregnant, taking antibiotics or birth control pills or douching too often. It can sometimes be a sign of other health problems.

Causes of Vaginitis

The common causes and risk factor’s of Vaginitis include the following:

Bacteria, viruses, chemicals in creams or sprays, or even clothing can cause vaginitis.

Injury.

Sometimes, vaginitis occurs from organisms that are passed between partners.

Perfumed soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners.

Nonabsorbent, heat-retaining clothing such as nylon pantyhose and tights.

Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy and birth control pills.

Yeast infections are a common cause of vaginitis.

Symptoms of Vaginitis

Some symptoms related to Vaginitis are as follows:

Discomfort or burning when urinating.

Watery or foamy discharge.

Pain/irritation

Itch or soreness.

Light bleeding.

Change in color, odor or amount of discharge.

A swollen, red vulva, which may be painful or itchy.

Treatment of Vaginitis

Here is list of the methods for treating Vaginitis:

A yeast infection can be treated orally or intra-with either prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medications.

Boric acid can be used in resistant cases.

Recurrent yeast infections are sometimes treated with oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole Sporanox), or clotrimazole (Mycelex, Gyne-Lotrimin, Femcare) for 6 months.

In women who are not pregnant, bacterial vaginosis can be treated with the antibiotic metronidazole in either an oral (Flagyl) or gel (Metro-Gel) form. Clindamycin (Cleocin) is also effective.