Thursday, 18 June 2015

Cell Phone Use May Disrupt the Fetus

WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- The sounds emitted by cellphones carried by pregnant women may rattle the sleep-and-wake cycles of their fetuses, new research suggests.
The finding is based on a small study that tracked fetal reactions to repetitive cellphone and beeper use among more than two dozen resident physicians while they were pregnant.
"We wanted to see what these devices can do to the fetus," said study co-author Dr. Boris Petrikovsky, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and director of maternal and fetal medicine at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in New York City.
"And actually what we figured out is that if you're a baby in-utero [in the womb] and someone wakes you up every hour, you will not be a happy camper. The sound, and perhaps even vibrations, cause a lot of 'startle reflex', which disturbs the normal sleep cycle," he said.
What isn't clear from this study is whether or not being repeatedly startled has any effect on fetal health or pregnancy outcomes.
Previous research has suggested that pregnant women who are resident physicians tend to have a higher-than-average rate of pregnancy complications, including premature birth, excessively high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) and low birth weight. Because of the nature of their duties, such medical residents often carry phones and beepers close to their body, over very thin medical scrubs, for long periods of time.
"We can't say that this is definitely causing the higher pregnancy risk that has been seen," Petrikovsky added. "But we can say for sure that cycles of normal fetal behavior are definitely disturbed or interrupted by the frequent use of cellphones and beepers."
Petrikovsky and his co-author, Dr. Evgeny Zharov, are expected to present their research this week at a meeting of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in San Francisco. Findings presented at meetings are generally considered preliminary until they've been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The research team pointed out that 80 percent of obstetrics and gynecology residents are women. And many such residents perform their jobs while pregnant.
The study included 28 obstetrics and gynecology residents, all of whom were in their third trimester.
All carried beepers or cellphones in a position near the fetus' head, and on five occasions the devices were activated to emit a series of rings separated by five-minute intervals. The women underwent ultrasound screening during this time so the researchers could assess the effect on the fetuses.
All of the fetuses (who were between 27 and 41 weeks of gestation) displayed startle response when exposed to a single generated sound. Responses included head-turning, mouth-opening or blinking, the study authors said.
When devices were triggered to repeatedly ring every 10 minutes, 90 percent of the fetuses exhibited a similar startle response on the first occasion. Eighty percent of the fetuses continued to do so during subsequent rings, the findings showed.
However, the researchers found that many of the fetuses appeared to essentially get used to the sounds. When phones and beepers were made to ring repeatedly every five minutes, the researchers observed a drop in startle reactions among more than 60 percent of the fetuses under 36 weeks' gestation and among 90 percent of full-term fetuses.
Still, the researchers concluded that repeated exposure to the sounds of such devices, when carried near the fetal head, may get in the way of normal fetal behavior.
"Of course there are other factors that could contribute to a fetus being startled," Petrikovsky acknowledged. "But it has previously been reported that pregnant women who reside in proximity to major airports, with planes constantly landing and taking off, also experience problems like this. So we know that noise, and especially repeated noise, can affect the baby," he said.
"So we now recommend that women not carry cellphones and beepers in close proximity to their baby," Petrikovsky added. "They should put it in their chest pocket or bag. The further away it is from the baby, the less chance the baby will be affected."
Dr. Tomer Singer, an obstetrician and gynecologist at North Shore-LIJ Center for Human Reproduction in New York, described the findings as "very interesting."
At the same time, Singer cautioned that "the study is very small and has no control group. Therefore, the authors' conclusion should be taken with a grain of salt, as a much larger randomized prospective study is required in order to investigate and draw conclusions."
SOURCES: Boris M. Petrikovsky, M.D., Ph.D., professor, obstetrics and gynecology, and director, maternal and fetal medicine, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, New York City; Tomer Singer, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist, and director, egg freezing program, North Shore-LIJ, and program director, department of obstetrics and gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists meeting, San Francisco, May 2-6, 2015

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infections

Overview

Most urinary tract infections are caused by a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in feces. Because the openings of the bowel, vagina and urethra are close together, it's easy for the bacteria to spread to the urethra and travel up the urinary tract into the bladder and sometimes the kidneys.
Image result for UTI

What Is It?
Urinary tract infections result in eight to 10 million doctors' office visits each year in the United States, and at least 50 percent of women will have at least one urinary tract infection at some point in their lives.
Luckily, most urinary tract infections are not serious and can be easily treated with antibiotic medications. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be stubborn and can persist after treatment. Sometimes an infection recurs a few weeks after treatment. Nearly 20 percent of women who have a urinary tract infection will have another, and 30 percent of those who have had two will have a third. About 80 percent of those who have had three will have a fourth. If left untreated, urinary tract infections can lead to other more complicated health problems so they should not be ignored.
How the Urinary Tract Works
Your urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder and the urethra. Your kidneys remove waste and water from your blood to produce urine. Urine travels through muscular tubes, called the ureters, to the bladder. The bladder is a balloon-like organ composed of muscle, connective tissue and nerves that swells as it fills with urine. Urine is stored in the bladder until it is released from the body through another tube, called the urethra. Two muscle groups, the pelvic floor muscles and the urinary sphincters, control the activity of the urethra and bladder neck. These muscles must work together to hold urine in the bladder most of the time and allow the bladder to empty when appropriate.
Cause of Urinary Tract Infection: Bacteria
Most urinary tract infections are caused by a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in feces. Because the openings of the bowel, vagina and urethra are very close together, it's easy for the bacteria to spread to the urethra and travel up the urinary tract into the bladder and sometimes up to the kidneys.
Untreated Urinary Tract Infections: Bladder & Kidney Infections
Infection occurs when the bacteria cling to the opening of the urethra and multiply, producing an infection of the urethra, called urethritis. The bacteria often spread up to the bladder, causing a bladder infection, called cystitis. Untreated, the infection can continue spreading up the urinary tract, causing infection in the kidneys, called pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis can also occur without a preceding bladder infection.
A kidney infection that is not treated can result in the bacteria entering the bloodstream (this is known as urosepsis), which can be a life-threatening infection requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
The first sign of a bladder infection may be a strong urge to urinate or a painful burning sensation when you urinate. You may feel the urge to go frequently, with little urine eliminated each time. At times, the urge to urinate may be hard to control and you may have urinary leakage. You may also have soreness in your lower abdomen, in your back or in the sides of your body. Your urine may look cloudy or have a reddish tinge from blood. It may smell foul or strong. You also may feel tired, shaky and washed out.
If the infection has spread to the kidneys, you may have fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and back pain, in addition to the frequent urge to urinate and painful urination.
Common Causes of UTIs
Some women are more prone to urinary tract infections than others because the cells in their vaginal areas and in their urethras are more easily invaded by bacteria. Women with mothers or sisters who have recurring urinary tract infections also tend to be more susceptible. Your risk of urinary tract infection also is greater if you're past menopause. Thinning of the tissues of the vagina, bladder and urethra, as well as change in the vaginal environment after menopause, may make these areas less resistant to bacteria and cause more frequent urinary tract infections.
Irritation or injury to the vagina or urethra caused by sexual intercourse, douching, tampons or feminine deodorants can give bacteria a chance to invade. Using a diaphragm can cause irritation and can interfere with the bladder's ability to empty, giving bacteria a place to grow.
Any abnormality of the urinary tract that blocks the flow of urine, such as a kidney stone or significant prolapse of the uterus or vagina, also can lead to an infection or recurrent infections. Illnesses that affect the immune system, such as diabetes, AIDS and chronic kidney diseases, increase the risk of urinary tract infections. A weak bladder can also make it difficult to empty completely, allowing bacteria to grow. Lengthy use of an indwelling catheter, a soft tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine, is a common source of urinary tract infections. Intermittent catheterization (where a person empties the bladder several times a day but the catheter is removed immediately) actually is used to prevent recurrent infections in some patients.
Because the uterus sits directly on the bladder during pregnancy and can block the drainage of urine from the bladder, UTIs are more common in pregnant women. And when women develop urinary tract infections during pregnancy, the bacteria are more likely to affect the kidneys. Hormonal changes and repositioning of the urinary tract during pregnancy may make it easier for bacteria to invade the kidneys. Such infections in pregnant women can lead to urosepsis, kidney damage, high blood pressure and premature delivery of the baby. All pregnant women should have their urine tested periodically during pregnancy. Pregnant women with a history of frequent urinary tract infections should have their urine tested often.
Most antibiotic medications are safe to take during pregnancy, but your health care professional will consider the drug's effectiveness, how far your pregnancy has progressed and the potential side effects on the fetus when determining which medication is right for you and how long you should take it.
Diagnosis
Your health care professional will determine whether you have a urinary tract infection based on your symptoms, a physical examination and the result of a laboratory test of your urine. You will be asked to urinate into a small cup. The urine will be examined under a microscope for bacteria and for a large amount of white blood cells, which fight infection. A urine culture may be done in which the bacteria in the urine are encouraged to grow. The bacteria can then be identified and may be tested to see which antibiotic best kills them.
If you are having recurrent symptoms of infections despite treatment, it is important that your urine be cultured before you are placed on antibiotics. Repeated treatment of presumed infections without urine culture should be avoided.
Some bacteria, such as chlamydia, can only be found with special urine cultures. A health care professional may suspect these infections when a woman has urinary tract infection symptoms, but a standard culture doesn't grow the bacteria.
If you have recurring urinary tract infections, your health care professional may suggest other tests to look for obstructions or other problems that might trap urine in the tract and cause infection:

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray exam of the urinary tract using a dye that is injected into a vein and then enters the kidneys, ureters and bladder. This test is not commonly used alone anymore.
A computed tomography scan (CT scan), also known as a CT urography, is a type of X-ray test used to capture images of different structures in the body. The CT scan is usually given with an intravenous dye similar to that used in an IVP (see above). The dye allows your doctor to better see your kidneys, ureters and bladder. Newer CT scanners use much less radiation.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the urinary tract. No radiation is involved in this test.
Cystoscopy is a test using a thin telescope-like instrument that allows your health care professional to see inside the urethra and bladder and examine them for problems.

Treatment
Urinary tract infections are treated with medications that kill the bacteria causing the infection. Your health care professional will determine which medication to prescribe and how you should take it, based on your medical history and condition and the results of the urine tests. Many medications can have side effects, so talk to your health care professional about what to expect. Also, medications can interact with other prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, so make sure you tell your health care professional what drugs you are taking.
The antibiotics most often used to treat urinary tract infection are pills typically taken for three days. More complicated infections are usually treated with seven to 10 days or more of antibiotics, depending on the bacteria causing the infection, the drug used and your medical history. The most frequently prescribed drugs include:
ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
levofloxacin (Levaquin)
nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Furadantin)
norfloxacin (Noroxin)
fosfomycin (Monurol)
trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)

Note: Fluoroquinolones, which include the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin and norfloxacin, have been associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture. If you are prescribed one of these medications for a urinary tract infection, discuss this risk with your health care professional.
Urinary tract infections caused by microorganisms, such as chlamydia, may be treated with the antibiotics azithromycin, tetracycline or doxycycline.
Although your symptoms may be relieved in a day or two after starting the medication, you must take all the medication your health care professional prescribes. Otherwise, you run the risk of a recurrence. That is, some bacteria may survive and cause your infection to return or cause reinfection with a new or different organism.
To help ease your discomfort until the antibiotics kick in, you can take a prescription medication called phenazopyridine (Pyridium). A similar medication, called Uristat, is available over the counter. However, keep in mind that these medications only ease symptoms; they do not treat the infection. They also change the color of your urine, can interfere with laboratory testing and shouldn't be taken for more than 48 hours unless told differently by your health care provider.
If you are menopausal, you may experience more frequent urinary tract infections because thinning of the tissues of the vagina and urethra following menopause may make these areas less resistant to bacteria. Hormone replacement (either systemic or vaginal) may help. Vaginal estrogen has fewer health risks than systemic estrogen (such as in birth control pill and patches) because only a small amount is absorbed into the bloodstream. Vaginal estrogen is available as a cream (Estrace), a tablet (Vagifem, Premarin) and a flexible plastic ring (Estring). Femring is another vaginal estrogen product, but it has higher doses of estrogen and is primarily recommended for hot flashes; women with a uterus who use Femring should take progestin to minimize their risk of uterine cancer.
Discuss these treatment options and the latest research about their risks and benefits with your health care professional, keeping your personal health history and needs in mind. If you decide to take hormone replacement therapy, you should take the lowest dose that helps for the shortest time possible. You and your doctor should also reevaluate every six months whether or not you should be taking hormones.
Severe kidney infections may require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics, especially if nausea, vomiting and fever increase the risk of dehydration and prevent the ability to swallow pills. Kidney infections usually require two weeks of antibiotic therapy, although treatment may extend as long as six weeks (this extended course usually is prescribed for men whose infections are due to prostatitis, however).
In addition to taking your medication, your health care professional may recommend drinking plenty of fluid (the equivalent of six to eight 8-ounce glasses a day) to help flush the urinary tract and avoiding foods and beverages that can irritate the urinary tract, such as coffee and alcohol. A heating pad may help to temporarily relieve pain.
After you've completed your course of medication, your health care professional may suggest a follow-up urine test to make sure the infection is gone.
Prevention
There are several simple, do-it-yourself techniques that may prevent a urinary tract infection. Some may work some of the time or only in some women. But, because they carry no side effects, they certainly are worth trying to prevent the often painful and bothersome symptoms the infection can bring:

Drink plenty of fluid––the equivalent of six to eight 8-ounce glasses––every day to flush bacteria out of your urinary system. Water is the ideal fluid because it is readily available, inexpensive and noncaloric, but other beverages also count toward your fluid intake, including juices, milk and herbal teas. Even alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and colas help replenish your fluids, but don't rely heavily on them because they have diuretic properties. Additionally, alcohol and caffeine, as well as spicy foods, are among the substances that may irritate the bladder and, thus, should be avoided.
Make sure you're getting vitamin C in your diet, either through diet or supplements. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, makes your urine acidic, which discourages the growth of bacteria. Drinking cranberry juice may also produce the same effect. Cranberry supplements are a more concentrated form of cranberry juice without the sugar content.
Urinate frequently and when you feel the urge; don't hold it in. Keeping urine in your bladder for long periods gives bacteria a place to grow.
Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches. They may irritate the urethra.
If you wear a pad for urinary leakage, you should change it often. Wet pads provide an environment for bacteria to grow.

If you suffer from urinary tract infections more than three times a year, your health care professional may suggest one of the following therapies to try to prevent another recurrence:

a low dosage of an antibiotic medication such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or nitrofurantoin, taken daily for six months or longer
a single dose of an antibiotic medication taken after sexual intercourse if it is determined that your UTIs are related to sex
a short, one- or two-day course of antibiotic medication taken when symptoms appear
Use of preventive medications that change the bladder environment, such as methanamine.

If you experience recurring UTIs, home urine tests, which involve dipping a test stick into a urine sample, may be helpful.
Some research suggests that a woman's blood type may play a role in her risk of recurrent UTIs. Bacteria may be able to attach to cells in the urinary tract more easily in those with certain blood factors. Additional research will determine if such an association exists and whether it could be useful in identifying people at risk of developing recurrent UTIs.
Vaccines are being developed to help patients build up their own natural infection-fighting powers. Vaccines that are prepared using dead bacteria do not spread like an infection; instead, they prompt the body to produce antibodies that can later fight live organisms. Researchers are currently looking into vaccines that can be administered orally, by way of a vaginal suppository and through the nose.

Facts to Know

Urinary tract infections result in eight to 10 million doctors' office visits each year in the United States, and at least 50 percent of women will have at least one urinary tract infection at some point in their lives.
Nearly 20 percent of women who have one urinary tract infection will have another, and 30 percent of those who have had two will have a third. About 80 percent of those who have had three will have a fourth. Four out of five such women get another infection within 18 months of the last one.
Some women are more prone to the infection than others. Women at higher risk include those who are past menopause, who have diabetes or who use a diaphragm. If your mother or sister had frequent urinary tract infections, you are more likely to have one. Recently, researchers found that women who use spermicides as contraception—particularly if they use them with diaphragms—are also at a greater risk for recurrent UTIs.
About 2 percent to 7 percent of pregnant women develop a urinary tract infection. Pregnant women are more likely to have UTIs and the infection is more likely to spread to the kidneys. UTIs during pregnancy need prompt attention by a health care professional to avoid a premature birth. Pregnant women may have no symptoms associated with an infection so regular urine tests are important.
One type of bacteria––Escherichia coli (E. coli), which lives in the digestive system and spreads to the urinary tract––causes most urinary tract infections.
Urinaryurgency, urge incontinence and pain with urination can be early symptoms of urinary tract infection. Urinary urgency is characterized by frequent overwhelming urges to urinate. Urgency incontinence is urine leakage resulting from not getting to a toilet in time.
Urinary tract infections usually are not serious and are easily treated by taking antibiotics. Kidney infection is the most common complication and can produce fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and back pain.
Although urinary tract infections do occur in men, women are at greater risk because of their anatomy. The female urethra is short, and the rectum, vagina and urethra are located closely together in women, making it easy to spread bacteria that live in the digestive tract to the urinary tract.
Women who have more than three urinary tract infections in a year may benefit from preventive antibiotic therapy. Such therapy may involve taking a low dose of medication every day for six months or longer, taking a single dose after having sex or taking a dose for one or two days when symptoms begin to appear. If you experience recurring UTIs, home urine tests, which involve dipping a test stick into a urine sample, may be helpful.
When being treated for a urinary tract infection, take all the antibiotic medication you have been given, even if your symptoms are gone before you finish your prescription. If you fail to complete the treatment, the infection may still be present, and your symptoms will return or another infection may arise in a short time.

Bikini Wax Warning

For some women, getting a bikini wax is no more nerve-racking than picking out toothpaste, while others have intense reservations about this personal, sometimes painful procedure. Regardless of your attitude walking into the salon, it's important to be aware of the things around you that could raise red flags regarding the facility's cleanliness.
A traditional bikini wax involves using warm wax to remove hair around the pubic region, traditionally along the thighs and below the bellybutton, in areas where hair might show if you're wearing a bikini.
In addition to removing pubic hair so it won't show in a bikini, some people choose to remove it for aesthetic, cultural, fashion, hygiene or other reasons. Waxing is typically done by a cosmetologist in a salon, but home kits are available.
If you've never gotten a bikini wax, it's good to decide ahead of time what you want. There are many styles of waxing, ranging from the bikini line to the Brazilian, sometimes called the Sphinx or Hollywood, which involves removal of all hair from the pubic region.
Getting a bikini wax—particularly a Brazilian wax—by a professional who doesn't practice safety and hygiene precautions may result in a rash, burns, ingrown hairs, or even a serious infection. You may avoid these primping pitfalls by keeping an eye out for signs that a salon runs a clean—or not-so-clean—operation.
At the front desk
You can learn a lot about a salon just by walking in the door. First, take a look around at their products and waiting area. Are shampoo bottles dusty? Are magazines and empty glasses strewn about the lobby? These could be indicators that things behind the scenes also need some tightening up.
Good signs include a friendly, informative receptionist who asks you to fill out a new client questionnaire that inquires about any sensitivities, allergies or other health issues, as well as a neat and tidy product display.
In the waxing room
Once you meet the professional who will be doing your bikini wax, be sure to ask her any questions you may have before the procedure, including potential side effects and after-wax skin care. When doing this, gauge her knowledge and don't be afraid to back out if she can't answer your inquiries, particularly if they pertain to her certification or licensure. It's better to risk offending someone than to end up with an uncomfortable rash or infection. After all, this is a very personal area you're letting her tend to.
Additionally, take a look around the room. All equipment should appear clean, organized and reasonably new. There should be a clean paper sheet on the table, and all sticks, strips and other disposable supplies should be in sealed containers.
During the procedure
Your waxing professional should wear gloves and should never, ever double dip. Double dipping is when a cosmetologist keeps dipping the same spatula or applicator into the tub of warm wax, then reheats that wax for the next client’s procedure. She should either use a new disposable spatuala each time she dips or use a palette on which she pours enough wax for your individual treatment.
If the technician uses a wax roller, the roller head should be a new disposable roller. If it’s not, ask if it was sanitized between clients. There should be no hair on the roller or other tools or surroundings before your procedure begins.
If you're getting a full-on Brazilian wax, you probably won't be offered disposable panties to wear during the procedure. Otherwise, feel free to ask for a pair if it makes you more comfortable.
After the waxing
Avoid any potential skin irritants for 24 hours after waxing. These can include hot temperatures from showers, tanning or hot tubs, as well as perfumed soaps, deodorants or sprays on the area where skin was removed.

Know About Allergies

What Do You Want to Know About Allergies?

Written by Brian Krans
Medically Reviewed on December 22, 2014 by George Krucik, MD, MBA

An allergy is the immune system’s response to a foreign substance that’s not typically harmful to your body. These foreign substances are called allergens. They can include certain foods, pollen, or pet dander. They elicit a response from your immune system.
Your immune system’s job is to keep you healthy by fighting infection and other harmful pathogens. It does this by attacking anything it fears could put your body in danger. Depending on the allergen, this attack response may involve inflammation, sneezing, and a host of other symptoms.

Your immune system normally becomes acclimated to your environment. When your body encounters something like pet dander, it realizes it’s harmless, and doesn’t attack. In people with allergies, the immune system confuses those harmless substances with outside invaders threatening the body.
Allergies are common, and there are several ways to treat them in order to avoid annoying and troublesome symptoms.

Causes and Types of Allergies

Allergies occur when a normally harmless foreign substance enters the body and your immune system has a response to the invader. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why the immune system reacts this way.
Allergies have a genetic component, meaning that they can be passed down from parent to child. However, only a general susceptibility to allergic reaction is genetic. Specific allergies are not passed down. If your mother is allergic to shellfish, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be too.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there are several common types of allergens, including:

animal products: pet dander, dust mite waste, cockroaches
drugs: penicillin, “sulfa” drugs
foods: most commonly wheat, nuts, milk, shellfish, and eggs
insect stings: bees, wasps, mosquitoes
mold: airborne spores from mold
plants: pollens from grass, weeds, and trees, as well as resin from plants such as poison ivy and poison oak
other: metals, such as copper and latex

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are some of the most common allergies. These are caused by pollen released by plants. They cause:

itchy eyes
watery eyes
a runny nose
a cough

When to See a Doctor About Allergies

Allergy symptoms can create numerous complications.
Food allergies can trigger swelling, hives, nausea, fatigue, and more. It may take awhile for a person to realize that they have a food allergy. If you have a serious reaction after a meal and you’re not sure why, see your doctor. They will be able to find the exact cause of your reaction or refer you to a specialist.
Hay fever symptoms can mimic those of a cold. They include congestion, a runny nose, and swollen eyes. Most of the time you’ll be able to manage these symptoms at home using over-the-counter treatments. See your doctor if your symptoms become unmanageable.
Severe allergies can cause anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to breathing difficulties, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness. If you’re experiencing these symptoms after coming in contact with a possible allergen, seek medical help immediately.
Your doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms, as well as the difference between a sensitivity and a full-blown allergy. Your doctor can also teach you how to manage your allergy symptoms.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

There are several ways allergies can be diagnosed.
First, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They will ask about anything unusual you may have eaten recently and any substances you may have come in contact with. For example, if you have a rash on your hands your doctor may ask if you’ve put on latex gloves recently.
Food allergies are typically diagnosed through a process of elimination. Your doctor may have you take part in an elimination diet. This means you will remove certain foods from your diet and then rate your symptoms. Foods are slowly added back into the diet and symptoms are recorded in a food diary.
Your doctor may also refer you to an allergist for testing and treatment. A common type of allergy test carried out by an allergist is called a skin test. During this test, your skin is pricked or scratched with small needles containing potential allergens. Your skin’s reaction is documented. If you’re allergic to a particular substance, your skin will become red and inflamed.
According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor or allergist may also order a blood test known as a radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Your blood will be tested for the presence of allergy-causing antibodies, or cells that react to allergens.

How Are Allergies Treated?

The best treatment for allergies is avoiding whatever triggers the reaction. If that’s not possible, there are treatment options available.

Medication

Since people with hay fever and seasonal allergies cannot avoid the outdoor environment forever, treatment involves medications like antihistamines to control the symptoms. The medication can be over-the-counter or prescription, depending on the severity of your allergies.
Allergy medications include:

antihistamines
corticosteroids
cromolyn sodium
decongestants
leukotriene modifiers

Immunotherapy

Many people opt for immunotherapy. This involves several injections of purified extracts from the allergens given over a few years. This helps the body become accustomed to the substance that produces the allergic reaction. Successful immunotherapy can prevent allergy symptoms from returning.

Emergency Epinephrine

People who have severe, life-threatening allergic reactions typically carry an emergency epinephrine shot, commonly called an EpiPen. EpiPen is one brand name and another commonly used brand is Tinject. This shot is given to counter the allergic reaction until medical help arrives.
There are many natural treatments and supplements marketed to treat allergies, but you should discuss these with your doctor before trying them. Some natural treatments may contain other allergens.

How to Prevent Allergies

There is no way to prevent allergies. But there are ways to prevent the symptoms from occurring. The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergens that trigger them.
Avoidance is the most effective way to treat food allergens. Trying an elimination diet can help you determine the cause of your allergens so you know how to avoid them. Thoroughly reading food labels and asking questions while dining out are basic steps to help avoid food allergens.
Preventing seasonal allergies, contact allergies, and other allergies comes down to knowing where the allergens are located and how to avoid them. If you’re allergic to dust, installing proper air filters in your home, getting your air ducts professionally cleaned, and regularly dusting your home can help reduce symptoms.
Proper allergy testing can help you pinpoint your exact triggers, which makes them easier to avoid.

Outlook: Living With Allergies

Allergies are common and don’t have life-threatening consequences for most people. Those at risk of anaphylaxis can learn how to manage their allergies and what to do in an emergency situation.
Most allergies are manageable with avoidance, medications, and lifestyle changes. Working with your doctor or allergist can help reduce any major complications and make life more enjoyable.

Want to Know About High Cholesterol?

What Do You Want to Know About High Cholesterol?

Written by Jacquelyn Cafasso
Medically Reviewed on October 27, 2014 by George Krucik, MD, MBA

Cholesterol is a substance that your liver produces naturally. It’s vital for the formation of cell membranes, vitamin D, and certain hormones.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. It doesn’t dissolve in water and therefore can't travel through the blood by itself. Lipoproteins are other particles formed in the liver that help transport cholesterol through the bloodstream. There are several major forms of lipoproteins that are important to your health.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as "bad cholesterol," may build up in the arteries and lead to serious health problems like a heart attack or stroke. High-density lipoproteins (HDL), sometimes called "good cholesterol," help return the LDL cholesterol to the liver for elimination.
Your liver produces all the cholesterol that you need, but fats and cholesterol are present in many of the foods we eat nowadays. Eating too many foods that contain excessive amounts of fat increase the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood. This is called having high cholesterol. High cholesterol is also called hypercholesterolemia. High cholesterol is especially dangerous when HDL cholesterol levels are too low and LDL cholesterol levels are too high.
High cholesterol typically causes no symptoms. It’s important to eat healthy and regularly monitor your cholesterol levels. When left untreated, high cholesterol can lead many health problems including a heart attack or stroke.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol is usually made worse by eating too many unhealthy foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats. Examples of foods that contribute to high cholesterol include:

red meat
liver and other organ meats
full fat dairy products like cheese, milk, ice cream, and butter
eggs (the yolk)
deep fried foods, like potato chips, french fries, fried chicken, and onion rings
peanut butter
some baked goods, like muffins
processed foods made with cocoa butter, palm oil, or coconut oil
chocolate

High cholesterol can also be genetic in many cases. This means that it’s not simply caused by food, but by the way in which your genes instruct your body to process cholesterol and fats. Genes are passed down from parents to children.
Other conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism may also contribute to high cholesterol. Smoking can also increase cholesterol problems..

Who Is at Risk for High Cholesterol?

Over one-third of American adults have raised levels of LDL or "bad" cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People of all ages, ethnicities, and genders can have high cholesterol.
You may be at a higher risk of high cholesterol if you:

have a family history of high cholesterol
eat a diet containing an excessive amount of saturated fat
are overweight or obese
have diabetes, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism

What Are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

In most cases, high cholesterol is a silent problem that typically doesn't cause any symptoms. For most people, if they have not had regular checkups and followed their cholesterol levels, their first symptoms are events like a heart attack or a stroke. In rare cases, there are familial syndromes where the cholesterol levels are extremely high (familial hypercholesterolemia). These people have cholesterol levels of 300 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher. Such people may show symptoms from high cholesterol that are due to deposits of cholesterol (xanthomas) over their tendons or under their eyelids (xanthalasmas). While high cholesterol affects a large portion of the United States, familial hypercholesterolemia affects only about one in 500 people.

How Is High Cholesterol Diagnosed?

High cholesterol is very easy to diagnose with a blood test called a lipid panel. Your doctor will take a sample of blood and send it to a laboratory for analysis. Your doctor may ask that you don’t eat or drink anything (fast) for at least 12 hours prior to the test.
A lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the following blood cholesterol levels as "desirable", or what you should aim for):

total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dL or higher
triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL

These recommendations are for the general, healthy public. Cholesterol levels may be different if you already have other conditions like diabetes. Your doctor can tell you what your healthy levels should be.

How Is High Cholesterol Treated?

Committing to exercise and a healthy diet is usually enough to decrease cholesterol levels. Sometimes medication is needed. This is especially true if LDL cholesterol levels are very high.

Medications

The most commonly prescribed medications used to treat high cholesterol are called statins. Statins work by blocking your liver from producing more cholesterol. These drugs also indirectly decrease the blood levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and some of them may also raise the level of the “good” cholesterol, HDL.
Examples of statins include:

atorvastatin (Lipitor)
fluvastatin (Lescol)
rosuvastatin (Crestor)
simvastatin (Zocor)

Other medications for high cholesterol include:

niacin
bile acid resins or sequesterants like colesevalam (Welchol), colestipol (Colestid), or cholestyramine (Prevalite)
cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as ezetimibe (Zetia)

There are also combination products that decrease both the absorption of the cholesterol you eat and also reduce the production of cholesterol in your liver. One example is a combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin).

Lifestyle Changes

Since a person's lifestyle typically worsens high cholesterol, lifestyle changes are crucial in order to lower it. Take these steps to help lower your cholesterol.

Eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats. Lean meats, such as chicken and fish that are not fried, and lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are helpful. Avoid fried or fatty foods as well as too many carbohydrates and processed sugars
Eat fish containing omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower your LDL cholesterol. Salmon, mackerel, and herring, for example are rich in omega-3s. Walnuts, ground flaxseeds and almonds also contain omega-3s.
Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Quit smoking.

Herbal and Nutritional Supplements

Some foods and supplements have been suggested to help lower your cholesterol, although none have been clearly proven to do so. These include:

fiber
soy
oat bran (found in oatmeal and whole oats)
barley
artichoke
blond psyllium (found in seed husk)
ground flaxseed

Certain herbs have also been suggested to be beneficial. The level of evidence supporting these claims varies. None have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of high cholesterol. Some of these include:

garlic
olive seed extract
hawthorn
green tea extract

Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbal or nutritional supplement. The herbal supplement may interact with other medications you take.

What Types of Doctors Treat High Cholesterol?

Your primary care doctor will typically be the first type of doctor to measure your cholesterol levels. A lipid panel is normally done during a routine physical exam with your primary care doctor. They may refer you to a specialist if you are at a high risk of heart disease. For example, if you are overweight or you have a hard time adhering to a diet low in saturated fat or getting regular exercise.
Specialists who treat or help manage high cholesterol include the following:

Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in disorders of the heart. A cardiologist may be necessary if you are already experiencing more serious complications from having high cholesterol like high blood pressure or atherosclerotic heart disease.
Nutritionists or registered dietitians are professionals who can help analyze your current diet. They can help you make a personalized cholesterol-friendly diet based on what foods you like and dislike.
Lipidologists are doctors who specialize in the study of fats in the blood. This is an emerging branch of medicine with relatively few practitioners. Although specialized training is available in lipidology, the American Board of Medical Specialties has yet to recognize lipidology as an independent medical subspecialty. A lipidologist may be able to offer additional therapeutic options if cholesterol-lowering medications and lifestyle changes don't help.
Exercise physiologists help people create a personalized plans to get engaged in more exercise and physical activity. They are trained to help you get the maximum heart benefits from your exercise plan.
Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing diseases related to the glands. An endocrinologist can help treat people who are dealing with hormonal imbalances.

What Are the Complications of High Cholesterol?

Left untreated, high cholesterol can contribute to plaque formation in your arteries and lead to atherosclerosis. Over time, deposits of cholesterol (plaque) can narrow your arteries and let less blood to pass through.
Atherosclerosis is a serious condition that can result in many life-threatening complications. These complications include:

stroke
heart attack
angina (chest pain)
peripheral vascular disease
high blood pressure
chronic kidney disease if plaque builds up in the renal arteries, which supply blood to your kidneys

How Can High Cholesterol Be Prevented?

High cholesterol that’s caused by genetic factors can't be prevented. There are things you can do to help lower your cholesterol to a more desirable level or prevent it from ever becoming a serious problem:

Exercise regularly.
Eat a healthy diet low in animal fats.
Eat baked, broiled, steamed, grilled and roasted foods instead of fried foods.
Choose lean meat.
Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Avoid fast food and junk food.
Eat a diet high in fiber.
Don't smoke. Smoking injures the blood vessels and greatly increases a person's risk for heart disease and stroke.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Although, moderate alcohol consumption (no more than two drinks a day) can actually raises levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol.
Get your cholesterol checked regularly. The American Heart Association recommends having your cholesterol levels checked every four to six years if you are a health adult over the age of 20. You may need to have your cholesterol checked more often if you are at an increased risk of high cholesterol.
Maintain a healthy weight.

What Is the Outlook for High Cholesterol?

If not treated, high cholesterol can cause serious problems and even death.
Treatments for high cholesterol and heart disease have improved over the years. Medicine and education have greatly reduced the number of deaths caused by heart disease and other complications.

However, high cholesterol is still a major concern in the United States due to sedentary lifestyles and poor food choices. Making positive changes to your lifestyle, including eating a healthier diet and getting more exercise, can help you live a long and healthy life.

Birth Control Tips

What Do You Want to Know About Birth Control?

Written by Jacquelyn Cafasso
Medically Reviewed on October 9, 2014 by Kenneth R. Hirsch, MD

Birth control, also known as contraception, can help prevent an unwanted pregnancy until you are ready to have a baby. Some forms of birth control also help protect you from a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

There are many different types of birth control and no single method is right for everyone. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each type of birth control and select the one most suited to your needs and lifestyle. Think carefully about how easy it is to use and if you are comfortable using it. You will also want to consider if and when you are planning to have children.

Other important questions to consider when choosing a birth control method include:

Does it contain hormones?
Does it protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Does it require a visit to a doctor or a prescription from a doctor?
Does it require preparation right before sex?
Is it quickly reversible?
Is it easy to use and will I remember to take it?
Does it decrease monthly bleeding and cramping (females)?
Is it noticeable and do I want my partner to be aware that I am using it?
Is it safe?
Am I allergic to any of its components?
Does it have side effects and how long will they last?
Will it affect my sex drive/sensation during sex?
How effective is it?
How much does it cost?
Am I willing to pay a lot more now if the method lasts for a long time?
How often do I have to take it?

What Types of Birth Control Are Available?

Some methods of birth control work better than others. The following is a list of the various types of birth control available, sorted by how effective they are at preventing pregnancies.

Extremely Effective (99-100%)

abstinence: Abstinence is complete avoidance of sex.
intrauterine device (IUD): This is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic that is put inside a woman’s uterus by a doctor. There are two kinds. A copper IUD releases a small amount of copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. The complete mechanisms of action of hormonal IUDs are not completely understood. There are several different types available, all of which release small amounts of hormones into the uterine cavity. Some of the methods by which this inhibits conception include thickening of the cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration, alteration of the uterine lining to make it inhospitable for a fertilized egg to implant, and also, in some cases, partially suppressing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).
implants: An implant is a soft plastic rod that is placed just under the skin of your arm by a doctor. The rod releases a synthetic progestin hormone over three years. Its primary mechanism of action is to prevent eggs from being released from the ovaries.
sterilization: This is a permanent method of birth control that involves cutting or blocking the tubes that carry sperm (in men) or the tubes that carry eggs to the uterus (in women).

Very Effective (>91%)

shot: This is an injection of a progestin hormone which is slowly absorbed by your body and prevents any eggs from leaving your ovaries. Each injection works for approximately 12 weeks, so it’s extremely important to receive subsequent injections on schedule if you wish to maintain contraception.
patch: This is asmall sticky patch worn on the skin that sends steady levels of hormones into your bloodstream.
vaginal ring: This is a soft, plastic ring that you put in your vagina, where it releases a steady dose of sex hormones.
birth control pills: This is a set of pills usually taken every single day at the same time, which contain hormones called estrogen and progesterone. The pill works by stopping the release of eggs from your ovaries.

Effective (>80%)

condoms: This is a thin, disposable wrap placed over the erect penis. If used correctly, sperm will be trapped inside the condom and will not be able to get inside the vagina
cervical barriers (diaphragm, cap, or shield): A cervical barrier is a small rubber cup that you fill with spermicidal jelly and place in your vagina, over the cervix, before sex. This prevents sperm from entering your uterus.

Moderately Effective (>70%)

spermicides: These are chemicals that come in the form of jellies, creams, or foams that kill sperm. They are usually used together with a cervical barrier, such as a diaphragm.
sponge: This is a small foam pad soaked in spermicide and placed in the vagina over the cervix.
fertility tracking: This method involves very carefully tracking changes in your body so you can know when you are most likely to be fertile and when you are not. You are not likely to get pregnant if you have sexual intercourse on the days you are not fertile.

Emergency Contraceptives

Emergency contraceptive pills are used to prevent pregnancy after you have already had unprotected sex (sex without using a birth control method). They are sometimes called the “morning after pill.” They may be used as a backup if your normal birth control method fails or you forget to take it.
Emergency contraceptives can prevent pregnancy for up to five days after sex. They will not work if you are already pregnant.

Ineffective Forms of Birth Control

These methods are not a reliable form of birth control:

douching
urinating after intercourse
feminine hygiene products
homemade condoms

What Are the Pros and Cons of Each Type?

All methods of birth control, including the emergency contraceptive pill, have been carefully tested and are considered very safe. However, every method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Abstinence

Pros:

₋ There are no health risks.
₋ It’s completely free.

Cons:

₋ It requires self-control and offers no protection if you change your mind and decide to have sex. You should always have another birth control method nearby.
₋ You can still get STDs from oral sex or skin-to-skin contact, such as rubbing each other’s genitals.
Vasectomy

Vaginal Ring

Pros:

₋          It may clear up acne.
₋          Periods may be more regular, lighter, and less painful.
₋          You do not have to interrupt or stop sex to use it.
₋          Reversible.

Cons:

₋          It does not protect against STDs.
₋          It requires a prescription from a doctor.
₋          It should not be used if you have a blood clotting disorder.
₋          You must insert and remove it every month.

Birth Control Pills

How Do I Choose the Method That’s Right for Me?

Figuring out which method to use can be a bit overwhelming. A method that’s perfect for one woman may not be right for another.
Take a moment to consider all of the important questions and all of the available options. Then weigh the pros and cons of each option as it applies to your own lifestyle and future plans. You may even decide to use a combination of birth control methods for extra protection against pregnancy and STDs.
You can always talk to a doctor or to a clinic that specializes in family planning to help you choose a method that is right for you. The more you know, the more in control you can be of your sexual health as well as when you may want to have children.

Digestive Disorders: Appendicitis Can Often Be Treated With Antibiotics

Tools & Resources

Appendicitis Can Often Be Treated With Antibiotics

About 80 percent of patients can try medication first, study says

WebMD News from HealthDay

By Steven Reinberg

HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Although surgical removal of the appendix has long been a standard treatment, a new study found that almost three-quarters of people treated with antibiotics could be spared the invasive procedure known as appendectomy.

"For more than a century, appendectomy has been the standard treatment," said the study's lead author Dr. Paulina Salminen, of Turku University Hospital in Finland.

But about 80 percent of patients with an inflamed appendix, commonly called appendicitis, don't need to have their appendix surgically removed, and those who ultimately do need the surgery aren't hurt by waiting, according to Salminen.

She thinks that this and other studies will change how appendicitis is treated. "Now we know that only a small proportion of appendicitis patients need an emergency operation," Salminen said.

However, there are two types of appendicitis -- one that always requires surgery and a milder form that can be treated with antibiotics, Salminen explained. "The majority of appendicitis is the milder form, making up almost 80 percent of the cases of appendicitis," she said.

The more serious type of appendicitis can cause the appendix to rupture. Treating this type of appendicitis requires that the appendix be removed, she said.

A CT scan can accurately detect which type of appendicitis someone has, Salminen added.

The study's findings were published June 16 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

For the study, Salminen and colleagues randomly assigned 530 patients with acute appendicitis to appendectomy or a 10-day course of antibiotics.

The researchers found that appendectomies were 99.6 percent successful. Among patients treated with antibiotics and followed for a year, 73 percent did not need surgery. However, 27 percent of the patients treated with antibiotics had to have their appendix removed within a year after treatment.

But there were no major complications associated with delaying surgery, the researchers said.

Dr. Edward Livingston, deputy editor of JAMA and coauthor of an accompanying editorial, said, "It's kind of lost to history why people started doing appendectomies, but it has become so routine that when someone comes in with appendicitis they get whisked into the operating room."

However, a lot has changed in 130 years, he said. For example, the ability to diagnose appendicitis has improved. "It's almost perfect with CT scans," Livingston said.

In addition, the antibiotics available are very powerful and can kill anything in the appendix that can cause infection, he said. "These changes have made us rethink how we approach appendicitis," Livingston said.

More than 300,000 appendectomies are done each year in the United States. However, most patients can be treated with antibiotics alone, he said.

"Appendicitis of this type is not an emergency. You can always give somebody antibiotics and see how they do, and if the appendicitis comes back you can take out their appendix and not have complications related to the delay," Livingston said.

He added that even though an appendectomy is usually well tolerated, there are risks and pain. And, having an operation is expensive.

"I am a surgeon and I hope to get through life without ever having an operation," he said. "So if I were given the option of taking antibiotics and not have surgery, I would take antibiotics in a heartbeat."

The Death over Our Heads: Energy Saving Light Bulbs Are Poisonous To the Brain, Nervous System, Liver, Kidneys and Heart

An energy saving bulb has gone - evacuate the room now!

Energy-saving light bulbs are so dangerous that everyone must leave the room for at least 15 minutes if one falls to the floor and breaks, a Government department warned yesterday.
The startling alert came as health experts also warned that toxic
mercury inside the bulbs can aggravate a range of problems including migraines and dizziness.
And a leading dermatologist said tens of thousands of people with skin complaints will find it hard to tolerate being near the bulbs as they cause
conditions such as eczema to flare up.
The Department for Environment warned shards of glass from broken bulbs should not be vacuumed up but instead swept away by someone wearing rubber gloves to protect them from the bulb's mercury content.
In addition, it said care should be taken not to inhale any dust and the broken pieces should be put in a sealed plastic bag for disposal at a council dump – not a normal household bin.
None of this advice, however, is printed on the packaging the new-style bulbs are sold in. There are also worries over how the bulbs will be disposed of.
Scroll down for more

Under new regulations for hazardous waste, councils are obliged to recycle them.
At present, they should be placed in special bins also used for batteries at a council dump. But in future, councils will have to provide a collection service or install special recycling banks for the bulbs.
There are fears that without a proper disposal system, the mercury content could contaminate water supplies.
But disposing of one municipal recycling bin full of bulbs costs about £650 each time, adding to fears of higher council tax bills.
The warnings cast a shadow over Government plans to begin phasing out traditional tungsten lights this month.
Ministers hope that using the more environmentally friendly bulbs will save at least five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
The bulbs are due to become compulsory in homes in four years.
Campaigners are calling for an
opt-out so that people with health problems can still use old-style bulbs.
Others are thinking of hoarding the familiar pear-shaped bulbs so that they can keep on using them even after they have disappeared from the shops.
Independent environmental scientist Dr David Spurgeon warned yesterday: "Because these light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, they could cause a problem if disposed of in a normal bin.
"It is possible that the mercury could be released into the air or from land-fill when they are released into the wider environment. That is a concern, because mercury is a well-known toxic substance."
And dermatologist Dr John Hawk, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that some people already find it difficult to tolerate the fluorescent-strip lighting that is widely used in schools and offices, which works in the same way as the eco-friendly bulbs.
He said: "Fluorescent lights seem to have some sort of ionising characteristic where they affect the air around them.
"This does affect a certain number of people, probably tens of thousands, in Britain, whose ailments flare up just by being close to them.
"Certain forms of eczema – some of which are very common – do flare up badly anywhere near fluorescent lights, so these people have to just be around incandescent (old-style) lighting."

Thursday, 18 June 2015

Cell Phone Use May Disrupt the Fetus

Urinary Tract Infections

Bikini Wax Warning

What Do You Want to Know About Allergies?

Causes and Types of Allergies

When to See a Doctor About Allergies

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

How Are Allergies Treated?

Medication

Immunotherapy

Emergency Epinephrine

How to Prevent Allergies

Outlook: Living With Allergies

What Do You Want to Know About High Cholesterol?

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Who Is at Risk for High Cholesterol?

What Are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

How Is High Cholesterol Diagnosed?

How Is High Cholesterol Treated?

Medications

Lifestyle Changes

Herbal and Nutritional Supplements

What Types of Doctors Treat High Cholesterol?

What Are the Complications of High Cholesterol?

How Can High Cholesterol Be Prevented?

What Is the Outlook for High Cholesterol?

What Do You Want to Know About Birth Control?

What Types of Birth Control Are Available?

Extremely Effective (99-100%)

Very Effective (>91%)

Effective (>80%)

Moderately Effective (>70%)

Emergency Contraceptives

Ineffective Forms of Birth Control

What Are the Pros and Cons of Each Type?

Abstinence

Pros:

Cons:

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Pros:

Cons:

Implants

Pros:

Cons:

Sterilization

Pros:

Cons:

Shot

Pros:

Cons:

Patch

Pros:

Cons:

Vaginal Ring

Pros:

Cons:

Birth Control Pills

Pros:

Cons:

Condoms

Pros:

Cons:

Cervical Barriers

Pros:

Cons:

Spermicides

Pros:

Cons:

Sponge

Pros:

Cons:

Fertility Tracking

Pros:

Cons:

How Do I Choose the Method That’s Right for Me?

Digestive Disorders Health Center

Tools & Resources

Appendicitis Can Often Be Treated With Antibiotics

An energy saving bulb has gone - evacuate the room now!