MEDIC8 HEALTH GUIDE: WOMEN'S HEALTH

This section covers women's health conditions and concerns.

ABNORMAL CERVICAL SMEARS

This article covers the consequences of an abnormal smear, and the following investigations and colposcopy to determine the cause.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR MENOPAUSE

There is increasing interest in the use of alternative products to control symptoms of menopause. This article looks at some of the main therapies being used and the evidence for them.

AMENORRHOEA

Lack of menstrual periods can be a symptom of an underlying problem. This article looks at some of the causes and what treatment is available.

AMNIOCENTESIS

Pregnant women over 35 should consider whether to have an amniocentesis to test for foetal abnormalities. This article details the procedure, the risks and benefits.

AN OVERVIEW OF VAGINAL THRUSH (CANDIDA)

Most women have experienced thrush at some time in their lives, and some women find it difficult to cure the condition. This article looks the current treatments available.

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (GARDNERELLA)

This is an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina. This article provides details of the condition and what treatment is available.

BLOOD CLOTS AND THE PILL

There has been extensive debate about which type of contraceptive pills may or may not be associated with an increased risk of blood clots. This article offers an excellent overview and summary of the current evidence to help women with their choices.

BOTOX

Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for frown lines. This article explains what Botox is, how it works, and possible side-effects.

BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is a serious issue for women. This article looks at risk factors, treatment, and survival rates for breast cancer.

BREAST CANCER - FAMILY HISTORY

A family history of breast cancer can increase a woman's chances of developing the disease. This article looks at the risk factors for having a relation who has had breast cancer.

BREAST PAIN

Breast pain (mastalgia) affects most women at some point in their life. This article covers the symptoms and causes of breast pain.

BREAST REDUCTION

Large breasts can cause several medical problems, including back and neck pain. A breast reduction can benefit many women who are uncomfortable with their breast size.

CERVICAL SMEARS

Cervical screening is one the best preventive health tools for women. Regular cervical smears can achieve early detection and treatment of gynaecological problems.

CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. This article looks at the symtpoms, treatment and prevention of the condition.

COLPOSCOPY

Colposcopy is a detailed examination of the cervix following an abnormal smear. This article covers how a colposcopy is performed and in what circumstances it is recommended.

DEPO PROVERA

Depo provera is a good contraceptive option for women who find it hard to remember to take a pill everyday. This article covers the risks and benefits of the injection.

DEPRESSION

Depression can affect most people at some time in their lives. This article details the symptoms of depression and what treatment is recommended.

DYSURIA (Burning Urine)

This is a common symptom that often indicates a urine infection,although caution is needed as it may be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection,particularly in young women. This article outlines a safe approach to make an accurate diagnosis.

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

This is a potentially life-threatening condition of early pregnancy and all women should be aware of the symptoms. Modern treatment aims to preserve future fertility.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. This article details two common methods.

ENDOMETRIOSIS

This is a painful condition characterised by an abnormality in the growth of the lining of the uterus. This article provides an overview of the treatment options.

GENITAL WARTS (HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS)

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. This article looks at treatment, prevention and current research.

GONORRHOEA

Gonorrhoea has been around for centuries. This article looks the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of this sexually transmitted disease.

HEART DISEASE PREVENTION IN WOMEN

 

HEAVY PERIODS (MENORRHAGIA)

Heavy periods are a common problem and can effect your quality of life. However, help is available. This article looks at what treatments can help.

HERCEPTIN

This drug is used to treat advanced breast cancer in women that are HER2 receptor positive. This article profiles the drug and how it works.

HIRSUTISM (EXCESS BODY HAIR)

This article has been prepared to help you understand how hair disorders can affect you, what tests are used, and what treatment is available. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Whether to take HRT is a difficult decision for many women. This article examines some of the controversies surrounding the issue.

HYSTERECTOMY

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman's uterus. This article looks at the procedure, when surgery may be necessary and possible complications.

IUD

The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is the contraceptive of choice for many women. This article details the advantages and disadvantages of having an IUD.

MAMMOGRAM

Mammograms are the most effective method of detecting breast cancer in its early stages. This article discusses when they are recommended.

MENOPAUSE

Menopause can produce difficult symptoms in some women. This article looks at some of the problems and solutions.

MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES

Menstrual period problems are usually a sign of a larger condition or problem. This article looks at the different types of menstrual irregularity.

MISCARRIAGE

A miscarriage is a distressing event for many couples. This article looks at why they occur and the theories behind recurrent miscarriage.

ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

The Pill has been used by most sexually active women at some time. This article provides a broad overview of how it works, and the risks and benefits of its use.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a common problem for women following menopause, but it can also affect men. This article discusses the symptoms and treatment of the condition.

OVARIAN CANCER

This article outlines risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

OVARIAN CYSTS

Ovarian cysts are a common condition. This article outlines possible symptoms,investigations needed and treatment strategies.

PAIN RELIEF IN LABOUR

This article provides a broad overview of the different methods of pain relief that can be used during child birth.

PAINFUL PERIODS (DYSMENORRHOEA)

Painful periods are common in young women but there are treatments available to ease cramps. This article looks at the cause of the condition and what can be done to help.

PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES

This article provides a practical outline of useful exercises to help prevent common problems (e.g. stress incontinence).

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious disorder which can lead to infertility. This article discusses the symptoms and what can be done to help.

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a leading cause of infertility. This article looks at the symptoms and treatment of the condition.

POST NATAL DEPRESSION

An estimated 10 percent of new mothers get post natal depression. This article outlines the theories behind the disorder and what can be done to help.

PREGNANCY

A normal pregnancy can still involve some undesirable symptoms like nausea and back pain. This article offers an overview of a healthy pregnancy.

PREGNANCY TESTS

This article looks at the types of pregnancy test, how they work, and their accuracy.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

PMS is a common problem, affecting some women more than others. This article provides an overview of the condition, common symptoms and what treatments may be helpful.

RU486 (MIFEPRISTONE)

Often referred to as "the abortion pill", this drug is used for the non-surgical termination of pregnancy of up to 24 weeks gestation. This article looks at how it works and some precautions.

SEXUAL PAIN (DYSPAREUNIA)

Pain during sexual intercourse can be caused by many underlying conditions. This article looks at some of these, and suggestions for treating the problem.

SYPHILIS

Syphilis was once one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Although it is less common in modern times, transmission is still possible. This article details the symptoms and treatment.

TAMOXIFEN

This drug is used in the treatment of breast cancer and endometrial cancer, but it can have significant side effects. This article profiles these and how the medicine works.

THE MINI PILL

The mini pill is a useful alternative for women who cannot use the combined oral contraceptive pill. This article provides advice on how it is used and common side effects.

THE MIRENA IUD

The Mirena is a new contraceptive. It is an IUD which releases a progestogen hormone to stop conception and help reduce heavy periods. This article looks the benefits and possible side effects.

THIN PREP CERVICAL SMEAR TESTS

The new Thin Prep pap smear test uses the latest technology to test for pre-cancerous changes on the cervix. This article looks at the advantages over the traditional screening method.

TRICHOMONIASIS

This is a fairly uncommon sexually transmitted disease which is linked to other STDs. This article looks at the symptoms and treatment of the infection.

URINARY INCONTINENCE

Urinary incontinence is a common condition, mainly affecting older people. This article details the different forms of incontinence and the treatment options.

URINARY INFECTIONS

Urinary infections are a common problem for women. This article discusses the causes and how to treat them.

UTERINE FIBROIDS

This article outlines the symptoms , possible complications and treatment options for these common benign uterine growths

VAGINAL PROLAPSE

Many women suffer in silence with this distressing condition, although effective measures and possibly surgery may be very helpful.

VAGINITIS

Inflammation of the vagina is often caused by infection. This article looks at the causes and symptoms.

VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

Varicose veins can be simply treated with an injection to close off the affected vein. This article looks at the best candidates for the procedure and how it is performed.

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Family Health Guide : Women's Health

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