Eye floaters are spots, flecks, or blurs that you may see when you look around. Eye floaters are caused by a buildup of vitreous fluid in the back of the eye, which can create shadows in your vision.Source: iStock Readers Comments 95 Share Your Story "Eye floaters" are deposits or condensation in the vitreous (often referred to as vitreous humor,...
DVT during Pregnancy Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Risks
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during pregnancy definitions and facts Share Your Story During pregnancy, factors that increase the risk of developing DVT include varicose veins, diabetes multiple gestations, and more. The most common type of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which refers to blood clots in the deep veins of the leg, arm, or pelvis. When blood...
What Are the Differences Between Anoxia and Hypoxia?
What is anoxia vs. hypoxia? Anoxia and hypoxia are both severe, life-threatening conditions in which a person is experiencing oxygen deprivation. The terms anoxia and hypoxia are often used interchangeably, but there are differences between the two terms. Though they both describe conditions in which organs tissues, including the brain, are receiving insufficient oxygen, knowing the difference between the terms...
What Is the Difference Between Vaginitis and Vaginosis?
What are vaginitis and vaginosis? Vaginitis and vaginosis are often linked and have similar symptoms. This can make it hard to differentiate between the two conditions. Vaginitis and vaginosis are common conditions in women of childbearing age. They can happen when something changes the delicate balance of bacteria and yeast flora in the vagina. Vaginitis and vaginosis are often linked...
Hysterectomy Procedure: Risks, Complications, Types, Laparoscopic & Recovery
What is a hysterectomy? Readers Comments 100 Share Your Story Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are the single most common indication for hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure whereby the uterus (womb) is removed. This surgery for women is the most common non-obstetrical surgical procedure in the United States. Approximately 300 out of every 100,000 women will undergo a hysterectomy....
Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment, Surgery & Causes
Facts you should know about a Dupuytren's contracture Dupuytren’s contracture can prevent full extension of the affected finger. A Dupuytren's contracture is a localized scar tissue formation in the palm. The precise cause of a Dupuytren's contracture is not known. A Dupuytren's contracture is sometimes inherited. A Dupuytren's contracture can limit extension of the affected finger. The treatment of a...
Disease Prevention in Men: Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes & High Blood Pressure
Facts you should know about disease prevention in men Share Your Story Routine screening tests can help detect diseases while they are in an early stage. Routine screening tests are part of basic prevention medicine. All of the following screening tests are commonly available through your doctor. Take an active role in your own health care and discuss screening tests...
GERD: Is the Damage Reversible?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is caused by the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is caused by the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). LES is a group of muscles that act as a valve to prevent the acidic contents of the stomach from refluxing into the esophagus. It is estimated that around...
ELISA Test Steps, Results, Types & Procedure Risks
Facts you should know about ELISA tests Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Picture of micro-pipetting samples into a polystyrene plate for an ELISA test kit; Photo by James Gathany/CDC ELISA is an abbreviation for "enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay." In 1974, P. Perlmann and E. Engvall developed the test as a substitute for certain radioimmunoassay tests, and eventually, it replaced the...
Does Exposure to Media Violence Cause Aggressive Behavior?
Studies and research indicate that exposure to media violence is a strong predictor of aggressive behavior. Research indicates that people learn their attitudes about violence at a very early age and exposure to violence desensitizes people to violence. Studies and research indicate that exposure to media violence is a strong predictor of aggressive behavior. An average child may be exposed...