Birth control definition and facts Terminology that is used to describe birth control methods includes: contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and family planning. No matter what terminology is used, sexually active people can choose from a number of methods to reduce the possibility of pregnancy. Nevertheless, no method of birth control available today offers perfect protection against sexually transmitted infections...
Birthmark Types, Causes & Removal
Birthmark facts Birthmarks are composed of various types of normal tissue or pigment that have lost their way to their normal destination during fetal development. Most birthmarks are small and do not produce medical problems. The most common birthmarks are composed of either pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) or blood vessels. Rarely, certain birthmarks can be a clue to a more serious...
Can You Flush Out a UTI With Water?
Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out of the urinary system. Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out...
Carcinoid Tumor: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Life Expectancy
Carcinoid tumor definition and facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Carcinoid tumors may be cancerous or benign and form largely in the lungs and gut. The clinical course of these cancers is often indolent with 5-year survival approaching 75%. Carcinoid tumors are rare tumors that develop from hormone-producing cells called enterochromaffin cells that occur throughout the body, with approximately 65% originating...
What Is the Best Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
What is the best treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa? Hidrahenitis suppurativa is condition that causes pus-filled boils on the forearms. Hidrahenitis suppurativa is treated with oral and topical antibiotics, compresses, laser therapy and surgery. If you repeatedly have painful bumps in your armpits or groin, you might have hidradenitis suppurativa. This is a common condition in which you repeatedly get pus-filled...
Can PRK Surgery Correct Astigmatism? PRK vs. LASIK
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of laser surgery used to correct refractive errors such as astigmatism. PRK surgery may be done to correct one of these refractive errors: Nearsightedness (myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects. Farsightedness (hyperopia): Difficulty with near vision. Astigmatism: Curvature of the cornea or lens is uneven, leading to distorted or blurred vision. What is PRK surgery? PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a...
Bone Marrow Transplantation for Breast Cancer Facts
A bone marrow transplant may be used to treat patients with certain forms of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or breast cancer. The goal of such a transplant in women with breast cancer is to allow them to undergo high-dose chemotherapy — which aggressively attacks the cancer cells, but also damages normal blood cells – and then replace the damaged...
Can High Blood Pressure Hurt My Eyes?
Several eye diseases are directly or indirectly caused by high blood pressure Unfortunately, yes. Suffering from untreated or poorly controlled high blood pressure for a long time can be detrimental to your eyes. Several eye diseases are directly or indirectly caused by high blood pressure (hypertension). Various hypertension-induced eye damages include: Hypertensive retinopathy: Retinopathy means damage to the retina. The...
Cerebral Palsy Types, Symptoms, Treatment & Life Expectancy
Facts you should know about cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) is an abnormality of motor function, the ability to move and control movements. Cerebral palsy is acquired at an early age, usually less than a year of age. Cerebral palsy is due to a brain abnormality that does not progress in severity. The causes of cerebral palsy include prematurity, genetic...
Can I Check My Blood Pressure With My Phone?
The heart pumps blood into the arteries as it contracts (systole). It is possible but not reliable. Hence, it is not advised. You cannot accurately check your blood pressure with your phone. Several apps, both Android and iOS, claim that they can measure your blood pressure via new technology. None of these apps have any backing from health experts and...