Symptoms of Breast Cancer

N/A an abnormal lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area any change in the size or shape of the breast abnormal discharge from the nipple change in the color or texture of the breast, aureola, or nipple any dimpling or puckering of the breast  Visit our Health Treatments Guide Index for more information about Breast Cancer and other women's health conditions.

Always discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Go to the Health Symptoms Guide Index for more common women's health symptoms.

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Gonorrhea Signs and Symptoms

Question: What are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea?Answer: The symptoms of genital gonorrhea differ in men and women.

The cervix is primarily affected in women infected with this sexually transmitted disease; however gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes if left untreated. Often women do not experience recognizable symptoms; however when symptoms do occur they can include:

The primary point of infection in men is most often the urethra. About one in five infected men may not experience symptoms of gonorrhea; however the majority of men who do have symptoms may experience:

Other symptoms such as are pain, swelling, discharge can occur when gonorrhea affects the throat or rectum of both women and men.

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Hemorrhoids FAQs - Symptoms -

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids initially is aimed at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include: Warm tub or sitz baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes. Ice packs to help reduce swelling. Application of a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time.

Prevention of the recurrence of hemorrhoids is aimed at changing conditions associated with the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid (not alcohol) result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).

In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal tissue and are performed under anesthesia. The doctor will perform the surgery during an office or hospital visit.

A number of surgical methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include: Rubber band ligation--A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days. Sclerotherapy--A chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.

Techniques used to treat both internal and external hemorrhoids include: Electrical or laser heat (laser coagulation) or infrared light (infrared photo coagulation)--Both techniques use special devices to burn hemorrhoidal tissue. Hemorrhoidectomy--Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy. This is the best method for permanent removal of hemorrhoids. The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and to empty bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. Exercise, including walking, and increased fiber in the diet help reduce constipation and straining by producing stools that are softer and easier to pass.

Reprinted from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

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Women and HIV/AIDS - symptoms

Symptoms that could serve as warning signals of HIV infection may go ignored because many women do not perceive themselves at risk. Symptoms include recurrent yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis), pelvic inflammatory disease, abnormal changes or dysplasia (growth and presence of precancerous cells) in cervical tissue, genital ulcers, genital warts, and severe mucosal herpes infections may also accompany HIV infection in women.

It is possible for a person infected with HIV to show no signs of infection. For women, the most common symptoms of exposure to the HIV virus are frequent or severe vaginal infections, abnormal PAP smears, or pelvic infections (PID) that are difficult to treat.

Within a few weeks of having been infected, many people have flu-like symptoms. However, in some cases, symptoms do not show for many years. As the infection progresses, some symptoms can include 1) swollen lymph glands in the neck, underarm, or groin area, 2) recurrent fever including "night sweats," 3) rapid weight loss for no apparent reason, 4) constant tiredness, 5) diarrhea and decreased appetite, 6) white spots or unusual blemishes in the mouth.

Since women constitute the most rapidly growing segment of the HIV-infected population in the United States, AIDS prevention is particularly important for women's health. HIV is transmitted through bodily secretions, like blood and semen. Using injection drugs, having unprotected sex with someone who has used injection drugs, having unprotected sex with a man who has had sex with another man, and having multiple sex partners all increase the chances of acquiring HIV. According to the FDA, the best way to protect yourself against HIV is abstinence from sexual intercourse and illegal drug use. If you have intercourse, be sure it is with one uninfected partner or that you properly use barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams. Currently, there is no known cure for HIV/AIDS. The best treatment right now seems to be prescription "cocktails," or combinations of prescription drugs. These medications include those for antiviral treatment and other drugs, like oral antifungals to combat yeast infections, which fight diseases that take advantage of the weakened immune response of HIV-infected people. It is also important for HIV-infected women and their physicians to watch for pelvic inflammatory disease or other STDs through screening. Similarly, cervical cancer may be more common and progress more quickly in infected women; for this reason, women with HIV should have Pap Smears twice a year to make sure cancer is detected and treated early. Very few women with HIV were included in early studies of the epidemic, but in 1994, women accounted for 18% of adult participants in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Studies are focusing on clinical signs of HIV infection in women and on the relationships between pregnancy and HIV. Researchers are investigating "female-controlled" methods of protection by developing creams or gels that women would apply before intercourse to protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. There is no conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of contraceptive films as a HIV-transmission prevention tool. Most babies born to HIV-infected women escape the virus, but 1 in 4 do become infected before or during birth or through breast-feeding, although no one is certain when viral transmission occurs. Transmission may also be linked to the mother's health during the pregnancy or birth. There are more viruses during the earliest stages of AIDS than later, for example. Currently, physicians may prescribe drug Retrovir (AZT) for infected pregnant women to reduce rates of transmission; effectiveness of this therapy increases the earlier HIV is diagnosed during the course of infection or before or after pregnancy. Yes, it can. HIV can be transmitted through the exchange of body fluids (e.g. blood, semen, saliva, and vaginal secretions). HIV is transmittable through all forms of sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, and anal) when one or both partners are infected with HIV. Oral sex without a latex condom places you at risk of exposure to HIV. It should also be noted that pre-ejaculation fluid can carry HIV and it can be absorbed into the thin mucous linings of the mouth. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that during oral sex, a latex condom should be used to decrease risk of exposure.

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Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors

uterine fibroids, uterine fibroid tumors, leiomyoma often, there are no symptoms pelvic pain irregular bleeding painful urination with large fibroids Visit our Women's Health Treatments Guide Index for more information about uterine fibroid tumors and other women's health conditions.

Always discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

cancer of the cervix, cervical carcinoma

Cervical cancer grows slowly; that's why getting a yearly Pap smear is imperative for all women. The Pap smear detects early changes to the cervix that may be signs of cervical cancer, or more likely, other cervical conditions.

Visit our Health Treatments Guide Index for more information about Cervical Cancer and other women's health conditions.

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Go to the Health Symptoms Guide Index for more common women's health symptoms.

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Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can help lead to an early diagnosis, which increases your chance of survival. It's important to note, however, that many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer never experienced any ovarian cancer symptoms beforehand. In addition, women who do experience these symptoms are often diagnosed with something less serious than ovarian cancer. Seeing your doctor and clearly communicating what you're feeling can help get to the bottom of whatever issue you may be facing. cancer of the ovaries, ovarian carcinoma If symptoms are present, they may include: unusual abdominal feeling of fullness pelvic discomfort unexplained indigestion, gas, or bloating pain during sexual intercourse abnormal bleeding swelling and/or pain in the abdomen

Ovarian Cancer. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000889.htm. Accessed 12/16/09.

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Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

tubal pregnancy symptoms of early pregnancy spotting after first missed period cramping after first missed period pain or pelvic pressure ultimately, severe uterine bleeding or hemorrhage  Visit our Health Treatments Guide Index for more information about Ectopic Pregnancy and other women's health conditions.

Always discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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Symptoms of Endometriosis

endo Visit our Women's Health Treatments Guide Index for more information about endometriosis and other women's health conditions.

Always discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Go to the Women's Health Symptoms Guide Index for more common women's health symptoms.

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Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors

Answer: How do you know if you have uterine fibroids? It's not likely that you do know when you have fibroid tumors of the uterus. Most uterine fibroids do not cause any symptoms and do not require treatment other than regular observation by a physician. Fibroids may be discovered during routine gynecologic examination or during prenatal care.

Some women who have uterine fibroids may experience symptoms such as excessive or painful bleeding during menstruation, bleeding between periods, a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, frequent urination resulting from a fibroid that compresses the bladder, pain during sexual intercourse, or low back pain. Although reproductive symptoms such as infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortion, and early onset of labor during pregnancy have been attributed to fibroids to any of these symptoms. In rare cases, a fibroid can compress and block the fallopian tube, preventing fertilization and migration of the ovum or egg; after surgical removal of the fibroid, fertility is generally restored.

Fibroid Tumors of the Uterus Q&A

Reproduced from the Natinal Institute of Child Health & Human Developement

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Hemorrhoids FAQs - Symptoms -

Hemorrhoids are swollen but normally present blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that stretch under pressure, similar to varicose veins in the legs.

The increased pressure and swelling may result from straining to move the bowel. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, heredity, aging, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.

Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).

Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching (pruritus ani), have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.

Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.

Both women and men commonly experience hemorrhoids. About half of the population have hemorrhoids by age fifty. Women often experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy. The pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem. A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool lasts more than a couple of days. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

The doctor examines the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.

Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire rectum.

To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor may examine the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid) with sigmoidoscopy or the entire colon with colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum.

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Symptoms of Diverticulitis

diverticulosis abdominal pain tenderness in the left side of lower abdomen When infection is present: fever nausea vomiting chills cramping constipation Visit our Health Treatments Guide Index for more information about Diverticulitis and other women's health conditions.

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Symptoms of TSS

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare condition often associated with tampons. Toxic shock syndrome is only diagnosed after all other possible viruses or infections have been ruled out.

According to the National Women's Health Information Center or NWHIC, if you experience any of the following 7 signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome during your period you should contact your health care provider immediately! High fever that appears suddenly Muscle aches Diarrhea Dizziness and/or fainting Sunburn-like rash Sore throat Bloodshot eyes

How to Reduce Your Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome

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Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

Morning sickness - Nausea during pregnancy can occur with or without vomiting. While morning sickness is most common between weeks four and eight of pregnancy, many women experience this symptom beginning about two weeks from their date of conception.

Morning sickness is a misnomer since it can, and often does, occur at anytime of the day or night. The most common reason for this symptom seems to be the rapid rise in estrogen, produced by the fetus and placenta. Another trigger for nausea is odors. During pregnancy, a woman's sense of smell increases considerably and can make almost anything from everyday household odors, foods, perfume, and smoke, to name a few, trigger a bout of morning sickness or nausea and vomiting.

The most common foods to trigger morning sickness are coffee, meat, dairy products, and spicy foods. However, it's essential to understand that anything can trigger nausea and/ or vomiting during pregnancy.

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Perimenopause Signs - Symptoms

Perimenopause is the ten to fifteen years before menopause occurs. Menopause officially occurs when you have not had a period for one year. The average age women experience menopause is fifty-one; however, this is only an average which means many women experience menopause several years earlier and later. The best way to determine when you might experience menopause is to know when your own mother went through menopause (unless she had surgically induced menopause due to hysterectomy.)

The signs and symptoms of perimenopause include a wide variety of physical and mental health symptoms. Take a look at the following list to see if you recognize any of the signs and symptoms of perimenopause:

Don't be alarmed if you find yourself forgetting things or unable to focus on the task you have at hand. Problems with memory and concentration frequently occur during perimenopause. Supplementing with a B vitamin often helps to prevent or improve memory or concentration problems.
See: Not Having Children and Late Menopause Decrease Memory Loss in Menopause

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Gonorrhea - Symptoms - Treatme

According the the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 600,000 new cases of gonorrhea occur annually in the United States. For women this can have a particularly devastating effect on their reproductive health since women usually don't experience any symptoms. Women who are diagnosed with gonorrhea are also often found to have chlamydia. The CDC recommends that all women diagnosed with gonorrhea also receive treatment for chlamydia.

Often called "the clap," gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhea bacteria. This bacteria can be found in moist areas of the body including the vagina, penis, eyes, throat, and rectum. Infection can occur with contact to any of these areas. An infected person may also spread gonorrhea from one part of their body to another by touch. Gonorrhea can be spread through all forms of sexual activity including oral, vaginal, and rectal sex. Gonorrhea may be passed to newborns if their mother is infected when childbirth occurs.

Although any sexually active person can get gonorrhea, it is most prevalent among those from 15 to 30. Women who have vaginal intercourse with an infected man have a 60 to 90 percent chance of becoming infected; while men who have vaginal sex with an infected woman have a significantly lower 30 to 50 percent chance of becoming infected by this sexually transmitted disease.

"Infections due to Neisseria gonorrhoea, like those due to Chlamydia trachomatis, remain a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain in the United States." Additionally, according to the CDC's 2006 Surveillance report on gonorrhea, "epidemiologic and biologic studies provide strong evidence that gonococcal infections facilitate the transmission of HIV infection."

The Bartholin's glands may cause problems for women with gonorrhea. The ducts can become blocked and swell until a sore is formed. If this happens the lower area of the vulva will turn red on the infected side. If the infection is allowed to spread, gonorrhea can affect the uterus by significantly raising the risk that pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may occur.

The symptoms of genital gonorrhea differ in men and women.

The cervix is primarily affected in women diagnosed with gonnorhea. However, untreated gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes. Unfortunately, the symptoms of gonorrhea in women often go unnoticed. When women do experience symptoms, they may include:

So how can you know if a man is possibly infected with gonnorhea? About 20 percent of the time, you won't see anything that you can recognize as a symptom of gonorrhea in a man. However, when symptoms of gonorrhea are present in men they can include: a yellow pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis stinging during urination frequent urination blood in the urine swelling of the glands in the groin the head of the penis may turn red

When either women or men experience gonorrhea infection in the throat or rectum, symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discharge often occur.

The CDC recommends several treatment options which include: Cefixime 400 mg orally in a single dose, Ceftriaxone 125 mg IM in a single dose, Ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally in a single dose, Ofloxacin 400 mg orally in a single dose, PLUS Azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose, Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days

Patients who are unable to tolerate these treatments can be offered alternative pharmaceutical treatments.

Condoms provide your best protection against gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases. Of course you have to know how to use a male condom , or you can choose to use the female condom-- just don't try using both a male and female condom at the same time. Remember, everyone who is not in a monogamous long-term relationship needs to protect themselves by practicing safe sex routinely.

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Symptoms of HIV/AIDS in Women

Answer: While it's possible that a woman infected with HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS, could display no symptoms, it's more typical that women infected with HIV will experience some subtle signs and symptoms of HIV that they may not perceive as warning signs of HIV infection. The three most common symptoms experienced by women after exposure to HIV are: Frequent or severe vaginal infections Abnormal Pap smears Pelvic infections such as PID that are difficult to treat

Other signs and symptoms of HIV infection include:

Frequently, women exposed to HIV experience flu-like symptoms within a couple of weeks of becoming infected. In other cases, there are no symptoms for many years.

As the infection progresses, it is not uncommon to experience symptoms such as: Swollen lymph glands in the neck, underarm area, or groin Frequent fevers that include night sweats Rapid weight loss without dieting Constant fatigue Decreased appetite and diarrhea White spots or abnormal blemishes in the mouth

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Gallstones - Symptoms - Treatm

Gallstones are the most common and costly digestive disease in the United States, causing more than 800,000 hospitalizations annually at estimated cost of over five billion dollars. More than 20 million Americans have gallstones and approximately one million new cases are diagnosed each year. Women are twice as likely as men to develop gallstones; the higher prevalence of gallstones in women is thought to be caused by multiple pregnancies, obesity, and rapid weight loss. Well over half a million people undergo cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder) each year.

The normal function of the gallbladder is to store bile produced by the liver, and to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats in the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). Gallstones compose a solid formation of cholesterol and bile salts. However, research shows that approximately 80 to 90 percent of all gallstones are cholesterol gallstones which form when the liver begins secreting bile that is abnormally saturated with cholesterol. The excess cholesterol crystallizes and then forms stones which are stored in the gallbladder or the cystic duct. Gallstones can also form due to low levels of bile acids and bile lecithin.

When I was diagnosed with gallstones at 26, I was told that the typical gallstone patient was fair, fat, and forty. Today gallstones are seen in younger patients, perhaps due to the large amount of fast foods being consumed. My daughter went through five years of vomiting beginning at age 15, leading me to almost believe that she was bulimic, before she was diagnosed with gallstones at age 20. Risk factors which can lead to increased incidence of gallstones include the "Four Fs:" fat, female, fertile, and flatulent, as well as sickle cell disease (bilirubin), cirrhosis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, pancreatic disease, and hyperparathyroidism.

Have Been Diagnosed With Gallbladder Disease?

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