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Diseases & Conditions Blog

Endometriosis

July 23rd, 2009 . by steve

This is a condition in which fragments of endometrium, the tissue which lines the uterus, migrate to other parts of the body and become implanted there. In effect, the displaced tissue acts very much like a miniature uterus in a place where it has no business to be.

Under the influence of ovarian hormones, the displaced tissue bleeds (or “menstruates”) like normal endometrium lining the cavity of the uterus. This causes chemical irritation. Nature’s attempt to wall off these pockets of menstruating tissue results in formation of cysts filled with blood. The cysts may rupture and release tissue which forms additional implants.

These cysts are commonly in the ovaries, tubes, uterus, or the peritoneum lining the pelvic cavity. Endometrial implants in the ovary commonly cause so-called “chocolate cysts,” filled with chocolatecolored material.The cysts continue to grow under continued stimulation by the ovaries.

Signs and Symptoms Of Endometeriosis

Endometriosis symptoms arepainful periods, profuse and prolonged periods, or pelvic adhesions that result in various symptoms, depending on the location of tissues that become adherent. Endometriosis is frequently a factor in complaints of inability to become pregnant.

Endometriosis is fairly common in young women. Diagnosis may be difficult since there are rarely any external signs, although sometimes a vaginal examination may disclose local lesions. A number of other pelvic conditions which may produce somewhat similar symptoms must be distinguished. Positive diagnosis may require surgical exploration.

Endometeriosis Treatment

Treatment of endometriosis is not necessarily surgical. There is a great range in severity of symptoms. Small areas of endometriosis may cause few if any symptoms. Frequently explanation of the situation will encourage some patients to endure some premenstrual and pelvic discomfort if it is not severe.

Uterine Displacements

These conditions are often referred to as a “tipped uterus.” Such conditions are very common in women and rarely cause any serious symptoms. The great majority of women who have a uterus somewhat out of theoretically “ideal” position do not report any symptoms. A normal uterus is directed forward. Occasionally a large boggy uterus that is tipped backward (retroverted) may cause some feeling of heaviness in the pelvis, sometimes backache, and make pregnancy less likely but by no means impossible. A physician can usually replace a uterus and insert a supporting device (pessary) which holds it in satisfactory position, to see if symptoms complained of will be relieved.

Vaginal Relaxations

These occur commonly as women become older and their tissues become less firm and muscular. Although childbirth injuries may be important contributing factors, relaxation of adequate support of pelvic structures may occur in women who have not borne children, presumably due to inheritance of deficient supporting tissues. With weakened muscular tone and with stresses such as lifting and gravity, the uterus may “drop” into the lower part of the vaginal canal. This is usually associated with some variety of uterine displacement previously mentioned. Occasionally the uterus may actually protrude through the vaginal opening. This condition is known as prolapse of the uterus.

If supporting structures of the bladder become weakened, the base of the bladder may sag into the vaginal canal and bulge through the vaginal opening. This is known as a cystocele. It is a partial hernia. As the condition progresses there may be frequency of urination and involuntary passage of a small amount of urine when the patient is in an upright position. There is increased risk of bladder infection (cystitis) which may spread to the upper urinary tract.

In similar fashion, if supporting tissues of the lower bowel and rectum become weakened, this organ bulges (herniates) through the rear wall of the vagina. This is called a rectocele. It may cause pain and difficulties in defecation, although a mild herniation may not be particularly troublesome .

Cystoceles and rectoceles can be corrected surgically. Some women refuse surgical repair. Occasionally, the general physical condition of the patient may preclude the stresses of surgery, but this is quite rare today, for with modern surgery and local types of anesthesia, elderly women tolerate reconstructive vaginal surgery very well.

There are nonsurgical methods of support which may be used successfully, although permanent repair by surgery is usually preferable. Devices used to support the uterus and/or the vaginal walls are called pessaries. These are usually made of rubber or plastic material in a variety of shapes suited to individual need. Pessaries require careful fitting and removal at frequent intervals. Some women find it helpful, in giving some support to sagging uterus or vaginal structures, to insert into the vagina every morning a large cotton tampon with string attachment, which is removed and discarded at night.


Electronic cigarettes as best alternative to quit smoking

July 21st, 2009 . by editor

The bad effects of the smoking are known by everyone. But still there are some people who are not ready to quit smoking. These kinds of people basically lack the will power which is required for getting rid of this dangerous habit. If you have the will power and the confidence and the proper support, there would be nothing which will stop you from quitting the cigarettes.

As a known fact the cigarettes have an adverse effect on the health of the person. The tobacco used in the cigarettes can damage the body and increase the health problems. The smokers have more risk of getting heart attacks, strokes, issues related with lung. Apart from the heart and lung diseases the smokers can also develop problems related with the digestive system, infertility. They are prone to develop ulcers and the healing of the wounds could get delayed. There are different types of the cancers which the smokers can develop; these include the stomach cancer, throat cancer and the mouth cancer. There is a need to think seriously and stop smoking which will be better for you and your family.

The best alternative which is available with you to quit smoking is the electronic cigarettes. This kind of the cigarette offers the effective experience of the real cigarette that too without any bad effect on your health. They may look and taste like the traditional cigarettes but does not burn any kind of the tobacco. There is a flow of a censor whenever you inhale from the electronic cigarettes which further release the water vapor that contains the elements of the traditional cigarettes. You may feel like smoking a real cigarette which controls the urge and helps you in getting rid of the bad habit.