womens health

What is norethindrone birth control pill? Norethindrone is a progestin that is used as an oral contraceptive. What brand names are available for norethindrone birth control pill? Brand names for norethindrone oral contraceptive include: Camila Errin Heather Jencycla Nor QD Nora-BE Ortho Micronor Incassia Why is norethindrone birth control pill used? Norethindrone is used for …

What is chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chaste tree is shrub. The dried ripe fruit is used as a natural herbal supplement. Although exact mechanism is not known, Chaste tree presumably works by decreasing follicle-stimulating hormone release. Lowering of follicle-stimulating hormones increases progesterone-to-estrogen ratio, giving relief from menstrual and menopausal symptoms. What brand …

Spotting vs. period differences Is it spotting or your period? Spotting refers to very light vaginal bleeding or brown discharge that occurs mid-cycle between menstrual periods. Menstrual periods are the monthly bleeding that occur in women of reproductive age. Spotting may be due to a number of causes. You should call your doctor or other health care professional if you …

What is terconazole? What is terconazole used for? Terconazole is an anti-fungal cream and suppository used for treating vaginal yeast infections (Candida). It is related to several other anti-fungal drugs including fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), miconazole (Micatin, Monistat), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin). It prevents growth of yeast by preventing production of the membranes that surround the yeast cells. The …

What is Gardasil Vaccine (HPV), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Gardasil is a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Gardasil is a sterile preparation for intramuscular injection and contains purified inactive proteins from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. The proteins in Gardasil are structural, virus-like proteins (VLP) that resemble the HPV virus. The proteins can activate the …

What is acyclovir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, a synthetic nucleoside analogue, that has inhibitory activity (interferes with viral replication) against the herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes), varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox), and Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis). Viruses take over living cells and reproduce themselves, often …

What is ibandronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ibandronate is an oral and intravenous drug that is used for treating osteoporosis. It is a member of the bisphosphonate class of drugs which includes etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), and tiludronate (Skelid). Bone is in a constant state of remodeling. New bone is laid down by cells …

What is clindamycin? What is clindamycin used for? Clindamycin vaginal cream is indicated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (formerly referred to as Haemophilus vaginitis, Gardnerella vaginitis, nonspecific vaginitis, Corynebacterium vaginitis, or anaerobic vaginosis) in non-pregnant women. Clindamycin in general is an antibiotic used for treating several other infections as well. It is effective against several types of bacteria such …

Birth Control Pills vs. Patch: What’s the difference? Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal patches (Ortho Evra) are methods of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Side effects of birth control pills and the patch that are similar include nausea, headache, breast tenderness/enlargement, missed/irregular bleeding, and breakthrough bleeding (spotting). Side effects of birth control pills that are …

Birth Control Pills vs. Depo-Provera: What’s the difference? Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) are methods of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills are taken orally and Depo-Provera is an injection administered every 3 months. Depo-Provera is also prescribed for missed menstrual periods (amenorrhea), abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial cancer, and renal cancer. Side effects of …