womens health

Birth control pills vs. Plan B: What’s the difference? Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and Plan B (levonorgestrel) are methods of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills are taken regularly to prevent pregnancy, while Plan B is emergency contraception (“the morning after pill”) used as backup contraception to prevent pregnancy when taken …

What is eflornithine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Eflornithine is the first topical drug (used on the skin) for the treatment of unwanted facial and chin hair. It does not remove the hair but rather slows its growth. The cells surrounding the base of each hair (called the hair follicle) undergo rapid growth and maturation as they …

What is mifepristone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mifepristone is a synthetic steroid with antiprogesterone and antiglucocorticoid effects. It is used for terminating pregnancy and treating people with Cushing syndrome. Progesterone is a female hormone and the principal progestational hormone. Progesterone prepares the uterus (the womb) to receive and sustain the fertilized egg andis an important hormone …

What is risedronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Risedronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates used for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone (in which the formation of bone is abnormal) and in persons with osteoporosis (in which the density and strength of bones are reduced). Other biphosphonates include the drugs alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate …

What should I know about pelvic pain? Share Your Story The medical definition of pelvic pain is perceived pain in the pelvic area and the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones. Usually, the term pelvic pain is used to refer to pain in the reproductive organs (uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina) in women. What causes pelvic …

Diflucan vs. itraconazole Diflucan (fluconazole) and itraconazole are anti-fungal medications used to treat fungal infections caused by Candida. Diflucan is used to treat vaginal, oral, and esophageal fungal infections caused by Candida; urinary tract infections, peritonitis, pneumonia and disseminated infections caused by Candida; cryptococcal meningitis; and to prevent Candida infections in patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation after bone marrow …

What is tranexamic acid (Lysteda), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) promotes the clotting of blood and thereby reduces bleeding due to heavy menstruation. Tranexamic acid is a man-made amino acid derivative that increases blood clotting by preventing the breakdown of fibrin. Fibrin is a protein and an important component of blood clots. It is …

Renal osteodystrophy facts* *Renal osteodystrophy facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Renal osteodystrophy is a bone disease that occurs when your kidneys fail to maintain proper levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. It’s common in people with kidney disease and affects most dialysis patients. Renal osteodystrophy is most serious in children because the condition slows bone growth …

Klinefelter syndrome facts* Kleinfelter syndrome facts author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Klinefelter syndrome, also known as the XXY condition, is a term used to describe males who have an extra X chromosome in most of their cells. About one of every 500 males has an extra X chromosome, but many don’t have any symptoms. Symptoms depend on how many …

What is primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)? Health care providers use the term POI when a woman’s ovaries stop working normally before she is 40 years of age.1,2 Many women naturally experience reduced fertility when they are around 40 years old. This age may mark the start of irregular menstrual periods that signal the onset of menopause. For women with POI, …