What is a yeast infection? What is bacterial vaginosis? A yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis both cause vaginal discharge. A yeast infection is an infection with any type of yeast. In women, vaginal yeast infections are common. This article will focus on the similarities and differences between vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV), another …
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Urinary Incontinence in Women Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Urinary incontinence (UI) in women facts Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra causes stress incontinence. *Urinary incontinence (UI) in women facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD The definition of urinary incontinence in women is the unintentional loss of urine. Urinary incontinence occurs more often in women than in men. Pregnancy, childbirth, …
Read More »Benign Uterine Growths: Symptoms, Treatments & Causes
What are uterine growths? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Illustration of the female reproductive system Uterine growths are tissue enlargements of the female womb (uterus). Uterine growths can be caused by either harmless or dangerous conditions. Growths are sometimes referred to medically as masses or tumors. An example of a harmless (benign or non-cancerous) growth, which does not pose …
Read More »Metronidazole Topical Side Effects, Uses, Alcohol Interactions, & Dosage
What is topical metronidazole? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole is a synthetic (man-made) drug that is effective against certain bacteria and parasites (protozoa). The topical forms (gels, creams, and lotions) of metronidazole are used for treating vaginal infections with protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis, amoeba, and Giardia. Metronidazole topical also is effective against anaerobic bacterial infections. (Anaerobic …
Read More »Uterine Fibroid Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Surgery
Uterine fibroids definition and facts What are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus (womb). It is also called an Uterina myoma. It is not known exactly why women develop uterine fibroids. Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. However, fibroids can cause a number of symptoms depending on their size, location within the …
Read More »What Is Vulvodynia? Vaginal Pain Treatments, Symptoms, Causes & Cure
Vaginal pain and vulvodynia definitions and facts Illustration of Vagina Vulvodynia (vaginal pain) refers to pain in the area of the vulva and vaginal opening for which no cause can be identified. Vulvodynia is not related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The exact cause of vulvodynia is not known. Symptoms include a burning, throbbing, or aching pain that can be …
Read More »norethindrone (Aygestin): Birth Control Uses & Side Effects
What is oral norethindrone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Norethindrone is a man-made progestin used for treating abnormal uterine bleeding and related condtions (such as amenorrhea and endometriosis). Progestins are steroid hormones that have the same effect as progesterone. Norethindrone works by stopping gonadotropin production from the pituitary gland, leading to prevention of ovulation in females. The …
Read More »Monistat (miconazole) Side Effects, Warnings, Interactions
What is miconazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Miconazole is an antifungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). It is used either on the skin or vaginally for fungal infections. Miconazole was approved by the FDA in 1974. What brand names are available for miconazole? Monistat, M-Zole, Micatin Is miconazole …
Read More »ofloxacin Antibiotic Drug Side Effects, Uses, and Dosage
What is ofloxacin? How does it work? Ofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics which includes levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trovafloxacin (Trovan) and others. Ofloxacin stops the multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). The …
Read More »calcitonin (Miacalcin) Hormone Injection & Nasal Spray
What is calcitonin? What is calcitonin used for? Miacalcin nasal spray is a calcitonin, indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 years postmenopause when alternative treatments are not suitable. Fracture reduction efficacy has not been demonstrated. Limitations of Use: Due to the possible association between malignancy and calcitonin use, the need for continued therapy should be …
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