00074
Ovarian Cancer and Marital Problems
cancers sex surgery Genitourinary System Ovarian Cancer Marital
neoplasm neoplasms lifestyle lifestyles Sexual dysfunction intercourse vagina
lubricant KY jelly vaginal dilator lubricants jellies dilators ovary ovaries
VolumeJ-23, B-23
Log
Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf
Ovarian Cancer*0010301.scf
Ovarian Cancer and Marital Problems
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: After an operation and treatment for ovarian cancer, I have
problems with my marital life. What should I do?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: The best gauge to success of cancer therapy is how well you're able
to resume your normal activities, and that includes your sex life. Sexual
dysfunction is the term used for sexual activity that has been impaired by
physical or mental problems. Some sexual dysfunction is caused by the various
cancer treatments used and some are due to the disease itself.
A common problem among women who have had pelvic surgery--such as for
ovarian cancer--is pain during intercourse. Painful intercourse leads of
avoidance of sex, which hurts a marriage. The shape or size of the vagina may
have been changed or the removal of the ovaries causes vaginal dryness.
Unfortunately, many women are not warned this may happen and then never
mention their sexual problem to their physicians.
Vaginal dryness can be relieved easily by using a lubricant such as KY
jelly or other products specially made for use during sex. Your doctor may
also prescribe creams that contain estrogen that will help keep the vagina
moist. Sometimes changing sexual positions helps, also. Narrowing or
shortening of the vagina after surgery can sometimes be avoided by having sex
regularly or by using a vaginal dilator. Your physician will instruct you on
how to use a dilator. Using a dilator is medically necessary, so don't be
embarrassed either about using it or asking your doctor questions.
Cancer and cancer therapy can also change your own self-esteem or how you
see yourself, which can impair the sex drive. Many people feel stigmatized by
having had cancer. Some people act as if cancer were contagious. Cancer is a
disease, not a punishment. Losing your breast, or your ovaries, or your hair,
or whatever, does not make you any less a woman.
Having had cancer may also change the way your husband treats you.
Sometimes, a husband may avoid having sex because he is afraid of hurting his
"fragile" wife, but the wife sees this as rejection on his part. Many men
have never learned how to discuss their feelings or how to react when someone
they love is ill. They may act gruff or distraught when comforting was
needed.
Discuss your problems openly with your physician. He or she can offer
advice about both the physical and psychological problems you're having. In
some cases, you and your husband can benefit by having specialized marital
counseling.
You have fought hard for your victory over your disease. It may now take
only a few words of discussion, consultation, and conversation to give you
back the full life you wish and deserve.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00075.TXT
************************************************************************
00075
Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
abortion recurrent spontaneous abortions pregnancy Genitourinary
System miscarriages pregnancies gestational prenatal miscarriage ill defined
symptoms symptom uterus
VolumeJ-14,N-14
Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: What can be done for a woman who has recurrent spontaneous
abortions?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Spontaneous abortions are also called miscarriages by many people,
and they are defined as any loss of pregnancy prior to 20 weeks' gestational
age. Approximately 15 percent of all recognized pregnancies end in
spontaneous abortion. Many more spontaneous abortions occur during the very
early stages of pregnancy, before the pregnancy is recognized. Recurrent
spontaneous abortions are a problem for one in 200 couples. About 60 percent
of these couples have a problem that can be diagnosed.
The reasons for recurrent spontaneous abortions include environmental,
genetic, immune, anatomic or hormone factors, or a combination of these. If a
couple has two consecutive spontaneous abortions, it is time for a careful
history and physical examination to try to determine the cause. Both partners
should be part of this treatment. Tests for infection, hormone balance and
genetic abnormalities may be performed. The couple should be asked about
environmental factors that may be contributing to the problem, and factors
such as diet, activity and smoking should be discussed.
Women with a tendency to abort should make every effort to diagnose a
pregnancy early, so that the pregnancy can be monitored closely. Early and
complete prenatal care is sometimes helpful in avoiding continued problems.
If you have a friends or family members who have suffered a spontaneous
abortion, be sensitive to their feelings. Husband and wife are likely to need
your understanding and support more than they can tell you at this time. Talk
with them. Ask them how you can help. They need to know that you care. It
is amazing how much good just the expression of your concern can accomplish,
and you'll feel better too.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00076.TXT
************************************************************************
00076
Genitourinary System
ACROSS MY DESK: Pap Smear
Pap Smear Genitourinary System Paps Smears Cervical Cancer cancers
carcinoma lab laboratory test tests pelvic examination examinations
gynecological exam exams cervix uterus vagina
VolumeJ-14
Log
Abrasion Biopsy of the Uterus*0001901.scf
Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf
ACROSS MY DESK: Pap Smear
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another related, and frequently asked question about Pap Smears, and just
how often they should be performed, is answered in a recent issue of the
American Family Physician. It reports that the American Academy of Family
Physicians (AAFP) has adopted a new policy on "Screening for Cervical Cancer"
which is consistent with other similar statements issued by The A.M.A., the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as the American
Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. The policy recommends that
"all woman who are or have been sexually active, or have reached age 18 years
have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After a woman has had three
or more consecutive satisfactory normal annual examinations, the Pap test may
be performed less frequently at the discretion of her physician." The AAFP
however, recommends that this be "not less frequently than every 3 years."
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00077.TXT
************************************************************************
00077
Pregnancies that Occur Outside the Uterus
pregnancy ectopic surgery embryo Pregnancies Outside Uterus tubal
Fallopian tube tubes pregnant menstrual bleeding spotty Abdominal abdomen
sonograms laparoscopic laparotomy embryos sonogram laparotomies laparoscopy
laparoscopies
VolumeK-14
Log
Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf
Anatomy of the Abdomen*0001501.scf
Pregnancies that Occur Outside the Uterus
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: How do they detect pregnancies that occur outside the uterus? How
are these pregnancies dealt with?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Pregnancies that occur outside the uterus are called "ectopic," or
"tubal" pregnancies. If they are undetected, they can cause a
life-threatening emergency when the growing embryo ruptures a Fallopian tube
and causes dramatic hemorrhage inside the abdomen. Early diagnosis and
treatment are important not only to the life of the pregnant woman, but also
to her future fertility. About half the time, however, the ectopic pregnancy
is not diagnosed until it ruptures.
History and physical examination are important to diagnosis. A pregnancy
test is positive with ectopic pregnancy, but menstrual bleeding may be spotty
or irregular. Abdominal pain is usually present. Blood tests to determine
hormone levels in the blood and sonograms are helpful.
Ectopic pregnancies are not healthy pregnancies, and they cannot be
allowed to continue. They are usually surgically removed, either by
laparoscopic surgery (which is done through a small incision below the navel)
or laparotomy, which is through a larger incision in the abdomen. In some
larger research centers, studies are being done on eliminating the pregnancies
by administering drugs instead of doing surgery.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00078.TXT
************************************************************************
00078
Beer Drinking and Milk Flow of Nursing Mothers
nursing milk beer motherhood child care Pregnancy Drinking childbirth
lactation liquid liquids breast feeding alcohol wine Drink Drinks lactate
lactations birth baby infant breast-feeding breast-feed
VolumeK-19,S-19
Beer Drinking and Milk Flow of Nursing Mothers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Is there any truth in the old adage that a beer a day enhances the
milk flow of nursing mothers?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Frequently in any old wives' tale there's a morsel of truth, which
we sometimes too easily dismiss in this age of high-tech medicine. Probably
that small gem is there because the old midwife showed a lot of common sense
in treating the whole person, not just a part.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating inebriation as a state of being
for nursing mothers. But considering the fact that beer is a liquid and
soothing, and lactation depends on both the amount of liquids you consume and
your being relaxed, by all means have a glass of beer, or a glass of wine, a
day. Of course, you might get the same benefits from warm milk, fruit juice,
whatever tickles your palate. Any liquid that both soothes and relaxes you
can cause an increase in your milk flow.
With alcohol, of course, never over do, and be sure to check with your
physician before beginning any beer therapy. There have been some cases where
alcohol intake had the opposite effect for nursing mothers.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00079.TXT
************************************************************************
00079
Drug Avoidance for Nursing Mothers
nursing medicine milk motherhood Childbirth Drug Drugs newborn
Lithium hypotonia Antimetabolites Radioactive medications medication iodine
goiter hypothyroidism anticoagulant Phenindione hedulin coagulation
Chloramphenicol Chloromycetin breast feeding feed medicines newborns
anticoagulants baby infant breast-feeding breast-feed
VolumeK-19,R-19
Drug Avoidance for Nursing Mothers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I'm a nursing mother. What drugs should I avoid?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Fortunately, most drugs taken by a woman who is breast feeding are
not hazardous to the newborn, but there are some drugs that should be avoided
completely.
Lithium, which is used in the treatment of depression, should not be used
while breast feeding as it can cause hypotonia--abnormal muscle tone and
decreased strength.
Antimetabolites (usually used to treat cancer), taken by the mother, may
cause long term anti-DNA activity in the baby.
Radioactive medications will contaminate breast milk with radioactive
substances. Preparations containing iodine can cause goiter and
hypothyroidism.
The anticoagulant Phenindione (hedulin) passes quickly into breast milk
and may slow down the baby's blood coagulation. The antibiotic
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) is very potent, and high concentrations pass
into the breast milk, which may in turn cause bone marrow depression.
These drugs should be avoided completely, but while many medications pass
into breast milk, the excretion of a drug into breast milk does not
necessarily pose a hazard, because usually only 1 to 2% of the dosage will
pass through to the milk. It is wise, however, for nursing moms to use as few
drugs as possible. You would be wise to keep both your physician and your
baby's doctor informed of all that's going on, so that the risks to the baby
can be measured against the benefits the medications provide for the mother.
Nursing moms can also minimize the effects of their medications in their
infants by taking the drugs after breast feeding.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
Ovarian Cancer and Marital Problems
cancers sex surgery Genitourinary System Ovarian Cancer Marital
neoplasm neoplasms lifestyle lifestyles Sexual dysfunction intercourse vagina
lubricant KY jelly vaginal dilator lubricants jellies dilators ovary ovaries
VolumeJ-23, B-23
Log
Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf
Ovarian Cancer*0010301.scf
Ovarian Cancer and Marital Problems
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: After an operation and treatment for ovarian cancer, I have
problems with my marital life. What should I do?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: The best gauge to success of cancer therapy is how well you're able
to resume your normal activities, and that includes your sex life. Sexual
dysfunction is the term used for sexual activity that has been impaired by
physical or mental problems. Some sexual dysfunction is caused by the various
cancer treatments used and some are due to the disease itself.
A common problem among women who have had pelvic surgery--such as for
ovarian cancer--is pain during intercourse. Painful intercourse leads of
avoidance of sex, which hurts a marriage. The shape or size of the vagina may
have been changed or the removal of the ovaries causes vaginal dryness.
Unfortunately, many women are not warned this may happen and then never
mention their sexual problem to their physicians.
Vaginal dryness can be relieved easily by using a lubricant such as KY
jelly or other products specially made for use during sex. Your doctor may
also prescribe creams that contain estrogen that will help keep the vagina
moist. Sometimes changing sexual positions helps, also. Narrowing or
shortening of the vagina after surgery can sometimes be avoided by having sex
regularly or by using a vaginal dilator. Your physician will instruct you on
how to use a dilator. Using a dilator is medically necessary, so don't be
embarrassed either about using it or asking your doctor questions.
Cancer and cancer therapy can also change your own self-esteem or how you
see yourself, which can impair the sex drive. Many people feel stigmatized by
having had cancer. Some people act as if cancer were contagious. Cancer is a
disease, not a punishment. Losing your breast, or your ovaries, or your hair,
or whatever, does not make you any less a woman.
Having had cancer may also change the way your husband treats you.
Sometimes, a husband may avoid having sex because he is afraid of hurting his
"fragile" wife, but the wife sees this as rejection on his part. Many men
have never learned how to discuss their feelings or how to react when someone
they love is ill. They may act gruff or distraught when comforting was
needed.
Discuss your problems openly with your physician. He or she can offer
advice about both the physical and psychological problems you're having. In
some cases, you and your husband can benefit by having specialized marital
counseling.
You have fought hard for your victory over your disease. It may now take
only a few words of discussion, consultation, and conversation to give you
back the full life you wish and deserve.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00075.TXT
************************************************************************
00075
Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
abortion recurrent spontaneous abortions pregnancy Genitourinary
System miscarriages pregnancies gestational prenatal miscarriage ill defined
symptoms symptom uterus
VolumeJ-14,N-14
Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: What can be done for a woman who has recurrent spontaneous
abortions?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Spontaneous abortions are also called miscarriages by many people,
and they are defined as any loss of pregnancy prior to 20 weeks' gestational
age. Approximately 15 percent of all recognized pregnancies end in
spontaneous abortion. Many more spontaneous abortions occur during the very
early stages of pregnancy, before the pregnancy is recognized. Recurrent
spontaneous abortions are a problem for one in 200 couples. About 60 percent
of these couples have a problem that can be diagnosed.
The reasons for recurrent spontaneous abortions include environmental,
genetic, immune, anatomic or hormone factors, or a combination of these. If a
couple has two consecutive spontaneous abortions, it is time for a careful
history and physical examination to try to determine the cause. Both partners
should be part of this treatment. Tests for infection, hormone balance and
genetic abnormalities may be performed. The couple should be asked about
environmental factors that may be contributing to the problem, and factors
such as diet, activity and smoking should be discussed.
Women with a tendency to abort should make every effort to diagnose a
pregnancy early, so that the pregnancy can be monitored closely. Early and
complete prenatal care is sometimes helpful in avoiding continued problems.
If you have a friends or family members who have suffered a spontaneous
abortion, be sensitive to their feelings. Husband and wife are likely to need
your understanding and support more than they can tell you at this time. Talk
with them. Ask them how you can help. They need to know that you care. It
is amazing how much good just the expression of your concern can accomplish,
and you'll feel better too.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00076.TXT
************************************************************************
00076
Genitourinary System
ACROSS MY DESK: Pap Smear
Pap Smear Genitourinary System Paps Smears Cervical Cancer cancers
carcinoma lab laboratory test tests pelvic examination examinations
gynecological exam exams cervix uterus vagina
VolumeJ-14
Log
Abrasion Biopsy of the Uterus*0001901.scf
Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf
ACROSS MY DESK: Pap Smear
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another related, and frequently asked question about Pap Smears, and just
how often they should be performed, is answered in a recent issue of the
American Family Physician. It reports that the American Academy of Family
Physicians (AAFP) has adopted a new policy on "Screening for Cervical Cancer"
which is consistent with other similar statements issued by The A.M.A., the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as the American
Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. The policy recommends that
"all woman who are or have been sexually active, or have reached age 18 years
have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After a woman has had three
or more consecutive satisfactory normal annual examinations, the Pap test may
be performed less frequently at the discretion of her physician." The AAFP
however, recommends that this be "not less frequently than every 3 years."
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00077.TXT
************************************************************************
00077
Pregnancies that Occur Outside the Uterus
pregnancy ectopic surgery embryo Pregnancies Outside Uterus tubal
Fallopian tube tubes pregnant menstrual bleeding spotty Abdominal abdomen
sonograms laparoscopic laparotomy embryos sonogram laparotomies laparoscopy
laparoscopies
VolumeK-14
Log
Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf
Anatomy of the Abdomen*0001501.scf
Pregnancies that Occur Outside the Uterus
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: How do they detect pregnancies that occur outside the uterus? How
are these pregnancies dealt with?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Pregnancies that occur outside the uterus are called "ectopic," or
"tubal" pregnancies. If they are undetected, they can cause a
life-threatening emergency when the growing embryo ruptures a Fallopian tube
and causes dramatic hemorrhage inside the abdomen. Early diagnosis and
treatment are important not only to the life of the pregnant woman, but also
to her future fertility. About half the time, however, the ectopic pregnancy
is not diagnosed until it ruptures.
History and physical examination are important to diagnosis. A pregnancy
test is positive with ectopic pregnancy, but menstrual bleeding may be spotty
or irregular. Abdominal pain is usually present. Blood tests to determine
hormone levels in the blood and sonograms are helpful.
Ectopic pregnancies are not healthy pregnancies, and they cannot be
allowed to continue. They are usually surgically removed, either by
laparoscopic surgery (which is done through a small incision below the navel)
or laparotomy, which is through a larger incision in the abdomen. In some
larger research centers, studies are being done on eliminating the pregnancies
by administering drugs instead of doing surgery.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00078.TXT
************************************************************************
00078
Beer Drinking and Milk Flow of Nursing Mothers
nursing milk beer motherhood child care Pregnancy Drinking childbirth
lactation liquid liquids breast feeding alcohol wine Drink Drinks lactate
lactations birth baby infant breast-feeding breast-feed
VolumeK-19,S-19
Beer Drinking and Milk Flow of Nursing Mothers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Is there any truth in the old adage that a beer a day enhances the
milk flow of nursing mothers?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Frequently in any old wives' tale there's a morsel of truth, which
we sometimes too easily dismiss in this age of high-tech medicine. Probably
that small gem is there because the old midwife showed a lot of common sense
in treating the whole person, not just a part.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating inebriation as a state of being
for nursing mothers. But considering the fact that beer is a liquid and
soothing, and lactation depends on both the amount of liquids you consume and
your being relaxed, by all means have a glass of beer, or a glass of wine, a
day. Of course, you might get the same benefits from warm milk, fruit juice,
whatever tickles your palate. Any liquid that both soothes and relaxes you
can cause an increase in your milk flow.
With alcohol, of course, never over do, and be sure to check with your
physician before beginning any beer therapy. There have been some cases where
alcohol intake had the opposite effect for nursing mothers.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
d:\dp\0007\00079.TXT
************************************************************************
00079
Drug Avoidance for Nursing Mothers
nursing medicine milk motherhood Childbirth Drug Drugs newborn
Lithium hypotonia Antimetabolites Radioactive medications medication iodine
goiter hypothyroidism anticoagulant Phenindione hedulin coagulation
Chloramphenicol Chloromycetin breast feeding feed medicines newborns
anticoagulants baby infant breast-feeding breast-feed
VolumeK-19,R-19
Drug Avoidance for Nursing Mothers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I'm a nursing mother. What drugs should I avoid?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Fortunately, most drugs taken by a woman who is breast feeding are
not hazardous to the newborn, but there are some drugs that should be avoided
completely.
Lithium, which is used in the treatment of depression, should not be used
while breast feeding as it can cause hypotonia--abnormal muscle tone and
decreased strength.
Antimetabolites (usually used to treat cancer), taken by the mother, may
cause long term anti-DNA activity in the baby.
Radioactive medications will contaminate breast milk with radioactive
substances. Preparations containing iodine can cause goiter and
hypothyroidism.
The anticoagulant Phenindione (hedulin) passes quickly into breast milk
and may slow down the baby's blood coagulation. The antibiotic
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) is very potent, and high concentrations pass
into the breast milk, which may in turn cause bone marrow depression.
These drugs should be avoided completely, but while many medications pass
into breast milk, the excretion of a drug into breast milk does not
necessarily pose a hazard, because usually only 1 to 2% of the dosage will
pass through to the milk. It is wise, however, for nursing moms to use as few
drugs as possible. You would be wise to keep both your physician and your
baby's doctor informed of all that's going on, so that the risks to the baby
can be measured against the benefits the medications provide for the mother.
Nursing moms can also minimize the effects of their medications in their
infants by taking the drugs after breast feeding.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.
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