|
|
 |
 |
Preterm Labor: is labor that begins before the end of
36 weeks of pregnancy. It happens when the womb (uterus)
tightens (contracts) and makes the mouth of the womb
(cervix) open. The baby is pushed out too soon. Babies born
too early risk major illness and may not live. Babies born
from 22 weeks to 37 weeks are considered premature and will
need special care in a Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Gonorrhea: Also called the "clap" or "drip,"
gonorrhea is a contagious disease transmitted most often
through sexual contact with an infected person. Gonorrhea is
caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoese. It is
the second most common sexually transmitted bacterial
infection in the United States. Gonorrhea can infect the
genital track, mouth and rectum. Gonorrhea may also be
spread by contact with infected bodily fluids, so that a
mother could pass on the infection to her newborn during
childbirth or to her baby through household contact. Both
men and women can get gonorrhea. The infection is easily
spread and occurs most often in people who have many sex
partners, unsafe sex, having sex with someone who has
multiple partners, or having a history of sexually
transmitted infections. Gonorrhea can be easily treated with
antibiotics; but if left untreated, serious complications
may arise.
Syphilis (RPR): is a highly contagious disease spread
primarily by sexual activity, including oral and anal sex.
Occasionally, the disease can be passed to another person
through prolonged kissing or close bodily contact with an
infected person.
Pregnant women with the disease can spread it to their baby.
This disease, called congenital syphilis, can cause
abnormalities or even death to the child.
Syphilis cannot be spread by toilet seats, door knobs,
swimming pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, shared clothing, or
eating utensils.
Chlamydia: is one of the most common sexually
transmitted disease in the U.S. It is a kind of bacteria
that can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra or
eye. Chlamydia infection may be the result of engaging in
unsafe sex, having sex with multiple sexual partners, having
sex with someone who has multiple partners, or having a
history of sexually transmitted infections. This infection
is easily spread because it often causes no symptoms and may
be unknowingly passed to sexual partners. In fact, as many
as 85% of infections in women and 40% in men are without
symptoms. Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics;
but if left untreated, serious complications may arise.
Genital herpes: is a highly contagious infection
usually spread through intercourse with a person with
infected sores, but it can be passed through oral or anal
sex as well. It may also be spread even when sores are not
visible.
Genital herpes can also be transmitted (spread) to a newborn
during birth if the mother has an active infection.
Hepatitis A: is a highly contagious liver infection
caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Although not usually
as serious as other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A
causes inflammation that affects your liver's ability to
function. This is significant because the liver performs
hundreds of tasks that are essential for health and life.
You're most likely to contract hepatitis A from contaminated
food or water or from close contact with someone who's
already infected even if that person doesn't appear sick.
Some people who are infected never develop signs and
symptoms, but others may feel as if they have a severe flu.
Mild cases of hepatitis A don't require treatment, and most
people who are infected recover completely with no permanent
liver damage. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A doesn't
develop into chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis both
potentially fatal conditions.
Following good hygiene practices including washing your
hands often is one of the best ways to protect against
hepatitis A. Effective vaccines are available for people who
are most at risk.
Hepatitis B: is a serious liver infection caused by
the hepatitis B virus (HBV) . For some people, the infection
becomes chronic, leading to liver failure, liver cancer or
cirrhosis a condition that causes permanent scarring of
the liver.
The hepatitis B virus is transmitted in the blood and body
fluids of someone who is infected the same way the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS,
spreads. Yet hepatitis B is nearly 100 times as infectious
as HIV.
You're especially at risk if you're an intravenous (IV) drug
user who shares needles or other paraphernalia, have
unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner, or were
born in or travel to parts of the world where hepatitis B is
widespread. In addition, women with HBV can pass the
infection to their babies during childbirth.
Most people infected as adults recover fully from hepatitis
B, even if their signs and symptoms are severe. Infants and
children are much more likely to develop a chronic
infection.
Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is one of six identified
hepatitis viruses the others are A, B, D, E and G. All
cause the liver to become inflamed, which interferes with
its ability to function. Hepatitis C is generally considered
to be among the most serious of these viruses.
Over time, HCV infection can lead to liver cancer, liver
failure or cirrhosis irreversible and potentially fatal
scarring of the liver. It ranks second only to alcoholism as
a cause of liver disease and is the leading reason for liver
transplants in the United States. Unlike HIV, the virus that
causes AIDS, HCV usually isn't transmitted through sexual
contact. Instead, its primary mode of transmission is
contaminated blood through needles shared by drug users or
through blood transfusions
AIDS/HIV: is a chronic, life-threatening condition
caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By
damaging or destroying the cells of your immune system, HIV
interferes with your body's ability to effectively fight off
viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease. This makes
you more susceptible to certain types of cancers and to
opportunistic infections your body would normally resist.
The virus and the infection itself are known as HIV. The
term AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is used to
mean the later stages of HIV infection. Thus, the terms HIV
infection and AIDS refer to different stages of the same
disease.
HIV most commonly spreads by sexual contact with an infected
partner. It can also spread through infected blood and
shared needles or syringes contaminated with the virus.
Untreated women with HIV also can pass the infection to
their babies during pregnancy and delivery, and through
their breast milk.
High blood pressure (hypertension): Blood pressure is
determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the
amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. Your
blood pressure normally varies during the day. It can even
vary slightly with each beat of your heart. It increases
during activity and decreases with rest.
Neural tube defect: A neural tube defect is a birth
defect that affects the spinal column or brain of the baby.
The two main types of neural tube defects are anencephaly
and spina bifida. In anencephaly, the brain and skull fail
to develop normally. Spina bifida results in a spinal column
defect that may range from relatively mild to very severe.
Down syndrome: (trisomy 21) is a condition in which
the baby has extra genetic material (that is, one extra copy
of chromosome number 21).
Trisomy 18: is another condition in which the baby
has extra genetic material (one extra copy of chromosome
number 18).
Ultra-screen: This is a test performed between 11-14
weeks of pregnancy which identifies babies who may be at
risk for Down syndrome or Trisomy 18. It is a combination of
a blood test and a special ultrasound exam.
Circumcision: is cutting away the foreskin, the skin
that covers the glans, or head, of the penis.
Fetal Fibronectin: a clinically proven biochemical
marker, is an important and reliable predictor of the risk
of preterm delivery for pregnant women.
Nausea and vomiting: Why nausea, or nausea with
vomiting, occurs during most pregnancies is one of the great
mysteries of obstetrics. The presence of these symptoms
appears to be related to hormonal changes and generally
indicate that pregnancy is progressing well. Well, that is,
for the fetus. The mother, on the other hand, may be
miserable. Nausea or nausea and vomiting tend to start
around two to four weeks after conception and decline
gradually or abruptly end some time during the third month.
For 10 to 30 percent of women, nausea or nausea and vomiting
last throughout pregnancy and are only cured by delivery.
Although often referred to as "morning sickness," nausea and
vomiting are not confined to the morning hours in most
cases.
Nausea and vomiting that are regular, hard to stop, and that
causes weight loss and dehydration (signaled by fatigue, a
low urine output, and dark yellow urine) is referred to as
hyperemesis gravidarum, or hyperemesis, for short. Women
with this form of severe nausea and vomiting require close
medical supervision. The goal of medical care for
hyperemesis is to stop the nausea and vomiting, to remedy
dehydration, and to enable women to resume food intake and
weight gain. There is a light at the end of this tunnel,
however. Women with hyperemesis or less severe cases of
nausea and vomiting who stay well hydrated, eat a healthy
diet, and gain weight appropriately frequently deliver very
healthy infants.
Nerve Compression Syndrome: During pregnancy tissue
around the nerve swells causing patients to lose circulation
to extremities. To relieve symptoms you must decrease the
swelling. Treatment is Tylenol 650mg every 4 hours.
HPV (human papillomavirus): A virus that causes most
cellular changes on the cervix, is divided into two groups,
high and low risk. High risk HPV is found in more than 95%
of both cervical precancerous conditions and actual cervical
cancer. Although high risk HPV indicates that you may be at
an increased risk for developing cervical cancer, it is
important to understand that a diagnosis of high risk HPV
does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. Low
risk HPV is rarely founding cervical cancer and is more
likely to be linked to genital warts or other noncancerous
related infections.
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL):
HSIL indicates an abnormal condition of the cervical cells
and is considered precancerous. When detected early and
treated, the abnormal cells can often be completely
eliminated before developing into cancer.
Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL):
LSIL is an early precancerous condition of the cervix. It is
important to understand that a diagnosis of LSIL does not
necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer.
Atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS):
Abnormal cell changes of the cervix. It may arise from the
endocervix or the endometrium.
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US):
Abnormal changes of the cervix. May be caused by a reactive
change such as infection or inflammation or a precancerous
change.
Anemia: If you have anemia, people may say you have
tired blood. That's because anemia a condition in which
there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry
adequate oxygen to your tissues can make you feel tired.
Many forms of anemia exist, each with its own cause. Anemia
can be temporary or long-term, and it can range from mild to
severe.
Group Strep B (GBS): This bacterium which is in the
same family as the germ that causes strep throat is common
and usually harmless in adults. However, pregnant women who
harbor GBS may pass it to their babies during labor and
delivery. If you're pregnant, you can detect this problem
and make plans to stop it by taking a GBS test during your
third trimester.
Pregnant women with GBS can pass the bacteria to their
babies during vaginal delivery. Doctors and researchers
think this happens when a baby passes through the birth
canal and comes into contact with or swallows fluids
containing GBS bacteria.Only a very small number of babies
born to women carrying group B strep become infected, but
these babies can become critically ill. Premature babies are
much more likely to be affected by GBS disease, but it can
rarely affect full-term babies.
Bartholins gland abscess: The Bartholin's glands are
located on each side of the vaginal opening. They secrete
fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. Sometimes the ducts
of these glands become obstructed. Fluid backs up into the
gland and causes swelling (Bartholin's cyst). This fluid may
become infected. Signs and symptoms of such an infection may
include redness, warmth, pain or tenderness near the vaginal
opening. Treatment of an infected Bartholin's gland cyst may
include:
· Antibiotics
· Surgical drainage of the cyst
· Surgical removal if infections are recurrent or swelling
causes significant discomfort
Cervicitis: is an inflammation of the cervix, the
lower narrow end of your uterus that opens into your vagina.
Most often, it's a condition that requires no treatment.
However, in some cases, cervicitis can be caused by
infection, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Postpartum depression: Depression after childbirth
can vary in duration and severity ranging from mild to
severe forms. Many new moms experience a mild, short-lived
depression, sometimes called the baby blues. This condition
includes symptoms such as sadness and anxiety, which usually
begin in the initial days after childbirth and last for
about seven to 10 days.
The associated feelings, such as sadness, anxiety and
restlessness, can be so strong that they interfere with
daily tasks. Postpartum depression can occur at any time
within about the first six months after giving birth. If
left untreated, it can last up to a year or longer.
Depression: is a disorder that affects your thoughts, moods,
feelings, behavior and physical health. People used to think
it was "all in your head" and that if you really tried, you
could "pull yourself out of it." Doctors now know that
depression is not a weakness, and you can't treat it on your
own. It's a medical disorder with a biological or chemical
basis.
Sometimes, a stressful life event triggers depression. Other
times depression seems to occur spontaneously with no
identifiable specific cause. Whatever the cause, depression
is much more than grieving or a bout of the blues.
Dysmenorrhea: is simply the medical term for
menstrual cramps, that dull or throbbing pain in the lower
abdomen many women experience just before and during their
menstrual periods. For some women, the discomfort is merely
annoying. For others, it can be severe enough to interfere
with everyday activities for a few days every month.
Endometriosis: is a common and often painful disorder
of the female reproductive system. In this condition, a
specialized type of tissue that normally lines the inside of
your uterus (the endometrium) becomes implanted outside your
uterus, most commonly on your fallopian tubes, ovaries or
the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial tissue
may spread beyond your pelvic region.
During your menstrual cycle, hormones signal the lining of
your uterus to thicken to prepare for possible pregnancy. If
a pregnancy doesn't occur, your hormone levels decrease,
causing the thickened lining of your uterus to shed. This
produces bleeding that exits your body through the vagina
your monthly period.
When endometrial tissue is located in other parts of your
body, it continues to act in its normal way: It thickens,
breaks down and bleeds each month as your hormone levels
rise and fall. However, because there's nowhere for the
blood from this mislocated tissue to exit your body, it
becomes trapped, and surrounding tissue can become
irritated.
Endometrial polyps: also called uterine polyps, are
growths that protrude from the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
They're typically noncancerous (benign), but cancer may
develop in such a polyp. The cause of endometrial polyps is
unclear. They may be associated with excess estrogen in the
body from hormone therapy or certain ovarian tumors.
Uterine fibroids: are among the most common tumors in
women. These noncancerous growths of the uterus may appear
during your childbearing years. Also called fibromyomas,
leiomyomas or myomas, uterine fibroids aren't associated
with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never
develop into cancer. Most of the time, uterine fibroids
aren't harmful.
Gastroenteritis: is an inflammation of your stomach
and intestines. Common causes are:
· Viruses.
· Food or water contaminated by bacteria or parasites.
· Reaction to a new food. Young children may develop signs
and symptoms for this reason. Infants who are breast-fed may
even react to a change in their mothers' diets.
· Side effect from medications.
Characteristic signs and symptoms include:
· Nausea or vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Abdominal cramps
· Bloating
A low-grade fever may accompany these symptoms.
Hematuria: When red blood cells are detected in the
urine but urine doesn't appear red from blood doctors
refer to this as microscopic hematuria. This condition has
many causes, including:
· Urinary tract infection (cystitis)
· Bladder inflammation
· Kidney stones
· Prostate gland enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
in men
· Cancer of the prostate, bladder or kidney
· Kidney disease
Further tests are needed to determine the cause of blood in
the urine.
Hirsutism: have thick, often dark, hair on their
faces as well as their chests, abdomens and backs. Hirsutism
can be caused by any condition that increases the normally
low levels of male hormones in a woman. These conditions are
usually associated with other signs and symptoms, such as
menstrual irregularities, and may include:
· Polycystic ovary syndrome
· Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
· Androgen-producing tumors of the ovary or adrenal gland
· Cushing's syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): is a condition most
often characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess
hair growth and obesity, but it can affect women in a
variety of ways. Irregular or heavy periods may signal the
condition in adolescence, or polycystic ovary syndrome may
become apparent later when a woman has difficulty becoming
pregnant.
The signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome stem
from a disruption in the reproductive cycle, which normally
culminates each month with the release of an egg from an
ovary (ovulation). The name polycystic ovary syndrome comes
from the appearance of the ovaries in some women with the
disorder large and studded with numerous cysts
(polycystic). These cysts are follicles, fluid-filled sacs
that contain immature eggs.
Cushing's syndrome: is a condition that occurs when
your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol
for a prolonged period of time. Sometimes called
hypercortisolism, Cushing's syndrome can occur when your
adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, make too much
cortisol. It may also develop if you're taking high doses of
cortisol-like medications (corticosteroids) for a prolonged
period. These corticosteroids are commonly used to treat a
variety of acute and chronic illnesses.
Vaginitis: is an inflammation of the vagina that can
result in discharge, itching or pain. The cause is usually a
change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an
infection. Vaginitis can also result from reduced estrogen
levels after menopause.
Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis): is thinning and
inflammation of the vagina due to a decline in estrogen. It
occurs most often after menopause. The most effective
treatment is estrogen applied to the vaginal area, usually
as a cream. The estrogen stays primarily in the vaginal
area, although a small amount is absorbed into the
bloodstream. Estrogen therapy in pill or patch form
(systemic) is less effective for vaginal atrophy. Also, the
risks of systemic estrogen must be considered.
Vaginal dryness: When your vagina isn't properly
lubricated, it can feel itchy and irritated. This condition,
vaginal dryness, can make daily activities uncomfortable and
sexual intercourse less pleasurable. In fact, during
menopause, it's the most common cause of painful sex (dyspareunia).
Some of the signs and symptoms include:
· Dryness
· Itching
· Burning
· Irritation
· A feeling of pressure
· Pain or light bleeding with sex
Cystitis: is an inflammation or infection of the
urinary bladder. When caused by germs, it's called a urinary
tract infection (UTI). UTIs can be painful and annoying.
They can also become a serious health problem if they spread
to infect your kidneys.
Hypothyroidism: Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped
gland located at the base of your neck, just below your
Adam's apple. Although it weighs less than an ounce, the
thyroid gland has an enormous effect on your health. All
aspects of your metabolism, from the rate at which your
heart beats to how quickly you burn calories, are regulated
by thyroid hormones.
As long as your thyroid releases the proper amounts of these
hormones, your system functions normally. But sometimes your
thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, upsetting the
balance of chemical reactions in your body. This condition
is known as hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid disease.
Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus: is a condition in
which the affected skin is thinner than normal. Lichen
sclerosus occurs in adults and children. In children, the
signs and symptoms may improve at puberty. In women, they
often appear near the time of menopause. The cause isn't
clear. It's thought that it may be related to a lack of sex
hormones or uptake of these hormones in the affected skin.
But this hasn't been proved.
Signs and symptoms may include:
· Tenderness of the affected skin
· Itching (pruritus)
· In severe cases, bleeding or ulcerated lesions
Menorrhagia: is the medical term for excessive or
prolonged menstrual bleeding or both. The condition is also
known as hypermenorrhea.
Osteoporosis: is a metabolic bone disease
characterized by a severe decrease in bone mass that
increases the risk of a fracture.
Osteopenia: refers to milder bone loss that doesn't
yet meet the criteria of osteoporosis.
Ovarian cysts: are fluid-filled sacs or pockets
within or on the surface of an ovary.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): is an infection of
the female reproductive organs. It usually occurs when
sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to
your uterus and upper genital tract. PID may also develop
when bacteria travel up a contraceptive device or when
they're introduced during gynecologic procedures, such as an
abortion or insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD).
Chronic pelvic pain: refers to any pain in your
pelvic region the area below your bellybutton and between
your hips that lasts six months or longer. If you were
asked to locate your pain, you'd be more likely to sweep
your hand over that entire area rather than point to one
spot. Chronic pelvic pain can be a symptom of another
disease, or it can be diagnosed as a condition in its own
right.
Gestational diabetes: is a type of diabetes that
occurs only during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes,
gestational diabetes affects the way your body uses blood
sugar (glucose) your body's main source of fuel. As a
result, your blood sugar level is too high.
If untreated or uncontrolled, gestational diabetes can
result in a variety of health problems for you and your
baby.
Miscarriage: is a pregnancy loss that occurs before
20 weeks of gestation. Doctors refer to this as a
spontaneous abortion the medical term for a pregnancy that
ends from natural causes.
Dilation and curettage (D and C): is a minor surgical
procedure in which your doctor widens (dilates) your cervix
and gently suctions (aspirates) tissue from inside the
uterus. Sometimes a long metal instrument with a loop on the
end (curet) is used after the suction to scrape the walls of
the uterus, making sure it's empty.
D and C is often used when an incomplete miscarriage has
occurred and some fetal or placental tissue remains inside
the uterus. Not everyone who has a miscarriage needs this
procedure. D and C may also be used to determine the cause
of abnormal uterine bleeding not due to miscarriage.
Placenta previa: At the very beginning of pregnancy,
the placenta begins to form. This circular, flat organ is
responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to your
growing baby and removing waste products from your baby's
blood. It attaches to the wall of your uterus and your
baby's umbilical cord, forming a vital connection between
you and your baby.
Early in pregnancy, the placenta may implant in the lower
part of your uterus. However, as your uterus grows, the
placenta usually moves up and away from the opening of your
uterus, called your cervix. If it doesn't, it's called
placenta previa.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): SIDS strikes suddenly
and silently, usually at night. Typically, a peacefully
sleeping baby simply never wakes up. In most cases, no cause
is ever found, and the death is best described as a SIDS
death. The condition rarely occurs before 2 weeks or after 6
months of age. Most deaths occur in children who are between
2 months and 4 months old.
Preeclampsia: is a common problem during pregnancy,
affecting up to one in seven pregnant women around the
world. This condition is defined by high blood pressure and
excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It
may also be called toxemia or pregnancy-induced
hypertension.
Colposcopy: In this procedure, a magnifying
instrument that looks like a pair of binoculars is
positioned at the entrance of the vagina. Your clinician
will be able to view the surface of the vagina and the
cervix clearly during this procedure and will look for
abnormal areas.
Biopsy: If abnormal areas are seen during the
colposcopy, your clinician may perform a biopsy (remove a
small tissue sample) and send it to a laboratory for study
under a microscope.
Endocervical Curettage (ECC): In this procedure, your
clinician will scrape cells from the wall of your cervical
canal. The cells are then sent to a laboratory and studied
for abnormal changes.
Cryotherapy: In order to destroy abnormal cells, your
clinician may elect to use a very low temperature probe to
freeze abnormal cells.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): Your
clinician may use an electric loop to remove abnormal tissue
from your cervix. The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory
for further examination.
Cone Biopsy: Your clinician may remove a cone-shaped
wedge of tissue from your cervix. This is an extensive form
of biopsy because, during the procedure, abnormal tissue
that is high in the cervix is removed. The abnormal tissue
is then sent to a laboratory for examination.
|
|
