Breast pain is common, and there can be many causes, but most cases are not a cause for concern. Cyclical breast pain can be a normal part of many women's menstrual cycles, especially in the weeks before a period starts. Other causes of breast pain are the contraceptive pill, pregnancy, menopause, an infection in the breast such as mastitis, a muscle strain in the chest wall, and injury to the area. Pain is not a common presentation of breast cancer; other signs that are more indicative of breast cancer include changes in your breast shape, nipple or skin changes, or a breast lump that doesn't go away with your next period.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition which occurs as a consequence of women drinking alcohol during their pregnancy. It covers a wide range of symptoms and affects each baby differently. Examples include facial changes and learning disabilities, trouble with coordination or attention and hyperactivity. It can also affect the kidneys, bones, and the heart, and cause growth problems. The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is often used interchangeably, but more specifically describes certain collections of symptoms related to damage by alcohol during pregnancy, of which FAS is the most severe end of the spectrum. Symptoms may be subtle and there may be no physical signs, but it’s thought to be underdiagnosed, and numbers have risen in recent years along with alcohol abuse.

Finasteride (also known by the brand name Propecia) is a medication used to treat hair loss in men. It is also used to manage urinary symptoms in men with an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Finasteride is used to manage the most common type of hair loss, often associated with ageing, called male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia. It is commonly used alongside minoxidil liquid or foam, another hair loss medication. Unlike minoxidil, which can only facilitate hair regrowth, finasteride can prevent hair loss as well. Finasteride is considered most effective on the crown area of the scalp, although studies have shown it can benefit all areas of the scalp affected by male pattern baldness. Finasteride is mainly available as tablets to be taken once a day. The best results are seen when the medication is taken every day, and it can take around six to nine months before you see the full effects. Many people that take finasteride experience a shedding phase early on in their treatment (usually in the first few months). This phase causes you to lose more hair than normal as older damaged hairs are lost. These are then replaced by newer and stronger hairs. Shedding is nothing to worry about, and it shows the medication is working. Although finasteride can cause hair regrowth, it is considered to be more of a preventative medication for further hair loss. Therefore, it is best to begin finasteride treatment when you first start to notice signs of male pattern baldness. If you have already lost most of your hair, finasteride is unlikely to be useful as it is not usually associated with massive amounts of hair regrowth. Also, any regrowth that you gain is not permanent; if you stop taking finasteride, this hair will fall out again.

Meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord called the meninges. You must be able to identify the symptoms of meningitis as it can develop into a life-threatening infection known as sepsis or septicemia. It is critical to know that the symptoms of meningitis can occur in any order. Because of the severity, if you suspect that a family member or someone you know could have meningitis, you should seek urgent medical advice.

The progestin-only pill (POP) is a type of contraception. It contains a hormone that closely resembles the progesterone hormone produced by a woman’s ovaries. Older (traditional) POPs contain norethindrone (Camila, Errin, Heather, Jolivette, Micronor, Nora-BE). Newer POPs contain drospirenone (Slynd). The POP is also referred to as the mini pill. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the progestin-only norgestrel (Opill) for over-the-counter use. It is expected to be available in early 2024.

Projectile vomiting is when vomit flies out of a baby’s mouth forcefully. It will project like an arc several feet back, and looks quite different from the undramatic dribble of spitting up or possetting. One important cause of projectile vomiting is pyloric stenosis, which affects 2-4 in 1,000 newborn babies. Pyloric stenosis occurs when there is a progressive thickening of the lower aspect of the stomach, causing a tightening or narrowing of the outlet of the stomach where it goes into the small intestine. This tightening means food can’t leave the stomach, causing an obstruction, and it requires immediate medical attention and treatment. The symptoms often occur in the first 5 weeks of life. It is more common in children whose parents had pyloric stenosis as a child, and in first-born males.

Pregnancy brings exciting new beginnings, but it can bring new problems, too, as your body changes under the influence of hormones and the physical size of a growing baby. Constipation is one of these – it's common in the general population but even more common in pregnancy. Constipation describes either finding you are going less frequently or straining to have a bowel movement and producing hard pellets. Everyone is different – some go three times a day, and others go twice a week. But the aim is to produce soft, easily passed stool every time.

Colic - a small word with a big impact! You may be wondering, as you try every technique under the sun to soothe your crying newborn, why you haven’t heard of it before now. And why someone didn’t explain exactly what to do. But you’re here now and are not alone: 1 in 5 babies suffer from colic. Colic is the word used for when babies cry for a consistent period of time without any obvious cause. It’s poorly understood, and there’s no consensus on the cause. One theory is that a baby’s gut is underdeveloped early on, making it harder for them to digest food and causing some temporary distress. Another theory is that it occurs with an overactive letdown of the milk supply when breastfeeding. How long does it last? Colic typically starts in the first six weeks of life. It fits the diagnosis if a baby cries for more than three hours a day, for at least three days a week. Most babies suffer from colic in the evening, but it can happen at any time of the day. Colic usually goes away by itself after three to four months. But, of course, every baby is different: you may feel relieved if it’s short-lived, or you could be unlucky, and it lasts for six months or so.

If you find yourself pregnant and do not wish to keep the baby, you can seek an abortion to bring the pregnancy to an end. Abortion laws vary by state. It can be difficult, and you may feel confused about the right decision for you. Turning to those that know and love you – friends, family, your partner – can help, but if this is difficult, your doctor can provide a good listening ear, and abortion clinics have counseling services to discuss options with you. An abortion carries less risk the earlier it is carried out. Earlier discussions also allow for more time to think about the right option for you.

You are never far from sexual health services in the US. Dedicated clinics are there for phone consultations or visits, online services can mail out testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and your doctor is also a source of advice, testing, and prescriptions. Needs can vary widely, but most people request access to STI tests such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis, emergency contraception, and regular contraception. Clinics may offer hepatitis B vaccination if you are at risk or emergency HIV treatment if you think you’ve been exposed. They can also advise on safe sex, high-risk behavior, sexual assault or rape, and anonymous contact tracing for a sexual partner or partners if you have tested positive for an STI.

You got that all-important positive on the pregnancy test? Congratulations! You’re at least three weeks into your 40 week journey! But where do you go next? Let’s take you through the system, so you’re prepared.

You may have been put at risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if you have had unprotected sex, the condom broke, split, or slipped off during sex, or you have been told a partner has an STI. STIs include gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. You may have no symptoms from some of these, or symptoms may take weeks or months to show. It's best to get this checked out, and the best place is to attend a sexual health clinic. Look online for services near you, and know that it's all confidential. If a partner has said they have an STI, you need to get treated immediately and avoid sex until treated, otherwise you can pass it back and forth between each other. Again, this is best done at a sexual health clinic. Unprotected sex also leaves women at risk of pregnancy. You can buy a pregnancy test, and it can take up to 3 weeks after unprotected sex for any pregnancy test to turn positive.

Some women may experience a missed period, which can happen for many reasons, including a medical condition, medication or stress, and lifestyle factors. With an occasional missed period, we may not find out the cause, and hopefully, your cycle will return to normal. Persistent missed periods will need investigation by your doctor.

Hair is often seen as a significant part of a woman’s identity, and losing it can be deeply distressing. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images of long, thick, and sleek hair, experiencing hair loss can cause significant anxiety and affect self-esteem. Hair loss in women is more common than many realize, and it can occur for various reasons, from natural aging to underlying medical conditions. Understanding the different types of hair loss, identifying the causes, and knowing when to seek help is key to managing the problem effectively. In this guide, we will explore the various reasons behind hair loss in women, such as genetic factors, hairstyling practices, and medical conditions. We will also look at treatment options available and offer practical advice on when to see a healthcare professional. By being informed, women can take steps to address hair loss and improve the health of their hair.

For most, the abundance of estrogen causes a slowing down of hair shedding, and many women report increased volume and lustrous locks during pregnancy. But this isn’t so for all – the relative stress to the body in the first trimester may cause hair loss, but this is only evident later in the pregnancy. Hair will come back – you’ll notice regrowth two to four months after the baby is delivered.

Breast engorgement happens when your breasts become too full of milk. This causes them to feel tight and painful and hard and can be very uncomfortable for a mom. Engorgement can also affect the nipple, making it stretched or flat and painful. This can be unsettling for babies as it becomes difficult for them to attach to the breast properly. Breast engorgement happens when the supply and demand for milk are out of sync. Commonly it occurs in the early days when both mother and baby are getting used to each other's needs. But it can also happen later when the baby is older and begins reducing the amount or the frequency of their feeds; for example, when transitioning to solids, cow’s milk, formula milk, or if the mom is away from home for longer than usual.

Mastitis is inflammation of the tissues of the breast, causing it to become hot, painful, and swollen. It commonly occurs in women who are breastfeeding, but non-lactating women and men can also get it. In breastfeeding women, it can occur when the milk builds up or from a blockage in the milk ducts. If you have sore or cracked nipples, it makes it easier for bacteria to enter the milk ducts. Often sore/cracked nipples can be caused by incorrect feeding technique and latching position or wearing tight-fitting clothing. Other people at risk of this condition include smokers and those with a weakened immune system. Irritation or damage to the skin around the nipples, through plucking the hairs or nipple piercings, as well as certain skin conditions like eczema or having breast implants, can increase your risk of having mastitis.

Contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy. The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) is a type of contraception for women. The COCP is sometimes referred to as just the pill. It contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. These hormones closely resemble the estrogen and progesterone hormones produced by a woman’s ovaries. There are lots of different COCPs available. Some COCPs contain 21 pills which are followed by a seven-day break. Other COCPs contain 28 pills, with seven inactive (dummy) pills at the end of the pack. You should try to take your tablets at the same time each day. If you do not take your pill within 12 hours of your regular pill-taking time, it is classed as a missed pill. Below we will look at steps you should take if you miss any pills. Remember, the advice only applies to missed active pills. If you miss any inactive pills, you can just disregard these pills.

You may have been informed that a sexual partner or ex-partner has gotten a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and you may have been put at risk, so you require treatment. This can come as a shock, whether you hear it directly from your partner, an ex-partner texts you, or you receive an anonymous text from a sexual health clinic. But it’s better to know about this than be kept in the dark. STIs may or may not cause symptoms, but they can put you at risk of longer-term problems such as ongoing pain or infertility, and reliable treatments are available. Even if you have no symptoms, getting treatment will protect you and your future partners.

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two common places the herpes virus can be found, near the mouth (oral herpes), which is also commonly known as a cold sore, and around the genitals (genital herpes). A herpes infection typically starts with a change in sensation - pain or tingling in a particular area - followed by small blisters that burst and leave small painful ulcers. If they are near the vagina, they can cause nasty pain when going to the bathroom. There are two forms of the herpes simplex virus, types 1 and 2. Type 1 is more commonly associated with oral herpes, and type 2 is more commonly associated with genital herpes. Although due to the fact the condition spreads via contact, and aided by oral sex, it is not uncommon to find either type in any location. There is no way to distinguish from symptoms. They present in the same way and require a test to see which type is causing trouble (although the type doesn't change anything clinically - treatment is given depending on where it is infected). Oral herpes is commonly acquired in childhood and passed on via skin-to-skin contact, or via contact with fluid in the blisters from the area of infection. Genital herpes is also spread through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex.

Pregnancy can leave you hot and bothered at the best of times, and you don’t want the added burden of symptoms of hay fever or other allergic problems. But lots of the products you’ve relied on before state they may not be safe in pregnancy. So how can you treat your symptoms? Practicing doctors here at Healthwords are used to weighing up risks and benefits – some products that are labelled as "not recommended in pregnancy" may be an option after discussion with your doctor. Let’s arm you with the facts first, before you speak to your doctor. It’s also worth stating that hay fever, or allergic rhinitis (similar eye and nose symptoms to any allergen), is not known to cause any harm to you or your growing baby if left untreated. It’s for your comfort if you wish to pursue treatment for your symptoms.

Menopause is when you stop having periods. It can vary in how it occurs with some people experiencing gradually changing periods, or missed periods, and others finding a sudden end to their periods. Once you have had one year without a period it can be confirmed that you have gone through menopause. Natural menopause is due to increasing age, where over time your ovaries produce less of the hormone estrogen, which in turn means your ovaries don’t release an egg (so you can no longer conceive naturally) and your periods subsequently stop. It happens to all women; however, exactly when menopause occurs, and the symptoms people experience during this time, vastly differ. For most women menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, however, it can regularly occur earlier or later than this. One in 100 women will go through early menopause which is defined as occurring before they are 40. You may also experience menopause due to having had surgery to remove your ovaries, having radiotherapy around the area of your ovaries, some chemotherapy treatment, or certain medical conditions.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is either when you lose a lot of blood or you bleed for a longer period of time than normal. This can be associated with the passage of blood clots and pain and is known medically as menorrhagia. All in all, it can cause considerable disruption to everyday life and a toll on your mental well-being. It’s hard to know what’s “normal,” so signs that you are bleeding more heavily than others may include that you soak through a sanitary napkin or tampon at least every hour, that you need double protection (tampon and pad), or that you need to change in the middle of the night. It may also include bleeding for more than 7 days, passing large blood clots, and generally disturbing your daily activities, work, studies, or relationships.

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This can easily pass from person to person via unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex or sharing of sex toys. Condoms help to prevent catching gonorrhea. This may cause no noticeable symptoms, or it can cause a yellow/green, watery, or pus-like discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum. It may cause pain on peeing; for women, pain during sex, bleeding after sex, or bleeding between periods, and for men, pain in the testicles. It can cause joint inflammation (reactive arthritis) and eye symptoms (conjunctivitis) and, if left untreated, can cause infertility. Given the high stakes and the fact that you may have no symptoms, it’s important to get tested regularly. This is especially important if you are 16 to 25, as this is the highest-risk age group. Get an STI test at the change of any partner (use condoms until you both get the all-clear) and at least once a year.

Dr Kandi explains how often we should be getting a sexual health screening.

Tinea cruris (jock itch) is a common fungal skin infection of the groin. Sometimes doctors call it the medical term tinea cruris or ringworm - we should be clear it has nothing to do with worms! This fungal infection usually occurs in warm, moist areas such as the groin or in the armpit area or feet (where it is called tinea pedis or athletes foot). It produces symptoms of a rash that is usually red, sore and itchy and has clear edges that can form a ring-like pattern. It is commonly found in athletes and the elderly but can affect anyone. It is often found in the crease of the groin and can spread a short way down the upper thigh. The majority of cases are mild and can be treated easily with over the counter antifungal creams available from your pharmacist. If the medication is for a child you will be asked to see the doctor first rather than getting an over the counter cream. There are a number of different antifungal creams available (you will see names such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, and miconazole) so check the directions that come with each cream as it will tell you how often and how long to use it. Apply the cream to the affected area and to the non-affected skin that is up to 2 inches around the affected area.

Erectile dysfunction is when you are unable to get an erection or maintain an erection in order to have sex. It can sometimes be referred to as impotence or shortened to ED, and it is a very common symptom men can experience from time to time. In most cases, there is no serious underlying cause, and it may improve on its own, although it is important to know there is a treatment that can help. It is especially common in older men, with around 1 in 2 men over the age of 40 experiencing ED at some point. Some of the things that can contribute to erectile dysfunction include tiredness, stress, or excessive alcohol. The causes of longer-term erectile dysfunction can be split into 3 main types, which are psychological, physical health, and medication-induced. Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction include stress, performance anxiety (or any anxiety around having sex), relationship issues, or mental health conditions such as depression. With psychological causes, erectile dysfunction usually starts suddenly, not gradually, and it is best to treat the cause (e.g., the mood symptoms) rather than treating the symptom of erectile dysfunction. Treat the mood symptoms, and the erectile dysfunction will hopefully improve. Physical causes are usually the reason for ED in men over 40, with reduced blood flow to the penis being at the top of that list. The arteries in the penis become too narrow for enough blood flow to cause an erection. Men who smoke, have high blood pressure, or have high cholesterol levels are more at risk of developing this. With physical causes, erectile dysfunction tends to occur more gradually over time rather than suddenly. Chronic health conditions that affect nerves or blood flow, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, can also cause ED, as well as any damage to the penis or low testosterone levels, however these are less common. Some medications can cause or make erectile dysfunction worse. These include some of the medications used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and prostate problems. It is best to discuss this with your doctor if you think this might be the case. Don't stop taking the medication before speaking with your doctor.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is commonly referred to as crib death. It is the term for the sudden death of a healthy baby that occurs without explanation or expectation. Thankfully, SIDS is rare, with about 1,300 babies dying in the US every year, but every death is one death too many, so the aim is to reduce the risk as much as possible. 

Libido refers to your sex drive. Normal levels of libido and sex drive are different for each person, there is no standard that anyone should be compared to. Loss of libido is a type of sexual dysfunction and means a drop in your normal sex drive (not just lower than another person's). It is a common thing for people to experience. It can be due to many different things, such as fatigue, stress, symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, difficult personal circumstances, relationship difficulties, physical health conditions, or side effects of certain medications.