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A colpotomy is a type of incision that is made in the wall of the vagina. It’s a surgical technique that may be used for a number of procedures, including hysterectomy, tubal ligation, complications of endometriosis, and cervical cancer treatment. With tubal ligation, your healthcare provider can use a colpotomy (previously known as vaginotomy) as one of the ways to reach your fallopian tubes. A tubal ligation that uses a colpotomy incision is considered to be minimally invasive surgery, and may be used in specific circumstances....

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a rare condition in which cerebrospinal fluid, which normally cushions the brain and spinal cord, leaks from the nose. CSF rhinorrhea symptoms include headaches and runny nose. It can also lead to meningitis, an infection of the lining around the brain tissue (meninges). This condition can happen when an abnormal tear is inadvertently created between the subarachnoid space of the brain and the nasal sinus cavities—for example, during surgery or a trauma....

On May 28, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that lab testing revealed higher than acceptable amounts of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (or NDMA) in several batches of metformin, one of the most popular prescription drugs used to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Key Takeaways The FDA recalled various brands of extended-release metformin because of higher-than-acceptable levels of NDMA.The dangers of suddenly stopping Metformin outweigh the risks of low-level exposure to NDMAIf this recall affects you, continue taking your medication and make an appointment with your doctor for personal guidance on your next steps....

Almost 15% of American adults suffer from depression, a condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities. Depression research is ever-evolving. And new data points to intake of proline, an amino acid, as a factor in developing this prevalent and often misunderstood disorder. Key Takeaways Diet can play a role in depression risk, thanks to the microbiota-gut-brain axis and its role in mental health.Recent data shows that higher intake of an amino acid called proline is linked to increased risk of depression....

It’s not clear exactly what causes migraines, but more and more, research is showing that the gastrointestinal (GI) system may play a big role. Many GI disorders are found to co-occur with migraine, one of the most common of which is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. A migraine attack is a debilitating, neurological condition that impacts your functioning, in addition to inflicting pain. While your GI tract may seem completely unrelated, the possible migraine/H....

Anyone with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) knows of at least one or two foods that contribute significantly to their symptoms. However, several other unidentified foods may also trigger IBS symptoms, making mealtime challenging. Unfortunately, no one diet will work for everyone with IBS, but there are some guidelines that may help. Eating several smaller meals during the day, rather than three large ones, is one tactic that may help reduce symptoms....

A club hair is formed during the catagen phase of the hair growth cycle. It is a hair that has stopped growing. It has been cut off from its blood supply, but it remains in place until it is shed. It is also known as a telogen hair, as it remains in place into the resting telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. It may not be shed until the active growing anagen phase, as the newly growing hair pushes it out....

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a sight-disabling disease that only affects infants born prematurely, usually before 32 weeks of pregnancy. Vision loss occurs because blood vessels in the eye do not fully develop before late pregnancy. When an infant is born prematurely, the blood vessels continue their growth but abnormally. The abnormal growth creates scar tissue on the eye and tension that pulls the retina away from the back of the eye to form a retinal detachment....

If your healthcare provider has recommended an incision and drainage procedure to treat an abscess, you may be wondering what the procedure is all about. How does it work, is it uncomfortable, and what happens after? Abscesses and Boils An abscess is a painful infection that can drive many people to the emergency room. They result when oil-producing or sweat glands are obstructed, and bacteria are trapped. This causes an infection and inflammation along with pain and redness....

Your cholesterol levels may be associated with your memory. Studies suggest that memory loss is associated with low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) the “good cholesterol” and high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol.” Researchers believe this memory loss may lead to dementia later in life. Studies Find Low HDL or High LDL Raises Memory Loss Risk Research shows that there may be a link between cholesterol levels and memory loss....

Limited treatment options are available to cancer patients whose disease has spread to the brain. Usually, these patients are not eligible for clinical trials. But new research shows that some of these individuals could still benefit from inclusion in trials. Key Takeaways Researchers have historically excluded cancer patients whose disease has spread to the brain from clinical trials due to their poor prognosis.A new tool called the Graded Prognostic Assessment estimates survival based on multiple factors, including the initial cancer type....

Nasal decongestants are used to treat congestion (stuffy nose, runny nose, etc…). Congestion is usually caused by the common cold, and upper respiratory infection or allergies. To understand how nasal decongestants work it is important to explain how congestion occurs. Many people think that congestion is caused when mucous (also called phlegm or nasal drainage) blocks the nasal passageways. This is only partially true. Congestion occurs when the blood vessels lining the nose become enlarged....

Starting a new way of eating can be a challenge. Quite often it involves evaluating and changing the way you think about food completely, and this change not only impacts what you eat, but your lifestyle habits too, like grocery shopping, meal preparation, and eating at restaurants. Also, if you cook for your family, you may find resistance from your kids or spouse if they don’t want to try new foods....

Orilissa (elagolix) is a prescription pill used to treat moderate to severe endometriosis pain. Orilissa is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist that works by blocking GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland of the brain. This has the effect of reducing the signals to produce estrogen that your ovaries receive. It induces a form of menopausal state by preventing your body from making certain hormones, like luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which are responsible for ovulation....

Growing up, I didn’t go to the doctor. If the bone is broken, you go to the doctor; if you’re bleeding profusely, you go to the doctor; otherwise—castor oil, water, bandages, and Vaseline. If something was wrong, you dealt with it silently. This article is part of Health Divide: Skin Conditions and Darker Skin, a destination in our Health Divide series. Meet the Author Psyche Terry is a patient advocate for skin health, an education advocate, and the CEO and founder of UI Global Brands....

The “air puff test” is a slang term for non-contact tonometry (NCT), a test used during an eye exam to measure the pressure inside your eye. The air puff test gives your eye doctor an eye pressure reading known as intraocular pressure (IOP), which helps detect glaucoma. “Puff tonometry” is a good screening test for eye doctors, but can sometimes overestimate pressures. This test is not as accurate as traditional tonometry, but is very sensitive in picking up pressure problems....

Scientists are still learning more about the long-term effects of COVID-19, including just how long those lingering symptoms can last. But new research finds that the stress from the virus can last for months. Key Takeaways Research has found people can experience physical side effects from COVID-19 for two to three months after the onset of symptoms.The virus impacted sleep quality and resting heart rate.Experts say getting vaccinated is the best form of prevention....

Top surgery, also known as gender affirming chest reconstruction or double mastectomy, addresses gender dysphoria. This surgical procedure is a way for binary and non-binary transmasculine persons to achieve a flat chest. The primary element of the surgery is the removal of the breast tissue. The nipples may also be made smaller and moved to a more lateral position to achieve a more masculine appearance. Some surgeons also include chest contouring as part of top surgery....

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome is defined as alveolar hypoventilation while awake in an obese individual where there is no other cause of the hypoventilation (such as a sedating drug). Ninety percent of people with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) also have an associated obstructive sleep apnea. For those who suffer from obesity hypoventilation syndrome, it is critically important to seek treatment. As the condition may have serious and even fatal consequences, early and aggressive intervention may prove necessary....

Ear infections know no boundaries: Your little one can develop one at any time of day, on any day of the week—from first thing on Christmas morning to ten minutes after you arrive on vacation to Saturday evening just as you’re heading out for an overdue date night. An ear infection won’t wait for a more convenient moment, and it certainly won’t be respectful of your pediatrician’s office hours. If your child develops symptoms of an ear infection over the weekend, here’s how to make sure she gets the best medical care and ways to help her feel better once she’s on the mend....