Sexual and Reproductive Health

Overview AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is the disease associated with HIV, human immunodeficiency virus. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, over 25 million people worldwide have died of AIDS. The disease has no cure, although modern treatment…
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Clostridium tetani causes tetanus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 10 cases of tetanus results in death. Commonly referred to as “lockjaw,” this disease can be prevented. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization…
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Although the Ortho Evra patch is about 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association, it does have its disadvantages. Women considering the use of Ortho Evra should discuss these issues with a doctor before deciding…
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1. What is HPV? HPV has over 100 different strains or types, of which 40 are sexually transmitted. HPV is responsible for 99% of cervical cancers and genital warts. There are high risk strains that cause cervical cancer, and approximately…
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Overview Vaginal dryness is a common complaint for women. Normally, a layer of moisture lines the walls of the vagina, but changes in the body may cause this lining to become thin and dry. Hormonal changes, medications and medical conditions…
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Overview Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the T cells or CD4 cells in the blood. The body cannot get rid of HIV like it can other viruses such as those that cause the flu. HIV can…
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Organic coconut oil will usually be labeled as “organic virgin coconut oil,” or VCO. Organic VCO is produced by pressing fresh, organic coconuts, then separating the oil from the coconut meat. Quality organic VCO will have a light coconut odor….
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The birth control patch is a transdermal method of birth control. It is a hormonal patch comprised of estrogen and progestin. These hormones prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and altering the lining of the cervix and uterus. Women should discuss…
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Atrophic vaginitis is a condition in which the vaginal tissue shrinks and becomes less moist because of a decrease in the hormone estrogen. It often results in feelings of dryness and subsequent pain in the vagina. While it is frequently…
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Overview Couples who don’t feel quite ready to hear the pitter-patter of little feet often wonder which method of birth control is best. The withdrawal method of birth control, sometimes referred to as coitus interruptus, offers many advantages over other…
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Specific strains of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, or HPV, cause the benign tumors known as genital warts. HPV can also affect the cervix, the opening of the uterus, causing warts or changes in the appearance of cervical cells. Some…
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Vaginal dryness can affect nearly any woman but it is often a side effect of a drop in estrogen, such as that which occurs during and after menopause. The dryness can cause itching and stinging around the vaginal opening, according…
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Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection caused by the human pappilomavirus. They can affect both men and women during unprotected sexual contact. They appear in the genital area as grey flesh colored raised bumps which can occur in clusters….
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Overview Planning a family is a personal decision that is for each couple to think about. The desired number of children can be decided as a matter of choice, depending on financial constraints and an ability to love and provide…
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The American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP) defines toxemia, which is more commonly known as preeclampsia, as a condition characterized by development of maternal high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine after the 20th week of…
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In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most commonly used form of assisted reproductive technology. During the IVF procedure, a woman’s eggs are retrieved during surgery and then fertilized outside of her body with sperm. Several days after fertilization, the embryos…
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Overview Body piercing is a form of self-expression for people of all ages. It allows wearers to express their individuality and make a statement with a simple piece of jewelry. Although tongue piercings require special care to prevent infection, they…
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Genetic diseases are passed down from parent to child through defective genes. Genes, the basic unit of heredity, carry the sequences of deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) which is responsible for determining the characteristics a person will exhibit. The lungs are…
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Genital warts occur from exposure to the human papillomavirus, or HPV, contracted through sexual contact. According to the Mayo Clinic, genital warts, also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminata, are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted…
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Overview The term “surrogate parent” has different meanings, which must be inferred based on the context of its use. To add to the confusion, the different uses of the term “surrogate parent” can be virtually opposite in meaning. Surrogate Parent…
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Contraception options exist in abundance. Several methods are extremely effective but are considered too inconvenient by some users. Other methods may provide contraception but the adverse effects can become too bothersome to continue using. While several kinds of contraception prove…
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Overview As of 2010, Implanon is the only contraceptive implant available in the United States that has the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although it is one of the most effective methods available to prevent unplanned pregnancies,…
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Overview Latex is the milk found in the rubber tree. Latex allergies actually are responses to the protein content in the milk, rather than the tree itself. The University of California-Berkeley suggests that latex allergy is a relatively common occurrence….
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The brain is a complex organ made up of two major cell types known as neurons and glia. Neurons are the nerve cells of the brain; they signal to each other within the brain, and signal to the body to…
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Private cord blood banks tout the potential advantages of saving cord blood banking to expectant parents, but often skip over the disadvantages of doing so. While the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist support…
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1. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Artificial insemination makes it possible for infertile couples and same sex couples to have their own biological children. The “test tube baby/turkey baster” phenomenon has come a long way from its inception in the 1980s. Doctors…
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Once expectant parents decide to save or donate their baby’s cord blood, many are at a loss of what to do next. Although the process of saving or donating cord blood varies, some general procedures are common. The Save or…
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The American Pregnancy website claims Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) is the most common birth defect in the United States. Caused by an extra copy of chromosome number 21, there are a handful of symptoms usually identified during the course of…
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Inducing labor is not something a woman should do without the consent of her health care provider, no matter how natural the technique. Attempts to start labor should not be made prior to the 40th week of pregnancy. With a…
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Breathing is a natural activity, but some people develop habits that prevent it from occurring efficiently. Strengthening your breathing can lead to a greater sense of calm, more energy and may help alleviate stress-induced health problems like panic attacks, hyperventilation…
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