Other Reproductive/Sexual Health
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): What is it and what are the signs?
Monthly changes in hormones affect nearly all women. Some of the symptoms are more bothersome or noticeable than others, and sometimes they signal health problems. Studies show that 4% to 18% of women of reproductive age have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It can be difficult to diagnose because it is similar to so many other conditions. What is PCOS, and what are the signs? Read More
Circumcision: the Health Benefits and Risks
While many parents decide whether to circumcise their sons based on culture or religion, a 2012 report found that the health benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks of the procedure. Read More
Pomegranate Juice and Prostate Health
Pomegranate juice contains plenty of antioxidants, but does it improve health, as the ads imply? Read More
Choosing Wisely: Physician Groups Make Recommendations to Reduce Healthcare Costs
Does an 18-year-old female need a pap smear? Should a patient with a mild sinus infection be given antibiotics? You might be surprised that the answer to both questions is NO according to leading physicians. Read More
Are Bisphenol A (BPA) Plastic Products Safe?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make plastics. It is frequently used in sports equipment, water bottles, medical devices, as a coating or lining in food and beverage cans, and in credit card receipts. It leaches out of plastic into liquids and foods, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found measurable amounts of BPA in the bodies of 93% of the U.S. population studied. While early concerns about BPA’s health effects were based primarily on animal studies and research on cells, there is increasing evidence from studies in humans that BPA can cause serious harm, such as increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and sexual dysfunction. Read More
Exposure to Heavy Metals and Fertility: What a Couple Should Know
Are you or someone you love trying to start a family or have another baby? A new study suggests that when men or women are exposed to heavy metals in their environment it can make it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant. We should be aware of the ways we come into contact with these metals, and limit our exposure. Taking a few preventative measures today might make it easier to get pregnant and have a healthy baby. Read More
Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know
Understanding how birth control pills work and how the FDA determines whether they are safe and effective can help demystify the process of choosing the birth control pill that is right for you. Read More
“Pink Viagra” (Flibanserin): lots of risks and almost no benefit
There is no doubt that some women lose sexual desire, especially as they age. It would be great if there was a safe and effective drug to help them, but this drug is not it. Read More
Emergency Contraception (Morning-After Pills)
Emergency contraception has been used by millions of women safely and effectively. Learn more about how the benefits of using these pills outweigh the risks. Read More
Dolls Are Not a Substitute for Babies
Adults assume that teenagers would be less likely to get pregnant if they knew how hard it is to care for a baby. That was the theory behind the development of Baby Think it Over (BTIO), a computerized infant simulator doll. Unfortunately, several studies suggest that taking care of these baby dolls does nothing to discourage teens from becoming parents. Read More