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Consultant Clinics this & every Wednesday (tomorrow) afternoon 2 - 4 p.m.:
Gynae & Surgical. 0722 207 665 or 0733 602 114 or 020 2020263 to book for an appointment at the Doctors' Plaza.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
FREE BREAST CANCER CAMP - 23RD OCTOBER 2010
Educating women and men about;
1. Breast cancer
2. Training on self examination
3. Psychological support
4. Home based visits to the survivors of breast cancer.
1. Breast cancer
2. Training on self examination
3. Psychological support
4. Home based visits to the survivors of breast cancer.
Monday, August 30, 2010
VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION (CANDIDIASIS)
Candidiasis is caused by a fungal microorganism called Candida Albicans. It is a yeast organism which usually lives harmlessly in the vagina, bowel and mouth, all the time. All women have it.
The problem arises when it gets out of control and there is an overgrowth. Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush is a common term used for a fungal infection that develops inside the vulva or vagina.
Causes of Vaginal Candidiasis;
• Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis and have recurrent bouts of infection.
• People with diabetes are also more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis because the elevated level of sugar in the body provides food for yeast and encourages its overgrowth.
• Women at risk for vaginal candidiasis include those taking antibiotics, especially for a long period of time. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which can alter the balance of microorganisms in the vagina and other places in the body. This can result in an increase of vaginal candidiasis.
• Wearing tight clothes leads to an increased retention of heat as well as an increased level of moisture in the vaginal area, which leads to Candidiasis.
• A stressful period in your life such as divorce, bereavement etc.
• Weakened immune system due to illness.
• Other people at risk include the elderly due to hormonal changes during menopause.
The common symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include;
• White, thick vaginal discharge with no odour.
• Stinging or itching inside the vagina or on the surrounding area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal Candida infection is extremely common.
Treatment List for Vaginal candidiasis
Conventional medical treatment for vaginal Candida infection is based on taking drugs or using topical creams or suppository though recurrence of the disease may occur. In order to completely eliminate candidiasis and prevent their recurrence, one must complement medical treatment with natural holistic methods to fight Candida infection and regain the natural inner balance.
How to avoid getting Candidiasis. Prevention measures include:
• Maintain good hygiene in the genital area and keep it dry.
• Wipe the genital area from the front to the back after urinating or defecating. This may help prevent getting bacteria and yeast from the rectal area into the vagina.
• It is also important to use antibiotics only when truly needed.
• Don't use douches. Douching changes the normal acid level of the vagina and causes inflammation, both of which may increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, genital sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, bubble baths and any other irritants such as disinfectants. Change tampons and pads often during your period.
• Don't wear tight underwear that block air flow or clothes made of synthetic fibers.
• Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch as it lets air in and moisture out.
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
Many women choose to ignore the symptoms, mainly due to the intimate character of the infection. Appearance of one or more symptoms mentioned above is a sufficient reason for seeing a doctor.
Neglected vaginal yeast infection condition might have a destructive influence on a woman’s self- esteem, on her intimate life and in some cases, might lead to a serious condition that can have dire consequences on one's health if left untreated.
SEEK THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
The problem arises when it gets out of control and there is an overgrowth. Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush is a common term used for a fungal infection that develops inside the vulva or vagina.
Causes of Vaginal Candidiasis;
• Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis and have recurrent bouts of infection.
• People with diabetes are also more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis because the elevated level of sugar in the body provides food for yeast and encourages its overgrowth.
• Women at risk for vaginal candidiasis include those taking antibiotics, especially for a long period of time. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which can alter the balance of microorganisms in the vagina and other places in the body. This can result in an increase of vaginal candidiasis.
• Wearing tight clothes leads to an increased retention of heat as well as an increased level of moisture in the vaginal area, which leads to Candidiasis.
• A stressful period in your life such as divorce, bereavement etc.
• Weakened immune system due to illness.
• Other people at risk include the elderly due to hormonal changes during menopause.
The common symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include;
• White, thick vaginal discharge with no odour.
• Stinging or itching inside the vagina or on the surrounding area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal Candida infection is extremely common.
Treatment List for Vaginal candidiasis
Conventional medical treatment for vaginal Candida infection is based on taking drugs or using topical creams or suppository though recurrence of the disease may occur. In order to completely eliminate candidiasis and prevent their recurrence, one must complement medical treatment with natural holistic methods to fight Candida infection and regain the natural inner balance.
How to avoid getting Candidiasis. Prevention measures include:
• Maintain good hygiene in the genital area and keep it dry.
• Wipe the genital area from the front to the back after urinating or defecating. This may help prevent getting bacteria and yeast from the rectal area into the vagina.
• It is also important to use antibiotics only when truly needed.
• Don't use douches. Douching changes the normal acid level of the vagina and causes inflammation, both of which may increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, genital sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, bubble baths and any other irritants such as disinfectants. Change tampons and pads often during your period.
• Don't wear tight underwear that block air flow or clothes made of synthetic fibers.
• Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch as it lets air in and moisture out.
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
Many women choose to ignore the symptoms, mainly due to the intimate character of the infection. Appearance of one or more symptoms mentioned above is a sufficient reason for seeing a doctor.
Neglected vaginal yeast infection condition might have a destructive influence on a woman’s self- esteem, on her intimate life and in some cases, might lead to a serious condition that can have dire consequences on one's health if left untreated.
SEEK THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
CANCER OF THE CERVIX
Cancer of the cervix is a preventable type of cancer. It is approximately 90% caused by human papilloma virus. The other 10% is by ademocaramonia.
A sure way of finding if infected is by doing a pap smear. Pap smear is recommended to all reproductive and sexually active women and should be done thrice a year for three consecutive years.
If negative for these three years, then the Pap smear should be done once after every five years.
There is a vaccine for the human papilloma virus that is Cervarix which is given in three doses.
At zero (start dose) at one month then after six months (0 – 1 – 6). It can be given to women as early as 12 years to 55 years. The vaccine should be administered after a thorough investigation to rule out any chance of cancer cells, after which regular screenings should follow.
A sure way of finding if infected is by doing a pap smear. Pap smear is recommended to all reproductive and sexually active women and should be done thrice a year for three consecutive years.
If negative for these three years, then the Pap smear should be done once after every five years.
There is a vaccine for the human papilloma virus that is Cervarix which is given in three doses.
At zero (start dose) at one month then after six months (0 – 1 – 6). It can be given to women as early as 12 years to 55 years. The vaccine should be administered after a thorough investigation to rule out any chance of cancer cells, after which regular screenings should follow.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION (CANDIDIASIS)
Candidiasis is caused by a fungal microorganism called Candida Albicans. It is a yeast organism which usually lives harmlessly in the vagina, bowel and mouth, all the time. All women have it.
The problem arises when it gets out of control and there is an overgrowth. Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush is a common term used for a fungal infection that develops inside the vulva or vagina.
Causes of Vaginal Candidiasis;
• Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis and have recurrent bouts of infection.
• People with diabetes are also more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis because the elevated level of sugar in the body provides food for yeast and encourages its overgrowth.
• Women at risk for vaginal candidiasis include those taking antibiotics, especially for a long period of time. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which can alter the balance of microorganisms in the vagina and other places in the body. This can result in an increase of vaginal candidiasis.
• Wearing tight clothes leads to an increased retention of heat as well as an increased level of moisture in the vaginal area, which leads to Candidiasis.
• A stressful period in your life such as divorce, bereavement etc.
• Weakened immune system due to illness.
• Other people at risk include the elderly due to hormonal changes during menopause.
The common symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include;
• White, thick vaginal discharge with no odour.
• Stinging or itching inside the vagina or on the surrounding area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal Candida infection is extremely common.
Treatment List for Vaginal candidiasis
Conventional medical treatment for vaginal Candida infection is based on taking drugs or using topical creams or suppository though recurrence of the disease may occur. In order to completely eliminate candidiasis and prevent their recurrence, one must complement medical treatment with natural holistic methods to fight Candida infection and regain the natural inner balance.
How to avoid getting Candidiasis. Prevention measures include:
• Maintain good hygiene in the genital area and keep it dry.
• Wipe the genital area from the front to the back after urinating or defecating. This may help prevent getting bacteria and yeast from the rectal area into the vagina.
• It is also important to use antibiotics only when truly needed.
• Don't use douches. Douching changes the normal acid level of the vagina and causes inflammation, both of which may increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, genital sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, bubble baths and any other irritants such as disinfectants. Change tampons and pads often during your period.
• Don't wear tight underwear that block air flow or clothes made of synthetic fibers.
• Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch as it lets air in and moisture out.
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
Many women choose to ignore the symptoms, mainly due to the intimate character of the infection. Appearance of one or more symptoms mentioned above is a sufficient reason for seeing a doctor.
Neglected vaginal yeast infection condition might have a destructive influence on a woman’s self- esteem, on her intimate life and in some cases, might lead to a serious condition that can have dire consequences on one's health if left untreated.
SEEK THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
The problem arises when it gets out of control and there is an overgrowth. Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush is a common term used for a fungal infection that develops inside the vulva or vagina.
Causes of Vaginal Candidiasis;
• Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis and have recurrent bouts of infection.
• People with diabetes are also more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis because the elevated level of sugar in the body provides food for yeast and encourages its overgrowth.
• Women at risk for vaginal candidiasis include those taking antibiotics, especially for a long period of time. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which can alter the balance of microorganisms in the vagina and other places in the body. This can result in an increase of vaginal candidiasis.
• Wearing tight clothes leads to an increased retention of heat as well as an increased level of moisture in the vaginal area, which leads to Candidiasis.
• A stressful period in your life such as divorce, bereavement etc.
• Weakened immune system due to illness.
• Other people at risk include the elderly due to hormonal changes during menopause.
The common symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include;
• White, thick vaginal discharge with no odour.
• Stinging or itching inside the vagina or on the surrounding area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal Candida infection is extremely common.
Treatment List for Vaginal candidiasis
Conventional medical treatment for vaginal Candida infection is based on taking drugs or using topical creams or suppository though recurrence of the disease may occur. In order to completely eliminate candidiasis and prevent their recurrence, one must complement medical treatment with natural holistic methods to fight Candida infection and regain the natural inner balance.
How to avoid getting Candidiasis. Prevention measures include:
• Maintain good hygiene in the genital area and keep it dry.
• Wipe the genital area from the front to the back after urinating or defecating. This may help prevent getting bacteria and yeast from the rectal area into the vagina.
• It is also important to use antibiotics only when truly needed.
• Don't use douches. Douching changes the normal acid level of the vagina and causes inflammation, both of which may increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, genital sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, bubble baths and any other irritants such as disinfectants. Change tampons and pads often during your period.
• Don't wear tight underwear that block air flow or clothes made of synthetic fibers.
• Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch as it lets air in and moisture out.
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
Many women choose to ignore the symptoms, mainly due to the intimate character of the infection. Appearance of one or more symptoms mentioned above is a sufficient reason for seeing a doctor.
Neglected vaginal yeast infection condition might have a destructive influence on a woman’s self- esteem, on her intimate life and in some cases, might lead to a serious condition that can have dire consequences on one's health if left untreated.
SEEK THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
RADIO SURGERY
is a medical procedure that allows non-invasive treatment of benign and malignant tumors. It is also known as stereo tactic radiotherapy, (SRT) when used to target lesions in the brain, and stereo tactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) when used to target lesions in the body. In addition to cancer, it has also been shown to be beneficial for the treatment of some non-cancerous conditions, including functional disorders such as arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) and trigeminal neuralgia.
It operates by directing highly focused beams of ionizing radiation with high precision. It is a relatively recent technique (1951), which is used to ablate, by means of a precise dosage of radiation, intracranial and extracranial tumors and other lesions that could be otherwise inaccessible or inadequate for open surgery. There are many nervous diseases for which conventional surgical treatment is difficult or inadvisable due to deleterious consequences for the patient, such as damage to nearby arteries, nerves, and other vital structures.
It operates by directing highly focused beams of ionizing radiation with high precision. It is a relatively recent technique (1951), which is used to ablate, by means of a precise dosage of radiation, intracranial and extracranial tumors and other lesions that could be otherwise inaccessible or inadequate for open surgery. There are many nervous diseases for which conventional surgical treatment is difficult or inadvisable due to deleterious consequences for the patient, such as damage to nearby arteries, nerves, and other vital structures.
GENITAL WARTS
OVERVIEW
Genital Warts are one or more painless, soft and gray fleshy growths (cauliflower-like bumps) found in the genital area and anal region in both men and women. It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner and is very contagious. Genital warts are a common viral disease caused by the by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
The viral particles are able to penetrate the skin and mucosal surfaces through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Once cells are invaded by HPV, it can take period of months to years to incubate. The human papilloma virus is associated with up to 90 percent of all cervical malignancies and may play a role in cancers of the vagina, anus, vulva and penis.
Signs and Symptoms
Some people carry HPV, but do not have any warts. Genital warts do not appear until two to four weeks after infection and sometimes months pass before the warts become visible; they do not hurt, but can be itchy. A man may not know that he has a wart, because it can be hidden inside the urethral opening. Similarly, a woman can have a wart on the cervix that she does not know about.
In men, genital warts can grow on the penis, near the anus, or between the penis and the scrotum while in women, the warts occur on the lips of the vagina, inside the vagina or around the anus. Women also develop cervical warts, which are flat lesions invisible in their early stages. HPV infection is one of the most common causes of abnormal Pap smear tests.
Diagnosis of Genital Warts
Genital warts are usually diagnosed by direct clinical (visual) examination of the genital area.
In some cases, it is necessary to do a biopsy of cervical tissue. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the cervix and examining it under the microscope. Sampling cells with a biopsy and testing for HPV genetic material may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment of Genital Warts
There is no cure for HPV, but there are methods to treat visible warts, which could reduce infectivity although at times Genital warts may disappear without treatment. Depending on factors, such as their size and location, genital warts can be treated and it is important that both partners are treated by a doctor. Do not try to treat the warts yourself.
Preventing warts
Just because you can't see warts on your partner doesn't mean he or she doesn't have HPV. Having sex with a partner whose HPV infection is dormant and demonstrates no outward symptoms still leaves one vulnerable to becoming infected.
Using condoms may prevent you from catching HPV from someone who has it. However, condoms can't always cover all of the affected skin.
Risk factors of becoming infected with HPV include:
• No practicing safe sex
• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Having had another sexually transmitted disease
• Having sex with a partner whose sexual history you don't know
• Becoming sexually active at a young age.
Conclusion
Genital warts can grow if you do not get them treated. If you are sexually active, you also risk infecting your partner. Certain kinds of HPV can cause abnormal cells to grow on the cervix. Sometimes, these cells can become cancerous if left untreated. Other kinds of HPV can cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus or penis.
If you notice warts in your genital area, see your doctor who will be able to diagnose the warts just by examining you.
For women, a Pap smear test can help detect changes in the cervix.
Genital Warts are one or more painless, soft and gray fleshy growths (cauliflower-like bumps) found in the genital area and anal region in both men and women. It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner and is very contagious. Genital warts are a common viral disease caused by the by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
The viral particles are able to penetrate the skin and mucosal surfaces through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Once cells are invaded by HPV, it can take period of months to years to incubate. The human papilloma virus is associated with up to 90 percent of all cervical malignancies and may play a role in cancers of the vagina, anus, vulva and penis.
Signs and Symptoms
Some people carry HPV, but do not have any warts. Genital warts do not appear until two to four weeks after infection and sometimes months pass before the warts become visible; they do not hurt, but can be itchy. A man may not know that he has a wart, because it can be hidden inside the urethral opening. Similarly, a woman can have a wart on the cervix that she does not know about.
In men, genital warts can grow on the penis, near the anus, or between the penis and the scrotum while in women, the warts occur on the lips of the vagina, inside the vagina or around the anus. Women also develop cervical warts, which are flat lesions invisible in their early stages. HPV infection is one of the most common causes of abnormal Pap smear tests.
Diagnosis of Genital Warts
Genital warts are usually diagnosed by direct clinical (visual) examination of the genital area.
In some cases, it is necessary to do a biopsy of cervical tissue. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the cervix and examining it under the microscope. Sampling cells with a biopsy and testing for HPV genetic material may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment of Genital Warts
There is no cure for HPV, but there are methods to treat visible warts, which could reduce infectivity although at times Genital warts may disappear without treatment. Depending on factors, such as their size and location, genital warts can be treated and it is important that both partners are treated by a doctor. Do not try to treat the warts yourself.
Preventing warts
Just because you can't see warts on your partner doesn't mean he or she doesn't have HPV. Having sex with a partner whose HPV infection is dormant and demonstrates no outward symptoms still leaves one vulnerable to becoming infected.
Using condoms may prevent you from catching HPV from someone who has it. However, condoms can't always cover all of the affected skin.
Risk factors of becoming infected with HPV include:
• No practicing safe sex
• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Having had another sexually transmitted disease
• Having sex with a partner whose sexual history you don't know
• Becoming sexually active at a young age.
Conclusion
Genital warts can grow if you do not get them treated. If you are sexually active, you also risk infecting your partner. Certain kinds of HPV can cause abnormal cells to grow on the cervix. Sometimes, these cells can become cancerous if left untreated. Other kinds of HPV can cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus or penis.
If you notice warts in your genital area, see your doctor who will be able to diagnose the warts just by examining you.
For women, a Pap smear test can help detect changes in the cervix.
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