Amenorrhea and Dysmenorrhea

Amenorrhea can be either primary or secondary. Primary amenorrhea is a condition in which a female has not had a menstrual cycle by age sixteen. Secondary occurs when a female that previously had normal menstrual cycles suddenly stops. Both of these conditions should be addressed and discussed with a medical professional. Often times it is a condition treated with hormone therapy and responds well to it, but if left alone can lead to many other complications  In addition, amenorrhea is sometimes one part of a bigger problem, such as Female Athlete Triad and is a way for the body to provide signs that other issues may be occurring as well.

Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation, not to be confused with Mittelschmerz. Moderate to severe dysmenorrhea may be due to further pathological conditions and needs to be discussed with a physician. However, less severe pain may often times be resolved with over the counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and treatments such as a heat pack. It could be associated with a heavy flow (menorrhagia) and this should be addressed as well.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the more common types of cancer in women. It can occur at any age, though risk increases with age, and can occur in anyone, although family history poses a higher risk.

Signs and Symptoms

• usually begins with no obvious signs and is not painful in anyway
• breast discharge
• nipple inversion
• redness and/or puckering of surrounding skin 

Management

• as with all cancers, the sooner it is caught the better
• it cannot be fought alone and detailed medical care will be needed

Prevention

• there is no self-prevention of breast cancer, although those that are at high risk may discuss getting a mastectomy (removal of breast tissue) with their doctors 
• getting regular gynecological exams is vital
• doing regular at home self exams can be beneficial as well

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is considered by many to be the most common STI (sexually transmitted infection) in the United States. Because initial signs and symptoms may not be as severe as other STDs/STIs it can often times go untreated for too long. Complications could include infertility, ectopic (embryo implants outside the uterus) pregnancy, severe infections, chronic pelvic pain.

Signs and Symptoms

• Males
• visible inflammation may occur
• discharge 
• painful urination 
• blood in the urine 
• Females
• tend to be asymptomatic 
• discharge
• pelvic pain

Management

• consult a medical professional
• a bacterial examination is performed to determine the appropriate medication for the strand
• cease all sexual contact until a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is complete, and an OK is given by the diagnosing physician 
• relapses may occur 

Prevention

• use protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• use discretion when picking sexual partners
• discuss past medical history or STIs before having intercourse or doing related activities with a partner

Genital Warts

See Human papillomavirus, as HPV is the virus which causes genital warts.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an sexually transmitted infection cause by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect the urethra, cervix, rectum, pharynx (throat), and conjunctiva (eye). It is commonly called the "clap"

Signs and Symptoms

• dysuria (painful urination)
• discharge
• women's symptoms tend to not be present as quickly or as intensely as men and therefore go untreated for longer 
• long term and untreated could cause hydrocele in males, and salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tube) in females 

Management

• consult a medical professional 
• cease all sexual contact until treatment is complete and approval is given by the diagnosing physician 
• multiple medications are sometimes needed as it is often associated with accompanying STDs/STIs 

Prevention

• use protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• use discretion when picking sexual partners
• discuss past medical history or STIs before having intercourse or doing related activities with a partner

Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex, or HSV, comes in two types. Typically, HSV-1 is also known as "cold sores" or fever blisters. HSV-1 is considered "above the waist", where as HSV-2, "below the waist" is genital herpes. However, both types can be found in both areas. It is spread by oral-oral, genital-genital, and oral-genital contact. Knowing which type is present may only be needed in treatment plans and prediction of future outbreaks. Simply put, herpes comes in threes: 1/3 of the people that get it have outbreaks all the time are in need of constant medication to help control these outbreaks. 1/3 of people with herpes will get the occasional outbreak when triggered by things such as stress and may or may not need drug therapy to help control the outbreaks from getting out of hand. The last 1/3 of people rarely have outbreaks out all. These people will have an initial outbreak that would lead to diagnosis, and will never be cured of herpes, as it never truly goes away, but they very rarely would ever need medication. In anyone, the herpes virus never goes away. It recedes and lies dormant at the spinal cord and will follow the nerves back through the dermatological path (oral or genital) and periodically produce symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

• visible sores
• the sore may burst and become painful to the touch 
• first outbreak is generally the most pronounced
• possible fever and swollen glands

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease all sexual contact until diagnosed and proper education on not infecting a partner has occurred by a medical professional
• there is no cure, but certain medications can help control outbreaks 

Prevention

• use protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• use discretion when picking sexual partners
• discuss past medical history or STIs before having intercourse or doing related activities with a partner

HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are two commonly publicized medical conditions which people are still surprisingly ignorant about in regards to true meanings of what each is. HIV is an infection, sexually transmitted, or transmitted by infected blood such as from medical waste or drug paraphernalia. HIV, which was once thought to be a homosexual disease, we now know does not discriminate against race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual preference, in addition, we know sexual contact does not have to even be a factor when the virus is transmitted. HIV is a precursor to AIDS. AIDS is a syndrome which is a collection of HIV symptoms. It is characterized by a breakdown of the immune system, which leaves a person at very high risk of developing many deadly diseases, some of which would not be deadly to a otherwise healthy human. Below is a very brief breakdown of the difference between the two.

Signs and Symptoms - HIV

• fatigue
• weight loss
• muscle or joint pain
• painful or swollen glands
• night sweats
• fever 
• diarrhea
• anemia 
• rash
• pharyngitis 
• mouth sores

Management - HIV

• regular testing, HIV may go undetected for up to 8-10 years
• there is no vaccine 
• seek medical attention immediately if there was even a possibility of a contraction occurring  

Prevention - HIV

• abstinence, or lack of sexual contact is the most sure way to eliminate risk of infection
• use of protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• discretion in sexual partners as well as the number of partners
• personal protective equipment (ie. gloves) when dealing with medical waste such as blood soaked material
• never share things such as needles in drug use, tatooing, and piercing 
• avoid contact with others' bodily fluids, feces, and semen
• avoid drugs (and alcohol) that impair judgement 

Signs and Symptoms - AIDS

• any or all listed in HIV section above
• known associated illnesses include:
• encephalitis
• meningitis
• TB (tuberculosis) 
• vascular and digestive complications
• renal (kidney) pathologies
• central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) infections
• vascular (blood) and digestive complications 

Management - AIDS

• currently a known drug cocktail seems to be helping with the management of AIDS
• constant and direct care from a physician will be needed 

Prevention - AIDS

• it is the long term effect of HIV, therefore there is no prevention of AIDS alone, only HIV as listed above

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a sexually transmitted disease that causes genital warts. HPV is a group of viruses, of more than 100 strands, that can infect the genital region. Also, in the past few years, HPV has been a known link to cervical cancers. All types of HPV can lead to abnormal Pap smears, not all of which are cancerous, but in some cases cervical HPV infection may go unnoticed and lead to persistent, untreated infections.

Signs and Symptoms

• some have no indication of being infected and can naturally clear the infection on their own
• visible warts in the genital region including: cervix, vulva, anus, penis
• soft, flesh-colored
• raised or flat
• small or large
• may appear within weeks or months after contact 

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease sexual contact until diagnosis is confirmed, symptoms are treated, and cleared by your diagnosing physician 
• there is a vaccine for HPV which can be discussed with you physician: Gardisil and Cervarix 

Prevention

• absitnence, or lack of sexual contact is the most sure way to eliminate risk of infection
• use of protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• discretion in sexual partners as well as the number of partners
• get regular gynecological exams

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a condition in which there is a build up of fluid within the scrotal sac, specifically the tunica vaginalis. This can range from very minor to quite severe.

Signs and Symptoms

• asymptomatic 
• increased fluid collection 
• scrotal aching
• palpable just anterior to (in front of) the testicle 

Management

• consult a medical professional for any scrotal swelling 
• it is usually not an emergency, but should be examined medically for accurate diagnosis

Prevention 

• no known preventative techniques 

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are caused by too much salt in the urine, which causes it to form a crystal solid in the kidneys. They are made up of calcium, struvite, uric acid, and cystine.

Signs and Symptoms

• location and quality of pain are related to the location of the stones: ranging from acute, excruciating pain to a more chronic, dull pain 
• inability to lie still
• nausea/vomiting
• during passage, some burning or blood in the urine may be present

Management

• consult a medical professional 
• most of the time the stones will pass spontaneously on their own, but sometimes further medical attention is needed due to dehydration, urinary tract infections associated with kidney stones, or inability to pass the stones 

Prevention 

• avoid dehydration 
• lower consumption of salt
• prevention may vary based on the make-up of recurrent stones - your doctor will advise you of other preventative measures

Mittelschmerz

Mittelschmerz refers to pelvic pain associated with ovulation in females. Around mid-menstrual-cycle, when ovulation occurs, the ovum will sometimes get released along with a fluid. This fluid rides along the Fallopian tube with the ovum and can be very irritating to intraabdominal tissues. This is not the same thing as normal "menstrual cramping", as that occurs later in the cycle as the uterine walls are shedding and therefore the resulting bleeding occurs.

Signs and Symptoms

• lower abdominal pain
• unilateral (one side)
• affected side may change month to month
• pain will occur between, not during, menstruation 

Management

• over-the-counter NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ie. Ibuprofen)
• heating packs
• seek medical advice from a physician, oral contraceptives may be beneficial

Prevention

• only true prevention is to prevent ovulation, this may be done with oral contraceptives 

Ovarian and Cervical Cancer

Cancer is a condition in which cellular behavior becomes abnormal, typically altering the way a particular cell functions. It is dangerous and often times can be deadly if not caught early enough. Here, cancer is discussed in relation to part of female anatomy: the ovaries and cervix. Ovarian and cervical cancers are malignant cell growths originating from the ovaries and cervix, respectively. There are many risk factors for developing all types of cancers that include family history, lifestyle choices, nutrition, and many more. These should be discussed with your physician. However, here is a very brief overview of some general information.

Signs and Symptoms

• very likely not present in first stage
• gastrointestinal complications such as nausea and diarrhea might occur if a tumor has metastasized to corresponding GI organs 
• urinary complications

Management

• must seek medical attention as soon as any cancer related problems are thought to occur

Prevention

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) awareness 
• increased risk with sexual activity at a young age
• increased risk with many sexual partners
• increased risk with history of STDs
• do no smoke or use tobacco products 

Ovarian Cyst

Ovaries grow cysts each month in correlation with ovulation. The cysts contain eggs that are maturing and will eventually break open and travel down the Fallopian tubes. If these cysts do not break open, they will retain the fluid and remain in the ovaries. This will cause an ovarian cyst, which are mostly benign but can be very painful.

Signs and Symptoms

• many are asymptomatic 
• dull ache in low back
• pain with urination or not being able to pass urine completely
• pressure
• breast tenderness
• nausea/vomiting
• fullness or pain in the abdomen
• weight gain
• painful menstruation 
• abnormal bleeding
• pain with intercourse 

Management

• consult a medical professional
• pain relievers, such as NSAID OTCs (ex. Ibuprofen)
• oral contraceptives may be needed and helpful
• possibly surgical removal may be warranted 

Prevention

• no specific preventative measures 
• knowledgeable of medical history is helpful in diagnosing 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a bacterial infection of the upper genital tract that originates from the lower. Usually it is a result of a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Signs and Symptoms

• can range from very mild to very severe
• lower abdominal tenderness
• fever
• painful intercourse 
• abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge 
• amenorrhea 

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease sexual contact until treatment is complete
• usually requires hospitalization 
• antibacterial medication is needed

Prevention

• normal STD prevention such as condoms, discretion with partner selection, and abstinence 
• IUDs and douching may increase risk

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of cells within the prostate gland, which is responsible for production of seminal fluid.

Signs and Symptoms

• no reliable early signs and symptoms
• risk factors include family history, tobacco use, ethnicity, and poor diets 
• hematuria
• weight loss 
• incontinence 
• back pain

Management

• consult a medical profession if any change or abnormal pain or swelling is seen or felt in the penile region

Prevention

• frequent self-exams as shown in testicular cancer post should be done 
• look for scrotal swelling
• examine each testicle individually with both hands
• roll the testicle gently with the thumb
• palpate the entire area
• regular physician exams 

Sports Hematuria

Hematuria (blood in the urine) when related to sports and physical activity is benign and self-limiting. This is typically such a small amount that it is only detected when doing a urinalysis. In relation to sports, an increase in blood in the urine might be present from activity or from a physical blow, such as to the kidney region. A gross hematuria is when there is a visible presence of blood in the urine.

Signs and Symptoms

• asymptomatic usually
• dysuria (painful urination) 
• in contact sports, a direct blow to the kidney to the kidney region 

Management

• if asymptomatic and found during routine testing, it needs to be reviewed by a physician
• rest for 1-3 days and re-test for resolution
• if symptomatic, further evaluation should be done

Prevention

• no preventative techniques

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is on the rise. It is caused by Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is sometimes caused the "great imitator" because its symptoms so frequently mirror that of many other STI's.

Signs and Symptoms

• comes in 4 different stages: primary, secondary, latent, and late or tertiary stage
• Primary
• the incubation period can range anywhere from 1-13 weeks
• a chancre will develop and heal
• highly contagious ulcerations occur 
• Secondary
• dermatological conditions, including rash
• body aches
• mild flu-like symptoms 
• Latent
• reappearance of infections lesions (contagious when active)
• little to no other symptoms
• Late, or Tertiary, Stage
• cardiovascular and neurological complications 
• damage to skin and bone

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease all sexual contact until treatment is complete
• penicillin, or other medications if allergic, is appropriate for syphilis 
• it is a report-able disease, and past sexual partners need to be notified and treated 

Prevention

• use protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
• use discretion when picking sexual partners
• discuss past medical history or STIs before having intercourse or doing related activities with a partner 

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer, like all cancers, is an abnormal growth of cells, in this case in the testicles.

Signs and Symptoms

• new or unexpected changes in the testicles
• painless swelling or growth
• heaviness or prolonged aching

Management

• consult a medical professional 
• cease sexual contact until diagnosis is confirmed and permission is given by a physician 

Prevention

• While there may not be an obvious way to prevent cancer, it is more beneficial to catch it as soon as possible. Getting an annual physical exam and doing at home self-exam can help. 

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is a twisting of the testicle within the scrotum. If this happens, there is a venous occlusion, causing a lack of blood flow to the affected testicle. This constitutes an emergency due to infarction of the testicle. Males predominately have one testicle that sits slightly higher than the other, most of the time it is the left. Bell clapper deformity is an inappropriately higher attachment, making those who have it at an even higher risk of torsion.

Signs and Symptoms

• sudden onset of severe unilateral pain
• swelling
• abdominal pain
• nausea and vomiting 
• tender to the touch 
• palpation reveals a higher, possibly horizontal positioning of the testicle 

Management

• immediate urological evaluation 
• slower diagnosis rapidly decreases change of salvaging the testicle 
• a manual adjustment is possible, or surgical options are needed 

Prevention

• no real prevention 
• appropriate athletic supporter may help 
• knowledge of bell clapper deformity may lead to awareness of higher possibility 

Urethritis

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. It is caused by an infection and usually use to describe a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes virus, and other bacterial and viral infections. Other irritants such as soaps, douching, lotions, and condoms can cause the same inflammation as well.

Signs and Symptoms

• dysuria (painful urination)
• increased urge to urinate 
• itching
• tenderness
• swelling of the penis in males 
• pain with intercourse
• ulcers
• discharge
• blood in urine or semen

Management

• consult a medical professional
• cease sexual contact until treatment is complete
• often times prescription antibiotics are used

Prevention 

• drink lots of fluids, especially water, to dilute your system 
• use protection during sexual intercourse or related activities