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Common Female Diseases & Infections
By peace | September 1, 2006
Diseases
Definition of disease: Health is a condition in which all of the body functions are integrated and are being maintained within the limits of optimal design (Bowman p. 4.2). Disease is divergence from the normal (Gaussian mean) but not all deviation is disease because of the reserve capacity and ability of the body to adjust. In most cases, a deviation must also be related to other adverse changes to be able to constitute disease. The demarcation between pathology and normal physiological variation can be fine.
The leading type of cancer in women between the ages of 40 and 55 is breast cancer. It is most curable when detected in its early stages and can be treated with radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Statistically, one in every nine women will develop breast cancer before the age of 85. The best way to prevent breast cancer is through self-exams and regular checkups. Also, knowing personal family history of breast cancer can predict chances of breast cancer in women.
Cancer can develop for many reasons. Family history can be an indicator, as well as age, exposure to radiation, early menarche or late menopause. Women who do not carry a pregnancy to term by the age of 30 also have an increased risk of breast cancer. It is important to consult with a doctor to learn about personal risks for breast cancer and ways to prevent or catch it early.
2. Osteoporosis
Although not a disease restricted to females, osteoporosis seems to prey most often on Caucasian and Asian women over the age of 60. Osteoporosis is caused by low amounts of phosphate and calcium in bones, causing them to be porous, brittle and more apt to break. Although the disease in not completely understood, it is known that not getting enough calcium in childhood, inactivity and decreased levels of estrogen are all risk factors linked to the disease. An X-ray of the spine can test to see if osteoporosis is present. The best treatment for the disease is early prevention, by getting plenty of calcium and phosphate. Other treatments include getting calcium immediately by using the hormone treatment Calcitonin, taking estrogen pills and exercising to keep bones strong. Consult a physician to determine whether or not you are at risk.
Infections
Infection is defined as the process by which germs enter a susceptible site in the body and multiply, resulting in disease. Infection is a common problem in persons with cancer. Persons with cancer are at increased risk of infection as a result of:
- The underlying disease, for example leukemia or lymphoma effects the body’s normal defense against infection.
- Side effects of treatment that interfere with the body’s normal defense against infection.
1. Bladder infection / Urinary Track Infection
A bladder infection, also called cystitis, occurs when the bladder becomes swollen. Women are more susceptible to this sort of infection because the female urethra is shorter than the male’s, and bacteria can move up to the bladder more quickly in women. This infection is likely to develop in women during the time of their first few sexual encounters. To determine if it is a bladder infection, a physician can take a urine sample. Antibiotics can generally heal this sort of infection in one to two days. To prevent a bladder/urinary tract infection, it is important to drink plenty of water and juice, urinate before and after sex, wipe from front to back after a bowel movement, use lubrication during sex and avoid the use of a diaphragm.
2. Gardnerella
Bacterial vaginitis, or gardnerella, is characterized by a change in amount, color, smell and consistency of discharge. Other side effects include painful intercourse, painful urination and itching. It is usually an infection that develops after intercourse. The infection can be treated with antibiotics. If the problem persists, the male sex partner may need to be treated as well.
3. Vaginal Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are caused by the fungus candida albicans that, aside from the vagina, can be found in the mouth, in the digestive track or on the skin. However, unless in the vagina, it cannot flourish and grow substantially. A physician should always treat a yeast infection. At the onset of a second yeast infection, an over-the-counter yeast infection cream can be purchased.
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October 15th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
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