Welcome to the Patient Education Library of North Florida Anesthesia Consultants
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about your condition or treatment. Choose a topic below to learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact North Florida Anesthesia Consultants at (904) 387-4030.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
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Amenorrhea - Absent Menstruation
Amenorrhea is a medical term that means the absence of menstruation. Amenorrhea is considered a symptom and not a disease because it usually results from another condition. There are numerous reasons for a missed period for females that are not ... Read More
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Amniocentesis
An amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure that may be used during pregnancy. The test is used to confirm the findings of other assessments or to detect chromosomal, neural, or inherited disorders in a developing fetus. It may be taken in ... Read More
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Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is a condition that results from the swelling of a weakened wall in the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in your body. It branches off your heart and distributes blood throughout your body and organs. ... Read More
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Appendicitis
Your appendix is a small tube-like structure that extends off your large intestine. While the appendix does not have a known function, if it becomes inflamed or infected the result is appendicitis. Appendicitis can be quite dangerous as there is ... Read More
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Bacterial Vaginosis - Vaginal Infection
Bacterial vaginosis is a common type of vaginal infection. It results when there is an imbalance and overgrowth of the natural organisms within the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis may produce a foul smelling vaginal discharge. It is usually treated with over-the-counter ... Read More
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Balanced Diet and Nutrition
The food that you eat can directly affect your health. As Americans are facing higher rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, it is more important than ever to make sure that you and your family are eating a ... Read More
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Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are an alternative treatment option for hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalances are common, especially during midlife transition. Hormones occur naturally in the body and regulate a variety of functions. Traditional synthetic hormone replacement (HRT) has been associated with unwanted ... Read More
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Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a common type of cancer in women. It is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins from the cells in the breast. Breast cancer can rarely develop in men, as well. There are several different types of breast ... Read More
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Breast Examination
Breast cancer is a common cancer in women. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally or out of control. The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. Breast examinations are used to help detect breast cancer as ... Read More
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Carcinoid Cancer
Carcinoid cancer originates from certain hormone producing cells that line several organ systems. It most frequently occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. The exact cause of carcinoid cancer is unknown. It may or may not produce symptoms depending on where in ... Read More
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Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease results when the carotid arteries become blocked, impairing their ability to transport blood efficiently. The carotid arteries carry blood from your heart to your head and brain. Carotid artery disease can develop over time from plaque buildup. This ... Read More
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Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A cesarean section (C-Section) may be planned in advance or may become necessary during the course of labor. A cesarean section involves making an incision in the abdomen through which the baby is removed. Cesarean section may be used if ... Read More
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Colon and Rectal Polyps
Colon and rectal polyps are small growths that project out from the inside lining of the large intestine or rectum. They usually are noncancerous and produce no symptoms. However, some polyps can turn into cancer. Polyps that turn into cancer ... Read More
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Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a common type of cancer. Colon cancer occurs when cells in the interior lining of the colon or large intestine grow abnormally and out of control. The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown. In most cases, ... Read More
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Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a scope to view the inside lining of the entire colon. A scope is a long thin tube with a light and a viewing instrument that sends images to a monitor. The scope ... Read More
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Contraception - Birth Control Methods
Contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy. There are many types of birth control methods. Some forms of birth control require a doctor’s prescription or a medical procedure, while others may be purchased as over-the-counter products. Some forms of birth ... Read More
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Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
IntroductionRobotic surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System allows surgery to be performed with smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery. By making only a few tiny incisions, patients benefit from having less pain, less scarring, less bleeding, and less ... Read More
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Diabetes - Gestational
Gestational Diabetes is the most common pregnancy complication. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose get into the body cells where it ... Read More
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Diabetic Foot
Foot problems are a common complication of Diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel for the body. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose get into ... Read More
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Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a fairly common, minor surgical procedure. D&Cs are used to remove the lining of the uterus. A D&C may be performed to obtain tissue samples to diagnose a condition, treat irregular or heavy bleeding, remove ... Read More
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Dysmenorrhea - Painful Periods
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for very painful menstrual cramps. All females may experience cramps at one time or another, but for those with dysmenorrhea, severe pain and stomach problems may interfere with their daily activities. Dysmenorrhea may or may ... Read More
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of uterine-lining tissue outside of the uterus. Endometriosis frequently develops on the outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or pelvic lining. It is a common problem that needs monitoring and treatment because complications may ... Read More
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Essure® - Contraception
Essure® is a new advanced method of contraception. Essure is a permanent, non-reversible, FDA approved female sterilization method. Unlike traditional surgical sterilization procedures or other forms of contraception, Essure involves no incisions, general anesthesia, or hormones. Essure is a minimally ... Read More
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Female Reproductive System: An Overview
The female reproductive system matures in girls during puberty. It serves several functions, including hormone production, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, and menopause. The female reproductive system consists of internal organs and external genitalia. ... Read More
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Female Sexual Dysfunction
Historically, female sexual difficulties were believed to be psychological. Today, physicians realize that the female sexual response is a complex process that can involve many factors, including psychological and physical components. It is common for most women to experience sexual ... Read More
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Fetal Growth and Development
There are several ways of counting the weeks in pregnancy. A common method is by gestational age. With the gestational age method, the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period begins the first day of the first week of ... Read More
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Gallbladder Disease/Gallstones
Gallbladder disease is caused by conditions that slow or block the flow of bile from the gallbladder. Bile is a fluid that breaks down fat during the digestive process. Inflammation or gallstones can block the bile flow. Gallstones are solid ... Read More
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Gastric Banding
Obesity is a growing nationwide epidemic. Obesity is associated with serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Doctors may recommend the gastric banding weight loss surgery for people that are very obese and have not lost ... Read More
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GERD (Reflux)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive condition. It is also called Peptic Esophagitis and Reflux Esophagitis. GERD results when stomach contents and stomach acids enter the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that transfers food from your throat to ... Read More
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Hernia
A hernia results when the supportive muscle layer that covers the intestines is weakened or ruptures, allowing a portion of the intestine or tissue to protrude through it. A hernia may or may not cause symptoms. It may appear as ... Read More
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Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, the muscle inside of the chest wall. A hiatal hernia may cause no symptoms. However, symptoms can occur from the back up of stomach acids, air, or ... Read More
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High-Risk Pregnancy
All pregnancies have some degree of risk, but high-risk pregnancies carry more risks to the mother and developing baby. A pregnancy may be termed high-risk if you have a medical condition or if you develop one during pregnancy. All pregnancies ... Read More
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Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that results when the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of hormones. The parathyroid glands are located next to the thyroid gland at the front of your neck. Hyperparathyroidism may or may not produce symptoms. The condition ... Read More
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Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate your body metabolism. Metabolism refers to all of the chemical processes ... Read More
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Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that most often occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate your body metabolism. Metabolism refers to all of ... Read More
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Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure that is used to remove the uterus. It may be recommended to treat cancer or uterine conditions that do not respond to other types of treatment. Once a hysterectomy is performed, a woman ... Read More
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Indigestion
Indigestion is a common condition and affects people of all ages. Indigestion can occur for many reasons. Cigarette smoking and the consumption of certain foods, medications, and alcohol can contribute to indigestion. Indigestion can be a symptom of stress. Some ... Read More
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease. It is believed to result when the immune system, which usually fights diseases, attacks the cells in the GI tract. When the cells in the digestive system are attacked, the cell ... Read More
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammatory damage in the lining of the rectum and colon. The primary symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea. The cause of ulcerative colitis ... Read More
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Labor Stages & Vaginal Birth
Most babies are born between the 38th and 42nd week of pregnancy. Remember that a due date is just an estimate of your baby’s delivery date. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what to do if you begin ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Laparoscopic appendectomy is an advanced minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to remove the appendix in people with appendicitis. Your appendix is a small growth that extends off your large intestine. Although the appendix has no known purpose, it ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat gallbladder disease. Your gallbladder is a small organ located in your right upper abdomen. Your gallbladder works with your liver and pancreas to produce bile and digestive enzymes to ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Colon Resection
Laparoscopic colon resection surgery is an advanced minimally invasive procedure to remove a diseased section of the colon. Your colon is part of your digestive system. The first part of the colon absorbs water and nutrients from the digested material ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that is used to help people with significant obesity lose weight. The surgery reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes the small intestine. As a result, people feel full sooner and eat ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Splenectomy
Laparoscopic splenectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to remove a diseased or enlarged spleen. Your spleen is located to the left of your stomach. The spleen acts as a filter to help fight infections and maintain ... Read More
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Laparoscopy - Gynecologic
A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a laparoscope to view the internal female reproductive organs. A laparoscope is a type of endoscope. It consists of a thin tube with a light and viewing instrument. Images from ... Read More
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Lipomas
Lipomas are fat capsules located underneath the skin. They are usually harmless and common. Lipomas look like round lumps. They may be small or grow to over an inch. They most frequently occur on the arms and trunk. Lipomas do ... Read More
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Male Infertility & Reproductive Endocrinology
Many people think infertility is the result of "female problems." However, male infertility is a factor for about 50% of people who have unsuccessfully tried to have children. Infertility means that a couple is unable to have (conceive) a child ... Read More
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Menopause
Menopause is a normal and natural part of a woman’s aging process. Menopause, commonly called “the change of life”, occurs around the age of 50. During this time, hormones change and menstruation (“getting periods”) stops. Common symptoms include hot flashes, ... Read More
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Menorrhagia - Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Menorrhagia or hypermorrhea are the medical terms for excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. All females may experience a heavy period at one time or another, but a small number of women experience extremely heavy bleeding, periods that last longer than ... Read More
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Menstruation
Menstruation is a normal and healthy part of a female’s life. Menstruation, commonly called a period, occurs each month in a fairly regular cycle. During this time, the uterine lining sheds. A period usually lasts from five to seven days. ... Read More
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Metrorrhagia - Abnormal Bleeding
Metrorrhagia is abnormal bleeding that occurs between periods or that is not associated with menstruation. There are many causes of metrorrhagia, including hormone imbalance, abnormal growths, pregnancy complications, and infection. It is important to contact your doctor if you experience ... Read More
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Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy
Breast cancer is a common form of cancer that occurs in women, and occasionally in men. Self-breast examination, clinical breast examination, mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are used to detect breast lumps or abnormalities. A biopsy is performed ... Read More
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Miscarriage - Early
Early miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy is very common. Early miscarriage is the loss of an embryo or fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. Bleeding with cramps or pain in the lower abdomen is a common sign ... Read More
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Nexplanon® - Contraception
Nexplanon® (estonogestrel implant) is a prescription medication used for female contraception. Nexplanon is a small, flexible device (4-cm long) that is placed under the skin on the upper inside of your arm for up to three years. Nexplanon is ideal ... Read More
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NovaSure® - Treatment for Heavy Periods
NovaSure® is a quick, safe, simple, one-time endometrial ablation treatment for menorrhagia, abnormally heavy or lengthy menstruation. It is an alternative to hysterectomy. NovaSure gently removes the lining of the uterus with precisely measured electrical energy. This quick simple procedure ... Read More
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Oophorectomy
An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one, a part of one, or both ovaries. Oophorectomy may be used to treat cancer or noncancerous conditions. Oophorectomy may be used to remove cancerous ovaries, large cysts or abscesses, and endometriosis. Oophorectomies ... Read More
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Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cysts are a common condition in women during the childbearing years. They result when a cyst forms on the ovary. An ovarian cyst may or may not cause symptoms. The majority of ovarian cysts go away without treatment. In ... Read More
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Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer results when the cells in the pancreas grow abnormally and out of control instead of dividing in an orderly manner. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. Although the vast majority of pancreatic tumors are cancerous, some ... Read More
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Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis results when the pancreas is inflamed. Your pancreas is a gland located near your stomach. It produces fluids that assist with food digestion. Certain conditions can cause the digestive fluids to become trapped inside the pancreas. As the fluids ... Read More
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Pap Smear
A Pap smear test is a preventive measure that can detect precancerous or cancerous cervical cells. A yearly Pap smear used to be recommended for for most women, but this changed in 2013. Current guidelines from the American College of ... Read More
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. It is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease may or may not cause symptoms. It is very important for this condition to be ... Read More
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Polycystic Ovary Disease
Polycystic ovary disease is a common type of hormone disorder. It causes enlarged ovaries that contain numerous cysts. Polycystic ovary disease may also lead to infertility, excess hair growth, and heavy, irregular, or absent periods. Treatments include medications and weight ... Read More
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Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a common, yet serious problem that can develop during pregnancy. Formerly called toxemia, preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and elevated levels of protein in urine that develop after the 20th week of pregnancy. Untreated preeclampsia can ... Read More
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Pregnancy Ultrasound
A pregnancy ultrasound is used to create images of a developing baby and the pelvic organs of the mother during pregnancy. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures on a video monitor. Ultrasound does not use radiation like X-rays, ... Read More
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Pregnancy: What to Expect
There are several ways of counting the weeks in pregnancy. A common method is by gestational age. With the gestational age method, the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period begins the first day of the first week of ... Read More
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Pregnancy: An Overview- Early Signs and Symptoms
Pregnancy occurs when a male sperm cell fertilizes a female’s egg and it implants in the uterine lining. Pregnancy may result from sexual intercourse or assistive reproductive medicine methods. It is important for women to receive prenatal care when they ... Read More
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Premature Labor & Delivery
Premature delivery is a birth that takes place three weeks before a baby’s due date. In some cases, premature birth happens for no known reason. However, regular prenatal visits can help to reduce the risk factors that you can control. ... Read More
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Premenstrual Syndrome - PMS
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) includes a variety of symptoms that many women commonly experience in the days before their period begins. Common symptoms include headache, abdominal pain, digestion problems, sleep difficulties, mood changes, and thought processing difficulties. PMS is a real ... Read More
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Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is medical care for women both before and during pregnancy. Prenatal care is used to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and developing baby. Prenatal care can help detect and treat problems promptly, prevent complications, and ... Read More
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Females
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections that are spread by sexual activity. Females, youths, and people of minority groups have the highest incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases may or may not produce symptoms, ... Read More
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Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic breast biopsy is an important procedure for diagnosing breast cancer. It is a noninvasive method of obtaining a breast tissue sample for biopsy. A biopsy is an examination to determine if the sample is cancerous or not. Stereotactic breast ... Read More
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The Digestive System/How it works
Whenever you eat and drink, food travels through your digestive system for processing. Your body absorbs nutrients and removes waste products via your digestive system. As water is absorbed from your digestive system, the waste products become more solid and ... Read More
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Tubal Ligation - Female Sterilization
Tubal ligation is usually a permanent form of birth control. It is a female sterilization procedure commonly referred to as “tying the tubes.” It is not recommended as a temporary or reversible form of birth control, and should only be ... Read More
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Ultrasound - Pelvic and Transvaginal
An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, is an imaging test that is used to create pictures of internal organs and structures. Ultrasound may be used to examine a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. An obstetric ... Read More
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Upper GI Endoscopy
An Upper Gastrointestinal Intestinal (GI) Endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This test is also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or a gastroscopy. An ... Read More
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Upper GI Series/ Barium Swallow
An Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series or Barium Swallow provides a set of X-rays showing the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Before the X-rays are taken, barium, a chalky substance, is swallowed. The barium provides an image of the upper gastrointestinal ... Read More
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Weight Management
Weighing too much or too little can be a problem. In the United States, weighing too much is the more common situation. It can be unhealthy to be underweight or overweight. Of growing concern, many Americans are becoming obese, which ... Read More
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Yeast Infection - Vaginal
Vaginal yeast infections are common. They most frequently result from the overgrowth of a fungal organism. Common symptoms include itching, irritation, abnormal discharge, and painful urination. Yeast infections are treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. ... Read More
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Your First Pelvic Examination - What to Expect
A pelvic examination is a short, yet very important procedure. Pelvic examinations are used to check for normal female reproductive development, test for infections or sexually transmitted diseases, and screen for abnormal growths or cells. A pelvic examination appointment is ... Read More
Copyright © - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
