Riverside Women's Health

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are not autoimmune diseases, but they often have symptoms—like being tired all the time and pain—that may seem like other autoimmune diseases.

CFS can cause you to be very tired, have trouble concentrating, feel weak, and have muscle pain. Symptoms

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can come and go, ranging in how bad they are, or all go away for a while (called remission). Flare-ups, or the sudden and severe onset of symptoms, can also happen. It's best to work closely and often with your doctor and other members of your health care team to manage

You can take medicines to help your symptoms, which your doctor(s) will talk with you about. The type of medicine you take depends on which disease you have and what your symptoms are. Some people can take over-the-counter drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen for pain. Others with more severe symptoms

Although there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, you can treat your symptoms and learn to manage your disease, so you can enjoy life! Women with autoimmune diseases lead full, active lives. Your life goals should not have to change. It is important, though, to see a doctor who specializes in these

Infection with certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) is the major cause of cervical cancer. Almost all women will have an HPV infection at some point, but very few will develop cervical cancer. The immune system of most women will usually suppress or eliminate HPVs. Only HPV infections that

The duration of immunity is not yet known. Research is being conducted to find out how long protection will last. Phase III clinical trials have shown that Gardasil and Cervarix can provide protection against HPV16 for 4 years. Smaller studies have suggested that protection is likely to last for

Implants are soft silicone sacs, inflated with either saline solution (salt water) or a synthetic silicone gel. Until 1992, when the FDA banned silicone-filled implants (except for use in controlled clinical trials among women seeking breast reconstruction), 90 percent to 95 percent of the implants

Of the types of HPV that increase risk for certain types of cancer, HPV16 is the most common among women in the general population. Large case studies have shown that approximately 50 percent of women with CIN3 or cervical cancer are infected with HPV16. Additional research suggests that 60 percent

Cesarean delivery, also called c-section, is surgery to deliver a baby. The baby is taken out through the mother's abdomen. Most cesarean births result in healthy babies and mothers. But c-section is major surgery and carries risks. Healing also takes longer than with vaginal birth.

Most healthy

There are medical benefits and risks to circumcision. Possible benefits include:

Although the preventive vaccines currently under study have been found to be generally safe when given to women who are already infected with HPV, it is important for women to know that the vaccines protect against infection, and provide maximum benefit, for a woman who is vaccinated before she is

Studies are under way to determine whether booster vaccinations (supplementary doses of a vaccine, usually smaller than the initial dose or doses that are given to maintain immunity) are necessary.

This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute.

Before any vaccine is licensed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must determine that it is both safe and effective. Both Gardasil and Cervarix have been tested in tens of thousands of people in the United States and many other countries. Thus far, no serious side effects have been shown to

Widespread human papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccination has the potential to reduce cervical cancer deaths around the world by as much as two-thirds, if all women were to get the vaccine and if protection turns out to be long-term. In addition, the vaccines can reduce the need for medical care, biopsies,

Gardasil and Cervarix are highly effective in preventing infection with the types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) they target. Studies have shown that both Gardasil and Cervarix prevent nearly 100 percent of the precancerous cervical cell changes caused by the types of HPV targeted by the vaccine