Women's Health

Recently Answered
Q Should I get a mammogram if I don't have risk factors for breast cancer?
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Anne Hoyt, M.D., medical director of the Santa Monica UCLA Women’s Imaging Center, points out that women without known risk factors are still susceptible and should follow the mammography screening guidelines. "Approximately 75 percent of... Full Answer
Q What is 3D mammography?
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Mammography isn’t infallible, Lawrence Bassett, M.D., section chief of the Iris Cantor Center for Breast Imaging, notes. In particular, dense breast tissue can mask a tumor. Digital breast tomosynthesis, also called 3D mammography, was recently... Full Answer
Q When should I start getting mammograms?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
Breast cancer is one type of cancer where family history is especially important. If you have two close relatives who've had either breast cancer or ovarian cancer, especially if it's before age 40, I recommend you start screening at age 25. But if you... Full Answer
Q Why is silicone lubricant a better option to treat vaginal dryness?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, Cardiology
Vaginal dryness is widely prevalent among aging women, and is a notorious libido killer. The common treatment, petroleum-based lubricant, is often gloppy and sticky. A silicone lubricant is a slicker alternative to dealing with dryness. It’s less... Full Answer
Q What causes a dark brown vaginal discharge?
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Brown vaginal discharge is often old blood that has turned from red to a brown color. It is fairly common to see brown blood at the end of a menstrual period. If you are having brown bleeding or spotting that is not associated with your... Full Answer
Q Why should women over 65 have preventive health screenings?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, Cardiology
Sixty-five years of age is young by today's standards. You are in the driver's seat. The actions you take regarding your health over the next decade or so will contribute greatly to your quality of life. In addition to having a regular physical... Full Answer
Q Why might I need x-rays after a breast-cancer-screening mammogram?
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After a screening (annual) mammogram, you may be asked to return for more x-ray pictures or images. About 5% to 10% of all people who have a screening mammogram need to have more images taken or additional testing. This does not mean that there... Full Answer
Q Is thermography a safer alternative to mammograms?
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Dr. Philip Getson, Pain Medicine
Thermography is NOT and never was an alternative to mammograms. Thermography is a Breast Health Risk Assessment tool - i.e., it provides information about the PHYSIOLOGY of the breast whereas mammograms provide information about the anatomy. In... Full Answer
Q How do I prepare for a mammogram?
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Prepare yourself before your mammography examination. You can take some simple steps to help your exam go smoothly, and even improve the quality of the images. You may be asked to wash off any skin creams, perfumes, powders, or antiperspirants... Full Answer
Q Is there something I can take before a mammogram so it doesn’t hurt?
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Burke Lennihan RN CCH, Integrative Medicine
Bellis perennis is a natural remedy for bruising and soreness in the breasts and abdominal/pelvic area. You can get it in a 30c potency (strength) in many health food stores, or online. Dissolve a few pellets in your mouth before you leave for your... Full Answer