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Contraception and birth control Archive

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Study: No effect on cognitive functioning from treatments for advanced prostate cancer

Some people being treated for cancer experience problems with memory and thinking, but most of the evidence for these effects comes from women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. A recent study looked at whether men being treated for prostate cancer experienced similar effects.

When is it safe to have sex after a heart attack?

Most men can resume regular sexual activity after a heart attack once they can engage in mild-to-moderate physical activity without issues, such as 10 to 20 minutes of brisk walking or climbing one or two flights of stairs. That means no chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or extreme fatigue with exertion.

Laser therapy can counter vaginal symptoms of menopause

The results of a small trial published online in July 2021 by the journal Menopause found that both vaginal estrogen and fractional CO2 laser therapy are effective for postmenopausal symptoms related to skin problems of the vulva and vagina.

Prostate cancer and your diet

Ongoing research suggests that heart-healthy diets like the Mediterranean and DASH diets that emphasize plant-based foods also can lower a man’s risk of prostate cancer and even help slow its spread. Researchers point to the diets high amounts of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids as possible reasons.

Why try for a vaginal birth after a cesarean?

In the US, nearly a third of babies born arrive by cesarean delivery, and once a person has had a cesarean birth, the odds increase that any subsequent babies will be delivered the same way. Why is trying for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) helpful and how has a calculator intended to predict the likelihood of successful outcomes changed to help discourage health disparities?

Radiation risk from medical imaging

Given the huge increase in the use of CT scans, concern about radiation exposure is warranted. Patients should try to keep track of their cumulative radiation exposure, and only have tests when necessary.

Cardiovascular safety from prostate cancer drugs remains uncertain

Worldwide, over one million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and half will be given androgen deprivation therapy at some point. Whether certain types of this therapy are safer for the heart than others is an important question that is being studied, but the results from the first such trial were inconclusive and disappointing.

Should I worry about finasteride side effects even after stopping the drug?

Some men who took finasteride for urinary problems (Proscar) or balding (Propecia) have reported permanent sexual side effects such as low sex drive or ejaculation problems. It is not established for certain that the side effects are caused by the drug.

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