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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Archive

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Women more likely than men to show atypical stroke symptoms

A 2022 study found that women are more likely than men to have "generalized" stroke symptoms such as weakness and confusion, in addition to classic signs such as speech or movement problems.

Mediterranean diet may help ward off a dangerous pregnancy complication

A 2022 study found that pregnant women who ate a diet rich in foods typical of a Mediterranean-style eating plan were significantly less likely to develop the potentially serious pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia.

Pregnancy's lasting toll

Pregnancy and childbirth effects on the body can linger or develop years or decades after the birth. Muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the pelvis can be damaged, leading to urine or stool leakage or sagging pelvic organs. Treatment approaches include a pessary, various surgical procedures, or pelvic floor physical therapy. Women can protect their pelvic floor from weakening further by maintaining a healthy weight, preventing constipation, and managing conditions that contribute to chronic cough.

Hospitalized patients can bring home infections

Clostridioides difficile, a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and colon inflammation, is common in hospitalized people. New research suggests that even patients who are not diagnosed with the infection in the hospital can bring it home and expose family members.

Understanding sex drive

Men's sex drive can wane and fluctuate with age, but that does not mean they still cannot enjoy a healthy and satisfying sex life. The goal to working with a changing sex drive is to focus more on the non-physical side of sex, which can help reignite the sexual spark for both people in the relationship. Examples include more romantic touching with your partner, communicating about each other's needs, and experimenting with different sex routines and practices.

Promising therapy if PSA rises after prostate cancer surgery

After a man has had a radical prostatectomy, sometimes the level of the antigen PSA rises again later, meaning cancer may have returned. A study found that the normal therapy given when this happens is more effective when combined with other forms of treatment.

Long COVID symptoms differ between the sexes

A 2022 study found that women with long COVID showed more symptoms than men, including shortness of breath and fatigue.

Monkeypox: An unfamiliar virus spreading fast — sound familiar?

More than two years after COVID-19 reached the US, an outbreak of monkeypox is spreading fast outside of Africa. This virus is not new, and it's likely to be less dangerous than COVID, but it's still important to be aware of its symptoms, spread, treatment, and prevention.

Ring vaccination might help curtail monkeypox outbreaks

The monkeypox outbreak currently traveling around the globe is the largest ever recorded outside of western and central Africa. Controlling this virus demands preventive measures, and one method that has worked to contain previous disease outbreaks may be effective for monkeypox as well.

Preventing C. diff in and out of the hospital

The bacteria C. diff is responsible for half a million infections each year in the US. Many infections happen when people are hospitalized, but a recent report indicated that people can be infected without ever being hospitalized.

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