Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Archive

Warm, damp shoes can harbor fungus well after a skin infection clears. Fresh socks, antifungal powder, rotation, and retiring old shoes are all important.

Your immune system constantly defends you from harmful germs like bacteria and viruses, but your body also hosts trillions of helpful microbes-your microbiome-that live on your skin, in your gut, and elsewhere. These "good" germs help digest food, make vitamins, protect you from harmful invaders, and help regulate inflammation.

Prostate cancer often develops quietly, with few or no early warning signs, and can resemble normal age‑related prostate changes. When symptoms arise, they usually involve subtle changes in urination. Doctors combine careful questioning, physical examination, blood tests, and modern scans to distinguish harmless enlargement from serious disease.

Sinusitis occurs when blocked sinuses cannot drain and the backed-up mucus gets infected. The simplest and often most effective treatment is daily nasal irrigation. It can also help to drink a lot of water, inhale steam, and sleep with the head elevated.

The Epstein-Barr virus that causes mononucleosis (mono) usually infects people during their childhood or the teenage years. The virus stays with people for life.

Pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia—marked by high blood pressure that can impair organ function and affect blood vessels—are increasingly tied to higher lifetime cardiovascular risks. Women with these complications face greater odds of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

Chemotherapy treatment in women can diminish hormone levels that affect sexual health and intimacy. It can also alter self-image, sex drive, and emotions. Research suggests anywhere from 40% to 100% of cancer survivors struggle with sexual dysfunction.

Women who experience severe premenstrual symptoms may have a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Antidepressants may relieve these symptoms and, depending on the person, can be taken intermittently instead of daily.

Monthly vitamin B₁₂ shots for pernicious anemia can be a hassle. Explore whether high‑dose vitamin B₁₂ pills or other non‑injection treatments might be an option.

Low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, hot flashes, and more may be symptoms of testosterone deficiency. Testing can help determine the diagnosis, and testosterone replacement therapy may help counter the decline in the hormone.