Urinary incontinence Archive

In some men with localized prostate cancer, focal therapy is an alternative to radical prostatectomy. This procedure removes only the cancerous part of the gland, and growing evidence shows it can be an effective strategy.

In May 2023, the FDA approved fezolinetant (Veozah), a nonhormonal drug specifically designed to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women. Potential side effects include liver damage, abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, or back pain.

Bleeding after sex can happen for many reasons, including vaginal dryness; inflammation from vaginal infections, including sexually transmitted infections; cervical polyps; or gynecological cancers. Women should see a doctor about unusual vaginal bleeding.

According to the FDA, many sexual enhancement products sold online and over the counter may cause potentially serious side effects and interact with other medications or dietary supplements.

Eating a plant-based diet like the Mediterranean, MIND, or DASH diet has been shown to help people lose weight and lower their risk for heart disease and diabetes. But such a diet may also help men lower their risk for prostate cancer or help slow the spread of existing prostate cancer. The connection may be due to high consumption of inflammation-fighting fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish, and the fact that people who follow a plant-based diet eat less red meat and processed foods, high intakes of which are associated with cancer risk.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released updated draft guidelines in May 2023 proposing that women at average risk of breast cancer be screened every other year starting at age 40.

Approval by the FDA of a new drug combination for treatment of advanced prostate cancer fills a need and offers new hope to men whose cancer has progressed and who have already tried other therapies.

An array of "menopause skin care" products joined the beauty market in recent years. Some contain virtually the same active ingredients as "anti-aging" skin products. Falling estrogen levels during the menopause transition can lead to dryness and sagging. Broad-spectrum sunscreen, moisturizers, and other products can help offset these skin changes, but not prevent or cure them. Women should examine a product's ingredients to determine if a "menopause" version is truly different from a standard "anti-aging" version.

An estimated one in 11 Americans has a kidney stone at some point in life. The larger a kidney stone, the more likely it will block urine flow and need treatment. Smaller stones may pass on their own. Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent kidney stones.