breast cancer
The leading type of cancer in women between the
ages of 40 and 55 is breast cancer. It is most curable when detected
in its early stages and can be treated with radiation, chemotherapy
and hormonal therapy. Statistically, one in every nine women will
develop breast cancer before the age of 85. The best way to prevent
breast cancer is through self-exams and regular checkups and mammography.
Also, knowing personal family history of breast cancer can predict
chances of breast cancer in women.
Cancer can develop for many reasons. Family history
can be an indicator, as well as age, exposure to radiation, early
menarche or late menopause. Women who do not carry a pregnancy to
term by the age of 30 also have an increased risk of breast cancer.
It is important to consult with a doctor to learn about personal
risks for breast cancer and ways to prevent or catch it early.
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osteoporosis
Although not a disease restricted to females,
osteoporosis seems to prey most often on Caucasian and Asian women
over the age of 60. Osteoporosis is caused by low amounts of phosphate
and calcium in bones, causing them to be porous, brittle and more
apt to break. Although the disease in not completely understood,
it is known that not getting enough calcium in childhood, inactivity
and decreased levels of estrogen are all risk factors linked to the
disease. An X-ray of the spine can test to see if osteoporosis is
present. The best treatment for the disease is early prevention,
by getting plenty of calcium and phosphate. Other treatments include
getting calcium immediately by using the hormone treatment Calcitonin,
taking estrogen pills and exercising to keep bones strong. Consult
a physician to determine whether or not you are at risk.
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bladder infection /
urinary track infection
A bladder infection, also called cystitis, occurs
when the bladder becomes swollen. Women are more susceptible to this
sort of infection because the female urethra is shorter than the male’s,
and bacteria can move up to the bladder more quickly in women. This
infection is likely to develop in women during the time of their first
few sexual encounters. To determine if it is a bladder infection,
a physician can take a urine sample. Antibiotics can generally heal
this sort of infection in three to seven days. To prevent a bladder/urinary
tract infection, it is important to drink plenty of water and juice,
urinate before and after sex, wipe from front to back after a bowel
movement, use lubrication during sex and avoid the use of a diaphragm.
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gardnerella
Bacterial vaginitis, or gardnerella, is characterized by a change
in amount, color, smell and consistency of discharge. Other side
effects include painful intercourse, painful urination and itching.
It is usually an infection that develops after intercourse. The
infection can be treated with antibiotics. If the problem persists,
the male sex partner may need to be treated as well.
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vaginal yeast
infection
Yeast infections are caused by the fungus candida albicans
that, aside from the vagina, can be found in the mouth, in the digestive
track or on the skin. However, unless in the vagina, it cannot flourish
and grow substantially. A physician should always treat an intial
yeast infection. At the onset of a second yeast infection, an over-the-counter
yeast infection cream can be purchased. Some STD's can mimic symptoms
of a yeast infection, so it is important to distinguish between them,
if there has been a change in sexual partner, or if symptoms persist
after treatment, be sure to have an examination by your physician.
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