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6 Sex Mistakes Women Make
WebMD explains the 6 biggest sex mistakes women make and reasons why women make them.
(continued)
Sex Mistake #5: Not Giving Him Guidance
Talking very directly about sex, what we like and don’t like can make us feel uncomfortable, even with a partner we’ve been with for a long time and otherwise feel close to, says Parrott. But it’s the only way to achieve a satisfying sexual relationship.
“A woman must take responsibility for her sexual encounter,” says Westheimer. “No man can bring a woman to orgasm if she doesn’t take responsibility for her sexual experience. Even the best lover can’t know what she needs without her letting him know.”
The good news, according to Fisher, is that men very much want to please women.
“If you can tell them in a way that doesn’t kill their ego, they will appreciate it,” says Fisher. She advises women to sandwich what they don’t like in between five things they do, because he’s listening. “You won’t find out until the next time you’re in bed with him. But men do listen, particularly if you’re quite clear about it.”
Sex Mistake #6: Getting Upset When He Suggests Something New
After a couple has been together for a while, it’s natural to want to spice things up with a little variety. Just because your man wants to try something new doesn’t mean he’s unhappy with you or your sex life. In short: Don’t take it personally.
Still, it’s important that you tune into your comfort zone says Parrott.
“Nobody should ever feel obligated to do something they don’t want to do in the personal and intimate area of sexuality,” Parrott says. “If your man asks you about trying something that’s outside of your morals, make it clear that it’s off limits for you and explain why. Of course, do this in a loving way as best you can. If it is something that is not really a moral issue for you but you still don’t want to, again explain why. If it is a simply a startling request and you’re initially uneasy about it, try not to overreact. Instead, let him know you need some time to think about it.”
6 Sex Mistakes Women Make
Sex Mistake #2: Worrying About What You Look Like continued...
“It’s amazing what men don’t notice if you’re enthusiastic, energetic, interested in them, and flexible minded.”
According to Fisher, there is an evolutionary explanation for the selective blindness men show to our physical flaws. For Darwinian reasons, says Fisher, men are (unconsciously, of course) looking for women who are able to bear healthy babies. Starting millions of years ago, men who attracted fertile women and had a lot of children lived on. Those who couldn’t died out. Although maybe not as necessary today, Fisher says that primal survival mechanism lives on.
“Men are much more attracted to women who show signs of health and youth and fertility. Rather than worry about the shape of your waist and hips, worry about your energy level and enthusiasm and interest in him,” Fisher advises.
Sex Mistake #3: Assuming Sex Is Casual for a Man
Westheimer believes we should all let go of old-fashioned notions, such as women are not sexual or that sex is just sex to men. “For some men, sex is a very important act. Don’t minimize it.”
The research, says Parrott, supports the idea that both men and women find sexual intimacy in the context of a committed relationship to be more satisfying.
“Numerous research studies make it very clear that the people who have the best quality and most frequent sex are married couples. That says a lot about the inadequacies of ‘casual sex,” Parrot says.
In a study being conducted by Fisher and her colleagues of university students engaging in one-night stands, the numbers show that men are just as serious about sex and relationships as women. In fact, more than 50% of women and 52% of men who went into a one-night stand, according to Fisher, reported that they did so hoping to create a longer relationship. One-third of them actually did so. What’s the lesson?
“Never assume that a man is not romantic,” Fisher says. “Two huge mistakes in this culture are that women are not sexual and that men are not as romantic [as women].”
Sex Mistake #4: Believing He’s Always Up for Sex
Sure, most teenage boys are ready and willing just about any time you ask, but not true for men. The pressures of everyday life -- family, work, bills -- can zap a man’s libido. This comes as a big surprise to many women, and often his lack of interest in sex is something we take personally.
“It comes as such a shock [to women] that they just don’t believe it,” Fisher says about the reaction many women have when their partner says they aren’t in the mood for sex. “They know themselves that they are not always interested in sex but they still love the man. But when they discover he doesn’t want to have sex, they think, ‘he doesn’t love me.’ Not true. He just doesn’t want to have sex.”
6 Sex Mistakes Women Make
Ladies, be honest: when your sex life becomes a little humdrum, out comes the mental catalogue of all the ways your partner isn’t quite measuring up. Guys tend to get a bad rap when it comes to understanding women’s bodies and what turns us on, making them easy targets in the blame game when sexual satisfaction starts to wane. And sure, they make their fair share of bedroom errors. But as the saying goes, it takes two to tango. As it turns out, top sex and relationship experts say that women make plenty of sex mistakes of their own. Here’s what they have to say about the six most common mistakes women make in the bedroom and what you can do to get the satisfaction you so rightly deserve.
Sex Mistake #1: Not Initiating Sex With Your Partner
It’s 2009 and still, many of us worry about ladylike behavior. We don’t want to appear pushy or come on too strong for fear of being labeled aggressive. According to Les Parrot, professor of psychology at Seattle Pacific University and author of a new book called Crazy Good Sex, failing to initiate sex is one of the biggest mistakes women make.
“Most guys feel like they are always the initiator and that sets up disequilibrium on the passion scale in the relationship,” he says. Generally, men want to be pursued by their partners just as much as women do.
Holding onto outdated ideas about sex roles also inhibits satisfaction with our sexual relationships, says "Dr. Ruth," aka Ruth Westheimer, PhD, a psychosexual therapist, professor at New York University, and lecturer at Yale and Princeton universities. “They used to think that women are less interested in sexual activity and I don’t want to say that anymore. I think there are women who are as interested in sex [as men].”
Show your interest by taking the first step from time to time. Your partner will likely appreciate it, and you may find a new level of satisfaction in taking responsibility for your sexual experience, something Westheimer feels strongly women must do.
Sex Mistake #2: Worrying About What You Look Like
Thinking about how you look during sex stops you from enjoying yourself and ruins your chances of achieving an orgasm.
“Don’t think about the fat on your belly or the makeup on your face,” advises Westheimer. “Concentrate on the pleasure of the act. You must give yourself permission to have an orgasm.”
“Men want their wives to abandon themselves in sex play, and that’s not likely if she is anxious about her physical concerns,” Parrott says.
Helen Fisher, PhD, a cultural anthropologist at Rutgers University and author of a new book called Why Him, Why Her, says men don’t notice half the things women obsess about anyway.
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Skin Cancer
Prevention
Most nonmelanoma skin cancer can be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Limit your exposure to the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hours of peak ultraviolet exposure.
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
- Use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day, all year, even when it is cloudy. Sunscreens that say "broad-spectrum" can protect the skin from ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays. Sunscreens come in lotions, gels, creams, and ointments.
- Use lip balm or cream that has sun protection factor (SPF) to protect your lips from getting sunburned or developing cold sores.
- Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, which emit UV radiation and can cause skin damage.
Skin protection for children
Children and babies should be protected from the sun. You should start protecting your child from the sun when he or she is a baby. Because children and teens spend a lot of time outdoors playing, they get most of their lifetime sun exposure in their first 18 years.
- Teach your children that it is important to protect their skin from the sun.
- Have your children wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat when they are in the sun.
- Have your children wear sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 25 or SPF 30. Follow the instructions on the sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen after 2 hours in the sun or water, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.
- Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight.
Some people believe that a tan may protect them against a sunburn and skin damage. But the amount of sun exposure needed to get a tan can by itself cause skin damage.
Skin Cancer
Prevention
Most nonmelanoma skin cancer can be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Limit your exposure to the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hours of peak ultraviolet exposure.
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
- Use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day, all year, even when it is cloudy. Sunscreens that say "broad-spectrum" can protect the skin from ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays. Sunscreens come in lotions, gels, creams, and ointments.
- Use lip balm or cream that has sun protection factor (SPF) to protect your lips from getting sunburned or developing cold sores.
- Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, which emit UV radiation and can cause skin damage.
Skin protection for children
Children and babies should be protected from the sun. You should start protecting your child from the sun when he or she is a baby. Because children and teens spend a lot of time outdoors playing, they get most of their lifetime sun exposure in their first 18 years.
- Teach your children that it is important to protect their skin from the sun.
- Have your children wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat when they are in the sun.
- Have your children wear sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 25 or SPF 30. Follow the instructions on the sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen after 2 hours in the sun or water, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.
- Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight.
Some people believe that a tan may protect them against a sunburn and skin damage. But the amount of sun exposure needed to get a tan can by itself cause skin damage.
Skin Cancer
Prevention
Most nonmelanoma skin cancer can be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Limit your exposure to the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hours of peak ultraviolet exposure.
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
- Use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day, all year, even when it is cloudy. Sunscreens that say "broad-spectrum" can protect the skin from ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays. Sunscreens come in lotions, gels, creams, and ointments.
- Use lip balm or cream that has sun protection factor (SPF) to protect your lips from getting sunburned or developing cold sores.
- Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, which emit UV radiation and can cause skin damage.
Skin protection for children
Children and babies should be protected from the sun. You should start protecting your child from the sun when he or she is a baby. Because children and teens spend a lot of time outdoors playing, they get most of their lifetime sun exposure in their first 18 years.
- Teach your children that it is important to protect their skin from the sun.
- Have your children wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat when they are in the sun.
- Have your children wear sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 25 or SPF 30. Follow the instructions on the sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen after 2 hours in the sun or water, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.
- Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight.
Some people believe that a tan may protect them against a sunburn and skin damage. But the amount of sun exposure needed to get a tan can by itself cause skin damage.
Skin Cancer
This topic is about nonmelanoma skin cancer, including basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. For information about melanoma skin cancer, see the topic Skin Cancer, Melanoma.
What is nonmelanoma skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the skin. It is the most common type of cancer. It is almost always cured when it is found early and treated. So it is important to see your doctor if you have changes in your skin.
Most skin cancers are the nonmelanoma type. There are two main types of nonmelanoma skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma
. Most nonmelanoma cancers are this type. It can damage deeper tissues, such as muscles and bones. It almost never spreads to other parts of the body.
- Squamous cell carcinoma
What causes it?
Nonmelanoma skin cancer is usually caused by too much sun. Using tanning beds or sunlamps too much can also cause it.
How is nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnosed?
Skin cancer usually appears as a growth that changes in color, shape, or size. This can be a sore that does not heal or a change in a wart or a mole. These changes usually happen in areas that get the most sun-your head, neck, back, chest, or shoulders. The most common place for skin cancer is your nose.
Your doctor will use a biopsy to find out if you have skin cancer. This means taking a sample of the growth and sending it to a lab to see if it contains cancer cells.
What increases my risk for nonmelanoma skin cancer?
If you have light skin that sunburns easily, you are more likely to get skin cancer.
Your risk is higher if you are male or if you are over 40. Your risk is higher if others in your family have had it or if you have had it before.
You may also be more likely to get it if you have been exposed often to strong X-rays, to certain chemicals (such as arsenic, coal tar, and creosote), or to radioactive substances (such as radium).
How is it treated?
Your doctor will want to remove all of the cancer. There are several ways to do this. The most common way is to numb your skin so that it does not hurt, then cut out the cancer. You will be awake while this is done.
This surgery almost always cures nonmelanoma skin cancer.
After your treatment, you will need regular checkups because having skin cancer once means you are more likely to get it again.
Kegel exercises
Benefits of Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises strengthen some of the muscles that control the flow of urine. Doctors often prescribe Kegel exercises for people who have bladder control problems (urinary incontinence).
Kegel exercises are also called pelvic floor exercises because they treat and prevent pelvic floor weakness.1, 2 The pelvic floor is a "hammock" of muscles that hold the pelvic organs in place.
See a picture of the pelvic floor muscles
In women, Kegel exercises are helpful for those who have stress incontinence or uterine prolapse.
During pregnancy and delivery, the pelvic floor can become stretched and weakened, commonly causing urine control problems for months to years after childbirth. A weakened pelvic floor can also allow one or more pelvic organs to sag (uterine prolapse). If you are pregnant, start doing daily Kegels and continue them after having your baby.
In men, Kegel exercises are used to treat stress incontinence and urge incontinence, a need to urinate that is so strong that you cannot reach the toilet in time.
Performing Kegel exercises
- Kegel exercises are easy to do and can be done anywhere without anyone knowing.
- First, as you are sitting or lying down, try to contract the muscles you would use to stop urinating. You should feel your pelvic muscles squeezing your urethra and anus. If your stomach or buttocks muscles tighten, you are not exercising the right muscles.
- When you've found the right way to contract the pelvic muscles, squeeze for 3 seconds and then relax for 3 seconds.
- Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times per session. Try to do this at least 3 times a day. Kegel exercises are only effective when done regularly. The more you exercise, the more likely it is that the exercises will help.
- Your doctor may want you to try doing your exercises with biofeedback to make sure you are doing them right. Biofeedback allows you to see, feel, or hear when an exercise is being performed correctly.
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer - Topic Overview
Is this topic for you?
This topic provides information about cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). This topic focuses on type I endometrial cancer, which is the most common kind.
If you are looking for information about cancer of the cervix, see the topic Cervical Cancer.
What is endometrial cancer?
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer usually occurs in women older than 50. The good news is that it is usually cured when it is found early. And most of the time, the cancer is found in its earliest stage, before it has spread outside the uterus.
What causes endometrial cancer?
The most common cause of endometrial cancer is having too much of the hormone estrogen compared to the hormone progesterone in the body. This hormone imbalance causes the lining of the uterus to get thicker and thicker. If the lining builds up and stays that way, then cancer cells can start to grow.
Women who have this hormone imbalance over time may be more likely to get endometrial cancer after age 50. This hormone imbalance can happen if a woman:
- Is obese. Fat cells make extra estrogen, but the body doesn't make extra progesterone to balance it out.
- Takes estrogen without taking a progestin.
- Has polycystic ovary syndrome, which causes hormone imbalance.
- Starts her period before age 12 or starts menopause after age 55.
- Has never been pregnant or had a full-term pregnancy.
- Has never breast-fed.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is unexpected (abnormal) bleeding from the vagina after menopause. (If you are taking hormone therapy, some vaginal bleeding is expected.) About 20 out of 100 women who have abnormal bleeding after menopause have endometrial cancer.1 That means that 80 out of 100 women with abnormal bleeding after menopause don't have this cancer.
A woman with advanced endometrial cancer may have other symptoms, such as losing weight without trying.
How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?
Endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed with a biopsy. In this test, the doctor removes a small sample of the lining of the uterus to look for cancer cells.
How is it treated?
Endometrial cancer in its early stages can be cured. The main treatment is surgery to remove the uterus plus the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The doctor will also remove pelvic and aortic lymph nodes
A woman whose cancer has spread may also have:
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy to block cancer growth.
- Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
It’s common to feel scared, sad, or angry after finding out that you have endometrial cancer. Talking to others who have had the disease may help you feel better. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area.
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Test Your PAP Smear IQ
The first PAP smears were done over 60 years ago! Within the past decade we have seen the development of a vaccine reported to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, the widespread use of liquid based PAPs ("PAP in a bottle"), human papilloma virus (HPV) testing, and altered recommendations about when to do a PAP smear. So sharpen your pencils and test your PAP Smear IQ! Correct answers and scoring follow this "PAP Quiz"
- The time to begin getting PAP smears is either age 18 or shortly after you first have sex.
True/False - A PAP can diagnose sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or Chlamydia.
True/False - Most forms of cervical cancer can be linked to the HPV virus.
True/False - If I get the new HPV vaccine I don't need to get PAP smears.
True/False - By age 30, if a woman has had three, consecutive, normal PAPs she can drop down to PAP smears every two to three years.
True/False - If a woman was exposed to the drug DES before birth, has HIV, or depressed immune function (e.g., on organ transplant drugs) she can now defer her PAP smears to every other year.
True/False - About 50% of women with cervical cancer in the US had not had a PAP within the past five years.
True/False - DNA tests for HPV are better able to discriminate the really worrisome cell changes than a PAP smear.
True/False - The newer liquid based PAP smears are definitely better at identifying abnormal cells.
True/False - Once you have had a hysterectomy you can stop getting PAP smears.
True/False
ANSWERS
- False. This was true seven to nine years ago, but newer studies have suggested that HPV infections (linked to abnormal PAP smears) tend to resolve in younger women. This may be due to better immune system function which fights off the HPV more effectively. The recommendation to wait until three years after starting intercourse is based upon the hope that many HPV infections will be spontaneously cleared. Also, abnormal cervical cells do not progress quickly to cervical cancer - especially within three years.
One well done study by Ho and colleagues (1998) followed older adolescents over three years. At the end of the study some 43% became HPV positive. This confirms the ease with which HPV can be passed between sexual partners. Surprisingly, of this group of newly infected women, only 9% continued to show persisting evidence of HPV.
For women who have been assaulted or sexually molested while very young, it is important that they get a PAP smear earlier. If the assault was in childhood, she should get a PAP as a teenager for there are several factors which place her at increased risk for abnormal PAP smears. - False. A PAP smear examines cells from the face of the cervix and the cervical canal. It does not diagnose chlamydia, gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted infections. A special test for HPV (considered a sexually transmitted infection) can be done using liquid left after doing a liquid based type of PAP smear.
- True. Most forms of cervical cancer have been linked to HPV. Particularly strong links exist between the high risk subtypes of HPV (e.g., subtypes 16 and 18). There are more than 30 types of HPV which are sexually transmitted. These have been classified into "low risk" and "high risk" subtypes. HPV subtypes 6 and 11 are considered to be low risk. They are linked primarily to the cauliflower-appearing genital warts, and low grade cervical lesions (e.g., LGSIL, CIN 1). Subtypes 16 and 18 are considered to be high risk as they are linked with persisting HPV infections and severely abnormal PAP smears. These two high risk subtypes are the probable cause of about 70% of cervical cancers.
- False. If one gets the newer vaccine designed to decrease the risk of cervical cancer, one is protected from HPV subtypes 16 and 18. One of the two versions of the vaccine will provide protection from subtypes 6 and 11 as well. Both vaccines have been shown in large research studies to provide 100% protection for the high risk subtypes. However, the vaccine does not cover all HPV subtypes (e.g., HPV subtypes numbered in the 30's) which have been linked to persisting abnormal PAP smears. This is why PAP smears are still recommended even in those who have had the HPV vaccine.
- True. Between the time one gets her first PAP smear and age 30 or so, she should get PAP smears every one to three years. Then, if she has had three normal PAP smears in a row, she can drop back to PAP smears every two years or so. Once one is over the age of 30, a GYN may order an HPV test on her cervical cells. If the HPV test is positive it will likely be repeated within the next 6-12 months. A persisting HPV infection is correlated to abnormal cell changes-even if the PAP smear seems normal. By contrast, a normal PAP smear result coupled with a negative HPV test result suggests that cervical cancer is unlikely to emerge over the next several years.
- False. Unfortunately, women exposed to DES, or those who have conditions which suppress the immune system (e.g., HIV, organ transplant drugs) still need to have yearly PAP smears. Women whose mothers took DES while pregnant have an increased risk of an unusual type of cervical/vaginal cancer. Women with blunted immune system function are less likely to be able to clear HPV infections (new or old).
- True. Therefore it is important not to be lax about getting PAP smears within the required interval for your age. It should also be noted that some of the women who were found to have cervical cancer had NEVER had a PAP smear.
- True. DNA based tests for HPV are better at discriminating high grade cervical lesions than PAP smears. HPV test have a high degree of sensitivity (ability to detect HPV) of 94.6%. This is compared to a conventional PAP smears had a 55% sensitivity (Mayrand, 2007). However it costs more to do HPV testing, and more importantly, has a lower specificity (more "false positives").
- False. Initially, most all studies reported liquid based PAP smears had a better ability to detect abnormal cervical cells. Currently over three fourths of PAP smears done in the US use this method rather than conventional PAP smears where a spatula collects cells which are smeared on a glass slide. There are other advantages of the liquid PAP method such as the ability to use leftover liquid if the GYN wants to order an HPV test as well.
Recently Ronco and associates (2007) studied 45,000 Italian women, and determined that both liquid based and conventional PAP smears were equal in their ability to detect CIN 2 or higher. These are the more worrisome cervical cell changes. The liquid based PAPs were able to pick up more CIN 1 (less concerning), as well as decrease the number of unsatisfactory specimens. - True & False. This was not meant to be a trick question. Whether one continues to need PAP smears after hysterectomy depends upon the reason for hysterectomy and the type of hysterectomy done. If the uterus and cervix were removed for a non-cancer condition (e.g., fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding) there is no need to continue getting PAP smears.
By contrast, if surgery left the cervix in place (even if the hysterectomy was for benign reasons) PAP smears must be continued until the usual time of discontinuation (e.g., age 65-70). If the uterus and cervix were removed in a woman with CIN 2-3, she should have PAPs for a minimum of ten years after the surgery. For women who have had removal of cervix and uterus for a cancer, a PAP smear of the back wall of the vagina should be done until the woman is in frail health.
So tally up your score of correct answers and give yourself a grade:
100% - You probably work in a GYN office!
90% - You could work in a GYN setting.
60%-80% - Your PAP smear knowledge is way ahead of the average person.
Less than 60% - Having learned more you can now educate your friends.
Safe Sex - Topic Overview
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are spread by sexual contact involving the genitals, mouth, or rectum, and can also be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus before or during delivery. STDs, which affect both men and women, are a worldwide public health concern.
Although most STDs can be cured, some cannot, including HIV (which causes AIDS), genital herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause genital warts.
STDs can be spread by people who don't know they are infected. Always use protection every time you have sex, including oral sex, until you are sure you and your partner are not infected with an STD.
If you are in a relationship, delay having sex until you are physically and emotionally prepared, have agreed to only have sex with each other, and have both been tested for STDs.
Abstinence as prevention
Completely avoiding sexual contact (abstinence), including intercourse or oral sex, is the only certain way to prevent an infection.
Discuss safe sex with your partner
Discuss STDs before you have sex with someone. Even though a sex partner doesn't have symptoms of an STD, he or she may still be infected.
Questions to ask someone before having sex include:
- How many people have you had sex with?
- Have you had sex without a condom?
- Have you ever had unprotected oral sex?
- Have you had more than one sex partner at a time?
- Do you inject illegal drugs or have you had sex with someone who injects drugs?
- Have you ever had unprotected sex with a prostitute?
- Have you had a test for HIV? What were the results?
- Have you ever had an STD, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C? Was it treated and cured?
Safe sex practices
Some STDs, such as HIV, can take up to 6 months before they can be detected in the blood. Genital herpes and the human papillomavirus (HPV) can be spread when symptoms are not present. Even if you and your partner have been tested, use condoms for all sex until you and your partner haven't had sex with another person for 6 months. Then get tested again.
- Watch for symptoms of STDs, such as unusual discharge, sores, redness, or growths in your and your partner's genital area, or pain while urinating.
- Don't have more than one sex partner at a time. The safest sex is with one partner who has sex only with you. Every time you add a new sex partner, you are being exposed to all of the diseases that all of their partners may have. Your risk for an STD increases if you have several sex partners at the same time.
- Use a condom every time you have sex. A condom is the best way to protect yourself from STDs. Latex and polyurethane condoms do not let STD viruses pass through, so they offer good protection from STDs. Condoms made from sheep intestines do not protect against STDs.
- Use a water-based lubricant such as K-Y Jelly or Astroglide to help prevent tearing of the skin if there is a lack of lubrication during sexual intercourse. Small tears in the vagina during vaginal sex or in the rectum during anal sex allow STDs to get into your blood.
- Avoid douching if you are a woman, because it can change the normal balance of organisms in the vagina and increases the risk of getting an STD.
- Be responsible. Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an infection or if you are being treated for an STD or HIV. If you or your partner has herpes, avoid sexual contact when a blister is present and use condoms at all other times.
Can A Vagina Be Too Big?
Faithful readers of this blog may remember that Masters and Johnson examined the vaginal sizes of 100 women who had never been pregnant. These women showed an un-stimulated vaginal length of 2 ¾-3 ¼ inches , with a ¾ inch width at the back of the vagina. During the sexual excitement phase the vaginal lengths increased to 3 ¾- 5 ¾ inches, with the width at the back of the vagina being 2 ¼-2 ½ inches. This correlates with our most common diaphragm sizes which are between 2 ½ -3 ½ inches in length.
"But I'm not worried about vaginal length," you might be thinking. "My problem is that I think my vagina is too loose - or too wide. Is that possible? If so what can I do?" Let's examine some of the medical data available to answer these questions.
Is my vagina too loose?
The vagina is like a collapsed, expandable tube lined with skin; the tissue below the skin is loose and contains large veins. Next are smaller circular muscles surrounded by stronger bands of muscle which run the length of the vagina. In addition, the lower third of the vagina is surrounded by a ring of muscles. This is covered by more connective tissue and blood vessels. Damage to these muscles, or if they become thin and weak, can allow the bladder ("cytocele") or rectum ("rectocele") to pouch into the vagina. Thus you can understand the importance of strong vaginal muscles. The ring of muscles around the vaginal opening contract during orgasm and may contribute to the intensity of an orgasm.
So what is too loose? This can be a matter of opinion based upon the input of a sexual partner, or one's observations of vaginal tone. Researchers have devised some ways to measure vaginal tone such as a pressure sensitive intravaginal balloon device, and ultrasound measurements of vaginal area ("pelvic floor") muscle thickness. A study of 30 women aged 20-42 found that better developed vaginal muscles were linked to having orgasms, and getting physical exercise. Conversely, increased age and having been pregnant were linked to decreased strength of vaginal muscles (McKey and Dougherty 1986).
A more recent study using ultrasound measurements (Bernstein,1997) found similar connections. Muscle thickness decreases with age, especially in women older than 60. Women with urinary incontinence had thinner pelvic floor muscles than women who were not incontinent.
Will exercising the vaginal muscles make my vagina tighter?
Two ultrasound studies of women who exercised their vaginal muscles did find that their muscles were thicker and stronger after pelvic floor muscle training. Among women with urine leakage, their thinner muscles became the thickness of healthy women's pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, they had less urine leakage - whether the problem was from stress or urge types of incontinence. The use of vaginal cones and/or Kegel exercises to increase muscle strength were both found to improve tone and decrease urine loss. While some of these studies did not measure vaginal tightness per se, when muscle bulk is increased, a woman can voluntarily contract those muscles to make the vaginal opening tighter.
Do tighter vaginal muscles really improve sexual response?
Despite the fact that most every discussion of Kegel exercises includes improved sex, there are not many scientific studies to back up this claim. One recent publication (Dean, 2008) reported on sexual function and pelvic muscle factors for some 2,800 women. Women who delivered only by Caesarean section (and their partners) perceived they had better vaginal tone leading to improved sexual satisfaction. Women who were currently doing pelvic muscle exercises scored much better on sexual satisfaction questions than women who did not. Women with incontinence (probably thinner muscles) scored the worst on the sex questions.
I've tried Kegel exercises but they don't work for me.
Assuming that the Kegel exercises have been done correctly, it may be time to move to other options. One low tech choice is weighted vaginal cones. This is a set of weights, shaped more like a tampon than a cone, where one inserts the lightest version then uses the vaginal muscles to hold it up inside. This is done twice daily. When this is easy the next heaviest cone is used - and so on. This is to be done while going about normal activities so that gravity provides an additional challenge to keeping the weight up inside.
More technology is involved in the electrical stimulator. A tampon shaped probe is inserted in the vagina and small electric shocks cause the muscles to contract then relax. This is done about 20 minutes up to several times a week. One patient of mine who used this device found it sexually pleasurable.
Less commonly used may be the "magnetic chair" ("Neocontrol"). This chair uses magnetic action to stimulate the muscles. I know this sounds very "woo, woo", but there is good data showing its effectiveness. This device is not for home use; treatments are given twice weekly by specially trained health care personnel.
Will plastic surgery make my vagina smaller?
Many genital plastic surgery techniques are based upon GYN surgical procedures used for medical problems such as reconstruction after cancer treatment, gender change, repair of cystocele/rectocele, etc. Unfortunately there are few good studies showing benefit where there is no overt medical problem.
One study of 53 women in Santiago, Chile (Pardo, 2006) was done specifically for complaints of wide vagina and decreased sexual satisfaction. The surgeons did two procedures. The first was inside the vagina where tissue along the roof was stitched tighter. This is similar to the type of repair done for a cystocele. Secondly, tissue around the vaginal opening and between the vagina and anus was stitched tighter. This is similar to the type of repair done for episiotomies after childbirth. Six months after surgery 94% claimed they experienced a tighter vagina, and had regained or improved orgasms. Yet some 4% of the women said they regretted the surgery.
The problem with this type of study is that sexual response can be very subjective. There is no easy way to measure sexual satisfaction in a group of diverse women. Every woman knew she got the surgical treatment so six months may not be a long enough time for any placebo response to wear off.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2007) has noted the lack of both safety and effectiveness data for genital plastic surgery. The possible complications for such surgery might include: infection, changes in sensation, pain with intercourse, and scar tissue. One GYN who has been performing genital plastic surgery for a number of years (Goodman, 2009) concluded that agreed upon terminology and training standards are still lacking.
What are you going to do, Jane?
As a big advocate of resistance/weight training to build muscles, I personally think exercise is a better place to start than surgery. As always, if a woman has concerns about sexual function, vaginal/genital structures, etc she should bring these up to her GYN. A GYN sees the wide range of "normal" in vaginal appearances. Yet, if one is having sexual problems due to genital changes, your GYN needs to know that is an issue.
"But I'm not worried about vaginal length," you might be thinking. "My problem is that I think my vagina is too loose - or too wide. Is that possible? If so what can I do?" Let's examine some of the medical data available to answer these questions.
Is my vagina too loose?
The vagina is like a collapsed, expandable tube lined with skin; the tissue below the skin is loose and contains large veins. Next are smaller circular muscles surrounded by stronger bands of muscle which run the length of the vagina. In addition, the lower third of the vagina is surrounded by a ring of muscles. This is covered by more connective tissue and blood vessels. Damage to these muscles, or if they become thin and weak, can allow the bladder ("cytocele") or rectum ("rectocele") to pouch into the vagina. Thus you can understand the importance of strong vaginal muscles. The ring of muscles around the vaginal opening contract during orgasm and may contribute to the intensity of an orgasm.
So what is too loose? This can be a matter of opinion based upon the input of a sexual partner, or one's observations of vaginal tone. Researchers have devised some ways to measure vaginal tone such as a pressure sensitive intravaginal balloon device, and ultrasound measurements of vaginal area ("pelvic floor") muscle thickness. A study of 30 women aged 20-42 found that better developed vaginal muscles were linked to having orgasms, and getting physical exercise. Conversely, increased age and having been pregnant were linked to decreased strength of vaginal muscles (McKey and Dougherty 1986).
A more recent study using ultrasound measurements (Bernstein,1997) found similar connections. Muscle thickness decreases with age, especially in women older than 60. Women with urinary incontinence had thinner pelvic floor muscles than women who were not incontinent.
Will exercising the vaginal muscles make my vagina tighter?
Two ultrasound studies of women who exercised their vaginal muscles did find that their muscles were thicker and stronger after pelvic floor muscle training. Among women with urine leakage, their thinner muscles became the thickness of healthy women's pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, they had less urine leakage - whether the problem was from stress or urge types of incontinence. The use of vaginal cones and/or Kegel exercises to increase muscle strength were both found to improve tone and decrease urine loss. While some of these studies did not measure vaginal tightness per se, when muscle bulk is increased, a woman can voluntarily contract those muscles to make the vaginal opening tighter.
Do tighter vaginal muscles really improve sexual response?
Despite the fact that most every discussion of Kegel exercises includes improved sex, there are not many scientific studies to back up this claim. One recent publication (Dean, 2008) reported on sexual function and pelvic muscle factors for some 2,800 women. Women who delivered only by Caesarean section (and their partners) perceived they had better vaginal tone leading to improved sexual satisfaction. Women who were currently doing pelvic muscle exercises scored much better on sexual satisfaction questions than women who did not. Women with incontinence (probably thinner muscles) scored the worst on the sex questions.
I've tried Kegel exercises but they don't work for me.
Assuming that the Kegel exercises have been done correctly, it may be time to move to other options. One low tech choice is weighted vaginal cones. This is a set of weights, shaped more like a tampon than a cone, where one inserts the lightest version then uses the vaginal muscles to hold it up inside. This is done twice daily. When this is easy the next heaviest cone is used - and so on. This is to be done while going about normal activities so that gravity provides an additional challenge to keeping the weight up inside.
More technology is involved in the electrical stimulator. A tampon shaped probe is inserted in the vagina and small electric shocks cause the muscles to contract then relax. This is done about 20 minutes up to several times a week. One patient of mine who used this device found it sexually pleasurable.
Less commonly used may be the "magnetic chair" ("Neocontrol"). This chair uses magnetic action to stimulate the muscles. I know this sounds very "woo, woo", but there is good data showing its effectiveness. This device is not for home use; treatments are given twice weekly by specially trained health care personnel.
Will plastic surgery make my vagina smaller?
Many genital plastic surgery techniques are based upon GYN surgical procedures used for medical problems such as reconstruction after cancer treatment, gender change, repair of cystocele/rectocele, etc. Unfortunately there are few good studies showing benefit where there is no overt medical problem.
One study of 53 women in Santiago, Chile (Pardo, 2006) was done specifically for complaints of wide vagina and decreased sexual satisfaction. The surgeons did two procedures. The first was inside the vagina where tissue along the roof was stitched tighter. This is similar to the type of repair done for a cystocele. Secondly, tissue around the vaginal opening and between the vagina and anus was stitched tighter. This is similar to the type of repair done for episiotomies after childbirth. Six months after surgery 94% claimed they experienced a tighter vagina, and had regained or improved orgasms. Yet some 4% of the women said they regretted the surgery.
The problem with this type of study is that sexual response can be very subjective. There is no easy way to measure sexual satisfaction in a group of diverse women. Every woman knew she got the surgical treatment so six months may not be a long enough time for any placebo response to wear off.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2007) has noted the lack of both safety and effectiveness data for genital plastic surgery. The possible complications for such surgery might include: infection, changes in sensation, pain with intercourse, and scar tissue. One GYN who has been performing genital plastic surgery for a number of years (Goodman, 2009) concluded that agreed upon terminology and training standards are still lacking.
What are you going to do, Jane?
As a big advocate of resistance/weight training to build muscles, I personally think exercise is a better place to start than surgery. As always, if a woman has concerns about sexual function, vaginal/genital structures, etc she should bring these up to her GYN. A GYN sees the wide range of "normal" in vaginal appearances. Yet, if one is having sexual problems due to genital changes, your GYN needs to know that is an issue.
Vaginal Weights for Stress Incontinence
Q: I leak urine when I laugh, sneeze or jump. A friend told me that vaginal weights can help with this, but it seems sort of weird. Are they really effective?
A: About one in three women leak urine after giving birth. This is called "stress incontinence" and it's due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, allowing for the neck of the bladder to "sag down" so that urine can escape with laughing, coughing, or sneezing.
Most doctors tell women to do Kegel exercises to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. In some cases, surgery is required. But studies have also shown that vaginal weights can strengthen the muscles enough to reduce incontinence as well.
Here's how they work: You insert a cone-shaped weight into your vagina and then work on squeezing your muscles to keep the weights in place for about 15 minutes, once or twice a day. (You can actually go about your daily business while doing this!) Once you're able to hold this weight in easily, you try a slightly heavier weight (they are sold in sets).
Advocates of the weights believe that it's easier for a woman to learn to isolate and train her pelvic floor muscles properly using the weights than it is using just Kegels, which are easy to do incorrectly.
You can get vaginal weights over-the-counter, on-line, or as a prescription, via your health care provider.
The first published study on vaginal cones for urinary stress incontinence was published in 1988! While only 30 women completed the full month of using the cones, the results were amazing. Originally scheduled for surgery for stress incontinence, 63% of the women felt cured or improved enough to cancel their surgeries.
Now, after over 40 additional studies, the results are some what more measured. While some studies show the cones to be superior to pelvic floor muscle training using Kegel exercises (Arvonen, 2001), others have not (BØ, 1999). A critical evaluation of all trials done with cones was published in 2001 as a part of the famous Cochrane Database System Review. This excellent summary found the following:
A: About one in three women leak urine after giving birth. This is called "stress incontinence" and it's due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, allowing for the neck of the bladder to "sag down" so that urine can escape with laughing, coughing, or sneezing.
Most doctors tell women to do Kegel exercises to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. In some cases, surgery is required. But studies have also shown that vaginal weights can strengthen the muscles enough to reduce incontinence as well.
Here's how they work: You insert a cone-shaped weight into your vagina and then work on squeezing your muscles to keep the weights in place for about 15 minutes, once or twice a day. (You can actually go about your daily business while doing this!) Once you're able to hold this weight in easily, you try a slightly heavier weight (they are sold in sets).
Advocates of the weights believe that it's easier for a woman to learn to isolate and train her pelvic floor muscles properly using the weights than it is using just Kegels, which are easy to do incorrectly.
You can get vaginal weights over-the-counter, on-line, or as a prescription, via your health care provider.
The first published study on vaginal cones for urinary stress incontinence was published in 1988! While only 30 women completed the full month of using the cones, the results were amazing. Originally scheduled for surgery for stress incontinence, 63% of the women felt cured or improved enough to cancel their surgeries.
Now, after over 40 additional studies, the results are some what more measured. While some studies show the cones to be superior to pelvic floor muscle training using Kegel exercises (Arvonen, 2001), others have not (BØ, 1999). A critical evaluation of all trials done with cones was published in 2001 as a part of the famous Cochrane Database System Review. This excellent summary found the following:
- Cones were definitely better than no treatment.
- No significance was found between cones, Kegel exercises, and electro-stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles in their effectiveness.
- There is not enough evidence to show that combining cones plus Kegels gave any better results than any single treatment.
Generally most healthcare providers will adhere to a recommendation given by the Cochrane Review. But if you are a woman considering the use of weighted vaginal cones here are some additional things to think about.
- First, one really needs to be sure that they have stress incontinence. Cones may not be as successful with other types of urine leakage.
- Second, there may be better results among women who can advance to using the heaviest cones vs the lightest.
- Third, like different forms of birth control, one type of pelvic muscle strengthening may work better for you than your friend.
With some 5% of younger women, and almost 50% of elderly women, having symptoms of stress incontinence we should be able to access as many effective treatments as possible. Your best bet is to see your own MD or GYN to confirm that the urine loss is from stress incontinence. Then investigate your options as to cost, convenience, and preference. Weighted vaginal cones may be an excellent choice for you.
My Female Organs Are Falling Down
VAGINA
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Have you ever looked "down there" with a mirror (or had a lover say to you) that there seemed to be a "bulge" or "ball of tissue" at the vaginal opening? The medical name for this condition is pelvic organ prolapse (POP). POP is purported to effect up to 50% of women who have had a vaginal delivery (Maher, 2008). In other studies of women in general, rates of POP with marked symptoms are reported to be 3.6 - 6%.
The first concern is that one's uterus, or other pelvic parts, might be falling out. In one of the more severe forms of POP the uterus can drop so far down into the vaginal canal that the cervix will scrape against the woman's underpants! Fortunately this is one of the least common forms of POP. So if you were to see a "bulge" of tissue what is that likely to mean to you? The goal of this blog is to share facts about the types of POP, the risk factors, and what treatment options you might have if POP seems to be linked to other, bothersome symptoms.
How do I know what type of prolapse I have?
When you go see your GYN or clinic you might expect questions about: urinary or bowel incontinence, difficulty emptying the rectum, or sexual problems. This can suggest areas which are involved with the "bulge". An exam should be done with you standing and/or bearing down when you are on the exam table. If loss of urine is a concurrent problem then a urinalysis may be done along with a Q-tip test and/or a measure of urine left in the bladder after you have go to the bathroom.
There are several types of prolapses. When the upper part of the vaginal canal loses its muscle tone or attachments holding the vagina up (especially common among women with hysterectomies) that is called vaginal prolapse. If muscle support is poor, or interrupted, the bladder can prolapse down through the "roof" of the vagina causing a cystocele. The urethra may drop down as well (urethrocele). If the weakness is in the "floor" of the vagina the rectum can bulge upward. As was mentioned above, the uterus and cervix can slump down through the vaginal canal.
What are the risk factors for pelvic prolapse?
The most consistently cited risk factors are: increasing age, being overweight, and increased number of vaginal deliveries. Number of deliveries by C-section does not increase prolapse risk (Luckacz, 2006). Other associated factors can include irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and overall poor health (Rortveit, 2007). African American women are less likely to have symptomatic pelvic prolapse (Rortveit, 2007). One small study even found that having a history of stretch marks doubled one's risk for prolapse (Salter, 2006).
"Stretch marks," you might be thinking "why would that be?" The bones of the female pelvis do a great job protecting lower abdominal contents, but they do not provide support. The pelvic organs are supported by the muscles in the pelvic floor and the ligaments which can attach from the organs to the bones. It has been theorized that pelvic muscle and ligament strength may be linked to strength of collagen. Collagen, along with fibrillin, is decreased in women with stretch marks (Mitts,2005).
What can be done if I have a mild form of prolapse, or do not want to have surgery?
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG, 2007): "Pessaries can be fitted in most women with prolapse, regardless of prolapse stage or site of predominant prolapse." A pessary is a doughnut shaped device which can be made of various materials. There are also pessaries shaped like a cube, and similar to a shoe horn. If one has ever used a diaphragm for birth control, inserting and removing a pessary may seem familiar. Like a diaphragm, a pessary should be fit by a GYN as they come in different sizes.
Kegel exercises have been recommended for POP but, unlike urinary stress incontinence, there are few large studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Kegels. According to one recent study of 48 women, pelvic floor exercise/Kegels significantly improved symptoms of prolapse (Hagen, 2009). Kegels may not be as successful as they are with urinary incontinence for once the attachment ligaments are damaged, strengthening the pelvic muscles may not fix the prolapse.
What about surgery?
If one has a prolapse of the uterus, hysterectomy may be suggested. Care is taken to refasten the top of the vaginal canal to other structures so it does not droop down after the hysterectomy.
If the prolapse is coming from the top or "roof "of the vagina, pelvic fascia tissue can be used to bridge the weak area. If the prolapse is coming from the lower or "floor" of the vagina (causing a bulging of the rectum into the vaginal canal), the rectal muscles can be used to close the defect.
More recently synthetic mesh has been used to support the weakened areas. Mesh has been used extensively for repair of abdominal hernias. Overall, the use of mesh seems to decrease the reoccurrence of cystocele when an anterior ("top") of the vagina repair is done (Maher, 2008). The primary concern for mesh is that long term follow up in large numbers of POP women is lacking. Cases of the mesh eroding through vaginal tissues have been reported (Altman, 2007). By October of 2008 the FDA released a notification to GYN surgeons relating adverse events connected to mesh use as reported by manufacturers of different types of mesh. Some of these unwanted events included erosion, infection, and pain. Not surprisingly, the strength and health of the woman's own tissues will have an impact. Her own tissues will have to be incorporated into the mesh to form a strong bond.
In one study of 2,460 of women in their 50's, about 3% of women reported having surgery for POP (Fritel, 2009). Further, women who had such symptoms of POP as problems having a bowel movement or urinating, and abdominal pain reported a much lower quality of life than other women. In one very large study (Barber, 2009), 85% of women considered themselves "much better" when compared to before their surgery. Bottom line, surgery of some type can be very helpful if a woman has symptoms from her prolapse.
My mom and her sisters had prolapse; can I do anything to prevent it happening to me?
We cannot change our genetics, age, or number of vaginal births! Sadly there are not many scientific studies testing different forms of POP prevention. The strategies for prevention that are most often suggested include:
- Kegel exercises up to four times daily. The hope is that by strengthening muscles in the pelvic floor that those muscles can help delay, or reduce, the onset of prolapse. For information about how to do Kegels correctly check out this article: Kegel Exercises - Topic Overview
- Physical exercise. Regular exercise can help keep one's body weight down, and being overweight is linked to prolapse. Exercise is also reputed to keep muscles and ligaments more flexible.
- Decrease straining to have a bowel movement. Constipation, or having to bear down, increases pressure in the abdomen which "pushes down" on pelvic organs. Eating a healthy diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetable not only helps constipation, but can improve body weight.
- Treat chronic coughs. If one is a smoker - quit. If there is another reason for a chronic cough - have it treated. A cough increases the pressure inside the abdomen which can "push down" on pelvic organs. There are studies linking smoking with poorer tissue integrity after POP repair (Araco, 2009).
- Use a correct technique for heavy lifting. Straining to lift increases pressure within the abdomen. Here is a good over view of safe lifting: Back Problems - Proper Lifting
- Hysterectomy surgery considerations. If one is having a hysterectomy there are studies which suggest that attaching the uterine ligaments to the top of the vagina may help to keep the vagina from dropping down (
General Information About Renal Cell Cancer
Renal cell cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in tubules of the kidney.
Renal cell cancer (also called kidney cancer or renal adenocarcinoma) is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the lining of tubules (very small tubes) in the kidney. There are 2 kidneys, one on each side of the backbone, above the waist. The tiny tubules in the kidneys filter and clean the blood, taking out waste products and making urine. The urine passes from each kidney into the bladder through a long tube called a ureter. The bladder stores the urine until it is passed from the body.
Cancer that starts in the ureters or the renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that collects urine and drains it to the ureters) is different from renal cell cancer. Refer to the PDQ summary on Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter Treatment for more information).
Smoking and misuse of certain pain medicines can affect the risk of developing renal cell cancer.
Risk factors include the following:
- Smoking.
- Misusing certain pain medicines, including over-the-counter pain medicines, for a long time.
- Having certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma.
Possible signs of renal cell cancer include blood in the urine and a lump in the abdomen.
These and other symptoms may be caused by renal cell cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. There may be no symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms may appear as the tumor grows. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
- Blood in the urine.
- A lump in the abdomen.
- A pain in the side that doesn't go away.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss for no known reason.
- Anemia.
Tests that examine the abdomen and kidneys are used to detect (find) and diagnose renal cell cancer.
The following tests and procedures may be used:
- Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
- Blood chemistry studies: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that makes it.
- Urinalysis: A test to check the color of urine and its contents, such as sugar, protein, red blood cells, and white blood cells.
- Liver function test: A procedure in which a sample of blood is checked to measure the amounts of enzymes released into it by the liver. An abnormal amount of an enzyme can be a sign that cancer has spread to the liver. Certain conditions that are not cancer may also increase liver enzyme levels.
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): A series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to find out if cancer is present in these organs. A contrast dye is injected into a vein. As the contrast dye moves through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, x-rays are taken to see if there are any blockages.
- Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.
- CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
- Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. To do a biopsy for renal cell cancer, a thin needle is inserted into the tumor and a sample of tissue is withdrawn.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
- The stage of the disease.
- The patient's age and general health.
Cancer May Pass From Pregnant Mom to Baby
Researchers Say Cancer Cells May Cross Placenta to Fetus and Cause Disease
Researchers have found new evidence that it's possible for a mother with cancer to pass the disease on to her unborn child.
A case report shows that cancer cells in an infant genetically match those from her mother; the mother was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after a normal full-term delivery.
Researchers say rare cases of mothers' cancer cells in infants have been reported over the last 100 years, which has suggested the possibility that cancer cells may be passed from mother to infant. But until now it had not been confirmed genetically.
In the case report, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers used genetic tracking to prove that the cancer cells had been transmitted from mother to infant.
The mother was a 28-year-old woman who was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after giving birth; her 11-month-old daughter developed a similar type of cancer.
Genetic testing showed the infant's cancer cells shared a unique genetic match to her mother's. Special markers in the cancer cells of the infant confirmed they were of maternal origin.
Additional testing showed that the infant's cancer cells lacked a portion of genetic material that would have flagged them as intruder cells and targeted them for elimination by her immune system.
Researcher Takeshi Isoda of Tokyo Medical and Dental University and colleagues say this genetic trait likely enabled the mother's cancer cells to evade the infant's protective placental barrier.
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