How Many Plan B Can You Take in a Year?

There isn’t a limit to how many times you’re free to use theemergency contraceptivepill Plan B. Plan B, the morning-after pill, prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. It mainly works by preventing or delayingovulation(egg release from an ovary). SOPA Images / Getty Images It may also help prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus and blocking sperm movement to the egg. SOPA Images / Getty Images How Effective Is Plan B? Plan B is most effective when it’s taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 540 words · Amber Adams

How Many Times Can You Reuse Your N95 Mask?

But research indicates that N95 respirators are far better at protecting you from COVID thancloth masksandsurgical masks. Other types offace coveringscapture less than that, which means they offer less protection. Buying disposable N95 respirators and discarding them after each use is costly. andresr / Getty Images you could get free N95s at most large pharmacy chain stores. How Long Can I Wear My N95? Over time, the electrostatic charge that traps particles can also weaken....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 260 words · Richard Murphy

How Many Times Should I Pee in One Day?

Sometimes peeing a lot can indicate health issues such as a bladder infection or diabetes. If youre peeing too much, you may have a condition calledpolyuria, orfrequent urination. This happens when your body produces more than 2.5 liters (2,500 milliliters) of urine each day. Jay Yuno / Getty Images Theres no set number for how much is too much when it comes to peeing. Associated Conditions Frequent urination can be sparked by drinking too much fluid....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 159 words · Deborah Zavala

How Measles Is Diagnosed

Nearly 246 people worldwide, usually children, die per day from thispreventable disease. It spreads down to the rest of your body and feet over the next few days. Your healthcare provider may make special arrangements with you to get to make a diagnosis. © Verywell, 2018 You may also have a urine sample taken since the measles virus can be present there as well. Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 226 words · Jennifer Cruz

How Melanoma vs. Sunspots Look on Skin

Melanoma is the deadliest form ofskin cancer. While sunspots are often mistaken for melanomas and vice versa, some features set these lesions apart. Sometimes, the lesions are painful, itchy, or tender. Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023. They are often, but not always, raised and can be hard and lumpy. Reproduced with permission from A DermNet and A Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023. Sunspots are often difficult to tell apart from skin cancers....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 246 words · Michael Richardson

How Menopause Affects a Woman's Urinary Tract

What might you expect as you approach menopause? The changes in your urinary tract and vagina are not always a welcome introduction to menopause. For these reasons,urinary tract infections(bladder infectionsand/or kidney infections) are more common as women age. Verywell / Gary Ferster This risk begins to increase within four or five years of your final menstrual period. The pelvic muscles weaken as you age. Lack of regular physical exercise may also contribute to this condition....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 305 words · David Riley MD

How Menopause Affects Women With Multiple Sclerosis

Menopauseis a universal part of aging for people who menstruate. During menopause, the body produces less of the hormoneestrogen. A person’s menstrual cycle fluctuates and then stops, and other changes and symptoms will occur. Highwaystarz Photography / Getty Images There may be other connections between MS and menopause as well. MS Relief After Menopause There’s some potentially good news for women with MS. For some women with MS, hot flashes may intensify or trigger MS symptoms....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 185 words · Maria Castillo

How Menthol Eases Arthritis Pain

Yulia Naumenko / Getty Images How Menthol Works Menthol comes from peppermint oil extracted from plants. However, there were no differences detected in functional tasks or pain following the placebo and menthol conditions. What Is a Counterirritant? Yulia Naumenko / Getty Images Counterirritants are used to produce surface irritation of the skin to counteract underlying pain or discomfort. Examples of counterirritants include menthol, camphor, capsaicin, and methyl salicylate. A high-percentage menthol product can cause irritation and even chemical burns....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 167 words · Abigail Williams

How Metastatic Cancer to the Lungs Differs From Primary Lung Cancer

Cancers Likely to Metastasize You may be surprised to learn that lung metastases are quite common. While almost any cancer can spread to the lungs, some are more likely than others to do so. Occasionally, healthcare providers are unable to determine the primary site of cancer. They do not make these adhesion molecules, allowing them to break free and travel as they kindly. These treatments may include hormonal therapy, targeted therapies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 200 words · Jennifer Carroll

How Microneedling for Hair Loss Works

The treatment is effective for many people with male-pattern baldness and female-pattern hair loss. However, home treatments can be risky and may not be as effective as treatments performed by a professional. People who seek out microneedling often have male or female pattern baldness. Vahit Ozalp / Getty Images In medical terms,male-pattern baldnessandfemale-pattern hair lossare called androgenetic alopeciaorAGA. What the Science Says Microneedling for hair loss is a relatively new treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 449 words · Kristine Aguilar

How Mononucleosis Is Treated

Symptoms can include extreme fatigue, sore throat, andswollen tonsils. Give your immune system the boost it needs to fight mono with the following tactics. Hydrate Fever and pain when swallowing can you put you at risk for dehydration. Verywell / Ellen Lindner Prevent dehydration by drinking at least four to six cups of water per day. If you have a fever and are sweating a lot, you may need to drink more....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 620 words · Dylan Johnson

How Mouth Swab Drug Tests Work

The test is performed using an oral swab that collects saliva. A variety of drugs and substances can be detected by a mouth swab test. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images How Does a Mouth Swab Drug Test Work? Peter Dazeley / Getty Images An oral fluid test is quick and easy. To ensure accurate results, stick to this. Home testing kids are also available.you oughta follow the instructions for these carefully....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 308 words · David Wise

How MSM Might Help Your Arthritis

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a popular supplement among people with chronic pain. It’s also believed to protect cartilage. MSM is also believed to counter oxidative stress and improve antioxidant capacity. MarsBars / Getty Images It’s under investigation as a cancer treatment, as well. It passes readily through the blood-brain barrier and is distributed throughout the brain. MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in many foods. In its pure form, it’s an odorless, tasteless, white, water-soluble, crystalline solid....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 391 words · Todd Nixon