An Overview of Anal or Rectal Abscess

This article discusses anal and rectal abscesses, also called boils. It also goes over what causes them and how they are treated. By contrast, perirectal abscesses tend to form in deeper tissues and are often more felt than seen. Of the two types, a perirectal infection tends to be more serious. These may indicate a systemic infection that has spread from the site of the abscess into the bloodstream. Without proper treatment, systemic infection of this sort can lead tosepsis, toxic shock, and even death....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 460 words · Theresa Dorsey

An Overview of Aniridia

Aniridia is a rare genetic eye disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of theiris. The Greek term for “without iris,” aniridia is a congenital condition that affects both eyes. Other names for the disorder include absent iris, congenital aniridia, and irideremia. isayildiz / Getty Images The most visible part of the eye, the iris also determines the color of your eyes. People with blue or light eyes have less pigmented irises than people with brown or darker colored eyes....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 379 words · Dustin Ramos

An Overview of Ankylosing Spondylitis Surgery

Most people withankylosing spondylitis(AS), a bang out of chronic inflammatory arthritis, dont require surgery. The key in of surgery recommendedbe it a joint replacement or spine surgerydepends on the case. SI joints support the entire upper body and are connected by strong ligaments. Get our printable guide for the next doctor’s appointment to help ask the right questions. Joints like the hips, knees, or shoulders can become deformed and damaged due to the inflammation....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 880 words · Hector Pierce

An Overview of Biliary Colic

Sometimes, but not always, people who havegallstonesget biliary colic. Biliary colic is also known as a gallstone attack or a gallbladder attack. In some people, it feels like the pain is radiating to their back or their right shoulder. Moyo Studio/ E+/ Getty Images The pain usually begins suddenly. Once it begins, its usually a moderate, steady pain. Unlike some other kinds of abdominal pain, biliary colic doesnt improve after having a bowel movement....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 659 words · Casey Anderson

An Overview of Biologics for Crohn’s Treatment

Biologics are a wide-ranging class of drugs, and there are many different types. These treatments have led to unprecedented improvements in the treatment of Crohns disease over the past two decades. But they dont work for everyone and come with their own risks. Verywell / Jessica Olah The inflammation in Crohns disease happens along the digestive tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus. It is a form ofinflammatory bowel disease (IBD)....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 839 words · Joann Kirby

An Overview of Birth Control

Also Known As Available Birth Control Methods There aremultiple contraceptionmethods available. And with so many options, it can get confusing. Learning the pros and cons of each bang out can help youchoosethe right method for you. Nenov / Getty Images So, if you are allergic to latex, for example, theymake condomsfrom other materials. Or, if you could’t use estrogen, there are several progestin-only birth control pills to pick from. By age 40, that number drops to 10% for people assigned female at birth....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 393 words · Francisco Ferguson

An Overview of Birth Control and the Risk for Blood Clots

Hormonal birth controlincreases the risk of blood clots in some people with a uterus. Cris Cantan / Getty Images What Is a Blood Clot? Ablood clot, also known as a thrombus, is coagulated, or clotted, blood. Cris Cantan / Getty Images Blood clotting isn’t always a cause for concern. These blood clots are considered an emergency and require immediate medical attention. A blood clot in a leg vein can migrate to the lungs and cause PE....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 353 words · Logan Robbins

An Overview of Birth Control While Breastfeeding

Verywell / Shideh Ghanderharizadeh Is Birth Control While Breastfeeding Safe? This gives your body time to recover fully from your last pregnancy before its ready for your next pregnancy. Estrogen may decrease milk supply and cause you to stop breastfeeding earlier than nonhormonal or progestin-only contraceptive methods. Verywell / Shideh Ghanderharizadeh This is known asdeep vein thrombosis(DVT). Combined hormonal options of birth control, which contain both estrogen and progesterone, raise this risk further....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 523 words · Brenda Ramos

An Overview of Bladder Dysfunction in MS

As frustrating and embarrassing as the symptoms may be, it’s important not to ignore them. In some cases, the symptoms will be mild and transient. In others, they may be persistent and aggravating. ​Verywell / JR Bee Chronic leakage can also lead to localized skin infections. In severe cases, potentially deadlyurosepsismay develop if a urinary infection spreads into the bloodstream. It’s also important to note the impact of bladder dysfunction on a persons peace of mind and lifestyle....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 205 words · Tonya Morton

An Overview of Breast Cancer in Males

While it is rare, men can develop breast cancer. People assigned male at birth do not usually have benign (noncancerous) breast lumps. It also provides information about coping with the disease. Verywell / Jessica Olah Symptoms Breast cancer typically does not cause signs or symptoms until it reaches a relatively advanced stage. It is important not to ignore these problems. The following are known risk factors for male breast cancer....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 509 words · Joseph Johnson

An Overview of Breast Fat Necrosis

Necrosis Symptoms vs. Breast Cancer Most people don’t experience symptoms of breast fat necrosis. It is important to seek medical care for a diagnosis. Image by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health Causes There are a few causes of fat necrosis. Sometimes, though, fat necrosis develops without any trauma. If the fat has turned into liquid, it can look like a cyst on an ultrasound. With care, the tissue may heal....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 241 words · Jessica Schultz

An Overview of Cachexia

Cachexia is the medical term forunintentional weight loss, progressive muscle wasting, and aloss of appetite. Newer research suggests that exercise, though counterintuitive, may help. This article will go over the causes of cachexia in people with cancer and other conditions. Verywell / JR Bee It also covers how cancer cachexia can affect treatment and how the syndrome can be managed. Cachexia is dominated by catabolic metabolism (which happens when digesting food)....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 595 words · Tracy Robinson

An Overview of Caffeine Sensitivity

With caffeine sensitivity, the adverse symptoms after consuming caffeine includeheadaches, jittery feelings,diarrhea, and insomnia. Caffeine sensitivity is not a caffeine allergy, which would be an immune response to caffeine. This article explains what caffeine sensitivity is and how it differs from an allergy. Verywell / Getty Images More study is needed to fully understand the role of genes. But many other factors can affect your caffeine sensitivity, too. They include:...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 315 words · Sara Blair