Until very recently, the only real treatment for BPH was an operation. If their symptoms are not too bad, most men just need reassurance that their condition is not dangerous, and advice about simple measures such as being sensible about the amount of fluid they drink, taking enough time to empty the bladder and learning Read more
Knowing about a patient’s symptoms is important, not only in making the correct diagnosis, but also in deciding if and how the condition should be treated. It is a good idea to think about your symptoms carefully before you see the doctor, as this will help you to answer the questions. It is also important Read more
For men with prostate symptoms who are not badly affected, who do not want to consider surgery or are not fit enough for an operation, there is an alternative. BPH can now by treated with drugs. There are two sorts of drug – one makes the prostate smaller and the other relaxes the muscle in Read more
The doctor now knows what symptoms you have, how troublesome they are, what your prostate is like on examination and how fit you are. He or she will usually have a good idea what the problem is, but will want tests carried out to confirm this and to help plan your treatment. Some tests are Read more
Transurethral resection requires only a brief hospital stay, usually 4-5 days. As the TURP procedure does not involve a surgical incision, postoperative pain is considerably less than in a more invasive type of surgery. Bleeding After the operation, a flexible tube called a catheter is put into the bladder to drain the urine; it is Read more
Women are twice as likely as men to surfer from major depression. Between the onset of menstruation and menopause, monthly cycles keep changing the levels of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which can affect how women feel. During the last few decades, there have been rapid social changes in women’s lives as well. Both Read more
Severe, untreated depression can be life-threatening to a child. One in ten children who suffer a major depressive episode before puberty goes on to commit suicide as an adult. Adolescents who have one major depressive episode are three to four times more likely to have another major depressive episode. Adolescents who are depressed are three Read more
Yvonne had never felt very confident. When she was a child, her older brother, Leo, excelled at school and at sports. He was also good-looking and charming, so he had many friends. Both parents, particularly the father, doted on Leo and constantly pointed out his accomplishments to anyone who would listen. Yvonne was quiet and Read more
When Katie was feeling all right, she was fun to be around. About seven days before the onset of her period each month, though, her character changed completely. She became abrasive and cutting, and belittled her husband’s sexual performance and earning capacity. Finally, he said that he couldn’t bear her attacks anymore, and threatened to Read more
‘Post partum’ refers to the first year after childbirth. The levels of the sex hormones fall abruptly at delivery. If you are sensitive to the effects of estrogen and progesterone changes, you may develop mood disorders at this point. Post-Partum ‘Blues’ After your baby is born, you may experience ‘blues’, feeling weepy and sad for Read more
As with depressive illness, we aren’t sure exactly what causes bipolar illness. The causes seem to differ somewhat from those listed for depressive disorders; external upsetting events are not as likely to precipitate an episode. Someone with a bipolar disorder almost always has a close relative who has a variant of the disorder. However, the Read more
No one knows exactly what causes a depressive episode. We do know that genetic makeup and events early in life predispose people to develop depression. We also know that stressful life events can precipitate a depressive episode. Some physical illnesses and medications can increase the chances of developing such an episode. We are rapidly learning Read more
Janice, a forty-four-year-old full-time schoolteacher, visited her doctor’s office complaining of fatigue, difficulty keeping up with the demands of her busy family of three children, lack of interest in sex with her husband, and irritable outbursts that were getting her into trouble at work and at home. ‘Up until six months ago I was feeling Read more
Bob is a retired secondary school mathematics teacher. He and his wife, Betty, who live in East Sussex, have three grown children, but they don’t see them often. Two of their children are working overseas and the third lives in Scotland, and Bob and Betty can’t afford to travel as much as they’d like to. Read more