ABSTRACT
The care you provide to women of childbearing age who are bleeding gets an assist from an established classification system of 9 causes and a range of therapies.
Subject(s)
Primary Health Care , Uterine Hemorrhage/etiology , Uterine Hemorrhage/therapy , Adult , Female , Humans , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
This review provides practical tips--and dispels some common misconceptions--about these devices, which have higher rates of patient satisfaction and lower rates of failure than any other reversible contraceptives..
Subject(s)
Contraceptive Agents, Female , Contraceptive Devices, Female , Adolescent , Adult , Drug Implants , Female , Humans , Intrauterine Devices , Postnatal Care , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Irritable bowel syndrome affects 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population to some degree. This condition is defined as abdominal pain and discomfort with altered bowel habits in the absence of any other mechanical, inflammatory, or biochemical explanation for these symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome is more likely to affect women than men and is most common in patients 30 to 50 years of age. Symptoms are improved equally by diets supplemented with fiber or hydrolyzed guar gum, but more patients prefer hydrolyzed guar gum. Antispasmodic agents may be used as needed, but anticholinergic and other side effects limit their use in some patients. Loperamide is an option for treatment of moderately severe diarrhea. Antidepressants have been shown to relieve pain and may be effective in low doses. Trials using alosetron showed a clinically significant, although modest, gain over placebo, but it is indicated only for women with severe diarrhea-predominant symptoms or for those in whom conventional treatment has failed. Tegaserod has an advantage over placebo in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome; it is indicated for up to 12 weeks of treatment in women. However, postmarketing reports of severe diarrhea and ischemic colitis further limit its use. Herbal therapies such as peppermint oil also may be effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Therapies should focus on specific gastrointestinal dysfunctions (e.g., constipation, diarrhea, pain), and medications only should be used when nonprescription remedies do not work or when symptoms are severe.
