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Contraception and birth control Archive

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Taking charge of prostate cancer

Men with low-risk prostate cancer continue to choose active surveillance as their course of action, meaning they monitor their cancer and don’t seek treatment unless it becomes worse. While this wait-and-see approach may appear passive in nature, it’s an opportunity for men to take charge of their health and make lifestyle changes that could improve their cancer outcome and offer protection against other health risks, like heart disease.

What should pregnant women know about flu shots?

Pregnancy can change the balance of risks and benefits around flu vaccination. Key safety considerations may help guide a discussion with your obstetrician.

Do I need prolapse surgery?

For women with pelvic organ prolapse, surgery is typically considered when symptoms interfere with daily life and when conservative measures to relieve the symptoms have failed or are unappealing.

Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause: When menopause makes you ache all over

Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause is a newly recognized condition that links falling estrogen levels to widespread joint and muscle pain, stiffness, fatigue, and other symptoms. Estrogen loss at midlife can also reduce muscle mass and bone density.

Could my blood pressure medication be causing my hot flashes to return?

After starting treatment for high blood pressure, your hot flashes are back. Explore how medications and other conditions might be involved.

What should you do if you discover a lump in your breast?

A new breast lump can be alarming, but not all require immediate surgery. A doctor will determine the appropriate next steps, which may include medical tests.

Late-start hormone therapy: Safe or risky?

Guidelines recommend that women starting hormone therapy do so before age 60 and within 10 years of menopause onset. Starting later may raise the risks of heart attack, stroke, or dementia. Women who start hormone therapy at 70 or older face even greater cardiovascular risks.

Staying active throughout middle age may lower women's risk of dying early

A 2026 study suggested that women who consistently stay active throughout middle age have a significantly lower risk of dying early than peers who are inactive.

What could cause a painful breast lump in a man?

A new, tender lump in a man’s breast doesn't necessarily mean cancer. But it should not be ignored. Gynecomastia is one possible cause, but there are others.

Do all erectile dysfunction drugs have the same side effects?

Erectile dysfunction medicines act similarly but can vary in side effects, duration of action and food interactions.

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