HealthyLife Articles

Tag: pain

Headaches

Brain & Nervous System

Persons who suffer from headaches should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common causes of headaches are tension, sinus problems, tobacco smoke, low blood sugar, and things in your diet like red wine, aged cheese, and MSG.

Keep a diary of when headaches occur, how long they last, and where and how severe the pain is. Keep track of other symptoms, such as nausea, too. Show this diary to your doctor to help them identify which type of headache you have and the most beneficial treatments.

The most common treatments for headaches are rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. It is best to treat headaches when they begin or when they are still mild. Prescription medication may also be prescribed by your doctor.

In addition to medicine, self-care practices can also help manage your symptoms and prevent headaches. Examples include putting a heat or ice pack on your head or neck, getting enough quality sleep, and drinking plenty of water.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Shin Splints Can Sidetrack Your Running Routine

BE FIT

If shin splints are keeping you from making the most of your runs this spring, you’re not alone. Shin splints-pain in the front of the lower legs-is common among those who exercise regularly. This ailment especially affects runners.

According to Dr. Matthew Silvis, associate professor of family medicine and orthopedics at Penn State Hershey, shin splints are among the most common complaints in spring for people back on the road or trail after a long winter.

The term shin splints generally refers to pain and soreness along the shinbone, or tibia, the largest bone of the lower leg. The pain comes from overuse of the muscles and tendons around the bone. Added or unusual stress on and around the shinbone causes it to become inflamed and sore.

If you’re already dealing with shin splints, icing the area can help. So can taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine if needed for pain. Wait to return to your activity until you’re pain-free for 2 weeks.

The fix

Give the body time to adjust when changing an exercise routine. Doing too much too soon can bring on shin splints. If untreated, a more serious injury-stress fracture-can result. Stress fractures-tiny cracks in the bone-usually come from overuse. To avoid this:

* Gradually increase the amount or intensity of a workout to avoid too much stress on the legs.

* Follow a regular, gentle stretching routine that includes the calves. Keeping the muscles around the shinbone flexible can help prevent shin splints.

* Wear well-fitting, supportive athletic shoes. And replace them every 300 to 500 miles.

* Balance running workouts with other training that isn’t as stressful on the legs. Examples are cycling, cross-training, and swimming.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Headaches 2

General Health Conditions

Causes

* Anxiety, stress, caffeine withdrawal, or depression

* Lack of sleep. Poor sleep position.

* A sensitivity to certain foods and drinks.

* Reading a lot, especially in dim light

* Missing or delaying a meal

* Doing boring work

* Being in one position for a long time, like at a computer

* Hormone changes that come with menstruation, while taking birth control pills, etc.

* Exposure to chemicals and/or pollution

* Side effects from some medications

* Dirty or polluted air

* Airplane travel

* Alcohol

* Poison

* Poor posture

* Cigarette smoke

* Too much physical activity

* Bright lights. This includes watching TV.

* Movement, such as riding in a car or elevator

* Loud noises

* Strong odors

* Eating or drinking something very cold, such as ice cream

Types

You can have cancer for years without having symptoms. There is usually no pain at the onset of cancer. As different types of cancers grow, warning signs may occur. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

For Tension or Muscular Headaches

About 90 percent of all headaches are tension or muscular headaches. These headaches respond well to self-care, without causing ongoing problems. Symptoms include:

* You have a dull ache in your forehead, above your ears, or at the back of your head.

* You feel pain in your neck or shoulders.

Tense or tight muscles in the face, neck, or scalp result in these headaches. Common causes are:

* An illness

* Fever

* Tiredness

* Stress

* Worry

* Concentrating hard for long periods of time

For Sinus Headaches

Symptoms

* The pain is in your forehead, cheekbones, and nose.

* The pain is worse in the morning.

* It hurts more if you bend over or touch your face.

* Your nose is stuffy.

Sinuses are behind your cheeks, around your eyes, and in your nose. You may get a sinus headache from:

* A cold or upper respiratory infection

* Allergies, like hay fever

* Other breathing problems

* Swimming in dirty or polluted water

* Airplane travel

These things interfere with fluid drainage in the nose, causing a buildup of pressure. Pain results.

For Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches usually start at night, can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours, and can interrupt sleep. They can also start during the hours a person is awake. These headaches come once or twice a year, usually in older men, and tend to run in families.

Cluster headaches are much less common than migraines. Spring and autumn are the most common times of the year for them. Symptoms include:

* The pain is on one side of your head.

* The pain is in or on the sides of your eyes.

* Your eyes are watery.

* The pain is sharp, burning, and intense.

* Your pupils look smaller.

* One or both of your eyelids droop.

* You get headaches in groups (clusters), everyday for a week or longer.

For Children’s Headaches

Children’s headaches that come once in a while can be treated with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Make sure you use the right type and dose for your child’s weight. Don’t give aspirin to anyone younger than 19 years of age due to its link to Reye’s Syndrome. Reye’s Syndrome is a rare disease that can cause death. It usually occurs 7 to 10 days after the onset of the flu or chicken pox. If the child complains of head pain on a regular basis, take the child to his or her doctor. Symptoms:

* The headaches tend to be shorter than ones in adults.

* Sometimes, an upset stomach and vomiting are also present.

* Headaches come in groups, then are gone for months.

For Migraine Headaches

Migraines happen when blood vessels in your head open too wide or close too tight. At least one in eight adults suffer from migraines. Women have migraines more often than men. Migraines tend to run in families, too. Symptoms include:

* One side of your head hurts more than the other.

* You feel sick to your stomach or throw up.

* You may see spots or zigzag flashes of light.

* Light hurts your eyes.

* Noise bothers you.

* Your ears ring.

* Your face is pale.

* After the headache, some people have a drained feeling with tired, aching muscles. Others feel great after the headache goes away.

Types of Migraine Headaches

* Migraines with an aura. An aura is when a person sees spots or flashing lights for 10 to 15 minutes or his or her face becomes numb. (Ten percent of migraines are this type.)

* Migraines without an aura. They start more slowly and tend to last longer than migraines with an aura. They don’t begin with changes in a person’s vision or numbness. (Ninety percent of migraines are this type.)

Prevention

Keep a headache diary. Write down when, where, and why the headaches seem to start. Try to avoid things that trigger headaches.

Be aware of early symptoms. Try to stop the headache as it begins.

* Exercise on a regular basis.

* Keep regular sleep hours, even on weekends.

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

* Cut down on salt.

* Avoid excess alcohol. Alcohol can lead to a “hangover” headache.

* Don’t have foods and drinks known to trigger headaches in sensitive people.

Foods and Drinks That May Cause Headaches

* Alcohol, especially red wine

* Bananas (if more than 1/2 banana daily)

* Beans: Broad, lima, fava, snow peas

* Brewer’s yeast

* Caffeine (from coffee, tea, cola soft drinks, some medications, chocolate) or caffeine withdrawal

* Chicken livers, paté

* Citrus fruits (if more than 1/2 cup daily)

* Cured meats (hot dogs, luncheon meats, etc.)

* Figs, raisins, papayas, avocados, red plums (no more than 1/2 cup daily)

* Foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate), such as soy sauce, meat tenderizers, seasoned salt

* Hard cheeses (aged cheddar, provolone, etc.)

* Herring, pickled or dried

* Nuts and peanut butter

* Onions

* Pickled, preserved, or marinated foods

* Sauerkraut

* Sour cream

* Sourdough bread

* Vinegar

Treatment

Usually, headaches are not linked to serious health problems. Self-care treats most headaches.

Self-Care

* Rest in a quiet, dark room with your eyes closed.

* Rub the base of your skull with your thumbs. Work from the ears toward the center of the back of your head. Also, rub gently along the sides of your eyes, your shoulders, neck, and jaw.

* Take a warm bath or shower.

* Place a cold or warm washcloth, whichever feels better, over the area that aches.

* Take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine (that your provider recommends) for pain. Take it right away.

* Relax. Imagine a calm scene. Meditate or breathe deeply.

Medication

* Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. Examples are aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and ketoprofen. Most tension and muscular headaches go away with OTC medications. Some OTC medicines (e.g., Excedrin Migraine® and Motrin Migraine Pain®) are FDA approved for migraine headaches.

* Prescribed medicines. Examples are:

– Triptan drugs, such as sumatriptan

– Ergotamines, with or without caffeine

– Antihistamines

– Beta-blockers

– Calcium channel blockers

– Tricyclic antidepressants

Take medicines as prescribed.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a process of learning how to control internal functions to relieve pain. Biofeedback training has helped many people who have suffered from headaches.

These things occur with biofeedback:

* A biofeedback therapist explains how the muscles react to stress and cause tension headaches.

* Most of the time, you sit in a comfortable chair in a dimly lit room.

* A headband, connected to a machine, is fastened across your forehead. The machine emits a steady sound that changes if muscles in the head or neck are tensed.

* A small thermometer is attached to one of your fingers. Another machine keeps track of your temperature.

* You learn how to use these biofeedback machines.

* You learn to control the automatic response of your muscles and blood vessels that cause headaches.

* Then you learn to do the same thing without the machines to control headaches on your own.

Medical Care

Reasons to Get Medical Care Fast

* A headache due to a serious head injury or a blow to the head causes severe pain, enlarged pupils, vomiting, confusion, or feeling sleepy.

* Severe pain occurs in and around one eye.

* A severe, persistent headache occurs with a stiff neck or a red or purple rash that doesn’t fade when pressure is applied to the skin.

* The headache came on suddenly and hurts much more than any headache you have ever had.

Call 9-1-1 if signs of a stoke occur:

* A sudden and severe headache with no known cause

* Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Reasons to Call Doctor or Health Care Provider

* The headache has lasted more than 2 to 3 days and keeps getting worse.

* Migraine headaches (intense, throbbing, one-sided, often with nausea or vomiting) occur often. Flashing lights or spots may precede the pain.

* A headache persists or recurs and is present with nausea or vomiting.

* A headache started after taking a new medicine (prescribed or over-the-counter).

Work with Your Health Care Provider

For headaches that do not need medical care fast, contact your primary care provider first. Most likely, he or she will be able to figure out the type of headache you have. If not, he or she can refer you to a specialist. Tips on working with your doctor or health care provider:

* Make notes before your office visit.

* List every symptom, even if it seems minor.

* Be honest with your health care provider. The facts you give could be important in finding out why you have headaches.

* Follow your doctor’s advice. Let him or her know if the prescribed treatment helps. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects from treatment.

* Answer these questions before your office visit:

– When did your headaches begin (days, weeks, months, years ago)?

– How long does your headache last (minutes, hours, days)?

– How often do you have these headaches (once a day, once a week, etc.)?

– Where does it hurt (both sides, one side, etc.)?

– How does the pain feel (dull, sharp, throbbing, nonstop)? How does the pain usually start (dull or sharp)?

– Is there a pattern to your headaches? Are they gone for months at a time then come back several times a day? Are they worse lately?

– Are your headaches different from each other? (You may have more than one kind.)

– When does the pain usually start (at night, in the morning)?

– Are there any symptoms just before the headache begins (stuffy nose, pain elsewhere, flashing lights)?

– Do any other symptoms occur with the headache (upset stomach, pain elsewhere)?

– What helps the headache go away (rest, medicine, hot or cold treatment, massage)?

– Does anything make the pain worse (moving the head, standing or lying)?

– Does an activity or situation bring on headaches (after exercise or eating a certain food)?

– Are you taking any other medicines or drugs?

– Is another health care provider treating you for anything else?

Resources

National Headache Foundation

800.843.2256

www.headaches.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Headaches 3

Women’s Health

Headaches are a common health complaint in women.

Signs, Symptoms & Causes

For Tension or Muscular Headaches

* A dull ache in your forehead, above your ears, or at the back of your head.

* Pain in your neck or shoulders.

Common causes are tense or tight muscles in the face, neck, or scalp, concentrating hard for long periods of time, stress, and lack of sleep.

For Sinus Headaches

* Pain in your forehead, cheekbones, and nose. The pain is worse in the morning.

* Increased pain when you bend over or touch your face.

* Stuffy nose.

A sinus headache occurs when fluids in the nose aren’t able to drain well and a buildup of pressure occurs in the sinuses. A cold, allergies, dirty or polluted water, and airplane travel can cause a sinus headache.

For Migraine Headaches

* One side of your head hurts more than the other.

* You feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

* Light hurts your eyes. Noise bothers you. The headache is worse with activity.

* After the headache, some people have a drained feeling with tired, aching muscles; others feel great.

Migraines can occur with or without an aura. With an aura, spots or flashing lights or numbness occur 10 to 30 minutes before the headache. Ten percent of all migraines are this type; 90% occur without an aura.

Migraine headaches happen when blood vessels in your head open too wide or close too tight. They tend to run in families and affect nearly 30% of women at some time during their lives. They occur more often in women than in men.

Migraines occur less often during pregnancy (especially the second half) and often disappear during menopause. Some women, though, may get migraines for the first time during menopause.

Certain things trigger migraine headaches:

* Changing hormone levels. Menstruation.

* Use of birth control pills or the patch.

* Change in sleeping patterns.

* Stress.

* Aged cheeses. Cured meats. Red wines.

Other Causes of Headaches

* Analgesic rebound from regular or repeated use of over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers.

* Eating or drinking something very cold, such as ice cream. {Note: To prevent ice cream headaches, warm the ice cream for a few seconds in the front of your mouth.}

* Caffeine withdrawal.

* Low blood sugar, hunger, or sensitivity to certain foods and drinks.

* A symptom of a health problem. Examples are allergies, depression, high blood pressure, dental problems, and a pinched nerve in the neck.

* Cigarette smoke, pollution, etc.

* Uncorrected vision problems.

Treatment

Self-care can treat headaches caused by tension, fatigue, and/or stress. Certain over-the-counter medicines and prescribed medicines can treat sinus headaches and migraine headaches.

Biofeedback has helped many people who have suffered from headaches.

Headaches that are symptoms of health problems are relieved when the condition is treated with success.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit!

* Try to stop the headache when it starts.

* Take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for pain as directed on the label.

* Rest in a quiet, dark room with your eyes closed.

* Massage the back of your neck with your thumbs. Work from the ears toward the center of the back of your head. Also, rub gently along the sides of your eyes. Gently rub your shoulders, neck, and jaw. Get a massage.

* Place a cold or warm washcloth or hot or cold pack, whichever feels better, over the area that aches.

* Take a warm bath or shower.

* Relax. Picture a calm scene in your head. Meditate or breathe deeply.

* Keep a diary of when, where, and why headaches occur.

* Get enough rest.

* Eat 5 to 6 small meals instead of 3 large meals. To ward off low blood sugar, don’t skip meals. Avoid sweets.

* Keep regular sleeping times as much as you can.

* When lying down, use a pillow that supports the neck. Sleep on your back.

* Avoid scents, foods, and beverages that trigger headaches.

* To help prevent headaches and nausea caused by a hangover, try an OTC product, such as Chaser-Freedom From Hangovers.

* For a hangover: After drinking alcohol, take an OTC pain reliever. Eat solid foods. Rest or sleep. Have 2 or more glasses of water before you go to sleep. Drink 2 or more glasses of water when you wake up.

Foods and Drinks that May Cause Headaches

* Alcoholic beverage, especially red wine

* Aspartame (the artificial sweetener in NutraSweet®)

* Bananas (if more than 1/2 banana a day)

* Caffeine from coffee, tea, cola soft drinks, chocolate, or some medications

* Lack of caffeine if abruptly stopped, such as stopping coffee intake

* Citrus fruits (if more than 1/2 cup a day)

* Cured meats, such as frankfurters

* Food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG)

* Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar or provolone

* Nuts and peanut butter

* Onions

* Sour cream

* Soy sauce

* Vinegar

Resources

National Headache Foundation

888.NHF.5552 (643.5552)

www.headaches.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ingrown Toenails

Skin Conditions

An ingrown toenail digs into the skin next to the side of the nail. The most common site is the big toe. Other toes and even fingernails can be affected.

Signs & Symptoms

* Redness.

* Tenderness.

* Discomfort or pain.

Causes

* Jamming your toes.

* Wearing shoes or socks that fit too tight.

* Clipping toenails too short. The corners can penetrate the skin as the nail grows out.

* Having wider-than-average toenails.

Treatment

Self-care usually treats ingrown toenails. If this fails to work, a doctor or podiatrist may have to remove a portion of the nail.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Cut nails straight across. Don’t cut the nails shorter at the sides than in the middle. {Note: If you have diabetes or circulation problems, follow your doctor’s advice about clipping your toenails.}

* File the nails if they’re sharp after clipping them.

* Wear shoes and socks that fit well.

To Treat an Ingrown Toenail

* Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes, 1 to 3 times a day.

* Gently lift the nail away from the reddened skin at the outer corners with the tip of a nail file.

* Soak a small piece of cotton in an antiseptic, such as Betadine. Place it just under the outer corners of the toenails, if you can.

* Repeat the previous 3 steps, daily, until the nail begins to grow correctly and pressure is relieved. Wear roomy shoes during this time.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eye Irritations & Injuries

Eye Conditions

As you age, your eyes can get irritated more easily because they make less tears. Poorer vision increases the risk for eye injuries.

Signs & Symptoms

You feel burning, dryness, itching, and/or pain and swelling in one or both eyes.

Causes

For Eye Irritation:

Causes include particles in the eye; too much sun exposure, low humidity; strong wind; and scratches from contact lenses. Other causes are allergies, infections, and conditions that make your eyes dry.

For Eye Injuries:

Causes include a physical blow to the eye; harsh chemicals; and a foreign body that is stuck in the eye.

Mild eye irritations and injuries can be treated with self-care. More serious problems need medical care.

Treatment

* Wear safety glasses for activities that expose your eyes to sawdust, etc.

* When using harsh chemicals, wear rubber gloves and protective glasses. Don’t rub your eyes if you’ve touched harsh chemicals. Turn your head away from chemical vapors.

* To help prevent dry eyes, use a humidifier and limit exposure to smoke, dust, and wind. Avoid alcohol.

* Use artificial tear drops with your doctor’s okay.

* Don’t stare directly at the sun, especially during a solar eclipse.

* Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.

* Don’t use eye makeup when an allergy or chemical irritant bothers your eye(s).

Self-Care / Prevention

To Ease the Discomfort of Dry Eyes:

With your doctor’s okay, use over-the-counter artificial tear drops, such as Ocu-Lube. Read the label. Refrigerate the solution, if needed. Wash your hands before using.

To Treat an Insect Bite Without a Severe Allergic Reaction:

* Wash the eye(s) with warm water.

* Take an antihistamine if okay with your doctor.

To Remove a Foreign Particle On the White of the Eye or Inside the Eyelids:

* Do not remove an object imbedded in the eye, a metal chip, or a foreign body over the colored part of the eye. (See “First Aid for Foreign Body Sticking Into the Eye” on this page.)

* Wash your hands.

* If the foreign object is under the upper lid, have the person look down and pull the upper lid away from the eyeball by gently grabbing the eyelashes. Press a cotton-tipped swab down on the skin surface of the upper eyelid and pull it up and toward the brow. The upper lid will invert. Touch and remove the debris with the tip of the tissue.

* Twist a piece of tissue, moisten the tip with tap water (not saliva) and gently try to touch the speck with the tip. Carefully pass the tissue over the speck, which should cling to the tip.

* Do not rub the eye or use tweezers or anything sharp to remove a foreign object.

* Gently wash the eye with cool water.

To Treat a Bruise from a Minor Injury that Surrounds the Eye but Does Not Damage the Eye Itself:

* Put a cold compress over the injured area right away. Keep doing this for 15 minutes, every hour, for 48 hours.

* Take an over-the-counter medicine

* After 48 hours, put a warm compress over the injured area.

* Seek medical attention if these measures do not help.

First Aid for Foreign Body Sticking Into the Eye Before Immediate Care:

* Do not remove the object.

* Don’t press on, touch, or rub the eye.

* Cover the injured eye with a paper cup or other clean object that will not touch the eye or the foreign object. Hold the paper cup in place with tape without putting pressure on the eye or the foreign object.

* Gently cover the uninjured eye with a clean bandage and tape, too, to keep the injured eye still.

First Aid for Harmful Chemicals in the Eye(s) Before Immediate Care:

* Flush the eye(s) with water immediately!

* Hold the injured eye open with your thumb and forefinger.

* At the faucet or with a pitcher or other clean container, flush the eye with a lot of water. Start at the inside corner and pour downward to the outside corner. This lets the water drain away from the body and keeps it from getting in the other eye.

* Keep pouring the water for 10 to 30 or more minutes. Flush the eye with water until you get medical help.

* If both eyes are injured, pour water over both eyes at the same time or quickly alternate the above procedure from one eye to another. Or, place the victim’s face in a sink or container filled with water. Tell the victim to move his or her eyelids up and down and remove the face from the water at intervals in order to breathe. Use this method on yourself if you are the victim and are alone.

* Loosely bandage the eye with sterile cloth and tape. Don’t touch the eye.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

You have any of these problems:

* Eye pain with eye irritation

* An eye that is red and/or swollen

* Yellow-green pus is under the eyelid or drains from the eye.

Get Immediate Care When:

* Harmful chemicals have gotten into the eye(s). {Note: Before you get immediate care, give “First Aid for Harmful Chemicals in the Eye(s) Before Immediate Care” on this page.}

* A foreign body sticks into the eye. {Note: See “First Aid for Foreign Body Sticking Into the Eye Before Immediate Care” on this page.}

* A cut to the eye or eyelid occurs.

* Any of these problems occurs with a blow to the eye or other eye injury:

– Loss of vision

– Blurred or double vision

– Blood in the pupil

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ovarian Cysts & Cancer

Women’s Health

The ovaries are two almond-sized organs. One is found on each side of the uterus. Growths called cysts or tumors can form in, on, or near the ovaries.

Cysts are sacs filled with fluid or semisolid matter. Ovarian cysts are common in women before menopause. Rarely are these cysts cancer.

Tumors are solid masses. Most often, tumors in the ovary are benign. Malignant tumors are ovarian cancer. This type of cancer occurs most often between the ages of 50 and 75. It can occur at other ages, too.

Signs & Symptoms

For Ovarian Cysts

When symptoms occur, they include:

* A feeling of fullness or swelling of the abdomen.

* Weight gain.

* A dull, constant ache on either or both sides of the pelvis.

* Pain during sex.

* Delayed, irregular, or painful periods.

* Growth of facial hair.

* A cyst that bleeds, breaks, or twists can cause sharp, severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.

For Ovarian Cancer

In many cases, the cancer has spread by the time it is found. When symptoms appear, they are vague problems and are often ignored. These symptoms, even in early-stage ovarian cancer, last almost daily for more than a few weeks:

* Bloating.

* Pain in the abdomen or pelvis.

* Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.

* Urgent need to pass urine or passing urine often.

Other symptoms can include:

* Back pain. Pain with intercourse.

* Constipation. Indigestion.

* Fatigue.

* Menstrual irregularities.

Causes & Risk Factors

For Ovarian Cysts

* Some cysts are due to normal changes in the ovaries.

* Some cysts result from cell growth. Most of these are benign, but need medical treatment. Examples are:

– Dermoid cysts. These are growths filled with many types of tissue. Examples are fatty material, hair, teeth, bits of bone, and cartilage.

– Polycystic ovaries. These are caused by a buildup of multiple small cysts from hormone problems. Irregular periods, body hair growth, and infertility can result.

{Note: Taking hormones does not cause ovarian cysts.}

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cysts

* Being between the ages of 20 and 35.

* Endometriosis. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The eating disorder bulimia.

* Obesity.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

* Not having children. Having children at an older age.

* Not ever taking birth control pills.

* Menopause after age 55.

* Family history of ovarian, colon, breast, prostate, or lung cancer.

* Personal history of breast, uterine, colon, or rectal cancer.

* Being Caucasian.

* Increasing age.

Treatment

Growths on ovaries are diagnosed with a pelvic exam and medical tests. Ways to detect growths include yearly pelvic and rectal exams and an ultrasound. No completely reliable test exists for ovarian cancer. A CA-125 blood test can detect the progression of ovarian cancer. It is not a reliable screening test.

For Ovarian Cysts

Treatment depends on the size and type of cyst(s); how severe symptoms are; the woman’s health status; and her desire to have children.

Some cysts resolve without any treatment in 1 to 2 months. For others, hormones in birth control pills may suppress the cyst. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to remove it. The ovary and fallopian tube may need to be removed, too.

For Ovarian Cancer

The sooner the cancer is found and treated, the better the chance for recovery. Treatment includes:

* Surgery. The ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes are removed. If the cancer has spread, the surgeon removes as much of the cancer as possible.

* Chemotherapy.

* Radiation therapy.

* Clinical trials.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Ovarian Cysts

* Limit caffeine.

* Have regular pelvic exams, as advised by your doctor.

* Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain as directed.

For Ovarian Cancer

* Medical care, not self-care, is needed. Follow your doctor’s advice.

* Ask your doctor for advice if you have a family history of ovarian cancer.

Resources

National Women’s Health Information Center

www.womenshealth.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sexual Concerns

Sexual Health

Signs & Symptoms

A lot of people have concerns about their sex life. Common concerns and problems that affect one or both sex partners include:

* Little or no desire for sexual relations

* Different levels of desire for sex between partners

* Disgust or distress with having sex or even thinking about it

* Failure to become aroused before sex and/or the inability to stay aroused until the sex act is completed

* Impotence in males. This means not being able to sustain an adequate erection.

* Premature ejaculation in males. Ejaculation comes too quickly and both partners are not satisfied.

* Delay in or absence of orgasm in either the female or male

* Pain during intercourse

* Painful, sustained erection

Psychological factors.

* Sexual trauma from things, such as rape, incest, past sexual embarrassments or failures

* Worry or anxiety about sexual performance

* Guilt or inner conflicts about sex, such as when a person’s sexual needs, wishes or thoughts go against family, religious or cultural teachings

* Depression

* Relationship problems and/or lack of communication of wants and needs between sex partners

Physical conditions that affect a person’s sexual response. Examples include disorders that involve:

* The heart and blood vessels. Less blood can flow to the genitals. Even the arteries and veins in the penis can be involved.

* The nervous system, with a condition like multiple sclerosis

* The body’s glands, such as with diabetes and/or any that alter the making or release of sex hormones

* The use of any substance that alters the sexual response. These include some medications including some anti-depressants, drugs, alcohol and/or smoking. For example, some anti-depressants may lead to impotence or failure to achieve orgasm.

* Surgery. For example, prostate surgery can result in impotence.

* Injuries, such as ones that cause damage to nerves used in the sexual response or that result in scar tissue that interferes with sensations felt during sex.

Treatment

A medical evaluation is the first step. It can determine if physical conditions, medications, etc. are the cause of the problem(s). A physical exam and certain tests can be done. These include:

* Hormonal studies

* Ones that check for neurological problems

* Ones that measure the flow of blood and the conditions of the veins and arteries in the penis

* Blood and urine tests to detect diabetes, urinary tract infections, etc.

* X-rays and/or ultrasound, if needed, which can help detect endometriosis, vaginal scar tissue, ovarian tumors, etc. in women

When a physical condition is found that causes the sexual concern or problem, treating it can get rid of or help with the problem. For example, several treatments exist for impotence. These include:

* Oral medications, such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis

* Special vacuum devices

* Self-injections of a prescription medicine and penile implant surgery for men

If no physical condition is found to be at fault, measures to deal with psychological causes can help. These include therapies of many kinds:

* Individual counseling

* Counseling with both partners

* Sex therapy

Questions to Ask: MEN ONLY

Questions to Ask: WOMEN ONLY

Questions to Ask: MEN & WOMEN

Self-Help

* Follow your doctor’s advice for a chronic illness, if you have one, to help prevent possible problems with sexual satisfaction.

* Practice safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

* Limit alcohol and other drugs. A little alcohol can act as an aphrodisiac. Too much, however, can lead to unsafe sex, an inability to become aroused, violent behavior, etc.

The following things can help enhance the desire for sex. This is especially important for couples who both work outside the home and also have children. By the time they get into bed each night, sex seems like too much bother.

* Make a point to spend at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time with your partner each day. If you can’t meet face to face, call each other on the telephone.

* Remember to express your affection for each other every day.

* Plan to spend part of a day alone together at least once a week. Make a date to take a walk in the park, go out for dinner or share other activities you both enjoy.

* Schedule a weekend away together every two months or so.

* Go to bed together at the same time. Tell yourself that what you haven’t accomplished by 11:00 p.m. can wait until the next day.

* Relax by giving each other a massage or taking a shower together.

* Keep the television out of the bedroom. Watching TV can be sexual suicide.

Don’t worry if your sexual encounters occasionally fail. Fatigue and stress are known to cause temporary impotence, a decrease in vaginal lubrication or the inability to have an orgasm. Don’t let yourselves become preoccupied with performance; just take pleasure in being together. Enjoy hugging, kissing and caressing.

For Premature Ejaculation

* The squeeze technique. If a man feels he’s about to ejaculate prematurely, he firmly pinches the penis directly below the head using the thumb and first two fingers of one hand and squeezes for 3 to 4 seconds.

* The start/stop method. The couple should abstain from intercourse for two weeks, but focus on touching. The man concentrates on the sensations in his penis as his partner touches his genitals and brings him to an erection. The man asks his partner to stop just before ejaculation. After a few minutes, his partner continues to arouse him, then stops again. This sequence is repeated two more times with ejaculation occurring the fourth time. Then each time the couple has sex, foreplay is prolonged.

For Lack of Sexual Response in Women

Couples can practice certain techniques to address sexual unresponsiveness in a woman. A few simple methods follow:

* For the first week, limit lovemaking to cuddling, kissing and nuzzling. Don’t touch the genitals or breasts.

* During the second week, the partner should gently touch the female’s vaginal area during lovemaking, but stop before she reaches orgasm to increase vaginal lubrication.

* During the third week, repeat the first two phases, then proceed with intercourse. If the vagina isn’t adequately lubricated, apply a water-soluble lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly to the penis to facilitate penetration. (Penetration may also be easier if the woman is on top.)

If a tight vaginal opening still makes penetration painful or impossible, the following exercise may help:

* The woman should gently place the tip of her partner’s little finger against her vagina and gently push his finger into her vagina. If this feels uncomfortable, she should stop and wait a few minutes.

* The couple should continue this exercise until the partner can insert two fingers in their partner’s vagina without causing pain or discomfort. (It may take several attempts over a period of weeks for this technique to work.)

(Note: The above techniques do not guarantee success. If they do not help improve your sexual concerns, consider professional help from a sex therapist.)

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026