Health Article description.What is child abuse and neglect? Child abuse means doing something that hurts a child. Neglect means not giving or doing something that a child needs. There are different types of abuse and neglect. Physical abuse. This includes hitting, kicking, shaking, pinching, and burning. It may leave bruises, cuts, or other marks...

Health Article description.Discusses polycystic ovary syndrome, a problem in which female hormones are out of balance. Discusses PCOS early symptoms like heavy bleeding or facial hair. Also covers more serious symptoms like miscarriages or infertility. Includes info on treatment.

Health Article description.Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) tests are used to detect a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). H. pylori can cause peptic ulcers. But most people with H. pylori in their digestive...

Health Article description.Shift work sleep disorder is trouble sleeping because you work nights or rotating shifts. You also may have this problem if you have trouble staying awake or alert when you are supposed to work your shift. You may not be able to sleep during the day,

Health Article description.Discusses stool analysis, a test used to look for bacteria, parasites, or blood in the digestive tract. Covers why and how it is done. Looks at risks. Covers normal and abnormal results.

Health Article description.Thrush is a common infection of the mouth and tongue caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Thrush appears as white patches that look like cottage cheese or milk curds. When the patches are wiped away, the surface looks red and raw and may bleed.

Health Article description.Discusses blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test. Covers why and how it is done. Includes how to prepare for the test. Covers risks. Explains results of the test. Covers what affects results.

Health Article description.Tests for erection problems can help you find out why you can't have or maintain an erection. This problem is called erectile dysfunction, or impotence. It's a common problem. Most erection problems are caused by a mix of blood vessel, nerve, or...

Health Article description.A folate test measures the amount of folate in the blood. Folate is one of many B vitamins. The body needs folate for normal growth and to make red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. Folate also is important for the normal development of a baby (fetus). Folate can be measured in the liquid...

Health Article description.A vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs.

Health Article description.A sweat test, also called a sweat chloride test, measures the amount of chloride in sweat. It is done to help diagnose cystic fibrosis. Normally, sweat on the skin surface contains very little chloride. People with cystic fibrosis have a high level...

Health Article description.Covers basic information about a pill (medication) abortion.

Health Article description.Discusses cause and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Covers diagnosis, including discovery during pelvic exam or ultrasound. Looks at treatment with chemotherapy or surgery, or both. Discusses chances of getting ovarian cancer.

Health Article description.What is a fungal nail infection? A fungal nail infection is an infection that occurs when a fungus gets into your fingernail, toenail, or nail bed. Fungi can infect your nails through small cuts in the skin around the nail or through the opening between the nail and nail bed. If you're healthy, the infection probably...

Health Article description.Discusses procedure (also called EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy) used to check the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine for problems. Covers why it is done, how it is done, and how it feels. Discusses what results could mean. Looks at risks.

Health Article description.A rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test measures the amount of the RF antibody present in the blood. Normally, antibodies are produced by the immune system to help destroy and get rid of invading bacteria and viruses that can cause disease. But the RF...

Health Article description.An iron test checks the amount of iron in the blood. Iron (Fe) is a mineral needed for hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron is also needed for energy, good muscle, and organ function. About 70% of the body's iron is bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells. The rest is bound to other...

Health Article description.Discusses the decision about when to start dialysis. Includes what kidney failure is, the treatment for it, and reasons why you might or might not want to start dialysis. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Health Article description.A phosphate test measures the amount of phosphate in a blood sample. Phosphate is a charged particle (ion) that contains the mineral phosphorus. The body needs phosphorus to build and repair bones and teeth, help nerves function, and make muscles contract. Most (about 85%) of the phosphorus contained in phosphate is...

Health Article description.Anoscopy, proctoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy tests allow your doctor to look at the inner lining of your anus, your rectum, and the lower part of the large intestine (colon). These tests are used to look for abnormal growths (such as tumors or polyps), inflammation, bleeding, hemorrhoids, and other conditions (such as...

Health Article description.A prolactin test measures the level of the hormone prolactin, which is made by the pituitary gland, in your blood. Pregnant women have high levels of prolactin, which helps make breast milk. During pregnancy, prolactin levels increase by 10 to 20...

Health Article description.Guides you through choosing a test to check for colorectal cancer. Looks at symptoms of colorectal cancer. Covers stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Health Article description.Marijuana, also called cannabis, is a drug that's made of the leaves, flowers, and buds of the cannabis plant. Medical marijuana can help treat symptoms like pain, nausea, and lack of appetite. It may be used by people who have health problems like cancer, AIDS, or multiple sclerosis. Is medical marijuana helpful and...

Health Article description.Explains liver biopsy, also called percutaneous liver biopsy, a test used to look for liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, and cancer. Covers how to prepare and what to expect. Includes what results mean. Also lists risks.

Health Article description.An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of the enzyme ALP in the blood. ALP is made mostly in the liver and in bone with some made in the intestines and kidneys. It also is made by the placenta during pregnancy. The liver makes more ALP than the other organs or the bones. Some conditions cause large...