Several myths about when a woman can or can't become pregnant persist, particularly among younger people. Myths and truths about becoming pregnant Myth Truth I can't get pregnant the first time I have vaginal intercourse. Getting pregnant has nothing to do with how many times you have sex. If you are near the time of...

Gynecomastia is the overdevelopment of the male breast. A breast has both glandular tissue and fatty tissue. With gynecomastia, the glands in the breast become enlarged. The enlarged glands may feel like a rubbery disk beneath the nipple area. Both...

As a parent, you are the ideal teacher to help your child learn about sex. Talking openly about sexuality helps your child understand their feelings, and it can help them have a positive attitude toward a natural process. It's best to keep your...

Covers hypothyroidism, which happens when the thyroid doesn't make enough thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. Includes causes like thyroiditis. Covers tests for TSH, T4, and T3. Also includes info on treatment with medicine such as levothyroxine.

A luteinizing hormone test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in a sample of blood or urine. LH is produced by the pituitary gland. LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and egg production ( ovulation). LH levels normally change with the phase of the menstrual cycle. This hormone goes up fast just before...

What is Klinefelter syndrome? Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that affects males. Klinefelter syndrome occurs when someone is born with one or more extra X chromosomes. Most males have one Y and one X chromosome. Having extra X chromosomes can cause someone to have a variety of physical traits. Many people...

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...

Describes sickle cell disease. Covers causes and symptoms. Discusses how it is diagnosed. Covers treatment as the disease progresses, including with surgery or medicines like hydroxyurea. Offers home treatment tips.

Warning signs of suicide in children and teens include: Talking about suicide or wanting to die or disappear. Talking, writing, or drawing about death. Giving away belongings. Withdrawing from friends and family. Being angry or hostile. Doing risky...

Covers type 2 diabetes in children. Discusses how obesity or being overweight is causing type 2 diabetes in kids. Includes info on treatment. Discusses monitoring blood sugar levels. Includes info on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

A follicle-stimulating hormone test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a blood sample. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland. FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs by the ovaries. FSH also helps control the production of sperm. The amount of FSH varies throughout the...

Your child may have developmental delays as well as other problems that can make children, teens, and adults who have Down syndrome vulnerable to abuse, injury, and other types of harm. You can help manage and prevent these types of problems by being aware and helping your child learn how to avoid dangerous situations...

An estrogen test measures the level of the most important estrogen hormones in a blood or urine sample. It measures estradiol, estriol, and estrone. Estradiol is the most common type of estrogen measured for nonpregnant women. The amount of estradiol in a woman's blood varies throughout her menstrual cycle. After...

Ages 11 through 14 are often called early adolescence. These years are an exciting time of varied and rapid changes. Your child grows taller and stronger and also starts to feel and think in more mature ways. You may feel amazed as you watch your...

Testosterone is one of the hormones needed for sexual development and is present in everyone. Testosterone is mostly made in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. But small amounts are also made by the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system, and the adrenal gland. Testosterone...

Discusses ulcerative colitis, a common type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum. Covers symptoms and what happens as the disease progresses. Offers home treatment tips. Discusses treatment with medicine and surgery.

What is gender dysphoria? Dysphoria means feeling distressed or uneasy. Gender dysphoria is a feeling of emotional distress because your inner sense of your gender ( gender identity) doesn't match the sex that you were assigned at birth. For transgender and some gender-diverse people, their gender identity doesn't match...

Discusses high blood sugar (also called hyperglycemia) in children with diabetes. Covers symptoms. Offers tips on preventing high blood sugar emergencies.

Discusses endometriosis, a problem where a type of tissue grows outside the uterus. Covers symptoms like pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, infertility, and painful sex. Discusses hysterectomy and laparoscopy.

Discusses autism, an autism spectrum disorder (once known as a pervasive developmental disorder). Looks at signs of autism, including problems talking or repetitive behaviors. Covers behavioral and physical exams used to diagnose autism. Covers treatment options.

Body mass index (BMI), which measures weight in relation to height, is used to identify a possible weight problem for a child. A child with a BMI in the 86th to 94th percentile on a growth chart is usually considered overweight. A child who has a BMI below the 5th percentile may be considered underweight. Children grow...

Discusses Tay-Sachs disease, a genetic disorder in which little or no hex A enzyme is produced by the body. Discusses screening. Covers symptoms to watch for in babies and young children. Covers late-onset Tay-Sachs disease.

Discusses uterine fibroids (also called fibroid tumors, leiomyomas, or myomas), which are lumps that grow on your uterus. Covers treatment with myomectomy, hysterectomy, and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

Children Doctors weigh children at routine checkups. They plot measurements on a growth chart to see how your child compares physically to other children of the same age. Doctors update the chart at each routine exam to document your child's growth pattern. "Overweight" and "obese" are terms sometimes used when...

Until the foreskin can be pulled back, wash only the outside of the penis. Don't try to force the foreskin back. When the foreskin can be pulled back, the area needs to be cleaned every day. Infants and young children A baby's foreskin does not pull back easily for about 6 months. Don't force it. Until you can pull the...