American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Benign Breast Conditions
A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac inside the breast. Breast cysts are common in women. They might cause a… What is a breast cyst? A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac (like a tiny balloon) inside the breast. Breast cysts are common in women. They might cause a…
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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be caused by problems with the inner ear related to ear infections, family history, or… What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)? Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a problem with the inner ear. It causes you to feel dizzy for a…
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. This condition is associated with aging and mimics… What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)? Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. The condition affects the prostate gland…
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Beta-Blockers for Heart Problems
Take your beta blockers to stay heart healthy… A beta blocker is a prescription medicine used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure. This kind of medicine blocks the harmful effects of your body’s stress hormones on your heart. (The stress hormone is epinephrine,…
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Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure to remove tissue, fluid, or a growth from your body to examine tissue or a… A biopsy is a procedure to remove tissue or cells from your body. This sample is sent to a lab for testing. Using a microscope,…
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Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism is the use of bacteria, viruses, or germs to purposely harm large quantities of people or communities… Bioterrorism is the use of bacteria, viruses, or germs to purposely harm large quantities of people or communities. These “weapons” are spread through air, water, or food…
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Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings between happy and sad. People of all ages and… What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings between happy and sad. Other names are manic depression or…
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Birth Control
If you are sexually active, it’s very important to know what birth control options are available and how they work… …
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Birth Control Options
Many women want to do what they can to prevent pregnancy. Birth control (also called contraception) can help. Many types… Deciding to have a baby can be an exciting time for a woman. However, for women of any age trying to prevent a pregnancy, birth…
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Birth Control: How to Use Your Diaphragm
A diaphragm is reusable dome-shaped cup that fits over the opening of a woman’s cervix and works as a form… Using a diaphragm is a form of birth control. It prevents pregnancy by creating a barrier between a woman's uterus and a man's sperm. A…
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Birthing Classes
Birthing classes are an important part of preparing to have a baby. They can help you develop a birth plan… Birthing classes are an important part of preparing to have a baby. They can help you develop a birth plan and ease your anxiety about…
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Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are small crystals that form in your urine. They are hard and become trapped in your bladder. They… What are bladder stones? Bladder stones are small crystals that form in your urine. They are hard and become trapped in your bladder. Bladder…
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Bladder Training for Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. This means you can’t always control when you urinate. Most types of… Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. This means you can’t always control when you urinate. There are different types of urinary incontinence. Most…
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Bleeding During Pregnancy – What‘s Normal?
Having bleeding during pregnancy is not normal and requires a visit to your doctor… Light amounts of vaginal bleeding early in your pregnancy can occur. In most cases, it’s not serious. It can happen in the first 20 weeks for different reasons. It can…
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Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is a rare condition that causes your eyelid to blink or twitch. You can’t control it. It’s caused by… What is blepharospasm? Blepharospasm is a rare condition that causes your eyelid to blink or twitch. You can’t control it. This is called involuntary…
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Bloating
Bloating is when your stomach is filled with air or gas from what you eat, your lifestyle, or for medical… What is bloating? The medical term is “meteorism.” But we all know the term “bloating” and the way it makes us feel. Bloating occurs in…
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Blood Clots
Blood clots are clumps of blood that form inside your body and can be harmful or even deadly if they… What are blood clots? Blood clots are differently sized clumps of blood that have formed inside your body. Clotting is important to prevent excessive bleeding…
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Blood Poisoning
Blood poisoning happens when an infection enters your bloodstream and your body reacts to the infection… What is blood poisoning? Blood poisoning (sepsis) has nothing to do with poison. Instead, it’s primary cause is the presence of germs, which enter your bloodstream from an infection…
