In Vitro Fertilization, Assisted Reproductive Technology, IVF, ART
In vitro fertilization, also called IVF, is a method used to enable couples who are unable to conceive naturally, to have a child. IVF refers to the combining of egg and sperm outside the woman's body. Once the egg is fertilized, the embryo is put back into the woman's body for full development.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
IVF is used for women who have:
# blocked or absent fallopian tubes
# endometriosis, a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus is found elsewhere in the body
# other medical reasons that prevent the egg and sperm from joining naturally within the woman's body
How is the procedure performed?
Fertility medications or hormonal preparations are used to help stimulate ovulation and/or support the development of the uterine lining. These medications are taken daily, at home, usually by injection.
Normally, the ovaries take turns releasing one egg each menstrual cycle. With IVF, fertility medications suppress normal hormone function and reduce the risk of eggs being released from the ovary before they can be retrieved. Later in the cycle, more medications are given to cause the ovaries to produce many mature eggs at the same time. Vaginal ultrasound and blood testing every 2 to 3 days can monitor the body's response to these medications, and the maturity of the eggs. When enough eggs have matured, another type of medication is given to stimulate their release from the ovary. These mature eggs are removed 32 to 36 hours later.
The egg retrieval process is done in the doctor's office or special procedure room. The woman is sedated to keep her comfortable. An ultrasound device is inserted through the vagina to see the follicles in the ovaries that house the mature eggs. The doctor then inserts a needle through the vaginal wall and withdraws the eggs. This procedure takes 15 to 60 minutes, and usually only causes mild pelvic discomfort.
Once the eggs have been withdrawn, they are incubated for several hours before sperm cells are added. When the sperm cells are added to the eggs, they are again incubated for about 12 to 18 more hours to allow for fertilization. After fertilization occurs, the embryos are checked for quality and viability. Not all embryos will develop well enough to be transferred to the womb.
Embryos are usually transferred 3 to 5 days after egg retrieval. This transfer occurs in the doctor's office or procedure room. No anesthesia is used. It is much like a regular pelvic exam. The embryos are inserted into the uterus using a soft, flexible catheter attached to a syringe. Usually 2 to 5 embryos are inserted. This will depend on the quality of the embryos and the age of the woman. Extra embryos, if any, can be frozen for future use
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias , Irregular Heartbeat
An arrhythmia of the heart is an abnormality of the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat. The arrhythmia is caused by a disturbance of the normal electrical activity within the heart.
What is going on in the body?
Arrhythmias can be divided into 2 main groups: tachycardias and bradycardias. Tachycardias cause a rapid heartbeat, with over 100 beats per minute. Bradycardias cause a slow heartbeat, with less than 60 beats per minute. The rhythm of the heart may be regular during an arrhythmia. In other words, each beat of the atria, or upper chambers of the heart, is followed by one beat of the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart. The beat may also be irregular and may begin in an abnormal area of the heart.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Most arrhythmias are caused by heart disease, including:
# coronary artery disease, a condition in which atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, decreases the blood flow to the heart
# disease of the heart valves, including infections known as endocarditis
# disease of the tissue that surrounds the heart, such as bacterial pericarditis
# congestive heart failure, a disorder in which a weakened heart fails to pump enough blood to body organs
Arrhythmias may also be caused by:
# disease in the electrical system of the heart
# chemicals such as adrenaline, alcohol, or caffeine
# certain prescription medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline
# certain over-the-counter medications, such as pseudoephedrine
Arrhythmias may or may not be life threatening. In general, arrhythmias that begin in the upper part of the heart are less dangerous than those that begin in the lower chambers
An arrhythmia of the heart is an abnormality of the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat. The arrhythmia is caused by a disturbance of the normal electrical activity within the heart.
What is going on in the body?
Arrhythmias can be divided into 2 main groups: tachycardias and bradycardias. Tachycardias cause a rapid heartbeat, with over 100 beats per minute. Bradycardias cause a slow heartbeat, with less than 60 beats per minute. The rhythm of the heart may be regular during an arrhythmia. In other words, each beat of the atria, or upper chambers of the heart, is followed by one beat of the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart. The beat may also be irregular and may begin in an abnormal area of the heart.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Most arrhythmias are caused by heart disease, including:
# coronary artery disease, a condition in which atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, decreases the blood flow to the heart
# disease of the heart valves, including infections known as endocarditis
# disease of the tissue that surrounds the heart, such as bacterial pericarditis
# congestive heart failure, a disorder in which a weakened heart fails to pump enough blood to body organs
Arrhythmias may also be caused by:
# disease in the electrical system of the heart
# chemicals such as adrenaline, alcohol, or caffeine
# certain prescription medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline
# certain over-the-counter medications, such as pseudoephedrine
Arrhythmias may or may not be life threatening. In general, arrhythmias that begin in the upper part of the heart are less dangerous than those that begin in the lower chambers
Palpitations
Palpitations, Irregular Heartbeat, Arrhythmia
The term palpitations describes an unusual awareness of the heartbeat.
What is going on in the body?
Ordinarily, a person is not aware of the beating of his or her heart. Under certain circumstances, such as when scared or under stress, a person may become aware of the heartbeat. This awareness of the heartbeat is known as palpitations. Often, the heart may seem to beat faster or harder than usual. In some cases, palpitations may occur due to an irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia.
Palpitations happen to almost everyone at some time in their life. Usually they're nothing to worry about. In some people, the perception of having palpitations is caused by emotion or stress rather than an actual extra beat. However, palpitations may signal a serious condition, especially if they are caused by an arrhythmia.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Common causes of palpitations include:
# anxiety
# fever
# medication such as thyroid hormone medication, decongestants, asthma medications, and certain heart medications
# substances such as caffeine and appetite suppressants
# cocaine use
# hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland
# exercise
# anemia, which is a low red blood cell count
# defects in the electrical system of the heart
# abnormalities of the heart muscle, known as cardiomyopathy
# abnormalities in the heart valves
Risk of palpitations range from no risk to death. The determining factor is the nature of the palpitations, how long the runs are, and the location of the palpitations in the heart
The term palpitations describes an unusual awareness of the heartbeat.
What is going on in the body?
Ordinarily, a person is not aware of the beating of his or her heart. Under certain circumstances, such as when scared or under stress, a person may become aware of the heartbeat. This awareness of the heartbeat is known as palpitations. Often, the heart may seem to beat faster or harder than usual. In some cases, palpitations may occur due to an irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia.
Palpitations happen to almost everyone at some time in their life. Usually they're nothing to worry about. In some people, the perception of having palpitations is caused by emotion or stress rather than an actual extra beat. However, palpitations may signal a serious condition, especially if they are caused by an arrhythmia.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Common causes of palpitations include:
# anxiety
# fever
# medication such as thyroid hormone medication, decongestants, asthma medications, and certain heart medications
# substances such as caffeine and appetite suppressants
# cocaine use
# hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland
# exercise
# anemia, which is a low red blood cell count
# defects in the electrical system of the heart
# abnormalities of the heart muscle, known as cardiomyopathy
# abnormalities in the heart valves
Risk of palpitations range from no risk to death. The determining factor is the nature of the palpitations, how long the runs are, and the location of the palpitations in the heart
Arch Pain
Plantar Fasciitis, Foot Arch Pain, Arch Pain
Arch pain is caused by an inflammation of the plantar arch, or fascia. The condition is also called plantar fasciitis. The plantar arch is a thick membrane that covers and supports the muscles of the sole of the foot.
What is going on in the body?
The plantar arch starts at the heel bone and runs to the base of the toes. Arch pain occurs when this membrane becomes worn down due to constant strain. This causes pain in the arch of the foot. A person will often feel pain in the heel as well.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
The causes and risk of arch pain include:
# problems with physical training. This can include rapidly increasing mileage when running, running on steep hills, or wearing improper footwear.
# abnormal anatomy and position and of the foot
# certain types of arthritis
# obesity
Arch pain is caused by an inflammation of the plantar arch, or fascia. The condition is also called plantar fasciitis. The plantar arch is a thick membrane that covers and supports the muscles of the sole of the foot.
What is going on in the body?
The plantar arch starts at the heel bone and runs to the base of the toes. Arch pain occurs when this membrane becomes worn down due to constant strain. This causes pain in the arch of the foot. A person will often feel pain in the heel as well.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
The causes and risk of arch pain include:
# problems with physical training. This can include rapidly increasing mileage when running, running on steep hills, or wearing improper footwear.
# abnormal anatomy and position and of the foot
# certain types of arthritis
# obesity
Partial Thromboplastin Time
PTT, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, APTT,
The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test helps measure the ability of the blood to clot normally. It is very similar to the prothrombin time (PT) test. These two tests are often ordered together.
At least 12 different proteins are involved in clotting. The PTT and PT test each measure the function of some of these proteins.
Who is a candidate for the test?
This test may be done:
# when a person has a bleeding problem
# to monitor a person who is taking blood-thinning medicine
# before surgery to make sure a person will not bleed too much during the operation
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is usually taken from a vein on the forearm or hand. The skin over the vein is first cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a strong rubber tube, or tourniquet, is wrapped around the upper arm. This restricts blood flow through the veins in the lower arm and causes them to enlarge.
A small needle is gently inserted into a vein and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle. It is collected in a syringe or vial. After the needle is withdrawn, the puncture site is covered to prevent bleeding. The blood sample is sent to a lab for testing
The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test helps measure the ability of the blood to clot normally. It is very similar to the prothrombin time (PT) test. These two tests are often ordered together.
At least 12 different proteins are involved in clotting. The PTT and PT test each measure the function of some of these proteins.
Who is a candidate for the test?
This test may be done:
# when a person has a bleeding problem
# to monitor a person who is taking blood-thinning medicine
# before surgery to make sure a person will not bleed too much during the operation
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is usually taken from a vein on the forearm or hand. The skin over the vein is first cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a strong rubber tube, or tourniquet, is wrapped around the upper arm. This restricts blood flow through the veins in the lower arm and causes them to enlarge.
A small needle is gently inserted into a vein and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle. It is collected in a syringe or vial. After the needle is withdrawn, the puncture site is covered to prevent bleeding. The blood sample is sent to a lab for testing
Appropriate Diet for Age
Appropriate Diet for Age, Diet for Age
Nutrition needs and developmental skills change as a child grows. An age-appropriate diet is one that provides the nutrients a child needs to grow and to develop. It also includes foods that a child likes and can eat easily.
The Food Guide Pyramid from the US Department of Agriculture shows the kinds and amounts of foods that are needed to provide adequate nutrition for children. A healthy diet includes grains, fruit, vegetables, meat and meat substitutes, and dairy products. Some foods are hard or unsafe for children to eat because their chewing and swallowing skills are not yet fully developed.
What is the information for this topic?
Infants
From birth until four to six months of age, infants rely on the sucking ability with which they are born. They obtain all their nutrition either from a bottle or from breast-feeding. Newborn infants feed every two to four hours and eat up to eight times a day or more. Breast milk provides all the nutrition a newborn infant needs. Man-made infant formulas are designed to be as much like breast milk as they can be.
Between four and six months of age, an infant begins to take larger amounts of breast milk or formula at one time. This means that they may not want to feed as often. Their digestive systems have developed more fully, so they can eat new foods. An infant who has doubled in weight since birth may be ready to begin solid foods. The baby should also be able to sit up and have good head support.
Eating from a spoon is a new skill a baby must learn. Until about the age of 12 months, an infant can manage only small amounts of food with a spoon or fingers. This eating method does not provide a major source of nutrition. An infant continues to depend on breast-feeding or bottle feeding for most nutritional needs.
Rice cereal is usually the first solid food to be given to an infant. It is thought to be the least likely to cause a food allergy. Infant barley and oatmeal are other choices. Either strained fruits or strained vegetables can be offered next.
By the time the infant is six to eight months old, strained meats, egg yolks, and small amounts of dairy foods can be started. At seven to nine months, an infant begins teething and can accept textures in foods. Once an infant reaches eight to ten months of age, he or she can often tolerate more foods. These may include wheat products, whole eggs, and larger amounts of dairy products.
Babies begin to use their hands to feed themselves crackers and soft foods. These include pieces of fruits, vegetables, and tender meats. Crunchy or stringy foods such as nuts, popcorn, or less tender meats may cause choking. As the ability to eat finger foods and to use a spoon improves, an infant will eat more solid foods. That means the baby can rely less on breast milk or formula for daily nutrition.
Learning to drink from a cup is a hard and often messy process. By the time they are one year old, most infants master this skill well enough to wean from a bottle. They may also lose interest in breast-feeding at this point. New foods should be started one at a time and at least two or three days apart. This allows the parent to watch the baby's response to each food.
Toddlers
Providing a toddler with the right diet can be challenging. Children this age want to practice their new skills by eating with their fingers or trying to use a spoon. Appetite varies widely due to a slower growth rate. Toddlers are also more aware of their surroundings and often become distracted. All these things affect what the child is willing to eat at any given meal. There is no longer one single food that will provide all or most of the child's nutritional needs. A variety of foods is needed for good health and steady growth.
The right portion size changes with age. One rule of thumb for feeding toddlers is to offer one tablespoon of each food for every year of age. A child may choose to eat more or less than this amount. Children should be given whole milk until they are two years old. This is because their developing nervous systems need the extra fat. From age 2 to 5, 2% milk is OK.
Toddlers often go on what are called food jags. This means they will eat only one or two foods for several meals or several days at a time. Studies show that most children still meet their nutritional needs over time. The challenge for parents is to be patient. It's crucial to offer a variety of healthy foods. It is not a good idea to try to force a child to eat a food. This approach will only ensure that the food is never a favorite. Parents do not have to give a favorite food when a child refuses what is first offered. Food refusal at one meal will likely result in an improved appetite at the next meal or snack time.
Three meals and two to three snacks per day is ideal. Children cannot eat enough in just three meals to sustain their energy needs so they need between meal snacks. Many parents think that fruit juice is a good source of nutrition. The fact is, children who drink juice or soda between meals are often less hungry at mealtime. Children who drink sweetened juices have a much higher risk of developing childhood obesity.
Choking can be a problem for children under the age of 4. At this age, chewing and swallowing skills are still developing. Choking is also more likely if they are eating while running and playing. Eating and drinking should be allowed only when a child is sitting. Common foods that toddlers tend to choke on include:
# hot dogs
# grapes
# raw vegetables
# popcorn
# nuts
# hard candy
School-age children
School-age children need the same types and number of servings of foods in their diet as preschool children. However, they are able to eat bigger amounts at one time and may eat less often. Most youngsters who are age 5 and older can safely drink skim milk and still grow well. If they continue to have high energy needs for growth, they may still need the extra calories that are found in 2% milk.
Food choices are more influenced by peers at school and by what they see on television. Children are bombarded with commercials for processed foods, such as sweetened breakfast cereals, fast food, candy, and soda. This gives rise to new concerns. Poor eating habits can lead to obesity and iron deficiency anemia. Anemia is a shortage of red blood cells. Children who have developed healthy eating habits are likely to continue to eat well, despite these influences
Nutrition needs and developmental skills change as a child grows. An age-appropriate diet is one that provides the nutrients a child needs to grow and to develop. It also includes foods that a child likes and can eat easily.
The Food Guide Pyramid from the US Department of Agriculture shows the kinds and amounts of foods that are needed to provide adequate nutrition for children. A healthy diet includes grains, fruit, vegetables, meat and meat substitutes, and dairy products. Some foods are hard or unsafe for children to eat because their chewing and swallowing skills are not yet fully developed.
What is the information for this topic?
Infants
From birth until four to six months of age, infants rely on the sucking ability with which they are born. They obtain all their nutrition either from a bottle or from breast-feeding. Newborn infants feed every two to four hours and eat up to eight times a day or more. Breast milk provides all the nutrition a newborn infant needs. Man-made infant formulas are designed to be as much like breast milk as they can be.
Between four and six months of age, an infant begins to take larger amounts of breast milk or formula at one time. This means that they may not want to feed as often. Their digestive systems have developed more fully, so they can eat new foods. An infant who has doubled in weight since birth may be ready to begin solid foods. The baby should also be able to sit up and have good head support.
Eating from a spoon is a new skill a baby must learn. Until about the age of 12 months, an infant can manage only small amounts of food with a spoon or fingers. This eating method does not provide a major source of nutrition. An infant continues to depend on breast-feeding or bottle feeding for most nutritional needs.
Rice cereal is usually the first solid food to be given to an infant. It is thought to be the least likely to cause a food allergy. Infant barley and oatmeal are other choices. Either strained fruits or strained vegetables can be offered next.
By the time the infant is six to eight months old, strained meats, egg yolks, and small amounts of dairy foods can be started. At seven to nine months, an infant begins teething and can accept textures in foods. Once an infant reaches eight to ten months of age, he or she can often tolerate more foods. These may include wheat products, whole eggs, and larger amounts of dairy products.
Babies begin to use their hands to feed themselves crackers and soft foods. These include pieces of fruits, vegetables, and tender meats. Crunchy or stringy foods such as nuts, popcorn, or less tender meats may cause choking. As the ability to eat finger foods and to use a spoon improves, an infant will eat more solid foods. That means the baby can rely less on breast milk or formula for daily nutrition.
Learning to drink from a cup is a hard and often messy process. By the time they are one year old, most infants master this skill well enough to wean from a bottle. They may also lose interest in breast-feeding at this point. New foods should be started one at a time and at least two or three days apart. This allows the parent to watch the baby's response to each food.
Toddlers
Providing a toddler with the right diet can be challenging. Children this age want to practice their new skills by eating with their fingers or trying to use a spoon. Appetite varies widely due to a slower growth rate. Toddlers are also more aware of their surroundings and often become distracted. All these things affect what the child is willing to eat at any given meal. There is no longer one single food that will provide all or most of the child's nutritional needs. A variety of foods is needed for good health and steady growth.
The right portion size changes with age. One rule of thumb for feeding toddlers is to offer one tablespoon of each food for every year of age. A child may choose to eat more or less than this amount. Children should be given whole milk until they are two years old. This is because their developing nervous systems need the extra fat. From age 2 to 5, 2% milk is OK.
Toddlers often go on what are called food jags. This means they will eat only one or two foods for several meals or several days at a time. Studies show that most children still meet their nutritional needs over time. The challenge for parents is to be patient. It's crucial to offer a variety of healthy foods. It is not a good idea to try to force a child to eat a food. This approach will only ensure that the food is never a favorite. Parents do not have to give a favorite food when a child refuses what is first offered. Food refusal at one meal will likely result in an improved appetite at the next meal or snack time.
Three meals and two to three snacks per day is ideal. Children cannot eat enough in just three meals to sustain their energy needs so they need between meal snacks. Many parents think that fruit juice is a good source of nutrition. The fact is, children who drink juice or soda between meals are often less hungry at mealtime. Children who drink sweetened juices have a much higher risk of developing childhood obesity.
Choking can be a problem for children under the age of 4. At this age, chewing and swallowing skills are still developing. Choking is also more likely if they are eating while running and playing. Eating and drinking should be allowed only when a child is sitting. Common foods that toddlers tend to choke on include:
# hot dogs
# grapes
# raw vegetables
# popcorn
# nuts
# hard candy
School-age children
School-age children need the same types and number of servings of foods in their diet as preschool children. However, they are able to eat bigger amounts at one time and may eat less often. Most youngsters who are age 5 and older can safely drink skim milk and still grow well. If they continue to have high energy needs for growth, they may still need the extra calories that are found in 2% milk.
Food choices are more influenced by peers at school and by what they see on television. Children are bombarded with commercials for processed foods, such as sweetened breakfast cereals, fast food, candy, and soda. This gives rise to new concerns. Poor eating habits can lead to obesity and iron deficiency anemia. Anemia is a shortage of red blood cells. Children who have developed healthy eating habits are likely to continue to eat well, despite these influences
Appendicitis
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an infection of a small section of the bowel called the appendix.
What is going on in the body?
The appendix is a pouch at the junction of the small and large intestines. It is the size of a small finger. The pouch is lined with a mucous membrane that produces a clear secretion. This organ has no known function. One theory, though, is that it plays a role in the immune system very early in life.
Partly digested food and liquids traveling through the bowel pass in and out of the pouch. If this flow is blocked, bacteria trapped in the appendix may multiply. This is thought to cause appendicitis.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Appendicitis occurs when bowel contents that flow into the appendix are blocked and cannot flow out. Normal intestinal bacteria get trapped and multiply. The appendix becomes swollen and infected. The blockage may be due to very thick bowel contents or another obstruction. While cancer of the appendix is very rare, the block is occasionally due to a noncancerous tumor called a carcinoid
Appendicitis is an infection of a small section of the bowel called the appendix.
What is going on in the body?
The appendix is a pouch at the junction of the small and large intestines. It is the size of a small finger. The pouch is lined with a mucous membrane that produces a clear secretion. This organ has no known function. One theory, though, is that it plays a role in the immune system very early in life.
Partly digested food and liquids traveling through the bowel pass in and out of the pouch. If this flow is blocked, bacteria trapped in the appendix may multiply. This is thought to cause appendicitis.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Appendicitis occurs when bowel contents that flow into the appendix are blocked and cannot flow out. Normal intestinal bacteria get trapped and multiply. The appendix becomes swollen and infected. The blockage may be due to very thick bowel contents or another obstruction. While cancer of the appendix is very rare, the block is occasionally due to a noncancerous tumor called a carcinoid
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