Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Brown discharge before a period is usually old menstrual blood or minor hormonal spotting, but it can occasionally be implantation bleeding (typically light brown/pink, brief, and about a week before your expected period). If you might be pregnant, take a home test after a missed period and seek care sooner for heavy/prolonged bleeding, severe pain, fever, or foul odor. There are several factors to consider (including birth control effects, infections, and fibroids/polyps)—see below for complete details that can guide your next steps.

Here are 20 key signs of endometriosis: painful periods and chronic pelvic pain; pain with sex, urination, bowel movements, or ovulation; heavy or irregular bleeding; infertility; fatigue/brain fog; GI upset (bloating, gas, nausea), low back or leg pain/sciatica; pain with exercise or pelvic exam; rectal bleeding or mucus; urinary frequency/urgency; constipation or diarrhea; mood changes; cramps between periods; and pelvic swelling/bloating. There are important nuances—like symptoms peaking around menstruation and poor response to typical pain relievers—that can guide your next steps (tracking symptoms, using a symptom checker, talking to a clinician); see the complete details below.

There are several factors to consider—see below to understand more. Narcissism exists on a spectrum; persistent patterns of grandiosity, entitlement, lack of empathy, and attention‑seeking that show up across settings and cause distress or impairment point toward Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The details below cover the two types (grandiose and vulnerable), validated ways to assess (NPI and clinical evaluation), practical next steps (journaling, feedback, symptom checks, therapy options), look‑alike conditions that can change your plan, and when to seek urgent help.

Fatal outcomes from Crohn’s are rare today, but possible—usually from complications like perforation, toxic megacolon, severe infections, or major bleeding if not recognized and treated promptly. Most people live a normal lifespan with modern therapies and close follow-up; there are several factors and warning signs to consider—see below for the details that could guide your next steps.

There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Clues include rare, cyclical and usually one-sided sciatica that flares around your period (buttock-to-back-of-thigh pain with numbness/tingling or weakness), overlap with pelvic endometriosis symptoms, and poor response to standard sciatica treatments. Below you’ll find when to suspect it, what tests confirm it (MRI/laparoscopy), how to track symptoms, treatment options, urgent red flags, and how to discuss next steps with your doctor.

Cyclic leg pain, numbness/tingling, or weakness that follows the sciatic nerve and worsens around your period—especially with pelvic pain, painful periods, or known endometriosis—can suggest sciatic endometriosis, though it’s rare and other sciatica causes are more common. Diagnosis often involves a focused history and neuro/pelvic exam, pelvic and lumbosacral MRI or ultrasound, and sometimes laparoscopy; treatment may include hormonal therapy, pain control, surgery, and physical therapy. There are several factors to consider and urgent symptoms to watch for—see below for key differences from typical sciatica, risk factors, testing steps, and what to do next.

There are several factors to consider: current evidence does not show a direct link, though one small study found DHT rose during a high‑dose loading phase in young men, and no trials have measured actual hair thinning. Genetics, dose (loading vs 3–5 g/day), and other common causes of shedding often matter more; if concerned, monitor your hair and talk with a clinician. See the complete answer below for key nuances, practical dosing tips, and when to seek care that could affect your next steps.

Yes—there are several factors to consider. Creatine often causes a small, early weight increase (about 1–2 kg) from water moving into muscles; with training, later increases are usually from added lean muscle rather than fat, and weight typically stabilizes on maintenance dosing. Important safety and strategy details (hydration, skipping the loading phase, and when to avoid use—e.g., kidney/liver disease or certain meds) are covered below.

By most definitions, using a dildo does not change your virginity status—it’s solo masturbation, not sexual intercourse with another person. There are several factors to consider, including that “virginity” is a social/personal concept that varies by culture and belief, plus important health and safety points (hymen myths, toy hygiene/lube, and when to seek care); see the complete details below to guide your next steps.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the GI tract, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and sometimes complications like strictures, fistulas, and abscesses. Diagnosis typically uses blood and stool tests, imaging, and endoscopy, and treatment ranges from nutrition strategies and short-term steroids to immunomodulators and biologics, with surgery for complications. There are several factors to consider for diet, monitoring, vaccines, pregnancy, and when to seek urgent care—see the complete guidance below to inform your next steps.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness and, without early treatment, can lead to permanent joint damage and other systemic complications. There are several factors to consider—how it’s diagnosed (RF/anti-CCP and imaging), evidence-based treatments (DMARDs, biologics, JAK inhibitors), lifestyle and monitoring plans, vaccine and safety guidance, and urgent red flags—see below for complete details and which next steps to take.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: track them daily, try an online symptom check, and book a prompt medical visit—ideally with a rheumatologist—for evaluation with RF/anti‑CCP, ESR/CRP, and imaging. Early treat‑to‑target therapy (DMARDs like methotrexate, short‑term NSAIDs/steroids, or biologics) plus lifestyle measures can slow progression; seek urgent care for high fever, infection signs while on immunosuppressants, chest pain, or sudden severe joint pain. There are several factors that can change your next steps—diagnostic criteria, what to bring to your visit, monitoring frequency, and more—see below for the complete details.

Creatine works as an energy buffer: in muscle, brain, and heart the phosphocreatine–creatine kinase system rapidly regenerates ATP for short, high‑intensity demands and supports cellular hydration; its breakdown product, creatinine, is also used to assess kidney function and is a component of liver prognosis scores like MELD. Supplementation can boost strength and lean mass and is generally safe at standard doses, but those with kidney issues, on certain medications, or who are pregnant/breastfeeding should be cautious and may need monitoring. There are several factors to consider—dosing, timing, side effects, and when to talk to a doctor—see the complete details below to guide your next steps.

There are several factors to consider. I overcame vestibular migraine by tracking and avoiding personal triggers; stabilizing sleep, meals, and hydration; adding magnesium and riboflavin; doing vestibular rehabilitation; and, when lifestyle changes plateaued, using preventive meds (like propranolol/topiramate/amitriptyline) and rescue meds (triptans, anti-nausea), which cut attacks by over 80% and left only rare, mild episodes. For the exact routine, exercises, medication options and timelines—and how to tailor next steps with your clinician—see the complete guidance below.

Crohn’s disease is diagnosed with a stepwise evaluation that combines your medical history and exam, blood and stool markers (e.g., fecal calprotectin), colonoscopy with ileoscopy and biopsies (gold standard), and imaging such as MR/CT enterography, with capsule or advanced endoscopy when needed—because no single test confirms it and look‑alike conditions must be ruled out. There are several factors to consider that can change which tests are prioritized and what to do next; see the complete details below.

Endometriosis is diagnosed through a stepwise approach: clinicians assess symptoms and perform a pelvic exam, use imaging such as transvaginal ultrasound (first-line) and MRI when needed, and note that blood tests like CA‑125 are not definitive. Confirmation requires diagnostic laparoscopy with visual inspection and biopsy—often with treatment at the same time—while imaging can detect endometriomas and some deep disease but may miss small implants. There are several factors that can change next steps (e.g., when to refer, fertility considerations, and test limitations); see the complete details below.

Most bed bug bites heal within 7–10 days, but in people with sensitive skin or stronger allergic reactions they can persist for 2 weeks or longer, and residual discoloration may last for weeks. There are several factors to consider—individual sensitivity, number/location of bites, scratching or secondary infection, and whether you use treatments—see the complete guidance below for how to speed healing, when to seek care, and ways to prevent future bites.

Max dose is 2 Excedrin Migraine caplets in 24 hours, taken together at the first sign of migraine; do not take more unless your doctor tells you to. There are important caveats—liver disease, blood thinners or ulcers, other acetaminophen/caffeine sources, and rebound headaches can change what’s safe—so see the complete guidance below for interactions, who should avoid it, and when to seek care.

For healthy adults using creatine monohydrate, either load with 20 g/day (4 x 5 g) for 5–7 days then maintain 3–5 g/day, or skip loading and take 3–5 g/day from the start—timing is flexible, daily consistency matters most. There are several factors to consider (hydration, mild GI effects, and medical considerations like kidney/liver disease, certain meds, and youth); see the complete details below and consult a clinician if you have conditions or plan higher doses.

To safely clean sex toys and reduce infection/biofilm risk, first identify the material: for non‑porous silicone/glass/steel/ABS, rinse promptly with warm water and mild unscented soap, then disinfect (boil 3–5 minutes, 10% bleach for 2 minutes with thorough rinse, 70% isopropyl wipe, or top‑rack dishwasher if truly dishwasher‑safe); for porous or TPE/jelly toys, use a condom barrier when possible and clean carefully, and never submerge electronics—surface‑clean per manufacturer. Always air‑dry fully, store separately in clean pouches, inspect for damage, and use water‑based lube with silicone; there are several factors to consider (including partner switching, common mistakes, and when to seek medical care), so see the complete guidance below.

There’s currently no permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but many people achieve sustained remission with early diagnosis (ideally within 12 weeks), a treat‑to‑target plan using DMARDs and, if needed, biologics or JAK inhibitors, plus exercise, diet, and smoking cessation. Ongoing safety monitoring, vaccinations, and timely therapy adjustments are key, with tapering only after stable remission. There are several factors to consider—see below for complete guidance that could influence your next steps and when to involve a rheumatologist.

Most skin cases clear with OTC antifungal creams (like terbinafine or clotrimazole) used twice daily for 2–4 weeks—continue 1–2 weeks after the rash looks gone—and strict hygiene (keep areas dry, wash clothes/towels hot, don’t share personal items, disinfect surfaces). Scalp or nail infections, widespread or persistent rashes, or spreading symptoms usually need a doctor and oral medication, and pets/household contacts may need checks. There are several factors to consider—including when to seek care and how to prevent recurrence—so see the complete guidance below.

Signs you might be a narcissist include persistent grandiosity, craving admiration, low empathy, and disproportionate anger or shame at criticism—especially when these patterns harm relationships, work, or daily life. Because narcissism exists on a spectrum, there are several factors to consider—see below for specific behaviors to watch for, the difference between grandiose and vulnerable types, self-reflection questions and a free screening to try, plus when to seek a professional evaluation and what treatments can help.

Testing for Crohn’s disease uses a stepwise approach: symptom and history review; blood tests (CBC, CRP/ESR); stool tests to rule out infection and detect inflammation (calprotectin/lactoferrin); the gold standard is colonoscopy with ileoscopy and biopsies, with imaging (MRE/CTE, ultrasound, capsule) to map extent and complications. No single test confirms it—clinicians integrate all results to distinguish Crohn’s from mimics; there are several factors to consider, so see the complete details below for what each test shows, when to seek urgent care, and how results guide your next steps.

Treat bites by washing with soap and water, using 1% hydrocortisone or oral antihistamines for itch, applying cold compresses or oatmeal baths, avoiding scratching, and covering broken skin; most heal without complications. Seek medical care for signs of infection, fever, severe allergic symptoms, or if bites worsen or don’t improve after 7–10 days, and prevent new bites by laundering on high heat, encasing the mattress, and considering professional extermination. There are several factors to consider—see below for medication options, prevention steps, and red flags that can change your next steps.

Yes—when chosen and used correctly, it can be safe for teens, but there are several factors to consider. Start small with body-safe, phthalate-free materials, use plenty of water-based lube, clean before and after, don’t share, and stop if it hurts; seek care for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or persistent symptoms. For important details on materials, sizing, hygiene, emotional readiness, consent/legal issues, and specific red flags, see below.

Yes—when narcissistic traits form a persistent pattern causing impairment and meet DSM-5 criteria, it’s diagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, a medical mental health condition (affecting about 6% of people); everyday self-centered behavior alone is not. There are several factors to consider; see below for the specific diagnostic criteria, signs to watch for, treatment options, and next-step guidance (including when to seek professional help).

For most healthy adults, creatine isn’t bad when used as creatine monohydrate at recommended doses; decades of studies find it safe and effective, with benefits for strength and recovery and no kidney harm in healthy users. There are several factors to consider—mild water-weight gain or stomach upset can occur, and people with kidney or liver disease, diabetes, those who are pregnant, or anyone under 18 should be cautious and talk to a clinician. See dosing, hydration, product quality, and when to seek care in the complete guidance below.

Crohn’s disease itself is rarely directly fatal, and with modern treatments most people live full lives—but there are several factors to consider. Serious complications (like bowel perforation or obstruction, severe bleeding, sepsis, malnutrition, infections from immunosuppressive therapy, and associated liver disease or colorectal cancer) drive most risk, while early diagnosis, tight disease control, and regular surveillance reduce it; see the complete details below to understand what to watch for and which next steps to take.

Crohn’s has a strong genetic component: first-degree relatives face a 10–30× higher risk and identical twins show 30–50% concordance, but genes account for only about half the risk—environment, gut microbes, diet, and smoking also play major roles. Researchers have identified over 70 risk regions (e.g., NOD2, ATG16L1), but there’s no single “Crohn’s gene,” so routine genetic testing has limited predictive value. There are several factors and next steps to consider; see below for important details that could impact your care.