Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

To do a safe, effective vulva/vaginal self-exam, use good lighting and a mirror to visually check the labia, clitoral hood, urethral and vaginal openings and perineum, gently feel for tenderness or lumps, and if comfortable insert a lubricated, clean/gloved finger 2–3 inches to assess the vaginal walls and locate the cervix. Track discharge changes (color, consistency, odor), log any new findings, and repeat monthly after your period. There are important caveats and red flags—this doesn’t replace Pap/HPV screening (at‑home HPV self-swabs may be an option) and you should seek care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, rapidly growing sores, persistent itching/redness, fever, or foul odor; see the complete step‑by‑step guide and when‑to‑call‑a‑doctor details below.

Patients with severe alopecia areata (totalis/universalis) spend about $27,000 in annual healthcare costs versus ~$11,000 for mild disease, plus roughly $5,600 vs ~$1,900 out of pocket—totaling ~$32,600 vs ~$12,900 (about 2–3 times more overall). There are several factors to consider, including treatment intensity, comorbidities, and cosmetic/mental health needs; see the complete details below to understand what may apply to you and which next steps to take.

Costs vary widely with age, severity, and comorbidities: children often spend about $200–$1,000 per year, adults who try JAK inhibitors commonly face $2,500–$8,000 out-of-pocket, and older adults average $1,500–$5,000 due to more visits and labs. Severity drives the biggest spread—patchy disease runs roughly $300–$1,800 per year, alopecia totalis $10,000–$45,000, and universalis $15,000–$60,000—while comorbid conditions typically add 20–40% and can double costs, meaning real-world totals can range from $300–$1,200 for mild young patients to $20,000–$60,000 for severe disease with comorbidities. There are several factors to consider; see the complete breakdown and next-step guidance below.

Often adequate for basic care but patchy for advanced therapies: most plans and public systems cover diagnosis and standard treatments like topical or intralesional steroids, while high-cost options (especially JAK inhibitors) face prior authorization, step therapy, and frequent denials, leaving many with significant out-of-pocket costs. There are several factors to consider—plan type, local policies, and medical-necessity documentation—so see the details below for practical steps (appeals, assistance programs, clinical trials, and lower-cost alternatives) that could change your next move.

Current evidence does not show that alopecia areata itself increases cancer risk; large reviews and registries have not found higher cancer rates in people with AA. Any concern is mainly tied to certain systemic treatments for severe AA (e.g., prolonged high-dose steroids, methotrexate or cyclosporine, and JAK inhibitors), while topical or intralesional therapies are not linked to increased cancer. There are several factors to consider—see below for important details on which medicines carry risks, how low the absolute risks appear to be, and what monitoring and screening to discuss with your clinician.

Common non-medical costs for alopecia include wigs and hairpieces ($50–$3,000+ each plus maintenance), cosmetic concealers and brow/lash products, mental-health support ($60–$200+ per session), scalp micropigmentation/microblading ($300–$4,000+), headwear, skincare/sunscreen, and travel/time costs—adding up to roughly $1,000–$10,000+ per year. There are several factors to consider, including insurance/FSA coverage, nonprofit assistance, and maintenance/touch-up schedules; see the complete details below to help guide your next steps and cost-saving options.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral used for antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone activation, immune support, and fertility; most people meet needs from food (RDA ~55 µg/day), and routine high‑dose supplements aren’t recommended for cancer prevention or general health. Excess intake (over the 400 µg/day upper limit) can cause selenosis—garlic‑like breath, brittle or lost hair/nails, nausea/diarrhea, skin rash, irritability, and numbness/tingling—and may affect blood sugar and interact with medicines (e.g., blood thinners, cancer treatments). There are several factors to consider; see below for important details on testing, safe dosing, pregnancy needs, and drug/disease precautions that could affect your next steps.

Cloves may support sexual health by improving blood flow and arousal, offering antioxidant support that can modestly aid libido and hormone balance, protecting sensitive tissues, providing antimicrobial effects, easing mild pain, and reducing stress—benefits largely linked to eugenol and other phenolics. There are several factors to consider; see below for how to use them (tea, diluted oil, supplements, in food), important safety cautions (skin irritation, GI upset, bleeding risk, hormonal concerns), and when to seek medical care, since cloves are not a cure-all.

Cocoa—especially flavanol-rich dark chocolate or unsweetened cocoa—can modestly lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function, provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, and may help insulin sensitivity, cognition/mood, gut microbiome balance, and even liver health. Benefits depend on product and portion: choose small amounts of 70%+ dark chocolate or pure cocoa and limit added sugars/unhealthy fats. There are several factors to consider—including caffeine/theobromine sensitivity, GI upset, potential heavy metals, medication interactions, pregnancy, reflux, and migraine triggers—so see below for dosing guidance, brand tips, and who should be cautious.

BDSM sex is a consensual spectrum of erotic practices involving bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism, built on negotiated power exchange, communication, and trust. It can be practiced safely when partners prioritize clear ongoing consent (including safe words), education/training, proper gear, and aftercare, though risks like bruising, nerve injury, emotional triggers, STIs, and legal considerations still exist. There are several factors to consider—see below for specific safety strategies, beginner tips, and warning signs for when to seek medical or mental health care that could affect your next steps.

The largest cost drivers are treatment choices—especially expensive, ongoing JAK inhibitors (often the single biggest driver), plus systemic immunosuppressants and repeated intralesional injections—and the severity and duration of disease; additional burdens come from mental-health care and productivity losses, cosmetic solutions (wigs/camouflage), and insurance copays/prior-authorization hurdles. There are several factors to consider; see below for specifics that can materially change out-of-pocket costs (e.g., monitoring needs, coverage details, and patient-assistance options) and guide your next steps.

Persistent thirst can result from dehydration, salty/high‑protein diets, dry mouth or medications, caffeine/alcohol, or conditions like diabetes (mellitus or insipidus), kidney disease, or liver-related low sodium. Worry if it persists despite adequate fluids or comes with frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, vision changes, dizziness/confusion, chest pain, or very dry mouth—track intake, cut salt/caffeine, review meds, check blood sugar, and seek care. There are several factors to consider; important nuances, red flags, and step‑by‑step next actions are detailed below.

Alopecia patches can seem to pop up overnight because alopecia areata triggers a sudden immune attack on hair follicles, pushing many in the same area out of the growth phase at once so they shed together—often without obvious warning like itching or redness. Genetics, infections, stress, and hormonal shifts can set this off, but there are several factors to consider; see below for key signs, when to seek care, and treatment options that could shape your next steps.

There are several factors to consider—see below for details that can shape your monitoring and treatment choices. Whether hair loss is a one-time event or relapses depends on a mix of genetics and autoimmune activity, plus clinical features (extent/severity, younger onset, long first episode, nail changes), coexisting autoimmune/atopic conditions, stress and lifestyle triggers, and how quickly and effectively therapy is started (including newer options), all of which influence relapse risk and remission durability.

Because hair grows in cycles, a trigger can abruptly push many hairs into the resting (telogen) phase or damage growing hairs, causing diffuse shedding before bald patches appear—most often from telogen effluvium after stress/illness/hormonal shifts or from early alopecia areata’s autoimmune attack; chemotherapy and toxins can do this too (anagen effluvium). There are several factors to consider; see below for how to tell these apart, common triggers, red flags that need prompt care, and evidence-based next steps.

Yes—blue balls are real (also called epididymal hypertension/pelvic congestion) and usually cause temporary aching after prolonged arousal without orgasm. They can often be avoided or relieved by moderating arousal, planning for orgasm, using distraction/relaxation, cold or warm compresses, gentle pelvic floor techniques, and OTC pain relievers. There are several important factors to consider—severe, worsening, or unusual symptoms could signal torsion, infection, or other conditions needing prompt care; see the complete guidance below to know what to watch for and the best next steps.

Yes—soda can cause diarrhea in men, most often due to caffeine speeding colon movement, high sugar or fructose drawing water into the intestines, and sugar alcohols in diet sodas (plus acidity/carbonation) irritating the gut. Individual tolerance varies and risks rise with IBS or fructose malabsorption; for specific ingredient triggers, intake thresholds, safer drink swaps, and when to seek medical care, see the complete details below—especially if diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours or comes with fever, blood, dehydration, severe pain, or weight loss.

Cirrhosis is long-term scarring of the liver—repeated damage turns a soft, healthy “filter” into stiff scar tissue so it can’t clean toxins, make important proteins and bile, or control body fluids properly. It often stems from alcohol, hepatitis B/C, or fatty liver disease and can lead to swelling, confusion, bleeding, and liver cancer; there are several factors to consider—see below for full details on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, stages, treatments, and when to seek care.

To find your neck lymph nodes and assess swelling, gently use the pads of your index and middle fingers to feel in small circles through the nine common areas (in front/behind the ears, base of skull, under the jaw/chin, along the sides/back of the neck, and just above the collarbones), comparing both sides. Normal nodes are small, soft, and mobile; nodes that are larger than 1–1.5 cm, hard or fixed, tender, rapidly enlarging, or lasting more than 2–4 weeks—especially with fever, night sweats, weight loss, or trouble swallowing/breathing—should be checked by a clinician, though most infection-related swelling settles within a few weeks. There are several factors to consider; see below for step-by-step palpation tips, what’s normal vs. worrisome, home care, and when to seek urgent care.

There are several factors to consider to tell chapped lips from a cold sore: chapped lips develop gradually with dryness, flaking, and small cracks (no fluid-filled blisters) and improve with moisturizers, while cold sores (HSV-1) start with tingling then form painful, clustered blisters that weep and crust over 7–14 days and are contagious. For triggers, best treatments, prevention tips, and when to seek care, see the complete guidance below.

Relief from standard Tylenol (acetaminophen) in healthy adults starts in 15–30 minutes, peaks around 1–2 hours, and typically lasts 4–6 hours (up to 8 hours with extended-release). There are several factors to consider—dose limits (no more than 3,000–4,000 mg/day), liver function, alcohol use, other medications, body size, and formulation can change how long it lasts and when to re-dose. See below for key safety details, dose timing, and when to seek care.

Most adults can take 1 tablet (500 mg) every 6 hours as needed, up to 8 tablets (4,000 mg) in 24 hours; never take doses closer than 6 hours. There are several factors to consider: alcohol use, liver disease, being malnourished or older, and taking other medicines that contain acetaminophen may require a lower limit (2,000–3,000 mg) and clinician guidance. See important safety details, overdose warning signs, and a sample schedule below.

Most white bumps inside the lip are benign (mucocele, canker sore, Fordyce spot, cold sore, or irritation) and often improve with saltwater rinses, a protective oral gel, avoiding irritants, and targeted OTC or antiviral treatments started early. There are several factors to consider—see below for help distinguishing causes, step-by-step home care, and when medical treatments like steroid rinses, antivirals, surgical removal, or biopsy may be needed. Seek care if it lasts more than 2–3 weeks, grows rapidly, recurs, bleeds, causes numbness, or comes with systemic symptoms—details below.

Frothy vaginal discharge is usually not life-threatening, but it often signals a treatable infection—most commonly trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis—and should be evaluated, especially with odor, itching, or discomfort. If you have fever, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, or abnormal bleeding, seek urgent care. There are several factors to consider; see below for causes, tests, partner treatment, and other steps that can guide your next move.

Green discharge in pregnancy can be normal or worrisome—there are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. A faint greenish tint that’s thin, mild/odorless, and not itchy or painful can be a harmless hormonal variation to monitor briefly. But bright green, frothy, heavy, or foul-smelling discharge—or any with itching, burning, pelvic pain, fever, or bleeding—usually signals infection (e.g., trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia) and needs prompt medical evaluation to protect you and your baby; urgent red flags and what tests and safe treatments to expect are detailed below.

There are several factors to consider—smelly discharge late in pregnancy isn’t typical and often points to a treatable infection (bacterial vaginosis, yeast, or trichomoniasis); rarely, a foul odor with fever, pain, or after your water breaks can signal chorioamnionitis and needs urgent care. Normal discharge is usually thin, white, and mild‑smelling; call your provider for a strong fishy/foul odor, new itching/burning/redness, belly pain, fever/chills, bleeding, contractions, or any possible amniotic fluid leak. See details below for what to watch for, safe treatments during pregnancy, and when to go to the hospital.

The best at‑home steps include heart‑healthy lifestyle changes (lose weight, stop smoking, limit alcohol, manage stress, get 7–9 hours sleep), a Mediterranean-style diet rich in flavonoids and omega‑3s, regular aerobic plus pelvic‑floor (Kegel) exercises, and—for some—evidence‑based supplements like Pycnogenol with L‑arginine or Korean red ginseng after discussing with your clinician. There are several factors to consider, including mental health strategies and red flags (ED can signal diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease)—see the complete details below for specific steps, dosages, cautions, and when to seek care. With consistent effort, many men notice improvement within weeks to months.

Quick at-home relief includes resting with scrotal support (snug underwear or a jockstrap), icing 10–15 minutes on/off, and using over‑the‑counter pain relievers; after the first day, a warm sitz bath and gentle movement may also help while avoiding strenuous activity. Urgent red flags include sudden severe pain, a high‑riding or rotated testicle, rapidly worsening swelling, fever/chills, or nausea/vomiting—seek care right away. There are several factors to consider for causes and next steps; see the complete guidance below.

Green eye discharge is most often due to a bacterial infection (pink eye), as the green color reflects pus from white blood cells and bacterial pigments; however, viral or allergic conjunctivitis, a blocked tear duct, and contact lens–related problems can also cause it. Mild cases may improve with hygiene, warm compresses, and stopping contact lenses, but see a clinician if symptoms last more than 2–3 days, worsen, or involve pain, light sensitivity, swelling, or vision changes, as antibiotics may be needed. There are several factors to consider—see below for full details on causes, red flags, and treatments.

Pain just under the ribs can be sharp or stabbing, dull and bruised, or a deep gnawing ache, often worse with deep breaths, coughing, or twisting; the area may be tender with guarding, and pain can refer to the shoulder tip if the diaphragm is irritated. Seek urgent care for dizziness/fainting, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, vomiting or abdominal swelling, or severe/worsening pain, which can signal internal bleeding. There are several factors to consider—including how muscle/cartilage injuries differ from liver or spleen injury and how doctors confirm this with ultrasound/CT—see below for important details that can guide your next steps.