Introduction Description: An anorectal fistula involves communication between the anal or rectal canal and the perineum. Prevalence: Common. For women, 5.6/100,000 population. The male-to-female ratio is 1.8:1. Predominant Age: Any. The average age is late 30s to early 40s. Genetics:…
Introduction Description: Anemia is the reduction (ie, below normal) in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood as reflected by the hemoglobin or hematocrit values. Women are at a higher risk because of menstrual blood loss and the iron demands of…
Introduction Description: Anal incontinence is the recurrent involuntary passage of solid or liquid fecal material or flatus. Anal incontinence may be further divided into urge incontinence (incontinence occurs despite efforts to retain stool) and passive (the lack of awareness before…
Introduction Description: Alzheimer disease is a degenerative organic mental syndrome that is characterized by progressive intellectual deterioration and dementia. It is the most common form of dementia (60%–70%). Prevalence: More than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide; roughly 47…
Introduction Description: Alcohol abuse and other substance use disorders are significant, underdiagnosed health problems for women and carry high costs for individuals and society. Compared with men, alcohol abuse by women has a disproportionate effect on their health and lives,…
Introduction Description: Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands that results in comedones, papules, inflammatory pustules, and scarring. The significance of acne often exceeds that dictated by medical considerations. For a woman, it is often a reason to…
Introduction Description: Abuse is a pattern of physical or emotional trauma that occurs in a continuing relationship (see Chapter 35 , Domestic Violence [Intimate Partner Violence]). Although the definition of abuse requires only one episode of abuse, a pattern of…
Important Considerations (Physiologic Changes) This age group is notable for maturity, leisure, and age-related health changes. Healthcare is still directed toward prevention; however, it becomes more and more occupied by the management of general medical and age-related illness. While reproductive…
Important Considerations (Physiologic Changes) This age group is notable for transitions from reproductive function to maturity, from rhythmic menstrual function to menopause, and from robust health to the emergence of age-related changes. Leading Causes of Death Breast, lung, colorectal, and…
The Challenge The challenge is to assist couples in identifying and using the most appropriate method of controlling fertility. Changing patterns of sexual expression, new technologies, increased consumerism, and heightened cost pressures all affect the choices made in the search…