What is Proctalgia Fugax Proctalgia fugax is a condition that involves very short episodes of intense pain in the rectum. The rectum is the last part of the large intestine. The pain can last from seconds to minutes. Episodes often occur during the night and awaken the person from sleep. This condition is not a …
What is Proctitis Proctitis is swelling and soreness (inflammation) of the lining of the rectum. The rectum is at the end of the large intestine, and it leads to the anus. The inflammation causes pain and discomfort. It may be a short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic) problem. What are the causes? This condition may be …
What is Proctocolectomy Proctocolectomy is surgery to remove the rectum and all or part of the colon. The colon is also called the large intestine. This surgery may be done to treat severe inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. After a proctocolectomy, stool (feces) will no longer be able to leave your body in the usual …
What is a Proctoscopy Proctoscopy is a procedure that uses a hollow tube (proctoscope) to look inside the anus and rectum. This procedure may be done to: Check for signs of disease or cancer in the rectum or anal cavity. Check for sources of bleeding. Diagnose enlarged tissue at the outer end of the rectum …
What are Progestin Only Birth Control Pills? Progestin Only Birth Control Pills are often called the “mini-pills.” Regular birth control pills have 2 female hormones: estrogen and progestin (a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone). The mini-pill has only progestin in it. Because this pill doesn’t contain estrogen, it may not have as many …
What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare brain disorder that causes problems with walking, eye movement, and balance. It may also cause depression, memory loss, and changes in behavior. Progressive supranuclear palsy happens when cells at the base of the brain gradually deteriorate. The condition gets worse with time. There is …
Prolactin Level Test-Why am I having this test? Prolactin level test is often used to diagnose and monitor problems with the pituitary gland, such as pituitary tumors. It may also be used to help find the cause of certain other conditions, such as an abnormal absence of menstrual cycles (amenorrhea) or a thyroid gland that …