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Browse our complete A-Z directory of healthcare terms and entities.
Showing 39 entries starting with "V" of type "Conditions"
Can you prevent the flu? You can help prevent the flu by getting a flu vaccine every year, as soon as it is available. The vaccine prevents most cases of the flu. But even when the vaccine doesn't prevent the flu, it can make symptoms less severe and reduce the chance of problems from the...
Incidence and Mortality Estimated new cases and deaths from vaginal (and other female genital) cancer in the United States in 2019: New cases: 5,350. Deaths: 1,430. Carcinomas of the vagina are uncommon tumors comprising about 1% of the cancers that arise in the female genital system. Early-stage tumors are...
Vaginal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the vagina. The vagina is the canal leading from the cervix (the opening of uterus) to the outside of the body. At birth, a baby passes out of the body through the vagina (also called the birth canal). Anatomy of the female reproductive...
A vaginal pessary is a removable device placed into the vagina. It is designed to support areas of pelvic organ prolapse. A variety of pessaries are available, including the ring, inflatable , doughnut , and Gellhorn . Your doctor will fit your pessary to hold the pelvic organs in position without causing discomfort...
A vaginal self-examination is a way for a woman to look at her vulva and vagina. A vaginal self-examination may help you better understand your body, the changes that take place during the menstrual cycle, and any problems that may need medical attention. The best time to do a vaginal self-examination is between your...
Vaginal vault prolapse is usually caused by weakness of the muscles and tissues in the pelvis or vagina. It can occur following surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), especially in women with a previous prolapse. When the top of the vagina loses the support of the uterus, it often sags or drops into the vaginal...
A vaginal wet mount (sometimes called a vaginal smear) is a test to find the cause of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina and the area around the vagina (vulva). Vaginitis is often caused by an infection, but it may also be caused by a reaction to vaginal products such as soap, bath oils, spermicidal...
Vaginal yeast infections are a common problem during pregnancy. They may be caused by high estrogen levels. These infections aren't a risk to the pregnancy. But they can cause uncomfortable symptoms. If you are pregnant and have vaginal infection symptoms, see your doctor. Don't assume that your symptoms are caused by a...
Guides you through the decision to treat a vaginal yeast infection yourself. Explains when you may need to see a doctor to diagnose a yeast infection. Discusses prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
Discusses varenicline (Chantix), medicine that helps people quit smoking. Explains that it blocks the effect of nicotine and helps with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Covers side effects and risks if you have depression or bipolar disorder.
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They're most common in the legs and ankles. They usually aren't serious.
Vascular surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of diseases of the blood vessels (vascular disease). Vascular surgeons can be board-certified through the Board of Surgery, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
A vasectomy is surgery to make a man sterile (permanently unable to father a child). During a vasectomy, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra (called the vas deferens) is cut and tied off or clipped, preventing sperm from being released during ejaculation.
Discusses vasovasostomy, a procedure to reconnect the vas deferens tubes that were cut during a vasectomy. Covers what to expect after surgery and how well it works. Also covers risks.
What is venous insufficiency? Venous insufficiency is a problem with the flow of blood from the veins of the legs back to the heart. It's also called chronic venous insufficiency or chronic venous stasis. Veins have valves that keep the blood moving in one direction—toward the heart. In venous insufficiency, the valves...
Venous skin ulcers develop when the lower leg veins are weakened and cannot efficiently move the blood back toward the heart. Pooled blood and fluid in the lower legs then leads to tissue breakdown. You can prevent or heal a venous skin ulcer by helping your blood circulate back toward your heart. Leg elevation During...
A thrombus is a blood clot that forms in a vein. An embolus is anything that moves through the blood vessels until it reaches a vessel that is too small to let it pass. When this happens, the blood flow is stopped by the embolus. An embolus is often a small piece of a blood...
Ventricular septal defect (VSD), the most common heart problem that develops before birth (congenital), is an opening in the wall that separates the lower chambers of the heart. Most ventricular septal defects are small and do not cause a problem. The opening of a ventricular septal defect can be as small as a pinhole...
If you want to learn about supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), go to the topic Supraventricular Tachycardia. What is ventricular tachycardia? Ventricular tachycardia is a type of fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower part of the heart (ventricles). The heart might beat more than 100 beats per minute. Some forms of...
Vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine, or backbone. A person usually has 33 vertebrae aligned in a column, with one on top of another and with cushions (discs) between them.
Learn simple head movements to help with vertigo and balance problems.
Level 2 exercises for vertigo are a little harder than the level 1 exercises. For all of them, start out slowly and gradually try to do the exercise for a longer time or for more repetitions. When you first begin, it is important to have someone with you to help you if you feel you...
Walking is a simple but powerful exercise for vertigo that can help your balance. Walking with greater balance will allow you to function better on your own, which in turn may lead to improved self-confidence. As you walk, you will also be working your muscles, which helps you keep muscle tone and may increase your...
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the backward flow of urine from the bladder into the kidneys. Normally, urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder, and the muscles of the bladder and ureters and the pressure of urine in the bladder prevent urine from flowing backward through the ureters. VUR allows...
Vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is in your inner ear. This nerve carries balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. When the nerve is inflamed, it causes vertigo. Vertigo makes you feel as if you or your surroundings are moving even though there is no actual movement...
Source: Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. All rights reserved. People who are farsighted see things at a distance more easily than they see things up close. If you are very farsighted, close objects may be so blurry that you can't do tasks such as reading or sewing. How farsightedness affects you...
Aerobic fitness means increasing how well the body uses oxygen, which depends on the condition of the heart, lungs, and muscles. Experts tend to describe aerobic activity in three ways: light, moderate, and vigorous. When people do vigorous-intensity activities, they breathe faster and have a much faster heartbeat than...
Dr. Vikram Iyer reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Iyer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Violence causes more injury and death in children, teenagers, and young adults than infectious disease, cancer, or birth defects. There is no single explanation for the violence caused by youth. Many different things cause violent behavior in children. The more these things are present in a child's life, the more likely...
A viral culture is a test to find viruses that can cause an infection. A sample of body fluid or tissue is collected and added to certain cells used to grow a virus. If no virus infects the cells, the culture is negative. If a virus that can cause infection infects the cells, the culture...
A low-vision evaluation will help you and your doctor find ways to make the best use of your remaining vision. Your doctor will ask questions to find out how your vision loss has affected your life and what changes you have already made to cope with reduced vision. Talk with your doctor about your needs...
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is important in the formation of all cells in the body, especially red blood cells and the covering of nerve cells (myelin). The body needs myelin for nerves to function properly. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Most people who eat meat are...
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a blood problem that occurs when there is not enough of this vitamin in the body. Vitamin B12 helps make red blood cells. Without enough vitamin B12, the body does not produce enough red blood cells, and cells throughout the body do not get the oxygen they need. Vitamin B12...
A vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Most people who eat animal products are not likely to...
Complete one of these records each day for several days, then take the completed records to your doctor. This information will help you and your doctor see how often you leak urine and what seems to cause the leakage. Name: Date: Instructions: Place a check mark in the appropriate column next to the time you...
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in many household products; examples of VOCs include acetone, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Exposure to volatile organic compounds may cause symptoms such as headaches; nausea; and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Products that may contain volatile organic...
What is von Willebrand's disease? Von Willebrand's disease is a bleeding disorder. When you have this disease, it takes longer for your blood to form clots, so you bleed for a longer time than other people. Normally, when a person begins to bleed, small blood cells called platelets go to the site of the bleeding...
Vulnerable adults are those who are not able to defend themselves, protect themselves, or get help for themselves when injured or emotionally abused. A person may be vulnerable because of a physical condition or illness, such as weakness in an older adult or physical disability, or a mental or emotional condition.
Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva. Vulvar cancer forms in a woman's external genitalia. The vulva includes: Inner and outer lips of the vagina. Clitoris (sensitive tissue between the lips). Opening of the vagina and its glands. Mons pubis (the rounded...