Vaccines for Children: A Caregiver's Guide

Vaccines protect babies and children from potentially life-threatening diseases. They can also prevent reinfection. Vaccines work with the bodys naturalimmune systemto make a protective response to harmful antigens (viruses orbacteria). ER Productions Limited / Getty Images There are several vaccine types. The list ofrecommended vaccinesthat most children between birth and 18 years old need is compiled in the chart below. All of these vaccines are important to a child’s health....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 329 words · Lauren Frazier

Vacuum Therapy: If It Works and Whether It's Safe

No anesthesia is needed to complete the procedure. Vacuum Therapy Costs Vacuum therapy costs vary with provider and technique. It’s $50 or more (less with a discount, like Groupon) for endermologie sessions. FluxFactory / Getty Images Managing Expectations Vacuum therapy does not work for everyone. When it does, it produces temporary resultsand they will not be as drastic as a surgical butt lift. Plan to invest in multiple treatments to determine what your results will be....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 167 words · Michael Rodriguez

Vagina Anatomy, Function, and What's Normal

Vagina anatomy varies in size, shape, color, and moisture. For instance, your vagina can be an oval or a more round shape. It also changes in size during childbirth. Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health Together, themucosal tissueand layer of connective tissue produce mucus for a jot down of vaginal discharge called lubrication. It may change over time.It also can change color during sexual arousal. Some color changes can suggest infection or a skin condition, like pink to red with ayeast infection....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 525 words · Brianna Cannon

Vaginal Bleeding: What Causes Symptoms Outside Menstruation?

Unusual vaginal bleeding also includes heavy or irregular periods. This article discusses the possible causes of vaginal bleeding and how to manage it. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health When Are Vaginal Bleeding Symptoms Abnormal? Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health Vaginal bleeding is normal during yourmenstrual period. However,bleeding between periodsis considered abnormal. If you experience bleeding after sex or between periods, see your healthcare provider. Even very light bleeding or spotting is not normal between periods....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 520 words · Shannon Gonzalez

Vaginal Contraceptive Film: How It Works and Where to Buy

It then dissolves and releases nonoxynol-9, a chemical that kills sperm (spermicide). you’ve got the option to buy VCF film without a prescription. The film must be used every time you have intercourse to get to prevent pregnancy. Dawn Stacey This article will explain how to use vaginal contraceptive film. What Is Vaginal Contraceptive Film? Vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) is a nonhormonal form ofbirth control. It consists of a thin, clear strip of material that you insert into your vagina....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 375 words · Andrew Martin

Vaginal Discharge Color Guide

Most vaginal discharge is normal. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health Vaginal Discharge From puberty, the body begins making discharge. This is normal, a sign of healthy development, and means menstruation is on the way soon. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health Vaginal dischargeis a fluid that comes from the vagina. Discharge helps keep the vagina clean by removing dead cells and bacteria from the vagina. Discharge may vary across themenstrual cycle....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 407 words · Nicholas Lindsey

Vaginal Dryness Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Vaginal dryness may result in intermittent or constant discomfort, and it can cause sex to be painful. These may cause the issue on their own or compound the effects of lowered estrogen. Sometimes, medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can cause dehydration, which may cause vaginal dryness. Getty Images / noipornpan However, symptoms can occur intermittently, even without sex a precipitating factor. Generally, hormone levels and diagnostic testing, such as ultrasound, can distinguish the conditions....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 225 words · Michelle Weber

Vaginal Flora

The vaginal flora is the bacteria that live inside the vagina. Lactobacilli maintain the vagina at a normal pH of around 4. This mildly acidic environment helps protect against infection. STEVE GSCHMEISSNER / Getty Images So do the other substances they produce. These bacteria are an important part of a healthy vaginal ecosystem. This can not only be unpleasant in and of itself. It can also leave a woman more susceptible to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 418 words · Jennifer Wilson

Vaginal Rash: What’s Causing Irritation Down There?

It may affect the inside or outside of the labia folds. These rashes can be itchy, bumpy, and red. Causes vary from simple skin irritation and bacterial infections tosexually transmitted infections (STIs). Westend61 / Getty Images This article will discuss the different causes of vaginal rashes. It will also cover when to see a healthcare provider and treatment options. Vaginitis has several underlying causes. However, some rashes can cause symptoms to be felt throughout the body in the form offever and chills....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 891 words · Anna Chan

Vaginitis Symptoms and Causes

Vaginitis is a vaginal infection or vaginal inflammation. It can cause itching, pain, burning, or bleeding. This condition may be due to a variety of non-infectious and infectious conditions, includingSTDs. VOISIN / Getty Images A diagnostic test (such as a culture) can identify the cause of vaginitis. Treatment is tailored to the cause of vaginitis and can include prescription antibiotics, antifungals, or lotions. This article discusses what vaginitis is, as well as its causes and symptoms....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 551 words · Melinda Smith

Vaginoplasty: Everything You Need to Know

Vaginoplastyis a surgical procedure that repairs or constructs a vagina. Vaginoplasty focuses on creating or repairing the structural integrity of thevaginaitself. What Does Vaginoplasty Treat? ljubaphoto / Getty Images Vaginoplasty can be a life-changing procedure that offers positive outcomes and improves quality of life. Vaginoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are completely unconscious and pain-free during the surgery. Penile inversion andcolovaginoplasty(vaginoplasty with bowel tissue) are the two main surgical approaches for creating a neovagina....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 468 words · Ryan Knight

Validation Therapy for People With Dementia

Validation therapy is a strategy for communicating with people who have dementia that emphasizes empathy and understanding. It is often used to comfort and reassure people who are living withAlzheimer’s diseaseor another kind of dementia. This article discusses validation therapy for people with dementia and how to implement it. Cultura RM Exclusive / Tim MacPherson Cultura Exclusive 145083637 / Getty Images It also goes over some of the evidence for the effectiveness of this treatment strategy....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 347 words · Charles White

Valium vs. Xanax: Which Is Better for Anxiety?

Both medications can reduceanxietysymptoms. This article will discuss the similarities and differences between Valium and Xanax. This binding increases the inhibitory effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter involved in anxiety. Getty Images /BSIP/ Contributor How Long Do Valium and Xanax Take to Work? In addition, Valium is long-lasting, with a duration of action of more than 12 hours. Which Is More Effective? One study found no difference between active drugs and placebo due to the small number of participants....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 277 words · Carla Fleming DVM