Why Do Men Get Cancer More Than Women?

The study suggests underlying sex differences play a bigger role. But nobody is surprised that these sex differences exist. How Much More Likely Are Men to Get Cancer? mgstudyo / Getty Images Of the organs studied, only the thyroid and gallbladder showed higher cancer rates among women. What Causes the Difference? Factors such as sex-related biological mechanisms may play a role, as can immunologic and genetic differences. Higher levels of testosterone levels, which promote cell growth, may also make a difference....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 170 words · Natalie Harris

Why Do My Eyes Keep Watering?

Watery eyes, calledepiphora, happen when eyes excessively tear or water when not crying. Common causes ofwatery eyesare allergies, a blocked tear duct, dry eye, and computer overuse. Watery eyes can happen at any age but are more common in older adults and newborns. aywan88 / Getty Images aywan88 / Getty Images What Causes Watery Eyes? Ablocked tear ductis a partial or full blockage within that passageway. Other causes of blocked tear ducts include:...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 326 words · Harold Bradshaw

Why Do My Feet Sweat So Much? 10 Potential Causes and How to Make It Stop

However, excessive foot sweating can be a problem for some people. Genetics Plantar hyperhidrosis (a condition marked byexcessively sweatyfeet) may have genetic influences. A family history is present in about 30% of cases. fizkes / Getty Images Tight, enclosed boots and shoes made from non-breathable materials (like rubber) can trap sweat. Physical Activity Sweating during exerciseis normal and necessary to help the body cool down. However, for some people, sweating during physical activity can be excessive....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 295 words · Bruce Watson

Why Do My Nipples Hurt?

There are several reasons why nipples hurt, with causes ranging from benign to serious. Nipple pain may ache, tingle, throb, burn, or feel tender. It may or may not be connected with more generalbreast pain. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Most causes of nipple pain resolve with at-home treatment. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Clothing Irritation Clothing that rubs on nipples can cause irritation. Sometimes called jogger’s nipple, friction burns can occur from clothing rubbing on the nipples....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 1010 words · Lauren Maynard

Why Do My Ribs Hurt? Causes of Rib Cage Pain

Rib pain may feel like it hurts when touched, when you breathe in, or constantly. Your healthcare provider may need to have images taken and bloodwork done to properly diagnose your rib pain. Common Causes Some of the more common musculoskeletal causes of rib cage pain are as follows. DragonImages / Getty Images Ribs can also be bruised (bone bruise) without a fracture. With fractures, tenderness is usually very localized....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 588 words · Andrea Ford

Why Do People Have Abortions?

It’s important to remember that a wide range of factors affect the decision to have an abortion. These include very personal issues that cannot easily be understood by others or grouped into general categories. Overall Cost Having a child is expensive. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health Situations that impact financial security include being unemployed or underemployed. Lack of Health Insurance Being uninsured falls under the financial umbrella as well....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 650 words · Holly Hoover

Why Do People Need Blood Transfusions?

If you are going into surgery that is likely to involve blood loss, you may anticipate this. Or, you may require one unexpectedly due to an accident or an illness. In the United States, blood transfusions save millions of lives each year. ozgurdonmaz / Getty Images ozgurdonmaz / Getty Images Why Blood Transfusions Happen A blood transfusion treats specific problems. Your healthcare provider can transfuse the components you need. Blood Transfusion Procedure Blood transfusions may intimidate you if you’ve never undergone one....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 384 words · Travis Rodriguez

Why Do We Develop Food Allergies as Adults?

In fact, recent research shows that more people are developing food allergies in their adulthood. Why Do Adults Develop New Allergies? Scientists dont entirely know why someone might suddenly develop a new allergy. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health. But the immune system can sometimes react to certain proteins that aresufficiently similarto other allergens. But so far, Greenberg said, theres no evidence that it plays a role in food allergies....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 225 words · Charles Best

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth If We Don't Use Them?

Early humans had broader, more powerful jaws to get to chew through tough plant materials and raw foods. Modern jaws no longer have space for wisdom teeth. So when they grow in, they can cause an array of problems. Jull1491 / iStock / Getty Images Many people have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent these problems down the line. Others choose to keep their wisdom teeth if they are healthy, properly aligned, and not causing issues....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 468 words · Jose Thomas

Why Do We Pass Gas?

manusapon kasosod/ Getty Images What Is a Fart? A fart is when you pass gas through your anus. This gas has built up in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. manusapon kasosod/ Getty Images It can also be called flatus orflatulence. There are also health conditions that can cause gas. Constant Gas Constant gas is not typical. Sometimes there are health conditions that cause more gas than usual. They can work with you to create a diet that minimizes gas and accompanying symptoms like pain and/or bloating....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 211 words · Megan Nixon

Why Do We Vomit When We Get Sick?

Vomiting is one of the most unpleasant symptoms we have to endure when we get certain illnesses. We will look at what happens to our bodies when we vomit. Why does it occur and what can we do to feel better? Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images What Causes Vomiting? You may vomitbileor you may just dry heave. In these cases, vomiting occurs without any irritation of the GI tract....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 154 words · Ruth Fletcher

Why Do You Lose Your Appetite During a Heat Wave?

Key Takeaways Excessive heat can make you feel nauseous, weak, or dizzy. You might even lose your appetite when its sweltering outside. What Can You Eat to Cool Off During a Heat Wave? Verywell / Mira Norian. When planning a heat-wave grocery list, youll want to consider hydration along with the thermic effect of food. This isnt a hard-and-fast rule, and everyone has different fluid needs. During hot days, most individuals lose between 22....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 163 words · Daniel Robertson

Why Does Alcohol Make Me Bloated?

Abdominal bloating is when the stomach feels full of gas and may become distended (sticks out). The pressure or tightness in the abdomen can feel anywhere from mildly uncomfortable to really painful. Bloating can happen after drinking alcoholic beverages for a variety of reasons. FG Trade / Getty Images People who drink regularly may experience effects such as excess gas or even weight gain. Alcoholic beverages can cause irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 491 words · Emily Huff