Explaining risk tolerance and risky behaviors in people has been a popular – but risky – field of study. Conflicting theories and disproven gene candidates abound. But new genome-wide association studies (GWAS) powered by the consumer genetic database of 23andMe has blown the field of risk research wide-open, and the…
Stress incontinence is any leakage of urine caused by coughing, sneezing or other physical exertion. In my experience women typically approach urinary incontinence in one of two ways: they are either embarrassed and don’t wish to acknowledge it, or they accept it as a normal and inevitable part of aging…
Following childbirth new mothers can feel distressed about the changes they see in their bodies. The majority of these changes go away naturally, but some changes can persist. One commonly held belief is that childbirth permanently stretches and thereby “loosens” the vagina. Is a “loose vagina” a common consequence of…
There are plenty of online articles describing how to do Kegel exercises (or ‘Kegels’), and many more hyping their benefits. But if you look a little deeper you will also find dissenting voices. This article digs into the clinical research to answer two key questions: Do Kegels work? and Are Kegels…
[Update: If you’re interested in learning more you can also check out a new project that I’m involved with: DNASquirrel – helping you protect your genetic privacy when taking 23andMe, Ancestry, or other direct-to-consumer genetic test.] I’m thinking about sending my DNA in to 23andMe anonymously. I’ll explain why, and how…
Could a simple genetic test tell us which women will develop the chronic swelling condition known as lymphedema after breast cancer treatment? The value of such a test would be enormous, offering earlier detection and better management. No genetic test for lymphedema currently exists, but could we DIY (‘do-it-yourself’) one?…
Do you think that you might be showing early signs of the chronic swelling condition known as lymphedema? Assessment by a qualified healthcare practitioner is vital for an accurate diagnosis, but learning the basics of how to self-diagnose lymphedema can help you monitor yourself more effectively and discover your symptoms…
A new study published yesterday suggests that the anti-inflammatory drug known as ketoprofen may treat some symptoms of lymphedema. Is the hype justified? You can read the primary research article for yourself here (ref1), or read the accompanying press release from Stanford Medicine here. But don’t head off to read the…
Eiger BioPharmaceuticals published a press release yesterday announcing that their ULTRA Phase 2 clinical trial investigating Ubenimex for lymphedema did not achieve their endpoints, and that they would not be pursuing additional clinical trials at this time. The ULTRA trial was designed to evaluate the possibility that the drug known…
We are still waiting for research to give us a more complete picture of what causes lipedema, and so not surprisingly, we are also still waiting for a cure. But in the meantime lipedema treatment options exist that can help you control your symptoms and prevent progression to lipo-lymphedema, an advanced stage…
