Here are some likely questions and suggested answers, which should be adapted to your child’s age and needs. What is AIDS? It is an illness caused by infection with a virus (germ) called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Why does AIDS kill people? Everyone’s body has a natural means of fighting disease – the immune system. [...]

• See a specialist to find the cause of the problem. • Always drink at least 2 liters per day. • Make sure you empty your bladder completely when you urinate. • Dab gently (instead of wiping) to dry your genitals after passing urine. After a bowel movement, wipe around your back passage from front [...]

Ovarian cysts A cyst is a fluid-filled cavity surrounded by a well-defined wall. There are many normal cystic structures in the body, for example the ovarian follicles. The urinary and gall bladders become cystic when they не full (inflammation of these is called respectively ‘cystitis’ and cholecystitis’). An abnormal cyst develops when anything interferes with [...]

Women can stop menstruating for a variety of reasons. By far the most common is pregnancy. When I was a medical student we were taught ‘all women with secondary amenorrhoea are pregnant until proved otherwise’. A glib statement! But pregnancy should be ruled out first as a cause. Other reason for secondary amenorrhoea includes disturbance [...]

Assisted conception In some cases the cause can’t be corrected, but pregnancy may still be possible using a technique of assisted conception such as artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilisation. If any of these treatments are suggested, the medical, emotional, social and financial aspects should be fully explained and you’ll have plenty of time to think [...]