The testicles are found within the scrotum which is a loose sac of skin hanging down behind the penis.  The function of the testicles is to produce sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone.  Most of the time any lumps or swelling within the testicles are benign but it is natural for people to worry when they have found a lump.

Testicular torsion results in swelling of the testicles if the testicle has become twisted.  This interrupts blood flow and causes a large tender distension.  It often happens in developing boys who are experiencing puberty but has also been know to happen in men in their 20’s although it is quite rare.  Testicular torsion is a medical emergency due to the fact that it needs to be rectified by surgery within 6 hours or there is a risk that the testicle will be lost.

Symptoms of testicular torsion include nausea; vomiting; swelling of the scrotum; fever; abdominal pain; the need to urinate often; and, excruciating pain in one testicle.  The cause of testicular torsion results from a spermatic cord that is too long.  The spermatic cord is where the testicles hang from and in some boys this cord is too long leading to increased movement of the testicle which means the cord becoming twisted.  If it twists too much it will cut off the blood supply and the testicle will die.  Testicular torsion can sometimes just happen for no reason at all or it can be the result of strenuous exercise or other physical activity.

An ultrasound scan can be done to confirm suspicion of testicular torsion. Surgery needs to take place almost immediately to save the testicle.  The surgeon will have to cut the scrotum and untwist the cord.  He will then sew the cord to the scrotum to prevent this happening again.

Testicular Torsion

Vaginitis is the name given to an infection of the vagina.  Symptoms of vaginitis include a sore itching vagina with possible abnormal discharge.  There are various types of vaginitis and each type has its own cause and symptoms.  These different types are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, non-infectious vaginitis, and trichomoniasis.

Yeast or Candida infections are the most common type of vaginitis and are caused by an excess of the fungus Candida growing in the vagina.  Symptoms of yeast infections include a thick white discharge which causes the vagina to become itchy and red.

Vaginitis

Bacterial vaginosis is a frequent infection which affects women of reproductive age and is caused by bacteria in the vagina.  Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can include a thin smelly vaginal discharge although some women find they have no symptoms at all and only become aware of the infection during a visit to the gynecologist.

Non-infectious vaginitis can be caused by a reaction to products used such as soaps, fabric softeners, douches, vaginal sprays or spermicidal products.  It can cause the vagina to become itchy or burn and is accompanied by a vaginal discharge.

Trichomoniasis is an infection of the vagina which is caused by a single cell parasite.  This form of vaginitis is a sexually transmitted disease and will cause soreness, itching, and burning of the vagina.  It can also cause a burning feeling when urinating.

Each type of vaginitis has its own treatment.  An anti-yeast infection is used to treat yeast infection.  An antibiotic is used to treat bacterial vaginosis as there is no remedy which can be purchased over the counter.  In order to treat non-infectious vaginitis it is necessary to cease using the product which caused the reaction and a cream can be used to relieve symptoms. Trichomoniasis is treated with an antibiotic but it is important to avoid any sexual contact until it has been treated.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder otherwise known as trisomy and it is where an individual has inherited an additional or extra copy of a particular chromosome. In the case of Down’s syndrome, the affected individuals have three copies rather than two of chromosome 21. The consequence of this additional copy is that it changes the balance of the body resulting in characteristic intellectual and physical features.

Down Syndrome

There are three kinds of Down’s syndrome: regular trisomy 21 which is where all the cells in the body have an extra chromosome 21 and is the most common type of the condition with nearly 94% affected with Down’s having it; translocation, which is where extra chromosome 21 material attaches to another chromosome, and four percent have this type; and mosaic, which is where only some of the cells have additional chromosome 21. This usually has milder features than the other two types and only two percent of affected individuals have mosaic.

Down syndrome sufferers look different to normal people and usually have a flat type of facial profile with eyes slanting upwards. Smaller ears, protruding tongue and a flat back of the head are other features. Individuals affected tend to be shorter than normal, have poor muscle tone and have broad, short hands. Half the affected individuals have a heart defect, which can be treated in some, but not others. Some have problems with their gut, making it difficult to eat while increasing the risk of constipation and thyroid problems.

There is no cure for Down syndrome but there are treatments available for the accompanying symptoms as well as support for the learning difficulties.