Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medications, and diseases interfere with your ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your health professional.
Conditions
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
- Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
- Menopause or perimenopause
- Pregnancy
- Recent gynecologic treatments or procedures:
- Abortion
- Dilation and curettage (D&C)
Lifestyle choices
- Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
- Drug abuse or withdrawal
- Endurance athletics
- Smoking or other tobacco use
- Unprotected sex
Medications
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- Medications to prevent organ transplant rejection
- Medications to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
- Radiation therapy
Diseases
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Diseases that can affect hormone balance, such as:
- Adrenal disease
- Ovarian cysts
- Pituitary disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Thyroid disease
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | July 5, 2007 |
Author:Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Last Updated: 07/05/2007
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