Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder. It affects your body’s ability to produce normal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells. It allows your red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body, nourishing your body’s other cells. If you have thalassemia, your body produces fewer healthy hemoglobin proteins, and your bone marrow produces fewer healthy red blood cells. The condition …

An eating disorder is a mental health condition that affects your relationship with food and how you see yourself (body image). Eating disorders affect your physical and emotional health and can be life-threatening. The symptoms of eating disorders look and feel different for each person and vary based on the type. You may count calories or limit how much and what types …

Sickle cell anemia is the most severe type of sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder. In sickle cell anemia, you inherit a genetic mutation (change) that causes abnormal C-shaped or sickle-shaped red blood cells. Healthcare providers may call these cells “sickled cells.” Normal red blood cells are round flexible disks. They slide through your blood vessels, carrying oxygen to your organs and tissues. Sickled cells …

Anorexia (anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder in which you restrict the number of calories you consume, resulting in a nutrient deficit and often — but not always — a very low body weight. People with anorexia also have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. They often don’t recognize the seriousness of the condition. If you think frequently about food …

Vitamin deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells. It happens primarily when you have low levels of vitamin B12 or B9 (folate or folic acid). Instead of producing healthy red blood cells, your body may produce irregularly large red blood cells. These cells can’t carry oxygen throughout your body the way they …

Anorgasmia is delayed, infrequent or absent orgasms — or significantly less-intense orgasms — after sexual arousal and adequate sexual stimulation. Women who have problems with orgasms and who feel significant distress about those problems may be diagnosed with anorgasmia. Among all women, the frequency and intensity of orgasms vary. Also, for any individual, orgasms can be different from one time …

A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulge in a weak area of an artery in or around your brain. The constant pressure of blood flow pushes the weakened section outward, creating a blister-like bump. When blood rushes into this bulge, the aneurysm stretches even farther. It’s similar to how a balloon gets thinner and is more likely to pop …

Anterior vaginal prolapse, also known as a cystocele (SIS-toe-seel) or a prolapsed bladder, is when the bladder drops from its usual position in the pelvis and pushes on the wall of the vagina. The organs of the pelvis — including the bladder, uterus and intestines — are typically held in place by the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic …

A popliteal aneurysm is a ballooned-out part of your popliteal artery, which is behind your knee. Half of the people with popliteal aneurysms will have them in both legs. Popliteal aneurysms can cause issues if they burst (rupture), send a clot down your leg (embolize) or block artery flow (thrombose). Some people can lose their legs or even their lives when this condition takes a …

Anthrax (pronounced “AN-thraks”) is an infectious disease caused by exposure to Bacillus anthracis bacteria. The bacteria are dormant, or inactive, in soil. Disease from anthrax mostly affects animals that graze on land that has the bacteria and is extremely rare in the United States. People can become infected through inhaled bacteria spores, contaminated food or water, or skin wounds. Antibiotics are the first line …