Clinical Facts and Curiosities

In 1999, a case involving four men who swam in Lake Malawi in Africa was reported, where they developed symptoms in their ejaculates such as yellow coloration and reduced volume, which persisted despite treatment. They were found to have Schistosoma haematobium ova in their seminal fluid, indicating schistosomiasis. The document also described a 17-year-old girl who experienced complete alopecia after receiving a hepatitis B vaccine, a condition known as telogen effluvium, which is reversible but not shortened by topical minoxidil. Other topics included the risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the cost of medical education, and the use of capsaicin for overactive bladders. It was noted that grapefruit juice and nondiet sodas increase kidney stone risk, while wine and caffeinated coffee decrease it. The document also mentioned the influence of human pheromones on menstrual cycles and humorously recounted how a speaker who didn't present at a symposium received higher scores than those who did, highlighting the adage "less is more."