Women's Health

Heart Pains and Periods

2008-02-09T06:31:00.001-08:00

Q: everymonth within the week my menstural period starts i have this heart pains that feels heavy and somtimes i feel a change in flow and pumping rythms. i want to know if this is normal. i am a patient with endometriosis.
A: These sensations are probably not related to your periods or endometriosis. If you continue to have heavy sensations in the chest, you might want to see a doctor for this. Regarding the heart rhythm changes- in a healthy young person the most common cause of this sensation is called a PVC, which is premature ventricular complex. Everyone has these, up to six times in a minute. It usually gives you the sensation that you have missed a beat, a heaviness, then your heart beats slightly faster. It is actually an early heart beat and the heart compensates by taking longer to fill its chambers with blood before contracting. This is why you feel a missed beat or even a heavy sensation.

Missed Period and Negative Pregnancy Test

2008-02-09T06:28:00.001-08:00

Q: I haven't had my period for two months now. i have tested three times and it says that i am not pregnant. i'm really worry. i don't know what's wrong.
A: Over the counter urine pregnancy tests are pretty accurate and detect pregnancy within two weeeks of becoming pregnant. Usually we recommend waiting a week, and rechecking it. The most accurate test is a blood test which your doctor can order. It checks the beta-hcg hormone levels in the blood.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

2008-02-05T18:10:00.000-08:00

Q: i just found out i may be pregnant, i have been drinking steadily for some time and not trying to get to pregnant.i am worried about FAS,is there a risk for that within the first month?
A: You are at risk, but no one knows for sure how much alcohol and for long it needs to be consumed to cause FAS. Here is a link to more information about FAS.

BIRTH CONTROL AND MENOPAUSE

2008-02-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Q: I have been told I am in menopause. I was prescribed Seasonique bc pills to level everthing off. I have been on the pills for 3 weeks and I am going nuts!! My breasts are sore, Im irritable, I wanto eat, eat and eat more. How long should it take for these meds to balance out my hormones?
A: It is difficult to say because I'm not sure what the goal is of your treatment. Oral contraceptive pills should be used with caution in women over the age of 35. After a month cycle of your pills, if you are still feeling this way you should discuss it with your physician who knows your history well. Typically, we as physicians like to know if something isnt working for you.

Sharp Pains in the Breast And Breast Cancer

2008-02-05T17:35:00.001-08:00

Q: I am 33 years old, I had a complete hystectomy a few months ago. I have had sharp pains, not alot, but every once in a while in my breasts. I take an over the counter estrogen, and that is it. I am wondering if this could be some sort of breast cancer. My doctor did an exam and found nothing, but I have a very high risk of breast cancer in my family.
A: estrogen can cause breast tenderness. Breast cancer rarely causes pain. At this time, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammograms, with or without breast examination every one to two years for all women over 40. Women with risk factors for breast cancer, including a close family member (like a sister or mother) with the disease, should consider having annual mammograms starting 10 years earlier than the age at which the relative was diagnosed. So you may want to discuss your family history with your physician to see if they recommend getting a mammogram. Breast cancer in more distant relatives are not an indication to have mammograms at an age earlier than 40.

Milk Like Disharge

2008-02-05T17:03:00.000-08:00

Q: I just stopped taking birth control pills in november, i just had sex and there is a white milk like disharge coming out of my chest
A: Milky discharge is related to an elevated prolacting level. Amongst other things, you can have an elevated prolactin level in response to pregnancy and hyperstimulation around sex.

WEIGHT GAIN AND BIRTH CONTROL

2008-02-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

Q: I have been on my period for the past 20 days now and every time that i take my birthcontrol i get sick. In the past two days i have gaind 15 pounds what could be wrong

PREGNANCY and PERIODS

2008-02-03T09:13:00.001-08:00

Q: I Know you can be pregnant and still have a period. Is it possable you can still have a period and be pregnant with a negitive home pregnancy test?
A:

Breast Tenderness

2008-02-03T08:59:00.001-08:00

Q: I started having breast tenderness yesterday and it hurts to the touch. I went to webmd and it said it is normal to have breast tenderness right before and during the menstral period but i am on birth control and i dont get my period is it normal to still have pain or should i be worried?
A: Birth control can also cause breast tenderness, especially ones high in estrogen. If the pain is cyclical, it is probably related to hormones. Breast pain may be seen in pregnancy. It is rarely associated with breast cancer

BREASTFEEDING OFF ONE BREAST ONLY

2008-02-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

Q: i am breast feeding and my infant will not take the right breast. he takes the left one just fine. my question is why doesnt he take the right one? could there be something wrong with my breast?
A: not necessarily, he may be able to latch on better to the left one. If this is a persistent problem, you may want to discuss this with a lactation nurse.

TUBES TIED but HAS TITANIUM ALLERGY

2008-02-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

Q: i got my tubs tied and after i found out that i am allergic to titanium. should i get my tubs untied? how much will it cost?
A:

High Blood Pressure In Pregnancy

2008-02-03T08:14:00.001-08:00

Q: my daughter is due to have her 1st baby anytime now she has been having high b/p for over a month her dr has only told her to rest for 2 hrs at a time on her left side 4 times a day, she was seem yesterday her b/p was 160 /90 it has been as high as 172/108 . is this normal ?
A: No, blood pressure this high is not normal in pregnancy. During pregnancy, blood pressure usually is lower than normal. There are conditions in pregnancy associated with high blood pressure, which include Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and Pre-Eclampsia. Pre-Eclampsia, which is also known as 'toxemia' is a serious condition that occurs in a small percentage of pregnancies. It is a collection of symptoms which is diagnosed by a large amount of protein in the urine, high blood pressure, severe headaches
(not always present), blurry vision (not always present), Increased reflexes (not always present) and swelling of the feet (this is normal in pregnancy) The exact cause of preeclampsia is not known.
Risk factors include, African-American heritage, First pregnancy, Multiple pregnancies, Older than age 35, Past history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease

Symptoms of preeclampsia can include:
Headaches
Swelling of the hands and face (edema)
Weight gain
More than 2 pounds per week
Sudden weight gain over 1 - 2 days
Note: Some swelling of the feet and ankles is considered normal with pregnancy.
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
Abdominal pain
Agitation
Decreased urine output
Nausea and vomiting
Vision changes

If women have isolated blood pressure without these other signs, then it is usually monitored and medicine is usually not given unless bp is quite elevated.

Ovarian Cyst and Intercourse

2008-02-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

Q: Can you have sex with an ovarian cyst?
A: Yes, sexual intercourse does not tend to worsen pain related to an ovarian cyst, nor does it affect it.

BREAST CYST

2008-01-27T16:09:00.001-08:00

Q: I have been told that I have a cyst in my right breast but not to worry. I am worried because my sister died of breat cancer and I would like to know how they know if this is not a cancer?

TRYING TO GET PREGNANT

2008-01-27T15:31:00.001-08:00

Q: I have been trying to get get pregnet for a year and a year ago i lost a baby do you think thats is why i cant get pregnet?

BLISTER ON THE MINORA

2008-01-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

Q: i am married and have been sexually with him and only him! i have been sexually with him for 2 years and today i found im not sure if it is swollen or a blister on my labia minora...i normally check myself when im in the shower...and yesterday i took a shower and it was not there...it is the same color as my vagina and it doesnt hurt when i walk nor wear clothes..but when i touched it, it was didnt hurt painfully..i wore gloves when i touched it...do you know what the possibilities it could be are...
A: Of course you want to rule out worse case scenario of a sexually transmitted disease. The good news is most sores associated with std's are painful like herpes. Syphilis can cause a non-tender sore, a 'chancre.' Swelling at the bottom of the labia can be a bartholin's gland cyst which is usually painful. An ingrown hair or inflammed follicle is always in the differential.

SPOTTING AFTER SEX

2008-01-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

Q: why do sometimes i have blood spotting during a sexaul contact is there something wrong with me? i had 3 miscarriage last year but the doctor said its normal. do you think thats connected why im bleeding.what should i do?
A: Spotting after sex can be a sign of inflammation or changes of the cervix. Make sure your pap smear is up to date. Other causes of bleeding may be from tears of the skin.

BIRTH CONTROL EFFECTIVENESS WITH VOMITING

2008-01-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

Q: I am on birth control pills, but I have had unexplained diarrhea for almost a month. I went in to see the doctor to check for parasites in the stool, but did not ask about the effectiveness of the pill. I read on the Yasmin Lotus information label that diarrhea and vommiting can lower its effectiveness. I had sex using only the birth control as protection earlier today (no condoms)...Is emergency contraception necessary?

BLOOD CLOTS

2008-01-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

Q: During pms do blood clots came from eggs that not use?

MARIJUANA USE IN PREGNANCY

2008-01-26T18:44:00.001-08:00

Q: I six weeks in im having a baby in I smoke pot i slowed down but I want to know what will happen to my baby?

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

2008-01-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

Q: what are the symptoms of menapause?

HERPES

2007-11-09T17:52:00.001-08:00

If i have genital herpes, how can i get pregnant without infecting my partner?

PAIN WITH URINATION

2007-11-09T17:51:00.000-08:00

I had a cesarean in Feb of this year and had a tubal as well. My tubes were cut not tided and I have missed my period this month?? I do not in reality feel pregnant but do not know in fact if I am or not?? I have had severe pain when I urinate "a burning throbbing sensation" and feel as though I may have a UTI. I am in such enourmous pain that I grasp my knees when I going to the bathroom too ease the throbbing. I do not know what the problem is, there is no discharge/ no blood/ just pain. I do not have medical insurance and I have been waiting for the past month in a half to get my period that won't get here. Could it be something else beside bladder that may be the issue?? and can I get pregnant w/ my tubes being cut??

NUCLEAR STRESS TEST

2007-11-09T17:50:00.001-08:00

My questions concern the nuclear stress test for chest pain. I recently had a nuclear stress test for chest pain. I am concerned about the radiation exposure.

1) If it passes through your urine, can someone coming in contact with your urine expose them to radiation? (I am older and have bladder issues at night.)

2) Should you sleep in a different bed or use a different restroom for a period of time?

Lastly, I have one more embarrassing question. The day of the stress test, I fell asleep on the couch and had bladder issues as well as a seminal emission. As stupid as this may sound, did I spill radiation on my couch? Do I have to clean it a special way? Do I need to keep grandkids out of that room?

I know that this may sound silly, I just don't know much about all of this and I am too embarrassed to ask my doctor.

BLOOD CLOT 6 WEEKS POST-PARTUM

2007-11-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

I passed what I thought was a blood clot yesterday, and today when I used bathroom I passed from my vagina something white to off white into the toilet. I just had a baby 6 weeks ago. And I began having sex again 2 weeks ago and used a condom when sexually active

MORNING AFTER PILL

2007-11-09T17:42:00.001-08:00

im taking carafate for healing ulcers. i just started with it and i took it like 3 times and last time was 10 last night. if other medications is taken along with this one the effect is less, well i took a morning after pill now and it 2 pm, almost 16 hours after. is the morning after pill going to work? thanks

ABNORMAL PERIODS AFTER TUBAL LIGATION

2007-11-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

I'VE HAD A TUBAL LIGATION ABOUT 9 YEARS AGO AND HAD REALLY HEAVY PERIODS EVER SINCE,UNTIL I MISSED A PERIOD LAST MONTHSHOULD I BE REAL CONCERNED OR WAIT UNTIL I MAYU MISS MORE?MY AGE IS 33

BREAST TENDERNESS

2007-11-09T17:38:00.001-08:00

I had a needle localization and left breast biopsy 2 years ago.The needle localization caused awful pain and I blacked out. My breast has been in pain and sore every since then. These last couple of months my left breast is hurting every time I take a breath or move, cough or sneeze. I went to a doctor, they did a chest x-ray and said it looked ok. The soreness moves over to the middle of my chest a lot also. There are a few positions I can get in and the pain isnt there. Can you please help?
Im getting really worried.

MISSED PERIOD

2007-11-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

What does it mean if my periods stop, and I am not under or overweight?

VAGINAL ITCHING

2007-11-09T17:31:00.001-08:00

What can the possible cause for VAginal itching for over 60day, and no relief after OTC medications. NO discharge/odor noted during the duration of the problem.

FIBROCYSTIC CHANGE OF THE BREAST

2007-11-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Q: what is " breasts looks fibrocystic without dominent lumps"? Is having fibrocystic breast normal?
A: Yes, fibrocystic change is a normal finding in young healthy women. There are studies that show if you cut down of caffeine consumption, symptoms related to fibrocystic change (like breast tenderness) may improve.

UNCERTAIN DATES?

2007-11-09T17:12:00.001-08:00

I had Hyperemesis Gravidarum during the first six months of my pregnancy. When I was eight months pregnant, I had a sonogram, it was a fully formed fetus, I saw the legs and feet moving and I saw the head and facial features and everything. I even heard the heartbeat. Now on the sonogram the baby is measuring 4 weeks smaller. They took a blood HCG qualitative test and told me I was exactly eight weeks according to dates and the tests. But now they are telling me according to the sonogram, the dates i gave them were four weeks off. I am wanting to know if my severe nausea and vomiting during the first six months affect the growth of my daughter? I am measuring at 32 weeks on sonogram, when I am 36 weeks according to dates. My baby is in head down position and has already dropped last week. Is it possible that I was wrong, or is the sonogram wrong? Because in the beginning of my pregnancy at eight weeks, i heard her heartbeat, saw the fully formed body on the screen
(She was a small fetus at 8 weeks, of course, and I know at 3 or 4 weeks, It would not be a fully formed fetus yet!) PLEASE HELP! I have not begun to dilate or have any blood show yet. I have a lot of fluid around the baby still... the baby is healthy they tell me but i am concerned about how she is growing. Which should I follow, Sonogram, or the blood tests done at eight weeks?

PREGNANCY AFTER ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

2007-11-09T17:00:00.002-08:00

i'm 32 years old and i got pregnant last march.and the doctor found that i have ectopic pregnancy. so operation needed. and also they found also that i have cyst on my right ovary. they remove the cyst,and the ectopic baby. my question is 7 months after the operation why i didn't get pregnant again?i didn't take any contraceptives.coz i am so eager to have a baby.i ask if when will i have pregnant again?thank you and sorry about my english words.pls help me!

MISSED PERIOD

2007-11-09T17:00:00.001-08:00

i was on the last 2 days of my period and had sex not knowing if the condom had broken feeling very un safe i took the morning after pill i havent had my period in a month and ive taken 5 pregnancy test that all said no im freasking out what could it b

ABNORMAL PERIOD

2007-11-09T16:47:00.001-08:00

What is your question? So far for the past 2mo my period has lasted for 2wks. I've just started my period last night and i'm hoping that it doesn't last for that long. If it does last for 2wks what should i do? Also are there any explantions for it?

VAGINAL DISCHARGE

2007-11-09T16:41:00.000-08:00

Q: Ever since I started my cycle (age 11) I've experienced a discharge that I never had before, which at first seemed normal (as far as I can remember). Now, I was told by older women that discharge is normal among many females, but this doesn't seem normal to me. I'm not sure how long I've had these "symptoms", but my discharge is pale yellow, became heavier, foul odor, thick, and sometimes clumpy and occur almost every day. Even, before I started my cycle I was raised to shower TWICE a day, so I don't suspect these issues due to hygiene. I can sneeze or cough and I feel it coming as if I�m on my period. I don't suspect a STD because I've never been sexually active and haven't had many encounters of manual stimulation ("fingering", etc.). I have no other problems with this area, no itching, burning, bumps, rashes, nothing. I've been to embarrassed to tell anyone about this and my question is, what is this, how or why did I get this and how can I get rid of this uncomfortable discharge?
A: Bacterial Vaginosis is a VERY common cause of vaginal discharge. It usually has a 'fishy odor.' It is caused by an overgrowth of the bad vaginal bacteria and is not sexually transmitted. It can be diagnosed by your doctor by taking a swab of the discharge and looking at it under the microscope (a wet mount). It is treated with antibiotics.

BLEEDING AFTER MENOPAUSE

2007-11-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

Q: I have not had a menstrual cycle in two to three years and today I started a period.
I am 53 years old.
A: It sounds like you are experiencing post menopausal bleeding. If you have bleeding after being free of a menstrual cycle for over a year, you should see your doctor.

WHITE VAGINAL DISCHARGE

2007-11-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

Q: What is this white thing that comes out my girl friends private area?
A: You need to be more specific. Do you mean vaginal discharge or is it only after sex?

I lost my packet of birth control pills

2007-11-09T16:31:00.001-08:00

I lost my packet of birth control pills, and i didnt get a new pack. I was at the beginning of my third week. After i stopped taking them, i got my period the next week, when i was supposed to be on my third line of the pill. After my period was over, i had sex and we did use a condom, but i was wondering if since i was screwed up on my pill pack, if that would effect how long it would take for me to get my period again, and what are the chances that i could be pregnant?

TUBAL LIGATION

2007-11-09T16:30:00.001-08:00

Q: I had my tubes tied in 1987 which procedure do you believe was done.

MORNING AFTER PILL

2007-11-09T16:28:00.001-08:00

I took the morning after bill on last Monday night. The accident happened on Saturday night and we wonted to be better safe than sorry. It happened as he was pulling out so I do not think we had anything to really worrie about anyhow. My question is I have started bleeding again and I had my period the week before. It is very light and I feel like I am on my period again so do not wont to worrie about anything but it does not mean I dont wont to ask. Can I get a apinion about what this could be and why I could be doing this. I have never had them this close if that is what it is.

HEAVY SWEATING

2007-11-09T16:27:00.003-08:00

my daughter is 27 and sweats bad under her arms but is always cold what could we do about it she has tried all kinds of good deoadarant didnt help she riuns all her clothes

VAGINAL ODOR

2007-11-09T16:27:00.001-08:00

I have vaginal odor. It has going on for a week. Once, I ate asparagus and when I went to the bathroom, my vaginal odor has a similiar smell to it. Is there something I could do, or do I have to see a doctor?

RISK OF PREGNANCY AFTER VASECTOMY

2007-11-09T16:14:00.001-08:00

What is your question? I m a 30 year old woman who has been experiencing nausea the last 2 days also I am going to the bathroom very frequant. I am always late with my periods. Never monthly. I already have 3 children. My husband had a vasectomy 3 years ago but never had his sperm count checked is it possible for me to be pregnant. thanks

ALCOHOL AND PREGNANCY

2007-11-09T16:13:00.001-08:00

I'm 17 1/2 weeks pregnant and i've drank some during this time. i probably got drunk about 6 times or less. but im so scared the baby will be deformed or have problems. i also smoked weed once at the begining of my fourth month and took slavia once at the same time. i was convinced i was having an abortion but i changed my mind now i fear its too late for the baby!

CERVIX DILATION

2007-11-09T16:12:00.001-08:00

I AM 25 WEEKS PREGNANT AND MY DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT THE OUTSIDE OF MY CERVIX IS 2 CENTIMETERS OPENED BUT THE INSIDE OF MY CERVIX IS CLOSED. WHAT COULD HAPPEN IN THIS CASE?

DEPO AND PREGNANCY

2007-11-09T16:09:00.002-08:00

I have been on Depo- Provera for 3 years now and I decided to come off of it. I suppose to have gotten my shot In January 2007, but I decided not to get the shot. Now I'm trying to get pregnant and have a baby. I heard that it take a year for depo to be out of your system, but what i would like to know is if there is anything out there that I can take or if there is anything I can do to get pregnant now!!!

DTAP AND PREGNANCY

2007-11-09T16:09:00.001-08:00

What is your question? How far in advance of trying to get pregnant should I get the Tdap vaccine?

ABNORMAL PERIODS

2007-11-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

Q: I just recently stopped taking birth control in hopes of having a baby. I had my last period on Sept. 20 at the end of a pack. Two weeks later I went three days with a brown blood discharge and no cramps. I still have not had another period. Some cramping in my right side, higher abdomen. The last time I went off the pill I got an ovarian cyst. I use home ovulation kits but none have shown the hormone surge for ovulation. This is the first time I have been off the pill. I was wondering how much longer I should go before I see my doctor? I know it may take a while to be regular again, but how long is to long? Since I have had an ovarian cyst before, is it likely they will come monthly? Please advise.

BIRTH CONTROL TIMING

2007-11-09T16:01:00.001-08:00

Q: didn't realize that I needed to start Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo on any particular day and so I took my first pill on Friday the day after I met w/ my gyno. My period started yesterday. How will this affect taking the pill since I began it three days early?

PLAN B

2007-11-09T15:54:00.001-08:00

Q:
I took Plan B in early October and had my period the second week of october. I normally have my period at the end of the month, but it's not the beginning of november and I was wondering does this mean my period will come at the beginning of the month from now on? And this does mean I'm not pregnant right? Thanks.

VAGINAL SWELLING

2007-11-09T15:38:00.001-08:00

Q: I am a lesbian and when I am intimate with my partner my left lip of my lady area becomes the side of a golf ball. In a week it will return to normal size. This time after being intimate I also now have a slight burning when I use the restroom and a little spotting. What could this possible be? We do not use any lubricant and we do sometime use a rubber penis. We have use trojan condoms before but not this last time. Can you help me please?
A: Many things can cause swelling of the labia. A common condition is a bartholin's gland cyst. It causes one side of the labia to swell, it may be red and very painful. Allergic reactions and irritation less likely if it is on one side. If it is persistent you should have it checked out.

HPV AND CERVICAL CANCER

2007-11-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

Q: I have all high hpv. Is the risk of contracting cancer higher that I had 1 high risk strain? Thank you
A: Both high-risk and low-risk types of HPV can cause the growth of abnormal cells, but generally only the high-risk types of HPV may lead to cancer. Having high risk hpv does put you at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. We usually monitor these patients more frequently. Always get a yearly pap smear. However, the majority of high-risk HPV infections go away on their own and do not cause cancer

SWELLING IN PREGNANCY

2007-11-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

Q: i am 5 months pregnant, my left side is swollen, i need to know if this is normal?
A: Do you mean your abdomen is swollen on the left side? You can have a lop-sided appearing abdomen in pregnancy depending on how the baby is positioned, especially if it is in the transverse position (side to side instead of head/or bottom down). Im not sure what you mean.

VACCINES, XRAY EXPOSURE IN PREGNANCY

2007-11-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

Q: I have a very urgent quetsion and I hope you will give me the anser on it. Lat week I have made 2 vaccines - against grippe and 3rd vaccine against hepatitis (combinated A&B), also I was visiting dentist and I had x-ray and anaesthesia . This week I have discovered that I am pregnant (2 or 3 weeks). I am worried how these vaccines affect the baby and I am confused what to do now... Please give me your advise and opinion!
A: It is understandable that you are concerned about this. The flu (grippe) and hepatitis vaccine can be used in pregnancy and there is only a theoretical risk that it can hurt the fetus. Typically, xrays should be avoided during pregnancy. You would not be the first person who has been in this situation. I cannot give you advice and really it is not in your best interest to make a decision based on information obtained from the web. Please see an obgyn doctor for further counseling about your risks and they can help you through a decision.
Here is a link to the CDC which has information regarding the safety of vaccines in pregnancy.

SORES ON THE NIPPLES

2007-11-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Q: What is your question?I nurse a 8 month old baby, and suddenly there are white scab type spots on both nipples. It is very painful shooting pains come from the spots and go through my brest. I thought it was some kind of trush, so I took the baby to the pediatrician., they said there was no trush in her mouth, but the visit cost me $50.00 out of pocket. I don't have insurance or much money. Is this something that sould not be ignored? Thanks for you help
A:

PREGNANCY AND SINUS MEDICATIONS

2007-11-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

Q: I am not sure if I am pregnant, have to wait until I miss my period, but there is a posibility. My question is I'm having a sinus allergy attack and was wondering what over the counter meds I can take.

I dont want to take something too strong because if I am pregnant the embreoy (sp?) is in the begining stages and I want it to form properly.

I know I took something during my 1st pregnancy but I cant remember if it was sudafed or something else. I just need a little releif so I can breath. Thanks.

A: During the first trimester, it is best not to take anything at all. Later in pregnancy, sudafed or chlorpheniramine are the most commonly used medications for your complaints. There are many other medications that can be used with caution. Please remember to consult your own physician before taking any type of medications or assuming treatment.

LATE PERIOD AND YEAST INFECTION

2007-11-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

Q: I think that I might have a yeast infection and my period is two weeks late. I have taken a pregnancy test two days ago and it was negative. Could the yeast infection be the cause?
A: No, a yeast infection would not cause a change in your menstrual pattern.

SLEEPING WITH BRA ON

2007-11-09T14:40:00.001-08:00

Q: is it unheathly for a young girl to sleep with a bra on?
A: There are no health reasons why a girl should not sleep with her bra on, given it is not too tight or causing irritation to the skin.

ABNORMAL PAP & PREGNANCY

2007-11-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

Q: IS HAVING A ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR NORMAL WHEN YOUR PREGNANT?
A: Although the cervix changes during pregnancy, including becoming more fragile and red appearing, an abnormal pathology is not related/or the result of pregnancy.

BIRTH CONTROL AND BREASTFEEDING

2007-11-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

Q: is loestrin 24 fe safe for breastfeeding? because my doctor prescribed it and she knows i am breastfeeding i just gave birth 6 weeks ago.

Can You Determine Your Baby's Gender?

2007-08-12T12:29:00.001-07:00

Q: My husband and I are getting ready to have another baby. We already have a beautiful baby girl and would like a boy this time. I have heard that there are ways to determine your childs sex. Is this true? I have heard that it has something to do with the acidity in my system. Could you please tell me if the is even a possibility.
A: There is no known way to fool nature. Best of luck.

Vaginal Dryness

2007-08-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Q: I am 51 years old and for about a year now I have suffered from vaginal
dryness. Sex is painful and I don't enjoy it anymore. I tried K-Y jelly
last week, it helped but afterwards I felt a burning that took about 30
minutes to relieve. If I use the ky jelly everytime will that start to
help? Do you have any other suggestions or help?
A: There are prescriptions creams made for vaginal dryness. Some have estrogen and some do not. You should discuss these options with your physician. Good luck.

Infertility Specialist

2007-08-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

Q: which doctor should we go if we both want to have check up if we can still have a baby? i am 41 years old and my husband is 33..thank you for the help.
A: A fertility specialist is a type of physician who is a physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has done extra training in the Sub-Specialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Basically, an OB/GYN doctor who specializes in infertility.

Birth Control

2007-08-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

Q: I was wondering if you know anything about birth control. I am currently
taking Yasmine though I have been getting really bad mood swings and I
would like to go on something else that is not water/weight gaining
though would not make me so grumpy.
A: Yasmin is actually one of the birth control pills that has less water/weight gain which makes it very popular. However, regarding mood everyone can be affected differently. Choosing the right birth control is an individual decision for you to make after you discuss the pros and cons of the various types of birth control. The FDA published a birth control guide that you can use for comparison of the different types.

'My Mom's An Alcoholic'

2007-08-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Q: Would you be able to send me info on what alchoholism does to the female body. my mom's an alchoholic.

A: Alcohol affects every organ in the body. It is a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes, however, the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, leaving the excess alcohol to circulate throughout the body. I see patients in the hospital everyday who have alcohol related issues. The most common severe illnesses related to alcohol that I see are end stage liver disease, alcholic cardiomyopathy (heart failure from changes in the heart due to too much alcohol consumption), pancreatitis, stomache bleeds in which people can bleed to death, and injuries related to car accidents while drinking. Excessive drinking both in the form of heavy drinking or binge drinking, is associated with numerous health problems, including but not limited to:
1. Chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis (damage to liver cells)and an increased risk of liver cancer especially if a person has hepatitis C
When a person's liver is not working properly (as what can happen in liver cirrhosis after years of heavy drinking) they can appear yellow, confused, have belly infections, stomache and esophagus bleeds so they vomit up blood and then have trouble stopping the bleeding because they're clotting factors are not working.
2. pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
3. various cancers, including liver, mouth, throat, larynx (the voice box), and esophagus, high blood pressure, and psychological disorders.
4. Unintentional injuries such as motor-vehicle traffic crashes, falls, drowning, burns and firearm injuries.
5. Violence such as child maltreatment, homicide and suicide increase.
6. Remember about fetal alcohol syndrome- alcohol while pregnant can cause harm to a developing fetus.
7. Alcohol abuse or dependence.
8. Seizures related to alcohol withdrawal. These can be life threatening.
This is a summary but the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has an excellent web site to get more information. Best of luck. I hope you can convey the message how serious alcoholism really is.
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/handout.htm

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

2007-06-10T16:18:00.000-07:00

Q: What is your question? What would you consider high blood pressure in a
pregnancy? My daughter was almost 41 weeks and went in to hospital with a blood
pressure of 150/86 and it increased to 159/96 and they would not induce her due
to lack of an ob nurse. 2 days later the baby died and she had to have a
c-section. What do you consider to be too high for a blood pressure during
pregnancy? -Dana Philpott
A: Im very sorry to hear about this. That is a high blood pressure for pregnancy, assuming she had normal blood pressure throughout the early part of the pregnancy. however, a high blood pressure by itself is not a reason to induce labor. Surely, it is an indication to monitor the baby. Also, when the blood pressure is this high a patient is usually monitored for signs of pre-ecclampsia which is diagnosed by high blood pressure, headaches, blurry vision, excessive swelling of the feet and hands, hyper-reflexes and certain laboratory tests.

Induction and C-section

2007-06-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

Q: If a pregnant woman is induced, is there a higher risk that she will have to have
a cesarean section than if she was not induced? Is it safer to not be induced
and wait for one's body to go into labor on its own?
A: Not necessarily. The success of an induction depends on many things, like the condition of the cervix, etc. For example, a cervix that is soft, effaced and dilated is more likely to respond well to induction than one that is less favorable, hard etc. But yes, some inductions do end up going to c-sxn. Again, there are many variables. You need to outweigh the risks and benefits of the induction. For example, it may be necessary to induce labor at the risk of going to a c-section. We prefer women to deliver by 41 weeks because statistics show that babies do better if delivered by 41 weeks than 42, for example. So if a woman has not gone into labor by 41 weeks, we often induce labor. There are many other reasons for induction. But, if you just want to be induced earlier for no particular reason, then you need to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Miscarriage

2007-06-10T16:09:00.001-07:00

Q:What is your question?
In 2005 I had an incomplete miscarriage. I went to the doctor with what I had
passed. They did a pelvic ultrasound which was abnormal and needed further
testing with an endometrial ablation and an MRI. I had the MRI but never heard
the results. I am wondering if a D&C should have been done. and if it should have
been done is it too late now? I am in the process of getting my records and
finding a new GYN. Should they follow up these findings
A: D&C's are not always done after miscarriages. It really depends on the circumstances. It is usually done if there is retained product left in the uterus that hasn't passed on its own. You should call the doctor to discuss your results.

Vaginal discharge.

2007-06-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

Q: What is your question? I have a yellow discharge & I feel numbing in vagina area
Nancy
A: I dont know that the vaginal discharge and numbness are related. The only way to know for sure what is going on is to see your doctor. You may have a vaginal exam in which a swab of the discharge is taken and examined under the microscope. This may give you an answer. Sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial vaginosis (which is not sexually transmitted) and physiologic increase in secretions can cause vaginal dishcarge.