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Ask The Expert Archives on General Health |
Questions on Contraception answered by
Marta
Mendez, MD, |
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Q:
Vulvodynia I would like to know to what type of specialist to go to for vulvodynia. Gynecologists have overlooked everything and female patients are told "it's all in your head" OR "I don't see anything wrong with the appearance of your vagina." There has got to be specialist that works on patients with this disorder somewhere. What is the name of that specialist? Someone who is trained to run tests on patients, and not be afraid of the unknown. Gynecologists are the least likely to know or understand the pain with vulvodynia. So who is left to put the pieces together? Why can't we have something for pain, at least while we wait for cures? I am angry that I live in constant pain. A pain in the most sensitive, private part of a woman's body. Why isn't anyone caring? A: |
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Labia Minora concern I'm 22 years old and I'm concerned about my labia minora. The outer flaps of my labia minora have jagged edges. The right flap sticks out more than the left one, and it has an irritating, itchy, sore feeling when it is touched. A: Overgrowth and irregularities of the labia minora are variants of normal anatomy. It can be surgically corrected if it bothers you.
Talk to your gynecologist. |
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Vaginal bleeding after having had a hysterectomy Is it normal to have bleeding after having had a hysterectomy five years ago? It is not a whole lot, more or less spotting. This does not happen after intercourse, just any time. I had a partial first, about eight years ago, and three years later had the complete. I do sometimes have a sharp pain in the stomach area that lasts just a few seconds. Could this be something serious? A: You should not be spotting. Make an appointment for pelvic exam ASAP. |
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Is this possibly an STD? I'm 19 years old and I've been sexually active since five months ago. I've always had some vaginal discharge (some white fluid), but two months after I started having sex it has become thicker and like cottage cheese, but with no odor. Also, my vulva feels like it's been scratched. I feel this in other parts of my vagina, too. I've had only one sexual partner and he doesn't have any abnormal symptoms. I've read about STD's and what I have on the outside of my vagina seems to look like the pictures I saw of genital warts. But again, my boyfriend doesn't have any marks or anything that looks like an STD. Can you can tell me what might be wrong with me? A: Both you and your boyfriend should go see a doctor ASAP. |
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Definition of a cyst What exactly is a cyst? A: A cyst is a saclike growth on the body in which liquid is contained. There are many types of cysts: ovarian, bartholin, and breast, to
name a few. |
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Latest treatments for PCOS I am interested in learning about the latest treatment for women with PCOS to help avoid removal of an ovary. I am 37 and have 2 children with the help of Clomid, and have a variety of symptoms that go along with this syndrome. My biggest concern is losing my other ovary after I had one removed last year for fear of rupture, as well as significant pain and appearance of pregnancy. I cannot tolerate birth control pills. I exercise 4-5 days per week and I take Aldactone which keeps the testosterone problem in check. Any suggestions? A: Ask your gynecologist about Depo-Provera. Please also visit OBGYN.net PCOS Pavilion for more information on PCOS |
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Small vaginal bump I have a very small bump on one side of the outside of my vagina. I am afraid it could be a cyst or herpes. It hurts a little and is leaking fluid. A: It sounds like a Bartholin's cyst. Go see your gynecologist for treatment. |
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Cramping and sharp, stabbing pains I often have cramping in between my periods, as well as during them. It is spontaneous and inconsistent. Usually I have cramps during my cycle off and on during the 4-7 days, but I also experience cramping during ovulation. Is this a sign of any problem? Another problem I have is that I get a sharp stabbing pain that runs from the vaginal opening into the vagina about 2-3" up inside. It also is inconsistent, and only lasts for short 2-5 second bursts, then goes away. I appreciate any help or direction you can give me. Since the doctor doesn't seem to take much interest in these problems other than prescribing pain medicine, I am hoping for some direction. A: A laparoscopy could help. Get a personal second opinion. |
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Is this normal for perimenopause? I am 44 years old and have had 3 normal pregnancies. I am menstruating at the present time and just found some tissue-like matter when I went to the restroom. It was not a blood clot but a hard, pinkish, whitish fibrous type material. Before my period started I had some spotting of dark brown, rusty blood. Is this tissue a normal premenopause occurrence? A: Tissue-like matter could be "endometrium" (inner uterine lining). Go see your gynecologist. |
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Breastfeeding and the mini-pill I stopped breastfeeding about a month and a half ago. During this time I was on the mini-pill called Micronor. The last few months of breastfeeding I got my period back. It was a bit unusual in that I would bleed a few times a week. After I stopped breastfeeding I continued taking the mini-pill for about a month and still continued to bleed a few times a week. I stopped taking the mini-pill 2 weeks ago and have been bleeding everyday since then. Sometimes it will be really heavy and other times really light. Is this normal? A: The mini-pill oral contraceptives are the best, low-dose oral contraceptives for breastfeeding women. Some side effects are:
irregular bleeding, spotting or missed periods. At this moment perhaps you should get another pill. Talk with your gynecologist about
your options. |
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Breast discharge Ever since I had my son in January of 1998, I've had a white discharge from my right breast. My doctor said this was normal. Recently, I've had the same discharge from my left breast. I noticed tonight it was yellow, and really thick. Is this normal? A: What you have is called "galacthoerrea". It is not anything serious. See your doctor and ask him about prolactine
(hormone test), X-ray and CT scan. |
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Getting back into shape following childbirth I am 29-year-old and the mother of 10-month-old baby. After delivery my stomach's loose skin and size has not come back to their original shape. What can I do for it? A: Some exercises should help to get your muscles toned up. |
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PMS For some reason I don't get PMS every month. In fact, I get it maybe every 6 months. I'm just wondering if that's common and why would it be that I only get symptoms on certain cycles? A: PMS is usually monthly and/or whenever you get your period. You are lucky to only get symptoms on certain cycles! |
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HPV positive I tested positive for HPV about 6 years ago and my pap spear showed mild dysplasia a year later. After a LEEP procedure, all subsequent pap smears have returned "normal." However, I understand that pap smears do not necessarily detect cervical cancer and I am very concerned that I might have such condition given my HPV-positive status. Could you please tell me what tests/procedures I should have done to detect cervical cancer? Should I be concerned even after a few "normal" pap smears? A: HPV is a non-curable condition. A pap smear is an excellent screening test for cervical abnormalities, including cancer. All you need is
to have a pap smear 3 times/year (the first year after a positive result for mild dysplasia) and twice/year afterwards. |
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