young woman, women's health, obstetrics, gynecology, infertility, pregnancy, hysterectomy, fibroids, and more

 

Print this page
OBGYN.net Advertisement
Young Woman Ask The Expert Archives - General Health

Ask The Expert Archives on General Health

 

Questions on Contraception answered by Marta Mendez, MD,
OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board

 
Q: Endometriosis and Depo-Provera
I have endometriosis and I have been receiving Depo-Provera shots for 11 months . My menstrual flow changes at times and for the last two months has been very heavy. My stomach has been bloated (which is why I went on this in the first place) but it did take care of the intense pains. Do you think this is something that may be related to cervical cancer?

A: It doesn't seem to be related to cancer. Irregular bleeding, spotting or no bleeding at all are side effects of Depo-Provera.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Pros and cons of a hysterectomy
What are the pros and cons of having a hysterectomy? Is age a factor? Does your sex drive increase or decrease?

A: The effects of having a hysterectomy depend mostly on age, previous condition and type of hysterectomy. Many women who have had an hysterectomy (simple) enjoy a normal, active sex life.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Breast size, etc.
One of my breasts is a little smaller than the other. It's just barely noticeable, but it really bothers me. Is there anyway I could make it start to be normal with the other one? Also, not until recently had I known that virgins bleed. I just thought that your first time was a slightly uncomfortable feeling. About 2 months ago I had my first time. I never bled and I still haven't. I've heard that the hymen can be broken from riding horses over a period of time, which I have done.

A: It's perfectly normal to have one breast slightly larger than the other. And, as far as your second question, depending on the type of hymen, you do not necessarily bleed when you have sexual intercourse. By the way, now is the time you should start gynecological care!

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Uterine irritability and severe sciatica
I had a baby almost a year ago. I had some complications with my pregnancy...mainly a lot of uterine irritability, which landed me in the hospital frequently. During all of the contractions from 25 weeks plus, I suffered from severe sciatica down my right leg and could barely walk, nor bear weight. Ever since I had the baby, I have the same symptoms when ever I have intercourse or a menstrual cycle. The pain is getting much worse and is debilitating. I cannot stand do perform any daily tasks. Anaprox, Tylenol, etc. do not relieve my symptoms at all. I am a therapist and have had a physical therapist work on me for months, but no relief. Any suggestions for treatment or thoughts what may be causing this?

A: You should consult a Neurologist.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Small vaginal opening
I am 24 years old and have 2 children (c-sections). Whenever I have to have a pap test the insertion of the speculum is very painful. I also have pain during intercourse. Can you tell me what be causing this? My gynecologist shrugs it off as tension.

A: I agree with your doctor, it could be just tension. But remember that you can get a second opinion (and a second gyn exam).

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Vaginal odor
I am a young woman that has not had sexual relations for six months. Three months after I stopped having sex with my husband, I found that both before and after my period I have bad vaginal odor. I would like your comment concerning this question.

A: It's probably due to an infection (trichomonas (TV) or bacterial vaginosis (BV)). See your gynecologist ASAP.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: "Fishy" vaginal odor
For the past 5 years, I have had a chronic vaginal odor (fishy) and a strong, stale urine odor in addition to a foul-smelling body odor. I bathe 2-3 times a day and have only once tested positive for bacterial vaginosis. I have never tested positive for urinary/bladder infections. I have fasted and altered my diet to no avail. Is there a possible gynecological cause? Also, I've heard that there is a rare disorder called Trimethylaminuria. Could this be another possibility?

A: Vaginal disorders could be due to trichomonas vaginalis (TV) or bacterial vaginosis (BV). You should also consult an Internist to rule out other causes.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Vulvar itchiness
I have itchiness around the upper part of my vulva on the "lips" around the clitoris mostly. I thought I could have a yeast infection so I got some 3 day Monistat. Is there anything else it could possibly be? I also missed my period this month which is very unusual for me. (I am also a lesbian so I can rule out pregnancy.) But I have been fired and under a lot of stress the past few weeks. Could this have anything to do with it? What do you suggest?

A: It could be due to stress. It could also be a bacterial infection. You should try to get medical attention.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Constant itching in my vaginal area
For the past couple of days, I have been experiencing a constant itching in my vaginal area. The skin inside my vagina appears to be raw and feels rough. Also my clitoris is very sensitive and it hurts if it is touched even slightly. Does this sound like a disease or just an infection?

A: Itching and burning are some of the symptoms of vulvovaginitis (infection). See your gynecologist to determine the cause.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Bad odor with discharge
I have noticed that for the past month or so that I have had a bad odor with discharge. If I insert a tampon it is under control. But what could this be? The discharge is white and creamy looking. I douche regularly and always wash when I shower.

A: It could be a vulvovaginitis (trichomonas, or bacterial vaginosis) that will only be resolved with specific treatment. Regular vaginal douching is never a good idea.

Marta Mendez MD,  OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Enlarged uterus
I would like to know some of the reasons why my uterus would be enlarged. My pap was fine and I had some polyps removed, but I was told my uterus was enlarged to the size as if I was three months pregnant. It was like this even before the surgery and I was told to come back in three months. Is this something I should be concerned about?

A: There are a variety of benign medical conditions that can enlarge the uterus (e.g., fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, adenomyosis). Consult your gynecologist.

Marta Mendez MD,  OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Secreción de leche sin estar embarazada o lactando
Tengo 35 anos y desde ase 5 anos cuando tengo relaciones con mi esposo y acaricia mis cenos me sale un liquido blanco de los dos me da pena ver a un doctor no me duelen ni tengo ninguna molestia. No tomo anticonceptivos, mi esposo tuvo vicectomia.

A: El cuadro se denomina "Galactorrea" (secreción de leche sin estar embarazada o lactando). En general se debe a causas BENIGNAS. Precisamente el estímulo de los senos puede producir galactorrea y se considera normal. Tu médico solicitará radiografías y exámenes de lab. (ej. "Prolactina" en sangre) para descartar otros procesos. No olvides consultarlo. Saludos.

Marta Mendez MD,  OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Clear/white vaginal discharge
I am 18 years old and constantly have a clear/white vaginal discharge. It is not smelly like a yeast infection nor does it cause me any irritation. Is this normal?

A: Normal discharge (ovulation) is usually clear white and does not cause any irritation. On the other hand, abnormal discharge ( e.g., candida, trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia) can cause itching and/or burning, abnormal odor and other discomfort.

Marta Mendez MD,  OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Tension-free vaginal taping
I just had a tension-free vaginal taping (TVT). I was wondering if you have any information on this. I have very little.

A: Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is a safe and effective method for the treatment of genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSUI). A polypropylene band is applied underneath the urethra (for bladder/urethral suspension) under local anesthesia. Surgical time is about 30 minutes.

Marta Mendez MD,  OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Continue to page 3