Pat Sonnenstuhl, ARNP, DNM, MS

Articles

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Helping Your Client Make Healthy Food Choices

, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory  Board


P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes  only.

 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.



 You should not be spotting. Make an  appointment for pelvic exam ASAP.



Both you and your boyfriend should go  see a doctor ASAP.



, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman  Editorial Advisory Board


P.S. Remember that this is for educational  purposes only.

 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.



 Ask your gynecologist about  Depo-Provera.



 It sounds like a Bartholin's cyst. Go  see your gynecologist for treatment.



 A laparoscopy could help. Get a  personal second opinion.



 Tissue-like matter could be  "endometrium" (inner uterine lining). Go see your gynecologist.



 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.



, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial  Advisory Board


 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.



 Some exercises should help to get  your muscles toned up.



 PMS is usually monthly and/or  whenever you get your period. You are lucky to only get symptoms on certain  cycles!



 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.



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



P.S. Remember that this  is for educational purposes only.

 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.



 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!



P.S. Remember that  this is for educational purposes only.

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



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



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



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



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



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.



,   OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board


P.S. Remember that this is for  educational purposes only.

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



,  OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory  Board


 El cuadro se denomina "Galactorrea" (secrecin de  leche sin estar embarazada o lactando). En general se debe a causas BENIGNAS.  Precisamente el estmulo de los senos puede producir galactorrea y se considera  normal. Tu mdico solicitar radiografas y exmenes de lab. (ej. "Prolactina"  en sangre) para descartar otros procesos. No olvides consultarlo. Saludos.



 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.



 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.




Is a pelvic infection the same as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?  Prior to being diagnosed with a pelvic infection, I was diagnosed with  cervicitis which is linked to Chlamydia (which my partner had).

 Pelvic infection and Pelvic  Inflammatory Disease (PID) are the same. PID can represent any infectious  process involving the upper female genital tract (uterus, tubes, ovaries).  Chlamydia is a common cause of PID.

P.S.  Remember that this is for educational purposes only.


I  had a TAH/BSO for severe endometriosis. How long is normal to stay off HRT to  shrink any remaining implants that remain? I also have pain on one part of my  vagina. My gynecologist thinks it is phantom nerve pain and wants to do a nerve  block. I also get cauterized every time I see him as I have lots of skin  granules. Can you explain why I am having these problems? Is it normal to have  skin granules?

 After a hysterectomy, granulation  tissue may form at the vaginal vault. This tissue may cause vaginal discharge,  irritation and bleeding, and may need to be cauterized. Ask your gynecologist  about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Ask The Expert Archives on General Health

After surgery, initial inflammation  resolves in 6 to 12-18 weeks. Women with a single remaining tube have a 58%-65%  chance of an intrauterine pregnancy at 36 months.



,  OBGYN.net Co-Chair  Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board


Hemolytic disease of the newborn is  caused by incompatibility between maternal and fetal red blood cells (RBC). If  the fetus has a Rh positive (Rh+) RBC and the mother has Rh negative (Rh-) RBC,  she becomes immunized by exposure to Rh+ fetal RBC with the production of  antibodies that react with fetal RBC causing hemolytic disease. If your third  baby is Rh+ , he can be affected.



 hCG, hormone (pregnancy test) can be  detected in blood 7 days following conception. It is almost 100%  accurate.



 Could be. Yes, you should consult the  doctor.



Segn su informacin (¿tiene usted hijos?)  parece tratarse de un "Sndrome de Ovarios Poliqusticos (SOP)". Le recomiendo  que busque en el directorio de su rea un gineclogo con sub-especialidad en  endocrinologa. Me informa sobre resultados.



P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes  only

Yes, you could have an ectopic pregnancy. Go  to your OB for further evaluation.



Do not panic. It's time to go to the Ob for  guidance. It does not look like you are a high risk couple for  infertility.



Puede continuar con el Climene. Los dolores  de seno son debido a las tabletas. Si resultan molestosos me avisa. Nuevamente,  saludos.



PD. Recuerde: esto es con fines educativos  solamente.

You need to visit your OB and also get a  ultrasound.



Hemorrhoid is not a specific sign of pregnancy;  sleepiness could be.



,   OBGYN.net  Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board


The only way to clear this up is to be examined by your  OB, who will perform the necessary tests.



There are medical ways to increase your chances under  medical supervision.



Sometimes obesity is associated  with menstrual and other abnormalities. You should consult with a Reproductive  Medicine specialist.



 After Depo-Provera, depending on your fertility,  you can ovulate in 8 to 18 months. Be patient.



 Ovulation occurs 14 days before menstruation (at  the middle of the menstrual cycle). Serum (blood) pregnancy tests can detect  pregnancy as early as one week after conception.



 You must see a high risk pregnancy doctor ASAP.  Good luck.



 The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are the period  when organs are formed. Some drugs can be harmful during this period. Go see a  high risk ob/gyn for more information. Good luck.



 There is no evidence of fetal malformation related  to Loratab (acetaminophen) and administration of "methadone in pregnancy should  not affect neonatal outcome".



 You should see a high risk pregnancy doctor  ASAP.



 Get a blood pregnancy test and/or a USG.



 It would be a high risk pregnancy and it is very  important to keep strict control. Consult a specialist in high risk  pregnancies.



  Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board


 I don't know if it is required by law to have your  mom with you during delivery since you are a minor, but please, tell her that  you are pregnant.



 If she is very determined to have unassisted  childbirth (and if it is legal in your state) there is nothing you can do.



 Just remember that Rectasol suppositories are a  low/medium potency corticosteroid. You can go to: 

http://pharmacology.about.com/health/pharmacology/

 You should ask your gynecologist about this  problem.



 Just remember that Rectasol suppositories are a  low/medium potency corticoesteroid. You can go to: 

Ask The Expert Archives on Pregnancy

 Postcoital bleeding may result from trauma to the  vagina, the cervix or to existing lesions such as cervicitis (inflammation of  the uterine cervix). Go to your gynecologist.
             
             

, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory  Board
             

 This could be related to coital trauma. If it is  persistent go to your gynecologist...
             
             

 It's OK as long as you accept it . There is no  medical contraindication.
             
             

 Getting pregnant in your situation? Very  unlikely!
             
             

Pain with intercourse, pelvic pain and recurrent vulvar  sore my be due to the presence of an actual benign lesion (e.g.,  vulvovaginitis). My advice to you is that you should discuss this with your  doctor (gyn).
             
             

Don't worry, be happy. There's nothing to be concerned  about.
             
             

These symptoms and your concerns need to be evaluated  personally with your Gyn.
             
             

Ovulation occurs 14 days before menstruation, but this  date is only approximate. Each woman may have a different cycle length.
             
             

Get a 2nd opinion; bleeding during with intercourse  should not happen.
             
             

Very unlikely.
             
             

The only way to know is to be seen by an OB and a  histological exam of the piece of skin you are worried about.
             
             

Acute infection of the vulva and vagina (vulvovaginitis)  may have a variety of causes. Ingestion of sex steroids (pill) and broad  spectrum antimicrobials may predispose to overgrowth candida (yeast). Allergies  (scented or flavored douches, deodorant soaps or powders, contraceptive foam,  jellies, creams) may produce symptoms of vulvovaginitis. You should get a  complete general physical and gynecological exam.
             
             

 There's not an exact normal size for the human  clitoris. As with many things in the human body, it can vary. There are some  diseases in which one of the features is an enlarged clitoris. You shouldn't  worry. There's no such thing as "female ejaculation".
             
             

 Could be yeast, Trichomonas or bacterial  vaginosis. Remember that your sexual partner usually must be treated. Go see  your OB/GYN!
             
             

Go see a gynecologist for complete  exam.
             
             

You should seek counseling. This  is most likely related to your past experience. Consult a sexologist.
             
             

It is highly unlikely. To ease  your mind, you could take a home pregnancy test.
             
             

Pregnancy is unlikely. A reliable  pregnancy test and doctor exam can provide the diagnosis.
             
             

Orgasmic dysfunction can be due to  organic or psychogenic factors. You should consult a sexologist.
             
             

It is possible. Withdrawal method  ("pull out") isn't an effective contraceptive method. Get a pregnancy test.
             
             

Vulvovaginitis (VV) is a common  cause of painful intercourse. VV can cause a burning sensation within the  vagina. Allergy to the semen (uncommon) and some medical conditions (e.g,  fibroids) also can cause painful intercourse.
             
             

Oral Contraceptives are the most  effective method of contraception.
             
             

It could be urinary tract  infection (UTI) or PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). Go to your  gynecologist.
             
             

The best information will come  from the urologist once he checks you out.
             
             

It could be an allergy to the  semen.
             
             

It might be due to trauma to  existing lesions (vagina/cervix, e.g., cervicitis, polyps).
             
             

It's uncommon. but yes it could be  possible. Sexual intercourse may cause a burning sensation.
             
             

The way you describe the pain, it  might be inadequate lubrication. You might try something like KY Jelly or  Ortho-Gynol Jelly. Make sure that it is water based. If that doesn't work, you  need to see your Gynecologist.
             
             

It is really impossible to say  without doing an exam. One of the things that will cause Post Coital Bleeding  (PCB) {Bleeding after sex} is an irritation on the cervix, another is HPV  infection, another is cervical dysplasia. A pap smear and possibly a colposcopy  are indicated. 

Use condoms, either male or female  variety to keep the semen from coming into contact with the vaginal mucosa.  Still use birth control pills for contraception. They work much better than  condoms alone for contraception.
             
             

Pat Sonnenstuhl, ARNP, DNM, MS

Articles

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Helping Your Client Make Healthy Food Choices

Ask The Expert Archives on General Health

Ask The Expert Archives on Pregnancy

Ask The Expert Archives Sex & STD's