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Question
Type: Pregnancy/Birth
how late in life can you become pregnet?
Question by sharon from bedford nh |
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Between the ages of 45 and 55 - the average age being 50 - a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs, her hormone production decreases and her menstrual periods end. This is called menopause and ends the reproductive phase of a woman's life cycle (i.e. ability to become pregnant). However, beginning as early as age 34-35 the risk of producing an infant with a chromosome problem such as Downs Syndrome does begin to significantly increase and should also be evaluated in considering pregnancy. There is also a decreased chance of conceiving with increased age.
Answered by Dr. Onuigbo on 02/27/2003 |
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Question
Type: Other
my question to you is very upsetting to a friend of mine who recently went to a recommended gynochologist from her family doctor. she precented her family doc with complaints of lower abdominal pain/pelvic discomfort. he did an abdominal ultarsound and found nothing to explain it. he then inquired about her sexual history of which she has none. she is 2o yr old woman who has not had sex ever. he then sent her to the ob/gyn who also did a abdominal unltrasound and then found nothing, and then decided to do a pelvic ultrasound. Not knowing exactly what the pelvic entailed, my friend left it to the doc, and during the exam she felt alot of pain and bleeding occured. the doc asked her if she had ever had sex and upon her reply of no he said well then we have a problem , we shouldnt have done this. he informed her her hymen was now broke. to her this means she is no longer a virgin in her eyes as well as any future mate. is this true? and should this procedure have been done without first asking of her sexual history? and what can she do now?
Question by stephanie from north kansas city |
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A common question asked in evaluating low abdominal pain/pelvic discomfort would relate to sexual activity since a sexually transmitted disease might cause such symptoms. The use of ultrasound for further evaluation is also a common evaluation procedure, which thankfully for your friend, found no problems. The hymen is a stretchable membrane, about 1/8 inch thick, that stretches across the opening of the vagina. The opening of the hymen varies in size and the hymen may be "torn" by the entry of the penis into the vagina during the first sexual intercourse, causing slight bleeding. The presence or absence of bleeding is not a sign of virginity because of the great variation in women's anatomy and since the hymen may also be stretched by exercise or the use of tampons before first intercourse takes place. In addition, some women are born without an intact hymen.
Answered by Dr. Betts on 02/27/2003 |
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Question
Type: Sex-Related Issues
I am currently on Estrostep for about 8 months and I had a sinus infection so I was put on penicillin. I know it effects the birth control pill and it requires back up protection. I haven't been sexual active, since I was put on penicillin. I have finished with my penicillin for about a week and a half. I have my period rigth now, and next week I will start a new pack of pills, I was wondering about how long I should wait for the pill to be efficient.
Question by Karen from Buffalo, NY |
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You are correct that antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of the birth control pill. We usually recommend that you complete the pack you're using, have a period, and start your new pack before considering the pill to be in effect. Based on the information you have offered, as soon as you start your new pack, they should be effective. If still concerned an additional 2 week use of the condom would also do no harm.
Answered by Dr. Richman on 02/27/2003 |
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Question
Type: Menopause
i weent 3 months no period then i had one every 2 weeks for two months. doctor gave me provera i take 10 pills a month have been taking provera 3 months now. one time i had a period one day after 10th pill , one time i had a period the whole time while on the pill . is this a sign of menopause ar should i be concerned about something else?
Question by brenda from severn |
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Without evaluating you this question is difficult to pinpoint. Particularly since we don't know your age. I would guess you are at the stage in life defined as perimenopausal. This stage precedes menopause (average age 51.4). During perimenopause, your ovarian cycle sometimes does not function optimally. There are several different presenations, one of which are the symptoms you have described. If you do not smoke, have a history of blood clots or high blood pressure, I would recommend a low dose birth control pill to regulate your cycle. This will enhance the quality of life by minimizing the amount of uncertainty of when you may expect a menses.
Answered by Dr. Stanford on 02/27/2003 |
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Question
Type: Other
hello.... I have noticed lately, during my period, release of what seems like clots of blood, esp. during the first couple of days... this has been happening for the last couple of months... is it normal???
Question by yasmeen from ny |
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Women can have obvious clotting with periods without problems. Greater concern occurs when clotting does not happen and instead you would be saturating a regular size pad per hour, leading to excessive blood loss and/or anemia from periods. Be sure as always that you have annual physicals with your health care provider to be sure all is normal for you.
Answered by Dr. Betts on 02/19/2003 |
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Question
Type: Other
I recently went to our local Planned Parenthood to have an exam because I had concerning bumps down there. While at the exam the doctor told me that I had genital warts. Now my pap smear results have come back and they say that everything is normal. Is it possible that I have HPV and it didn't show up on the pap smear, or was the doctor wrong about the genital warts? I'm very confused about the situtation and appreciate any help you can give me with figuring it out.
Thank you very much,
Traci
Question by Traci from Naples,FL |
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HPV may cause genital warts and not show on pap smear results. A newer type of pap smear is more likely to show HPV. This type of pap smear is called "Thin Prep". The newer pap smear type, however, is also more expensive.
Answered by Dr. Betts on 02/19/2003 |
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Question
Type: Pregnancy/Birth
At my 2 week follow up to a D&C my doctor suggestion I take birthcontrol pills for 50 days (omiting the last week of the pills) as soon as I stop my cycle should start and I should take the lowest dosage of clomid?
My history is 8 miscarriage in 10 years. 2 live births 1994 and 1999. I had taken clomid to aid ovulation for all of my pregancies. Each time I did ovulate I did become pregant. With each of my live children I was on the highest dosage of clomid (5 a day for 5 days) in 1997 I was diagonised with PSOS and prescribed the medication Metformin. My most recent pregancy ended at 7 weeks. It was our 3rd month of trying with clomid and metformin. I was up to 4 pills a day for 5 days.
I no longer have infertility coverage on our insurance so our choices of treatment is limited.
Thanks for your input!
Question by Melissa from Lamoni |
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With so many miscarriages, it appears there may be more going on than just a problem with ovulation. Have you been evaluated to find out why there have been so many miscarriages? If not, it would be reasonable to have some further testing to see why this might happen before using infertility drugs to begin another pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your physician about your concerns.
Answered by Dr. Sandy on 02/19/2003 |
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Question
Type: Pregnancy/Birth
I have been diagnosed with uterine prolapse and are 21 week pregnant. I feel as though everything is hanging out of the vagina area. It can be seen about an inch or so. Can this cause problems with my pregnancy? Can it cause preterm labor? I can't seem to find much info on this subject. My OB doesn't seem overly concerned but she has seem how far is hangs sometimes? Please advise. Thanks
Question by Debbie from Houston |
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A prolapsed uterus is due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Numerous pregnancies, obesity, and constipation are a few of the problems that might lead to uterine prolapse. Your report of "feeling like everything is hanging out of the vagina" is very common. This condition will not hurt your baby. After pregnancy, surgical repair or use of a pessary (a device similar to a diaphragm that holds the uterus in place) might be something you would wish to discuss with your health care provider. While pregnant, avoiding constipation, maintaining a healthy weight gain, or discontinuing smoking (the cough might aggravate the prolapse) could all be useful health care measures.
Answered by Dr. Sandy on 02/18/2003 |
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Question
Type: Other
I have had a headache every day since September 1995 except for 6 months while I was pregnant. I also had no muscle pain or tension during this time. I have been told it cannot be hormonal but doctors can't find anything wrong with me. The headaches and muscles pain returned within a month of my daughters birth. My Gynocologist would not test my hormone levels? Should they be?
Question by Kelly from Indianola |
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There are numerous causes of headaches. An extended period of this problem with or without the muscle pain would be reason to consider further evaluation. The area of Specialist Care for such evaluation would be a physician called a "neurologist". Since you have already discussed this with your Gynecologist, you may wish to ask him/her for a referral if this is required by your insurance carrier.
Answered by Dr. Betts on 02/18/2003 |
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Question
Type: Pregnancy/Birth
Last month I did a home pregnancy test and the line was very faint so I repeated it the next day and the line was gone so I came in for a quant test and they told me the level was 12 and they wanted me to return three days later for a repeat. Three days later the level was only 2 and was told it was just an early pregnancy probably that did not take. I did start bleeding and was told it was my period. I have not had a period since then. Is it possible my levels never went back to normal or is 2 normal. This was about 5 weeks ago. I had a friend that her levels never returned down to normal and had to have a D&C.
Question by s from Waterloo |
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Pregnancy test results are based on the presence of a hormone. The amount of hormone present does affect the brightness of the line. Your first quantitative result of 12 would indicate a very early pregnancy loss. The standard followup 3 days later of a level of 2 would be considered in the normal range of 0-10 post pregnancy. Hormone levels requiring D&C are much higher. You should anticipate a normal period very soon. If this does not occur, it would be important to check with your regular health care provider.
Answered by Dr. Sandy on 02/18/2003 |
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Question
Type: Hysterectomy/Hysteroscopy
I am very interested in having a hysterectomy and wanted to know who I would talk to about it and the cost, how much insurance would pay if any? I am not sure this matters but it's for the state of Indiana. Thank you for oyur time
Question by Doreen from Indianapolis |
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You would want to initially discuss your desire for the hysterectomy with your health care provider since the reason for the hysterectomy will potentially impact how the procedure will be performed. The office staff would be able to offer you the physician charge for that specific procedure. Hospital and anesthesia costs are separate from physician costs and usually can be obtained from the hospital finance office. Once you have obtained all projected costs, you would want to contact your insurance carrier with the procedure description so they could offer you accurate coverage information.
Answered by Dr. Onuigbo on 02/13/2003 |
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Question
Type: Other
I was taking 2 - 3 laxatives per day for one week (in order to fit into a bridesmaid dress). At that time, my period had just ended. As my husband and I plan to start trying to have another baby, I'm wondering if I should wait (and let the laxatives leave my system). Would they cause a problem? Is there a possibility they could have affected the eggs? I had a molar pregnancy 13 months ago and now is the time for us to start trying, but I need advice as to if I should wait a month since I have taken the laxatives. I do not want a reoccurance of the molar pregnancy. Thank you.
Question by Cheryl from Rosenberg |
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Use of laxatives for weight loss is not recommended and could be detrimental to your long term health. Laxatives, however, have no effect on eggs and clear from your system quite rapidly, therefore not causing problems for considering immediate pregnancy. Any person having experienced a molar pregnancy previously should be followed closely by an obstetrician so be sure you have made such care arrangements.
Answered by Dr. Sandy on 02/13/2003 |
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Question
Type: Gynecological Oncology
I HAVE AN VERY HEAVY AND RUNNING DISCHARGE AS TO I HAVE TO WEAR HEAVY PROTECTION TO KEEP FROM MESSING UP MY UNDREWEAR. I TOOK A DOUCHE ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND THIS DISCHARGE STARTED A WEEK LATER,DO THIS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT? IT SOMETIMES FELL AS IF I AM URINATING.
Question by ANDREA from DETROIT |
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A healthy vagina naturally cleanses itself and resists infection. For this reason douching is no longer a recommended practice. Douching, however, also would not have caused an infection to occur. Discharge such as you describe may be related to an infection and should be evaluated by your health care provider to see if treatment is needed. You will also want to report to him/her if the discharge has an odor or any itching is present.
Answered by Dr. Betts on 02/13/2003 |
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Question
Type: Pregnancy/Birth
Hello, I am 24 weeks pregnant and sometimes having pain around my right ovary. This is my third child and have had an ultrasound. No mention of cysts. The pain lasts for around 5 minutes at a time, possibly from baby moving around. Question is, would I neccessarily be told of a cyst during my ultrasound? I have mentioned the pain to my doctor and was told that I need a maternity belt. If not a cyst, is it normal to feel this kind of pain? It feels like something is getting tight and real ouchy on my right side above my pubic bone. sorry for making a run-on question. Thank you
Question by Michelle from Massillon |
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Since cysts are not uncommon in women of childbearing age, it would not be an unusual ultrasound finding, and therefore, if present, may not have been mentioned out of concern for raising unnecessary fear. The suggestion by your physician that you consider a maternity belt is a common comfort measure for "round ligament pain" often described in a similar manner to your description, normal, and frequently occurs in your pregnancy period. It has to do with the baby "pulling" on the round ligaments and can be experienced on one or both sides of the abdomen.
Answered by Dr. Betts on 02/13/2003 |
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Question
Type: PMS/PMDD
Before I had my first child almost 4 years ago my periods were irregualar after I had her I was on the shot and pills so they strightened out. 11 months ago I had my second child. I breast fed her untill she was 9 months old so I was on Micronor pills on those my period came every two weeks. I have now stoped those pills and have been waiting 2 months for my period to start again so I can start the patch, but it still has not started and I am not pregnant. Why Might this be happening and is it ok to put the patch on since I know that I am not pregnant? Also If it is ok to put the patch on should my periods start up again?
Question by Melinda from Rogers |
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The delay in your period after breastfeeding and using Micronor can be prolonged. If you haven't seen a physician in awhile you should make an appointment. There are medications to start your period so you can use the patch. Be sure not to get pregnant before you have a chance to start the patch.
Answered by Dr. Stanford on 02/04/2003 |
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Question
Type: Pregnancy/Birth
What can I take for constipation while pregnant?
Question by Cally from Fairbank |
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It is safe to take either Fibercon or Metamucil.
Answered by Dr. Richman on 01/09/2003 |
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Question
Type: Pregnancy/Birth
What can I take that is safe for the baby for a cold?
Question by Susie from Waterloo |
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For colds (no fever) you can take Sudafed, Actifed, Robitussin DM, and nasal sprays may be used for severe congestion.
Answered by Dr. Stanford on 12/17/2002 |
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