Q: How can I tell if I have abnormal uterine bleeding?
A: Normally, the menstrual cycle will include up to seven days of bleeding, but if your bleeding lasts longer than normal, is heavier than normal or occurs irregularly, this could indicate a problem. Many times, abnormal uterine bleeding is caused by hormonal changes and is not a serious condition, but this is not always the case. The cause, seriousness, and possible treatment options for abnormal uterine bleeding can depend on many factors, such as your age group, your current medications, your history with birth control, and your lifestyle (weight, eating habits, exercise, stress levels, etc.). Only a licensed medical professional can make an accurate diagnosis and suggest an effective treatment option, which may include hormone therapy, medication or surgery.
Q: What exactly is endometriosis?
A: Endometriosis gets its name from the endometrium, a type of tissue that is commonly found on the inside lining of the uterus. When tissue that resembles the endometrium begins growing in other parts of the abdomen besides the inner lining of the uterus, this condition is referred to as endometriosis. The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain. Any occurrence or combination of pelvic pain, painful sex, painful urination or bowel movements, intense menstrual cramping or lower back pain could indicate endometriosis. Many widespread and advanced stages of endometriosis can produce little or no pain, while other cases of severe pain or cramping can be caused by relatively small occurrences of endometriosis in an early stage. Because of this, it is important to have regular screenings and check-ups, particularly if you experience any painful symptoms as described above.
Q: What are hemorrhoids, and how can I relieve the symptoms of them?
A: When the veins in the rectum or anus are affected by severe pressure, the blood within those veins begins to pool inside the vessels, causing the blood vessels to swell and become painful, a condition known as hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a common condition in the United States, causing itching, burning and irritating sensations around the anal area. Hemorrhoids are also common in pregnant women due to hormonal changes and the position of the fetus. While there are some medications and remedies to help ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids, the best treatment is prevention. Avoid excessive straining during evacuations and be sure to include enough fiber in your diet.
Q: What is the HPV virus, and should I get the HPV vaccine?
A: Though there are dozens of types of viruses known as HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, four types are more important to know about than the other, because those four types are, together, responsible for over 70% of cases of cervical cancer and over 90% of genital warts. Our office offers a convenient and safe vaccination that can help safeguard you against these four types of HPV, significantly decreasing (but not eliminating) your chance of contracting cervical cancer and genital warts. Because other risks for these conditions exist, regular cancer screenings and examinations are still recommended for women who have been vaccinated.
Q: What are the most common sexually transmitted infections? Are they curable?
A: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that are transferred from one person to another during sexual contact, such as oral, vaginal or anal intercourse, and kissing, are called sexually transmitted infections. Almost half of all STI’s occur among teens and young adults age 15 to 24. STI’s caused by bacteria include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, and viral STI’s include genital herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can all be cured, but some strands of HPV can lead to cervical cancer. There is currently no cure for HIV as well. To protect yourself from STI’s, have yourself and your partner tested before engaging in sexual intercourse.
Q: What are uterine fibroids? Are they dangerous or harmful? How should they be treated?
A: Fibroids are benign growths that appear and grow in or around the uterus. Fibroids are common afflictions, appearing in an estimated 25% - 50% of women. In most cases, fibroids are small and have no symptoms. In these cases, treatment is usually not warranted. However, fibroids should be checked by a medical professional, as in some cases they can grow rapidly, twist or become infected, in which case symptoms may occur, including fever, uterine bleeding, heavy periods, pelvic pressure, constipation, pain, miscarriages and even, rarely, infertility. The treatment needed for fibroids varies upon the symptoms and circumstances, and may include removing the fibroids surgically (myomectomy), causing the fibroids to shrink by hindering its blood supply (uterine artery embolization – UAE), or removing the uterus (hysterectomy). If you are treated for fibroids, you should undergo regular check-ups in the future to minimize the risks of reoccurrence.
Q: What causes vaginal infections?
A: Many vaginal infections derive from an imbalance or irregular behavior of bacteria normally found in the vagina. For example, yeast infections are caused from candida, a fungus typically found in the vagina, which spontaneously begins to multiply and divide. Bacterial vaginosis, however, is caused from an imbalance in vaginal bacteria that is often caused from switching sexual partners. Common symptoms of vaginal infections include itching, burning and conspicuous vaginal discharges. If you suspect you have a vaginal infection, please contact our office for an evaluation.
Q: Is there a special diet I should adhere to while pregnant?
A: If you are experiencing significant pregnancy-related vomiting or nausea, one of the most natural and effective ways to treat it can be changes in your diet. We recommend a soft, dry diet of low-fat, easily digestible foods. Milk or other beverages should only be taken an hour before or after mealtime. Protein foods include well-trimmed beef, veal, lamb, poultry (without skin), and fresh or frozen fish. Avoid fruits and vegetables that are gas-forming (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) or contain seeds and avoid fruit juices. Also avoid whole grain cereals and breads, grains with seeds or nuts and high-fat grain products like pancakes, waffles and doughnuts. Most candies are fine as long as you avoid coconut, seeds, nuts and chocolate.