Prenatal vitamins help prevent birth defects. One of the most important vitamins is folate (folic acid) which prevents neural tube defects. Folate is a water soluble B-vitamin otherwise known as vitamin B-9. Women should be taking at least 0.4 mg of folate at least 1 month prior to becoming pregnant if there is no personal… Continue reading I want to get pregnant. When should I start prenatal vitamins?
Category: Family Medicine
My 3 month old son’s right testicle hasn’t come down yet. My pediatrician isn’t worried at this time but I am. Is there anything I can do?
It appears that your child has a “cryptorchid testicle” which is the medical term for undescended testicle. Most cryptorchid testicles descend spontaneously by 6 months therefore it is generally advised to wait until the child is 6 months in age before a surgical evaluation is undertaken. After 6 months, it is very unlikely for the… Continue reading My 3 month old son’s right testicle hasn’t come down yet. My pediatrician isn’t worried at this time but I am. Is there anything I can do?
I read that you shouldn’t take birth control pills if your blood clots too easy. What other things prevent you from taking birth control pills?
The absolute contraindications for Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) – these people should NEVER take OCPs – are: History of abnormal blood clots or stroke Active liver disease History of estrogen-dependant tumor Pregnancy Abnormal uterine bleeding Heavy smokers older than 35 High Triglycerides The relative contraindactions for OCPs (these people shouldn’t take OCPs unless necessary): Migraine headaches Poorly… Continue reading I read that you shouldn’t take birth control pills if your blood clots too easy. What other things prevent you from taking birth control pills?
Who should be tested for diabetes?
In addition to pregnant women, all people over the age of 45 get their fasting blood glucose measured to screen for diabetes every 3 years if they don’t have any risk factors. The American Diabetes Association also recommends that patients get screened earlier and more frequently if they have any risk factors such as: Familyhistory… Continue reading Who should be tested for diabetes?
I just found out that my daughter is sexually active. Should I take her to the doctor and get a pap smear?
HPV is the most common viral sexually transmitted disease in the world and it is strongly linked to cervical cancer. Risk factors for cervical cancer (and HPV infection) include early initiation of sexual activity, multiple new sexual parters, high risk partners, and a history of stds. Screening for HPV related changes can be performed with a… Continue reading I just found out that my daughter is sexually active. Should I take her to the doctor and get a pap smear?