Plan B (levonorgestrel) is the recommended method of emergency contraception if used soon enough after unprotected sexual intercourse. It is maximally effective 12 hrs after unprotected intercouse, but can work up to 120 hours. Most pharmacies have them available without a prescription. After 120 hours, a copper intrauterine device is an effective emergency contrception tool… Continue reading I had sex this weekend and didn’t use protection. What are my options?
Category: Family Medicine
My aunt has lupus and my oldest sister was recently diagnosed with lupus. Should I go get tested for lupus?
If you have any symptoms of lupus (see list below), testing may be beneficial. However, most doctors don’t recommend screening tests for lupus if you’re asymptomatic. For example, serum ANA is a good marker for lupus and is positive in over 95% of patients with lupus. However, only about 25% of the general population are… Continue reading My aunt has lupus and my oldest sister was recently diagnosed with lupus. Should I go get tested for lupus?
At what point would a person be admitted to the hospital for anorexia?
In general, anyone who is unable to properly care for themselves or is in danger of hurting themselves should be admitted to the hospital. For anorexia, there also exist specific criteria for admission. These criteria for admission include: Severe malnutrition (less than 75% of ideal body weight) Cardiac arrythmias Signs and symptosm of dehydration Electrolyte… Continue reading At what point would a person be admitted to the hospital for anorexia?
I fell in the bathroom and bruised my nose yesterday. I have now dark circles under my eyes and it hard to breath. What tests do I need?
With any severe fall and head trauma, you will need to get evaluation in the emergency department especially if you’ve had loss of consciousness. You will need a physical exam focusing on your head as well as your eyes. The doctor will need to check if you have any blurry vision, blind spots, and if your eyes have… Continue reading I fell in the bathroom and bruised my nose yesterday. I have now dark circles under my eyes and it hard to breath. What tests do I need?
Do I need to take Claritin every day for my allergies?
For seasonal and perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (runny/itching nose and red/itchy/watery eyes) and in chronic urticaria (itching), treatment is often with over the counter second generation H1 Antihistamines such as loratidine (Claritin). Studies have shown that these are most effective when taken on a regular basis than on an as needed basis to reduce allergic inflammation… Continue reading Do I need to take Claritin every day for my allergies?