I have peripheral vascular disease and my doctor recommended PLETAL. How does that pill work and help me?

Pletal (Cilostazol) is one of the recommended drugs used for treating peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and it works in two ways: 1) It inhibits platelet aggregation thereby decreasing the likely hood of clots in your peripheral blood vessels. 2) It directly dilates arteries to improve blood flow. Pletal has been shown in scientific studies to… Continue reading I have peripheral vascular disease and my doctor recommended PLETAL. How does that pill work and help me?

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?

My gynecologist says I have a rectocele and it is causing me discomfort and incontienence. He thinks I should get surgery, but I don’t want that. What other options are there?

Rectoceles are relatively common in older women especially those who have had multiple vaginal births.  It is a result of weakening in the tissue between the vagina and rectum causing the rectum to bulge into the vagina.  This can result in a sensation of pelvic pressure, heaviness, constipation, and pelvic or back pain.  The condition… Continue reading My gynecologist says I have a rectocele and it is causing me discomfort and incontienence. He thinks I should get surgery, but I don’t want that. What other options are there?