Oftentimes exposure to parvovirus B19 (the virus that causes fifth’s disease) does not pose any harm to pregnant women. The reason is because most women have already been exposed to parvovirus and are therefore immune. If a women is not immune, she is likely to experience a mild infection without any attributable risk to her… Continue reading I am pregnant and work as an elementary school teacher. One of my students recently had “fifth’s disease” which I read was due to a parvovirus infection. I was told by the nurse that it can cause birth defects. What can I do?
Category: Obstetrics / Gynecology
Why do my menstrual periods get worse when I take long plane flights? Is there anything I can do?
Anecdotally, there have been reports of patients complaining that their menstrual periods get worse when they fly. But there haven’t been any scientific articles documenting this as a common occurrence among menstruating women. One theory is that prolonged sitting causes blood to pool in the lower half of the body and this decreased venous blood… Continue reading Why do my menstrual periods get worse when I take long plane flights? Is there anything I can do?
My gynecologist found that I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (pcos). He treated me with birth control pills and now he says I’m better but I still have dark hair on my chest and top lip. Will that go away if I keep taking birth control?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common disorder affecting menstruating women. It is characterized by multiple cysts within a woman’s ovaries and is caused by a hormone inbalance that results in overproduction of testosterone. This excess of testosterone often causes severe acne and hair growth on the upper lip, chest, and back of women (hirsutism). Treatment… Continue reading My gynecologist found that I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (pcos). He treated me with birth control pills and now he says I’m better but I still have dark hair on my chest and top lip. Will that go away if I keep taking birth control?
If I am no longer sexually active, do I still need pap smears?
Yes, seeing you have are less than the age of 30, you should still continue receiving Pap smears even if you are not sexually active. According to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the most recent guidelines for Pap Smears (released November 2009) recommends: Women should have their first Pap smear at the… Continue reading If I am no longer sexually active, do I still need pap smears?
I am 59 and post-menopausal and I have osteoporosis. Is hormone replacement good to prevent worsening of my osteoporosis?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is essentially using elevated levels of estrogen and progestin (hormones typically found in some birth control pills) to replace the depleted levels of hormones after menopause. HRT is indicated to prevent osteoporosis, however, there are serious side effects that all women should be away of. In 1991, a study known as… Continue reading I am 59 and post-menopausal and I have osteoporosis. Is hormone replacement good to prevent worsening of my osteoporosis?