Frequently Asked Gynecology Questions
Q: What should I do if I miss a birth control pill?
A: If you miss one pill it is ok to take two the next day. If you miss more than one pill it is necessary to use backup contraception until you start the next pill pack.
Q: Is irregular bleeding common when starting a new birth control pill?
A: Yes it can last on average for the first 2-3 pill packs.
Q: If I am no longer having my monthly period because of menopause, when should I be worried about new onset vaginal bleeding?
A: Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be evaluated. You should call your doctor for an appointment.
Q: Should I continue to have a pelvic exam each year if I have had a Hysterectomy?
A: Yes, you may not need a pap test, but it is important to continue a yearly pelvic exam.
Q: Is some bleeding normal when starting Hormone Replacement Therapy?
A: Yes, especially for the first 2-3 months of use.
Q: Should I be worried if I have an abnormal pap smear?
A: An abnormal pap test should be evaluated further. It is important to remember that pap smears are screening tests and don’t make a diagnosis; it is the follow up evaluation that can make a diagnosis.
Q: I experience horrible moodiness and cramping during my period. Is there anything I can do to help this?
A: Yes, there are several options to control severe symptoms associated with your period, including birth control pills, anti-depressants and anti-inflammatories.
Q: I am having a vaginal discharge and some vaginal itching. Does this mean that I have an infection?
A: Not always, but it should be evaluated.
Q: What is Perimenopause?
A: Perimenopause it the time before menopause when patients may start experiencing a variety of symptoms such as changes in their menses and hot flashes. Not all women have perimenopausal symptoms. Perimenopause can last a variable amount of time.
Q: What is Gardasil?
A: It is the “HPV” vaccine available to girls ages 9-26. It protects against the 4 most common types of HPV associated with genital warts, cervical dysplasia and cancer.
Q: What is the correlation between Cervical Cancer and Abnormal Pap Smears?
A: Abnormal pap smears can lead to a diagnosis of cervical dysplasia or pre cancerous lesions of the cervix. If left untreated cervical dysplasia can progress to cancer over a long period of time.