Ask the Nurse Archive
Treatment for a Thickened Endometrium
March 19, 2018 at 2:33pm
I am 61 and went through menopause at age 50-51. On a routine check-up, I had a vaginal ultrasound which indicated a thickened endometrium - the doctor said about 7mm.
The endometrium biopsy is "benign endometrial hyperplasia". The pap smear was negative and I have no symptoms, I am not overweight, and I have never been on any estrogen or any type of hormone therapy.
I’ve had 5 normal vaginal births and 1 miscarriage (at 3 weeks) due to the flu. My doctor wants to do a D&C next, but I do not understand why I cannot try treatment with progestin first. He became agitated when I brought up that option. This is a new doctor to me; I had to switch due to insurance, and I am not confident with him.
Lichen Sclerosis
September 19, 2017 at 10:02am
Can you please provide me with information on Lichen sclerosis?
Shaving Pubic Hair and Infection Risks
May 10, 2017 at 12:49pm
I just left my local hospital a few hours ago, my reason for being there was because I was experiencing burning and horrific pain in my pubic area.
A week ago I had shaved and after a few weeks ingrown hairs started to appear. I used coconut oil to stop the sting but it only lasts for a second. I’m scared to pee because it burns every time I go.
There is also a sore in the area between my butt that stings and it is very swollen. I feel horrible from this and the ingrown hairs. In addition, I haven’t been able to poop either.
It’s really hard to move under these conditions. The hospital gave me a quick assessment and told me to put a cream on it and that was the best they could do. Should I go to a different hospital for a second opinion or should I just do what this hospital tells me? I’m still in so much pain.
Treating Rashes Near the Vulva
April 28, 2017 at 10:30am
I have a very small rash near my vaginal area. I went to the doctor today, and she told me it just looks like a cut or a pimple. But she also took a swab of it in case it was herpes or something else. I haven’t had sex yet with my partner, he’s only rubbed on me. Would you know what this is?
HPV Type
February 18, 2017 at 12:00am
I was reading the HPV article on speakingofwomenshealth.com, dated January 19th, 2017.
I have been diagnosed with HPV. How do I know what type I have? I have to have a follow up pap test in June.
Routine Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams
September 19, 2016 at 10:11am
My physician recently told me that at 70 years old I can stop having a routine pelvic exam and pap test. Is this the opinion of most doctors?
Vaginal Bleeding and Pain
January 12, 2016 at 5:05pm
I am having some vaginal bleeding and slight burning when I urinate. I put some H2O2 on my vagina and I nearly died from the amount of burning pain I had before putting it on me. It doesn’t bother me through the day, only when I urinate.
I recently had a vaginal ultrasound and I realized that after I left there and came home to wash the gel off, that I had this burning issue. I haven’t had intercourse in weeks. I looked at my vagina and it is very, very RED. Please give me some indication of a diagnosis? And can this be done with over the counter medication?
Hysterectomy and Pap Smears
December 15, 2015 at 11:38am
I had a hysterectomy at 39 (55 now), and I have been told that I no longer need a Pap test, is this correct? I lost a sister at 42 years of age from 4th stage squamous cell cervical cancer and I am concerned. Thank you in advance.
Permanent Female Sterilization Options
October 15, 2015 at 3:44pm
I am 34 years and I have one child and I am not looking to have another. I have high blood pressure and my first child was a risk. What are my options for permanent sterilization?
IUDs and the Connection to Depression
July 23, 2015 at 9:30am
I have an IUD (Mirena), this is my second one. It is due to come out next year. I was wondering what the correlation is between the IUD and depression? I have a history of depression, but it has gotten worse. I’m currently on 3 different antidepressants, which really are not helping.
When I think about it now, it seems to have increased since the time I had the second one placed 4 years ago. I know hormones can have an impact on mood/mental well-being. Do you think there is a connection between the two?