Gynecology

Answers for your specific questions.

Wondering about your health? Confused by what you’ve read? Browse our Ask the Nurse answer archive to find answers to many women's health questions and concerns. All answers are from a Cleveland Clinic women's health nurse.

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.

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Lichen Sclerosis

September 19, 2017 at 10:02am

Can you please provide me with information on Lichen sclerosis?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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?

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