Doctors Dish on Sex Questions
Doctors Dish on Sex Questions
By Vicki Salemi
Believe it or not, your doctor really has heard it all. We talked to doctors and got answers to some of the strangest questions they've been asked, as well as questions you can't skip.
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Discharge Dilemma
Q: What is normal vaginal discharge? According to Mary Jane Minkin, M.D. and clinical professor, obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive science at Yale University School of Medicine, normal vaginal discharge should be whitish to clear to pale yellow, depending on where you are in your cycle. She explains, "Dark yellow or green fluid is often a sign of infection. On average, a woman emits about one to two teaspoons a day. If you have a sudden increase, talk to you doctor."
Pregnancy & Your Period
Q: Can I get pregnant if I have unprotected sex during my period? "Having sex during your period does not prevent pregnancy, " says Dr. Minkin. Only 30 percent of women ovulate between the 10th and 17th days of their cycles; the other 70 percent ovulate before or after those days. She adds, "If the release of the egg, which can live for one to three days, meets with the lingering live sperm, then you can get pregnant. Sperm can live in a woman's body for five to seven days after unprotected sex."
The Pill & Pregnancy
Q: Am I more likely to become pregnant if I don't remember to take the Pill every day? In simple terms, the answer is yes. Dr. Minkin advises it is extremely important to take the Pill at the same time every day in order for it to be effective. For women who frequently forget to take the Pill, she suggests lower maintenance options such as the patch, once-monthly vaginal ring, IUD or three-year implant.
Pap vs. HPV
Q: Is the HPV eventually going to replace the PAP test? According to Tom Herzog, M.D. and director of the division of gynecologic oncology at Columbia University Medical Center, the answer is no. The current screening standard is for a Pap Test alone or in combo with HPV testing in women over 30. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine comparing Pap testing to HPV testing favored HPV. He explains, "However, this article did not compare HPV testing to the liquid-based Pap test, which is more sensitive than the conventional smear and the standard of care. Further studies are needed before we can answer this question. Until then, the Pap remains pivotal in cervical cancer screening."
Toxic Shock
Q: TSS fact or fiction? TSS or "toxic shock syndrome" is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which can actually be life-threatening. Symptoms include faintness, fever, and muscle aches. Machelle Seibel, M.D., and professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the complicated menopause program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School explains, "The infection has been linked to tampon use as some tampons can be ideal breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria." As for his advice? Wash your hands and use tampons with the lowest absorbency that can handle your menstrual flow.
Something Stuck?
Q: What should you do if something gets stuck? First of all, do not panic and do not try to remove an object by yourself any under circumstances since you could tear sensitive tissue along with introducing dangerous bacteria. Dr. Seibel recommends going to a hospital immediately. "Don't worry -- the hospital has seen it all. You won't end up on the national news no matter how embarrassed you might be."
Recurring Infections
Q: What do recurring yeast infections mean? According to Juan Remos, M.D. and MBA of the MIAMI Institute, yeast infections result in an abnormality of fungus and bacteria which no longer exist in harmony. Whether it's the symptoms of foul smell or intense itching, he recommends seeing a doctor which typically prescribes medication to cure the yeast infection such as a pill taken on a daily basis.
Tampon Troubles
Q: What if I forget to remove my tampon? According to Dr. Remos, patients may think this is shocking and abnormal but in reality, it is not. Apparently forgetting to remove a tampon is a common occurrence but the issue arises when the length of time is factored into the equation. He mentions if it's less than two to three days it's typically not serious and there's no risk of death; the patient should not panic. He explains, "It's simply a matter of removing the tampon at that point."
Infected Piercing
Q: What if I get a piercing and it doesn't heal? Go see a doctor immediately, especially if it is a genital piercing. Dr. Seibel advises, "When you are dealing with such sensitive areas, it is important to always be mindful of the potential for severe illness as a result of infection, and to be extremely rigorous about cleaning and disinfecting the area at all times."
Waxing Woes
Q: What if I get a Brazilian wax and the burning sensation doesn't stop? "Ouch!" says Dr. Remos. As for his first recommendation, remove the wax immediately if it hasn't already been removed. As for his advice? Keep the area clean and dry and go to your doctor who will likely prescribe sylvadene, a crème, especially if the burning sensation continues after the actual waxing. It should take seven to ten days to heal.
More on Women's Sexual Health
▪ How to Deal With an Itch That Won't Go Away
▪ What You Should Know About STDs
▪ Am I Sexually Normal?
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