Ask An Expert: Womens Sexual Health

Is it necessary to get a yearly pap smear after you have had a hysterectomy?

I took Valtrex for shingles and I am on birth control. Does this make the birth control less effective?

My daughter is 12. She has had two of the three shots of Gardasil. Her third shot was due July 2008, but we became concerned about stories of dangerous side effects and didn't get the third shot. Will she have health issues or trouble getting pregnant when she grows up if I don't get her the third shot? I would prefer to wait until further testing of the drug is performed. Please help.

Is it unusual to miss a period after having an HSG done, or should I contact my doctor?

After having a vaginal pessary placed, can you have sex or would it be painful still? Is it unhealthy or dangerous?

How long do I have to wait after a diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease to have sexual intercourse?

How is the HPV test distinct from the Pap test? Is HPV a blood test? What kind of test finds sexually transmitted diseases?

For the last year, my periods have been very strong, causing me to become anemic. Why is this happening? What are my treatment options?

I'm on the Nuvaring contraceptive. If I want to delay my period for another week, can I keep the ring in for four weeks instead of three and use another form of birth control?

Before her oral surgery, my daughter was put on antibiotics. The surgeon said this would cause her birth control pills to be ineffective. Once she is finished with the antibiotics, does she need to wait for a period of time to begin sexual activity?