Understanding and Treating Vulvar Itching: Causes and Solutions
Genital itching Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing itching in the genital area, accompanied by raised, wrinkled folds. Sometimes the itching is quite severe and uncomfortable. There is also a slight brownish discharge with a bit of blood (not much), as well as a dis...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Based on your description, it may be eczema (allergic type), but if the skin condition does not allow for a physician's examination, the doctor may be reluctant to prescribe medication. Dr. Cheng Jin-He from Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.[Read More] Understanding and Treating Vulvar Itching: Causes and Solutions
Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Sleep on Their Right Side?
Is it okay to sleep on your side? There have been reports suggesting that pregnant women should avoid sleeping on their right side, as it may affect the development of the baby. It is generally recommended to sleep on the left side or to lie flat. Is this statement correct? Thank...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Sleeping on the left side prevents pressure on the inferior vena cava, which can affect blood circulation to the uterus. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Sleep on Their Right Side?
Concerns About Light Bleeding at Six Weeks Pregnant
Bleeding at six weeks of pregnancy? Hello, I am currently six weeks pregnant. However, I am a bit worried because I have been experiencing persistent cramping similar to menstrual cramps, and I have a small amount of light pink discharge once a day (not dark blood, but a pinkish ...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: At 6 weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound should be able to detect the gestational sac. If it is not visible, it may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. If you are following up on the ectopic pregnancy after two weeks and still do not see it, that seems a bit too long. Please cons...[Read More] Concerns About Light Bleeding at Six Weeks Pregnant
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Managing Symptoms with Birth Control
Hormonal imbalance In the past few months, I have been experiencing frequent bleeding, sometimes with very little blood, and at other times just spotting. After an examination by a gynecologist, it was found that this is caused by hormonal imbalance. The doctor recommended that I...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: 1. Start taking one pill daily from the 3rd to the 5th day of your menstrual cycle (depending on the brand). 2. Take the medication for 2-3 cycles and then stop to see if normalcy is restored. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Managing Symptoms with Birth Control
Does Sexual Activity Really Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?
Does sexual activity affect the menstrual cycle? Before I had any sexual experience, my menstrual cycle was very regular. However, after becoming sexually active, it seems that my period gets delayed by about a week whenever I have sex, but it always eventually comes. This has be...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Sexual activity does not affect menstruation, but if you experience psychological stress, it can impact your menstrual cycle. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Does Sexual Activity Really Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?
Understanding Pap Smear Discomfort: Is Pain During the Procedure Normal?
Pap smear examination Hello Dr. Cheng: Today I went to a gynecology clinic for a Pap smear, and I admit I was really nervous since I had never done it before. I even asked my mom beforehand if it would hurt, and she said it wouldn’t. However, the experience was quite different; I...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: A Pap smear should not be painful. It is possible that you were too tense and squeezed the vaginal speculum too tightly, which may have pinched the tissue of your vaginal wall. Inserting the Pap smear swab should not cause pain; it may have scraped the tissue caught at the...[Read More] Understanding Pap Smear Discomfort: Is Pain During the Procedure Normal?
Understanding Emergency Contraception: Delayed Period Concerns
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) I took emergency contraception the day after sexual intercourse (four hours apart, a total of three doses), but it's been five days and my period still hasn't arrived. Isn't it usually the case that my period would come within t...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, some individuals may experience light bleeding instead of a regular menstrual period, but the menstrual cycle will still occur at its normal time. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Emergency Contraception: Delayed Period Concerns
Understanding Tamoxifen Use: Effects on Menstrual Cycle and Health Concerns
The use of Tamoxifen? Hello Dr. Zheng, thank you very much for your prompt response. I had surgery in early September, and my doctor confirmed that I have stage 0 breast cancer, so I do not need chemotherapy or radiation therapy. My pathology report indicated positive receptor te...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: 1. Tamoxifen will suppress female hormones, leading to reduced menstrual flow or cessation of menstruation, which is a normal response. 2. The suppression of female hormones may result in anovulation, but it can also cause the endometrium to thicken and may lead to some me...[Read More] Understanding Tamoxifen Use: Effects on Menstrual Cycle and Health Concerns
Understanding Normal Growth Rates for Your Baby During Early Pregnancy
How can we determine if a baby's growth rate is normal? Hello, we have been trying to conceive since August without contraception. My menstrual cycles are longer, with periods on 5/16-19, 7/1-5, and 8/16-21. I was expected to get my period on 10/1, but it did not arrive. On ...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: On October 19, a pregnancy test confirmed pregnancy and an ultrasound showed a gestational sac measuring approximately 0.4 cm (about 4-5 weeks gestation); on November 3, it measured about 6-7 weeks gestation, while a normal gestational sac is typically over 2 cm. Since it ...[Read More] Understanding Normal Growth Rates for Your Baby During Early Pregnancy
Choosing Between Male and Female Sterilization: Costs and Considerations
I would like to undergo a vasectomy? 1. After having one son and one daughter, I am considering a sterilization procedure. Should I choose male or female sterilization, and what are the approximate costs for each? Is fasting or anesthesia required for both procedures? Which speci...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: 1. Male sterilization procedures are generally more convenient, with fewer side effects, and the costs vary among hospitals for urology consultations. 2. A visit to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic is necessary to determine the underlying cause. 3. It is likely related...[Read More] Choosing Between Male and Female Sterilization: Costs and Considerations
Could She Be Pregnant? Understanding Menstrual Irregularities and Risks
Are you pregnant? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my girlfriend. Her last menstrual period was the week of September 6. Then, on September 13, we engaged in an act that resembled sexual intercourse, but I did not fully penetrate; I only inserted about one-third of th...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Calculating the safe period and withdrawal method are both unreliable contraceptive methods. To determine if you are pregnant, please visit a gynecology clinic for a test. Thank you, Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Could She Be Pregnant? Understanding Menstrual Irregularities and Risks
Understanding Tamoxifen's Effects on Menstrual Cycle Changes
The effects of Tamoxifen? Dr. Zheng: Hello. I started taking Tamoxifen last month, but I stopped after seven days. However, this month my menstruation is seven days late, the menstrual blood has turned light brown, and the flow is very light, which is quite different from before....
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Tamoxifen exerts an inhibitory effect on estrogen receptors in the breast, while it has a stimulatory effect on estrogen receptors in the endometrium. Therefore, please first clarify whether you are a breast cancer patient. Have you undergone radiation therapy or chemother...[Read More] Understanding Tamoxifen's Effects on Menstrual Cycle Changes
Managing Irregular Menstrual Cycles After Childbirth: What You Need to Know
Menstrual issues Since giving birth on May 28th, my menstrual cycle has been very irregular. Here are the dates: it started on July 10 and ended on July 18, started again on August 15 and ended on August 21, started on September 5 and ended on September 9, started on September 14...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The primary concern with abnormal bleeding is to rule out the possibility of pregnancy-related bleeding and uterine or ovarian pathologies. Therefore, please visit a gynecology clinic for a pregnancy test, pelvic examination, and ultrasound. If everything appears normal, i...[Read More] Managing Irregular Menstrual Cycles After Childbirth: What You Need to Know
Do Emergency Contraceptives Eliminate the Need for Condoms?
Emergency contraceptive pill Taking emergency contraception does not eliminate the need for condoms during intercourse. Emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, but it is not a regular form of birth control. If you choose not to use condoms,...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Of course not. The correct way to use oral contraceptives is to take them consistently every day. According to statistics, the probability of conception during the fertile period after one instance of unprotected intercourse is approximately 25%. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Departme...[Read More] Do Emergency Contraceptives Eliminate the Need for Condoms?
Understanding Cervical Erosion: Causes, Healing, and Treatment Options
Abrasion In May, there was sexual intercourse, but there was no sexual activity in the following three months of June, July, and August. However, in August, a gynecologist found that there was some abrasion on the cervix. Is it difficult for the abrasion to heal? Is it treatable?
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: "Cervical abrasion" is a vague diagnosis. If you are referring to cervical abrasions caused by sexual intercourse, and there are no associated lesions or infections, then abstaining from sexual activity for a period of time should allow for gradual healing. Dr. C...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Erosion: Causes, Healing, and Treatment Options
How Soon After Flu Vaccine Can You Safely Get Pregnant?
How long after receiving the flu vaccine can one become pregnant? Hello Dr. Cheng: I am currently planning to get pregnant, but I remember that I received the flu vaccine over a year ago and would like to get vaccinated again. Is it advisable to get the flu vaccine before trying ...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Currently, there is not much literature documenting the effects of the influenza vaccine on human fetuses. It is classified as a Category C medication, so it is best to avoid vaccination when planning to conceive or during pregnancy. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetr...[Read More] How Soon After Flu Vaccine Can You Safely Get Pregnant?
Concerns About Medication Effects During Early Pregnancy
Frustrated me? Hello Dr. Cheng, I received the flu vaccine on September 16, and I took Sporanox (itraconazole) two capsules a day from August 1 to October 16. I found out I was pregnant on October 18, approximately 5 weeks along. Based on my calculations, the period of concepti...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Sporanox is classified as a Category "C" medication for use in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown it to be harmful to the fetus, but there are no studies in humans, nor are there safety studies involving both animals and human fetuses. It is not recommende...[Read More] Concerns About Medication Effects During Early Pregnancy
How Long After Dyeing Hair Is It Safe to Get Pregnant?
How long after dyeing hair is it safe to become pregnant? Hello, my husband and I plan to conceive before the end of the year, but I used hair dye a week ago. As far as I know, the ingredients in hair dye can be harmful to the fetus. How long should I wait before planning to get ...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Currently, there is no data in the medical field that statistically indicates how long after dyeing hair one can become pregnant. Of course, two months after dyeing, the concentration of chemicals in the hair dye is very low, so it should not have an impact. - Dr. Cheng Ji...[Read More] How Long After Dyeing Hair Is It Safe to Get Pregnant?
Understanding Dark Brown Discharge: Causes and Concerns After Taking Emergency Contraceptive
Dark brown discharge Hello Dr. Zheng: I have a pre-existing issue with excessive vaginal discharge. Last week, after being intimate with my boyfriend, I took Postinor (emergency contraceptive pill). Since taking the pill, it has been nearly a week, and I just noticed a sudden app...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: It is normal to experience vaginal bleeding 3 to 7 days after taking Postinor. Typically, the bleeding will stop within 2 to 3 days. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Dark Brown Discharge: Causes and Concerns After Taking Emergency Contraceptive
Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: Common Concerns and Symptoms
Menstrual issues Hello, doctor. My period was supposed to start on the 9th of this month, but it’s delayed. Is it normal for it to be delayed by a week? Usually, I experience abdominal pain a few days or weeks before my period, and the pain goes away once my period starts. Howeve...
Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The light brown vaginal discharge is likely a sign that menstruation is approaching. The ovarian cyst should not be related to abdominal pain or pain in the perineal or anal area, unless the ovarian growth is not a cyst but an endometrioma. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of ...[Read More] Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: Common Concerns and Symptoms