Impact of Birth Control Pills on Early Pregnancy: What to Know
Taking contraceptive pills during early pregnancy? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask, my last menstrual period was on September 21. To delay my menstrual cycle, I took the contraceptive pill (Winstop from Winston Pharmaceuticals) from October 16 to October 25, one tablet in the ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The contraceptive pill contains estrogen and progestin, which are prohibited during pregnancy as they may affect the development of the infant's genital organs and future sexual psychology.[Read More] Impact of Birth Control Pills on Early Pregnancy: What to Know
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Oral and Genital Contact
Regarding HIV/AIDS? If a female carrier of HIV is kissed on her genital area by a male partner using his tongue or mouth, is there a risk of HIV transmission to the male partner? Additionally, if a female performs oral sex on a male partner without using a condom, can the male pa...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
A gentle kiss is unlikely to cause infection, but if there is vigorous sucking, it can lead to mucosal damage and result in infection. The same applies to kissing; avoiding vigorous sucking or breaking the skin will prevent transmission.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Oral and Genital Contact
Is Side Sleeping Safe During Pregnancy? Understanding Fetal Movement Concerns
Regarding sleeping positions? Dr. Jan: Hello! I would like to ask, I am now over six months pregnant and I really enjoy sleeping on my side, but my baby seems to dislike it as she keeps kicking regardless of whether I sleep on my right or left side. Yesterday, I ignored her and s...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pregnant women are theoretically better off sleeping on their left side because the inferior vena cava is located closer to the right side. Sleeping on the right side may compress major blood vessels and affect blood circulation.[Read More] Is Side Sleeping Safe During Pregnancy? Understanding Fetal Movement Concerns
Concerns About Reduced Menstrual Flow After Miscarriage: What to Know
excuse me? My menstrual flow was normal for a year or two after giving birth to my first child, but since I had a miscarriage in June of last year, the amount of menstrual blood has significantly decreased. Especially in the past six months, I am a bit worried about whether this ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
After undergoing an abortion procedure, some individuals may experience intrauterine adhesions, which can lead to a decrease in menstrual flow, and a small number may even have no menstruation at all. A hysterosalpingography can be performed to determine the presence of adhesions...[Read More] Concerns About Reduced Menstrual Flow After Miscarriage: What to Know
Understanding RU486: Coverage, Costs, and Effectiveness of Medical Abortions
RU486, also known Is there currently coverage for the cost of medical abortion under health insurance? I'm referring to the oral medication, not the surgical procedure. Approximately how much does it cost, and what is the success rate? My last menstrual period started on Oct...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Oral abortion medication is not covered by health insurance. If you are pregnant, there is still time.[Read More] Understanding RU486: Coverage, Costs, and Effectiveness of Medical Abortions
Is It Safe to Fly During Pregnancy? Expert Insights and Guidelines
Is it safe to fly during pregnancy? Hello Dr. Jan: I would like to ask if flying during pregnancy can have negative effects. I've heard that in the early and late stages of pregnancy, flying might increase the risk of miscarriage. Is this true? Additionally, how long after b...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
In general, it is safe for pregnant women to travel on domestic flights before 36 weeks of gestation, while for international flights, it is best to travel before 32 weeks. Every pregnant woman should carry a physician's note indicating her due date. That said, the safest tr...[Read More] Is It Safe to Fly During Pregnancy? Expert Insights and Guidelines
Understanding Safe and Dangerous Days for Conception: A Guide
Safe period Hello Dr. Jan, I would like to ask you how to calculate the so-called "safe period" and "danger period." Some doctors have different opinions on this. Why do some say that the danger period starts on the 13th day of the menstrual cycle, while oth...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The ovulation period typically occurs around 14 to 15 days before the next menstrual period. However, sperm can survive in the vagina for nearly three days, so the days following the 12th or 13th day of the menstrual cycle may be considered a fertile window. Of course, this also ...[Read More] Understanding Safe and Dangerous Days for Conception: A Guide
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Heavy Periods: A Guide for Women
Lower back pain..? I have been experiencing intermittent lower back pain since around July or August, and it only affects my lower back. Last month, during my menstrual period, in addition to the back pain, I felt so weak that I could barely stand. The bleeding was also heavy (to...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. There are many causes of lower back pain, most commonly due to inflammation of the lumbar tendons, herniated discs, or neuropathic pain. It is also possible that something inside the abdomen is pressing on the lumbar nerves, causing the pain. 2. Heavy menstrual bleeding shou...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Heavy Periods: A Guide for Women
Understanding Light Bleeding During Ovulation: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal spotting during ovulation? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about experiencing light bleeding during my ovulation period. It's not much, just some blood-tinged discharge, and there is no pain. Occasionally, I also have mild itching in the vulvar area. This has...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Many people experience ovulation bleeding and abdominal bloating, which usually do not require special concern. However, since there has been sexual intercourse, it is advisable to undergo a Pap smear and a gynecological ultrasound for peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding Light Bleeding During Ovulation: Causes and Concerns
When to Test for Infertility: Timing and Essential Examinations
Infertility Hello Doctor: I would like to ask when should I get tested for infertility? Should it be during my menstrual period or after it ends? What tests should I undergo?
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Infertility testing can be quite complex and involves examinations for both partners. 1. The male partner should undergo a semen analysis after abstaining from sexual intercourse for approximately 5 days. 2. The female partner can have blood tests to check hormone levels on the s...[Read More] When to Test for Infertility: Timing and Essential Examinations
Managing Increased Discharge During Pregnancy: Concerns and Solutions
Infection Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask about the increased discharge I've experienced since becoming pregnant. The doctors have just prescribed medication without performing an internal examination. Is this an appropriate way to address my symptoms? Additionally, if th...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Increased vaginal discharge may be caused by an infection, but it can also occur due to pregnancy itself. However, if there is an unusual odor, significant itching, or redness and swelling, it may indicate an infection. Generally, common infections do not affect the child, but co...[Read More] Managing Increased Discharge During Pregnancy: Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Women
Bleeding outside of the menstrual period? Hello! I currently have a problem that is troubling me. I am not on my period; my last menstrual period was on September 19. However, two weeks ago, I experienced a situation similar to menstruation, and the discharge was brown in color. ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
There are many causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, including medications (such as weight loss drugs, menstrual regulation medications, steroids, and hormones), ovulation bleeding (which occurs a few days around the midpoint between two menstrual periods), or abnormalities of the...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Women
Understanding Incomplete Miscarriage: Symptoms, Treatments, and Future Implications
Incomplete miscarriage Dr. Jan: Thank you for your previous response! However, I need to trouble you again! I underwent a surgical abortion on August 17, and I have been experiencing continuous bleeding since then. My gynecologist advised me to return for a check-up regarding the...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. A dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure is performed to clean the uterus, and taking progesterone is a medication used to induce menstruation, allowing the endometrium to shed. 2. The phrase "bad things, but benign" is very contradictory and difficult to inter...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Miscarriage: Symptoms, Treatments, and Future Implications
Understanding HCG Levels After Abortion: What Do They Mean?
Chorionic gonadotropin Hello Doctor: I underwent a surgical abortion on August 17 (approximately three months pregnant, the embryo suddenly had no heartbeat). After the surgery, I returned to the hospital for a follow-up a week later, and the results were good. However, I experie...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. The normal level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (Beta-HCG) is below 10, and it significantly increases during pregnancy. Since your levels are already decreasing, it indicates that there is no longer a concern. 2. Regarding pregnancy, during pregnancy, the ovaries can ...[Read More] Understanding HCG Levels After Abortion: What Do They Mean?
Pregnancy Sleep Positions: Left Side Benefits and Ultrasound Insights
Regarding sleeping positions? Dr. Jan: Hello! I would like to ask you a question. I read in a book that pregnant women should sleep on their left side, but I am used to sleeping on my right side. I’m concerned if this will affect my baby or put pressure on them. Could you please ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It is better for pregnant women to sleep on their left side because the inferior vena cava and aorta are located slightly to the left in the abdominal cavity. Sleeping on the right side may sometimes compress these major blood vessels, leading to poor blood circulation. High-reso...[Read More] Pregnancy Sleep Positions: Left Side Benefits and Ultrasound Insights
Can Pregnant Women Safely Get the Flu Vaccine? Impact on Fetus Explained
Can pregnant women receive the flu vaccine? Is it safe for pregnant women to receive the flu vaccine? Will it have any effects on the fetus?
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pregnant women can receive the influenza vaccine as long as they do not have other complications or an allergy to eggs.[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Safely Get the Flu Vaccine? Impact on Fetus Explained
Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Contact: A Guide
Please ask your question? My girlfriend usually gets her period on the 14th of each month, and we had sexual intercourse (without genital contact) on the afternoon of the 7th. However, I accidentally touched her private area with my hand that had come into contact with semen. I b...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If menstruation is expected on the 14th, then ovulation should occur around the 30th, so the chances of pregnancy are actually quite low.[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Contact: A Guide
Effectiveness of Metformin in Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) I would like to ask the doctor, I heard on the radio a few days ago about a medication for diabetes that can also be used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), called Metformin (not sure about the correct spelling). I would like to know how e...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The medication you mentioned is called metformin (it has many brand names, including Glucophage and Glucomin). It is used to treat insulin resistance associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin levels in the blood. Its e...[Read More] Effectiveness of Metformin in Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Can I Have Sex After Laparoscopic Surgery? Expert Advice for Recovery
Can I engage in sexual activity after undergoing laparoscopic surgery? I hope Dr. Jan can help me answer this: My boyfriend has been frequently asking for sexual activities lately, and I'm unsure how to respond. I recently underwent laparoscopic surgery (one month ago). Can ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Laparoscopic surgery comes in many forms; some procedures are purely diagnostic without the removal of any organs, while others may involve the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even the gallbladder. If no organs were removed, you can typically resume normal activities ...[Read More] Can I Have Sex After Laparoscopic Surgery? Expert Advice for Recovery
Considering IVF After Multiple Failed Pregnancies: Your Questions Answered
I want to get pregnant? Hello Dr. Jan: I am a loyal reader of yours and would like to ask you some questions. I have undergone four cycles of artificial insemination; I became pregnant during the first cycle but unfortunately miscarried at six weeks. The subsequent attempts have ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Elevated prolactin levels can be caused by various factors, such as pituitary tumors, pregnancy, or the use of certain sedatives and gastrointestinal medications. If prolactin levels remain excessively high, it may lead to difficulties in conceiving. Generally, levels above 30 ng...[Read More] Considering IVF After Multiple Failed Pregnancies: Your Questions Answered