Understanding Cervical Cancer Vaccination: Age Limits and Effectiveness
About vaccines? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if the cervical cancer vaccine must be administered between the ages of 9 and 26 to be effective? (Does 9 to 26 refer to chronological age or actual age?) What is the effectiveness if administered after this age? I have read some...
Dr. Lin Zhaopei Reply:
The age range of 9 to 26 years refers to actual age. The infectivity of human papillomavirus (HPV) begins at age 9 and peaks around age 20. After age 26, the infectivity declines. Therefore, individuals over 26 years old who have no sexual experience should be eligible for vaccin...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Cancer Vaccination: Age Limits and Effectiveness
Managing Recurrent Vaginal Infections: Causes, Treatments, and Risks
Recurrent genital infections Hello Doctor, since I started having sexual intercourse after marriage, I have been experiencing recurrent infections. I usually have a milky white discharge, but after intercourse, the discharge often has a fishy odor and a cottage cheese-like consis...
Dr. Lin Zhaopei Reply:
If the discharge is a simple milky white, it is mostly indicative of a Candida infection. However, if there is a fishy odor, it may suggest the presence of two or more infections. Given that this has been ongoing for 13 years, it indicates that the medications used are likely to ...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Vaginal Infections: Causes, Treatments, and Risks
Understanding Irregular Bleeding After Intercourse: Causes and Concerns
Irregular bleeding..? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about a situation I've been experiencing. After several recent sexual encounters, I have noticed bleeding that lasts for a few days (3 to 5 days). The amount of blood varies, sometimes it's more, sometimes less; a...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
Post-coital bleeding is not always indicative of a problem, but it should not be overlooked as it may be an early symptom of a gynecological condition. Regular annual Pap smears provide some reassurance. It is advisable to seek evaluation from a gynecologist when experiencing pos...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Bleeding After Intercourse: Causes and Concerns
Seeking Help: Abnormal Bleeding After RU486 Use and Sexual Activity
Doctor, please help me? Hello doctor, I took RU486 in August this year, and two months later, after having sexual intercourse, I started experiencing abnormal bleeding. Every time I have sex, there is a significant amount of bleeding, followed by continuous light spotting. I went...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
The use of Ru-486 is classified as a medication-induced abortion. Clinically, it is commonly observed that after a spontaneous miscarriage, there may be light uterine bleeding that lasts on average about 2-3 weeks. If a physician has examined the patient, there should be no cause...[Read More] Seeking Help: Abnormal Bleeding After RU486 Use and Sexual Activity
Post-Pap Smear Bleeding: Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
Pap smear test Hello! I had a Pap smear on the morning of December 19, and the next day, December 20, I experienced light bleeding that was dark brown in color. By December 21, the bleeding felt similar to my menstrual cycle, continuing for 4-5 days. The odor, color, and volume o...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
"The last menstrual period started on December 5, and it has been consistently on time, so the next one should be around January 5." Based on your description, it appears that your menstrual cycle is regular, approximately 30 days, with ovulation estimated to occur arou...[Read More] Post-Pap Smear Bleeding: Understanding Your Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Brown Discharge: Causes and When to Seek Help
Brown discharge On August 11, I had my menstrual period. After engaging in sexual intercourse on August 30, I experienced bleeding and went for a pelvic examination. During the examination, an ultrasound was performed to check the uterus and ovaries, along with a Pap smear. The p...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
Based on your description, you had your menstrual period on October 11, but from October 26 to an unspecified date, you experienced brownish discharge with a slight blood tint. Two months ago, you underwent a pelvic examination, ultrasound, and Pap smear, all of which showed no a...[Read More] Understanding Brown Discharge: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal Bleeding: Symptoms and Concerns in Women's Health
Abnormal bleeding Hello, thank you for taking the time to read my question. My symptoms are as follows, listed in chronological order: my toenails on both big toes have broken, I experienced a loss of appetite (which has improved), fatigue (which has improved), and 2-3 days ago I...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
Many of your symptom descriptions are unrelated to abnormal vaginal bleeding. If you experience slight bleeding from the lower body (abnormal vaginal bleeding), and after examination at the hospital, the doctor informs you that there should be no issues with your uterus and ovari...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bleeding: Symptoms and Concerns in Women's Health
Understanding Cervical Erosion Treatment: HPV Testing and Costs Explained
Treatment of Cervical Erosion Hello Dr. Lee: I just visited the clinic, and the doctor mentioned that I have cervical erosion and recommended electrocautery. However, I believe I should go to the hospital for more accurate testing. The doctor thinks it would be better to proceed ...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
1. HPV testing is used to check for the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus that may cause cervical lesions or even cancer. While it is beneficial to have more tests done, the downside is that it can be an out-of-pocket expense. 2. Pap smears and HPV tests are different ty...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Erosion Treatment: HPV Testing and Costs Explained
Understanding Cervical Lacerations: When to Worry and What to Expect
Cervical laceration I consulted a doctor because I experienced bleeding after sexual intercourse. During the pelvic examination, it was noted that there was a cervical abrasion. An ultrasound was performed the same day, and both the uterus and ovaries appeared normal, just indica...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
Based on your description, it appears to be an appearance of ectopy of the cervical columnar epithelial cells, commonly referred to as "cervical erosion." It is not a description of cervical laceration, which is quite unusual. Cervical erosion is more likely to lead to ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Lacerations: When to Worry and What to Expect
Early Pregnancy: Travel, Care Tips, and Health Checks for Expecting Moms
Early pregnancy Dr. Huang: Hello, thank you in advance! I would like to ask you about my daughter, who is 34 years old and is currently pregnant with her first child. She lives in the United States and plans to return to Taiwan in mid-November. May I ask: 1. Is it safe for her to...
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
Dear Linm: If there are currently no signs of miscarriage, it should be safe to fly, but please ensure comfort during the journey. In Taiwan, the first prenatal check-up is typically done between 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, and a Pap smear can still be performed. Wishing you safe...[Read More] Early Pregnancy: Travel, Care Tips, and Health Checks for Expecting Moms
Essential Tips for Your First Pap Smear: What to Expect
Important considerations for traditional Pap smear tests include: Hello, doctor. Recently, our company is conducting health check-ups, and one of the tests is a Pap smear. Since this is my first time undergoing this examination, I am quite anxious because both married and unmarri...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
The examination you mentioned (Pap smear) refers to the traditional cervical cytology test. All women who have engaged in sexual intercourse should undergo a Pap smear annually, as it involves using a speculum to open the vagina and visualize the cervix, where cells are gently sc...[Read More] Essential Tips for Your First Pap Smear: What to Expect
Understanding Cervical Cancer Risks: CIN-2 and Cone Biopsy Insights
Cervical cancer Hello Doctor: I had a Pap smear in September this year, and the result was abnormal, indicating dysplasia that cannot exclude HSIL. I subsequently underwent a biopsy, which showed focal CIN-2 in the uterus and cervix. Microscopically, the sections reveal a picture...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: 1. The pathology reports from cervical conization surgeries mostly align with the pathology reports from colposcopic cervical biopsies, with a small portion being more severe and a very small percentage being less severe. 2. Your current cervical biopsy report indicates CI...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Cancer Risks: CIN-2 and Cone Biopsy Insights
Cone Biopsy and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know for a Safe Journey
Conical excision Hello Doctor: Last year, an abnormality was found during a Pap smear, and the doctor recommended a cone biopsy for further treatment. Subsequent follow-up examinations were normal. I am now 10 weeks pregnant, and the doctor has advised that I need a cervical cerc...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
I suggest you consult your attending physician about the benefits this surgery may bring and the potential risks involved. If the benefits clearly outweigh the risks, you should be better able to make a decision. May God bless you at Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and...[Read More] Cone Biopsy and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know for a Safe Journey
Managing Recurring Warts: Treatment Options and Concerns for Women's Health
Cauliflower vs. LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) / Cryotherapy / Electrocautery Treatment / Cervical Vaccine / Pap Smear Hello, regarding the issue of recurrent warts (very stubborn), I feel very itchy after applying Aldara at night, and the next day it feels prickl...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
1. It is reasonable to have localized sensations when using Ledaeme. 2. Treatments for warts include cryotherapy, electrosurgery, or topical ointments. 3. If you have warts on the vulva, a Pap smear can be performed at any time. 4. Vaccines cannot treat existing conditions;...[Read More] Managing Recurring Warts: Treatment Options and Concerns for Women's Health
Possible Causes of Brown Discharge on Condom After Intercourse: What to Know
The condom has stains resembling blood or brownish discharge? My last menstrual period started on August 11. I had sexual intercourse on August 28 and 29 without any issues. However, after intercourse on August 30, I noticed what appeared to be blood or brownish discharge on the ...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
Based on your detailed description, it is almost certain that there is slight bleeding due to vaginal mucosal damage (abrasion). If you are afraid of cervical cancer but are unaware of it, please ensure to have regular Pap smears (annually). This can lead to early detection and e...[Read More] Possible Causes of Brown Discharge on Condom After Intercourse: What to Know
Post-Menopausal Care: HPV Testing and Premarin Usage Explained
Gynecological issues Hello, Director Chuang! My mother has had normal results for HPV tests for two consecutive years after menopause, and she has been getting Pap smears regularly every year. Should she continue to have HPV tests in the future? She has been using Premarin for 4 ...
Dr. Zhuang Zhijian Reply:
Hello, ma'am: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following recommendations: It is important to continue having annual Pap smears as long as the results remain normal. As for the human papillomavirus (HPV), annual testing may ...[Read More] Post-Menopausal Care: HPV Testing and Premarin Usage Explained
Understanding Post-Menstrual Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Women
Menstruation has just ended..? Hello doctor, I would like to ask... In the past six months, about 6 to 7 days after my menstrual period ends, if I have intercourse with my husband, I tend to experience some bleeding (bright red, but not continuous). However, if I wait a little lo...
Dr. Lin Zhaopei Reply:
Around 6-7 days after the end of menstruation is approximately the ovulation period. Sometimes hormonal fluctuations can occur, leading to spotting, which is not related to uterine contractions. It is recommended to visit a clinic for a Pap smear to rule out any cervical issues.[Read More] Understanding Post-Menstrual Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Women
Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Menstrual irregularities Hello, doctor... After a menstrual adjustment, my periods have been irregular for the past six years. I now need to take medication (PROVERA) to induce menstruation. I take it once every three months, and after each course (2-3 days of normal flow, about ...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: A. There are many causes of irregular menstruation. It is recommended that you come in for an examination, where we will perform an ultrasound and blood tests; if you have had sexual intercourse, we will also conduct a pelvic exam and Pap smear. B. Accumulation of menstrua...[Read More] Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Understanding HPV: Risks, Symptoms, and Screening Beyond Pap Tests
Papillomavirus? Is it true that only individuals who engage in sexual intercourse need to worry about contracting human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer? What exactly is defined as sexual intercourse—does it require ejaculation, penetration, or is rubbing also considered?...
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has many types, and there is a close association between cervical cancer and high-risk oncogenic HPV infections (please refer to the gynecological health education section on our hospital's website). Genital warts, also caused by HPV infection, can...[Read More] Understanding HPV: Risks, Symptoms, and Screening Beyond Pap Tests
Understanding Cone Biopsy Results: What to Do After Abnormal Pap Smears?
Cervical conization Hello Dr. Lee, I had a cone biopsy on February 2nd, and the report showed no residual disease, which was very reassuring at the time. However, during my routine Pap smear on May 1st, an abnormality was detected again, with a grade of 10, up from 9 before the...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: Your questions have been answered. If you have any further inquiries, please bring all your smear tests, biopsy results, and HPV examination reports to our obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic for consultation. Thank you! Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Obstetrics a...[Read More] Understanding Cone Biopsy Results: What to Do After Abnormal Pap Smears?