Gynecological Frequently Asked Questions
and General Information
Pap Test Information
Q: What is a PAP SMEAR or PAP TEST?
Information on pap tests.
Q: I have had an ABNORMAL PAP TEST result. What does that mean?
Information about your abnormal Pap Smear
Q: I have to have a COLPOSCOPY. What is this and what should I expect?
What is a Colposcopy?
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Q: I have to have a LEEP procedure. What is this and what should I expect?
What is a LEEP procedure?
Q: I think I may have a VAGINAL INFECTION. What should I do?
Please call the office to let us know what your symptoms are so that we can schedule you for an appointment. Our number is 622-3162 ext 124.
Click the link below to see the different types of vaginitis and what to expect at your visit.
Vaginitis - Causes and Treatments
Oral Contraceptive FAQ’s
Q: I am on birth control pills and I have forgotten to take a pill, what do I do?
If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the regular scheduled time. If you forget two pills in a row, double up (take two pills) for two days to get back on track. In both instances, use another form of contraception for that month. If you forget three pills, please call the office for advice.
Q: I am on birth control pills and I am having breakthrough bleeding. Is this normal?
It is common, especially when you initially start your pills, to have spotting or bleeding at irregular times. Continue to take your pills regardless. If this continues for three or four months in a row, give us a call as you may need to be changed to a different pill. In most cases this will resolve within the first 3 months of use.
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Q: I am on birth control pills and have been prescribed another medication to take for something else. Will this interact with my pills?
There are some medications that may decrease the effectiveness of the birth control pill. If you use the following medications we advise you to use a barrier method (condoms, spermicidal foam or suppository, contraceptive sponge or diaphragm) in addition to the pills for the rest of that cycle:
Antifungal medication- griseofulvin
Antibiotics- penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline
Anticonvulsants- Dilantin, primidone, rifampin
Sedatives- Phenobarbital, butabarbital, primidone, carbamazapine
If you are unsure, use the backup method or check with your pharmacist. There are many new medications that come out on a regular basis that may affect oral contraceptives.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases FAQ’s
Q: What are some FAQ’s about Genital Herpes?
CDC information on Herpes.
Q: What are some FAQ’s about Human Papillomavirus or HPV?
CDC information on HPV.
Q: What is GARDISIL?
Web Site for the Gardisil vaccine.
Q: What are some FAQ’s about Chlamydia?
CDC information on Chlamydia
Q: What are some FAQ’s about Gonorrhea?
CDC information on Gonorrhea
Q: What are some FAQ’s about Trichomonas?
Trichomoniasis - CDC Fact Sheet
Q: What are some FAQ’s about Syphilis?
Syphilis - CDC Fact Sheet
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Teen Health Information/Web links
Teen Health
Advocates for Youth
Especially for Teens: Birth Control
ACOG information on Birth Control
Infertility Information and FAQ’s
Infertility at women's health.gov
Q: How does weight affect my fertility?
Weight and Fertility
Q: How does smoking affect my fertility?
Smoking and Infertility
Resolve-Infertility Support and Information
Resolve.org
Where can I pursue a tubal reversal?
Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
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You Can Quit Smoking!
US Department of Health and Human Services
http://1800quitnow.cancer.gov/
Smokefree.gov
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/cessation
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/quittip.htm
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Menopause Information/Web links
Menopause FAQ’s
http://www.fda.gov/womens/menopause/mht-FS.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menopause.html
Women’s Health Initiative
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/
http://www.nih.gov/PHTindex.htm
Osteoporosis Information/Web links
National Osteoporosis Foundation
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Bone/Osteoporosis/default.asp
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Pregnancy Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I take if I have COLD and FLU symptoms?
The optimal treatment for cold and flu symptoms is rest and fluids. In the wintertime, it is essential to have a vaporizer for good humidification.
For headaches or general aches and pains you can take Tylenol (acetaminophen) up to 2 tablets every four to six hours. The maximal dose of Tylenol is 4000 gram/day. This is equal to 12 tabs of regular strength or 8 tabs of extra strength per day. In addition, for nasal congestion, Sudafed (plain) is safe after 12 weeks gestation. Antihistamines, Chlor-trimeton, or Mucinex are available over the counter, are essentially safe at any gestation and can be taken in small quantities.
Chloraseptic lozenges are useful for severe sore throats.
Robitussin (plain) can be used to help with cough and chest congestion.
Please contact your Primary Care Physician if you think you need to be seen.
NOTE: Although headaches are common in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, any severe headache that is pounding, causes changes in vision, and/or occurs with severe nausea and vomiting, should be reported to us at once. Contact the physician coordinator at 622-3162 ext. 124.
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What can I do for NAUSEA and VOMITING?
It is very common in the first trimester to have nausea and/or vomiting. The most important step to take is to eat small meals with a small snack between meals and a small snack after dinner. In addition, crackers by your bedside for when you wake in the morning can help. Ginger has been found to help with nausea. Cook with fresh ginger, take sips of ginger ale, drink ginger tea, or purchase crystallized ginger in the spice section, shave thin strips to chew on. Vitamin B6 25-50 mg can be taken 3-4 times a day. An over the counter medication called Emetrol is also safe to take. Sipping on clear liquids throughout the day also helps to maintain hydration. If the nausea and vomiting becomes persistent and you are not able to keep anything down, contact the physician coordinator at 622-3162 ext. 124 to schedule an appointment to been seen and evaluated.
What can I take for INDIGESTION or HEARTBURN?
This commonly occurs throughout pregnancy. Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums are safe and may be helpful. Zantac and Pepcid are also safe and are available over the counter.
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What can help if I have CONSTIPATION?
Start by increasing fluids and eat high fiber foods such as fruit, vegetables, grains etc. Colace 100mg taken 1-3 times daily can help to soften stools. Fiber supplements such as Metamucil may be introduced as well. Senakot is also safe if a laxative is needed.
What can help with DIARRHEA?
Anytime you have diarrhea, you should initially stop using milk products and switch to a very bland diet consisting mostly of clear liquids. Once the diarrhea improves slowly increase your diet. Start with foods such as white rice, toast, applesauce, and crackers. Should the diarrhea become bothersome, over the counter products, such as Kaopectate or Imodium AD, may be used. Severe cases should be brought to the doctor’s attention. You do not want to get dehydrated.
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What can be used for HEMORRHOIDS?
Tucks pads, Preparation H, or Anusol HC may help. If the hemorrhoids are bleeding, please contact your Primary Care Physician.
What can I do for BACK PAIN?
Back pain in pregnancy has many possible causes. It usually is caused by strain on the back muscles. Weakness of the abdominal muscles also can cause back pain.
What You Can Do
To help prevent or ease back pain, try to be aware of how you stand, sit and move. Here are some tips that may help:
- Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support.
- Ask for help when lifting heavy objects.
- When standing for long periods, place one foot on a stool or box.
- If your bed is too soft, have someone help you place a board between the mattress and box spring.
- Don't bend over from the waist to pick things up — squat down, bend your knees, and keep your back straight.
- Sit in chairs with good back support, or use a small pillow behind the low part of your back.
- Try to sleep on your side with one or two pillows between your legs for support.
- Apply heat or cold to the painful area or massage it.
Doing special exercises for the back also can help lessen backache.
If back pain continues to be a problem, your doctor may suggest that you wear a maternity girdle, special elastic sling, or back brace.
http://www.prenatalcradle.com/
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What if I have been exposed to a child with FIFTH’S DISEASE?
Fifths disease is a common viral infection seen in children. Children often present with high fever and a red rash on their cheeks (slapped cheek appearance). Many adults have been exposed to the disease during childhood and are immune. If you are exposed to a child with Fifths, blood tests can be done to check your immunity. Please contact the physician coordinator at 622-3162 ext. 124.
What if I have been exposed to CHICKEN POX?
If you have had the chicken pox prior to pregnancy, you are most likely immune. If you haven’t had chicken pox or haven’t been exposed previously, there are blood tests that can be done to see if you have immunity to the virus.
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Can I get the FLU VACCINE?
Yes, this is recommended in anytime in pregnancy. It is recommended to only get this by an injection. It is not recommended to get the vaccine in the form given nasally.
Can I get a TETANUS SHOT?
Yes, it is safe to get a tetanus shot during pregnancy.
Can I get the Mantoux test for Tuberculosis?
Yes, the mantoux test is safe in pregnancy.
Can I have a CHEST X-RAY?
Yes, as long as your abdomen is safe shielded, you would need to have 50 chest x-rays to have a direct effect on the baby.
Can I have an MRI?
This is indicated in pregnancy if other imaging technique used is not adequate.
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Can I have DENTAL WORK?
It is ok to have dental work while pregnant. X-rays are also as long as you are safe shielded.
Is it ok to have SPLENDA?
Yes, this is safe in pregnancy. However, it is also recommended to limit all artificial sweeteners.
Can I have my HAIR COLORED or PERMED?
Yes, it is safe at any stage of the pregnancy to have hair colored.
Yes, it is safe at any stage of the pregnancy to have a perm. Due to hormones perms may not come out the same as in the past. It may not take or may be loose within a few days.
Can I have my NAILS POLISHED?
Yes, it is safe to have nails done. If going to a salon, try to make sure the facility is well ventilated as the fumes may cause you to be nauseous or dizzy.
Is it ok to PAINT?
It is ok to paint with while you are pregnant. Make sure room is well ventilated. If you have symptoms of nausea or become light headed leave the room or home until the fumes are gone.
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Can I use SUNSCREEN?
Yes, sunscreen is recommended in pregnancy. Prolonged exposure to sunlight should be limited as it may lead to sunburn, sunstroke, or dehydration.
Can I use BUG REPELLANT?
The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) recommends that pregnant women use insect repellant containing DEET as the risk of mosquito or tick borne illness is greater that the risk of exposure to DEET. Bugs sprays with DEET concentrations  25% are safest and should be applied every two hours of outdoor exposure. You can limit your exposure by applying bug spray to clothing and by washing exposed areas upon returning indoors.
Can I EXERCISE while I am pregnant?
You can continue to exercise during pregnancy. Exercise to a moderate "perceived degree of exertion" only. Wear supportive shoes, hydrate liberally, and remember to warm up and cool down. As pregnancy progresses, workouts often gradually become shorter and/or less intense.
Avoid contact sports, scuba diving and skiing, as well as any activity that increases your risk for abdominal trauma. Walking, swimming, cycling or aerobics are all excellent choices.
Stop exercising immediately if you become faint, have chest pain or sever shortness of breath, or experience vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal pain.
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