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The Period That Won't Quit

DearSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Now that we've delved into what is and isn't normal when it comes to your period, I thought we could take a closer look at what can cause a period that lasts longer than an average of seven days. If you're experiencing this frustrating change in your cycle, a trip to your gynecologist is a necessity. But in the meantime, it's a good idea to educate yourself on possible explanations in order to prepare yourself for your exam. Here are some of the general possibilities:

For women on the pill, spotting or extended bleeding may be solved with a simple change in prescription to a pill with a higher dosage — not all pills are created equal when it comes to hormones. Or if you're chronically tardy when it comes to taking your pill, you may just need to be more diligent.
If you're not on the pill, hormonal issues can still play a role. If you're having any other strange symptoms outside of your period, be sure to mention them to your gyno; she may want to make sure your thyroid gland is functioning properly.
Both IUCs and Depo-Provera can cause irregular bleeding. If you've started experiencing spotting after trying out either of those methods of contraception, and it lasts for an extended period of time, you may want to discuss the possibility of trying out an entirely different method.

To see other reasons that may account for heavy, prolonged bleeding,

The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part II

DearSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Now that we all have a few reminders when preparing for an upcoming pelvic exam, I have some quick suggestions for the day of the appointment, too. To see them

The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part I

DearSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I don’t know any women who actually enjoy a trip to the gynecologist, though feelings about settling into the stirrups tend to vary from mild annoyance to extreme anxiety. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall on, it’s important to make the most of your annual exam. To see my suggestions to do just that

Dear Quiz: Test Your PID Knowledge

DearSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Earlier this week I shared some important information about Pelvic Inflammatory Disease with you, which is a very serious infection of the reproductive organs. Take this short quiz to find out how much you learned!

Source

The Facts About Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

DearSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:00:00 -0700

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Infection, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is the term that refers to an infection of a female’s reproductive organs. Perhaps what's most worrisome about PID is that it often goes unnoticed by women and undetected by their doctors — if untreated, it can eventually lead to permanent and serious damage, including infertility. To learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for PID,

Do Tell: Have You Had an Embarrassing Moment at the Gyno?

DearSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Even at its best, a trip to the gynecologist is usually pretty uncomfortable and can be down right awkward. Since going to a doctor’s appointment already makes most of us feel vulnerable, being naked in front of a doctor only makes things even more nerve-wracking. Anxiety, discomfort, nudity, and discussing sex and birth control are just about the perfect equation for an embarrassing moment to arise. So ladies, do tell, have you ever had an embarrassing mishap at the gyno?

Source

You Asked: I Can't Get Turned On

DearSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:00:00 -0800

Dear Sugar,

I can't get aroused anymore. Everything was fine up until a few weeks ago, but then I just suddenly stopped being able to be turned on, either alone or with my partner. I think I'm into it, but then my body doesn’t respond physically. I know it's probably just me being paranoid, but I'm worried that there's something medically wrong with me. I wasn't sure whether this new change might be linked to my period or not. I have had about four periods a year for the last three years. Is there any advice you can offer on getting my sex drive going again? What’s wrong with me?

— Turned Off in Tulsa

To see DearSugar's answer

Dear Poll: Do You Prefer a Man or Woman Gyno?

DearSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:00:00 -0700

Visiting the gyno is never fun, but liking your doctor can make it a whole lot less painful. Some women feel that having a female doctor is the only way to go: they know about the woman's body first hand, they can sympathize with everything you're experiencing, and they are easier to talk to, but other women are more old fashioned and feel a male physician is more trustworthy, so ladies, tell me which sex do you prefer? Do you like going to a male or female gynecologist? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Prefer a Man or Woman Gyno?

Female: I want to be able to talk candidly to someone that has been there and done that.

Male: I am just more comfortable having a male doctor.

I don't care either way.

What's the Deal With the Diaphragm?

DearSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:00:00 -0700

I've been talking a lot about many forms of birth control including hormonal ones like the Pill, the Patch, and Depo-Provera, and about barrier methods like the male and female condom. A diaphragm is another form of barrier method, which prevents sperm from getting to your precious eggs.

It is a shallow, bowl-shaped piece of rubber with a flexible rim that fits over your vagina and covers the cervix so sperm can't reach your uterus. Your vaginal muscles keep it in place.

Advantages:

You need to get fitted for one by your gynecologist, but once you have it, and if you take care of it properly, it should last 1-2 years.
It usually can't be felt during sex by either partner.
You can keep it inside you for up to 24 hours.
It doesn't change your menstrual cycle.
It doesn't affect future fertility.

There are unfortunately many disadvantages so click here to

Pain During Sex?

DearSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Sex is supposed to feel good emotionally and physically. Although women may not have that huge BANG of an orgasm (or a few if you're really lucky) like men do, making love is still supposed to be a happy and pleasurable experience. If you are feeling discomfort or pain during sex (called dyspareunia), something is wrong. Here are some reasons sex could be hurting:

As I've said before, lubrication is key in order for sex to feel good. If you are not creating enough of your own "love juices" then I recommend increasing the amount of foreplay time you have before sex. If that doesn't work, purchase a personal lubricant. Also, keep in mind that hormonal birth control and certain meds like allergy medicine can cause vaginal dryness.
If your lady business is feeling great normally, but when you have sex it burns or feels irritated, check your condom. Condoms that contain spermicidal lubricant can irritate your lady parts, so try and find condoms with plain old lubricant instead.
Latex condoms can also cause irritation. Some women have a latex allergy. It's an unmistakable and horrible feeling, but don't fret, that's what polyurethane condoms are for.

There are other reasons sex can feel painful. To find out what they are,

Diaphragms and HIV

DearSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:00:00 -0700

There are all types of methods of birth control out there. The Pill, the Patch, the Nuvaring, the Depo-Provera shot, IUDs, and of course condoms.

Some women like to use a diaphragm. It's a shallow, dome shaped cup with a flexible rim that you place inside your vagina to cover your cervix so no sperm can get into your uterus. It's great because you can insert it up to 2 hours before you think you might be getting it on and that way you don't have to interrupt the mood to deal with your condom, plus most men can't even feel it! That sounds great and all, but I want to know...