Dr. Barbara Coulter-Smith

33 years experience

By appearance: There are certain characteristics that make us more or less suspicious. These are: age (the older the more worrisome), size (greater than 6-8 cm), a... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 48-year-old member asked:

What is the average age for menopause in general?

33 years experience

51: This has a wide normal range but in the us the average age of menopause is 51. Abnormally young is before age 40 and rarely is a women still menstrua... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old female asked:

Is it okay to try to conceive while taking amoxicillin 500mg everyday for ten days?

33 years experience

Yes: Amoxicillin is safe for use in pregnancy and it is importnat to finish all antibiotics to adequately and completely treat the infection.

5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Sparacino and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

5 thanks

A member asked:

My 13 year old daughter has a 23cm ovarian cyst that is causing a blockage in her kidney, is this common ? what are the chances of her getting more?

33 years experience

No: A cyst of this size is not common in an adolescent woman. I assume you have seen a gynecologist as this most likely needs to be removed. It will be t... Read More

5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Madhu Kandarpa and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 23-year-old female asked:

I have a very clear odourless jelly- like vaginal discharge. what causes this?

33 years experience

Cervical mucous: Cervical mucous secretion is the most common cause of clear odorless discharge. This tends to increase midcycle and is an indicator of ovulation. So... Read More

5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Sparacino agrees1 doctor agrees

12 thanks

A 31-year-old female asked:

I have been taking contraceptive pills for 6 years. does it have any harmful effect on my health and whenever i decide to be pregnant again?

33 years experience

No: If you have been taking contraceptive pills for six years without any problems, it is unlikely you will have any problems at all. There is no risk to... Read More

5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Kathryn Boehm agrees1 doctor agrees

A 21-year-old female asked:

I have not received help for continuous abnormal vaginal bleeding, waiting on labs, and unable to complete sonohg b/c narrow cervix. any advice?

33 years experience

See a gynecologist. : There can be multiple reasons but in a young woman this is usually easy to treat. Need to be sure there is no pregnancy, bleeding disorder or uterine... Read More

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

My belly is tightening at 19 weeks is that normal?

33 years experience

Yes: Mild cramping intermittently or infrequently in pregnancy is common. Drink plenty of water to reduce dehydration that may increase cramping. If cra... Read More

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

I m 21 & my flow has not stopped from last 20 days & even before a week it was for 6 days its creating problem after sex the flow increases what to do?

33 years experience

See a Dr.: There are many reasons this could be occuring, and most at your age are not serious and relatively easy to remedy. You need an exam and probably a pa... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 26-year-old female asked:

I believe to be only about three weeks pregnant. is my hgc low enough to where if i drink enough fluid i can be given a negative pregnancy test?

33 years experience

Maybe: At three weeks the test is usually obvious and the hormone rises quickly. However if it is still low the hydration could make it negative. See your ... Read More

5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 32-year-old female asked:

Went to the doctor today and i was told that im 7 weeks and 4 days.... got an ultrasound done and there only was a sac no fetus. what does that mean?

33 years experience

It depends: This could be a blighted ovum (not viable and will ultimately miscarry) or perhaps you ovulated late (cycles can vary) and you are not as far along as... Read More

5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. A. Jay Staub agrees1 doctor agrees

A 30-year-old female asked:

Correction of wrong vaginal stitching is possible?

33 years experience

Sometimes: It depends on what was done. If this was repair of episiotomy or tear after delivery, no treatment may be necessary and with time things will heal. ... Read More

4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 26-year-old female asked:

Just had my periods and now did a pregnancy test it came out positive with a fant line what does it mean?

33 years experience

Possibly pregnant: The bleeding you had at the time of your expected menses may have been implantation bleeding. It may also be abnormal bleeding fro an early pregnancy... Read More

4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 29-year-old female asked:

I was checkd for sti's at the e.r. n they said they'd call if abnormal, but never calld so do u think everything was normal?would they have calld if +?

33 years experience

They should: But... Er's get busy with rotating schedules so there isn't always continuity of patients's care and things more easily slip through the cracks. I al... Read More

4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeff Livingston agrees1 doctor agrees

4 thanks

A 21-year-old female asked:

Period is normally painful for the first 2 days. this was painful entire time and still cramping 3 days after what could it be?

33 years experience

Several things: This could be an ovarian cyst which is common and often occurs in the last half of the cycle before the onset of bleeding and sometimes ruptures causi... Read More

4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jovita Anyanwu agrees1 doctor agrees

A 18-year-old female asked:

I found a cluster of bumps on the bottom of my butt they don't hurt or itch but they do burn if urine touchwith fishy vaginal smell. what is going on?

33 years experience

Possibly infection: See your doctor or go to a clinic for evaluation and testing. Your symptoms indicate you may have an infection.

4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeff Livingston agrees1 doctor agrees

A 20-year-old female asked:

What could it be if i've missed my period for almost 3 months now and have taken urine pregnancy tests and all were negative.havimg pains felling diffe?

33 years experience

Several things: Problems with ovulation such as pcos or problems with ovarian hormone production can cause this. Thyroid disease can cause cycles to be erratic. Abn... Read More

4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Donald Jacobson agrees1 doctor agrees

A 22-year-old female asked:

Trying to get pregnant after stopping loestrin. had a light 4-day period immediately, then a heavier 4-day one 2 weeks later with small clots. what could cause this?

33 years experience

Ovarian hormones: The light cycle coming off loestrin was probably just withdrawal bleeding from coming off the pill. The subsequent bleeding is from the ovaries recru... Read More

5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

Are my periods regular? august 8th, september 1st, september 23rd, and october 18th.

33 years experience

Appears so: 'normal' cycles are about 23-35 days apart from first day of bleeding to the next first day. Some women have very regular cycles, others vary within ... Read More

4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 22-year-old female asked:

Can your period come earlier if you've missed a few contraceptive pills?

33 years experience

Yes: Missing pills and even taking them late may cause spotting or bleeding. Missing pills can also cause ovulation and pregnancy so you need to use a bac... Read More

5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Quang Nguyen and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 19-year-old female asked:

I've been having a milky white discharge on my liner when i check my pants before toilet, i'm 38 weeks pregnant, is this a sign of labour?

33 years experience

No: Milky white discharge is common in pregnancy and especially in the last few weeks as the cervix softens and begins to dilate. If you have more clear ... Read More

5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

11 thanks

A 30-year-old female asked:

I had sex 2days back now i see brown bleeding since yesterday .my usg is normal .i m 11weeks pregnant. i m worried?

33 years experience

May be normal: Spotting or light bleeding with sex for a day or two after may occur during pregnancy. If persistent, heavy or associated with pain, you need to be ... Read More

4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 26-year-old female asked:

I being having some lower abdominal pain but when i have sex the pain increses, could this be an overian cist or something in my uterus?

33 years experience

Many possibilities: There are many possibilities with pain and pain associated with sex. It could be a cyst, urinary tract infection, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and... Read More

4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

On mirena (levonorgestrel) for 2 1/2 years and periods always regular. lately, been having it sooner and sooner. last one was only 2 weeks ago, started again today?

33 years experience

See your doctor: Some women have regular menstrual cycles on Mirena (levonorgestrel) while most have much less or no bleeding at all. If you are having more frequent b... Read More

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

I have these white bumps on my arola on both of my boobs if i squeeze theme white stuff comes out it don't hurt watt could it be?

33 years experience

Not to worry: There are many ducts and glands around the areola and these occasionally get blocked and fill with this white material that is made of oil and skin ce... Read More

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

What should i do if i think i'm pregnant, but on the depo-provera shot? i have all the symptoms of pregnancy.

33 years experience

Do a pregnancy test: First check for pregnancy and if positive make an appointment with an obstetrician. If the test is negative seek evaluation with an obgyn or family p... Read More

5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old male asked:

My girlfriend had an abortion close to 4 months ago and has pretty much not stopped bleeding. what does this mean? what should we do?

33 years experience

See a doctor: There could be several things going on including, low grade infection, retained tissue or just hormone imbalance. A physician can determine what is ha... Read More

5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Bahman Omrani and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

4 thanks

A 30-year-old female asked:

30 years old, 8 mos ttc #2. baby #1 is 19 1/2 mos. using opk's, and bbt charting. when should i consider visiting a specialist?

33 years experience

Depends: If OPK indicates ovulation, then the "standard" is to try for about 1 year then if not pregnant see your doctor. However , if it appears ovulation i... Read More

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 22-year-old female asked:

Can a woman convince herself of being pregnant, thus bringing on pregnancy symptoms?

33 years experience

Yes: This can occur and even has a name, pseudo thesis. This may be caused by changes in the endocrine system that cause the symptoms. This phenomenon al... Read More

4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

I am 70 days late according to my pink pad. what can i do to get my cycle back?

33 years experience

Pregnant?: First check a pregnancy test. If pregnant see your doctor. If not see your doctor to determine why you are skipping your period. There are many cau... Read More

4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 18-year-old female asked:

Cases of nausea started last mon after my period ended sun, i've been sexually active but i'm on ortho tri-cyclen lo. is this just a stomach bug ?

33 years experience

Possibly: Nausea is a common symptom for many illnesses. There can be pregnancies even while taking birth control pills, so you should check a pregnancy test.... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 36-year-old female asked:

I had a blood test done when i was 5 weeks & 1 day. (lmp 9/6 & blood test on 10/12). my hcg levels were 6, 185. is there a possibility its a multiple?

33 years experience

Yes: Hcg levels give us an approximate but are not reliable for definitely determining gestational age or multiples. An exam and ultrasound are best for d... Read More

5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Sparacino agrees1 doctor agrees

A 29-year-old female asked:

Why am i bleeding even after my period and having some clotting and i am not pregnant? i've always had normal periods so this is not normal for me

33 years experience

Cycles can change : Cycles can change with hormone changes, or due to pathology of the reproductive system. An evaluation by your gynecologist can help determine the caus... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

Been on trinessa (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol) birthcontrol for 13 days. i am having very sore breasts and nc ipples, nausea, and cramping. is this normal?

33 years experience

Yes: Your body is responding to the effects of the hormones and may take a few months to adjust. Light bleeding may also occur. Try wearing a sports bra, t... Read More

5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jason Hemming agrees1 doctor agrees

A member asked:

What does a faint positive sign mean on a pregnancy test?

33 years experience

It is positive.: Faint just means the HCG or pregnancy hormone is low but detectable. It typically indicates early pregnancy and would be normal if you have just miss... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 30-year-old member asked:

Which contraceptive method is best for just married couple?

33 years experience

The one that works.: There are many options and you need to make an appointment with your doctor to determine which is best for you. There are barrier methods, hormonal c... Read More

5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Quang Nguyen and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 39-year-old male asked:

Sex on aug 21 is it correct on vaginal ultrasound taken on oct 10 is 9weeks and 4 days

33 years experience

Yes: An ultrasound date of 9weeks and 4 days is 'dating' from the last menstrual period forward and conception is about two weeks later (a little more for ... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

When can i look after my two toddlers i had total abdominal hysterectomy they are ages 3&1 so will need to take them to nursery.aswell.?

33 years experience

Varies: It depends some on the type of hysterectomy. In general, it is not recommended to lift over 10lbs for the first couple of weeks. You may hold the ch... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 18-year-old female asked:

I missed my period by two days. and i have irregular periods sometimes. however, i have and watery discharge for 2 weeks. am i pregnant?

33 years experience

You could be.: If you have been trying for pregnancy or having unprotected sex you could be pregnant. Have you done a pregnancy test? These are available at the ph... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 39-year-old member asked:

What are common symptoms of yeast infection in women?

33 years experience

Irritation: Most women will have discharge, redness, swelling , irritation and intense itching. Some of these symptoms may be less intense if the yeast is limite... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old female asked:

I am 7 weeks pregnant. i am bleeding(brown - red) when i wipe and cramps! i have been hot/cold but no temp, is something wrong?

33 years experience

Possibly: Bleeding in pregnancy is not "normal" but may not always indicate something is wrong. You need to see your doctor. This can be a sign of an abnormal ... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 32-year-old member asked:

What could cause a missed period the second ever cycle?

33 years experience

Maybe normal.: Many young women have very irregular cycles when they first start having them. It may take 1-2 years before they become regular. You may only have a... Read More

5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

M 15 months pregnant. can i use hair color on my hairs? and can i use eletric straighner for hairs?

33 years experience

Yes: Hair color will not hurt the pregnancy. Straightners are also fine. A woman's hair may change during or after the pregnancy due to the hormones and c... Read More

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

Missed depo-provera shot had unprotected sex spotting for a day & cramping no period and conspitation but three negative pregnancy test can i be pregnant ?

33 years experience

Probably not: Pregnancy tests are very accurate and will be positive within 7-10 days from ovulation. However, you risk pregnancy with any unprotected sex and depo... Read More

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Carol Peters-tanksley agrees1 doctor agrees

A 29-year-old female asked:

I had a baby in my tudes two times can i still have a baby?

33 years experience

Yes: You can get pregnant but your risk of another tubal pregnancy is high. If you have a positive pregnancy test you need to see your physician early to ... Read More

4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Richard Roberts and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 66-year-old female asked:

How long should a deep bruse hurt? this is in breast

33 years experience

Possibly several wee: A deep bruise where there has been bleeding deep into the tissue can hurt and feel somewhat hard for several weeks. Firmness in a deep bruise can tak... Read More

5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Aleks Radovic agrees1 doctor agrees

A 43-year-old female asked:

Why do i have tender breast after endometrial ablation surgery?

33 years experience

Not the ablation: The ablation should not cause breast tenderness. It only stops the lining of the uterus from responding to hormones produced by the ovaries, but the ... Read More

4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Walter Kobasa agrees1 doctor agrees

4 thanks

A 31-year-old female asked:

Having a lot of early pregnant symptoms but just had a neg test...could my symptoms im having be something else besides pregnancy?

33 years experience

Yes: There are many illnesses and disorders that can mimick early pregnacy. These could reange from gastrointestinal(stomach) problems to different endocr... Read More

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

How to treat headache when pregnant?

33 years experience

Tylenol (acetaminophen): You may use tylenol (acetaminophen) throughout pregnancy for mild headaches. If they persist or are severe you need to see your doctor to rule out ot... Read More

4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 22-year-old female asked:

I ended my period 2 days ago, and started bleeding again today. i'm on the lowest dose of ortho tri cyclen (ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate) birth control pill. why am i bleeding?

33 years experience

Breakthrough: This may be breakthrough bleeding related to the hormones in the pill. This is most common in the first few months of pill use. Need to be sure you ar... Read More

4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago