Dr. Barbara Coulter-Smith

34 years experience

Yes: There is no harm in the act of having sex between two consentual adults. Obviously you need to protect yourself from std's and unintended pregnancy.

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

How to treat severe herpes outbreak around mouth?

34 years experience

Antiviral medication: See your physician or if available go to an urgent care clinic to get started on an antiviral medication such as Acyclovir or valicyclovir. These med... Read More

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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Gutti Rao and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 33-year-old member asked:

Is it normal to have a faint line from your bellybutton to your abdomen?

34 years experience

Yes: This is a line of pigmentation that gets darker with pregnancy and is more prominent in some women than others.

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A member asked:

I gave birth 6 weeks ago when am i supposed to get my period..i bleed for 14 days after i gave birth. when should i expect my period?

34 years experience

It is variable.: Bleeding can last 6-8 weeks after delivery then periods may return within a few weeks of that. However, breastfeeding delays return of menstrual cycl... Read More

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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Sparacino and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 23-year-old female asked:

Sex after medical abortion on 4th day of. the birth control

34 years experience

Wait two weeks: Most recommend waiting to have sex for two weeks after medical termination to help prevent infection. If not at least use condems, then discuss contr... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 25-year-old female asked:

Why do some docs say that the accuracy of conception date determined by trans u/s depend if i have a reg 28 day cycle and some say that it doesnt?

34 years experience

Confusing-ask doctor: Conception does not necessarily occur on the same day you have sex, so the most accurate date is a known last period. A woman's cycles can be 21-35 da... Read More

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5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A member asked:

I am 4weeks pregnant and my hcg is 200 and i did a sonogram and could not see anything. is that normal?

34 years experience

Yes: If based off of your last menstrual period it may not be very high yet and too early to see on sono until the bhcg is at 1500-2000. Then you may only... Read More

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5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 29-year-old female asked:

Could a laceration to the vagina of a 13 year old cause labial adhesion?

34 years experience

Yes: A laceration could cause labial adhesions but this can also occur spontaneously in young girls and not be associated with trauma. It is usually treat... Read More

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5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Arthur Desrosiers agrees1 doctor agrees

1 comment

A 32-year-old female asked:

Could having excess amniotic fluid at 33-35 weeks cause pre- term labour? (levels were 22cm and considered "normal, but at higher range").

34 years experience

Yes: Excess fluid causes distension or additional "stretching " of uterine muscle and may make it more irritable and contract more. 22 cm is not terribly ... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeff Livingston and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

3 thanks

A 23-year-old female asked:

If hpv can clear on its own is it possible it can come back without any sexual partners at all?

34 years experience

Yes: A "clear" hpv test may mean the virus is only 'suppressed' to sub clinical levels where it is not detectable and won't cause disease; but may replicat... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Ferguson agrees1 doctor agrees

A 20-year-old female asked:

I am 4 weeks pregnant and feel like i am going to start my period any second should i be converned about this?

34 years experience

No: It is common to have some cramping like menstrual cramps in the low pelvis and midline during the first trimester. Any bleeding or more severe pain ... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

I feel like i am pregnant but all the tests keep coming negative..i went to e.r last night and they told me i had a yeast infection ?!

34 years experience

Depends on symptoms.: Yeast infection may cause swelling and pressure in the vagina but doesn't usually cause other symptoms of pregnancy like nausea, breast tenderness and... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jovita Anyanwu agrees1 doctor agrees

A female asked:

I am 8weeks pregnant and i am developing temperature at nights. it's not too much but should i be concerned ?

34 years experience

Depends: It is not unusual for temperature to run slightly higher in pregnancy and there can be fluctuations throughout the day anyway. If it is running 100.5... Read More

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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 22-year-old female asked:

Suspected miscarriage and now spotting 18 days later what's going on, also persistent nausea..

34 years experience

Not certain: Threatened miscarriage usually indicates bleeding in early pregnancy. The bhcg hormone is still present and many women can continue to feel nausea. ... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler agrees1 doctor agrees

A 30-year-old female asked:

What is a recovery time for a c-section and tubal ligation?

34 years experience

2-6 weeks: Most women feel pretty good after a c-section. The recovery is typically about 6 weeks but is progressively better after the first week or two. Most ... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 4 doctors agree5 doctors agree

A 34-year-old female asked:

Felt great b4 sudden svr pain right side lower back/abdomen/pelvis/groin. dbld over. 3 days constant pain. pencil thin feces/bloody mucus. severe pain after bm. not taking meds. can eat. what do i do?

34 years experience

See a doctor: Pain of this nature needs to be evaluated. You could have an ectopic pregnancy, ruptured hemorrhagic cyst, torsed ovary, appendicitis or other gastro... Read More

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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. David Rosenfeld and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 28-year-old female asked:

What is borderline ovarian tumor is concerous?

34 years experience

Borderline cancer: It is considered cancer, but is exactly borderline meaning it has some cellular features of overtly or typical ovarian cancer, but not all. It theref... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old female asked:

Brown discharge for over a week with clots. enough to need a light tampon. on the depo-provera provera (medroxyprogesterone) for over a year and don't get a period. help?

34 years experience

Probably side effect: Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) use can lead to this side effect. Over time the uterine lining becomes so atrophic (thinned). That it results in ... Read More

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4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A member asked:

I regularly get severe bloating as if pregnant after eating, this can last for hours, sometimes days. i have recently pancreatitis could it be related?

34 years experience

Yes: It sounds as if you need to see your doctor for chronic problems with either the GI tract, liver / gallbladder or pancreas.

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5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 47-year-old female asked:

I am 47 my periods have cjanged to a few days a month now for the past two weeks i was on heavy for a few days spotting for about 7 days now heavy with bad cramps is this menopause or should i get checked for something else?

34 years experience

See your doctor: This could be dysfunctional bleeding related to perimenopause but you need to be seen to have tests to rule out pathologic and potentially serious cau... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

Im in my 3rd trimester & have been experiencing increased pain in my pelvic & hip bones. my dr says this is normal, but how can i ease the pain?

34 years experience

Pregnagncy belt: This pain is common, caused by the joints being more lax in pregnancy and not easy to relieve. Some patients find wearing a pregnancy belt helps bec... Read More

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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Eitner agrees1 doctor agrees

A 43-year-old member asked:

What's the best nutritional plan for an expecting mother of twins in the second trimester?all indications of a normal pregnancy at this time.

34 years experience

Approx 400 cal/d: A normal singleton pregnancy requires about 300 extra cal/d with twins requiring slightly more. The usda has a great website www.Choosemyplate.Gov wh... Read More

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 25-year-old female asked:

Period done sat and sun have burning in.vagina when i pee no pain or burning.in june my biopsy show cervitis cause by trichmonis got antibiotics.

34 years experience

See doctor: You may have vaginitis again and can be treated and tested for other std's if indicated.

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 18-year-old female asked:

Period is 5 days late, and now i have brown mucus and tender breasts, i took hpg 3 days ago and all neg.. what now?

34 years experience

Wait: If you are otherwise feeling alright, wait a few more days to recheck your pregnancy test as it may be too early to turn positive yet. If it is still ... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Yash Khanna agrees1 doctor agrees

A 43-year-old member asked:

Late period but started spotting yesterday and now have a stretchy brown discharge when i wipe. what's this sound like?

34 years experience

Late period: It may just be a late period, but check a pregnancy test to see if it is positive. It could be spotting from implantation. If negative, you may want... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old female asked:

Hx of endo, ic, taking northindrone to stop period. inc severe lower left abd pain. inc w movement. pressure makes me almost paralyzed. advice?

34 years experience

See your doctor: It could be endometriosis or ovarian cyst. It could also be colitis. Without an exam and some diagnostic tests it is hard to tell.

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 25-year-old female asked:

I had a missed miscarriage and they gave me vaginal pills, how long should i way to get pregnant?

34 years experience

One cycle: Once you get your normal spontaneous period you may start to try again for pregnancy, however your cycle may be a little irregular the first couple of... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeff Livingston agrees1 doctor agrees

A 24-year-old female asked:

In which position do we sleep during8 week pregnancy?

34 years experience

Any: At 8 weeks you can sleep in any position that is comfortable. Later in pregnancy it may make you feel nauseated and light headed to sleep on your bac... Read More

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4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

Almost 27 weeks preg. feels like i have to pee alot. some times no pee comes out. can the pressure of trying to pee when none comes out, hurt the baby?

34 years experience

Not to worry: This won't hurt the baby but you need to be evaluated for possible urinary tract infection. These are more common in pregnancy and can lead to other ... Read More

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4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 16-year-old female asked:

My periods late and i've been having light brown discharge for about 5 days and today this gooey light brown blob came out, i was shocked. why ?

34 years experience

Blood streak mucous: You need to check a pregnancy test. If not pregnant, your period may just be a few days late. The brown blob is probably just some blood streaked muco... Read More

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4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 30-year-old female asked:

I have a yeast infection. i used monistat ovule, and when i pulled the applicator out the discharge was tinged with a little blood. is this common?

34 years experience

Yes: The inflammation caused by the yeast can cause the tissue to bleed easily if even gently scraped by the applicator. Hopefully with the medication, the... Read More

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old female asked:

What could cause excessive stomach pain, fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite in pregnancy?

34 years experience

Many things: Just being pregnant can cause all of these symptoms. There are a lot of hormonal and metabolic changes occurring. If excessive though, you need to b... Read More

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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Natalie Hodge and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 32-year-old female asked:

I am 31yr old unmarried girl. i have a regular period but since last 2 yrs it lasts for 1 and a half day only. then 3rd, 4th, 5th day - only spotting.

34 years experience

This is normal: Many women have light cycles. If you are trying to achieve pregnancy and have not been successful, see your doctor to be sure you are ovulating and t... Read More

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 22-year-old female asked:

I've been trying to get pregnant for about 2years and me and my husband have tried everything im starting to lose hope. what should i do now?

34 years experience

See the gynecologist: Infertility is defined as one year of unprotected intercourse without achieving pregnancy. We usually begin work up for women at this point and soone... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 31-year-old member asked:

What are the causes of enlarged uterus?

34 years experience

Multiple things: An enlarged uterus can be caused by pregnancy, fibroids (benign muscular tumors of the uterus) or by adenomyosis which is where tissue from the lining... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old female asked:

Ovulation started10/10. had sex 2 days before that and on that day as well. its 10/15 &having low abdominal cramps at times, could i be pregnant?pms?

34 years experience

Possibly : It is too early to tell if you are pregnant. That is not likely the cause of the cramping. You will have to wait 10-16 days to check a pregnancy tes... Read More

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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 26-year-old female asked:

I am 22 weeks pregnant and my emotions are all over the place. this is nothing like when i was pregnant with my son. i cry all the time?

34 years experience

Possible depression: Each pregnancy can be different and it is normal to be emotional. It is not normal to cry "all the time". You may need to be evaluated for possible ... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

I'm emotional/moody, tired, urinate frequently, missed period by 8 days, sore areolas, and yellowish discharge what does this mean?

34 years experience

Possibly pregnant??: These are some signs of early pregnancy especially with period being eight days late. You could also have urinary tract infection and coincidence of... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 29-year-old female asked:

I have a large external hemorrhoid that i'm treating, but today have vaginal discharge with blood, feels like i'm urinating cause there is so much.help?

34 years experience

Seek medical help: If you are bleeding that heavily you need to be seen right away! a good rule of thumb-a pad or more per hour for 2-3 hours, go in. You could become s... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A member asked:

Edd is 18 dec and i am currently 35wks 6 days. my doc is 27 mar but i had sex 5, 11, 15, 17 and 30 mar. on which date of intercourse made me pregnant.?

34 years experience

Cannot be sure.: Most likely the 11-17, but the exact day is impossible to tell because both the sperm and the egg will survive a few days in the female genital tract,... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

I've been off the pill an have missed two periods my last one was sept 23rd. i have gotten a negative blood pregnancy test what should i do now?

34 years experience

See your doctor: Sometimes it takes a couple of months for cycles to regulate when coming off the pill. If it has been a couple of months already, then see your docto... Read More

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5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 25-year-old female asked:

I have been late for my period and now i have green discharge with what seems like blood any advice?

34 years experience

See doctor: If late with period and unprotected sex, check pregnancy test. Still need to see doctor as green discharge can be sign of infection whether pregnant ... Read More

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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old female asked:

Which is safer and healthier to use pads or tampons when having period?

34 years experience

Both: It is more a matter of preference. Toxic shock syndrome more common with tampons but still very rare especially if tampon is changed regularly...Ever... Read More

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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

I am 35 weeks pregnant and my hands get very swallen, red and fingers sometimes hurt no high blood pressure is it normal?

34 years experience

Yes: Swelling in pregnancy is very common. Watch your salt intake and drink a little lemon in your water as this may help. It is most important to keep a... Read More

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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 34-year-old female asked:

I had a normal first trimester screening and harmony prenatal test. is an afp blood test necessary? can it come back high risk?

34 years experience

It is different.: First trimester screens and the harmony test are for chromosomal abnormalities. The AFP tests for neural tube defects (spina bifida).

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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old female asked:

How would i no if the depo-provera 3mth shot is out of my system the doc says that when u start bleedin but the depo-provera alon messes up your cycle!

34 years experience

Effective for 3 mos: Depoprovera is only reliable for preventing pregnancy for three months , but it can suppress the ovaries for longer periods of time. See your doctor t... Read More

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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 34-year-old female asked:

I had a tv ultrasound today- i am about 7-8 weeks i thought but the heartbeat was lower than expected. there was growth but the doctor is still concerned. is there any hope for this pregnancy?

34 years experience

Yes : There is hope but also concern. If the pregnancy measures less than 7 weeks, a low heart rate may be normal. If over 7 weeks a slow heart rate is con... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

Hello, i am currently 8 weeks and 4 days pregnant. according to a phone application, my due date is 08/15/2013. when did i get pregnant?

34 years experience

11/22/12: This assumes you have the "average"28 day cycle, but we use the last menstrual period for dating because the sperm and egg can both can live a few day... Read More

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5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 62-year-old female asked:

Can not drinking enough water cause light vaginal bleeding due to not going to the bathroom enough? does vagina become dry or chapped? i am 62.

34 years experience

No: Dehydration from not drinking enough water should not cause vaginal bleeding. The vagina becomes dry and thinned postmenopausally and in low estrogen... Read More

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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

I am 22 weeks pregnant and for the past few days i have been feeling like i'm about to start my period... what does that mean

34 years experience

Preterm labor: That feeling is usually caused by cramping or contractions but can also be normal. It needs to be checked. This is especially true if you feel the u... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeff Livingston and another doctor agree2 doctors agree