My doctor found that I had a lot of bacteria growing in my urine but he said I didn’t need antibiotics because it’s not an infection. I don’t have any symptoms but I thought that bacteria in my urine means that I have a urinary tract infection. What does this mean for me?

Given that your age is greater than 65, two possibilities are likely: If the bacteria growing from your urine culture are multiple species, it is likely to be a contaminant and thus the test is voided and no antibiotics are prescribed. A new test would need to be ordered to confirm if you have any… Continue reading My doctor found that I had a lot of bacteria growing in my urine but he said I didn’t need antibiotics because it’s not an infection. I don’t have any symptoms but I thought that bacteria in my urine means that I have a urinary tract infection. What does this mean for me?

Can I breastfeed while taking Flagyl?

Flagyl (metronidazole) is a drug used to treat systemic, intestinal, and vaginal infections.  Flagyl has been shown to concentrate in breast milk but there hasn’t been any documented adverse effects in breastfed babies.  However, there have been reports of babies becoming “fussy” once a mother is started on a course of Flagyl.  Some pediatricians believe that… Continue reading Can I breastfeed while taking Flagyl?

I am 59 and post-menopausal and I have osteoporosis. Is hormone replacement good to prevent worsening of my osteoporosis?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is essentially using elevated levels of estrogen and progestin (hormones typically found in some birth control pills) to replace the depleted levels of hormones after menopause.  HRT is indicated to prevent osteoporosis, however, there are serious side effects that all women should be away of.  In 1991, a study known as… Continue reading I am 59 and post-menopausal and I have osteoporosis. Is hormone replacement good to prevent worsening of my osteoporosis?

I think I’m lactose intolerant. How do I know for sure?

Lactose intolerance can be a clinical diagnosis if the hallmark symptoms of nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea after ingesting dairy products disappear after cutting lactose out of the diet or taking lactase enzyme replacements (such as Lactaid). For definitive testing, your primary care physician can perform a breath test to measure your body… Continue reading I think I’m lactose intolerant. How do I know for sure?

My daughter is 15 months and is due for her vaccines I just found out I am pregnant again. I read that some vaccines are live viruses and some vaccines are just the proteins. Is there any danger to me and the new baby with my daughter’s vaccines?

There is no increased risk to healthy pregnant women in contact with recently vaccinated healthy individuals save for two exception. Firstly, with the varicella vaccine (chicken pox), there is a very small chance that the vaccinated individual develops a rash which can potentially be transmitted to people who never had chicken pox. Secondly, the FDA… Continue reading My daughter is 15 months and is due for her vaccines I just found out I am pregnant again. I read that some vaccines are live viruses and some vaccines are just the proteins. Is there any danger to me and the new baby with my daughter’s vaccines?