Why do my menstrual periods get worse when I take long plane flights? Is there anything I can do?

Anecdotally, there have been reports of patients complaining that their menstrual periods get worse when they fly. But there haven’t been any scientific articles documenting this as a common occurrence among menstruating women. One theory is that prolonged sitting causes blood to pool in the lower half of the body and this decreased venous blood… Continue reading Why do my menstrual periods get worse when I take long plane flights? Is there anything I can do?

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?

I have breast implants and I am pregnant. Will it hurt my baby? Also, will it be safe to breast feed my baby?

Although silicone can be detected in the blood with breast implants, many studies have found no proven risk of silicone breast implants to have any abnormal effects in a developing fetus.  In addition, there is no evidence of any harmful effects in babies who are breastfed by mothers with silicone implants.

I am 16 and want birth control. Will the doctor tell my parents?

Most states have allowed a physicial to provide care to adolescents without parental consent.  These laws are often limited to issues regarding pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and emotional illness.  Depending on your state’s laws, you should be entitled to doctor-patient confidentiality and your parents should not be informed of your choice for… Continue reading I am 16 and want birth control. Will the doctor tell my parents?