FAQs

Q: What is a PAP smear, and how often do I need to get one?

A: A papanicolau, or PAP smear, is a screening test for cervical cancer, a disease that affects over 13000 American women a year. The test looks for abnormal cells on the cervix that could eventually become cervical cancer. Women should start getting annual PAP smears when they turn 18 or become sexually active—whichever comes first. For most women, yearly PAP smears are sufficient. However, if you have had any abnormalities in the past your doctor may want you to get this test every 4 to 6 months

Q: I’ve heard about something called emergency contraception. Can I use that for birth control?

A: The emergency contraception pills can be used as a way to prevent pregnancy after you have had unprotected sex. The pills are effective up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, although the sooner they are taken the better. The usual dose is two pills taken immediately, followed by two more twelve hours later. When taken within the 72 hour window, the regimen is approximately 75% effective. Side effects include nausea and vomiting. Although this regimen should not be used as your primary form of birth control, it is a good backup for unexpected problems like a broken condom. If you have unprotected intercourse, talk to your doctor right away. After speaking with you and making sure you do not have any medical reasons why the pills would not be a good choice for you, he/she may prescribe these for you.

Q: What age do most women go through menopause?
A: In the US, the average age of menopause is 52. However, this age can very greatly between women. Also, each woman will experience the time leading up to the menopause in different ways. Most will experience at least some of the following symptoms: irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, insomnia, fatigue and changes in sex drive.

Q: When should I get my first mammogram?

A: For most women, the first mammogram should be performed at age 40, then yearly. Mammograms are the best screening test for breast cancer, and detect lumps that cannot be felt on physical exam. For some women with a strong family history of breast cancer, your doctor may feel earlier mammograms are necessary. Talk to your doctor about the best time for you to start having your yearly mammograms.

Q: Do I need to protect myself against osteoporosis?

A: See info pamphlet

Q: I’ve read that natural soy products help with menopause symptoms. Is that true?

A: See attached info on soy (ACOG bulletin)

Q: Why is folic acid important?

A: Folic acid, or folate, is a crucial ingredient in the growth of the brain and spinal cord of a developing fetus. Unfortunately, deficiencies in folic acid can affect a pregnancy very early on, before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Because of this, the US Public Health Service recommends that all women of reproductive age take folic acid supplementation (0.4 mg). If you have had a child with a neural tube defect, you should supplement with 4 mg of folate one month prior to conceiving.

Q: My periods have been heavy all my life. How much bleeding is too much?

A: The usual length of a menstrual period is betweeen 3 and 7 days.
The amount of menstrual flow varies greatly among women, so just because you bleed longer or heavier than your friend does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. However, women who tend toward long, heavy periods are at higher risk for anemia, and may have a problem such as fibroids or endometrial polyps. Although sometimes your cycle may be irregular, bleeding in between cycles or very heavy bleeding should be evaluated by your doctor.

Q: I’ve been told I have fibroids. What can I do?

A: Fibroids are benign growths of the uterine muscle that can cause problems such as irregular or heavy periods, pelvic pain, and pressure. Many women are told they have fibroids, but have never noticed any symptoms. If you have been told you have fibroids but are not bothered by them, there is no treatment necessary. However, if they are causing any of the above symptoms, your doctor can help you. Talk with him/her about all of the possibilities for the treatment of fibroids available to you.

Q: How long can I stay on birth control pills?

A: There is no limit on the amount of time a woman uses birth control pills.

Q: When in my menstrual cycle is the best time to get pregnant?

A: Assuming regular cycles (getting your period every 21 to 35 days) you are most likely to conceive mid-cycle. If you have been timing your periods, counting back 14 days from the first day of your period will show you the day you probably ovulated last month. This can give you a rough guide for future months.

Q: Do I have to get my period every month when I am on the birth control pill (BCP)?

A: Every cycle of BCP have a week of “sugar pills” at the end of the pack, at which point a woman will get her period. However, for women who experience sever discomfort with their period, it may be possible to skip these pills in order to limit the amount of menstrual cycles to four a year. Ask your doctor if this manipulation may be right for you.