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Dear Poll: Male or Female Gyno?

DearSugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:30:00 -0700

Going to the gynecologist isn't a very pleasant experience to begin with, which is why it's so important to find a doctor you're comfortable with. Most women I know prefer female doctors - they feel they're easier to relate to - but I know that many women out there opt for a male doctor instead. No one is better than the other so tell which you prefer!

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You Asked: Did My Boyfriend Cheat?

DearSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:17:05 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I went to the doctor today to find out why I was experiencing a painful breakout on my nether regions, and it turns out I have herpes. I have been with only one man for the last two years, and he is the only man I have ever had intercourse with.

I had a serious talk with him today, and he told me that before we started dating, he got tested for every STI, and they all came back negative. I'm so confused because from what I have read online, the initial outbreak usually happens within two to four weeks of contraction, but we have been together for more than two years! Did he cheat? Has this infection laid dormant in him for years? I am scared and confused. Any advice would be a great comfort to me right now. - Taken Aback Abbie

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Taken Aback Abbie,

You are right, the first outbreak of genital herpes usually happens within two weeks after it's contracted, so I'm a little wary of your boyfriend's honesty. It is possible for someone not to know he has the infection - sores can often be present in places where they can't easily be seen - but if he was tested two years ago and got a negative result, it's pretty obvious that he's contracted this STI since then; in other words, he most likely did cheat on you.

Unfortunately, what's done is done, and I'm terribly sorry that you've been put in this situation, but now you have to decide how to proceed. Obviously you need to have another serious talk with your boyfriend, but I also suggest you get tested for other STIs and talk to you doctor about medication and treatment options for the herpes you do have.

I know that you're scared right now, and I wouldn't be surprised if you start to experience feelings of betrayal and sadness too, so turn to your loved ones for support. Good luck to you.

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Some Reasons the Pill Could Lose Its Effectiveness

DearSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 07:30:00 -0800

Of all the birth control options, aside from abstinence, the pill is the best choice if you want to prevent pregnancy. It claims to be about 97 to 99 percent effective, which is just about perfect. Still, some women say they have accidentally gotten pregnant while using the pill, even though they used it correctly (with no missed pills). So how can that be? What many women don't know is that there are certain reasons the pill can lose effectiveness, so it's possible to become pregnant while on the pill if . . .

You take the pill at different times of the day. In order to be most effective, you should take each pill at the same time every day, whether it be in the morning, lunch time, before bed, or whenever. To help you remember, write yourself notes or set your alarm.
You're sick. Illness can affect the way your body works and the way medications work. Also, if you vomit or have diarrhea, the hormones in the pill may leave your body.

To see more reasons why the pill could lose its effectiveness, just read more.

You're taking other medications. Certain sedatives, antifungal meds such as griseofulvin, and antibiotics such as penicillin or tetracycline can reduce the pill's effectiveness.
You're taking an herbal supplement such as St. John's Wort. Herbal and over-the-counter drugs can affect your pill, so if you have any concerns, tell your gyno what you're taking so they can let you know if you need to use a backup form of birth control.

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You Asked: I Don't Know What to Believe

DearSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

My boyfriend of five months just told me that he has chlamydia. He swears he hasn't cheated on me, but after researching STIs, I found out that symptoms usually surface within a week or two. I talked to a doctor and was told that while it's possible for symptoms to show up months after being infected, they usually show up within seven to 21 days. We are together all the time, so his response to my accusations was, "When would I have had time to cheat on you?" As it turns out, he was out of town about a week and a half ago, visiting some college friends, which makes perfect sense time-wise. I am in love with him and things have been going really well so I don't want to mess things up by being jealous or paranoid; however, I won't tolerate cheating and/or lying - I just want to know the truth. What should I do (besides getting treated for chlamydia!)? - Skeptical Sasha

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Skeptical Sasha,

I'm really sorry to hear that your boyfriend has put you in this situation. Since I don't know anything about his character, I can't say if your boyfriend is lying or not, but the doctor you spoke with is correct - chlamydia doesn't necessarily appear right away and it can often be asymptomatic, which is probably how it got passed to you. With that said, it sounds to me like you're pretty certain that your boyfriend cheated on you (very irresponsibly, may I add), in which case you need to decide if you're willing to forgive him and rebuild the trust that's been lost.

Your first order of business should be taking care of yourself and seeing your gynecologist. Once you've done that, sit down with your boyfriend and have a serious heart-to-heart. Ask him to flat out tell you the truth. If he swears yet again that he didn't cheat, you're going to have to make a judgment call. This could be a case of coincidental timing or he could be lying through his teeth. Unfortunately, you may never know the truth, so the only advice I can offer is to trust your instincts. Good luck.

The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part II

DearSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Now that we all have a few reminders when preparing for an upcoming pelvic exam, I have some quick suggestions for the day of the appointment, too. To see them read more.

Always use the bathroom before undressing. Not only do most gynos advise this, but knowing that your bladder is empty may ease your nerves a bit.
Jot down the things you’ve been wanting to discuss so you can remember them all when your doctor is finally in the room with you. You only see her once a year, so make it count.
Mention any tests to check for STIs you're interested in having. Surprisingly enough, most tests are not included in a basic annual exam, but can be quickly added on - some may require a trip to the lab for a quick blood test.
Finally, bring up any issues you may be having with your birth control method, including concerns about a decreased libido. Your gynecologist is there to answer questions and help you find a birth control solution that works for your body and lifestyle.

And remember, don’t be shy! If you have a concern, speak up about it. There is no shame in your body, and it’s more important to face a moment of embarrassment then a dangerous health problem.

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The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part I

DearSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I don’t know any women who actually enjoy a trip to the gynecologist, though feelings about settling into the stirrups tend to vary from mild annoyance to extreme anxiety. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall on, it’s important to make the most of your annual exam. To see my suggestions to do just that read more.

First of all, make sure you have a doctor that you like. A doctor you're comfortable with can mean the difference between a traumatic experience and an appointment that you don't actually dread going to. If you need to find a new gyno, ask your friends or female coworkers - word-of-mouth recommendations are the very best kind!
Try to get a morning appointment. It means less of a wait for you, and it’s always nice to go straight from the shower to the table. While there’s absolutely no rule that says you need to be cleaned up before an appointment, for many woman, knowing they're fresh down there is a huge relief.
Also, when making your appointment, remember to schedule around your period. It’s best to go in during the middle of your cycle, but definitely avoid the week when you expect to be menstruating.
Know the start date of your most recent period beforehand. This is a great habit to get into for all doctor appointments, but especially at the gynecologist because cervical fluid changes based on your cycle.
Refrain from having sex without a condom 24 hours prior to your appointment as semen can make a proper pap smear and exam difficult. The same goes for douching, too!

I have even more tips to keep in mind at the next visit to your gynecologist, so stay tuned for part two!

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A Week In Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 19 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Want to accessorize like Fergie-Ferg? Then check out the Terminator FuelBelt. Will you be both hydrated and cool? Well, it depends on how your are using the word "cool."

Worried about sun damaging to your skin? Well, don't let your SPF 30 turn into SPF 20.

Have you heard the term TOFI? The acronym means Thin Outside Fat Inside - read more about this condition here.

Planning a bachelorette party? Well I've got some great alternative ideas you might be interested in: private yoga class, S Factor strip exercise class, a spa or a Mehndi party.

I am so impressed with Tyra Banks' workout these days. She isn't doing crunches; she's boxing!!!

If you are feeling stressed out, you might just need a good cry.

Interested in taking your workout outdoors? Try a Boot Camp.

I want to hear what you have to say about vertical workstations - a desk set above a TreadMill.

Speaking of TreadMills - have you seen this doggie TreadMill.

Interested to know how Hilary Swank stays looking so trim? Interestingly enough, she believes in moderation.

What do you hate most about going to the gyno? Tell me here.

Plagued by seasonal allergies? I got two ideas for you: eat local honey or try hot pepper nasal spray.

Tight hips? You must try the Double Pigeon. It's a great stretch.

Here are some ways to avoid foot pain caused by running.

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Do Tell: Have You Had an Embarrassing Moment at the Gyno?

DearSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Even at its best, a trip to the gynecologist is usually pretty uncomfortable and can be down right awkward. Since going to a doctor’s appointment already makes most of us feel vulnerable, being naked in front of a doctor only makes things even more nerve-wracking. Anxiety, discomfort, nudity, and discussing sex and birth control are just about the perfect equation for an embarrassing moment to arise. So ladies, do tell, have you ever had an embarrassing mishap at the gyno?

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Dear Poll: Do You Prefer a Man or Woman Gyno?

DearSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:00:00 -0700

Visiting the gyno is never fun, but liking your doctor can make it a whole lot less painful. Some women feel that having a female doctor is the only way to go: they know about the woman's body first hand, they can sympathize with everything you're experiencing, and they are easier to talk to, but other women are more old fashioned and feel a male physician is more trustworthy, so ladies, tell me which sex do you prefer? Do you like going to a male or female gynecologist?

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Going to the Gyno - Which is Worse?

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

As women, we all have to go for our yearly visit to the gynecologist. It's no fun, but we know it's good for us. Somehow talking about how much it sucks makes me feel better, so I want to know, when you go for your annual gynecologist appointment...