Dr. Alqulali advises patients that they should have a Pap smear test every year. Patients with a history of abnormal Pap tests or other health issues may need to have the procedure more frequently.
There are many types of birth control available on the market today, including barrier methods like condoms, hormonal methods like the pill, shot. Vaginal ring intrauterine devices known as IUDs are also available as are natural family planning methods.
Each type of birth control differs in effectiveness and use, and patients should consult their physician to determine the best method of birth control for their lifestyle.
No, the birth control pill does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The birth control pill is designed solely to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Dr. Alqulali recommends patients limit caffeine during their pregnancy to 300 mg or less, which is about the same as 2 cups of coffee per day. Pregnant women should also avoid artificial sweeteners, unpasteurized cheese and dairy, raw meats and seafood, and deli meat. Pregnant women should also avoid alcohol.
Pregnancy brings many health symptoms and concerns for expectant mothers. Some symptoms that should be reported immediately include bleeding, cramping and contractions, fever, severe headache, lightheadedness, leg cramps, or reduced fetal movement. If you have a symptom that seems abnormal, we recommend that you give us a call at 1.888.716.0559.
Dr. Mona advises that patients aged 40 or older get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women with a history of breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer should discuss their history with their physician to determine if they need to have the scan sooner or at a greater frequency.
If you have found a lump in your breast, contact your physician immediately and schedule an appointment for further evaluation.
Menopause occurs when a woman’s body begins to slow down the production of estrogen. Signs of menopause include erratic menstrual cycles, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. The hormonal changes of menopause can cause serious health complications, like an increased risk of heart attack and high blood pressure, in some individuals.
Here is some information about the GARDASIL shot to help you make an informed choice and protect your health.
GARDASIL is a vaccine that helps protect against four types of human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, of which two types cause 70% of cervical cancer cases and two types that cause 90% of genital warts cases.
- GARDASIL is for girls and young women between the ages of 9 and 26 years old.
- GARDASIL is not for women who are pregnant.
- GARDASIL does not treat cervical cancer or genital warts.
- GARDASIL is given as three injections over a span of 6 months.
The side effects of GARDASIL can include pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting.
GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone and does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important to continue to have routine pap smears each year.
If you’re already sexually active, you may still benefit from GARDASIL. That’s because even if you have been exposed to HPV, it’s unlikely that you have been exposed to all the types of the virus covered by this cervical cancer vaccine. That means GARDASIL could still help guard you against another type of the HPV virus.
You cannot get HPV or any disease caused by HPV from GARDASIL because there is no live virus in the vaccine.