Ask Becky
Use the form below to send Becky a question and we'll do our best to zip back a response. Our office staff reviews these questions as time permits. Remember, if your problem is urgent do not use this service.
Please see our FAQ below before submitting your women's health issue question. We might have your answer.
If you are a current patient, and have an urgent problem, please call us at 405-377-LADY (5239).Questions are answered as time and resources allow.
NOTE: The answers you receive and those below are of a counseling or educative nature and are not intended to create or substitute for a physician-patient relationship.
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Q: When do I start the birth control pill?
A: Start the first Sunday after your period starts. If your period starts on a Sunday, start the pill packet that night. You may still be bleeding from your period when you start, but it is okay.
Q: When am I protected on the pill?
A: Use barrier protection (condoms, foam) for first packet of pills. A new habit is hard to establish and missing pills is more common in the first cycle. Second month on pills you should be protected when taken correctly.
Q: What if I miss a birth control pill?
A: If you miss one or two pills, you can make up as soon as you remember
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one missed pill - take the missed pill immediately along with pill for that day.
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two pills - take 2 next day and 2 the following day.
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3 or more missed pills - stop the pill packet, use barrier protection. Start a new packet of pills Sunday after next normal cycle starts. And then use barrier protection that first packet again.
Q: Do I have to have periods when I take birth control pills?
A: No, current thinking is moving
away from monthly periods created by birth control pills. You can take theactive pillsevery dayand skip the inactive pills. You will continue to take a pill each and
every day, but they are the hormone containing pills.You will not have a period.
The new Birth control Seasonale is designed this way to have just one period every three months.
Q: What is emergency contraception?
A: Emergency contraception is
designed as an after the fact hormonal treatment to hopefully prevent pregnancy
after unprotected intercourse. You can ask you physician to prescribe emergency
contraception within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It is not as effective
as birth control pills, however it can be very helpful.
Q: What causes me to have a period while I'm on the pill when it's not time? Am I protected?
A: It is not your period. It is called breakthrough bleeding.
If you've just started taking the pill, it may
take 2 to 3 packets to become adjusted to the pill. Breakthrough bleeding might occur.
If you miss a pill or take a pill late, you may
have breakthrough bleeding.
Some medications affect the pill.
Q: What if I miss a period on the pill?
A: Congratulations. Some
practitioners believe you do not have to have a period each cycle you are on the pill. If
you haven't missed any pills and there is no chance of pregnancy, start a new pill packet
as you normally would. If chance of pregnancy, take pregnancy test Friday or Saturday
before starting new pack of pills on Sunday. If negative, don't be concerned. It is not
harmful to not have a period on the birth control pill.
Q: When attempting pregnancy, how soon after a missed period can I get an accurate test?
A: Home pregnancy tests are accurate at
the time of a missed period. A blood test can check for HCG ( pregnancy hormone) at ten days post ovulation.
Q: If pregnant, how soon should I see the doctor?
A: Please call to initiate a prenatal appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant.
The first visit usually is a nurse visit to take a detailed obstetric history and laboratory work. You will see the doctor within a week or so after that appointment. Around 10 - 12 weeks your doctor will be able to hear fetal heart tones.
Q: When should I start vitamins if I'm wanting to be pregnant?
A: Start prenatal vitamins as soon as you
begin trying for pregnancy. the folic acid in the vitamins helps prevent some types of
birth defects that form very early in pregnancy. If you are already pregnant and you
are not having trouble with nausea or vomiting (a symptom of first trimester pregnancy),
then start vitamins as soon as you find out with positive pregnancy test.
Q: What medicines can I take if I'm pregnant?
A: Always consult your doctor . Drugs are
categorized in reference to their effect on pregnancy. A few are very dangerous, some are
safe, and most have a risk/benefit for their use.
Q: What if I bleed during pregnancy?
A: Spotting first trimester does not
always mean you are losing the baby. Call your doctor to explain to them how much,
what color, and if there is cramping along with the spotting. Usually they will have you
come in to check you out with an ultrasound and/or physical exam. Bleeding in the second
or third trimester is not at all normal and should initiate a visit to the doctor right
away.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING ULTRASOUND IN PREGNANCY
Visit: http://www.ob-ultrasound.net/
Q: What is endometriosis?
A: Endometriosis is uterine lining (
Endometrium) that is found in places other than the uterine lining. It is thought to be
the cause of retrograde menstruation and contamination of the abdominal cavity with
endometrial cells sometimes takes hold and endometrial implants grow. These can cause pain
with menses ( dysmenorrhea or cramps) , infertility, or pelvic pain.
Q: What are fibroids?
A: Fibroids are muscle cell tumors that grow
in the uterine lining, uterine wall or are pedunculated ( attached by a small bridge of
tissue to the outside uterine wall- a little like a balloon on a string). They are almost
always benign and can cause heavy or abnormal periods, pelvic pain , pressure, and cramps.
Fibroids are very common and usually not much of a problem. Their size, location, and
symptoms determine whether or not treatment is required.
Treatment may be medical, conservative
surgery, interventional x ray guided embolization of uterine arteries supplying fibroids,
or radical surgery such as hysterectomy. Since fibroids are so common, not all need to be
treated and this is decided between the patient and the treating physician when and if to
intervene.
Q: What about osteoporosis?
A: Prevention of osteoporosis begins
in adolescence with life long adequate intake. Peak bone mass is not reached
until the mid thirties, so drink up!
Q: What is female urinary incontinence?
A: It is involuntary leakage of urine in women. It occurs in over 11 million women in the US alone. There are different types of leakage, most is due to stress urinary incontinence where leakage occurs with laughing, sneezing, and cough. There is also overactive bladder with leaking upon the urge to urinate. These problems are difficult for the patient, and usually are not "old age". Evaluation and management is available to help.
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