
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What does OBGYN stands for?
Answer: OBGYN is short form of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
OB stands for obstetrics which is related to pregnancy and child birth.
GYN stands for gynecology which relates with female genital/reproductive organs.
Question: When do pregnancy symptoms starts?
Answer: In most of cases symptoms started withing first 4 to 6 weeks of conception. Sometimes it may arise before you know that you are pregnant. But this may differ from person to person. These symptoms includes
Absence of periods
Breast tenderness (somtimes nipple tenderness only)
Darkening of pigmented area
Morning sickness (sometimes Nausea through out the day )
Constipation
Frequent urination
Vaginal discharge
Mild cramp in lower abdomen (sometimes associated with back pain)
Food craving
Mood swinging
Question: How to deal with gastric problems when pregnancy is in early stage?
Answer: Though gastric problems are common in early pregnancy, a patient can combat this by some changes in lifestyle and diet.
1. Take small frequent meal
2. Drink plenty of water and fluids
3. Give a gap of 20-30 mins between a meal and water intake.
4. Take fibre-riched food like dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, dry fruits etc.
5. Do some walk after a major meal.
6. Take a glass of lukewarm milk before going to bed
Question: What are the exercises for maternity period?
Answer: Some light exercises and stretchings help to maintain healthy pregnancy and also help in easy delivery of baby. It may also prevent development of Gestational diabetes mellitus. Regorous exercises should be avoided.
1. Walking :- Start walking if you aren't used to it. Walking in a plain improves digestion, sleep, constipation.
2. Bridging Excercise :- It improves backpain, pain in thigh and increases anterior abdominal muscle tone.
3. Cat and Dog Excercise :- It improves bodyace, backpain.
4. Squatting :- It makes your pelvis more flexible and helps in easy vaginal delivery.
5. Yoga/Aerobics :- To support your heart-lungs and stimulates blood circulation.
Question: What are the period myths?
Answer: Normal variation of menstrual cycles:
1. Duration of period : 2 - 7 days
2. Cycle duration: 24 - 42 days
3. Flow : 5ml - 80ml
4. PMS : Mood swinging , irritability, bloating, mild pedal edema may appear even before your period starts
Several myths are running in society
1. Head and body washing : It neither changes the flow or length of menstrual cycle nor it improves your health otherwise.
2. You can't get pregnant even during your cycle : No certainty. Pregnancy depends upon ovulation.
3. Exercise harms: Exercises improves premenstrual symptoms like helps to soothe cramps improves mood.
Question: What are the symptoms of pregnancy before first period missing?
Answer: Your body gives some signals before you miss your first period.
1. Breast tenderness/heaviness specially nipple tenderness
2. frequent micturation
3. Nausea or morning sickness
4. Lower abdominal cramps
5. Tiredness
6. Mood swinging
Question: Does a total hysterectomy remove the ovaries?
Answer: Total hysterectomy means removal of body of uterus with cervix. It preserves ovaries.The name of the procedure is called Total Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo oophorectomy when the ovaries are removed. It is not possible to conceive a baby after hysterectomy but you can donate ovum as your ovaries are preserved and get a biological baby with help of surrogacy.
Pap smear for cervical cytology is better to perform before doing a hysterectomy.Routine Pap screening is no longer needed after hysterectomy, but Pap test for vault is performed as per requirement.
Question: Does turmeric use help while pregnant?
Answer: Tumeric is an antioxident so it's a healthy practice using it in general. But it needs to consume in limited amount like 1 tea spoon in a day during pregnancy.
To much consumption may harm.
Question: What is gynae endoscopy?
Answer: Gynae Endoscopy is a procedure to check the internal organs by a endoscope ( to check uterine cavity, this is Hysteroscopy, through abdomen it is called laparoscopy).Endoscopic surgeries is minimally invasive surgery. It helps very much in the field of female infertility, ovarian problems, urine polyps, cancer staging, management of etopic pregnancy, and other gynecological issues. Endoscopic surgeries are always preferable to open surgeries because of :
most of time surgeries done on Day care basis
Speedy recovery
Less hospital stay
less pain
Almost scarless
Early return to normal life
less morbidity
Question: What is painless delivery ?
Answer: In case of painless vaginal delivery labor is induced as per the will of the mother or as per the necessity felt by concerned doctor.But the question is Wheather a painless normal delivery is totally painless or not.the answer is no. Epidural anesthesia is administered at a certain stage of labor. So it is inevitable to feel some pain. The magnitude of pain which is tremendously high in a vaginal delivery, can be reduced significantly with administration of epidural anasthesia and the process becomes smooth. Usually it is associated with Forceps delivery as the delivery of baby, that is the second stage of labor depends upon the effort of mother which is not present after administration of epidural anasthesia. You, your partner and obstetrician, have to discuss the possibilities you have. First, check whether you are a candidate for normal vaginal delivery or not. It also includes a cesarean section.
Question: What kind of changes are encountered in women with peri menopause?
Answer: The terms perimenopause include Premenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause. The average age of menopause in India is 46.2 years. It is the natural phase of life , which includes 5 to 7 years prior to you attending menopause and the same duration after you have entered into menopause. Some women face very mild symptoms where some face very severe discomfort. At that time, the function of the ovaries becomes exhausted. so supplementation of ovarian hormones can reverse the event. perimenopausal symptoms are:
Hot flash: sudden feeling of warmth all over the body though for short duration, along with palpitation usually
Vaginal dryness
Increased frequency of micturation
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Mood Swings usually associated with depression
At the period of premenopause, ovarian reserves are still there, so a woman can get pregnant at that time.
Menstrual cycle becomes irregular, usually associated with oligo and hypomenorrhoea.
Question: Is it possible for PCOS woman to get pregnant?
Answer: Yes.
Pathology of polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hyperestrogenic state of the body. No fall in estrogen levels untill ovaries exhausted. Thats why ovulation does not occur. aAnd pregnancy becomes difficult so many times. Now-a-days the incidence of PCOS is silently increasing due to altered lifestyle, pollution, physical and mental stress. Some simple remedies that can help in this condition, I would like to suggest, are
1. Reduce bodyweight if you are heavy weight or obese
2. Regular exercise : aerobics or Yogas. To reduce bodyweight, best exercises are walking, and weight LIFTING , minimum 35 minutes walk,2 steps per second. You have to start with a minimum of 1 step per second if it is not possible for 2 steps a second in the beginning.
3. Dieting : low carbohydrate high protein diet. NO JUNK FOOD AT ALL. Take frequent small meals. Walk for a minimum !5-20 mints after a major meal. plenty of fluids orally.
4. Sleep : Regular 8 hours of sleep is enough to burn your stress.
5. To combat stress : Take a pinch of turmeric in the morning in empty stomach with or without jaggery. Green tea and Mint leaf juice daily can help.
The aim of treatment is induction of ovulation. First, you might be kept on OCPs, specially combined with anti androgenic progesterone to regularize periods. You must follow your gynecologists advice. By induction of ovulation (by oral medicines or injectables or combined) combined with timely intercourse or IUI or in vitrofertilisation, a woman can get pregnancy. Because ovarian reserve is usually high in PCOS women.
Question: Can menopause occur before the age of 40 years?
Answer: Yes it can. As age of Menarchae is advancing ,the age of Menopause is onsetting at younger age too. But always consult with your Gynaecologist if you have missed your periods. you can get pregnancy even at perimenopausal period . There are some reason behind it like increased stress in daily life, unhealthy food habit, onset of menstruation at lower age.
But if you attend your menopause before 30 years please talk to your gynacologist as it is cinsidered as pathological and due to some reason.
Question: What are the symptoms of pregnancy?
Answer:
Regarding pregnancy, there are a few common signs and symptoms to look out for. Some of these include:
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A missed period
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Tender or swollen breasts
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Feeling tired all the time
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Nausea or vomiting (especially in the morning)
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The need to pee more often
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Changes in appetite or craving for certain foods
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Mood swings
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Constipation
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Heartburn
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Back pain
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Bloating
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Darker areolas around the nipples
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Light spotting or cramping (called implantation bleeding).
It's important to remember that everyone is different and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. The most reliable way to know if you're pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.
Question: How can I prevent pregnancy?
Answer:
There are several ways to prevent pregnancy, including:
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Hormonal methods: This includes birth control pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings that help stop ovulation and make it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
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Barrier methods: This includes using condoms or diaphragms that physically block sperm from reaching the egg.
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IUDs (Intrauterine Devices): These are small T-shaped objects that a doctor inserts into the uterus. They can be made of copper or contain hormones and stop fertilization or implantation.
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Sterilization: This is a permanent method of birth control and includes tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.
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Natural Family Planning: This is a method where couples track a woman's menstrual cycle to identify fertile and infertile days and avoid intercourse during fertile days.
Question: What are the causes of irregular periods?
Answer:
There are many reasons periods may not be regular, including:
Hormonal issues: like PCOS, thyroid problems, or pituitary gland problems.
Changes in weight: big changes, either gaining or losing weight, can mess with hormone levels and cause irregular periods.
Stress: stress can impact hormones responsible for controlling the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods.
Certain medicines: like birth control pills or antidepressants, can impact hormone levels and cause irregular periods.
Exercise: intense or extreme exercise can disrupt hormone levels and result in irregular periods.
Getting closer to menopause: as a woman approaches menopause, hormonal changes can cause irregular periods.
Pregnancy: it's normal to have irregular periods during pregnancy.
Medical conditions: like diabetes or autoimmune diseases, can affect hormone levels and cause irregular periods.
It's okay to have an occasional irregular period, but if it happens consistently or you have heavy bleeding or painful cramps, it's best to see a doctor for an evaluation.
Question: How can I relieve menstrual cramps?
Answer:
Here are some ways to ease menstrual cramps:
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Take ibuprofen or other pain relievers
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Use a heating pad or have a warm bath
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Exercise regularly like walking or yoga
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Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
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Eat a healthy diet with fruits, veggies, and whole grains
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Try acupuncture
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Take herbal supplements like ginger or turmeric
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Use hormonal birth control to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce cramping.
Question: What are the early signs of menopause?
Answer:
The early stages of menopause, called perimenopause, can cause different symptoms in different women, but some common signs include:
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Irregular periods: As the ovaries make less estrogen, periods may become less regular.
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Hot flashes: A sudden feeling of heat and sweating, often with a faster heartbeat.
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Night sweats: Similar to hot flashes, but happening at night and causing trouble sleeping.
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Vaginal dryness: Low levels of estrogen can make the vaginal walls thin and dry, causing discomfort or pain during sex.
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Mood changes: Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, like feeling irritable, sad, or anxious.
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Fatigue: Adjusting to changes in hormones can lead to feeling tired and lacking energy.
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Sleep problems: Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue and irritability.
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Headaches: Some women may have more headaches during perimenopause.
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Breast soreness: Hormonal fluctuations can cause breast tenderness.
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Bladder issues: Some women may have trouble controlling their bladder or feel a strong urge to go as they near menopause.
Question: What are the causes of vaginal discharge?
Answer:
Vaginal discharge is a normal bodily function that helps to keep the vagina clean and healthy. However, changes in the color, consistency, or amount of discharge can indicate an infection or other underlying condition. Some common causes of vaginal discharge include:
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Bacterial vaginosis: An overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina can cause a thin, grayish-white discharge with a fishy odor.
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Yeast infection: A fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of candida can cause a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge along with itching and burning.
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Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite that can cause a frothy, yellow-green discharge with a strong odor.
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Chlamydia and gonorrhea: These sexually transmitted infections can cause a thin, clear or cloudy discharge along with pain or discomfort during urination.
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Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix can cause a thin, watery or mucous discharge along with pain or discomfort during intercourse.
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Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can cause vaginal dryness and changes in the amount and consistency of discharge.
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Ovulation: During ovulation, some women may experience an increase in discharge that is clear, stretchy, and elastic.
Question: How can I manage endometriosis symptoms?
Answer:
Endometriosis is a gynecology condition with symptoms like symptoms such as painful periods, cramping, and infertility. The tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside it, leading to . Here are some ways to manage endometriosis symptoms:
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Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and cramping. Hormonal birth control pills or other hormone therapy can also help slow or stop the growth of endometriosis.
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Surgery: In some cases, surgery is recommended to remove the endometriosis tissue. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions or a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in severe cases.
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Complementary therapies: Acupuncture, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can help reduce pain and improve quality of life.
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Diet and Lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, regularly exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce symptoms. Also, avoiding triggers such as caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol can help.
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Support groups: Joining a support group of other women with endometriosis can provide emotional support, resources, and helpful tips for managing symptoms.
Question: What are the causes of pelvic pain?
Answer:
Pelvic pain is pain or discomfort that occurs in the lower abdomen or pelvic region. There are many possible causes of pelvic pain, some of which include:
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Gynecological conditions: Endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are some of the gynecological conditions that can cause pelvic pain.
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Gastrointestinal conditions: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticulitis can also cause pelvic pain.
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Urinary tract conditions: Bladder infections, kidney stones, and interstitial cystitis (IC) can cause pelvic pain.
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Musculoskeletal conditions: Pelvic floor muscle spasms, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and sciatica can also cause pelvic pain.
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Pregnancy-related conditions: Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic girdle pain are among the pregnancy-related conditions that can cause pelvic pain.
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Psychological: Some people also have chronic pelvic pain that is related to stress, depression, or anxiety
It is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of pelvic pain and to receive appropriate treatment. A doctor may conduct a physical examination, imaging tests, or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of pelvic pain.
Question: What are the options for treating infertility?
Answer:
Treating infertility can be done with different methods, including medicines, surgery, and assisted reproduction. Some common treatments are:
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Medicines: Drugs like clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins can help a person ovulate, while metformin can treat PCOS.
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Surgery: Procedures like hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and tubal surgery can fix problems in the reproductive system.
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Assisted Reproduction: Techniques like IVF, ICSI, and FET help couples have a baby.
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IUI: Placing sperm inside the uterus to increase the chance of pregnancy.
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Lifestyle Changes: Making changes like losing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can improve the chances of getting pregnant.
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Adoption: Another option for starting a family.
It's important to talk to a fertility specialist to find the best treatment for you. They may suggest a combination of treatments for the best results.
Question: What are the risks and benefits of different types of hysterectomy?
Answer:
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb). There are 4 types of hysterectomies, each with its own pros and cons:
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Total Hysterectomy: This removes the uterus and cervix. It's the most common type and helps with conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cervical/uterine cancer. But it can also cause bleeding, infection, blood clots, and menopause symptoms.
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Supracervical Hysterectomy: This removes just the uterus and leaves the cervix intact. It's less invasive, quicker to recover from, and preserves sexual function. However, it still has risks like bleeding, infection, and blood clots.
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Radical Hysterectomy: This removes the uterus, cervix, and nearby tissue-like lymph nodes and fallopian tubes. It's good for treating cervical/uterine cancer, but it can cause damage to surrounding tissue and organs, leading to long-term problems like bladder/bowel issues.
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Vaginal Hysterectomy: This removes the uterus through the vagina, making it less invasive. It's quicker to recover from but still has risks like bleeding, infection, and blood clots.
It's important to talk to your doctor about the best type of hysterectomy for you, based on your individual situation.