Ob/Gyn Dr. Holt Crews will be online Tuesday, November 8, 2011, from 8 to 9 p.m. CST to answer your “girl talk” questions. Post your questions at any time. Check back Tuesday to ask a question while he is online.To ask a question, submit a comment on this page in the “Leave a Reply” box.Dr. Crews completed his undergraduate degree at Washington and Lee University before earning his medical degree at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He then completed his residency and fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, he is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association.
Hi Dr. Crews. You delivered my son via C-section 6 weeks ago and I’m still experiencing postpartum bleeding. It’s bright red again accompanied by moderate cramps that seem to get worse with each day. I’m exclusively breastfeeding and have started progesterone only birth control. Is this normal and should I be concerned?
Cricket,Congratulations again. Your bleeding can be very normal and may be your period starting again. While you are breast feeding and on progesterone only pills you may have no bleeding, irregular bleeding or regular cycles. If your bleeding does not improve or gets very heavy, you need to contact your doctor for evaluation. Thanks for the question and have fun with that baby.
I have been on birth control for 11 months and I have not had a regular period as before , is this normal?
I am 20 and not sexually active but I have not been to a doctor for the last 2 and 1/2 years. I am in college. I feel fine, but do I need to get a check up from a ob now or wait untilI am sexually active.
If you had pneumonia last year at the age of 50, do I need to take a pneumonia shot as well as my flu shot?
Susan,Thanks for your question. It all depends on the type of birth control and what your periods were like before and what they are like now. Most people will have more regular, lighter and less painful periods while on combination birth control pills; certain pills will make some women’s periods so light that they actually miss some periods. Some pills are designed for you to have a period every 3 months. Some people who use the Depo Provera shot will quit having periods all together. I hope this answer helps.
Leisa,Thanks for the question. It is recommended that all women should begin pap screening at age 21. If you are feeling fine then I would wait until age 21 and then go see an OB/GYN and begin to have your screening at that time. I hope this helps.
Ginny,You need to discuss this with your primary care doctor. Often times the pneumonia vaccine is recommended in people who have had pnuemonia because there are many different causes of pneumonia and having one will not protect against other causes of pneumonia. The vaccine is generally good for 10 years, but the flu vaccine needs to be repeated every year as it changes each year. Again, please discuss this with your physician.
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