ENGLISH
BAHASA
RUSSIAN
CHINESE
+65 63-888-939
+65 68-357-197
Gynaecology
The questions below were raised by visitors to the STOMP (Straits Times Online Mobile Print) website in the AskST section of the website. eMenders doctors provided the answers to the questions raised as a public health education project. The information provided below is of a general nature and should not be treated as a replacement for medical advice. You should seek consultation from a medical or healthcare professional about your specific medical condition.
Q: I am 50 years old and recently I am having this hot feeling inside me. Is there any medicine that can help me to ease the hot flushes?
A: You may be experiencing hot flushes associated with menopause / peri-menopause. Please see your doctor for consideration of hormone replacement therapy.
Dr Yeoh Swee Choo is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre.
Q: Is it necessary to use a feminine care solution to cleanse the female intimate part daily, or will a normal soap serve the same purpose? Currently, I do not have any infection, but, I have heard about the natural acidity of the female intimate part as a means of the bodys defence against bacteria, as well as the alkalinity of normal soap. However, I wish to seek professional advice, as there are women who have been using normal soap their entire life without any problem, which makes me wonder whether it is a feminine care product marketing gimmick.
A: If you do not have any vaginal infection, there is no necessity to use a "feminine care solution".
Contributed by Dr Yeoh Swee Choo, eMenders Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.
Q: Will a total hysterectomy warrant against the recurrence of endometriosis ovarian cysts and what is the recurrence rate for ovarian cysts?
A: A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed on a woman to remove the uterus (womb), which results in sterilization (the inability for a woman to become pregnant). Hysterectomies are commonly performed through the abdomen or vagina.
There are two main types of hysterectomies:
- A Total Hysterectomy is the removal of the entire uterus and cervix;
- A Partial Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus only.
Hysterectomies generally decrease menstrual symptoms associated with endometriosis. After a hysterectomy, the risk of recurrence of ovarian endometriosis is reported to be 13% after 3 years and 40% after 5 years.
Contributed by Dr Chia Yee Tien, eMenders Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.
Q: What could be the possible reason for a girl to miss her period for one month after sexual intercourse but the period resumes regularity again after that? Is there any cause for concern?
A: Delayed periods are common due to stress, which can occur due to fear of being pregnant. Similarly, any changes or strains in relationships can induce stress.
Sometimes, pregnancies are lost very early and a miscarriage can occur before a girl knows she is pregnant. A tell tale sign is that this delayed period is heavier or more painful than usual and, sometimes, accompanied by clots. This condition is more common than known.
Contributed by Dr Yap Lip Kee, eMenders Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.
Q: I have anaemia (ie. losing too much blood through my monthly menstruation) since young. My gynaecologist recommended me to take contraceptive pills (ie. Yasmin) as I am above 40, single and not intending to have kids. After taking the pills, my menses flow reduced drastically and there were less blood clots. Can I ask if long-term consumption is detrimental to health (i.e. any side effects)? If I want to have children in the future, will it deter me and upset my hormone balance?
A: Contraceptive pill of any type will decrease menstrual flow.
Choosing one type of pill over another depends on the patient's requirement. For example: Yasmin is able to decrease acne and reduce water retention, which translates to less weight gain and breasts pain.
Noting that the patient mentioned above is more than 40 years old, one may want to choose a contraceptive pill with lower dosage eg. 20 ug of Estradiol instead of 30 ug (Yasmin has 30 ug).
If the patient is not obese, has no other medical condition (eg. diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, deep vein thrombosis) and does not smoke, it is safe for her to be on oral contraceptive.
Contributed by Dr Chia Yee Tien, eMenders Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.
