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Kevin Windom, MD answered:Is an abnormal pap always caused by an STD?Usually. HPV is the cause of 90% of abnormal pap tests. Sometimes other STDs like trichomanis can cause abnormal Pap test. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, lack of estrogen can also cause abnormal Pap test and these problems are not sexually transmitted.
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:How do regular Pap tests help prevent vaginal cancer?Vaginal cancer is usually seen in older/menopausal patients. The Pap test screens for cervical cancer but can be used to check a vaginal lesions, but I usually biopsy an abnormal vaginal lesion. Vaginal cancer and cervix cancer are 90% of the time caused by HPV and arise as well as spread in a similar
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:Why might I need repeated Pap tests?A pap test needs to be repeated if there was insufficient cells, too much blood, an infection or some atypical cells of undetermined significance (they’re not precancerous but they’re not normal). If your pap test shows precancerous or atypical cells and positive for the HPV virus then you will need
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:Why might I need repeated Pap tests?A pap test needs to be repeated if there was insufficient cells, too much blood, an infection or some atypical cells of undetermined significance (they’re not precancerous but they’re not normal). If your pap test shows precancerous or atypical cells and positive for the HPV virus then you will need
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:What happens if I have an abnormal pap test?If you have an abnormal Pap test then a few different things may happen. Sometimes it needs to be repeated in 4-6 months. You may need to have a colposcopy (magnified view of the cervix) and a biopsy. Lastly, your healthcare provider may want to prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medication.
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:What increases my risk for uterine fibroids?Any woman is at risk, but it is most commonly seen in people with a genetic predisposition to fibroids. African American women have the highest risk of fibroids. Women who are obese also have a higher risk of fibroids, and the thought is that the fatty tissue in an obese patient will convert... Full Post -
Kevin Windom, MD answered:What are uterine fibroids?Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus, also known as leiomyomata. Fibroids can cause severe problems with pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, heavy menstrual cycles, abdominal distention, and abdominal bloating. Fibroids are the number one reason that women in the United States undergo h... Full Post -
Kevin Windom, MD answered:What's the best way to get test results?In my practice I tell patients that if they have'nt heard the results of their lab tests within a week than call my office. I believe that it is immportant for patients to take some ownership in their healthcare and if the lab or my office makes a mistake I want the patients to "help out" and alert
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:What are the advantages of robotic surgery?Robotic surgery is a type of laparoscopic surgery that uses the da Vinci robot system to assist in performing technically difficult laparoscopic surgery. The main advantage that the robot has is it allows surgeons to do very precise movement, dissection and suturing intraabdominally. As robotic
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:What are the side benefits of birth-control pills?Besides the obvious - lighter and more predictable periods - birth control pills can help to decrease anemia and keep you from having ovarian cysts. A woman on birth control pills for 10 years or more has an 80% decreased chance of ovarian cancer.
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:What are natural treatments for yeast infections?Candida is another word for yeast. There are many natural treatments for candida. I tell my patients who have recurrent vaginal yeast infections that they should decrease their carbohydrate intake as well as stop eating any type of simple sugars ( sodas and candy). Yeast grows by sugar, and by decreasing... Full Post -
Kevin Windom, MD answered:What increases my risk for endometriosis?There are numerous theories on how endometriosis occurs, and depending on the theory, there are different ways that people can get endometriosis. The most common theory of how endometriosis occurs is through retrograde menstruation in which small intrauterine lining cells, instead of passing through... Full Post -
Kevin Windom, MD answered:When should a couple seek an infertility evaluation?I counsel my patients that a fertility workup should be performed on a couple after they have been trying to become pregnant for 1 year without success. If a woman is greater than 35 years old, I then tell her and her partner that they should have fertility testing done at 6 months of trying to become
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal condition that is caused by abnormal ovarian function. There are 2 main cell types in the ovary. There are cells that make estrogen and also grow eggs prior to ovulation, and there are other cells that make male-like hormones. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is where there is a predominance
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Kevin Windom, MD answered:What causes an ovarian cyst?Ovarian cysts are most often caused by ovulation. These are called functional cysts and they tend to dissolve over a 2-3 month period. Some ovarian cysts are caused by a hormonal irregularity called polycystic ovarian syndrome in which the entire ovary is filled with numerous cysts that are causing abnormal amounts
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