QuestionQUESTION: I have been searching the web to answer my question on irregular periods, but I cannot find what I am specifically looking for. I started my period on the 16th July (aged 15) this year, it lasted for five days; but I have not had one since. My best friend keeps telling me to tell my mum and go to a doctor, but I am very embarrassed! None of my family have previously had this problem, nor my siblings. I was a very late starter, and was relieved when I finally started. I still have frequent discharge but I have been reading about all these diseases; and am becoming very concerned. I read that if I was to go to my doctor, he would most likely send me for a blood test to rule out these ovary diseases! I am really worried and confused, please help!!! Could you honestly please tell me what I could have and what the chances are of me having them, thank you,
J.
ANSWER: Hello J.
I'm sorry but the internet is not sufficient to give a diagnosis. That requires testing. However, if you are not sexually active (i.e not had sex with anyone) then you are not at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. If you have been, then that can be a possibility. However, the most likely source of your discharge, especially if it is brownish, is dysfunctional bleeding from the uterus. That is the diagnosis I would think is the most likely with your menstrual history.
The best thing you could do is to talk to your mom. She can help you to see a gynecologist who can get your cycles straightened out, and if you are worried about a disease, can do the cultures necessary to check it out. It is important to do so because some sexually transmitted disease can lead to infertility. They can damage the Fallopian tubes. In addition, even if you are not at risk for those diseases (because you are not sexually active), the doctor can start you on hormonal medications to get you regular. It is important for your development that you are regulated.
I hope this helps answer your questions,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
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QUESTION: Hi again, no I am not sexually active! My best friend has a friend who has to have medication to make her have her period! But because of the medication, she is very hairy (like a man with no offence)? My discharge is clear. what would a gynecologist do if i were to see one?
ANSWER: Hello J,
If you are not sexually active, then you don't need to worry about all the diseases you could get via the vagina.
Your friend is "hairy" because she has a disorder of the ovaries called polycystic ovarian syndrome. This is where the ovary does not function correctly and thus does not produce the female hormones that she needs. As a result, the male hormone, testosterone, becomes elevated and dominant leading to the excessive hair growth.
Because your cycles are not normal, you too could have this problem. The optimal treatment for this is the birth control pill because it is made of both female hormones. It also causes the male hormone to be suppressed. That is why I think you should see a Gynecologist.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your advice, but I have just one more question sorry! If I did have what my friends mate has, will i be infertile without the medication? Or could this affect me otherwise, thank you!
AnswerHello Again,
Sorry for the delay. I have been away at a meeting for the last four days.
It is possible that you may have some difficulty leading to infertility but many PCOD patients do get pregnant on their own. If you don't get pregnant after one year of trying, then you will need to see an infertility specialist in order to be put on a treatment regimen to help you get pregnant.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
