HI

How do I ease pain from vaginal blisters caused by vulvitis?

2009-02-21T03:17:00.000-08:00

I have vulvitis from an allergic reaction. I've gotten it a few times and it is super painful. I get blisters and the skin gets raw. The doctor gives me stuff to treat, but hasn't given me anything to ease the pain. It burns horribly when I urinate. The pain is so bad it brings me to tears. Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas how to ease the pain and burning?
Risquidamol gel (not sure on the spelling)for the blisters to numb, drink bi-carb if you can stomach it or potassium citrate preparation from chemist to take the acidity out of your pee, try frozen peas(or similar)on the affected area wrapped in a towel to ease pain, take ibuprofen now &every 4 hours, then paracetamol in 2 hours&every 4 hours so you have pain relief every 2 hours. Ibuprofen works on swelling&nerve endings&paracetamol works on the pain censors in the brain. Maybe put a LITTLE salt in your bath to help the blisers heal.Feel better soon xx

Vulvitis due to sinus infection?
I've had a sinus infection for the last 7 or 8 days, for which I am currently on a course of antibiotics. The day before yesterday, my boyfriend and I couldn't find the bottle of lube, so without really thinking about it, I used some of my saliva "down there" before intercourse. I woke up the next morning with a lot of redness, burning, and itching on my labia and in the rest of the vulvar area, but no noticeable pain in the vagina itself. In the past I have occasionally been a little bit sore or irritated around the urethra, but this is very different--it is widespread and has more of an itching and burning sensation rather than a raw or sore feeling.
I do not believe I have any discharge, but it is hard to tell because I have just started my period.
My suspicion is that this sudden flare-up is due to the bacteria that is causing my sinus infection, which would have been present in my saliva. Is that a likely explanation? And if so, will the antibiotics I am currently taking for the sinus infection help treat the vulvitis as well?

your irritation in the vaginal area could be due to the antibiotic that you are taking depending on the type you are taking - sometimes antibiotics will get rid of the normal flora in the vaginal area that is beneficial to keeping the vagina healthy - so you could have the start of a yeast infection. I would call your prescribing MD a tell him/her whats going on - The same thing happened to me when I was on antibiotics

Yes, it is possible that the flare up is due to the bacteria from the sinus infection and if it is the antibiotic should help but I would recommend checking with your doctor as well to see what they say.

Infertility, recurrent infections, BC allergy?

2009-02-21T03:11:00.000-08:00

Menses at 11. Started birth control at 11 1/2.
Changed types for 4 years, Levlite, Seasonale, Seansonique, NuvaRing, Ortho-Tricyclen, Yazmin (not Yaz).
All cause suffering in the GI tract. More estrogen causes Migraines, severe nausea, vomiting.
More progestin causes SEVERE painful cramping with diarrhea episodes.
Stopped at 15 years old, all symptoms went away.
Before BC pills, cycle was 32 days, period was heavy, crampy and lasted 7 days.On BC, cycle was anywhere between 28-35 and period lasted 3-5 days. Remained heavy and very crampy.
At 16, went on progestin-only mini pill. Cycle was exactly 28 days, period lasted 6-7 days. Slightly lighter, somewhat less crampy. Mood swings, and weight gain. Stopped after 3 months.
About three to four months of using withdrawal method (not always correctly) three months of using rhythm method with withdrawal and six months of no protection.
Three years of negative tests.
Two partners (not at the same time). STD tested and free.
First partner--chronic yeast infections.
Second partner (not circumcised)--Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis.
So, could this person be infertile?
What about birth control? She cannot keep a schedule, and wants children within a couple years.
What about the infections? The fishy smell of the BV stays stubbornly on her and her partner under the foreskin.

I see absolutely no reason to assume that this woman is infertile. Some women conceive right away, others take more time. She's been on years of birth control, her body may just need time to get back to normal. Chronic yeast or bacterial infections should not cause infertility, although they may affect your ability to conceive when they are active. It's not the intact partners fault about the BV either, it could just as well be that SHE carries it and is constantly infecting him, not the other way around.

WHY IS MY VAGINA BURNING AND ITCHING?

2009-02-21T03:09:00.000-08:00

Ok so I have a history of BV (vaginosis and vaginitis) and yeast infections. I got rid of it until I had protected sex on January 15, 2009 and since then the burning and itching from hell has started up again.
I have tiny bumps inside my vagina (below the clitoris) and I them checked out twice and I was told they're not an STD, but a result of the chronic yeast infection. They're causing a lot of the burning and itching.
I have watery milky white & creamy white discharge. No odor and I need to know what I should say I'm going to an appointment for at woman's clinic I go to now?

It could be the yeast infection again I guess but considering you already know what that's like you probably wouldn't be asking that question if it was...
You said you used a condom ... have you explored the idea that you might be ALLERGIC TO THE LATEX? A lot of women are ... and it would explain the itching and rash. Definitely worth checking into anyway ... if you are allergic to it there are are other options for contraception available (including different types of condoms). Your doctor would be the best person to help you figure out if you are ... s/he might send you to and allergist but it's pretty simple once you take it from there :)
I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to condoms at this point which sucks since BC pills make me sick. This means I have to find another method of birth control.

Print this out and give it to them (your history). Tell your doc everything you just put in your question. If it isn't an STD, maybe your yeast infections are coming back. Maybe the sexual intercourse irritated something.

What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?Vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis cause symptoms that are nonspecific, which means that aside from the yeast infection, other conditions can cause the identical symptoms. The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is itching in the vaginal and/or vulvar area. Other symptoms of vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis include:
burning,
soreness,
pain during intercourse and/or urination, and
vaginal discharge. (Vaginal discharge is not always present, but when it occurs, the discharge is odorless and typically has a whitish, thick appearance and texture, like cottage cheese.)
Vulvitis can also cause local pain in addition to the above symptoms. Pain in the vulvar area is referred to as vulvodynia.
In up to 5% of women, yeast vulvovaginitis may cause a recurrent problem. A recurrent yeast infection occurs when a woman has four or more infections in one year that are not related to antibiotic use. Recurrent yeast infections may be related to an underlying medical condition and may require more aggressive treatment.

try doign some research into diet and how it relates to yeast. i used to get CONSTANT yeast infections. it was a nightmare! i had to stop eating sugar. what the doctors dont' tell you is that a diet high in sugar (that includes white bread and white pasta) feeds yeast in your body. not only will it show up in your vagina, but your intestines as well which can cause all kinds of other wretched problems. drink a freakish amount of water, pick up a bottle of probiotic pills (at a health store, get them from the fridge and keep them refrigerated) and try not to eat any sugar. fruit is ok, but no chocolate bars or candy or anything. you'll feel better :) also, fresh garlic can help fight yeast. if you dont' like it, you can pick up a bottle of no odour garlic pills and take those as well. (though not at the same time as the probiotic). these things all worked for me. this really sounds like it's more related to your diet than anything else. once you take care of the root problem (too much sugar) then the itching will go away :)

Women who have suffered chronic or recurrent bacterial vaginosis?

2009-02-21T03:05:00.000-08:00

have you ever had it permanently ruin your clothes? is there anything that will get the smell out? I have finally kicked the infection but now I am left with a couple pairs of smelly jeans that I have washed several times. I have tried using Borax on them but it made the smell even worse. I dont want to throw these jeans away cause I love them, and they were kinda expensive. (I know I should have worn pads but I didnt cause pads will still stink when you have BV. But yeah, I shouldve thought about my clothes.)

would try an oxy clean soak and then washing them in an all natural detergent. I know it sounds odd but vinegar and baking soda does wonders in removing smells. Its the only thing that helped when my toddler was potty training and for pet odors.

try soaking them in Oxi Clean. It works wonders on strange stains, and is the best stain remover I've found for those types of things.

Well the first advice I must give with any infection. Actually bacterial vaginosis isn't an infection it is an inflammation of the vagina caused by an imbalance of the vaginas bacteria. nether the less I would always recommend a trip to your doctors to get it checked out first. The reason behind that is a doctor can give you a thorough check over and may find other problems that need looking at.
Do you have the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? Some women can display no symptoms at all and still have underlying bacterial vaginosis, others will have some or all of the normal symptoms. A vagina discharge, either white, grey or even yellow in color. A unpleasant fishy odor which is more noticeable during or after sexual intercourse. Itching, which can be anything from a slight discomfort to an intense itch. A swelling of the vagina area, stomach pain similar to menstrual cramps. lastly pain or a burning sensation during urination. So all together a very unpleasant condition that needs to be treated quickly.
The doctor will more than likely prescribe a course of antibiotics, these can come in the form of tablets taken orally, creams applied externally or capsules which are inserted directly into the vagina. If prescribed antibiotics you must complete the whole course even if the symptoms disappear. The trouble with antibiotics is they work by killing the bacteria inside the vagina, which is OK as the inflammation will go but so will the natural balance of good bacteria within the vagina. It is this balance of good vs bad bacteria that keeps the vagina healthy. When bad bacteria takes over you get inflammation or BV. Antibiotics kill the good and bad bacteria so it is quite possible and pretty likely that the bacterial vaginosis will return.
The are a few things that you can do to limit your susceptibility to recurrent bacterial vaginosis they are as follows. It is imperative to keep yourself clean the transfer of bacteria between anus and vagina is very common so that way in which you wipe is important. It has been known that thong wearing can transmit bad bacteria as the material rubs back and forth between anus and vagina.

As bacterial vaginosis is to do with the bacterial balance of the vagina it is thought that you can help this by a good diet. It is important that you eat good quality fruit and vegetables along with the correct amount of vitamins and minerals. You can get probiotic drinks, acidophilus pills or even eat natural yogurt. All of these things will help with your bodies own natural balance.

What is the best solution for chronic bacterial vaginosis?

2009-02-21T03:01:00.000-08:00

Treatment for bacterial vaginosis consists of antibiotics. A few antibiotics are routinely used. Metronidazole taken by either oral (pill) form or by vaginal metronidazole gel is an effective treatment. Also available is the vaginal clindamycin cream. The oral metronidazole can cause some minor but unpleasant side effects, but is believed to be the most effective treatment. Metronidazole is not used in early pregnancy because of potential adverse effects on the babies. Metronidazole is not used by nursing mothers because of potential adverse effects on the babies. The gels do not typically cause side effects, although yeast vaginitis can result. Although treatment is generally successful, about 15% of women experience recurrent symptoms within a month. With recurrent symptoms, a second course of antibiotics is generally prescribed.

Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis is not passed by sex and is not dangerous, but it can cause disturbing symptoms.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are vaginal discharge and odor.

In diagnosing bacterial vaginosis, it is important to exclude other serious infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Treatment options for bacterial vaginosis include oral antibiotics and vaginal gels.

Major serious complications of bacterial vaginosis can occur during pregnancy.

You really need to go see a adoctor for that problem. Depending on your situation..you can go to a planned parenthood clinic. If you do not have income, they most likey will not charge you. But regardless, you have to go see a doctor on this issue. Going to a planned parenthood clinic will help you out alot. Things can remain confidential and they will do their best at helping out your problems and even give you medication to cure what ever you have. I hope all goes well...

Does bacterial vaginosis cause any damage?

2008-12-20T22:51:00.000-08:00

I had some swabs done for an STD because i had yellow discharge(gross i know) i had a lot of it, and the tests came back negative for an STD but positive for BV. Is the yellow discharge caused by BV? And does it damage any of the female parts(baby making parts)?
Bacterial vaginosis is perfectly normal, some women get it frequently. Bacterial vaginosis is vaginal condition that can produce vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. So yes, the yellow discharge was from the infection, yellow discharge CAN be a sign of an STD, but you were tested, so that wasn't the cause. Bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, but it can cause disturbing symptoms. The amount of vaginal discharge that is considered normal varies from woman to woman. Therefore, any degree of vaginal discharge that is abnormal for a particular woman should be evaluated.Many women with bacterial vaginosis actually have no symptoms at all. Others experience an unpleasant fishy odor with vaginal discharge. The discharge is usually thin and grayish white. The discharge is often more noticeable after sexual intercourse.
Most of the time, a doctor will prescribe some anti-biotics to clear it up, but most won't, because it's likely that they will just give you a yeast infection. Bacterial Vaginosis will clear up on it's own naturally.
And no, Bacterial Vaginosis will not cause any long-term effects on the vagina or uterus. However, if you have the infection while you are pregnant. In pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis can cause premature labor, premature birth, infection of the amniotic fluid, and infection of the uterus after delivery. However, treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy has not been shown decrease the incidence of premature births in most studies.

How normal is bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy?

2008-12-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

as with my other pregnancy, I got BV alot and its even worst with this pregnancy. I know that it have to do with balance but am I the only one?

About 1 in 5 women get it during pregnancy. It's pretty common. You know what, I was having that same problem. I even had it before I was pregnant. I felt wet and miserable all the time. Turns out that what I was doing to prevent it, was actually causing it. Based on tradition, I thought it was good health to wash inside the vagina with soap and water when taking a shower. My doctor told me not to and guess what? It stopped! He said the vagina cleans out itself. If you are doing the same thing I used to do just stop and wash just the outside with warm water and soap.
Also, don't use scented soaps and body sprays for a while. See what helps. Wear only full cotton underwears. Remember however that your body is producing extra fluids when you are pregnant so you are going to be getting wet anyways. Just don't forget your panty shield and best of luck to you.
I am pregnant with my first child and I have BV. I am at the end of treatment. They gave me a cream to use. I don't know if it's gone but I sure hope it is. I guess I will find out at my next appt. My dr. told me there is nothing you can to do to prevent BV. It's caused by hormones during pregnancy and that's all there is to it. It's a good idea to always keep down there clean and dry though and to always use a pantyliner too. It's so common during pregnancy. I wouldn't worry about it.

26 weeks pregnant and diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis?
I've apparently had it for a few weeks... at first the doctor diagnosed me with a yeast infection I used the 7 day treatment as directed then today... the 7th day I noticed I was swollen and irritated still and by chance the nurse calls me and tells me I have bacterial vaginosis.
Im pretty mad at them for having me go through a yeast infection treatment needlessly especially during pregnancy .. I've had symptoms of pre-term labor with this pregnancy already aside from this... and now hearing this is scaring the crap out of me since its apparent I've had it for several weeks untreated.
Im just starting the antibiotics now.....I am aware of what it is but my question is,,,,, did anyone else have this and end up with a pre-term delivery???? How much do I need to be concerned with this? I've read up on it even before I got the offical diagnosis since I suspected it while treating myself for a yeast infection.
P.S this is my third pregnancy.

I had to deal with both during my entire pregnancy and I had a healthy girl born on her due date! I was opposite from you because they treated me for bacterial vaginosis and then called me almost a week later and told me it was a yeast infection and everything turned out fine. Don;t worry yourself and good luck!

im sorry your doctor made such a mistake i would be just as angry... i had bacterial vaginosis for 3 years without knowing it.... come to find out its really common (and nothing really to worry your self over) and easily taken care of what ( i was alergic to both medications) helped me was trying to change my underwear at least 3 times a day i changed my soap to soft soaps and made sure that i got all the soap rinced off i stoped wearing thongs and changed to panties and it helped a lot to wear loose clothing until the swelling and irration went down.... best to not itch it (shaving you mound does not help best to stop) and use the medications they give you if they work... but seriously its nothing to really worry about all it is is a bacteria build up as for your quesiton... my Best Friend had it durning her second trimester of her pregnancy .... and she never had any problems with her baby of course she was a little over due but thats just happened naturally but she had a beautiful healthy baby girl in the end...

Can Rephresh really cure bacterial vaginosis?

2008-12-20T22:43:00.000-08:00

I get bv after just about every period and I am tired of throwing my money away to the doctor for him to tell me something that I already know. I've been taking the acidophilus capsules for over a week now and they don't seem to work. I ran across Rephresh which is suppose to balance the ph balance in the vagina. I was wondering has anyone used this for bv and did it actually work?
It absolutely will NOT cure BV but it is very helpful in preventing further episodes. You probably should use it after every period and after sex as well. If you think you currently have BV, you need to get treated first and then start using the rephresh after that. Sounds like you are quite knowledgeable about BV and I am sure you probably know all the things associated with it but here is my little rant anyway. Stay far far away from douching and any perfumed products for cleansing the genitals. You probably know all about the wiping from front to back and avoiding sexual practices that can drag bacteria from the rectal area to the vagina. A safe product for cleaning the vaginal area is Purpose. The normal bacteria in the vagina maintain the pH at the appropriate level but some women lack the normal amount of these bacteria called lactobacillus and there is nothing you can do to get more lactobacillus. BV tends to recur over and over again for these women and you may just be one of them. You may need to periodically get treated with the standard treatment but the rephresh is at least worth a try to see if it can reduce the number of episodes you have. good luck, it is a tough problem because you cant really cure it, but you can manage it.

Can bacterial vaginosis go by itself?Do you have to get antibiotics or will it clear up in time?
Your Dr would have to take a swab to determine, generally BV is treated with antibiotics, common ones are metronidazole and clindamycin. There are over the counter things you can buy I think, but not sure how effective they are. I highly doubt they are much use!!!

How can one overcome recurring bacterial vaginosis?

2008-12-20T22:40:00.000-08:00

By having your doctor *thoroughly* examine you, take a culture (probably a swab) or your vagina to figure the bacteria causing the infection, then start an antibiotic regimen based on the results of that tests. There are most likely a fair number of specific organisms that can cause such an infection -- in many cases an antibiotic may not have been taken for a long enough length of time or the bacteria may have been out of the spectrum the antibiotic was supposed to treat. If treated many times over and over the bacteria may have become resistant and a different treatment tried.
I'm not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be -- but discuss this with your doctor and see what they say. You may end up for a few days in the hospital with an IV antibiotic or the doc may simply try a different med. Hopefully a different med will solve things.

You're right. It was e.coli and got an antibiotic to deal with it. Fingers crossed.Amazingly the person got antibiotics for all the baddies known to western medicine, but nothing for e.coli. Had been to the doctors 30 times, with no previous success. This time the doctor has done as you outline.
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a decreased number of normal flora (Lactobacilli) in the vagina. These normal flora are replaced by organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis and other bacteroides. This results in a decrease in acidity of the vagina, profuse grey, watery discharge, odour, itchiness and may cause painful coitus and pain when urinating.
It seems like you already know that you have bacterial vaginosis (Dr diagnosed it?) In that case there should have been specific antibiotics prescribed for gram negative and anaerobic organisms, either oral or used as a cream.
If you have not been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis by your doctor, and you have vaginal discharge, then it may be caused by an STI such as Trichomonas. If the discharge is curdy and white, it may be Candidiasis (non STI- yest infection).
To overcome recurring bacterial vaginosis, one must maintain good toilet hygiene, not to disrupt vaginal pH with soaps and to avoid douching. Hormonal changes may lead to vaginal discharge and menopausal decrease in oestrogen can lead to dryness and vaginal mucosal atrophy. Retained tampons may also increase the chance of recurrance. Lastly, if there is persistent discharge, bleeding, have pain and are fatigued- then it is vital to ask your doctor about cervical/endometrial cancer (less likely if you dont have risk factors)

I am breastfeeding can i having bacteria vaginosis affect my baby?

2008-12-20T22:39:00.000-08:00

i've been itching alot and sore and having heavy discharge which looks yellowish in colour could it possible be bacteria vaginosis? could it affect my 2 months old since am breastfeeding only and can i get antibiotics for it while breastfeeding. is there anything i can do at home to stop itching in the mean time. how long the treatment normally last for.
Having it shouldn't affect breastfeeding. You are going to need antibiotics, you'll need to ask the doc if they are OK to take while breastfeeding. You can get over the counter anti itch cream for that. It shouldn't affect anything though.

you can buy an itch cream specifically for that at walmart or other stores like walgreens,it wont hurt the baby. but make sure u wash your hands after applying it. they have treatments there too u can use,u dont have to get antibiotics. and they shouldnt effect the baby at all. the infection wont effect the baby either. i know u shouldnt have sex during an infection and after it clears up your suppose to wait like 2wks too. the treatments range from a couple of days to a week,just deps on which one u get. try monostat.

I assume you mean a vaginal yeast infection. It should not have any affect on the baby. You do want to get it treated. You will be more comfortable. I have been prescribed a pill for this, but pharmacists are a little unsure about if it comes through the breastmilk. You could also be prescribed something that can just insert the medication right into...the affected area.

it won't effect the baby. (bacterial vaginosis)and the antibiotic is usually topical (inserted into the vagina) for 7-10 days--there's less chance of the antibiotics even reaching your milk due to this. you'll need to get checked out to get it taken care of, though.

Why do I have recurring bouts with Bacterial Vaginosis?

2008-12-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

I have been diagnosis with BV for about the fourth time now. I haven't had sex in two years, my personal hygiene is excellent, and I don't wear tight fitting pants. Is it my diet? Why do I keep getting BV? Am HIV negative and STDs free. Am pretty much a healthy person.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a very common infection and many women get this infection as some point in their life. BV occurs when the bacteria becomes unbalanced in the vagina. Although BV is treatable and curable, the symptoms are usually unpleasant. If you have bacterial vaginosis at least 4 times a year, then this is called recurring bacterial vaginosis infections. It is important to see your doctor if you are having recurring BV infections. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to stop recurring bacterial vaginosis infections. Things You’ll Need:Health evaluation
Physical examination
Pelvic exam
Lab tests
Appropriate treatment method (antibiotics, hormonal therapy, etc.)
RepHresh vaginal gel

Step1 Schedule an appointment with your doctor. In order to stop recurring bacterial vaginosis infections, it is important to visit your doctor in order to find out the specific reason for the infections. There are different reasons why a woman may get bacterial vaginosis, such as hormonal imbalances due to pregnancy, menopause and menstruation, using feminine hygiene products, having multiple sexual partners (or a new sex partner), stress, a weakened immune system from an illness such as diabetes or HIV, douching too often and using scented panty liners, pads or tampons.
Step2 Discuss the test results and treatment options with your doctor. Your doctor informs you of your test results and lets you know how you can best treat the recurring bacterial vaginosis infections. Your doctor may first prescribe you an oral antibiotic (metronidazole or clindamycin) or a vaginal cream or gel to cure the BV infection. He then proceeds to treat the underlying cause for the recurring bacterial vaginosis infections which may involve additional medications, hormonal therapy, or suggesting certain changes to your diet or lifestyle behavior. Step3 Use RepHresh vaginal gel to help prevent recurring BV infections. RepHresh is an over-the-counter product that helps to keep the pH level balanced in the vagina, which reduces your chances of getting recurring bacterial vaginosis infections. You can use this product once every 3 days at anytime of the day (especially after having your menstrual cycle or having sexual intercourse). Visit rephresh.com for more information about this product. Step4 Follow a well-balanced diet plan. Be sure to eat healthy food and nutritional meals everyday. Try to avoid eating sugary food, soy sauce, cheese and chocolate and refrain from drinking soda, coffee or alcohol, because these types of food products puts you at a higher risk of developing recurring bacterial vaginosis infections.
Step5 Clean your vaginal area each day. Try taking showers instead of baths and be sure to properly clean the vaginal area with soap and water everyday, to help stop bacterial vaginosis infections.

How long do you have to take grapefruit seed extract for bacteria vaginosis?

2008-12-20T22:24:00.000-08:00

This can be a rather serious medical condition, and you really should consult a licensed naturopath or MD for advice. In the meantime, you may want to do some research on the Web. I found this: "Citrus seed extract is useful for vaginal candida infections. In a study done by the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Mexico, 20 women douched using grapefruit seed extract every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days. 15 patients were cured after the first treatment. Four patients received treatment twice to become symptom free and receive negative laboratory results and 1 patient repeated the treatment 3 times until the lab report came back negative."

What is the difference between the symptoms of a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?
BV is itchy smelly and sore. Yeast infection is mostly the same but with thick white lumpy discharge. Both are easilly treated so see your Dr to get some antibitoics.

Has yogurt worked for you to treat bacterial vaginosis?
I am eating the plain kind and also inserting the yogurt vaginally. If this has worked for you how soon do you see the results?
Eating it is okay, but do not put yogurt in your vagina.

What sexual acts can I do while having bacterial vaginosis?
I'm not sure if I have it, but hypothetically...I'm guessing since it's in my vagina I can give oral sex?And what's the worst that can happen to my boyfriend if I have sex/receive oral? And with fingering, what would be the greatest setback? Could the irritation get worse, or is the smell alone a reason to stay away from that?

You can give oral sex.But you have an INFECTION in your vagina. You want your bf to put his mouth on or fingers in an INFECTION??? EWW!!! GROSS!!!
Not only could fingering and cunnilingus aggravate your infection, it's just downright NASTY.
Get the meds and give yourself time to heal. No penetration, no sexual contact and no tampons until your BV is gone.

Bactirial vaginosis are their any treatments besides the antibiotics?

2008-12-20T22:23:00.000-08:00

I have had BV for about 5 yrs ever since I had my son off and on I don't have any STD's have been tested but have tried the Metronidazole 3 times and it just doesn't seem to work. I am pregnant and lets say a C section is not an option so I am worried if this treatment of the metronidazole does not work the baby will be at risk? Oh have tried acidopholis (sp?) and yogurt did not help at all.

Stay away from sugar, fruit juice, syrup, and just about anything sweet. If you need to sweeten your food, use a natural sweetener like stevia.
BV thrives in an acidic environment, so make your diet as alkaline as possible. Eat cooked and raw greens...like fresh spinach leaves which are extremely alkaline. Also, spring mix is a good choice for making your body alkaline. Cut back on foods which are acidic -- white flour products, meat, (particularly beef), eggs.
My best guess is that your baby will not be at risk because you have BV, but I'd consult a doctor on that.
Consult with your doctor about taking Pau 'd arco. In ancient times, the pau d’arco tree amazed the indigenous peoples of South America with its ability to repel microbes. The truth is, no fungus ever forms on the pau d’arco tree, even though it grows in the most lush tropical rain forests in the world. The herb works wonders at killing anything fungal or microbic...like yeast infections, BV, etc. In fact, you won't even get a cold if you take it every day.
Certainly, after you are pregnant, you can take Pau 'd arco and cinnamon to eliminate your problem.
So in summary, stay away from sugar, eat lots and lots of greens to stay alkaline, and certainly after your pregnant -- take Pau 'd arco (powder or tea) and cinnamon powder.

They say the Garlic in the vagina help the PH balance that is off in your vagina. Also you need to have you boyfriend or husband take the Flagyl. I can guarantee that this is the reason you keep getting it.

What happens during sex with bacterial vaginosis?

2008-12-20T22:18:00.000-08:00

why does the internet say that bacterial vaginosis is more apparent during intercourse? how is it more apparent? does it get all over the place? does the discharge dry out? what are the symptoms?
Bacterial Vaginosis is just an overgrowth of the normal bacteria in the vagina. It is usually only treated when it causes symptoms. It is more common after sex because semen, lubricant and others things that might be used during sex can throw off the bacteral balance in the vagina. Symptoms of BV are a thin grey discharge that smells fishy.
Does bacterial vaginosis ever clear up on its own or is medication always necessary?
I have some pretty serious side effects on antibiotics and I am scared to take them..Also, what are some reasons that a woman would have multiple periods in one month? I have had like six in the last two months!!! Not full periods everytime but more than a little spotting.

Well to answer ur first question it can clear up on its own however its strongly reccomended that you take an antibiotic to make sureit all gets cleared up and u dont have any complications. Also no its def. not normal to have 6 periods in two months of 3 in one. You need to go and get that cheked out. If ur not on birth control already maybe u should consider it to help regulate ur period.

The difference between Pityriasis Rosea and Ringworm.

2008-12-19T00:42:00.000-08:00

I have this rashes in my skin that looks like rings and it starts only a few but spreads to my back, neck, legs, as time goes by. It looks like P Rosea and also looks like Ringworm. Ive been using antifungal creams but no effects. how can i know what disease i have?

Ringworm is a parasitic infection.

The cause of PR is not exactly known, but the leading theory is a virus.

It doesn't matter though. A Ring shaped rash means its time to go to the doctor. You need to have this looked at immediately. It might be nothing at all, but a ring-shaped rash can also be much more serious than either disease you mentioned.

ringworm is easily treated and looks like circles raised and red and itchy,treated with lotrimin cream (vaginal yeast infection cream , whitch is athletes foot fungus cream and can be found any where !the trick is you have to continue the cream for three weeks even when the ring is gone !and it is contagious.now for the other ,it is a fine red rash that starts on the trunk and spreads out (like buck shot)all over the body ,and this bug is unknown except that it is thought to be viral and it will go away on its own,its not thought to be contagious.by the way ring worm is a fungus.both of these is know to effect people of all ages.

What is Ringworm And What Are The Symptoms?

My husband has a red circle, white in the middle, on his lower back. Is this ringworm and how do you get rid of it? I put antibiotic cream on it but it didn't seem to affect it.

CAUTION:you say you are applying the cream to your husband's back. Since Ringworm is contagious, make sure you wash your hands well afterward, and if you happen to touch parts of your body or someone else's, it's possible you have already spread it to there.

RINGWORM:Ringworm is classified as any of a number of contagious skin diseases caused by several related fungi, characterized by ring-shaped, scaly, itching patches on the skin and generally classified by its location on the body. Also called tinea.

a ring worm isn't really a worm. It is a skin condition. It is very common, but I think in order to get rid of it you have to have a prescription. Your husband needs to see a doctor. Talk to your pharmacist first, just in case an over counter medication has been approved in the past few years. Good luck, also it may be itchy, and it's usually scaly like eczema.

Clean your house to keep ringworm from effect.

2008-12-19T00:32:00.000-08:00

My momma cat and her kittens got ringworm from a farm kitten my husband brought in to save (it was starving), and now it's turned into a disaster! The cat and 6 kittens are at the vet for treatment because I just couldn't get it under control with cream for them, so I'll be paying through the nose for that, but now I need to take care of the house so we don't all get it. I am very upset! What can I do for carpet and furniture? I read to wash what you can with bleach, but I can't do that for carpet and fabric! Will lysol spray kill the fungus?
Use a disinfectant with high levels of phenol. An example is full strength Lysol - not the spray, but the liquid. This is what hospitals use. It doesn't smell great, but the odor goes away soon after cleaning. I remember in microbiology class, we tested many disinfectants, and this one killed everything in less than 3 minutes! Use this to wipe down all surfaces and mop the floor with it too. You'll need to wash all bedding, and yes, I would also spray regular Lysol on the carpet and furniture, or have it professionally cleaned. The possibility that it has spread on a dry surface is very low because fungi does need water/moisture to survive. I would still clean everything very well though.

I went through a similar situation. my roommate brought a Lynx home. said lynx was horribly infected by ringworm. Ringworm:
Ringworm is a fungus, not a worm. it is the same fungus that causes athletes foot. If you or your any family members have contracted ringworm, you will most likely see signs within the next week. It starts as a single spot, similar to a pimple. On some people it itches. What ever you do, don't scratch it. Scratching the spot will release a spore like reaction spreading the ring worm about your body. Should you suspect that you have contracted ring worm, purchase Lamisil ultra, or generic brand as they have the same active ingredients. Apply a thin layer on the affected area, and cover with a bandage. Scrub under your nails to keep from spreading.
With the carpet and the furniture, i used a rug doctor. General soap and water is the best defense. Carpet and furniture did not likely scratch the animal so infection on the items should be minimal but DO need cleaning. Rug doctor comes with an upholstery cleaning attachment.
Following cleaning, while the furniture is drying, air out your house. once dry, spray with an antibacterial or an anti fungal. You can use the athletes foot creme on the furniture if you are terribly worried about it spreading from the upholstery.
I washed my clothes in tide with bleach, and the fungus never returned.
Remember to apply the cream daily for 7 weeks, even after the affected skin is back to normal. Good luck and dont worry, the carpet and upholstery is probably the easiest thing to clean.
AND!!! the anti fungal CREME is more effective than the spray.
Also, You can mix a little POWDER tide with the rug doctor soap so the bleach included doesnt stain or strip coloring but it removes the fungus effectively.

What happens when you get tested for bacterial vaginosis?

2008-12-17T04:18:00.000-08:00

I'm super nervous. Like, it's not even describable how nervous I am. But I'm almost convinced I have bacterial vaginosis and I've known for a long time. But I didn't learn until just today that if it doesn't get treated, it can turn into something serious. So I made my plan that I'm going to the Options for Sexual Health drop-in clinic next week. What are they going to do?
They will just do a swab, it will be painless. The doctor has seen dozens of vaginas and yours won't be the worst, so relax! I was really nervous the first time too. I cried in the office actually. I had a pretty severe case of BV that would not go away. I tried creams, antibiotics, even boric acid vaginal suppositories for two weeks. I came across some information online about taking folic acid (orally) and how it was a cure for BV. I thought it was stupid and a long shot, but I was desperate, so I tried it. I have not itched AT ALL since I took the first folic acid supplement. I am taking 800mg twice a day and so far, so good. I REALLY didn't think this would work, but I am happy to say that IT DID!!!!!!! And from my research it seems that taking the daily recommended amount will prevent BV from returning. Good luck, I know this is awful! Also, keep in mind that antibiotics can cause BV in the first place, so look into alternative medicine, even if it's not folic acid. Do your research online or call a naturopathic doctor. CLICK HERE

they will do a pelvic exam and take a swab of fluids from your vagina. should be completely painless. (at least it was when i had it done). after that they will go and check the fluids under a microscope to correctly diagnose the infection, and go from there as to what medications to give you to treat the infection. you will be ok! trust me, it's a lot worse in your head than it actually is, i went through the exact same thing, and it did lead to further complications (cervicitis) because i was too scared to get treated, and waited too long.

Relax, all they do is look, take a swab (rub the area with a q-tiip) and test it.You're smart to go to the Dr. - I don't know how you could live with it for so long.Don't be shy about your body.... EVER We are all the same, and do you think you're the only one who has ever had a bacterial infection? Antibiotics will clear it up and you will feel a lot better.It's not a big deal.

The difference between Trichomoniasis and Bacteria Vaginosis.

2008-12-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

they have basically the same symptoms so the only way to really know is to go get a test done. Go to Planned Parenthood because they keep these thing confidential.Trich is an STD where as Bacterial vaginosis could occur from something internal like a PH imbalance.Both are easily curable but since you are there might as well test for everything Better safe than sorry.1 out of 4 woman are infected with something Butt Sc watch where you put your thing... oh and also most men that carry these diseases have NO symptoms so they could be a carrier and not even know it.
~ Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. Some women have signs or symptoms of infection which include a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor. The infection also may cause discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching of the female genital area. In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure.
~ Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the name of a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning.Women with BV may have an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after intercourse. Discharge, if present, is usually white or gray; it can be thin. Women with BV may also have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both. However, most women with BV report no signs or symptoms at all
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Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both women and men, although symptoms are more common in women.Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The vagina is the most common site of infection in women, and the urethra (urine canal) is the most common site of infection in men.The parasite is sexually transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva (the genital area outside the vagina) contact with an infected partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women, but men usually contract it only from infected women.Most men with trichomoniasis do not have signs or symptoms; however, some men may temporarily have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.

Some women have signs or symptoms of infection which include a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor. The infection also may cause discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching of the female genital area. In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the name of a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning.The cause of BV is not fully understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina. The vagina normally contains mostly "good" bacteria, and fewer "harmful" bacteria. BV develops when there is an increase in harmful bacteria.

Not much is known about how women get BV. There are many unanswered questions about the role that harmful bacteria play in causing BV. Any woman can get BV. However, some activities or behaviors can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put women at increased risk including: Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, Douching It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV. Women do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around them. Women who have never had sexual intercourse may also be affected.

How do you know when you have bacterial vaginosis and does it spread?

2008-12-17T03:58:00.000-08:00

I have had yeast infections before and at first I though that this was one. But earlier today I realized it might be something else. There is a clear discharge but it doesn't smell at all (but my yeast infections don't smell either) so that's kind of why I thought it was a yeast infection. But now the outer area and near my bum is sore and irritated. Could this be the bacterial vaginosis? and is there any thing I can buy over the counter to help? It is friday night and I will not be able to see a Dr. until monday and would like to at least releive some of the discomfort if possible.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a change in the balance of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina, which can cause bothersome symptoms. BV is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms in women of childbearing age.

The most notable symptom of bacterial vaginosis is an excessive, bad-smelling, grayish-white vaginal discharge. A "fishy" smell, which is usually worse after sex, is a telltale sign of BV. However, about half of women with BV have no noticeable symptoms.

BV is diagnosed by a culture examination. If bacteria is present, it will show up during a culture. The only way to treat BV is by using an antibotic. You can only obtain this antibotic by visiting a doctor.

I would suggest going to an urgent care center if there are any in your area. If not, you could always go to the ER. Based on how you've described your symptoms, I would wager to guess that it's not BV.

I would not suggest using any sort of over the counter medication without consulting a doctor, most products will only make your symptoms worse. If you could stand it, place an ice pack on the irritated area for about 10 mins. That may help to reduce the pain.

3 day to permannent BV relief click here

i have had bacterial vaginosis and no it dosnt sound like what you have i had no discharge or no pain near my bum. The only way i found out i had it was threw a pap test that came back abnormal. You need to go get checked for an std.

You can get bacterial vaginosis from having sex.

2008-12-17T03:46:00.000-08:00

I know that various things can mess up the ph of the vagina but has anyone ever experienced getting BV after sexual intercourse because of the fluids (semen, sperm, or just fluids) that come out of the penis. I'm not talking about STDs both people are disease free. What did you do for this issue. I mean if this is your monogamus partner or spouse you dont want to use condoms for the rest of your marriage or relationship.

You can get bacterial vaginosis from having sex. The exact cause of BV is not known though. Doctors still have a problem figuring that one out. Some people confuse BV as an STD because you can get BV from having sex. I think that any bacteria on the penis can stay inside of the vagina and mess with the PH levels and I also think sperm might change the levels of bacteria as well. Douching and antibiotics can also contribute to BV.

If you are using lubrication you might want to switch brands. Don't douche either please because that will just make things worse. I'm not saying your partner is dirty but have him wash himself off before you guys have sex and make sure you clean up before and after having sex. Yogurt is not proven to help or prevent BV but it's worth a shot.

BV is tricky sometimes. If you have it and you haven't seen your doctor for antibiotics you should go and get looked at. They usually give you an antibiotic gel that's inserted into the vagina when you go to bed. It's the only way to clear it out of your system.

Actually, yes, sperm can create an odor when it's mixed with vaginal fluids. Lots of women have complained about that. Are you sure it's not just that happening after sex? It could just be that especially if the odor disappears after a while! I mean, BV just doesn't clear up on its own.CLICK HERE

What can happen if you dont treat a Bacterial Vaginosis?

2008-12-17T03:43:00.000-08:00

My vagina has been smelling bad now for a while, i havent visisted my doctor due to the fact that i have no health insurance and well its pretty expensive. Ive had BV before but i would like to know in case i have this again, is it bad if i havent gotten any treatment for it?? Im really worried please help. Also could my husband be a blame for this? I noticed his penus smelled really bad and after having sex with him ive been having this problem.

It sounds like your husband and yourself are sharing BV or something similar. BV is often confused with yeast infection, and I believe that BV can lead to complications - the only one I know of is a possibility of pelvic inflammatory disease. Apparently it should clear up on its own in 2-3 days, and complications are rare. You can do a few things, in case it is a case of yeast infection rather than BV. - Eat lots of yogurt with active bacterial culture (it's GOOD bacteria, and will fight yeast infection) Keep clean with regular EXTERNAL washing with water and a non-irritating soap. Try a vaginal wash. Your husband should do this as well, vaginal wash can also be used on male genitals. (DO NOT douche)- Sleep in cotton underwear and pj's - avoid wearing underwear at all, if you can. read more here

You and your husband should avoid sex for a few days, until it is cleared up. You could possibly keep passing the infection back and forth between yourselves. If things don't go back to normal in a few days, you will just have to bite the bullet, and go to the doctor's.

As expensive as seeing the doctor, it is important for you to go. This "bacterial vaginosis" could be several things. It could be normal bacterial flora getting out of control, or it could be other bacterial infections caused by STD's. Unless you see a doctor, you will not have a proper identification of the bacteria and therefore will not get the proper treatment. Some of these infections can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes which increases risk of tubal pregnancies or can also cause infertility. Your husband could be blamed if you end up with some sort of STD. Until then, get checked out and see.

A bad yeast infection.

2008-12-17T03:23:00.000-08:00

Hey there, I had a baby 3 months ago. And just about a week ago, i started to have this horrible itching at the vagina, near vulva, and it slightly burns when i pee, also i have this neon yellow pee, and a weird smell from my vagina that is not normal for me.
P.S. I recently changed soaps, and i started using these scented panty liners with baking soda. could that be why?and i have weird abdominal pain, and i am on the BC shot.

Did you have a vaginal delivery? Did you have an episiotomy or did you tear? This may be a sign of infection at the damage site. Have you started your period? Is there a chance that you left a tampon up there? If you contiinue to have pain and foul smell, contact your OB. This could be a sign of a serious infection.

Sounds like you may have a vaginal or urine infection. stop using the scented pantyliners and rinse that area well after bathing or showering and make an appointment to see your doctor,or read this.

sounds like a yeast infection. Go to the pharmacist and pick up some monistat 3. Works wonders.
Changing of soaps will almost always cause a yeast infection (at least in some women) But if I had to guess it would be the scented panty liners, perfume has no business being down there.

Yep, Definitely sounds like a yeast infection. I believe they sell a test that will actually tell you if it is a yeast infection. It will be in the feminine needs section of a drug store, Walmart, etc. I think monistat makes it, but not sure.

This is a vaginal infection.

2008-12-17T03:12:00.000-08:00

I'm 15. I've had my period for about a year.Usually with yeast infections I've heard there's abnormal discharge,itchy, burning, swelling, and a strong foul odor.It doesnt itch, burn and my discharge is totally normal.-My actual discharge doesn't smell. And my vagina doesnt smell.But my clitoris sometimes does. It's not a strong odor.It doesnt really smell too fishy, but sometimes after my period it does. The scent comes and goes, sometimes its much lighter and sometimes i can smell it even with like stretchy shorts on. Help! My mom and sister have never had a yeast infection soI'd feel really uncomfortable, is there anything I can do at home?Oh, and my periods are irregular and its been lke 2 months lateso I've been wearing panty liners this whole time, that might worsen it. But its been like this before, so I dont think thats the problem. I'm not sexually active.

Once you start puberty a white and/or clear, non-foul smelling discharge (mucous) is normal. The vagina is self-cleaning. You will also have your own 'scent' (musky) and it will smell stronger to you than to others. When you wear stretchy shorts that traps the scent and makes it stronger. Stop wearing them..This same discharge increases the closer you get to ovulation and when you are sexually aroused. Trust me, you don't ever want it to go away..MOREDifferent Types of Discharge:White: Thick, white discharge is common at the beginning and end of your cycle. Normal white discharge is not accompanied by itching. If itching is present, thick white discharge can indicate a yeast infection.Clear and stretchy: This is "fertile" mucous and means you are ovulating.Clear and watery: This occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising.Yellow or Green: May indicate an infection, especially if thick or clumpy like cottage cheese or has a foul odor.Brown: May happen right after periods, and is just "cleaning out" your vagina. Old blood looks brown.Different types of infections:Signs of yeast infections:White, cottage cheese-like discharge;Swelling and pain around the vulva;Intense itching.You can buy over-the-counter Monistat to treat a yeast infection. Stay away from tight pants, stretchy shorts, nylons and no sugar (alcohol, bread, candy, bread, sweets, etc) as sugar feeds yeast. For some girls a yeast infection will go away just after her period, but most of us can't stand the itching that long to see if it goes away.Signs of bacterial vaginosis:A white, gray or yellowish vaginal discharge;A fishy odor that is strongest after sex or after washing with soap;Itching or burning;Slight redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva;Signs of trichomoniasis;A watery, yellowish or greenish bubbly discharge;An unpleasant odor;Pain and itching when urinating;Most apparent after your period.MORE

An infection from using the scented tampons.

2008-12-17T03:09:00.000-08:00

About a week ago I had my period and used scented tampons and panty-liners for the first time. A few days ago, once my period was over, I started to experience a little uncomfortableness down south. The next day, yesterday, my outer lips became a little red and more uncomfortable, but not really painful or itchy. By today, the redness was gone but it was still a little uncomfortable. And now today I got some greenish-yellow discharge.
am sexually active but my boyfriend got tested for STDs a year ago and I'm the only person he's had sexual contact with since he tested negative for everything. I'm going to make an appointment, but does anyone think that these problems may have been caused by the scented things I used?
I'm really freaking out because I noticed a bump under the skin (pink) by the hole. It hasn't changed and it isn't sensitive though, but I have no clue if it's all connected with my other issue.

It could be a vaginal infection like vaginitis or inflammation caused by the chemicals in your feminine products. The bump could be an ingrown hair or something. The symptoms of vaginitis:* A change in discharge, both in smell and color.* An itching or a burning sensation in the vagina.* Discomfort when passing water, or during sex.more

You have an infection from using the scented tampons. The vagina is a very sensitive area - but its also "self cleaning." There are tons of GOOD bacteria and the slightest change to such a sensitive place can cause a disruption - which sounds like what you have.
I'd go to the doctor to get treatment - its best not to treat vaginal issues yourself if it is your first experience with such problems.
In the future stay away from anything with scents - tampons, pads, creams, feminie sprays, and definitely don't ever douche (summer's eve). Its even bad to use an antibacterial soap in the shower when you wash your crotch because the "antibacterial" part of the soap kills off the good bacteria in your vagina. A close friend of mine was getting chronic yeast infections becasuse she was so paranoid about being "dirty" down there that she would use anti-bacterial soap, and that turned out to be the problem.
Let your body clean itself, and just be in-tune to what is going on down there - because every woman is different!

What exactly determines vaginal odor? 99% of the time my vagina has virtually no scent. "That time of the month" and a 1 time case of bacterial vaginosis I treated, are the only exceptions. This is not my imagination. Nearly every partner Ive been with has mentioned it. Its been compared to water. Ive been curious lately and did a little poking around. Everything I have read, including credible sources, claim all vaginas have a smell and unless particularly rancid smelling, it is nothing to worry about-- or even a good thing. They also make all kinds of products to "fix" smells. I am a twenty something year old with a diet that doctors would frown upon. I shower daily, but thats about it. Sex or missing a shower rarely affects the odor. Is it normal to have some odor? Am I just lucky? unlucky? What is in vaginal discharge/lubrication and what factors determine the scent?

You are normal and healthy. Strong vaginal odors can be a sign of infection or poor hygeine. But most women do not have objectionalble vaginal odors. You may be eating yogurt with live lactobacillus cultures. That is reported to help. So does occasional douching. Other than that, good hygeine, changing your clothes and bathing or showering regularly is sufficient to keep things under control.
Addendum. I've been thinking some more about this. If your sexual partners are impressed at your clean odor, you might want to question who they are comparing you to! Are you using appropriate protection to protect you from STD's?

am quite sure some odour is normal same as skin has some odour depite washing and showering twice per day.. and there is not an unpleasant odour to the vagina.. only if it really has a fish kind of odour then there is something wrong and would be very embarassing if one has a sex partner.. but that must be due to a bacterial infection or urinal tract infection or the discharge should not scent unpleasant if that has a fishy odour that is a sign for bacterial infection of the vagina...
It sounds fine to me..if you have no odor ..it is perfectly normal for you to be that way..some people have no underarm odor either.. it is just the way some of us are..a very strong odor would mean there is a problem ..

Birth control cannot cause vaginal odor.

2008-12-17T03:07:00.000-08:00

I had been on the birth control shot for about six months and recently I got off of it. A month has passed and for some reason I now have this strange vaginal odor. It's not a fishy scent nor am I having any discoloring in disharge or anything so I don't believe it is an infection. But the smell is definitely not the scent that I know I normally have. Its seems the moment I got off the birth control that's when I started getting the stronger odor. Can anyone tell me what's up with that?

sounds like bacterial vaginosis which can occur when there is a change in your harmones.Go to the doctor and get it checked out just to be safe.because you will need an antibiotic to get rid of it.

Birth control do not cause odor. Vaginal odor in most of cases is the sign of infection. This kind of infection is not so serious and can be treated easily. First of all you must be visited by a physician.

Thanks for the advice. It may just be an infection, but it's alway best to play it safe and get it checked out. MORE

How do I get rid of this vaginal itch?

2008-12-17T03:03:00.000-08:00

I tend to get this wicked bad vaginal itch right around that time of month. There's no discharge, yet there's a bit of an odor... yeah... gross, I know. And the itch is actually on the INNER labia so yeah...I was just wondering what the deal was?

If it makes any difference, I've been using scented aloe baby wipes for the past week or two, and I've been using some scented dove soap to bathe with.

I am a gynecologist and my wife has just show your question this itch is happening in the inside probably of your labia minors this. Could be related to type of vaginal fungus that can easily be treated go to ur local pharmacy and by an over the counter product called vagistad follow the directions this product has anti fungul cream that can help stop the itch ofciurse this product is meant for yeast infections but also rinses any bacteria that might be inside if the discharge continues with a heavier flow visit the doctor as it could be sings of a serious infection.MORE

This is normal for some woman. There are wipes that you can use or creams, vagisil that work out pretty well. It is also true that the baby wipes could be the problem. I had a similar problem and me and my doc finally figured out it was the soap I was using that was irritating me. It is irritating, but if you can talk to you doc they can help you, give you creams and advice and help you out.

I was using scented toilet paper to make the loo smell nice and I had the same thing. Just use Sorbelene (its a soap alternative and moisturizer and cheap) Great for shaving your legs with. Soap washed away your natural juices and drys u out.

Playtex makes wipes with Witch Hazel which are pretty cheap, and are available in portable sizes. I think for a while, you get a free sample of them with some boxes of Playtex Sport tampons. I use these sometimes, I find they make a difference.

Copper scented vaginal oudor?

2008-12-17T02:58:00.000-08:00

im on Birth control and i have sex frequently.
But i have noticed that my pus*sy smells like copper. i did some research on the topic online and some people say that the cause is blood.i do not think that i the case with me because i am not expecting my period for another 2 weeks. And after sex my bf says that his Pen*is smells like copper.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be causing this smell.

Sounds like you could have an infection. I would contact your obgyn and tell them your are having a old scent discharge. They will be able to determine whether an infection is present or not. I would recommend your bf get checked as well. Maybe it's him?

You might be ingesting something that has copper in it or if you wear copper jewelry the copper will be drawn into your blood stream from the skin.

Maybe there's blood INSIDE somewhere, or bruising, or bacterial. GO TO THE DOCTOR! It could develop into something much worse, and your body is trying to tell you something. Don't ignore it!MORE

Scented body wash CAN cause an odor in vaginal discharge.

2008-12-17T02:54:00.000-08:00

I have been using scented body wash for years. However recently I was treated for bacterial vaginosis. It cleared up but like 2 weeks after my following period i smell a strong odor. Im not sexually active at the time. I dont wear tight clothes, some of my underwear are cotton.
It's the perfumes, alcohols, and artificial additives that cause BV. I know women love scented body washes, but they should be limited to the outer parts of the body. I always keep a bar of my fave. soap in the shower, and when I use scented body washes, I use soap for the other area. This will prevent yeast bacterias and BV from forming.

My friend was treated for the same thing and her doctor told her it was b/c she was using antibacterial soap to clean her vagina. He said it was ok for her to bathe with it everywhere else but there b/c the vagina needs a certain amount of bacteria to be healthy. I also know that scented body wash can lead to yeast infections b/c of the fragrances. You may want to try not using it for a while or at least not bathing your vaginal area with it. Make sure you took all of your meds for the vaginosis and if you don't see any results consult your doctor.

yes, scented body wash or soap can give you a bacteria infection. you should use unscented products.
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Some advise about Viginal Infection.

2008-12-17T02:27:00.000-08:00

I've been smelling dowm in my viginal area like a musky/copper kind of smell. Its my my discharge and i get alot of it. I have a new boyfriend and i dont want to have sex wth him because i'm worried what h will think!! I went to the doctors about this and we did a swarobs test and it came up all clear. No bacterial infection at all. No thrush. Does anyone else have this smell? Also I definatly dont have an STI because i have only had sex twice and both times was with a condom. Anyone else get alot of disarge throughout the day? I'm so parnoid about keeping clean. I wash 3 times a day some days!!!!! Help! I'm worried what my boyfriend will think!!
Do you douche? This is not a joke you can douch to much. it will cause you to smell because you have antibodies in there that fight off Certain stuff and they help keep the smell down. If you wash all that out you are more likely to get infections. It also can be a kidney infection it will have a strong smell that takes few test to find out. I think you need to visit another doctor. There could be an infection that will not show up on the urine test or on a pap. So get some answer you don't need to just live with this.
I know you said you used condoms but do you have an IUD as well? Some people with an IUD have reported a copper smell. Have you had a urinalysis? Some times a urinary tract infections with no other symptoms can create an odor. Also do you have any problems with your ovaries? I have seen women complain of a vaginal odor when dealing with ovarian cysts. I hope that you can figure it out because this would be something very hard to deal with especially if those who are helping you aren't realizing the seriousness of the emotional part of it.

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What causes virginal infections?
I always go to the Doctor for a check up & ask the Doctors if I have contracted any STD or STI but they said no I don't because I have never had any sexual intercause. I also asked my Life Orientaion Teacher what could be the cause & she said it might be because of the tyt things that I always wear. My Doctor once gave me viginal cream it only seemed to work for a mean while after it was finished the thrash came back & its been iching all along. I even try & bath 3 times a day thinking it might go away.Any advise for me?

i think u may mean vaginal infections...wearing tight clothing can cause yeast infections which could be what u have. sometimes they don't go away the first time u treat them. u can get yeast infections without having sexual intercourse. they are uncomfortable to have. try some Monostat 3 day treatment. wear lose clothing, cotton underwear (not the thong kind), drink lots of water and eat lots of yogurt. if that doesn't clear it up then go back to the doctor.
yeast infections can also be caused by a bad diet. like eating too much sugar, fast food and junk food. if u drink a lot of alchohol that could cause a yeast infeciton as well.

How to fix the loss of bladder control.

2008-12-01T02:22:00.000-08:00

Recently, while driving home, I stopped to get gas. When I got out of the car I realized that I really needed to use the restroom. I got back into the car and started to drive home. When I was about half a mile away from my house, I wet myself. I couldn't control it at all, it just happened. I suspect that it is because I was wearing shorts that were pushing against my bladder, but I want to make sure it's not something more serious.

P.S. Im 17. So it's not elderly incontinence

If you've had any other unusual urinary sypmtoms (having to go more often than normal, itching, burning, etc) then the suggestion of a UTI is pretty likely.

Otherwise, if you've had no other problems before or since, it may have been just a one time thing. Maybe you just had to go more badly than you realized before getting to the gas station, and by the time you got back in the car headed home your bladder just couldn't take it anymore. It's not really "normal" but does happen to a lot of people from time to time. If your shorts were REALLY tight and pressed on your bladder, that could have had something to do with it too because your bladder wouldn't have been able to stretch out as much as it normally does.

If it doesn't happen again, I wouldn't worry, but if it does, you might want to get it checked out just to be safe.

How do you a control/fix a bladder control problem?

It is very hard for me not to "pee my pants" when laughing. I can't stand the embarrassment so I usually wear pads most of the time. This is not a joke so please don't make fun of me.

There's nothing to be embarrassed about! It's certainly not your fault that this happens. (It happens to a lot more people than you would think, too.)

Don't stop drinking water, because this can irritate your bladder. Drink the regular amount.

Cranberry juice (Don't drink too much.) daily can also improve the situation. They also make cranberry pills or capsules.

That's what the pads are intended for. You may just have to wear them for a while. Definitely, definitely go see a doctor and he/she can tell you what to do.

How long into pregnancy does urinating frequently start?

2008-12-01T02:20:00.000-08:00

2-3 weeks ago i had a blood test and it came back negative to any infections or pregnancy but know i am urinating every 10-15 minutes? How likely is it i am pregnant?

Almost right away, that is a pregnancy symptom!!! But then again every 10-15 minutes in the beginning seems extreme and you might have bladder issues, have they done a scan on your bladder you're probably not emptying it all the way when you go (i have that problem) it feels like you do but there's urine still in there and it doesn't hit you until minutes after you've already gone. And are you on your feet a lot, that plays a factor...it's called gravity...i have to go about that much when i'm on my feet a lot!! Just ask your doctor.

I know I was only a few weeks when I started noticing I was urinating more frequestly. It seemed to stop, and then it started again and has continued ever since. I'm 7 months and I do urinate more frequently still, but not as bad. Probabky only a couple times more than I did before I was pregnant, but I'm sure I'll have to wee more when the baby starts pushing on my bladder more :)

Sounds like more of a urinary tract infection than pregnancy. I started going alot more at 4 months, but it's not every 10-15 minutes. Does it burn when you go? Feel like you have to go all the time? Probably a UTI. If you were pregnant, you would most likely have other symptoms instead of just this one.

well, i am 4.5 weeks pregnant and i am noticing that i am going to the loo more often but not every 10-15 mins. prob every 2 hours. i think this sounds more like an infection. are you getting and burning or a feeling of pressure down below? if i were you i would drop a urine sample in to your GP and ask them to test it for infection and pregnancy to be double safe.

it starts at different times for everybody. i'm 36 weeks and the most i pee is once ever hour and a half so frequent urination isn't a definite pregnancy symptom.you may have a urinary tract infection, since you were tested 2-3 weeks ago. maybe get tested again?

Anxiety causes you urinate more frequently.

2008-12-01T02:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes if I'm feeling very anxious, I have to go to the bathroom more often. For example, when I'm at the dentist, it seems like I have to go every 30 minutes. Also when I'm just worried about using the bathroom, that makes me want to go more frequently. Like if I'm going on a trip and a bathroom won't be readily accessible, I start getting worried and that makes me want to urinate even more. Just thinking about going to the bathroom makes me want to go. Is this normal?

It's very normal. It's part of the more baser "fight or flight" instinct.

When humans are facing extreme adversity, a common effect is the voiding of the bladder in fear.

Since anxiety is just an emotional off-shoot of the baser feeling of fear, it's perfectly common to need to void under stress-inducing circumstances.

Anxieties and stresses activiate human autonomic sympathetic system, and the sympathetic response causes skin vasoconstriction and the blood got diverged from gut and skin to muscle. Gut and skin blood supply represent a BIG portion of body blood volume, so when suddenly the same amound of blood got constricted into a much smaller volume, extra amount of fluid just has to be flushed out. The fluid goes into the bladder, as the fluid accumulates it activates bladder stretch receptors, and it in turn generates a sacral reflex (a parasympatheic response) to the sacral cord. Once this signal was sent, the bladder muscles got another signal back to contract and the urine was expelled. (Hope I got this all right----I will be tested for this for my Physiology test after two weeks!)

Yes, it's normal. A lot of us share your experiences, especially sitting in a dental chair ? I often wonder why they don't have a bedpan underneath, just a poor joke... In a plane ? I always get an aisle seat, so I'll have an easier excess to the lavatory. Traveling by car ? I always get a map quest to locate fast food places...you see what I mean ? We are in the same boat. :):}

Well, it is a normal physiological symptom to have to urinate when you are nervous, or anxious - that is a fact. You nervous system is tied in with your urinary tract. However, it sounds like you have some chronic worrying issues, and I don't think that it's healthy to be worrying about the washroom to the degree which you are. If this continues, seeking out some help to figure out ways to calm down would be a good idea.

But really, if you live in a world where you an access a computer, and the internet in order to ask this question online, then you are probably in no danger of not getting to a bathroom anyways.

So, peeing more frequently when you're nervous is normal, but there is no need to be worried about it.

What is the treatment for pains in the sole of the feet and scrotal endodermis?

2008-12-01T02:06:00.000-08:00

light pains on the scrotum; difficulty in having erection (not surprised, due to diabetes; had sciatica once; pains sole of feet and toes; get some relief when petroleum jelly or some oil like olive oil is applied; desparately need cure.

Find a massage therapist that specializes in sports therapy to help relieve the sciatica pain. They should also have extensive knowledge of reflexology, a type of massage for the feet.

As for the scrotum pain, I'm just not sure about that one. Saw Palmetto is great for prostrate issues, but you must take it daily and in large doses. Not sure if that would help with the pain, though.

Of course, you probably already know that you MUST change your diet since you have diabetes. Exercise goes a long way for diabetics also. But most diabetics I know, don't do anything but take the pills/shots and go on with their lives the best they can.

Dear friend I think you meant scrotal Epididymis, Epididymis is a structure within the scrotum attached to the backside of the testis. The epididymis is a coiled segment of the spermatic ducts that serves to store, mature and transport spermatozoa between the testis and the vas (the vas deferens). OK this is a inflammation of the Epididymis this can be cause by infection or a more serious decease . And it can also cause the pain in the sole of youre feet .Other causes for can be that you have taken quinolones antibiotics like Cipro that can cause leg and foot pain in some people or that you have taken an anti ulcer medication like cytotec which is a synthetic prostaglanding hormone that causes exes contraction of the PC muscle an testicular pain or prostatitis To ruled out a Serious decease please consult a urologist

Abnormal vaginal discharge.

2008-12-01T01:59:00.000-08:00

I am 19 years old and in the passed year every once in a while I'll get this vaginal discharge that reminds me of an egg white before you cook it! (sorry if i'm being gross) Sometimes there is just so much it pours out of me and this will only last a few days. Just recently this happened again but then it turned into a light yellow creamy discharge with no odor. I also feel full in my stomach, like I have to go number 2! I am sexually active and have hpv, I don't know if that has anything to do with it or if it's my hormones maybe or ovulation? Does your discharge change as you get older? I'm a little bit of a hypocondriac so I pretty much think I have cervical cancer and that I'm going to die! ( a little extreme I know, but this is what webmd tells me)

Glands inside your vagina and cervix make small amounts of fluid. This fluid flows out of the vagina each day, carrying out old cells that have lined the vagina. This is your body's way of keeping your vagina healthy and clean. The discharge is usually clear or milky and doesn't smell bad.

The color and thickness of the discharge change with your monthly cycle. The discharge is thicker when you ovulate (when one of your ovaries releases an egg), when a woman is breastfeeding or when a woman is sexually excited.

Changes that may signal a problem include an increase in the amount of discharge, a change in the color or smell of the discharge, and irritation, itchiness or burning in or around your vagina. This is called vaginitis. A discharge that's stained with blood when you're not having your period could also be a sign of a problem. Some other types of infections such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis can also cause discharge that is usually accompanied by odor such as beer/yeast/fish.

I would recommend that if you have any of these signs or any concerns regarding this you consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and for proper treatment should you have anything other than just a normal vaginal discharge.

Can build up of bacteria cause vaginal itching?

2008-12-01T01:56:00.000-08:00

Candida albicans, and other forms of yeast, grow in the vagina, rectum, and mouth. In a healthy vagina, the presence of some yeast may not be a problem. When a woman's system is out of balance, yeast-like organisms can grow profusely and cause a thick, white discharge. A yeast infection is not necessarily an STI; however, treating a woman and her sexual partner may help prevent recurrent yeast infections.

Yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection women experience (bacterial vaginosis is the most common). Over 70% of women develop at least one yeast infection during their life and over 40% of women have had more than one infection.

Factors that may disturb the vagina's balance include:

Antibiotic treatments

Oral contraceptives

Hot weather or non-ventilating clothing, which increase moisture and warmth, fostering fungal growth

Repeated intercourse over a short period of time

Stress

Suppressed immune system (including HIV)

High carbohydrate intake, especially refined sugars and alcohol

Pregnancy

Diabetes

Other causes can be irritants such as soaps, powders, new detergents and other products.

Both STD's and an overabundance of the yeast, candida, can cause itching. There is now a test sold in the feminine aisle of Wal-Mart and other stores that tells you if you just have a yeast infection or something more. If it is a yeast infection, you can buy cream right off the same shelf where you bought the test.

Do some things to relieve vaginal itching.

2008-12-01T01:42:00.000-08:00

It's the yeasty discharge that makes your skin itch. If you can remove it and protect yourself from it you'll feel much better. Wash yourself gently with lukewarm water then slather on some protroleum jelly. It will help keep your skin from getting irritated again. When you can, try some over the counter ich relief cream. They can tingle a bit or even burn some if you have been doing even a small amount of scratching/rubbing, but they generally work.
My doctor suggested that I eat a serving of yogurt daily or take a supplement of acidophilis in it's place. The yogurt and supplement have natural bacteria that fight off the yeast that helps to prevent/reduce future yeast infections.

you may have yeast infection or jock itch which is a type of yeast infection or fungus...anyhow it's something common that is curable and you should indeed visit your doctor for a checkup..i know there are some anti fungal cream out there but you may need one with a prescription ..so dont wait too mcuh and keep that area dry..also use another towel to dry it after you shower..
and avoid scratching it may make it worse..spreads the bacteria..

You may have what is called "bacterial vaginosis". Symptoms of this condition are itching, swelling, and an odor (usually fishy). There can also be discharge, but it is usually clear and not white, as white discharge is a symptom of a yeast infection. You need to see you doctor and ask for Flagyl, unless you are allergic to sulfa drugs. Also, be careful, as antibiotics can cause a yeast infection!!!

Well, you maybe need to drink a medication to kill the "virus" inside you. I used to have that a lot and MONISTAT would be a good one for your probably, but not enough!Go to a doctor make a check up!
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The cause of virginal bleeding after intercourse.

2008-12-01T01:37:00.000-08:00

Bleeding during or after sex is not considered normal and therefore should be evaluated at all times. The only time bleeding during or after sex is considered normal in some cases is if you are having sexual intercourse for the first time.

Some causes of vaginal bleeding after sex, such as vaginal dryness after menopause or in some cases by the use of certain types of birth control pills are not serious and may be easily treated.

However, in some cases, vaginal bleeding after sex can be a sign of a serious underlying problem, including:

* Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis).

* Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

* Cervical polyps.

* Cervical ectropion, a condition in which the cervical tissue is more susceptible to abrasion.

* Endometriosis or ovarian cysts.

* Pelvic inflammatory disease.

* Uterine fibroids.

* Cancer of the cervix, uterus or vagina

If you continue to experience bleeding during or after sex, I would recommend that you consult with your doctor/gynaecologist to see what they think could be causing this.

1) If the blood is bright red and looks like when you cut yourself in the finger, then the bleeding is due to an injury.

1a: For example, either the hymen ruptured again (can happen with large penis even if you are not a virgin anymore), the inner labia or the vaginal wall got torn a little bit. If this was your first time, then the bleeding stems from the ruptured hymen and this is absolutely normal.

1b: This might also occur due to vaginal dryness and friction during sex, and also due to too rough sex. Never have sex with dry penis or vagina. Either you are naturally moist or use plenty of lubrication. Relax and avoid vaginal tightness; go slow in the beginning.

1c: This might also happen when fingering with sharp nails or household items. Avoid all items with hard parts or sharp edges.

1d: If the blood loss is little and the pain only mild and short-term, then don't worry about it; it will fix itself.

2) If the blood looks like menstrual blood, e.g. brownish or dark, then the post-coital bleeding is purely conincidental and has nothing to do with having had sexual intercourse. It is probably just intra-menstrual spotting. Don't worry about this.

How to get rid of vaginal odor?.

2008-11-29T00:44:00.000-08:00

First things first – feminine deodorant sprays play on women's insecurities about vaginal scent and attempt to suggest vagina's should smell like flower, just like anything else chemical these products aren't good for vaginal health as they interfere with vaginal pH in turn throwing off the balance of bacteria within the vagina that leads to vaginal infections thus the cause of bad vaginal odour.
Your vagina is supposed to smell like a vagina, which is a musky but clean smell, not unpleasant and that smell can change slightly throughout your menstrual cycle as hormones affect the environment within the vagina. No one else can smell your vagina other than you and any sexual partners you allow close enough, who would appreciate the smell and find it sexually arousing. You may also find if you are sexually active the smell can change after sex, particularly when no protection is used due to the semen combining with your vaginal fluids. You notice how your vagina smells because it is literally under your nose, and smelling your vagina is good for your health just the same as tasting your own vagina. Knowing your vagina's scent and taste is an important part of caring for your sexual health as once you know what is normal for your vagina you can then tell if something is wrong when the smell or taste changes. Note here that your vagina is self-cleaning and actually cleaner than your mouth so there is nothing 'dirty' about tasting your own vagina, and as it is yours then there is also certainly nothing perverted about it either.
The only time your vagina would smell bad is if you had a vaginal infection, for example with bacterial infections it is common for a vagina to smell foul, fish-like or with a slight scent of ammonia due to the additional harmful bacteria present in your vagina. If you have a bad smell then it is most likely to be an infection known as bacterial vaginosis, this is basically when the 'bad' bacteria take over from the 'good' bacteria. Every woman gets it from time to time although some get it more often particularly if they don't know how to best care for their vaginal health. I'm afraid the fact you have been using feminine deoderant has probably made things worse, all you ever need to use to stay clean is plain water, anything else will potentially cause infections leading to bad smells. You would need to see your doctor for tests and treatment, most commonly you are given antibiotics, also mention to him your partner as although this is not an STI it can be passed from partner to partner meaning once your infection is cleared sex with your partner may give you it back again.
You may also notice if you go unwashed for a while or you are sweaty then smell can be affected, but as long as it goes back to normal after washing then everything is fine. Menstruation can have an affect too, but again you should never smell bad, particularly if you stay clean and change your sanitary products regularly. If your vagina does smell bad then you need to see a doctor for testing and treatment, this may even be a good idea if you're worried about smell as testing will show you that how you smell is normal and healthy.
To stay healthy and smelling good wash daily, remember only ever wash with water, using your hand to wash between lips and around the clitoral head. Never use soaps, washes, sprays or wipes as these interfere with vaginal pH that can cause infections leading to odour. Keep yourself dry, wearing plain cotton underwear and avoiding synthetic or tight-fitting clothing can help keep your groin cool and dry which prevents bacterial and yeast growth to keep your vagina healthy. Avoid commercial pads as these can make your groin warm and moist, they also contain chemicals that interfere with vaginal pH, instead try organic or cloth pads, tampons should also be avoided at all costs as they are harmful to vaginal health, instead try softcups or menstrual cups.
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What are the causes of heavy bleeding with menstrual periods.

2008-11-29T00:34:00.000-08:00

Abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy menstruation or menorrhagia is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance in adolescents during the years following the onset of menstruation, or in women who are approaching menopause.
Menstruation is often irregular or heavy during these times because, depending on hormonal levels, the ovaries may or may not release an egg. Another common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding is fibroid tumors.
Other causes of excessive bleeding that your doctor should consider include:
* Cervical or endometrial polyps
* Lupus
* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
* Cervical cancer
* Endometrial cancer.
Women using intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control, may also experience excessive or prolonged periods. If you experience menorrhagia while using an IUD, the IUD should be removed and replaced with an alternative birth control method.
I'm not sure how old you are, but I would recommend that you speak to your Mom if you're still under 18 about consulting with your doctor/gynaecologist for further evaluation. They will need to run some tests in order to properly diagnose you with what could be the cause of this.

It's to do with the lining of the uterus, but this can mean you could have problems like endometriosis later in life or you may even have it now and not know.
You could help your body control it more by going on the pill, as this makes your periods lighter in most cases and regular to the day.
Also, if it is making you pass out or quite ill, then your doctor may tell you that you can skip your periods using the pill so that you only have one every 6 weeks. You can do this without your doctors consent as it is quite safe but I think in your case, you should discuss this at length with your doctor.

How do you know if a breast lump could be cancer?

2008-11-29T00:23:00.000-08:00

1.I went to the doctor for a lump in my breast I found a few months ago and she is sending me to a surgeon. Should I be worried? I thought you only were sent to the surgeon if the doctor thought it was cancer. I will go have a mammogram Monday morning and then see the surgeon in a couple of weeks. I am 31 years old and breast cancer does not run in the family. I am scared to death but don't want to get bad thoughts is my head if I don't need to.

2.Im 17 and i think i have a lump in my breast.i know some lumps are normal to have but how do you know if it could be dangerous?Should you check your breasts at 17?At what time of the month is best to check?Ill be getting my period in a day or 2 so my breasts are tender so should i forget about the lump until they are not tender ?

1.Well, a lump in your breast warrants some degree of concern. But, at this point, there's no need to panic. Just follow through as your doctor has planned.

Going to a surgeon is no red flag. I assume that "your" doctor is either your gynecologist, or your general practititoner. In both cases, these are doctors who generally don't deal with breast lump issues beyond initial evaluation and then referral.

The surgeon will probably, if your doctor hasn't already done so, order a mammogram. Perhaps other radiologic and/or imagining studies will be in order, I don't know the location or feel of your lump.

Then, the surgeon will work with you and plot a course of action. He/she may simply do a needle aspiration, to drain it of fluid - if it's filled with any fluid. Or, you might be set up to have a needle biopsy or biopsies of the lump. Depending on the results there, other surgical followup could be necessary. The first step is to find out what's "in" the lump and the surgeon will command that ship, so to speak. It may well be nothing, dear... so let's just not worry more than a little right now.

2.There is no way to know if a breast lump is cancerous without consulting a doctor; then if s/he has cause for concern s/he will refer you for tests. You can't self-diagnoose.

But at 17 your chances of having breast cancer are very close to zero.

80% of people diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50; women in their 20s and 30s who get breast cancer are considered young, and account for only a very small percentage of those diagnosed.

It is EXTREMELY unusual in a teenager - really, beyond rare

Even in adult women (including the over 50s) most breast lumps are not cancerous. Many women have naturally lumpy breasts.

Wait till after your period; if you're still worried see your doctor by all means - s/he should be able to reassure you. Some people here have suggested a mammogram - no doctor will order a mammogram on someone your age - young women's breast tissue is too dense for a mammogram to be a useful diagnostic tool. In all likelihood s/he will be able to reassure you after a physical exam only.

Examining your breasts is a very good habit to get into; you should do so monthly, several days after your period ends - this is when your breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender.

My female gynecologist shared this nugget of wisdom with me after I found a lump and became concerned, she said "female breasts are normal lumpy to a certain extent -- if you suspect an unnatural lump, just check to see if you have the same 'lump' on the other breast, because most are symmetrical." Sure enough - I felt the same 'lump' on the other side and quit worrying.

Pregnant and sharp stabbing pain.

2008-11-29T00:17:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy can be a very anxious time. I understand totally. I am 31 weeks now and have that "should I, shouldn't I ring the midwife/doctor?" debate with myself all the time.
To be honest, although you feel like you ring them alot, who cares? If you are concerned (which you obviously are) then you should just call. Worrying alone is horrible. Its what they get paid for at the end of the day.
Discharge (yellowish/whitish) and an increase of it IS normal during pregnancy. I even wear a panty liner to try to make it easier to handle. I also had stabbing pains and dull aches and cramps and all sorts, worried myself sick and then was always fine!
However, if you DID have am infection of some sort, you would want it treated as it is not good for the pregnancy at all.

it is called round ligament pain!! very common. do some research on it! but i would still consult with your doc...just to make sure! you should always check out every pain with the doc...even if you think you know what it is!! you never know when it might be something different. drink some water and go lie down!!

It definitely sounds like "Round Ligament Syndrome." These are the ligaments that hold your ever-growing uterus in place throughout pregnancy...well, they do that job when you're not pregnant too, they just don't have to work so hard...
It's really nothing to worry about at all, the reason you'll feel that "stabbing pain," is probably you've gotten up too fast and/or twisted your torso and it pulled those ligaments...It really hurts, just for a few seconds though.
I also freaked out when I felt it for the first time, too...and this is my 2nd pregnancy!! LoL! So, I did some research and found out that round ligament syndrome is totally what I had and was experiencing...it set my mind at ease.
Just be aware of your body. Get up slowly and easy. DO NOT make any sudden movements or twist your body real fast when you get up.
And, of course, if you're still concerned and have some worries, talk to your doc. that's what he or she is there for!!

How to get rid of a stuffy nose and a sore throat very quickly.

2008-11-29T00:07:00.000-08:00

Drinking hot blackcurrant helps! Also holding your face over a bowl of hot (not boiling) water can help unblock your nose. Also, put vapor rub on your pillow before you go asleep but don't smother the pillow or your hair will stink of it! You can also get cold and flu capsules/tablets which help so take one before you go and take some with you, they usually start working after 20 minutes and after you blown your nose the once you don't need to for an hour!

I just got over a really bad cold. I didn't have any money for medicine so I made some chamomile tea and put honey in it. It soothed my throat and stopped my cough. I also used some nasal spray that I got at dollar general a while ago. It worked really well.

With colds the best remedy is sleep and water therapy. Throughout the day, drink lots of fluids (preferably warm) and take in Vit C through citrus fruits or juices and get a whole lot of sleep for that night.
I'm gonna be realistic, it really takes a few days to cure a cold. However the steps i mentioned should lessen your colds and sore throat. Follow this method for another day and you just might be well enough to enjoy your beach vacation the succeeding day.

Steam away stuffiness. For temporary relief, take a hot shower, or put the kettle on for an old-fashioned steam inhalation. Steam helps shrink the swollen mucous membrane and promotes drainage. Add menthol or eucalyptus if you like, but the jury’s still out on whether they help. the cooling sensation of menthol creates the feeling of breathing more easily, even if it doesn’t reduce congestion.
Boil a pot of water, and remove the pot from the stove. Drape a towel over your head, and then lean over the pot. The towel will form a tent over your head and the pot that will concentrate the steam. This should unclog your stuffy nose in about ten or fifteen minutes. But don’t lean your face too close to the hot water, or you might risk scalding your skin. And, if things feel too hot under the towel, let the water cool off for a minute or two.
Drinking fluids like water, tea or juice will thin mucus, which will help alleviate your stuffy nose. But avoid beverages that contain caffeine, because they will only make your stuffy nose worse.
Placing adhesive strips across the bridge of your nose will open up your nasal passages. Breathing strips are especially good for nighttime use.
Get a little exercise if you feel up to it. Exercise acts as a natural decongestant by triggering the release of adrenaline, which narrows swollen blood vessels, including the ones blocking your nose.

Coughing up green gobs of goo?

2008-11-28T23:31:00.000-08:00

I have a deep, chest, bronchitis sounding cough. The phlegm produced is thick and dark yellow to greenish. I have a runny nose, but am not really sneezing. There is pressure in my chest, and I am having difficulty breathing. I don't sleep well b/c I am coughing so hard, and occasionally have coughed up blood and/or vomited due to the intensity. I have pressure in the area behind/around my eyes and nose. Also, I had these symptoms a while back, and thought it was just the common cold. It has been on and off for about 1 1/2 months. I would go to a doctor, but I do not have a primary care physician near my University.

You have probably had some kind of recurrent bacterial sinus infection, which is now moving into your chest. You are developing pneumonia. Coughing up blood is a considered a serious symptom, in this case probably a sign that persistent coughing is causing minor throat or bronchial damage. nevermind distance, get to a doctor or a hospital and get antibiotic treatment now.

You can also try some Miucinex - will help with the congestion and coughing a little bit. Besides what sounds like a bad sinus infection you could be on your way to getting walking pneumonia (coughing at night and blood tainted mucus) please be sure to take your temperature. Walking pneumonia is almost always accompanied by a low grade Fever.
A Deep sinus infection must be treated - leaving this could cause (aside from the pneumonia) ear infections, eye infections and a slew of other problems.
I hear you about the insurance problem - I had a friend who had a mysterious lump on her ribs. I suspected cancer but being in the same situation you are, she could not even go to a primary! I told her to check out her local university's medical programs (this did the trick and she was able to get treatment and subsiquently has been in remission for 4 years!). Many times they can help, suggest or even assist you in seeking health care alternatives that are suitable to your situation

Can a person with a slight hearing loss join the Marines?

2008-11-28T23:27:00.000-08:00

I am naturally born with a hearing loss in both my ears. I may not ever enlist, however, just to know if this option applies to me, does anyone know if there is any requirement that a person needs perfect hearing to be a candidate of the U.S. Marines?

If you can't pass the hearing test at MEPS you must be deaf they play a beep 100 times constantly just keep hitting the button and then they will stop for 30 seconds then 100 times constantly just keep hitting the button. It was the loudest hearing test I have ever taken. One time during the test a man or woman will come on and go don't press the button till you hear the tone even if you have been doing it 100% correctly. If it comes on more than 2 times than you might have to retake it.

Here are the hearing standards as measured by a standard audiometer. Anything worse is disqualifying:

Pure tone at 500, 1000 and 2000 cycles per second: Not more than 30 decibels loss on the average with no individual level greater than 35 decibels loss at those levels.'

Pure tone at 3000 cycles per second: Not more than 45 decibels of hearing loss.

Pure tone at 4000 cycles per second: Not more than 55 decibels of hearing loss.

AR 40-501: Standards of Medical Fitness, para. 2-7

im not sure bout the marines but i joined the army with hearing loss they just give you a waiver but when i went to the consult a guy went with me that was trying to join the marines so i think they would just do the same thing

The alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

2008-11-28T23:17:00.000-08:00

When heavy or frequent drinkers suddenly decide to quit "cold turkey" they will experience some physical withdrawal symptoms -- which can range from the mildly annoying to severe and even life-threatening.

The severity of these withdrawal symptoms is usually dependent upon how "chemically dependent" the chronic drinker has become. Those who drink heavily on a daily basis of course have developed a high level of dependency, but even those who drink daily, but not heavily and those who drink heavily but not daily, can also be chemically dependent upon alcohol.

When someone who has become "alcohol dependent" decides to stop drinking, they will experience some level of physical discomfort. For this reason, it is extremely difficult for them to merely stop drinking "on their own" without assistance and support.

Never Again

The scenario has been played over and over many times. After a particularly damaging or embarrassing binge, the hungover person will make an oath to himself and others to drink "never again" and quite often is sincere about quitting.But with the onset of withdrawal symptoms, also comes the "craving" for more alcohol. The body is telling the drinker that it "needs" alcohol. As the physical symptoms of withdrawal begin to increase, taking another drink simply becomes less painful than not taking one -- or so it seems at the time.

For those who have committed themselves to not drinking again, or forced by circumstances to not have access to alcohol, the struggle to fight the withdrawal symptoms can become a dangerous battle, one that can actually become life threatening.

The Shakes
For some, who are less chemically dependent, withdrawal symptoms might be as "mild" as merely getting the shakes, or the sweats -- or perhaps nausea, headache, anxiety, a rapid heart beat, and increased blood pressure.
Although these symptoms are uncomfortable and irritating, they are not necessarily dangerous. But they are often accompanied by the "craving" for more alcohol, making the decision to continue abstinence much more difficult to make.
Even the "morning after" hangover of someone who only occasionally drinks to excess, is actually a mild form of alcohol withdrawal from the excesses of the night before, as the alcohol content of their blood begins to drop. The symptoms can appear within a few hours after not drinking.

The DT's
However, within six to 48 hours after not drinking, hallucinations may develop. These usually are visual hallucinations but they can also involve sounds and smells. They can last for a few hours up to weeks at a time.
Also within this time frame after quitting, convulsions or seizures can occur, which is the point at which alcohol withdrawal can become dangerous, if not medically treated. The symptoms may progress to delirium tremens (DT's) after three to five days without alcohol. The symptoms of DT's include profound confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, hyperactivity, and extreme cardiovascular disturbances.
Once DT's begin, there is no known medical treatment to stop them. Grand mal seizures, heart attacks and stroke can occur during the DT's, all of which can be fatal.

Do anyone know how long alcohol withdrawal symptoms takes to recover?
I had drink a plenty of red wine every night for a year? Then I day I stoped and suddenly the second day I started to have insomnia. Almost 3 months. I try valerian and melatonin only sometimes works. Now I still don't know the reason that I can't sleep well because when I don't need to work next day I sleep better. Maybe job stress.

When you have drank for long period of times you "mess" with the chemical receptors in your brain. This leads to insomnia with people that become chemically dependent on substance, such as alcohol. It may take up to 18 months for chemical receptors to become normal again. Stress can be a leading cause of insomnia, but if it persist go and see your PCP.

Are there withdrawal symptoms from chemicals in cigarettes besides nicotine?

2008-11-28T22:59:00.000-08:00

Nicotine patches are deliberately designed as slow release to give you small amounts of nicotine over longer periods of time and are absorbed through the skin which is not as direct into the bloodstream as inhalation. And of course depending on how many you smoked a day the patches probably provide somewhat less of a daily dose of nicotine which would lead to some withdrawal symptoms.

On the other hand cigarettes have been known to contain Caffeine, Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Nicotinate all of which have their addictive traits.

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I know that there are lots of other chemicals in cigarettes besides nicotine. Maybe this sounds dumb, but are they addictive? I'm on the patch but still having what I think must be withdrawal symptoms. I feel really tired and spacey, like I did when weaning on and off bipolar medications. Obviously something is affecting my brain to cause these symptoms, but I assume that since I'm on the patch I'm not in nicotine withdrawal?

Yes I have heard from multiple sources that the cig companies put addictive chemicals in their products so that you will indeed become addicted and keep buying their cigs. Nasty, huh?

You are probably withdrawing from something...you could probably do a little internet research and find out what it is they put in there and get your mind off the side effects.

Congrats on your decision to quit. I know it's not easy so hang in there.

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I quit cold-turkey 2 years ago, after smoking for about 15 years. I truly as physically sick, I am throwing up, etc. It lasted for about 5 days, and the other symptoms lasted for about two weeks. I can truly tell you, for about two weeks, I was experiencing horrible withdrawals. But, all in all it was sooooo worth it. I think you can do it too.

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Try stop using the patch and just going it alone and see what happens. I am betting that your ready to stop alltogether. Also, the sooner you equate smoking with killing yourself, the sooner you will be able to quit for good. You see changing the associations your mind has with smoking is how you quit. Right now, when you think of smoking you think of pleasure. However, if you can change that so that when you think of smoking you think of pain and death, you will never want another ciggarette. Its all in your mind.

The initial symptoms of the chicken pox.

2008-11-28T22:50:00.000-08:00

the first symptoms are: slight fever, red spots, then itching red spots... You might get something simular to chicken pocks from it by the way... In that case you should see your doctor.
Other than the spots are there any other symptoms for the chicken pox? The spots have not appeared yet but held a baby yesterday who has them. I had the chicken pox and 2 or 3 years of age. \
Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness caused by primary infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). It generally begins with conjunctival and catarrhal symptoms and then characteristic spots appearing in two or three waves, mainly on the body and head rather than the hands and becoming itchy raw pockmarks, small open sores which heal mostly without scarring.
Chickenpox has a 10-21 day incubation period and is spread easily through aerosolized droplets from the nasopharynx of ill individuals or through direct contact with secretions from the rash. Following primary infection there is usually lifelong protective immunity from further episodes of chickenpox.
Chickenpox is rarely fatal, although it is generally more severe in adults than in children. Pregnant women and those with a suppressed immune system are at highest risk of serious complications. The most common late complication of chicken pox is shingles, caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus decades after the initial episode of chickenpox.

How soon does ringworm infection show symptoms?

2008-11-28T22:32:00.000-08:00

My kitty and my family members have been exposed to a kitten with ringworm infection for 1 to 2 days, how long will my kitty and humans show symptoms if infected and what is the typical symtoms? Is itching a first sign? If my cat does not show symptoms, could it be possible she still is the carrier and can transmit to others? Do I need to treat a cat not showing symptoms? What is the best way to treat it?
Since ringworm is a fungus, it will spread at varying rates. More than likely though, your kitty would start to show signs within a week. Look for circular spots that look like dry skin, or reddish in color.
If you think that the fungus has indeed been transferred to your household, the first step is to control it. The vet is always an option, but the costs of "diagnosis" are pretty high. They test hairs from your pet to see if the fungus is detectable, and only then will they prescribe medication.

The symptoms in humans is normally itching first, then a dry patch of skin in a circular pattern, a bit harder to pick up in animals because of their fur, you normally can't tell if they have it until a patch of hair falls out. I've only had experience with it on horses, they rub on trees, fences etc to scratch themselves and the others can then catch from touching the fences, trees etc and it seems to stay on the trees for a very long time. I would say it is possible that your cat could be a carrier and it wouldnt hurt to treat it. I use a product called vetadine, its surposed to be watered down and used as a wash, it would'nt hurt to wash your cat with it! I hope it likes baths! But it actually works best dabbed on the area undiluted. I've used it on myself, its fantastic, put it on once or twice and ringworms are gone.It does specify on the bottle amimal treatment only, but it has never hurt me. you can get creams from the chemist but they dont work anywhere near as quickly as the vetadine.

i wouldnt be able to give you a specific time frame, but i do know that ringworm is a slow-growing fungus .. if i had to GUESS, i might say from a few days to a week.ringworm typically presents as a round reddened lesion, usually with crust and a raised outer edge. it is normally itchy. it people, this may be easier to see, while in animals .. you may not see it until the fur falls out.
cats are notorious for being asymptomatic carriers. it is absolutely possible for your cat to be a carrier and transmit ringworm to others .. but it is also possible for her NOT to be a carrier.
in school, i was taught that the vet can "comb" a cat's haircoat with a sterile toothbrush and send it out to the lab to see if there is any ringworm on the haircoat that has not obviously presented itself. i'll be honest, i've never seen a veterinarian do it, and i'm not sure how many vets do it, or if what i learned is even outdated (although i learned that last year).
there are medicated dips that can be done to treat ringworm. i'm unsure if it's necessary to do this since you don't mention your cat has any signs of ringworm.what i would do: give the vet a call, see if he/she thinks it is necessary to figure out if your cat is a carrier.
in the meantime, check yourself, family, and all pets in the home daily (ALL OVER) for suspicious lesions. also, be sure to use a disinfectant approved for killing ringworm on all areas the infected animal came in contact with if you haven't already.good luck, hope i helped.

The symptoms of mononucleosis.

2008-11-28T22:27:00.000-08:00

The symptoms of mononucleosis are: fever, sore throat, muscle soreness, fatigue, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, dizziness, disorientation, painful swallowing, enlarged tonsils, cough, and swelling around the eyes.

The virus has a long incubation period and sometimes won't show symptoms until 30 to 60 days after infection. Most often symptoms appear two weeks to 60 days after you've been infected. The most common symptom is constant fatigue, a constant state of feeling tired. As another of its nicknames, 'glandular fever,' implies, the most distinguishing mono symptom is enlarged glands, or lymph nodes, in the neck, armpit and groin.

I either have really bad allergies or something else.. im not sure. But i was just wondering what the symptoms of mono was, and how long can mono be in your system before the symptoms start to show. I share drink cups and eating utensils all the time, but the last time i kissed a guy was the beginning of July or so. Im a 16 year old female by the way.

you dont have to kiss someone to get mono. sharing utensils and drinking glasses is enough. mixture of one persons bodily fluids (spit is a great one...hence the whole kissing disease name) with your own is all it takes. the first time i had mono was when i was on a very sad year long no guy and kissing train ride. and i didnt even know anybody with mono at the time.
as for symptoms...i didnt have any for the longest time. my doctor was shocked how bad my mono was when my blood work came back...i felt fine for the most part. the only reason i went in was for swollen lymph nodes in my neck. they were the size of eggs. also exhaustion and a sore throat. rashes fevers chills and headaches as well. not all symptoms show up for everyone though so keep your eye open for any of them.

STDs can be transmitted by oral sex.

2008-11-28T22:25:00.000-08:00

STDs can be transmitted by oral sex, and in some cases, you may not have any symptoms for years. It may take 3-6 months for some STDs to show up on tests. More than 98% of people would test positive for HIV within 3 months of being infected, but in rare cases, it could take up to 6 months for someone to test positive.

A woman gave me oral sex and we may have rubbed genitals, 3 days later no symptoms of an std am i safe?
If your genitals touched she could give you warts, herpes among other things. Your penis does not have to be all of the way in her vagina in order to transmit diseases like those. And no, you're not in the clear after three days. Herpes or Warts can lay dormant for years without showing symptoms. I know, personally. Best way is just to get checked at your doc so you know for sure.

If you have this sort of worry I can not in a million Years begin to understand why you would go and mess around with someone especially someone whom you feel may not be well all that healthy.
Why would you if you thought she was not healthy engage in any type of sexual foreplay or activities?
USE A CONDOM!!!!!!!!Even for oral. It may feel different but It beats the heck out of ever going through worrying.
As said you may still have been infected with certain things so I would go get a check up and while there get a handful of condoms The local health departments have baskets of free ones available Make use of them.
Any woman who just runs around giving oral sex to a guy without a condom also should be rethinking what they are doing too.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders.

2008-11-28T22:22:00.000-08:00

Well, for starters, the most obvious symptom is one's insecurities as far as their weight. This should be fairly easy for you to observe -- have you been depriving yourself of food lately simply because you feel you need to lose weight? Most people with eating disorders will keep away from food for even days, simply for the fact that they feel they need to lose weight fast and they think that doing so is their only option, without even being aware of their condition. However, you should never listen to others, especially teenagers. They see a fairly skinny person and they automatically underestimate their weight, connecting it with some eating disorder. As far as other symptoms go, what kind of eating disorder are you referring to? There is a variety of eating disorders out there, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Athletica, etc., and each and every one of them is characterized by different symptoms. The best way to find out whether or not you have an eating disorder, however, is to see a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will give you an evaluation that is actually legit, unlike self-diagnosing, and if he does in fact diagnose you with an eating disorder, he will most likely refer you to a therapist for therapy sessions that could definitely help you out with your condition.

1) THE MOST IMPORTANT SYMPTOM : You don't like the way you look and would like to lose more weight.
2) You're feeling tired more often and are less enthusiastic about activities you once enjoyed.
3) Any way to achieve weight loss doesn't seem ridiculous, e.g. laxatives or purging.
4) You generally feel unhappier, and to some extent 'empty'.
5) You may begin calorie counting, and perhaps obsessively running your daily food intake through your head or planning it in advance.
6) Comparison with other women's bodies becomes ritual, you may find yourself analyzing the shapes of your friends and willing yourself to be smaller. Consequently looking like a perv, jokes.
Those are just general observations from me as I have an eating disorder. Obviously if you're anorexic you'll have lost hair, feel the cold adn have no energy whatsoever. If you bulimic you'll want to throw up everything that you consume or take a box of laxatives to flush it out. And lastly if you're a binge eater you'll go through periods of starvation then binging.
With every eating disorder there's an underlying issue, so if you're sure you're sick see someone fast as people suffer with these diseases for years upon years, and the longer you leave it the harder it is to beat.

How soon into Pregnancy can you feel light-headed?

2008-11-28T22:11:00.000-08:00

my period ended a week ago though. It was longer then normal. I'm just trying to figure out what it might be.
I would guess that IF i was, i would only been a week along?I get really light headed in the afternoons then it gets worse as the night goes on.

From watching the mother of my kids I would have to say it can start anywhere from the first wk on up. She had some Nausea,regurgitation & was Light-headed at the end of her 1st wk... Her last menstrual cycle did not come until her third month of pregnancy. So to sum it all up... its different strokes for different folks. Only you know wats irregular about your bodily functions and must consult with a Doctor. However, it may just be nothing...

hey hun. you wouldn't be pregnant yet if your period ended a week ago. 2 weeks after your period starts you have what is called an ovulation day and this is the day you are most likely to get pregnant. you will notice that you have an egg white like strechty discharge on your pants and on the toilet paper this is when you should get busy in the bedroom to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

I just had to answer this one!! I got light headed for the first time with my 2nd baby, around the 5th month. With the 3rd, I accually passed outin a store that was too hot at 6 months. With this baby I am got light headed around my 3rd month. I thought I was crazy. Do you get light headed when you are hot, or just at anytime?

Im either 5 or 6 weeks (ill find out next week) and I get very lightheaded when I stand up, or start walking. I almost feel like Im going to pass out, and the whole room is spinning around me. This is really the only pregnancy symptom i have had so far, other than sore boobs.

Why do you feel light headed after a smoke?

2008-11-28T22:09:00.000-08:00

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it will cause your peripheral blood vessels to constrict and press more blood into the core area of your body, increasing bloodpressure in the process. Also, oxygenation of your blood is impared via the toxins that the lungs are receiving, (so heart rate increases via the increased CO2 receptors and a few more other complex things happen). The main reason for the weakness and faint-like feeling should be low oxygen levels in your brain. It sounds as though you're are a beginning smoker and your body hasn't adapted to the toxins as much yet as to ignore the assault....

The strange thing is blood prefers to carry carbon monoxide vs. oxygen so, smoking is going to reduce the level of oxygen in your system right from the start. This can cause a person to have a light headed sensation. It may be something to discuss with your doctor at your next visit.

Why do I feel light headed and dizzy after exercise?

2008-11-28T21:57:00.000-08:00

I started exercising about 6 weeks ago. Whenever I do a hard class I feel like im going to faint afterwards, really light headed and "not here" I did a class few hours ago and still feel strange. I drank heaps of water and I have eaten. I have a history of blood clots, but have been given the all clear from that.

When someone works out, his or her heart pumps harder and faster, increasing blood flow to the actively exercising muscles. Blood vessels in the skin expand to dissipate heat. When exercise ends suddenly, the heart slows down its pumping activity, decreasing blood circulation even though blood vessels remain dilated. As a result, blood pressure can fall and a person can feel dizzy or even faint.
It can be common for someone to feel lightheaded or dizzy when s/he abruptly stops arduous physical activity. Feeling this way after exercising is probably not dangerous. However, if a person feels lightheaded or faint during exercise, that may indicate a serious heart condition. S/he needs to stop exercising and get medical attention and evaluation.
If someone feels faint, s/he needs to lie down so his or her head is level with his or her heart. Blood flow to the brain will increase, causing the feeling of faintness to abate. Maintaining good nutrition is also important if one is a vigorous exerciser.
To help limit or prevent feeling dizzy or lightheaded after exercise in general, cooling down adequately is key, coming to a full stop only after gradually decreasing activity. Slowing down in this way can help by maintaining heart rate and circulation and only gradually reducing them. In your case, you already warm down before being still, but perhaps walking briskly is too sudden a decrease in movement; jogging slowly at first before dropping down to a brisk walking pace could do the trick.
If, however, this more incremental reduction in activity does not improve how you feel after a run, or if this is a new development, it's important to make an appointment with your health care provider for a check-up and consultation.

I would suggest going to get a full physical including an EKG for your own well being. From your description it sounds like you may be experiencing severe fluctuations in your blood pressure but only your doctor can tell you for sure. The only other thing I can think of is that you have an inner ear imbalance. I hope this gets resolved quickly and painlessly for you.

First symptoms when pregnant

2008-11-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

What were your first symptoms when pregnant, I heard that it is mostly morning sickness. and i am still kinda young and my boobs are still growing, i am 16, anywas he said that my boobs will hurt but wont grow till about 2 months and after the pregnancy.but when did you first grow?
Before i found out i was pg i felt awful.My nose was real stuffy and i felt so sick at my stomach and had cramps that felt like my period was on it's way.And my boobs were so sensitive the slightest touch would send me through the roof.
With my first I was 17y/o and had absolutly no symptoms.... not even sore breasts, not even a small amount of nausea.... now with my second I knew I was prego a week after getting that way... I was soooo sick and tired, and my breasts hurt so badly, and they still hurt to the point I cannot even think about wearing a bra.... im 27 weeks. Every pregnancy is different.... and I hope if you are prego yours runs smoothly...

never got sick with my pregnancy. I felt something almost like gas bubbles for the first few months. I had heart burn really bad through out the entire thing. I don't think my boobs got any bigger until after I had the baby. Then they were absolutely huge. I had a tissue infection so with the milk in there and plus they were swollen, made them even bigger. I had a friend that was pregnant and her boobs grew a full cup size before she was six months pregnant. I think it all depends. Every pregnancy and woman's body is different. So, it's hard to say when exactly it will happen.

wanted ice chips and boobs were sore missed period, sleepy all the time thats about it every woman is different honey let your pregnancy be one of its own it doesnt have to be like everyone else's God made us all different for a reason so if your boobs are sore then ok if not its ok trust me they will be. And don't let anyone rain on your parade!

Symptoms of first starting birth control.

2008-11-28T02:55:00.000-08:00

just wondering what other people experienced... i'm 3 weeks into sprintec (generic for orthocyclen)
i had vomiting/nausea, headaches, irritability, low sex drive, mild cramps and continuous bleeding after first week. what about you all?

My gyno told me if I start experiencing those symptoms to let her know and she will switch my BC. Your body is having very bad reactions to that particular drug and you shouldn't be taking it. You should call your doc right away and switch to a different drug. Don't stop taking it until talking to your doc who prescribed it though... sudden shift in hormones like that isn't good.

The symptoms I DID get from orthocyclen was acne, weight gain, mild headaches, irritability, and mild depression the first few weeks,.

This is pretty normal for birth control...I was in your same situation and tried everything to restore it. I switched pills a couple times and gave up, the libido was just not coming back. I then found a natural herbal enhancer that is supposed to increase your sex drive and a couple other things. It's called Hersolution gel, read up about it at herenhancement.com where I saved on it at the time. However it's like an instant libido rush and as I kept using it my sex drive was through the roof and continues to be. The sensation blast is great too, I can't tell you how many times I've had multiple orgasms when before I couldn't even get a single one. Theres also capsules you can take that I've heard are better but I don't like swallowing many pills throughout the day. I was skeptical at first but the return policy was so great that the company was offer. From what I remember you had to try it out for a couple months but then you had time afterwards to return it for a full money back if it didn't work. I didn't have that problem as you can see.

What are the symptoms of miscarriage?

2008-11-28T02:48:00.000-08:00

I thought I was pregnant, but the tests came out negative. But if I was, I would've been 12 weeks. So here's the story. I had to come home from work one day because I was dizzy, nausous, and felt like fainting. As soon as I came home I started crying from the pain I felt all over my body, I had a fever, sweating, chills, major headache, nausea, vomited. I went to sleep for 12 hours and woke my hands looked swollen, and kind of bluish. No discharge though. So dizzy and I wanted to sleep more. The week after that happened I started my period with major clumps in it. I'm not allergic to anything, and didn't have any takeout(poisioning). At the time I was going through major stress at work and home,and drank alot of energy drinks, but that never had any effects. What do think it was?? I thought it could've been a miscarriage.
First of all, the home pregnancy tests are not always reliable. You can get a false negative. The best way to tell if you are prenant is to go to the OB/GYN and get a test in the office. They can tell you for sure. Signs of a miscarriage are many and may not all present at the same time. The obvious signs are severe cramping in the lower abdomen with bleeding. If there are clots in the bleeding, or if you are soaking a maxi pad thru in an hour, you are having a miscarraige. If this is happening, you need to get to the doctor or the hospital right away, so you don't bleed to death. (Yes, I'm serious.) Also if you are feeling a tight, vice-like grip across your lower back in the region of your kidneys this is also a sign of miscarriage. You should also save any tissue that your body expells in a plastic bag or container and take it to the doctor. They will want to look at it. If you are having a miscarriage, you are not alone, many women have gone thru this painful experience.
a miscarriage is major cramping with a very heavy flow. It sounds to me like you might have had the flu or something, and then from laying around in bed, you clotted and that is what was coming out. You would know if you had a miscarriage. The cramps are not like regular period cramps, more like labor pains
Some signs of miscarriage are: Cramping, light or heavy bleeding with large clots, aching lower back pain. If you think you may have had a miscarriage then you need to contact your Dr.

I think you should play it safe and check with a doctor... you wouldn't want this too afffect you from having any more kids...
It probably was a miscarriage. I miscarried in Jan and I went home from work with light bleeding and started bleeding more and more I went to the hospital and I was miscarrying. I had a high fever and was extremely sick...I had large clots and tissue that was coming out of me and lasted about a day or so, everyone is different though, call your doctor as soon as you can and get in and get checked out you might have to have a d and c and get the rest of the baby out if you did not pass it all out on your own. You could also develope an infection and cause serious problems down there and prevent you from having kids...Also you should not be drinking energy drinks those contain high amounts of caffine..

What could be causing sour stomach, constant vomiting nausea, diahrrea, headache, loss of appetite

2008-11-28T02:38:00.000-08:00

The title pretty much explains it. I have a very upset stomach...sour to be exact. I have the rotten egg smelling burps, constant vomiting (3 times in the past 2 hours), watery diahrrea and a headache. I ate McDonald's really late last night about 11:30pm and went to bed at 2. What's wrong with me, is this just a 24 hour stomach flu or perhaps food poisoning??

i honestly think its a stomach flu... although it could be food poisoning, but I believe that takes a day or two to kick in.
Try drinking some ginger ale and some toast or saltine crackers to eat, to keep something in your stomach, even if you don't feel hungry.
Lay down and rest, take some tylenol...and see if you start feeling better. If by tomorrow you are still having the same issues, I would go see a doctor.

Sorry to hear you are not feeling so well...Call your local emergency room facility and give the them your laundry list of symptoms...They will oblige you with the possibilities to put your mind at rest. It sounds like tainted food/typical touch of food poisoning, but ,e.coli is more serious and you would need immediate attention...If you are not better from the Pepto and develope a fever with everything else and the diarrhea continues get yourself to a doctor.

It could be an inner ear problem probably related to the TMJ that you said you had. I have had the same problem related to my neck due to Fibromyalgia.TMJ is also a related condition of Fibromyalgia but luckily I haven't suffered too much from it. I think the neck muscles interfered with the inner ear in my case. In your case I believe it's the jaw joint. I found this info when searching the symptoms of TMJ. Also, maybe it's migraines caused by the TMJ Syndrome. Migraines definately cause dizziness and nausea. I have been there as well. Hope this helps and you feel better soon. I know what you are going through.

The 10 Symptoms of TMJ Syndrome

Clicking & popping of the joint (TMJ).Cause: Lack of cartilage at the rear hinge point.

Grinding sounds.Cause: Irregular bone surface at rear hinge point.

Headaches and migraine headache.Cause: Pressure of ball (condyle) of joint pushing on weak bone structure at rear of joint.

DizzinessCause: Lack of blood flow to brain when blood vessels are obstructed.

Ringing in the earsCause: Pressure on ear canal.

Excessive wear on teethCause: Subconscious effort to eliminate misalignment of jaw joint (TMJ) by changing shape of teeth by grinding.

Severe pain all over headCause: Pinching of nerves by ball of jaw hinging at rear of socket (fossa).

Pain in neckCause: Unknown, however most TMJ suffers experience it.

EaracheCause: pressure on ear canal.

Are birth control pills effective during your period?

2008-11-28T02:28:00.000-08:00

I've been using the birth control pills on time for several months, we had unprotected sex during my period ( a day after it started), does the pill still protect me during these times?
Yes. Your pill is effective while on your period. It is extremely rare that a woman would become pregnant on her period regardless of birth control though seeing as a period happens when the egg is discarded from the womb.. you can't get pregnant if there's no egg to fertilize.
To Emry: You're very confused. The doctor calculates the date of conception if you're unsure two weeks after your period because that's generally when a woman ovulates.. not DURING her period!!

This can be normal for some women, while at the same time, this can be an indication of a problem for others. Each and evey women's body reacts to hormonal imbalance differently. May be your biological system take a little longer than others.
would recommend you to see your doctor and ask what he/she think about this. Since I do not have any data on your health history, I may not be able to give you a good answer. In short, this may be normal for you, but again, you need to ask your doc.
Yes... some women take longer like two or three months to get back to normal.

My ultimate advice is talk to your doctor and ask him/her. The way a lot of birth control pills work is to give a kind of mega-dose of hormones, these cause your body to not respond the same to sex (on a chemical level). They can also sometimes cause people's periods to either be super regular, or kind of hit and miss.
Also remember that pills are never 100% effective. As old fashioned as it may sound, the only sure fire 100% effective method of birth control is abstinence. I am not advising you not to have sex, I am just pointing out that you have to be careful if pregnancy is a concern.
My most important advice is this... NEVER have sex with any man that you would not want to make a father. Even if you are 100% positive that your birth control will work, don't take the chance. :P If you don't think he would be a good father, don't take the chance.
PS: This is an edit after the fact: This is in response to Olivia J's post. I have learned this from recent reading (I am going to be a father soon), but intercourse DURRING your period is when pregnancy is most likely to occure, especially towards the end of the period.
That fact suprised me as well. In fact if you are not sure of the date of conception, the doctor will guess two weeks after your last period.
Remember, conception doesn't generally take place the day of the act, it takes place a few days after. Also, your period is not simply the absense of a healthy egg, it is when the body is flushing the old one to put a new one in it's place.
I will agree that the pill is generally effective either way. However, do some research on the timing thing. You may be surprised.

Birth control pills are effecting your sex drive.

2008-11-28T02:24:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend thinks that her birth control pills are effecting her sex drive?She is taking Junel. When she was on the shot everything was great now she is on the pill and she just doesn't care about it any more. Do birth control pills effect your sex drive?
Yes it can do that.She needs to go back to her dr. and request she be prescribed a different pill.It may take a few trys but she should be able to find a pill that is better suited for her body chemistry.
It is not that they can direclty affect your libido, but pills can cause huge hormone fluctuations--therefore affecting sex drive, attitude, desire, emotion, everything. I am on the pill and have been for a long time, but I still get side effects from the hormones.
Now that your gf has changed her method of bc, there will probably be problems for a while. If they dont subisde soon, she may want to look into a different brand. But yes, she is telling you the truth. Not to be rude, but men will NEVER have any idea what it feels like to add extra hormones into your body every month--it is a F***ING roller coaster of emotion! Give her a break--be patient.

It can effect your sexual desire. The dosage may not be the right one for her. Each birth control pill has a different level of hormone and different hormone combination. This level/combination may be effecting her. She can see her Dr about changing her script to another kind. Some woman have to change their scripts many times to find the right one for them.
A LOT i hate it. the one i'm on is much better than the many, many other i've tried, but there's still a marked difference. but, it's better than having children so i deal.

How long after you began birth control pills did the side effects begin?

2008-11-28T02:19:00.000-08:00

I started birth control pills Sunday. I'm on Junel FE 1.5/30, which is a generic for Loestrin. Anyway, so far all I've had is a minor headache. Does it take longer than this for the side effects to fully effect me or am I actually tolerating this pretty well?

This is a tricky questions because everyone is different. Some women hardly experience any side effects when on birth control. Others, unfortunately, experience all of the side effects at some point, maybe multiple side effects at the same time.

Since you are just starting out you will probably notice your bodily changes more readily. There is no span of time where you will notice or stop noticing side effects, because we are all different, thus the way our bodies react to substances are different.

I know it's not very helpful, but it's the truth. Your best bet is to not worry so much about what you do or do not experience. Side effects are not a sign of how well the birth control works at all.And, if you are tolerating it that well, consider many of us out here jealous of you!

It can take up to a month for all of the side effects to kick in. Some people don't experience very many at all, but I've found as they get stronger near the end of the month they get worse. I had a killer migraine two weeks ago when I was on the last active week before the inactive ones. And I take ortho-tri-cyclen lo which is supposed to have fewer side effects.

Wow that is dumb. When they go off the pill (which they inevitably will in the future) there breasts will shrink back to their natural size, sag and might have stretch marks. When I went off it, mine shrunk from a D cup to a B cup! Also it can affect your mood without you really knowing (yep, more bitchy, emotional, or depressive behaviour) and kill your libido (so it might give you boobs, but then you won't even want the male physical attention).Personally I feel a lot better being off it, and wish I didn't waste so many years on it.

How to prevent weight gain from birth control pills?

2008-11-28T02:13:00.000-08:00

I just started taking birth control pills. I haven't changed my diet or exercised any less, but I still feel a noticeable bloating. How can I prevent weight gain from the pills. I already eat healthily and exercise, which are the obvious suggestions to prevent weight gain. Is there a certain vitamin or anything I can be taking to offset what the pills do weight wise? What about the pill causes weight gain, anyway?

No, it's just water weight and it will go away in a few months once you get used to it. It's not permanent weight gain. Drink lots of fluid and stay away from high sodium.

Hormonal birth control basically tricks your body into thinking it's pregnant - that's why you don't ovulate when you're taking it. The increase in hormones makes many women store a little extra fat, as if in preparation for pregnancy.
If you want to get rid of the weight, you're going to have to kick up your exercise routine a little bit - add five minutes to your daily cardio, etc.
There aren't any vitamins or supplements to counteract the weight gain, and besides, that would interfere with the hormones and make your birth control less effective.
If you experience a really big gain, you may want to talk to your gynecologist about switching to a different prescription or brand of pill. Your body may not react as strongly to a different formulation.

As to whether the pill directly causes weight gain has been disputed heavily in the past - but there are a few possible explanations.
Some studies show that oestrogen in high doses can cause water retention, which might explain the bloating. If you're really worried about it, talk to your doctor who might suggest a pill with a lower dose. But the obvious hazard of a light-weight pill is that it'd be less effective as a contraceptive.
Others say that the sudden difference in hormone levels can stimulate a larger appetite. But as you didn't mention this, i'm guessing this isn't the problem.
I suggest carrying on as normal - and see what happens. If you're really concerned about it, talk to your doctor.

How quickly do birth control pills work?

2008-11-28T02:05:00.000-08:00

1.I just started taking birth contol pills, so I'm still in the first package, just starting week four. I am sexually active with my boyfriend, and was just wondering if the birth control pills are effective in the first package, or if it takes a few sets of pills to really work.
2.I started taking Yasmin 28 birth control pills a couple of days ago, and I was wondering if anyone knows how long it takes for it to be effective? I would like to have the option of having sex without a condom with my boyfriend, but without any unwanted surprises.

when i got birth control they said 7 days but i've also heard it can take up to a month or three to work. i waited the 7 days and now i'm at the end of my 3rd month of bc and everything's good.

It only takes about a week for most birth controls. Although, yours may be different. Just check the instructions and see how long it takes. It should say "you need to use a back up contraception for (this long)"Just check the booklet, and you should be fine if you wait as long as the booklet says.

Depends on the brand of birth control you're taking. Your best bet would be to do a search on the web and find the pills website. That would give you a more accurate time table.

It varies depending on th ebrand of pill you have, if you read the leaflet inside the pack it shoudl explain how long to wait.

How can i save power in my home?

2008-11-15T23:40:00.000-08:00

1.How can i save power in my home, and make it more climate smart. Also what are some natural cleaning products i can make and use?
2.My electric bill seems to be just as high even with the change of time.Who saves in the event of observing daylight savings anyway?
3.Does that defeat the idea of saving power or did I miss something here?

take out plugs from socket when you are not using it.
turn off lights when you leave a room
.don't leave unused electrical things on standby(still using power).

What about the fridge and freezer??!!
Shut all lights off when nobody is home and switch to energy saving light bulbs.

Things you can do:
1. Put a timer on your electric water heater. Adjust it so that it heats water only while you are home and are awake. You don't want to heat water while you are asleep or at work. There's enough thermal mass to keep the water warm enough for quite a while.
2. Turn off all lights. Change to CFL or LED lights where practical.
3. Don't heat or cool the home while you are away. Adjust the thermostat so that you are not heating or cooling the house to comfort levels but heat to about 65 and cool to about 85.
4. Don't overload the electric dryer.
5. When baking in the oven, turn it off about 5 minutes before the food is done. The food will still cook with residual heat.

Keeping the heat and air conditioning off whenever you can is a really good idea. Where I live we are on propane and our heat pumps are run by that and electricity. Using them is a double wamy! We save so much electricity by not using them. Right now I am electing to use small heaters for each room I am in too.
Replacing light bulbs with CFLs is a good idea too. Some are a little warmer than others. We also somehow manage to keep use of large appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine/dryer to a minimum - but that can be hard to do.

How should i drive to save fuel?

2008-11-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

I've a Golf 2.0 (petrol) & wondering the best way to save on fuel whilst driving, should i be using higher gears, lower revs etc?I find it hard to stick to speed limits but how much could i cut down but actually cutting back on the heavy right foot?

try to maintain a speed that is even best efficiency was decided yrs ago during the first energy crunch to be 55 mph that is to say that around town in a 30 mph zone i would not reccomend 55

no jackrabbit take offs a t lites will save too
even accellaration on take off
the amt you will save is a variable I think safely say if you have bad driving habit you could increase milage by 15-20 %by improving driving habits

Higher gears and lower revs will generally help, but you shouldn't go so high/low that the car feels like it's bogging down, and if you start feeling vibration, you're WAY too low.
Sticking to the speed limit will generally give you decent fuel economy, as long as you can maintain a fairly constant speed. I'm not sure that going long distances SLOWER will actually help, but every car has some speed at which fuel economy drops precipitously. For example. At 70-75 mph, my 96 Thunderbird got 28 (US) mpg. Around 80 mph, it would drop into the low 20s. In my experience, 70 mph is about as fast as you should EVER drive if you're concerned about fuel economy. But, again, this speed will vary from car to car.
Yes, cutting back on the heavy right foot would help. You want to accelerate briskly, but gently. Most 4 cylinder cars, yours probably included, will do best if you're between 2500 and 3500 RPMs when you're accelerating. (Remember, if you go slower, you're spending more TIME on the gas...go too high, and you'll probably build up speed that you'll just waste, or you might get into less efficient RPMs)
Another way to save gas is to watch traffic and signals around you. If you see a stop light coming, and you know that it's been red for a while, and you have no one in front of you, just let off the gas, slow down a little, so that the light changes by the time you reach it. That lets you forgo stopping and accelerating from a stop, saving energy. Also, if you know you CAN'T avoid stopping, get off the gas ASAP. Just idle the rest of the way to the light. (You could shut the engine off, but in many places that is illegal.)
Make sure your tires are inflated and your engine in tune.

Use AC on the highway, windows down in town. (Well, assuming the latter is comfortable)

The most economical way to drive is to get into 5th gear as soon as you can - as soon as i get to 30mph either in 2nd or 3rd gear i change to 5th - then at least you don' t have to change at 50+ as well.

Can I save gas by leaving my car running?

2008-11-15T22:38:00.000-08:00

My car has a 1.2L engine. If I run in to a store for 1-2 minutes should I leave my car on or will I save more gas by turning it off?

According to a local Public Service Announcement if you're going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds you should turn the engine off. Also you can never tell how long that clerk is going to take.Quite frankly the situation you described is a bad idea. Any delinquent that happened to be standing at the door of the store could hop in and take off. Why not he has the keys now, he has your address from the registration, and the keys to your house. Makes for a very expensive pack of cigarettes.

As a mechanic at the premier Caterpillar dealer in the U.S. I can tell you a fuel injected car with a V-8 uses less than a thimble-full of fuel to start up. The fuel system is pressurized and "gas" is always waiting at the injectors for start-up. Mid to late 80's and before had the carburated vehicles who's fuel system is not pressurized and after sitting a while air will enter the carb, travel down the line into the tank and require a longer start up time waiting for the fuel to go from the tank to the engine. Carb's aren't controlled as much and often a wasteful "gush" of fuel would come out on start up.

Turning off your car then re-starting uses renewable energy from your battery, mechanical energy from the starter, and makes a smaller "carbon footprint" . The wear and tear on the starting system and engine don't amount to more than $10 per year at best. My company spends over 10k a day just on fuel and everyone is required to shut off their company vehicle be it a semi or a small car anytime they are not going anywhere- even for a minute or two. As an F.Y.I. semi-trucks don't need to stay running for the "air brakes" to work. Air brakes have a reserve tank with built up air pressure whether the truck is on or off so when a driver presses the brake pedal air pressure pushes back the spring loaded brake shoes away from the brake drum allowing the vehicle to move. Google "hypermiling" for cool tips.

What kind of driving habbits can save you gas?

2008-11-15T22:36:00.000-08:00

UPS wants to eliminate all left hand turns from their drivers to save gas. we don't need to go to that extreme, but what do you do to save gas when you drive?

1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.

2.2Drive slower when possible. There was a reason for the 55 speed limit the last time around.

3. Be familiar with the traffic flow/signals around your town and area. Slow down when you see a red light and coast up to it. Some roads have lights timed for the speed limit. A car uses 20% more gas from a stop than while accelerating from 5 mph so coast and then roll when the light turns green.

4. Reduce weight. Don't haul around dead weight such as sand bags from the winter or other materials. If you don't need a full tank of gas (e.g. around town) keep your tank only 1/2 full; less weight = less gas used.

5. Accelerate moderately but get to higher gears quickly: they let the engine turn more slowly.

6. Frequent stops at rail crossings? If you have an idea of the train traffic in your area and know they usually last about 3-4 minutes (as they do here) turn your engine off. My hybrid always shuts down when stopped.

7. Waiting for someone? If the weather allows open your windows and turn off the engine. I've seen so many people waiting with the windows down but the engine RUNNING. Regardless of published hwy/city mileage, everyones car gets ZERO mileage while idling.

8. Plan your trips: go the furthest destination first to warm up the car. Then work your way back home,

9. Car pool; ride a bike; walk.

Combine all errands to one trip. Accelerate smoothly, keep constant pace to avoid unnecessary braking, use A/C only when necessary (thank goodness it's not hot in the Pacific Northwest). Keep up car maintenance ... clean air filter, properly tuned up, tires properly inflated, remove excess weight (junk in the trunk, ski racks), etc.
Extremes won't help much ... drafting cars, shifting to neutral going down hills, etc. Careful planning of driving route helps to eliminate wasted fuel as well.

How can I save gas and money while traveling across country?

2008-11-15T22:34:00.000-08:00

I'm relocating from California to Texas this week (military) and I wanted to know if anyone has any good suggestions for saving money while traveling. I want to try and do what I can to save money and use my gas as efficiently as possible.

The best way to save gas on a long trip is to simply not drive so fast. I have a car that gives me the gas mileage on a display in the dash, and I can see the mileage go down as I drive faster. Sticking to the speed limit works out just fine.
Anything else would just be common sense. Eat fast food instead of at nicer restaurants. If you have to stop and spend the night somewhere, pick a decent hotel, but nothing too fancy. Etc. . .

drive the speed limit and do not tail gate. try not to overload the car. Make sure tires are properly inlfated.
As far as A/C, the other poster is wrong. Modern A/C's are extremely efficient and studies have shown there is a negligible difference bewtween driving with it on or off. At highway speeds, windows open creates a signifigant amount of drag, wasting far more gas than driving with the A/C on. Windows doen breaks up the aerodynamic nature of the car, which is designed to have minimal drag. Thats why cars look the way the do today and not like they did in 1950.
The best you can do is drive smart. Set the cruise at the speed limit, sit back and relax. Every 5 mph above 65 actaully costs 10% more and doesn't really get you there any quicker, plus doing the limit saves on traffic tickets.
Ignore the idiots who will tailgate you and race on by. They obviously have big bank accounts or have somewhere real important to be.

Why buy an electric car to save on fuel costs?

2008-11-15T22:33:00.000-08:00

When my reality is that electricity costs more that gas. I have read three articles this month that state that the average cost of electricity is ten cents per KW. But my SCEdison average cost is over 25c and my tier 5 (or marginal) cost appears to well over 40c and maybe 50c with taxes and users fees. And there is no discount for "off peak" to use electricity at night. This seems to equal gas at four to five dollars per gallon?

With the average electric rates (10 cents per kWh), electric cars cost around 2 cents per mile. If your rate is 25 cents per kWh, then it would cost you 5 cents per mile.

In comparison, a Prius gets around 50 mpg, so if gas costs $3/gallon, that's 6 cents per mile. That's the most fuel efficient car you can get right now, and it's still more expensive than an electric car, plus gas prices are not going to stay down around $3/gallon forever.

I think that your math is wrong, or that you live in a place with extremely high electricity prices/ extremely low gas prices. Running cars on electricity should reduce the fuel costs, since it's more efficient to create the energy at a power plant than in the engine of your car. Do you really pay 25 cents per kW-hour? That's a lot. You should call your utility and ask why it's so high.

I'm sorry but I do not believe that you are paying 50c per kwh. If thats the case you ABSOLUTELY must switch to solar panels on your home. It will pay off in 5 years instead of 20 for most people.

You are right. It doesn't make sense to use SCE. However, if you plan to stay in your home, solar panels could be one answer, unfortunately they are not good at off peak.Hybrid is they way to go now.

Can switching off the airconditioning save fuel in the car?

2008-11-15T22:31:00.000-08:00

Yes it can depending on driving circumstance. If your just driving around town then yes as it less strain or drag on the motor. If you on the high way or free way then no as the turbulence that would be created by having the windows down create more drag on the car causing it to use more fuel.
Even tho I don't know if the saving would be negotiable with in town driving.

Guess what? The most recent Car and Driver Magazine just ran a test on fuel economy with a car that had air and a sunroof. They ran three tests at various speeds. At each speed the best fuel economy was had by running with the windows closed. The next best was at the same speeds with the sunroof open. Third was the windows rolled down. The worst fuel economy was recorded by running air conditioning.

no it wont save enough gas for you to actually notice on the newer vehicles ,today's cars are built a lot better and use less as when using the air conditioner,so turning it off and rolling down a window doesn't help save you enough gas to even notice,there's been so many test done on this to prove that it doesn't help that its ridiculous,what the test actually did do was prove that its cheaper to run the air than to roll down a window.

no, they said using a/c or rolling down your windows are the same thing, also, removing heavy items from your car, keeping air pressure in your tires will. Stepping on you gas pedal will waste your fuel.

Maybe obama has the answer, A way to save on the cost of fuel?

2008-11-15T22:29:00.000-08:00

If we do as he said he wants, and we know that congress is in lock step with him on this if we just give up in Iraq, bring home our troops, then when they hit NY, or LA, we can just fight them there, and save all that fuel that it takes to fight them in their homeland, is that the plan? Is that what he has in mind?

if we give up in Iraq that will be the end of the world as we know it and how are we going to fight them in new york or LA if when they go into a building with a plane they will already be dead and if we don't do anything about it they will just keep killing us Americans!

...or maybe... he wants to increase gax tax to the point that nobody can afford to drive to work anymore, so everyone has to quit their job and get welfare. That would be Obama's dream come true... total government control and redistribution of wealth. Only problem is... nobody's left working to actually pay taxes.

He's stupid enough to think that! The only way to save on the cost of fuel is to find another fuel source that rich investors can't invest in to drive the cost of fuel up. When are people going to realize that there is no fuel shortage,just greedy people making money off the whole thing.

Sure, and he can stand in the front line. What a crock. We can get out our guns and bibles and maybe we can hold them off. I think not. I prefer the fight stay over there. 911 was far too close for me.
I know, maybe he can 'talk' to them and they will just give up. You think?

If car Tyres were filled with helium would it save fuel?

2008-11-15T22:27:00.000-08:00

If the car weighed less it would use less fuel so in the long term would filling the tyres with Helium save fuel?
Absolutely not, besides a myriad of other reasons it wouldn't work, the main one is that the amount of helium necessary to create any lift is far more than could be put into a realistically sized tire. a vehicle is very heavy and also in order for a tire to be useable it must be made of sturdy yet flexible material which makes it heavy. Think of it this way, if you were to remove a typical tire and wheel and fill it to bursting with helium it still would achieve not even the slightest lift and thereby no weight reduction.

Hydrogen is half the weight of helium, so would save even more fuel. Problem is both are also very small atoms compared to the usual components of air in tires. A helium balloon deflates because the helium atoms are able to squeeze through the microscopic holes in the rubber of a balloon. Same would be true of a tire.

Haven´t you heard about the world wide shortage of helium? Prices are sky rocketing. Children´s parties will never be the same for the next generation because of our wastefulness and greed. The Goodyear blimp is a helium guzzler! Boycott Goodyear tyres (tires)!

No. The cost of helium would probably outweigh the savings. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is the way to go. FYI to the ignorants: Not everybody is from the U.S., and some strange cultures outside of the U.S. (like that exotic group of people in a country called England) spell it T-Y-R-E.

Do you save fuel by driving close behind other cars?

2008-11-15T22:24:00.000-08:00

I know that one must maintain a safe distance b/w your car and the car in front. But while driving on the highway the other day, I wondered if it would help with the gas milage if I decrease the distance between my car and the car in front or if I drive behind a big truck. Would doing so help my car by reducing drag or would it not have much of an affect? What are your thoughts on this matter?

Yes it will improve mileage slightly. This is called Drafting, or drafting another vehicle.
When riding my motorcycle, I notice more of a difference when behind a semi trailer versus a full size pickup., even when at a safe distance...
Drafting on the highway is not very safe to do because your reducing the distance between you and the car in front of you .

No. In order for that to be effective you have to be so close it will seem like your vehicle is connected to the truck. Driving that close to a semi-truck is illegal in most if not all states. On top of that its extremely dangerous. If the trucker hits his brakes you won't have enough time to slam on yours. ie...you're dead. Is saving gas worth it?

It's called drafting and it's one of the tactics for hypermiling.
1.Close-in: Pulling into <> 1.0 seconds directly behind a semi-tractor trailer rig at speed. Results good as there is slightly less wind drag to break as well as being much safer than a Close-in.
3.Surf: Pulling in just behind and along side of semi-tractor trailer rig at speed attempting to reduce your own aerodynamic drag by riding in the broader wake the rig ahead and to the side of you has created. Results are minimal but better than driving naked into the wind.
4.Traffic Side: Traveling at a slower speed in the far right lane while traffic passing creates a bow wake effect across the entire highway/road in which you are traveling. Results are excellent the heavier the congestion is as long as there is some speed difference between you in the far right lanes and the traffic in the left lane(s) as you are receiving both the high fuel economy from the slower speeds as seen in the steady state speed tests above as well as receiving a lowered aerodynamic drag because of the wake helping to pull you along.

What do you think about hypermiling? How do you save fuel while driving?

2008-11-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

What are your favourite driving techniques to decrease fuel consumption and increase your mileage?
Do you use different tires (summer instead of all-season), selecting Neutral often, trailing larger cars, turning off air-con, etc... Any ideas, suggestions, experiences welcomed.

Hypermiling has been around for a verry loooong Time! It's funny, how it has just now become a talked about subject.
Reasons due to the fuel prices going up!! But everyone should be learning how to be a Hypermiler. I tell you what just change your airfilter,and you will be surprised at the amount of fuel you can save! :-)

Hypermiling is good if the techniques used are absolutely safe (some are not, like tailgating - called "drafting"). My tips are:
1. accelerate very slowly
2. let off the gas far before you have to stop (coast to the stop, I don't use neutral, I think it can be unsafe)
3. turn off the ignition at long stoplights and for trains. I have read that anything longer than 10 seconds of idle time, it will pay to shut the car off, if the vehicle is fuel injected.
4. remove any excess weight from the vehicle
5. do not use AC if you can stand it, but do NOT open windows it creates drag
6. check tire inflation monthly. The hypermilers claim you can inflate up to the MAX rating listed on the sidewall without damage, but I only go a few psi above the vehicle mfgr's spec.
7. drive 5 mph below the speed limit.
8. car pooling saves 50 - 75%
The Mythbusters proved that you can save 20% on gas by following a semi truck at 50 feet. That is only about 1.2 seconds or so, which is very dangerous. There is some small savings at safe distances.

What are the effect of Hydrogen vs Fuel when you convert to save fuel?

2008-11-15T22:21:00.000-08:00

I live in OK and saw a broadcast about converting fuel to hydrogen. I think its a good idea, of course my boyfriend has questions about what it will do to the engine long-term. Please advise.

Hydrogen embrittlement is a problem in engines using only hydrogen as fuel. The hydrogen soaks into the metal surfaces of the engine and causes a molecular change, making the metal brittle. Hydrogen embrittlement has yet to be documented in vehicles using small amounts of supplemental hydrogen . I installed my first hydrogen generator on a 1992 ford ranger 4.0l, after install my average mileage went from 17.1 to 23.7. A side benefit is that my engine knock when pulling hills is gone.
Install #2 is my 1977 Mercedes 240D (2.4L / 64 horse power). mileage went from 27.2 to 36.4 using bio-diesel 80.
There are a lot of web sites that will sell you plans for a hydrogen generator (electrolizer) . Many of these plans are fine for kids science fair projects but produce very little hydrogen. Some of these devises look like a mayonnaise jar with wires coming out of the top with old forks for electrodes, and recommend using baking soda for an electrolyte…. Not something I recommend to attach to your vehicle!

if you actually get one converted and running. it will save you thousands of dollars. and it wont do any damage that will cost that much to repair. if you have the money and the knowledge to do it go ahead. its a good idea, i hope the compressed air vehicle comes to the us soon myself, but all alternative fuels interest me

What is the best way to save fuel for my car?

2008-11-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

With petrol prices rising, being a student, I need to save as much money as possible. Any ideas will be great.
regarding car maintenance:
1. maintain good tire pressure
2. keep your engine in good running condition
3. keep extra weight out of your car - don't use it like a locker

regarding actual driving:
1. don't do jackrabbit starts. at all.
2. don't get your revs above 2000rpm. be easy on the throttle. shift at that point or a little earlier (say 1800rpm).
3. look as far ahead on the road as you can. see if accelerating is worth it, or just maintain your speed coz you'll be braking soon anyway.
4. don't shift lanes too much.
5. if you live in a hot place and really need airconditioning, put the thermostat at 50% or below, and just increase the blower speed. most new cars are designed to blow comfortably cold air at below 50% thermostat anyway. roll your windows down if the air and weather is fine. doing that hurts your fuel mileage, but it's almost negligible unless you're doing 100mph. still better than having your A/C on.
6. cruise at top gear and 2000rpm on the highway. it's boring, i know. but it's keeps your wallet heavier.
7. turn off your car's engine at stop lights. if you can keep your engine off for at least 30 seconds, you'd have saved gas.

Use the accelerator with care lightly accelerating as though you had a pair of soft slippers on the pedal, building up speed in a steady manner and easing back on the throttle will save quite a surprising amount over a month, a year, a lifetime.Please note in no way am I saying use slippers when driving but just imagine that you are applying that lighter touch.
Another good lesson to remember is that a car at seventy mph has to deal with the greater ram effect having to push tonnes of air from out of it's way whereas 56 mph makes it ten times easier for the car to proceed thereby saving energy and lowering your fuel bill enormously.

own/drive something modestly small, which is efi.-pref NOT Korean. Drive gently, smoothly, by looking well ahead to predict traffic flow. Do NOT drive an automatic unless you are disabled or have a lot of traffic to regularly contend with and you get physically tired from using the clutch. keep tyres fully inflated, make sure brakes don't drag, do not use fans/heater if possible, keep speed as low as practical, to reduce wind drag and save fuel. do not accelerate up hills, ease off and use a lower gear-do not labour the motor. Use only enough throttle to accelerate, not too much for the motor to draw on_IE use a vacuum gauge if necessary, and drive consistently on the highest vacuum. keep air filter clean, make sure idle speed/mixture is correct. A hot motor uses less fuel, but also produces less power. Make sure the inlet preheat tube is working, jam the valve open if you like in cool/cold weather. keep choke usage minimal, keep revs down whilst motor is cold.

How to crochet pattern abbreviations?

2008-03-22T01:55:00.000-07:00

I'm fairly new to crochet and have come across a pattern that when I followed it, it created a funny looking result and nothing like the picture! The section of the pattern that's giving me trouble is as follows: "*Miss next 3 ch. 1 sc in next ch. Ch 3. 1 dc in each of next 3 ch. Rep from *" The part specifically is after you single crochet in next chain, then the "Ch 3. 1 dc" etc. Does that mean to make 3 chains in the last single crochet and then double crochet in those 3 newly created chains. Sorry if this is confusing! The pattern that I'm trying to create is called "shells".

You said "make 3 chains in the last single crochet." Well, you don't chain "in" another stitch. Just like when you start your project with a series of chain stitches, this series of 3 chain stitches should create a small chain coming out of your last stitch. So you just finished your sc and you have one loop of yarn on your hook. Without poking your hook through any of your previous work, simply hook your yarn (coming from the skein or ball) and pull through - just like your first row. Do that 2 more times, then you do the next 3 dcs. The 3 chains form a "loop" above/between the sc to the first dc.This loop is probably going to be the base or "vortex" of a shell, which you will create in the next row.

make the 3 chains then act like there not even there, just make a double in the next 3 chains. it will leave a little space where you will make the shells in the next row.

Crochet Baby Afghan.

2008-03-22T01:53:00.001-07:00

Gonna be a Great Grandma March 14,2008.I am a beginning crocheter. I know how to do two stitches...Single Crochet and Double Crochet. I went to Fred Meyer's and spent entirely too much money on some really soft and snuggly yarn...Lion Brand yarn Velvet Spun Chenille. The label ready that it is a "bulky size 5" yarn. I bought 5 blue skeins and 4 green skeins. Am thinking start with blue than green alternating after each skein.
1. Would I be better off doing this in single crochet so his little fingers do not get hung up in the double crochets? I would like to start this tomorrow morning.
2. I want it to be large enough that it will be good for use in a crib when my new great grandson is old enough. What is the proper length and width it should be? I remember, I always wished they were a couple inches wider and longer than the storebought ones. 3. Each skein contains 3 oz of yarn or 54 yards. How do I know how many skeins I will need? I want to get the same dye lot.

Your single crochet or double crochet will be fine - I stay away from stitches with holes to avoid their little fingers getting tangled in the blanket.
I would recommend the new blanket be 3x3 so they can use it in the crib, to wrap baby, to lay on the floor when baby plays on the floor, to decorate the room with etc. Your yarn will yeild an average of a 4" sc square per skein so 16 skeins plus I always buy an extra. You can always return the extra. I would also recommend getting a yarn the new mother can wash and dry easily because she's going to be very busy with the baby. This yarn can be machine washed but not machine dried. That yarn also says to tie the ends together well, usually it's not recommended to tie especially when changing colors. As plush as this yarn is, I would buy a yarn that can be thrown in the washer and dryer without worry, and made without worry that the yarn will come detached because the ends didn't get tied securely enough.

Is macrame and crochet and knitting for girls only?

2008-03-22T01:51:00.000-07:00

i crochet and learning how to macrame.but alot of ppl say it's only 4 girls is that true!

Absolutely not. I am teaching my son. Also, the first hat I learned to crochet was from a boy's utube video. Further, one of the nicest afghans I ever saw is called "Monet," made by Crochet Dude.
Decorative macrame.Macrame, the modern art of decorating with knots, is believed to have originated with 13th-century Arab weavers. They knotted the excess thread and yarn along the edges of hand-loomed fabrics into decorative fringes on bath towels, shawls, and veils. The word macrame is derived from the Arabic migramah, believed to mean "striped towel", "ornamental fringe" or "embroidered veil." After the Moorish conquest, the art was taken to Spain, and then spread through Europe. It was first introduced into England by Kathleen Koons at the court of Queen Mary, the wife of William of Orange, in the late 17th century.
Sailors made macrame objects at sea, and sold and bartered them when they landed, thus spreading the art to places like China and the New World. Macrame remained a popular pastime with 19th- century British and American seamen, who called it square knotting after the knot they most preferred in making hammocks, bell fringes, and belts.
Macrame reached its zenith in the Victorian era. Sylvia's Book of Macrame Lace, a favorite at that time, urged its readers "to work rich trimmings for black and coloured costumes, both for home wear, garden parties, seaside ramblings, and balls- fairylike adornments for household and underlinens ..." Few Victorian homes went unadorned.
While the craze for macrame waned in later years, it is now popular again, for making wall hangings, articles of clothing, bedspreads, small jean shorts, tablecloths, draperies, plant hangers and other furnishings.

I crochet for a stress release. It makes you forget about things for a while and it gives you something really great when you are done. If you want to find other males that are interested in these crafts, sign up with the yahoo groups. There is one crochet group that has a couple of men.

How do you end a crochet blanket?

2008-03-22T01:48:00.001-07:00

i finally finished the baby blanket i've been making. but how do i do the final knot or end it?

Okay, seriously... books say to leave a 4 inch end, but I prefer to make it longer, from 6-8, just so that I'm comfortable.
Use a yarn needle. This is like a tapestry needle, only thicker and longer. Measure the tail, cut it, and then GENTLY, because you don't want to make the stitch tight, pull your yarn through. That will "seal" your stitch and it won't come undone unless you pull it apart.
If it's a round, carefully look where you joined with a slip stitch. Looking at the next stitch to your left, after threading your yarn needle, go through BOTH LOOPS of that next stitch.
Now you are going to work on the back side, or wrong side of your work. You'll start to weave through different loops down your stitch, in a way that doesn't show, until you get to the base of your stitch round. Now weave through that round carefully, always in the back, for about 2 inches. Then go back two inches, to make sure it's weaved in tightly.
At THIS point, some people like to pull the yarn, cut it carefully, and the pull gently on the crocheted material you made to hide the yarn back in. Do that, or...
Split the yarn in two, and weave again in different directions, thus ensuring that your end will never in a hundred years unravel or show. Some people even pierce some of the stitches, always on the back, so it won't show.
UPDATE:
Sorry, it was late last night when I answered... If you've made an afghan or some other square or rectangular piece, then after pulling the end out with the 6-8 inch tail, thread your needle, and start going through your stitch through the back, carefully, trying to "go with the flow" or mimicking your stitch, so that it sort of blends in. Then start going through the bottom of your row, on the BACK of your work (so it won't show). Carefully go about 3 inches or 4, if you like, then go back again at least 2-3 inches more. Pull, cut your yarn, and gently sort of pull apart the material you made so that the end is hidden. Now go reward yourself with some icecream! ;-)

Can a birthmark be covered up with a tatoo?

2008-03-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

If I have a birthmark on my back and wanted it to be part of a tatoo, will it be made the same color as the tatoo. The birthmark is brown and the tatoo would be black.

If you would like to cover the birthmark, there are esthetists who specialize in concealing birthmarks and other skin pigmentation complaints. It is my understanding that an esthetist who does cosmetic tattooing can mix their ink pigments to a shade close to or matching your own skin color. Apparently this works well for some people. But, if you wish to just tattoo your chosen design over the birthmark, I suspect they will use the colors you ask them to .

Yes it probably could. But the real question should be is it healthy and is it able to be done without any long term effects. You should contact a dermatologist and ask them.

yes look online at tattoo covers, but this guy sage in new orleanes did a tiger i believe over a tiger over a birth mark, the first tiger was a chop job!

What is a good cure for an anal fissure?

2008-03-15T04:04:00.000-07:00

i changed my diet and i have tried some medications but it seems to be so slow to heal and can reoccure so easily.

The fissure can take several months to completely heal, but with some care you can certainly be more comfortable in a matter of weeks. First of all, I suggest you buy baby wipes or the proper flushable wipes to use for personal cleansing after a trip. It's a lot softer on the personality than dry paper, and makes sure the area gets clean. Since it's formulated for bottoms, it will be kind and gentle, and have add ins to help keep things moist. You can also use the Tucks pads to help soothe the burn, if you need. Those feel most soothing if stored in the fridge between uses, the cold puts out the fire really well. And of course, the last thing you want is to get either constipated or to suffer diarrhea. Neither condition is your friend at this point. So you will need to dedicate yourself to that new diet, and to keeping things on the move. And if you don't want a revisit of this friend, you will need to keep it up, even after it all heals. Or it will come back, trust me. The drinkable fiber mix is one way to add fiber to your diet, as a backup in case you don't get enough veggies, fruit and whole grains in the diet. But truthfully, the best fiber is the kind you eat. And you need to take your time in the little reading room as well- no rushing, and no straining to get things done and over with. Time, patience,a good diet and a few baby wipes are all you really need, and you will heal.

Will an oatmeal bath help my dermatographia?

2008-03-15T03:57:00.000-07:00

Will an oatmeal bath help my dermatographia? I don't know what to do! Can't stop itching!?
I've had hives for about 6 days and they don't seem to be going away even with benadryll and steroids. How long can dermatographia last. I can write full sentences on my skin and hives will appear. I was wondering if an oatmeal bath would help. I would love ANY advice. My doctor is not helpful.

I had a friend who had really bad psoriasis and her son had excema. She swore by filling a net or stocking with oats and hanging it under the taps while running the bath. She said it was the only thing that soothed them.

long time ago I had a very severe case of hives the medication the doctor gave me I was allergic too but the medicine is called attarax (sp) check to see if you have changed anything ie laundry soap, bar soap anything out of the ordinary. hope this helps there is a product out at the stores but for the life of me I can't remember its a product for dry skin and hives call your local pharmacy and see if they have any suggestions also good luck

Well Hives are normally caused by stress and appear from a allergic reaction to something. Have you changed any thing like soap, detergents, perfumes, anything like that. If so you may be allergic to one of those or taking any new meds or pets? Oatmeal bath should help, but it's temporary. But it really sounds like your allergic to something if steroids and benadryll are not doing anything. You can also try using a Solution called Domeboro Solution it works really, really good. You can find it at the drug store with all the anti-itch creams and poison ivy stuff. If you have a walgreen's pharmacy I know they sell it I used it for Poison Ivy and it took it away. If you have any trouble finging it ask your pharmacist.

Have you tried chloratrimiton (not sure of spelling).
I get hives frequently and if its bad I take chloratrimiton
instead of benadryl. Oatmeal bathes are helpful. The
main thing you need to do is not scratch or rub on the
hives this makes it worse. Aveeno is very helpful.
Write me if you have any further questions.

My 5 year old has dermatographia really bad. It is awful, and the allergy clinic we take her to offers little or no help. I am not sure that they completely know what to do. She is on so much medication, I don't know what to do. But, I will say that getting over heated will make the symptoms worse and really cold weather also makes the symptoms worse. Also, if you are anything like my daughter, she seems to get it worse when her body is trying to fight an infection. At that point she also gets hives. The doctors say that if you take an antihistamine the dermatographia will get better. We noticed it around Christmas and for a couple of months she had no symptoms, but now for the last month they are back. I am new to this but hopefully it is something that comes and goes or just goes away someday!! But, you are not alone. My 5 year old hates it, because the kids at school are mean and don't know how to deal with it. The teachers, don't know either. They all think she has a rash. No one really gets it, unless you or someone you know has it.

Is it too early for pollen season?

2008-03-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

I ask this dreaded question...because I'm deathly allergic to pollen, and I've recently gone under what feels like extreme allergies or the early case of the flu.
My body is kind of achey, and my sinuses are getting clogged. As a result, my throat hurts, and I've got a continuing headache and a slight cough...I don't have a bad fever, it's about 99.6, so unless it's the early sign for a later one I dunno if I'm sick.
It seems a lot like allergies for me minus the headache and the slight fever, but I really need to know because if it seems like the flu...then I should obviously avoid school and if it's just allergies then I just have to suck it up.
I live in Eastern Virginia if you needed to know that...Ugh. I haven't been sick in a while...I hope it's not that.

Todays pollen map is below. You can get it specific to your zipcode from the home page.
I certainly feel for you. I have allergies too and have taken shots for years. They help but are expensive.
I have also found that the best allergy over the counter drug is Drixoral Cold and Sinus.

As it happens, in some parts of the country there has been unseasonably warm weather. This has resulted in trees and shrubs blooming early - thus more pollen than usual in the air.

You can CURE your pollen allergy by taking a teaspoon of LOCAL honey each day. Your body will work with the local honey to develop immunities to all air born irritants-like pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, mildew and smog. In a couple of months you will be free of it forever. You may have a mild case of the flu, though. Try not to baby yourself. Get up and move around-your blood needs to circulate to heal your problem. Drink pure fruit juice and water as well as establishing a regular sleep pattern.

How to strengthen your immune system.?

2008-03-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

1. Distilled Water (i drink a gallon a day) to remove toxins from the blood

2. Exercise (to get new blood cells into weak areas of the body)

3. More Nutrition (product like Superfood on herbdoc.com) then you can imagine

4. Use the herbal liquid (not pills) enchinacha as an immune booster and healer.

More tips below.

Here are some ideas on how to heal the issue. You also need to learn about cleansing the body of toxins by doing a colon and liver cleanse to heal for long term.

Cause of Allergies
Overall, the underlying causes of allergy and sensitivity are dietary and lifestyle factors specifically titled as imbalanced immune function, barrier function default (such as "leaky gut" syndrome), and toxic overload. Each of these are, in varying degrees, responsible for the development and continuation of allergy and sensitivity.

Herbal Medicine: There are a variety of herbs that offer relief from allergies, such as goldenseal, red sage, and goldenrod. To reduce mucus, try astringents such as yarrow and myrrh (Commiphora myrrha). These help to contract inflamed tissues and reduce secretions and discharges. To strengthen immune response use echinacea, astragalus root, goldenseal root, and Pfaffia paniculata (suma or Brazilian ginseng). These herbs can be effective and safe for treating weakened immune systems.
Eating raw Garlic and Onions will provide relief as well. The more you use the faster the relief will come.

Cayenne pepper is a favorite herb among those treating allergy patients. The active ingredient is a strong anti-inflammatory, and it is recommend to allergy suffers, including asthma patients, as a simple and effective treatment. Sprinkling liberal amounts of the pepper on meals for a few days can provide relief. Or better yet eat them raw and sweat for a few minutes. Watch your sinus clear up quickly.

Although herbal remedies have shown excellent results in reducing allergy/sensitivity symptoms, using herbs to treat allergies involves an individual approach. Some particularly effective anti-inflammatory herbs are stinging nettle, Ginkgo biloba, and licorice. Chinese skullcap, ephedra, and feverfew are others to consider for treating allergy symptoms. Patients whose conditions are severe should consult with a trained herbalist or naturopath.

A major symptom of allergies is gastrointestinal upset, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Demulcent herbs can alleviate these symptoms (demulcent is a term used by herbalists to describe an herb that has a protective effect on the mucous membranes by minimizing irritation). The most commonly used herbs are marshmallow, slippery elm bark, cabbage juice, okra, fenugreek, and aloe vera.

Homeopathy: Homeopathy has widespread applications for the treatment of allergies. In many situations, minute diluted doses of the substance a person is allergic to can be prepared as a homeopathic solution that triggers the body`s natural ability to heal itself.

Homeopathic remedies are best prescribed by a competent homeopath. Self-diagnosis is discouraged due to the variety of factors that must be considered before the appropriate treatment is selected. However, the following remedies can be helpful: Ferrum phos, lycopodium, and silica.

Juice Therapy: A juice fast of organic vegetable juices for 2-3 weeks can help detoxify the body, thus improving its ability to cope with allergies. Two useful juice combinations for this purpose are beet, carrot, and cucumber; and carrot and celery. For added benefit, add a small piece of ginger root to either juice combination.

How to cure pollen allergy?

2008-03-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

my cuz has BAD allergies to the point that if you look at him he'll have a reaction. But he washes out his nose every morning and sprays this new product called Breathe EZZZ in the air and around him. It's all natural and won't let dust or germs or polllen pass through the air. You'd never know that he even has allergies now.

clarinex worked the best for me,but i stil have problems every once in awhile, however i'v been to an allergist and have had my back scratched with needles and had the one hundred needle test. out of every medicine i'v ebeen on, i can brag about clarinex.

I RECOMMEND ANYTHING BY BENADRYL- I'D TAKE IT MOSTLY AT NIGHT THOUGH. IT MIGHT KNOCK YOU PRETTY HARD. IT'S INEXPENSIVE AND IT WORKS. TRUST ME. I JUST MOVED FROM OHIO TO GEORGIA AND MINE ARE GOING HAYWIRE.

Clariton and benadryl are really good for pollen allergies also if it affects your eyes get some visin and that will help it too. Good Luck.

How to cure Athlete's feet?

2008-03-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

Allright first off I'm in Iraq and I have to wear boots all day and sometimes I dont get a chance to air my feet. I clean my feet good, use medications, and try to air them out and change socks when i get a chance, and it goes away but it always comes back and it's been like this since i was a boy. So what can I do to permanetly get rid of athlete's feet?

First, God bless you, man.
Second, never put an antibiotic on a fungus. It will be like pouring gas on a fire... it'll swell and itch and crack open. Make all things worse.
Third, an antifungal spray is your only solution. There are some homegrown things I've heard from GIs, such as soaking your feet in bleach, but that's really an emergency measure, and will slow it down some, if you're lucky but not kill it. Use any preparation containing Clotrimazole or Miconazole Nitrate or Tolnaftate. Read the can label.

Do you have a second pair of boots so you can alternate between the two? If possible, that is the first step, allow your foot wear to dry for at least 24 hours between wearings. Change your socks often, if possible. You can try soaking your feet in bleach water. Of course there is a pharmacological solution to the problem but that can cause liver damage. Good luck and keep your head down.

My grandmother has cured athletes feet with Lye soap. you must use only Lye soap, and lather your feet up, then let the soap completely dry on your feet, then clean it off, all done.

How to set your psp internet up?

2008-03-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

I got a psps today and want internet on it,while we were riding around in the i kept trying to connect but wasnt successful it had scanned for me. Can someone tell me how to be successful using someones connection because at the time i cant get a wireless router,please guide me through step by step.

BEFORE THE STEPS MAKE SURE THE wLAN SWITCH ON THE LEFT SIDE OF UR PSP IS ON!!!!

After borrowing someones wireless access point,assemble it.Then in ur psp,under 'Settings' go to 'Network Settings'.Then two options will appear. i know the infrastructure way only,so select 'infrastructure mode' and then select 'New connection'.after that if u know the information about ur access point(ex :SSID)u can use the 'Enter manually'option,otherwise if ur lazy to enter it or u dont know anythin,without worryin select 'scan'option.after u finish this process,the psp should be able to detect the access point.and then go to the 'internet browser' under 'Network' and type the website u want to visit,on the address bar above andhave fun,but sometimes even in internet browser u have to re connect the connection.still if u have a problem then there must be a problem with ur accespoint or something else.