Posts by Arthur Ruiz2

It’s actually quite common for your period to show up earlier than usual during the summer months. Why does that happen? Honestly, I don't have a definitive answer.
On another note, regarding HPV: could it lead to cancer? If you're in your twenties, that's an extreme rarity. Usually, those concerns don't really start becoming a factor until after age 35.
Could it be an infection? It's certainly a possibility.
Plus, a yeast infection? That could also be the culprit.
As for a lesion on the cervix? It's possible, but since you mentioned experiencing itching, it's much more likely that we're looking at an infection (with yeast infections, bleeding is relatively rare).
Does the discharge have an odor? If it does, then an infection is the most probable cause.

Jerry Booth10 said:The reality is that their symptoms are far more elusive. It’s difficult to pin an STI on them because of their specific anatomy; since they urinate through the same channel used for climaxing, most of those pathogens are effectively flushed out by urination. Only a tiny fraction remains—just enough to infect someone else, yet not enough to cause them any functional impairment. That's why they can still go about their business, walking on two legs as if nothing is wrong.😂

Come on, stop joking. If it were that easy to wash away bacteria and viruses, I would never have dealt with a single UTI...😂
I'm constantly living on cranberry juice.

Andrew Evans2 said:And then we’re all just sitting here acting shocked that like 90% of guys haven't even bothered to get checked for STDs... they honestly have no clue where to go for testing, it’s actually wild.

but hey, we'll be the ones stuck footing the bill for expensive lab tests at $500 once someone decides to pass something on to us.

😠

I really have to wonder how these guys even function. In the US, there’s such a massive panic whenever someone needs to get tested, seek treatment, deal with pain, symptoms, or surgery... it's treated like a death sentence.
Meanwhile, they just carry it all inside them and on their bodies like it's nothing. They live like that for years, and then they turn around and pass those viruses and bacteria onto everyone else.

Brenda Foster29 said:For the second or third time now, my gynecologist has basically told me that I need to "tone it down" when it comes to my intimate hygiene routine.

I use Lactacyd Femina wash—though not every single day, since I’ve been warned before about over-cleaning—but I do wash with lukewarm water every morning and evening. I have never once used a douche; absolutely never.

I am also used to wearing daily liners, specifically from the Libresse brand, making sure they are unscented.

I don't quite understand what my doctor means. Where am I going overboard?

What does proper feminine hygiene actually look like?

Yes, that is definitely a thing. By using soaps, shampoos, or various other liquids, it is very easy to accidentally kill off the beneficial bacteria naturally found in the vagina. Doing that disrupts the delicate balance between healthy bacteria and fungi that live there normally.
Similarly, daily liners might be causing extra irritation to the skin.
Also, excessive hair removal can lead to local skin infections and redness.
Twice a day? Honestly, I think that might be too much.

It’s likely nothing to worry about. It could just be a temporary hormonal imbalance or something similar. Besides, if you were actually pregnant, your period wouldn't have disappeared this early, and you would have been experiencing other symptoms by now. Don't stress too much; once your period finally shows up, you'll probably find yourself frustrated that you spent all this time worrying about nothing. 🙂

And one last thing—even if you decide to go see a gynecologist, they aren't going to perform an exam that involves breaking your hymen; they simply won't do that.
Don't let those polyps weigh on your mind right now; it’s just not something you need to be worrying about at your age.
Just enjoy life!

Brenda Cooper46 said:Look, I don't want to be one of those people asking "am I pregnant?" and I definitely don't want any snarky comments like "pee on your keyboard and we'll let you know"...
If things weren't such a mess, I would have held off on this, but obviously they are.

So, to get straight to the point, here is the situation:
- I am a virgin
- I have a boyfriend
- He is extremely horny (and honestly, so am I) 😈
- I've been turning him down because I wasn't ready, but now I really want to, and I want to do it soon😬 , and very badly

The issue is that during self-examination, 😬 I noticed something feels slightly off (based on my understanding of what the inside of a vagina should look like—I haven't had much other experience to compare it to, after all 😳 )
Basically, it should be openable, right? BUT, mine doesn't seem to be
Or rather, not entirely...
When I try to insert a finger, I hit something just a few centimeters from the opening—it's cylindrical and about an inch wide.
So, what on earth is that? When I move in front of it, I can go a centimeter or two further, but then it feels like I'm pressing against something that starts to push back or fold inward.
If I move behind it (towards my back), I can go as deep as my finger allows.

🙄
First of all, please stop stressing yourself out with self-exams, especially since you're a virgin.
Second, being a virgin doesn't necessarily mean there's a physical blockage. Any guy who is eager enough will resolve that "issue" very quickly and efficiently, making sure it's never a concern again.
Some girls have a hymen that only partially covers the opening, while others are almost completely closed off.
For instance, young girls who do gymnastics rarely have issues with their hymen stretching or even breaking naturally during training.
I've heard similar things about kids riding bicycles, too.

Matthew Williams47 said:Is taking cold showers actually healthy?

I've started making this a regular part of my routine, so I was wondering if there could be any negative side effects...

Thanks

The best approach is probably alternating between hot and cold water, since that really helps boost circulation. You see people up in Maine or Alaska who dive into freezing water and then jump straight into a warm shower; they often say doing that two or three times a week helps strengthen the immune system, can even help with gout, and significantly improves blood flow.

Douglas Cooper68 said:Why does nobody seem to believe me when I say it’s vaginitis? I’ve actually spent some time looking up clinical photos online, and the white discharge around the vaginal opening looks exactly like what I'm experiencing. It’s hard to argue with what I can see with my own eyes. Honestly, if it isn't that, then where on earth did I even pick this up?😢

It sounds like you're dealing with a yeast infection. You can usually just pick up an over-the-counter cream from a place like Johnson & Johnson to apply topically, and that should do the trick. Since you haven't been sexually active, there isn't a need for a formal gynecological exam right now. I imagine it’s pretty itchy, and if you've been scratching at it, the skin is likely looking quite red and irritated.

I find it hard to believe you’re dealing with bacterial vaginosis... honestly, that would be incredibly rare in your situation. Plus, a gynecologist wouldn't be able to perform a standard exam since you're a virgin.

restlesspanther42 said:General anesthesia isn't an option. They only use it if things get complicated. Just ask for local; it’s nothing to worry about. The pain is basically just like having a slightly heavier period.

Good luck with that.

It actually does exist, you just have to push for it. In fact, that’s the best way to handle it. That's how they do things in the West. Here, the medical standards can be a bit more primitive, so they mostly perform these procedures without any anesthesia at all. If you have the money, you can secure general anesthesia for yourself. There are various types available—some only take ten minutes, and then you're done.

Morgan Torres said:That’s all fine, but you're a kid and you said so yourself—so why are you engaging in adult activities? Is it really that hard to just use a condom?
I'm not trying to lecture you, that's not my intention; I'm just asking why you ended up pregnant in the first place.

How many children are born into marriages that weren't planned? I personally know plenty of cases, including twins. It happens. And it doesn't mean that every woman who gets pregnant has "screwed up" her reputation with the whole town. All it takes is one single sperm out of millions for this to happen.

silverpuma10 said:what about local anesthesia?

If you have the option, try to go for general anesthesia instead. Regardless, I wish you the very best of luck! Honestly, I think you've found a wonderful little support system here on this forum. 😁
As for those other people... just let them be. People always say, "May God forbid anyone ever has to walk in someone else's shoes!"
😉
GOOD LUCK!
And please, let us know how it goes!

Betty Davis said:The consequences aren't a certainty, but there is a possibility. Working in healthcare, I see this firsthand. Potential issues could involve irregular menstrual cycles later on, or complications during future pregnancies—such as preterm labor (since a miscarriage involves the forced dilation of the cervix, which can lead to premature dilation in subsequent pregnancies). There might also be difficulties conceiving down the road, which is more common if a first pregnancy is interrupted. We aren't trying to lecture or offer unsolicited advice, but it’s important to be informed about the risks for the future.

The cervix dilates during childbirth anyway, so it doesn't necessarily mean the next pregnancy will be high-risk. You make a fair point, though. In my view, the most significant complications usually stem from scarring of the cervix or the uterus itself caused by the procedure. That said, it's worth noting that such complications are quite rare. What is more likely is a post-procedure infection, but since antibiotics are almost always given routinely afterward, the risk there is minimal too. If a patient develops a high fever or abdominal pain that feels significantly worse than standard menstrual cramps, those are signs of an infection or retained tissue, and everything needs to be fully cleared out.

Jessica Wilson29 said:How can you say that when she’s getting an ultrasound? An ultrasound report is ready in two minutes. I assume the woman confirmed the pregnancy through either a blood test or a home kit. I don't get it. Plus, pregnancy is calculated from the first day of the last period.

It is calculated that way, but we also have to consider that conception doesn't happen immediately after the last period; ovulation typically occurs about 14 days into the cycle—roughly two weeks after that last period. We use the date of the last menstrual period simply because it's easy to track; most women know exactly when their period started, whereas very few actually know when they ovulated. (So, on average, we just estimate it as two weeks after the start.) While an ultrasound itself is quick, you often have to wait a long time just to be seen, and besides, things can be clearly visualized after six or seven weeks anyway. In any case, there are other ways to determine how far along a pregnancy is. But one still has to wait their turn for the actual abortion procedure. Time seems to fly when dealing with such heavy matters. She shouldn't necessarily have to wait that long. PERHAPS in a few years, we will see the availability of the generic mifepristone pill here in America too. That medication can actually be taken up to 7 or 8 weeks into a pregnancy.

brightbear8 said:I think she’s dealing with enough without everyone trying to lecture her. She asked her question clearly because she’s already made up her mind about what she's going to do. It wasn't an open invitation for people to debate whether or not she should throw it away.

Exactly.
And honestly, if she were looking for a sermon, she would have posted this in the religion subforum. Since she was clearly seeking medical guidance or advice, it makes perfect sense that she posted it under Health.

Jessica Wilson29 said:I have no idea what kind of private abortion clinics you all are talking about?? Where are you getting this nonsense?
Regarding gynecologists—calling that "nonsense" isn't quite right. They will simply refer her to a hospital. At most, they can provide a referral for an ultrasound, which is mandatory anyway, just to help lower the costs at $33. That’s really it.
Honey, you need to go to a hospital. If you are only four weeks pregnant, it’s too early because nothing will show up on an ultrasound yet. Wait until you are around seven or eight weeks along. You’ll need an exam, get scheduled for the procedure, and that’s that. Prices vary widely, from places in cities like Columbus where it might be $200 to major centers in Chicago where it could be $500. I mention Chicago specifically because they tend to be the most compassionate regarding these matters. Though, even there, you might encounter pamphlets reflecting certain traditionalist views that try to make you feel like a murderer. It’s funny—you won't find those same pamphlets explaining why our grandmothers were burning things in the streets a few centuries ago, but I suppose we aren't here to judge them.
In any case, head to a hospital. But it is still a bit early. Wait until you are about two months along.
And good luck!

Hold on, just hold on a second. If she has already missed her period (which hasn't happened yet), then we are already looking at a two-to-four-week window. By the time she confirms the pregnancy, gets an ultrasound, and processes everything mentally, it might be too late. She needs to get to a clinic IMMEDIATELY. A pregnancy can be confirmed with a home test or a blood test; it doesn't require an ultrasound to know it's happening. Regardless, while she's navigating all these technicalities, dealing with doctors, and trying to figure out a timeline, she's going to lose precious time. She shouldn't wait even a single day, let alone eight weeks. If she waits that long, she'll be left with maybe a week or two—ten business days—to finish all the exams, set a date, and actually have the procedure done. At that point, it could be too late.

Raymond Ward3 said:To me, it sounds much worse to end the life of a child that has already been conceived. That child has a right to live simply because they exist; conception isn't an accident, and that baby could be a mother's greatest joy and support. On the other hand, an abortion will undoubtedly be a trauma for her.

Everyone finds something to take issue with. To her, the only "right" path is whatever allows Iole to find peace. But really, there's no point in us speculating here.

Raymond Ward3 said:silverpuma10, honey, abortion pills don't really exist in that sense, and Plan B isn't an abortion pill either—it's just a high dose of contraceptive hormones meant to trigger bleeding within 24 hours. Have you considered talking to your parents or maybe a counselor? Most people will probably tell you it’s fine if this is what you’ve decided, but it isn't. An abortion carries psychological and physical consequences, and the procedure involves removing the uterine lining along with the pregnancy under local or general anesthesia. I know someone who went through an abortion and she still struggles with it today.

Correction, they DO exist. The generic name is mifepristone, though they aren't available here. I don't think they are available anywhere in the region. In Western Europe, they are used during the earlier weeks of pregnancy because they induce contractions.

Regardless, you need to see a gynecologist immediately. A Kiretaza is a serious medical procedure. Sometimes they provide anesthesia, and sometimes they don't. Please insist on being given anesthesia; I’m a healthcare worker and I once witnessed a Kiretaza performed without any anesthesia, and it was a harrowing sight to behold.
My dear, both having an abortion and raising a child are matters for adults. In both scenarios, you will face significant psychological and physical consequences, and your life has already changed, whether you realize it yet or not. If you decide to go through with an abortion, please be 100% certain of your choice, because that is the only way you will be able to handle what comes next.

Kimberly Morgan said:I have a retroverted uterus too, but apparently, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. My pregnancies have been normal, though delivery might (though not necessarily 🙂 ) be a bit more intense, and my doctor mentioned I might experience some extra back pain during pregnancy. But they aren't expecting any specific complications.
My mom has it too, and she never had any issues.

With my mom, her OB-GYN was telling her all sorts of things at the start of her pregnancy. She used to talk about how complicated everything was and how much she had to watch out for—the doctor even banned bananas and chocolate, just about everything! I could barely keep a straight face when she told me, but at the time, she was dead serious since it was her first pregnancy. Anyway, she eventually went to a different doctor who told her everything was perfectly fine and just continued with her prenatal care as usual. I guess what I'm saying is: don't let yourselves get worked up if you happen to run into an alarmist doctor, because honestly, you really do encounter all kinds.

My daughter-in-law was diagnosed with a retroverted uterus after she found out she was pregnant. She didn't have any issues before this, and now she’s already eight months along.