My mother belongs to that particular breed of old-fashioned women who view a simple visit to the gynecologist as an ordeal requiring significant mental fortitude—a truly traumatic event in their eyes. To make matters worse, my former physician was just as archaic, operating under the same misguided notion that pelvic exams are inherently traumatic experiences. Because of these two women, I spent years, literal years, suffering from a persistent infection that went completely untreated. I eventually found myself hospitalized when I was about eleven or twelve due to excruciating pain; at the time, the doctors suspected kidney issues 🙄, though I later realized on my own that it was actually endometriosis. They sent me to a gynecologist afterward. I saw a woman twice, and frankly, nothing about it was terrifying. However, the second doctor seemed quite hesitant to even approach the exam table because I was dealing with a severe case of vaginitis. She simply prescribed a cream and noted in my medical records that I absolutely had to follow up with a specialist once the treatment concluded. But once I was discharged, my mother and that doctor both decided it would be far too much to force a poor specialist to deal with me, assuming that since I felt "fine," there was clearly nothing serious to address. For the next four or five years, I lived with a constant inflammation that I mistakenly believed was just a normal part of life—back then, the internet wasn't the pervasive resource it is now, so what did I know about online health forums and such? My doctor spent months trying to treat me because the infection was incredibly stubborn. That is the direct result of those two women instilling a sense of narrow-mindedness and fear regarding specialists in me. As of now, there have been no lasting consequences, and I sincerely hope there won't be.
By the way, I personally never had any issues with my gynecologist; we would usually spend our time discussing how the church poisons the youth and spreads misinformation (despite the fact that one is still Catholic 😁) or other political developments. He would occasionally comment on whether I had gained weight, while I would bring him and his sister some corny snacks from the university dining hall. 🤣
When you step back and look at the big picture, I am convinced that our mothers and the older generation are primarily responsible for the fear young women feel toward gynecologists. They are terrified before they even walk through the door because they were raised on stories of how horrific and embarrassing it all is, so women continue to delay care indefinitely... it is a learned behavior. You are taught that seeing a gynecologist is something shameful and traumatic. Even sex remains a taboo subject, though it is perhaps a more "fun" topic, making that particular taboo much easier to break. The end result is that we raise young girls who become so paralyzed by fear that it becomes pathological. There is also a segment of this issue that is simply a matter of pure irresponsibility. How do we solve this? Comprehensive sexual education in our public schools! But we all know exactly how that conversation goes in this country...
For the moment, I shall merely offer my congratulations to Carol Scott98, though I intend to provide a more comprehensive response once I have returned home with my Monistat😁 (and yes, if memory serves, I did mention on a previous occasion that I wasn't exactly a devotee of Candide) . Once I am settled, I plan to use that specific example to illustrate precisely why one ought to consult a gynecologist without delay. Therefore, keep pushing, Carol Scott98, keep pushing.🎉🎉
Nails, rings, inflammation—tell me, are you dealing with some sort of underlying irritation that might cause bleeding if you even slightly snagged it? If the symptoms have subsided, just hang in there; I’m fairly certain you can hold out until you see a physician 😁 however, if this persists, you really ought to get to a doctor immediately.
And I suppose I should ask you this, though it feels somewhat redundant at this stage—have you perhaps remained a virgin?
darkmaker said:Here is the evening update, including the full article link -->
The Vatican maintains that birth control pills equate to abortion, environmental destruction, and the violation of fundamental human rights.
I’m struggling to see how it counts as an abortion when its entire purpose is to prevent pregnancy in the first place. 🙄
In many instances, the contraceptive pill results in an "abortive effect and devastating consequences for the environment," as it leads to "tons of hormones being released through women's urine," and is cited as a contributing factor to "male infertility" within Western nations.
And how exactly does it cause male infertility, considering they aren't the ones taking the pills (at least, not yet)?
Contraceptive methods infringe upon at least five essential human rights, according to Castellvi, who lists them as: the right to life, health, education, information, and gender equality.
😕 🤷
such sheer idiocy... I truly cannot decide whether to laugh or weep at this absurdity 🙄
Allana, women take these pills for a multitude of reasons. I take mine because of endometriosis, some deal with PCOS, others use them strictly for contraception—there are endless motivations. Occasionally, it is simply a matter of addressing a hormonal imbalance that isn't even tied to another underlying disorder.
swiftbison25 said:Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out how to reset my cycle back to its usual rhythm after taking a break from my birth control pills. To give you some context, I’ve always been very consistent—starting my first pack on a Thursday and finishing the last pill on a Wednesday, which meant my period would always arrive on Sunday. It worked perfectly for my schedule. However, since the rule is that I have to start the new pack on the very first day of my period (which would be this Sunday), my whole routine is going to get thrown off, and honestly, I really liked the old timing... So, here is what I'm thinking: if I take the first pill this Sunday and go through the entire pack, then immediately start the next one without taking any break days, how should I handle the transition? Should I stop mid-way through the second pack—say, on the first Wednesday (which would be just three days into the new pack)—or should I continue with the second pack almost until the end, meaning until that final Wednesday of the month? I hope I haven't made this way too complicated, but I'm hoping someone can follow my logic and point me in the right direction...
The instructions for Yasmin explicitly state that if you want to "adjust your cycle," as you put it, you actually need to take fewer pills, not more. In other words, you stop on Wednesday rather than Saturday, leaving you with three extra pills left over. Read the manual.
Iron deficiency is typically inextricably linked to heavy menstrual cycles, though the medical community still debates whether one is the primary cause or merely a symptom of the other. Go see an OB-GYN; you could be dealing with PCOS, you could be pregnant, or who knows, there are a dozen other possibilities...
Kimberly Moore55 said:So, here’s the deal. I came on here because I’m looking for some advice from the ladies who actually know what they’re doing in this area 🙂 Here’s the situation😛Last year, around July, I started taking Yasmin (my OBGYN didn't even bother to run any blood work first)... I took it for a few months, but the bleeding was happening every other month and it lasted the WHOLE MONTH! It was honestly exhausting... The takeaway was that Yasmin was too weak for me, so they switched me to Loestrin (which is even weaker, but hey, who am I to argue?)—well, that turned out to be a total disaster. First month, I had nausea and vomiting, then constant bleeding, just feeling totally wiped out... I pushed through it for seven months before I finally said ENOUGH! I was seriously drained, and then Triquilar gave me a little glimmer of hope. Basically, the first month on it was fine until things got ugly, and I was literally bleeding constantly—it was almost black in color. Month two was relatively okay, just a bit of spotting (honestly, seeing just a few drops after all that was such a relief), so I started hoping my nightmare was over... But nope, it wasn't over yet. Month three hit, and I had this random spotting before my period, but then my actual period just skipped. I took a test and it was negative. My doctor was basically like, "If the test says you aren't pregnant, you aren't pregnant, period." He wouldn't even give me a proper exam... like, okay, whatever. Now, I'm on my fourth pack... and my vision is getting blurry, I'm dizzy, getting sharp headaches, just feeling super weak... The vision thing is what's really freaking me out though... Does all of this mean I shouldn't be on birth control at all? Has anyone else gone through something similar? And also, can someone tell me how to actually check everything? Like, should I get blood work or specific tests done? It’s scary to think I might be taking these when I really shouldn't be, and I don't even know... Please, if you've been through this, let me know what happened to you🙂
First off, I am certainly not going to tell you to quit taking your medication, though if I were standing in your shoes, that is exactly what I would do. My dear, you cannot simply live so nonchalantly with such significant side effects as if they were nothing at all!
Secondly, switch gynecologists. Do it right now. If you actually possess any regard for your own health, you will hand over that $500 and walk out the door immediately.$200 If you ever find out that everything is actually fine, take heart; because, quite frankly, after what you’ve just endured, you could have easily made a much more serious mess of things. Go get yourself checked out! That absolute scoundrel of a gynecologist has finally been reported to the Medical Board.
I certainly had a suspicion that they didn't play particularly well with alcohol and were often utilized to assist with weaning oneself off it... but this was nothing short of a violent reaction akin to taking Antabuse. I mean, for just two glasses... I had absolutely no intention of getting drunk, truly...
It’s much more manageable for me now that the side effects have finally subsided. What actually caused my setback was the direct influence of external stressors; that would have impacted anyone regardless of whether they were struggling with depression or not.
I am currently six weeks into my regimen, which is precisely when one should expect to see real results, at least regarding those physiological responses and general reactions to my environment. As long as it provides enough stability for me to regain my footing, I'll be back on track.
Well, hello there—I’ve been somewhat absent from the conversation lately. But I am back now.🙂
On a more positive note, the constant crying spells have finally subsided, and my mouth feels normal again; I suppose that is how the equilibrium is supposed to function.
However, my goodness, when you combine this with alcohol... last night I had two glasses of Bamboo. It was weak, half-and-half stuff. This is problematic because I am someone who usually requires half a liter of brandy just to feel a buzz, and I used to drink quite heavily in the past. Yet, after those mere two glasses, everything went sideways. When I arrived home, I heard something—someone said something to me that cut deep. I managed to blow the whole thing entirely out of proportion, spiraling into a paranoid state and weeping like a child for hours on end; I even felt a flicker of suicidality, which is something I have truly never experienced while in my right mind. Honestly, I don't think I have ever felt quite as wretched in my entire life as I did last night. I genuinely feared I wouldn't make it through the night to see the sunrise at the local hospital or end up in a morgue. I eventually drifted off from sheer exhaustion caused by the crying, and now I am suffering from a headache and a hangover so debilitating it feels unnatural.
To be fair, I hadn't eaten all day, so those two glasses likely hit me with the force of four, though I wasn't technically drunk. A friend of mine who previously dealt with ADHD told me that medication interacts terribly with alcohol, and she actually quit drinking altogether until her ADHD was under control, but I certainly didn't anticipate this level of volatility.
Looking back, I truly cannot find a logical reason for such an extreme mood swing. I mean, I have certainly endured bad episodes before, but typically people would have to say something far more egregious than what happened to trigger such a catastrophic narrative in my head. This was not normal. To top it all off, I am having a miserable few days where it feels like everything is hitting me from every direction at once. Ugh, well, I suppose it will pass eventually.
My doctor prescribed me more Xanax, fully expecting my anxiety to flare up, though I’ve been trying my best to avoid taking them. In truth, I didn't touch them at all until my shoulder started acting up again—because, as luck would have it, my anxiety always manifests physically—but even then, they provided absolutely no relief. I think I’ve taken maybe five pills total.
I spent years attempting to tackle my depression entirely on my own; it’s been a nearly five-year struggle defined by constant peaks and valleys, but I finally hit a wall of absolute lethargy, escalating panic attacks, and relentless nightmares. I simply couldn't endure it anymore, so I sought out a physician to get a prescription for anti-anxiety medication. Now I am looking into starting therapy, though finding the right fit is a challenge. Since I am currently studying psychology, it feels particularly complicated because everywhere I turn, Professor 😁
As for the regimen, I am taking three a day now, though it was just two during the first week. That seems to be the standard dosage; I suspect the dose for something like Lexapro remains relatively consistent regardless of the individual.
Oh, and I should mention that during those first two days after starting the medication, I dealt with bouts of dizziness, which also occurred when I increased my dosage. Fortunately, that sensation didn't last long.
I am currently in my fourth week of taking it. My doctor insisted that I shouldn't anticipate any significant shifts for at least six weeks.
However, what many people fail to grasp is the reality that improvement isn't solely the result of a pill; it requires a relentless, ongoing commitment to personal growth and mental discipline.
As for my own experience—if you must know—it has been quite a journey. During the first week, I was in a state of perpetual weeping. By the second week, I had stabilized somewhat and felt a sense of equilibrium. Midway through that second week, my libido actually returned to its former levels, which I found immensely gratifying. By the third week, however, I realized that I could no longer cry if I wanted to. I can force myself to squeeze out perhaps three tears, but that is the extent of it... there is no catharsis, no emotional release whatsoever. I cannot determine whether this is a profound numbness caused by my circumstances or simply the physiological effect of the medication.
Oh, and one more thing: the dry mouth is absolutely unbearable.
Frank Hughes56 said:It’s more like this current, yellowish color, an annoying smell, and it stings whenever I pee—plus, you know, it itches everywhere. Honestly, it feels more like I’m on my period rather than just having normal discharge.
Those aren't fungal infections. And frankly, I don't understand why you only ordered them on September 9th; did you tell me this was an emergency? When things are urgent, I don't sit around waiting for orders to arrive—I simply show up...😕
Fine, look, either call again and explain exactly what is going on—and please, stop claiming they are fungal!—and if they won't see you, just head back to your hometown and find a private clinic.
Look, please don't go badgering your friend into this; if it isn't happening, then it simply isn't happening. I personally found myself in an identical situation back when I was a virgin, where nothing seemed to work regardless of the effort. Technically speaking, I lost my virginity through digital penetration—it was a struggle, a genuine ordeal, and there was enough bleeding to make any bride feel quite certain of her status on her wedding night 😁 however, once actual intercourse finally occurred later on, there was absolutely no blood and no pain whatsoever.
I only managed to successfully engage in intercourse after that initial breakthrough with my fingers, which happened well before any actual sexual intercourse took place. So, the bottom line is this: if it isn't working, stop pushing. Period. Do not force her. She might attempt it a few more times, but she will only end up deeply traumatized rather than being better off for waiting a little longer.
Furthermore, if the issue isn't merely her being tense, but rather a particularly stubborn hymen similar to what I experienced, I would strongly suggest that you stay available to her (not physically present, of course!) during her first time with her partner. Tell her to take it incredibly slow.
Because we got so deeply entangled in a conversation about those $1000 earrings, I completely lost my train of thought and simply forgot. It took me another twenty minutes and a few miles down the road before it finally clicked back into place. Honestly, that idiot 😵
I have a brief inquiry regarding a recent piercing; I had to get my ear re-pierced today because the old hole had completely closed up, and frankly, the specific aftercare protocol has slipped my mind—specifically, how long one is required to wear the initial earring before it can be safely swapped out.
If my memory serves me correctly, there is a strict period during those first few days where removing the jewelry is strictly forbidden, followed by a stage where you periodically remove it to clean everything thoroughly while still relying on that same piece.
Could someone please provide a quick refresher on the specific durations for each phase of this process?
It occurred during the evening, and by the following morning, there was nothing left of it but perhaps some faint traces of what once was, and certainly nothing more. I found myself contemplating the possibility of pus, just in case the capillary hadn't healed properly—much like what happened in his case—assuming this is an actual injury rather than a simple burst vessel (though he was forty at the time, so the comparison is somewhat flawed), and fearing the potential for infection. Look, I would genuinely advise you to schedule an appointment with a urologist as soon as humanly possible; because if it isn't causing pain now, it almost certainly will if there is an underlying issue, and I highly doubt any such complication would be pleasant. Please don't spiral into a panic; I am well aware that I have a tendency to jump straight to the most catastrophic prognosis, which rarely actually materializes, but for the sake of a peaceful night's sleep and comfortable intimacy, go ahead and get everything checked out. Everything will turn out fine 👍
I witnessed a similar situation once with a boyfriend of mine; it turned out he had suffered a ruptured vein somewhere along the line, which explained everything. Given that your symptoms have persisted for this long, and considering how rough things got with your partner, you might be dealing with a more significant injury or perhaps some sort of inflammatory response. I am certainly not an expert, but I recall reading something about certain STIs manifesting through discoloration in semen. Honestly, you need to see a urologist. Look, it is far better to seek medical attention now before you find yourself facing discharge, swelling, or some other unpleasant complication. It might turn out to be nothing at all, but for your own peace of mind, go get checked out properly.
I would venture to suggest that what we are looking at is likely nothing more than a simple inflammation. Yes, that is certainly a possibility.
Having endured the grueling reality of endometriosis myself—which, quite frankly, left me in absolute tears during my last two bouts—I find I am currently in a bit of a plateau. It would be prudent to schedule a checkup, if only to be certain.
If this pain is "standard" for her, much like the agony I endure, then there is no immediate cause for alarm; however, the circumstances that triggered such a reaction were far from trivial.
cosmicmoose8 said:I appreciate everyone weighing in on this. Since I haven't touched a pair of scissors in over a year, I suppose it’s high time for a change. So, what am I looking at—just a slight trim, or something more significant?
I highly doubt you'll get much of a "trim" if you haven't seen a barber in twelve months. Just walk into a salon, tell them to cut away all the damaged ends, and honestly, I expect them to lop off at least two inches, maybe even four.
(though there is absolutely no reason to go for a buzz cut 😉)
Edit again—wait, just how long is your hair actually? For some reason, I keep picturing you as some grizzled, old-school heavy metal enthusiast with hair reaching all the way down your back...
Hair density inevitably declines as the years pass, driven by an unrelenting cocktail of environmental stressors, genetic predispositions, and various other biological factors. Back when I maintained a much shorter style, my hair was incredibly thick—I possessed a natural afro that required absolutely zero effort to manage. Now, after decades of relentless coloring and maintaining significant length down to the mid-back, the volume has noticeably diminished. A combination of chronic stress, the sheer weight of the length, chemical processing, and the simple passage of time has all conspired to thin out my strands. It is a mathematical reality that longer hair often appears thinner because every single fallen strand must regrow to reach that same substantial length. While long hair alone won't cause you to go bald, there is no denying that a shorter cut provides a much denser, fuller appearance. Furthermore, one must commit to rigorous maintenance and regular trims. Since you specifically inquired about the methodology, here is my advice: invest in high-quality shampoos rather than those massive, cheap jugs you find at $3.25, and never skip conditioner. Personally, I found my hair looked significantly healthier whenever I incorporated a dedicated hair mask into my routine. Additionally, while washing, ensure you use your fingertips to thoroughly massage your scalp to stimulate blood circulation. Aim for a trim at least every three months, and for heaven's sake, do not argue with your stylist if they insist on a shorter cut. Once those thin, split ends are severed, the hair immediately looks more robust and the individual strands feel considerably stronger.