A routine pap test screens for abnormal cells from the cervix associated with cancer or pre-cancer of the cervix. Depending on one's age, we are also testing for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is now fe... continue reading  about  What does a routine Pap smear show? Are there other routine tests should I ask for?

Since vaginal hysterectomy requires separation of the vagina from the cervix, a suture line is needed to close the opening at the top of the vagina. Like any healing incision, it is important to avoid activity ... continue reading  about  I just had a vaginal hysterectomy last week. When can I start exercising again and what type would be best?

It is not normal to have bleeding after sex at any age, but particularly for post menopausal women. Bleeding after sex can be an indication of damage to vaginal tissues, which are more fragile after menopause, ... continue reading  about  Is it normal for a 60-year-old woman to have bleeding after sex?

Yes, you should definitely consult with your gynecologist and have an exam and pelvic ultrasound. There may be a structural problem in your uterus, such as a polyp or fibroid (benign muscle mass) that can cause... continue reading  about  I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?

The clitoris never actually disappears, but it can become smaller over time after the loss of circulating female hormones with menopause. This is part of a normal condition with aging called urogenital atrophy.... continue reading  about  Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?

Most of the studies on the use of fertility drugs have examined hormonally sensitive tumors such as breast, ovarian and uterine malignancies. There does not appear to be any association between fertility drugs ... continue reading  about  Is a woman undergoing fertility treatments at higher risk of getting cancer than a woman of the same age who has not taken these drugs?

Douching is not recommended for several reasons.Douche cleansing fluids tend to alter the vaginal pH and this can negatively impact the vagina's normal healthy bacterial flora and mucus and make one more suscep... continue reading  about  I'm 41 and have had my tubes tied/clamped. I'm in a committed relationship so we do not use condoms and are rather sexually active. Is there any need to douche? I never have, and have heard conflicting opinions from friends.

Many women after a hysterectomy can still have "cycles" if their ovaries are in place. They will not bleed since the uterus is no longer present, but they can still have the usual bloating and other PMS symptom... continue reading  about  I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?

You should not expect to experience any symptoms related to the removal of your right ovary, since the remaining left ovary will continue to produce enough hormones for your well-being. Of course, your body wil... continue reading  about  I had a da Vinci hysterectomy last month. They removed my uterus, cervix, right ovary and fallopian tubes. They did not remove the left ovary. What kind of symptoms should I experience?