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Author: Dr. Adeeti Gupta

PCOS – What is it really?

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POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME – LITTLE KNOWN FACTS Polycystic ovarian syndrome or “PCOS” is a loosely used term with a variety of interpretations. In this article, I will try to break it down and simplify the understanding of the signs, symptoms and management options of PCOS or the “metabolic syndrome”.   Q: What is Metabolic Syndrome and how do I know I have it? The metabolic syndrome is a group of characteristics. You do not need to have all of the characteristics to have it. However, a person with one characteristic is more likely to have others. Most expert groups define metabolic syndrome as the presence of three or more of the following characteristics in a person: Obesity, especially in the abdominal area (defined by some groups as a waist size greater than 94 to 102 cm (38 to 41 in) in men or greater than 80 cm (32 in) in women) Impaired fasting glucose (fasting blood sugar of 100 to 125mg/dLor 5.6 to 7 mmol/L) Increased blood pressure(130/85or higher) or if you take medicine for high blood pressure Increased fasting levels of triglycerides (bad cholesterol).   Q: What increases my risk of developing Metabolic syndrome? Can I avoid it? The following factors are thought to increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome: Being overweight (body mass index of 25kg/m2or more) Menopause (in women) Increasing age Smoking Eating a high carbohydrate diet...

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Chlamydia!! The silent epidemic!

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Rising STD rates in the United States In the United States alone, there are nearly 20 million cases of new sexually transmitted infections yearly, from just eight viruses and bacteria, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The eight most common STDs in the U.S. are chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B virus (HBV), genital herpes, HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis and trichomoniasis. About 50.5 million of these current infections are in men, and 59.5 million are in women, according to the CDC’s 2013 report, in which the researchers looked at 2008 data. Each year, new cases of STDs cost nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs. Fifty percent of these new infections occur in young people, ages 15-24, even though this age group represents only a quarter of people who have had sex. How can Chlamydia be detected? Chlamydia can be easily detected by a vaginal swab or culture during a routine pap smear. Chlamydia can also be tested in the urine if you are uncomfortable with a pelvic exam. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the United States. But most people with chlamydial infections may not show any symptoms, and so the number of actual infections is much higher than the number of those reported, which was 1.4 million in 2012, or a rate of 457 cases per 100,000 people. How is Chlamydia cured? It is easy...

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Colposcopy: Before Your Procedure

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What is a Colposcopy? Colposcopy lets a doctor look at your vulva, vagina, and cervix. If the doctor sees a possible problem, he or she can take a small sample of tissue. Then another doctor studies the tissue under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. Most women have this procedure after they have abnormal results from a Pap test. During the test, your doctor puts a lubricated tool into your vagina. This is called a speculum. It gently spreads apart the sides of your vagina. This allows your doctor to see inside your vagina and the cervix. The doctor also uses a magnifying device to help him or her see better. This device does not go inside your vagina. The doctor may put vinegar or iodine on your cervix. This can help the doctor to see any areas that are not normal. Sometimes the doctor also takes photos or videos. When the speculum goes in, it can feel a little uncomfortable. If the doctor does a biopsy, you may feel a pinch and have some cramping. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. What happens before the procedure?...

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