Conditions and Management

The Gardasil vaccine offers valuable protection against the highly common and potentially dangerous sexually transmitted disease known as HPV, or human papilloma virus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that there were approximately 43 million HPV infections in 2018, making it the most common STD in the nation. While many of these infections will clear on their own – it can go away without health problems within two years in 9 out of 10 people – some have the potential to cause serious health problems like certain types of cancer, particularly cervical cancer. HPV can also lead to genital warts.

Unfortunately, a person who has HPV can pass it along to someone else even if they are not experiencing any symptoms, and many people are not aware they are infected. Moreover, it can take years after having sex with an infected person to develop symptoms.

Who Should Get Gardasil?

The CDC recommends that all girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 12 get the vaccine, although it can be administered to people as young as 9. Ideally, girls and boys should receive the vaccine prior to their first sexual contact and potential HPV exposure as it may not be as effective once a person has been infected with HPV. Moreover, the response to the vaccine is typically better among younger people than those who are older.

According to the CDC, people under the age of 15 should receive two doses of Gardasil at least six months apart, while for those aged 15 through 26, three doses of the vaccine are needed. Women who are 27 to 45 should talk to their doctor about whether or not they need the vaccine. It may not be necessary for everyone in this age group, so discuss your risk with your doctor to make an informed decision.

Who Should Avoid Gardasil?

The Gardasil vaccine has not been tested in pregnant women and should therefore be avoided by anyone who is pregnant. People who are moderately or severely ill should wait until they are feeling better to get the vaccine.

It is also important to discuss all of your allergies with your doctor prior to vaccination, particularly if you are allergic to yeast or latex. Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction in the past to any of the vaccine’s components should avoid it as should those who have had severe reactions to a previous dose of the vaccine.

Are There Side Effects Or Health Risks?

Studies have shown that the vaccine is generally safe and its effects are typically mild. Some of the more common side effects include swelling at the injection site and soreness.

Nevertheless, patients are advised to stay sitting for 15 minutes following the shot as dizziness or fainting may occur. Some people may also experience weakness, fatigue, nausea, and headaches. The vaccine is being monitored by the CDC and FDA for severe or unusual problems.

Is The Vaccine A Requirement For Attending School?

The HPV vaccine is now a part of the standard routine childhood vaccination schedule. However, each state makes its own decisions about which vaccines are required for school enrollment.

Can Gardasil Provide Protection If You Are Already Sexually Active?

Even if you have already been infected with one strain of HPV, the vaccine still offers benefits as it may protect you from other strains. However, it is important to keep in mind that its protection is limited only to those strains you have not yet been exposed to; it cannot treat an existing HPV infection.

Do Vaccinated People Still Need Pap Tests?

Although the HPV vaccine can help reduce your chances of developing HPV-related cancer, it is not intended to replace Pap tests. It is still important to get routine screening for cervical cancer with regular Pap tests as part of preventative health care since the vaccine does not protect against every strain of HPV that can cause cancer.

It is important to protect yourself during sexual interactions whether you have the HPV vaccine or not. Keep in mind that HPV can spread through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Using a condom every time you have sex is essential, but it is important to understand that condoms do not cover every part of the body that could become infected with HPV. It is also important to avoid smoking as this can raise your risk of cervical cancer.

Learn More About Gardasil And Sexual Health

If you would like to learn more about sexually transmitted diseases, get a Pap test, or receive the Gardasil vaccine, get in touch with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today. Our team of health care professionals can help you determine your risk and the best way to ensure you are protected.

The Gardasil vaccine can offer protection against one of the most common types of STDs – the human papillomavirus virus (HPV).

What Is HPV?

HPV is a broad term, and many of its strains are relatively harmless and may clear on their own. However, some types can cause health problems ranging from genital warts to certain types of cancer.

It is not always obvious that a person has HPV as they may be asymptomatic. Genital warts typically first appear as small bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area that may be raised, flat, or cauliflower shaped. Complicating matters further is the fact that cancer may take years to develop after a person contracts HPV. The virus has been linked to cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, and penis, along with cancer in the back of the throat, or oropharyngeal cancer.

It spreads easily through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and a person who has it may pass the infection to someone else even if they are not experiencing any signs or symptoms of the disease. Moreover, its symptoms can develop years after sexual contact with an infected person, which means it can be difficult to determine when you may have contracted it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were around 43 million HPV infections in 2018. Many of those affected were people in their early 20s or late teens. (1)

What Is The Gardasil Vaccine?

The Gardasil vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for both males and females, and it can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if it is administered to girls or women before they are exposed to the virus. It can also help to protect against some of the other problems associated with HPV, such as genital warts and several types of cancers. However, it cannot treat an active infection.

It is theorized that vaccinating boys against the HPV strains linked to cervical cancer could protect girls from the virus by reducing transmission, but the vaccine is largely given to girls around ages 11 or 12. It is best to receive it before beginning sexual contact as it may not be as effective once someone has been exposed.

It is recommended that younger girls receive two doses of the vaccine at least six months apart. Teens and young adults who start the vaccine series need three doses as the response to the vaccine is not as strong in this age group as it is in younger children.

Although some parents worry that the HPV vaccine could encourage young girls to make riskier decisions, studies have shown that getting the vaccine does not lead people to have more sex or start having sex at a younger age.

Women aged 27 to 45 should talk to their doctor about their HPV risk. In some cases, it may not be necessary to get the vaccine; your health care professional can help you make an informed decision based on your risk profile and your health and sexual history.

Does The Vaccine Have Side Effects?

The side effects of the HPV vaccine are typically mild. Some of the more common effects of it include swelling, redness at the injection site, and soreness. In some cases, dizziness or fainting may occur immediately afterward, so it is recommended to remain sitting for 15 minutes post-injection. Some people may also experience headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or weakness.

People who are allergic to any components of the vaccine could experience a severe reaction, so it is important to discuss any allergies you have with your doctor before getting the vaccine.

Does It Change Your Menstrual Cycle?

The HPV vaccine will not change your menstrual cycle, and it has not been linked to infertility. However, pregnant women are advised to wait until after giving birth to get the vaccine.

Do You Still Need Pap Tests If You Get The Vaccine?

Pap tests remain an important way of diagnosing and preventing cervical cancer. Although the HPV vaccine may reduce your risk of getting some cancers, it does not protect against every type of HPV that could cause cancer. Therefore, you need regular Pap or HPV tests to pick up any changes in cells that could lead to cervical cancer.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk Of HPV?

Although the Gardasil vaccine is considered very effective, it is also important to use condoms correctly every time you have sex to reduce your chances of getting the virus. Keep in mind that HPV can infect areas of the body that condoms do not cover, which means they cannot provide complete protection. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship is another effective way of reducing your risk.

Talk To The Women’s Health Care Team

To learn more about the benefits of the HPV vaccine and find out whether Gardasil is right for you, get in touch with the women’s health care team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today.

Unfortunately for many women, painful periods are common. For some women, the pain may be a mild annoyance, while others may find that it disrupts their daily life entirely. If your menstrual pain is so bad that you miss school, work, or regular activities and struggle to get out of bed, it is important that you visit a doctor to determine what might be causing your pain and find the best way to address it. Here are some of the questions you may want to ask your doctor when discussing painful periods and dysmenorrhea.

Is My Menstrual Pain Abnormal?

Dysmenorrhea is the term given to painful periods, and there are two categories. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual cramps that are not caused by an underlying medical condition, and it is considered completely normal. It may begin in a woman’s teenage years and typically becomes less intense and frequent in adulthood.

In some cases, menstrual pain that is so severe that it affects your daily life could be caused by secondary dysmenorrhea, which means that the pain has an underlying medical cause that may require further diagnostic tests and treatment.

Why Is My Period So Painful?

If your menstrual cramping is caused by primary dysmenorrhea, it simply means that you have an excess of the hormones known as prostaglandins. These are the hormones that cause your uterus to contract during menstruation. When the uterus contracts too strongly, it may press against blood vessels nearby, which cuts off the oxygen supply to muscle tissue and causes pain.
As many as half of the women who get their period experience this condition.

Other women experience secondary dysmenorrhea, which is menstrual pain that may be traced to one of the following disorders.

Uterine Fibroids

One major cause of secondary dysmenorrhea is uterine fibroids. These noncancerous tumors may grow on the wall of the uterus and may lead to heavy bleeding and severe pain as well as other problems, such as an enlarged abdomen, anemia, and urinary incontinence.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, whether it is on the outer wall of the uterus, the ovaries, or another location in the pelvic region. When this tissue sheds each month just like the lining of the uterus, it can lead to symptoms such as excessive bleeding, severe pelvic pain, and infertility.

Adenomyosis

Another disorder that may cause a secondary dysmenorrhea is adenomyosis, which is caused when the tissue that usually grows on the walls of the uterus is growing in the muscle of the uterus instead. Some symptoms include strong menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, and passing blood clots.

How Can I Get Relief From Menstrual Pain?

Your doctor might suggest that you try one of the following approaches to alleviate your menstrual pain.

Medication

One of the top treatments for primary dysmenorrhea is anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, reduce your body’s output of prostaglandins which helps to alleviate uterine contractions and pain.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, contraceptive patches or vaginal rings, or a progestin IUD. Women who take these medications for birth control typically experience less menstrual pain than those who do not, so your healthcare provider might suggest using these options even if contraception is not your goal.

Heat

When you are experiencing severe cramping, place a heating pad or a hot water bottle on your abdomen. If your menstrual pain is in your lower back, you can also use a heating pad there to get some relief. A warm bath or a hot towel might also help.

Avoiding Certain Foods

During menstruation, you may find that avoiding foods linked to bloating and water retention provides some relief by alleviating cramps and decreasing tension. These include caffeine, salty foods, fatty foods, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. Quitting smoking may also help make periods less painful.

Alternative Therapies

Many women are turning to alternative therapies for relief from menstrual cramping. Yoga is one good option, thanks to its relaxing effects. A gentle massage of the abdomen, side, and back for around 20 minutes may also help reduce your menstrual pain. It can be particularly effective if it is used in conjunction with essential oils to gain aromatherapy benefits. For example, one study found a significant reduction in pain levels and duration of cramps in a group of women who received massages for their menstrual pain using a combination of lavender, marjoram, and clary sage oil.

Talk With Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness About Dysmenorrhea

Although menstruation is a part of life, you do not have to suffer from painful periods every month. If your menstrual pain is having a negative impact on your life, reach out to the knowledgeable team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness. We offer specialized care to help women of all ages in Raleigh and the surrounding area manage dysmenorrhea and other disorders.

Although discomfort is not unusual in the days preceding and during your period, for some women, menstrual periods are consistently painful. This type of pain may fall under the umbrella of dysmenorrhea, a term that generally refers to pain that accompanies menstruation or menstrual cramps.

Types of Dysmenorrhea

There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary.

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Common menstrual cramps that recur each month and are not caused by other diseases is known as primary dysmenorrhea. For many women with this condition, the pain begins a day or two prior to their period; for others, it may come when the actual bleeding begins. The pain may be mild to severe and occur in your lower abdomen, thighs, or back.

The pain may last anywhere from 12 to 72 hours and might be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The good news for many women with primary dysmenorrhea is that their cramps may become less painful as they get older and could stop entirely after having a baby.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Another type of dysmenorrhea is secondary dysmenorrhea. This occurs when a woman’s painful periods are caused by a disorder or an infection of the reproductive organs. It is not typically accompanied by fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, and it may begin earlier in a woman’s menstrual cycle and last longer than typical menstrual cramps.

The menstrual pain that results from secondary dysmenorrhea could be tied to one of the following reproductive organ conditions:

Adenomyosis

In this condition, the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle, causing it to grow bigger than normal and spurring abnormal bleeding and pain.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

PID is an infection that is caused by bacteria that begins in the uterus and may spread to other reproductive organs. It can cause pain during sex and stomach pain in addition to painful periods.

Fibroids

These are benign growths that may be found on the inside or outside of the uterus.

Endometriosis

With endometriosis, the tissue lining the uterus is situated outside of the uterus. These tissue pieces bleed during a woman’s period, leading to pain, swelling, and scarring.

Diagnosis Of Dysmenorrhea

Diagnosing dysmenorrhea can be difficult because menstrual cramps are common. However, if you are feeling pressure or aching pain in the abdomen that is severe at times and/or pain in your lower back, inner thighs, or hips, and you believe that your cramps are unusual or severe and last longer than three days, get in touch with a healthcare provider.

Your doctor will ask you to describe your menstrual cycles and your symptoms and may perform a pelvic exam to check for other issues. If your doctor suspects secondary dysmenorrhea, you may also need an ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to determine the condition behind your painful periods so that it can be treated.

How To Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Treating primary dysmenorrhea can be challenging because it is not caused by a specific medical condition. Here is a look at some of the ways you may be able to get some relief. What works for one woman will not necessarily work for another, so it may take some trial and error to find the best approach for you.

Pain Relief Medication

Many doctors recommend taking ibuprofen when your cramping starts. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, ibuprofen reduces the output of prostaglandin, which causes the uterus to contract. Naproxen is another NSAID that offers better relief for some women. If you are unable to take drugs in this category, a pain reliever like acetaminophen may also work.

Massage

Some women find that a massage of the lower back and abdomen can help relieve menstrual cramps.

Dietary Changes

If you suffer from menstrual cramps, avoiding any type of food or beverage that contains caffeine, as well as alcohol, can offer some relief.

Heat

Placing a hot water bottle or a heating pad on your abdomen or lower back can take the edge off of menstrual cramps.

Relaxation

If your menstrual cramps are particularly intense, make sure you get plenty of rest and do not overexert yourself. Structured relaxation breathing exercises may also be helpful.

Exercise

Exercise might be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re experiencing menstrual cramps. However, studies show that women who exercise regularly may experience less menstrual pain, so consider making exercise a part of your weekly routine to help prevent cramps.

Hormonal Contraceptives

Women who take hormonal contraceptive medications tend to experience less menstrual pain, so your healthcare provider might suggest that you take these drugs if other approaches do not provide relief. This could include options like a birth control pill, contraceptive patches or vaginal rings or even a progestin based intrauterine device (IUD). Your gynecologist can discuss which options may be most appropriate for you to try.

Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

If you are suffering from painful periods, reach out to the friendly team of women’s health professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness. We can help you determine the cause of your menstrual pain and get it under control so you don’t have to put your life on hold when your period comes each month.

If your menstrual cycle has started to deviate from what you consider normal, you may be wondering what could be causing this sudden change. In particular, if your once-normal period begins to occur less frequently than before or your bleeding is significantly lighter than it was in the past, you may be diagnosed with oligomenorrhea.

What Is Oligomenorrhea?

Oligomenorrhea is a change in a woman’s menstrual cycle that causes it to regularly last longer than 35 days or occur fewer than nine times a year. If your menstrual cycle is occasionally irregular or you have missed a period and are not pregnant, it does not necessarily mean that something is wrong.

Throughout your lifetime, your menstrual cycle may vary. In addition, the hormones controlling your menstrual cycle may be influenced temporarily by certain factors that resolve on their own. When your period changes and does not revert to your previous “normal” after a few months, it is a good idea to see a medical professional.

What Causes Oligomenorrhea?

There are many reasons that a woman experiences infrequent or abnormally light bleeding. Some of these causes are harmless while others may signify a more serious health condition. This is why it is essential to see a doctor and discuss changes to your cycle.

Life Changes

One common cause of oligomenorrhea is a major life change. Getting pregnant, having a baby, and breastfeeding can all impact your period in some way. However, there are less significant life changes that may also affect your period, such as undergoing intense stress at work, losing lots of weight, or going on vacation.

Taking Medication

In some cases, a medication could be behind your oligomenorrhea. Hormonal birth control pills can transform your menstrual cycle dramatically, as can birth control methods such as patches, rings, IUDs, and shots. For some women, these interventions could cause periods to become more frequent and heavier, but others may find that it leads to the lighter and more infrequent periods that signify oligomenorrhea.

In fact, some women may even choose to take hormonal birth control continuously to make their periods lighter or suppress them entirely. Some other types of medications that could have an effect on your menstrual cycle include anticoagulants, such as aspirin, antipsychotic and antianxiety medications, and certain epilepsy treatments.

Age-Related Oligomenorrhea

When a young woman first starts getting her period, it may take several years before she starts following a regular pattern. In the beginning, it is not unusual for girls to experience erratic bleeding and periods that may be lighter or heavier than those of the previous month’s period. As hormones stabilize, a young woman should start to notice some consistency in her cycle length and flow.

Similarly, when a woman is entering menopause, the hormonal changes that facilitate this transition can cause periods to come later or sooner than expected in addition to variances in heaviness and duration until periods cease to occur altogether.

Physical Activity Levels And Weight

A woman who is extremely physically active might experience lighter periods. Elite athletes and those who exercise heavily can develop oligomenorrhea, and it is not unusual for some women’s periods to stop entirely as a result. This issue may resolve when activity levels are reduced.

Weight can also play a role with women who are severely underweight, malnourished, or suffering from eating disorders, such as women with anorexia nervosa or bulimia often experiencing oligomenorrhea.

However, it is not just being underweight that can cause oligomenorrhea. Some overweight or obese women may find that the increased estrogen levels caused by having a greater amount of body fat can impact their menstrual cycle. Maintaining a healthy weight is usually enough to resolve any weight-related causes of menstrual irregularities.

Health Conditions

There are several underlying health conditions that may cause oligomenorrhea. Some of these include thyroid disorders, elevated levels of prolactin in the blood, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, obstruction of the uterus, Graves’ disease, uncontrolled diabetes, Prader-Willi syndrome, and anabolic steroid use.

Diagnosis Of Oligomenorrhea

When you see a doctor about irregularities in your menstrual cycle, they may ask you about your health as well as that of other women in your family. Some topics of discussion may include your symptoms, sexual history, past pregnancies and births, other health conditions and operations you have had, and the medications and supplements you currently take. It is useful to bring a log of your period so your physician can identify trends and changes. Your doctor may also conduct a physical exam and other types of tests to determine the potential cause of your oligomenorrhea.

Talk To The Friendly Team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

At Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness, our team of highly trained doctors, nurses, and administrative staff are devoted to helping women manage and treat health issues ranging from menstrual disorders and urinary problems to sexual health concerns and fertility issues. Get in touch today to find out more about our gynecological care and treatment offerings.