Eight private questions and answers for women

Private 1: I found a lump in my vagina, what could it be?

Answer 1: There are many reasons that can cause lumps in the vagina and vulva. A common condition is a pustular cyst caused by blocked sebaceous glands. If you don't feel any discomfort from its presence, just let it be. If you feel any discomfort, your doctor can perform drainage. Another type of cyst may be caused by a blockage in the Bartholin's glands. They can grow as big as a peach and are susceptible to infection, so they are usually cut open, drained, and treated with antibiotics to reduce inflammation. Contained cysts usually appear after childbirth because some skin was sutured into the wound after an episiotomy during delivery, and this skin continues to produce cells, forming a cyst. These cysts can be removed with a minor surgery.

Another possibility is genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can appear alone or in groups, and each one is about the size of a pencil head. Patients generally do not feel pain, but may experience itching, discomfort, burning, etc. Although it can be removed through surgery, laser or cryotherapy, and topical medications, multiple treatments are required and there is a possibility of recurrence after cure. Cancerous tumors of the vagina and vulva are rare, but are increasingly common in women under 40. The obvious early symptoms of these tumors are discoloration of the vagina or vulva, or the appearance of scaly patches and itching.

Secret 2: I often see small white bumps on my nipples, what are they?

Answer 2: The appearance of small white lumps on the areola is a very normal physiological phenomenon. These small bumps, called Montgomery glands, produce a lubricating fluid that keeps the nipples soft and makes nursing more comfortable for the mother. Sometimes these glands can become blocked or enlarged, but don't worry, they will go away on their own without the need for antibiotics or surgery.

Secret three: I read in a book that when doing a gynecological examination, if the previous examination was normal, you can do it again after three years. I want to know if this is appropriate? Are the results of this test reliable?

Answer 3: A recent survey shows that it is safer for women to have a Pap test every three years because the incubation period of cervical cancer is usually long and lesions will not occur in a short period of time. However, some doctors believe that it is necessary to have a check-up once a year to prevent other diseases. Some experts also suggest that women of childbearing age should have a routine check-up every year for three consecutive years before changing their cycle.

To get the most accurate test results possible, there are some questions you can ask your doctor. Ask your doctor if he or she has spoken with colleagues in the lab and if they have all the information they need to make a diagnosis. Ask your doctor what tool (swab, brush, or spatula) is used to collect cervical cells. Studies have shown that using a cytology brush is more effective than using a cotton swab when collecting samples, and a spatula with a probe can reach deep into the cervix to collect samples. Finally, ask your doctor whether samples from inside and outside the cervix have been collected, which will provide a more comprehensive picture of the problem.

Secret 4: I have been feeling itchy in my anus lately. What's the problem?

Answer 4: There are many reasons that may cause anal itching. It may be caused by tight underwear, lack of hygiene or skin diseases. It may also be caused by allergies to hemorrhoid ointments, certain foods (spices, citrus fruits, beer, coffee, cola) or antibiotics (especially tetracycline). Anal itching may be a precursor to diabetes, but this situation is only occasional.

Figure out the problem, wipe the itchy area with a sterile cotton swab, and keep it dry. Wear loose clothing and stop taking foods and medications that may cause allergies. If symptoms continue, you should see a doctor.

Private 5: I recently developed genital herpes, but I don’t know how I got infected. My husband is not infected. What is going on?

Answer 5: Your husband is most likely infected as well, but you haven’t discovered it. The latest research shows that many people test positive for the virus but they do not feel obvious symptoms. Modern advanced medical techniques can relieve your discomfort. It is recommended that your husband also undergo relevant examinations. You need to see a doctor immediately.

Secret 6: I am about to have a hysterectomy and I am worried that my sex life will be affected after the surgery.

Answer 6: Your worries are probably unnecessary. Studies have shown that after a hysterectomy, many women have a more harmonious sex life than before the operation, with more frequent orgasms and stronger sensations, because some of the original uncomfortable symptoms disappear due to the operation. Of course, the situation you are worried about does exist after surgery, but the proportion is very small.

Secret 7: I heard that there is a kind of laser therapy that can improve the harmony of sex life. What is the treatment process like? Is it safe?

Answer 7: This type of surgery has clinical experience abroad, but it is rare in China. Doctors abroad recommend using this laser therapy to improve the appearance of female genitals, and more and more patients are requesting this treatment. Through vaginal plastic surgery, thick or uneven labia can be treated and vaginal muscle relaxation caused by childbirth and aging can be improved. In theory, this surgery can improve the harmony of sex life. However, so far there is not enough clinical data to prove the safety and effectiveness of this surgery, which costs up to $4,000.

Secret 8: My husband has tinea cruris. Will he get infected during sex?

Answer 8: The possibility of infection is very high, so be careful. Jock itch is a fungal infection that causes an itchy rash. It grows in warm, moist areas of the body, and men who like to wear tight underwear are more likely to get jock itch.