In her book, Ask a Gynecologist, obstetrician-gynecologist Jennifer Lincoln answers questions that many would be embarrassed to ask in person. We share a brief summary of some of her answers.
Is it true that drinking a lot of water will make your period shorter?
A 100% myth from social networks, which is not confirmed by scientific research. And yet it is important to drink enough water – it will help relieve abdominal pain. The fact is that the uterus is a muscle, and dehydration can cause their spasm. But it is important not to overdo it: normally, the color of urine with sufficient fluids remains light yellow.
Should I give up sugar if I get thrush often?
If you believe the advice from the Internet, you will have to give up not only sugar, but also a whole list of products. Meanwhile, there is simply no data that would allow you to consider this diet effective. Perhaps the misconception that sweets make women prone to thrush is due to the fact that diabetics are indeed more susceptible to such infections. But the mechanism for processing sugar in diabetics and healthy people works differently. Recommendations to give up products with yeast also contradict logic. Most types of thrush are caused by Candida albicans, and food yeast, for example, in bread, is Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Is it normal for me to leak urine sometimes?
Leakage, or urinary incontinence, is quite common. According to research, about a quarter of young women and up to 57% of middle-aged and post-menopausal women suffer from it. This is not a reason to remain silent and refuse sex, sports or long trips. Do not hesitate to discuss the problem with your gynecologist: for the doctor, there is nothing unusual or scary about it – a normal working day. Treatment can be varied and depends on the cause of the disease.
Are Over-the-Counter Sexual Enhancement Supplements Effective?
There is virtually no convincing evidence that these supplements work. Dietary supplements are not tested like drugs, so it is not known for sure what is actually contained in a particular pill. At the same time, serious side effects such as hallucinations, anxiety, insomnia, increased blood pressure, and others cannot be ruled out. Problems with arousal, achieving orgasm, and sexual dysfunction in general are very common. In the United States, they affect approximately 43% of women. If you have problems with sexual desire, know that a doctor can help identify their origins and tell you about treatment methods that are effective from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine.
Are period underwear complete nonsense?
No, it’s not nonsense. Special underwear for periods can be used as an independent hygiene product or as a backup along with pads or tampons. Watch for irritation. And if it does appear, try using other hygiene products, perhaps the problem was not in the underwear at all. If you can’t figure it out, don’t forget about your gynecologist.