Faq

Will the birth control pill make me gain weight?

"Study after study does not show weight gain to be a side effect of the pill," says Dr. Sonia. "Adolescence or going off to college is when most people start the pill and this is also a time that young women tend to gain weight."

Can I get HPV or HSV from a toilet seat?

"The toilet seat can pass on a lot things but HPV is not one of them. A toilet seat carries tons of bacteria, 50 bacteria per square inch, for those who want to know," she says. "Although you may be surprised to learn that the kitchen sponge is 200,000 times dirtier than the toilet seat!"

"No you cannot get the human papilloma virus (HPV) or any other sexually transmitted infection (STI) from a toilet seat. HPV is the most common STI affecting 75 to 80% of people," says Dr. Ross.

"HPV is contracted through skin to skin contact typically during sexual contact. It’s often best to avoid any sexual partner who has genital warts or a known history of HPV," she says. "The problem is that most people are unaware that they carry HPV, especially cisgender men. Cis men do not have an equivalent to the pap smear, which allows for detection of HPV. Unless cis men have warts or a history of them, they have no way of detecting this epidemic virus. Another frustration for women or anyone with a vagina is that the condom does not provide complete protection against HPV. HPV may live at the base of the penis or in other exposed areas that can pass HPV to the woman during sexual intercourse. Opposite- and same-sex couples are equally high risk to HPV exposure and transmission."

When do I need to see a gynecologist for the first time?

"It's recommended anyone with a vagina who is 13-15 years see their gynecologist to start and build a relationship to discuss sexually transmitted infection screening, prevention, and other health care advice," says Dr. Sonia. "The good news is your first visit may be only a conversation and/or an external examination to make sure everything is healthy with your female parts. Unless you are sexually active or have vaginal discharge or other complaints, you will not need an internal pelvic exam. A pap smear test for cervical cancer involves an internal exam and does not start until you are 21 years old. If you missed this window, now is the time to make an appointment."

What’s your best advice on cleaning my female parts clean?

"A healthy vagina needs the same hygienic attention as any other part of your body," says Dr. Sonia. "Between urine, sweat and being so close to the anus, cleaning up the area is critical to prevent dirty bacterial buildup and to avoid the offensive odors that develop throughout the day."

"You may have heard that the vagina is 'self-cleaning.' Using soap and water on the vagina is OK, safe, and recommended if the soap is pH correct," she said. "As a gynecologist, I suggest that you clean your vagina and labia every day as if it was any other part of your body."

I hear douching is the best way to clean my vagina, is that true?

"No! Douching is a pre-made cleaning mixture that comes in a plastic bottle that can be squirted high up into the vagina," says Dr. Sonia. "This internal vaginal cleaning is not a recommended routine. The active cleaning ingredients used in most douches can upset the healthy vaginal discharge and pH balance and create a yeast or bacterial infection."

What is the best way to treat my period cramps?

"Cramps can be treated with ibuprofen such as Advil and Motrin," says Dr. Sonia. "I suggest keeping track of your period using a 'period tracker' app so that you can take ibuprofen prophylaxically or before you know your cramps and period are coming. Oral contraception or 'the pill' is not only a great birth control but makes your menstrual blood less heavy, which minimizes your cramps each month. Other easy remedies include a warm bath, heating pad, or a hot water bottle. Lifestyle choices that will help ease cramps and other symptoms related to PMS include exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and avoiding salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol."

Do I need to give myself a breast exam?

"Yes, it’s important to know your breasts well starting at an early age," says Dr. Sonia. "During your first visit with the gynecologist, which should be when you're around 13 to 15 years old, you should be shown how to do a self-breast exam. Breast tissue can be intimidating in the beginning but once you are familiar with your own breast tissue and all it's normal lumps and bumps, you will be able to find abnormal changes if they occur. The best time to check your breasts is during the first week of your period when the hormonal effects on breast tissue have subsided."

Why do breasts get random hairs around the nipple?

"Some people don't have any stray hairs around the nipples, but during different stages of life and hormonal surges, hair growth around the nipples is considered normal," says Dr. Sonia. "The area around the nipples is called the areola and it naturally has hair follicles. If you are getting random hairs around your nipples you might also notice hair growth on your chin and face. Some people are more prone to this than others. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause are times when hormonal changes are more physically noticeable."

Can I get pregnant on my period?

"If you have a short interval between each period, meaning you ovulate early in the cycle, you can get pregnant," says Dr. Sonia. "For example, sperm lives for 3 days so if you have sex on day 6 of your period and ovulate on day 9, you could get pregnant."

Can I have sex on my period?

"It may be a bit messy, but you can have sex on your period," says Dr. Sonia.

Even when I am clean down south, I still smell a funny odor, is that normal?

"A healthy and clean vagina has a certain natural scent and taste that should not be unpleasant," she says. "If you or your partner notices an offensive, fishy, yeasty, or foul odor, seeing your gynecologist would be recommended to rule out an infection. Your diet, including garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts and red meat, can also create a different odor in the vagina. Smoking, alcohol and caffeine also affect the vagina’s smell and taste."