Question: “I have a patient that is complaining of hair loss after having Nexplanon placed. Is that common and if so, is there any treatment for it?” Answer: Dear Doctor H., Hair growth / loss is affected by hormones, especially progestins, so it may be a...
Question: Have any of the leaders in this field set forth any guidance re: providing care in restrictive states that could be deemed “providing abortions” (even though definitely not) – for ex removing an IUD following a +PT? placing an IUD more than...
Question: “I am 45 years old recently menopausal based on no periods for 18 months and confirmation by labs. I recently was having pelvic pressure and went to my ob/gyn. He ordered a transvaginal ultrasound that showed thickened endometrium (15) which he said...
Question: When my doctor gave me the vaginal ring for birth control, she said something about not using yeast cream. I think I have a yeast infection. Is it okay to buy a yeast cream? – Anne Answer: Dear Anne: You remembered correctly! There are two types of...
Question: The condom broke last night and I would like to take the morning after pill, but I heard it causes abortion. I’m not sure what to do. –Concerned Answer: Dear Concerned: Taking the morning after pill does not cause an abortion. The morning after...
Question: I’m 31 years old and I’ve been on the pill for 10 years. Should I go off to give my body a break? – Emma Answer: Dear Emma: If your health status has not changed since you started the pill, and you do not want to become pregnant at this...
Question: I honestly think my vagina smells horrible all the time and I don’t know if its in my head……. how do i go about fixing this? – Anonymous, 22 Answer: Dear Anonymous: The most common reason for odor is a condition called bacterial...
Question: I lost one of my birth control pills so I took the next days in the pack. Is that okay? What should I do if this happens. I don’t want to get pregnant. – Anonymous Mouse Answer: Dear Anonymous Mouse, Yes—you can just continue with the other...
Question: “D” had a Mirena IUD placed at the time of Cesarean section. At her 6-week visit, the strings could not be visualized; so, her provider ordered a pelvic US. The IUD is in utero at the level of the fundus but seems to be turned...
Question: Hi I’ve had a coil fitted for nearly 6 years and I’ve just lost a large amount of jelly like brown discharge. Is this normal Answer: The term coil is used outside the US to refer to a copper IUD, so I will answer the question assuming this is...
Question: Dr. Zieman, I am an NP with 8 years of family planning experience in a title X clinic in Oklahoma. Managing Contraception has been very influential in my practice. Due to current politics in my state, I believe initiating contraception via the QuickStart...
Question: “I recently saw a 26 yr old female whose LMP was 3/13/22, she had unprotected sex 3/27/22 and took Plan B 3/28/22, experienced spotting 4/4/22 and has not had a regular menses since 3/13/22. Pregnancy test done 5/16/22 and negative. What is the...
Question: “I have a patient that had a copper IUD placed and was advised that it was effective for 12 years. She looked at the Paragard website and of course it reiterates that the FDA has only approved Paragard for 10 years. She is my patient and is asking my...
Question: “Is it normal for women to have “smegma” of sorts on their clitoris or the lips sometimes as a form of discharge? or does that mean yeast infection or unbalanced pH?” Answer: You made me laugh using the term “vaginal...
Question: “Hi! I have a question about vaginal discharge. Almost every day I have discharge that is brownish. I have gotten it checked out in the past and doctors have said it is normal and that I just have more discharge than others. I am wondering if you had...
Board-certified as an OB/GYN with a fellowship in contraceptive research and education, I aim to help people make informed decisions about their health.
I’ve co-authored sixteen editions of Managing Contraception* with over one million copies in circulation. I’m here to answer your questions about birth control.
