Free Women's Health Advice

Please know that our general columns cannot take the place of a visit to a qualified professional who can determine your exact situation and needs.

Archived Questions and Answers from
Debra L. Hill-Busselle, MD
On Women's Health Issues

• I am past childbearing age, do I need an OBGYN or can a Family Practice Physician do my Pap smear?

• I am 67 years old and have gone off my HRT. It seems I have less sensation with sex and that my vagina does not seem as firm with intercourse. Is this from stopping my estrogen?

• I am 16 years old and have a problem. Sometimes I notice an abnormal discharge. It looks like raw egg white. It does not have an odor. It goes away for a while, and then comes back again. What is wrong with me? I am afraid to ask my mom.

• I’m 58 years old and haven’t had a period for 5 years. I have a few hot flashes, but they are mild. I’ve never taken hormone therapy and seem to be doing fine without it. Sex, however, has become uncomfortable and at times it really hurts. Is this normal for someone my age?

• I’ve been having hot flashes and night sweats. My cycles are changing, I don’t sleep as well as I used to and I can be pretty moody at times. I am 46 years old and think I am too young to be in menopause. My friend, who is 39 years old, just stopped taking birth control pills three months ago. She is having hot flashes daily and has not had a period yet. She told me her mom went through menopause in her early 40s. Is she in menopause? Am I?

• I am 43 years old and try to exercise regularly. When I go to my aerobics class and we do jumping jacks, I leak urine! I am so embarrassed! What’s wrong with me?

• Should my daughter get the new HPV vaccine?

Questions & Answers

Question

I am past childbearing age, do I need an OBGYN or can a Family Practice Physician do my Pap smear?

Answer

It depends. The Pap Smear is actually just the part of the gynecologic exam/pelvic exam that entails actually taking a sample from your cervix to detect cervical cancer. There is a lot more that goes into an annual gynecologic exam than just doing a pap smear. You should have:
 a complete physical, including breast exam and pelvic/rectal exam
a review of your medical history and any problems that you are having
any screening tests that are due, such as DEXA scan for osteoporosis, mammogram, cholesterol screen, colon cancer screening etc.

If you are not having any gynecologic problems and do not need menopause counseling, a family practice physician may be all that you need. If, however, you are having any gynecologic problems, such as hot flashes, menopause, abnormal or heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, urinary leakage, need to discuss contraception options or any other ‘female’ problems or issues, a gynecologist would be a better choice. We are specialists in the care of women and female issues. I hope this information will make it easier for you to decide what is right for you.