Posted on Apr 23, 2011 under Skin Care |
Genital warts are serious and insidious, and are associated with cancer of the cervix and vulva in women. The warts can be large and obvious, but in most cases are barely visible and produce no symptoms. The virus can incubate for many years before producing serious disease, and many women are totally unaware that they have the wart virus until a cervical pap smear shows something abnormal.Like all the venereal diseases, genital warts can be prevented by using condoms. Men tend to request treatment for genital warts more frequently than women. Because the warts appear on the penis, they are much more obvious. In women they appear both inside and outside the vagina.There are many treatments available, all having their advantages and disadvantages. Warts can be treated with topical podophyllin paint, liquid nitrogen (dry ice), burnt off by diathermy or removed using a carbon dioxide laser. A newer, promising treatment is the injection of a drug called Interferon, which appears to be very effective although is still very expensive. Even if warts are treated, however, they can recur and re-infection is possible. No method is foolproof as far as eradicating the virus goes. It is not known whether treating genital warts will prevent cancer of the genital tract and further study is needed in this important area.
*43/150/5*
Posted on Apr 14, 2011 under Women's Health |
I was planning to have a child in the future and now find that I need a hysterectomy to remove the cancer. What are my options?Discuss with your doctor if the operation needs to be done immediately. If the cancer is in the cervix, can a new operation be done to leave the body of the womb behind? What options do you have for storing eggs? Can my ovaries or an ovary be preserved?
My new partner does not know that I have had cancer and am infertile. How do I discuss this without destroying the relationship?You have to be quite honest from the start. Ask your doctor on how to break the news gently. Be positive about your future, and the other life goals you have planned.
I have to have a radical vulvectomy as a result of vulva cancer. What are the chances of reaching orgasm or me ever feeling sexy?This will take time, understanding and effort…usually enjoyable! Orgasm is still possible. Make sure you speak to your doctor before the operation and get a referral to a sexual counselor if need be.
After surgery there is a chance that my vagina will have changed, and I am concerned I will not be able to have a ‘normal’ sex life. What can I do to have penetrative sex?If the vagina has narrowed or is less distensible you may have to try different positions for vaginal intercourse. Sometimes there may be pain with extra pressure. Trial and error with other positions will allow you to resume a satisfying sex life. A sexual counselor will be able to suggest alternative methods.*4/144/5*