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Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
About me
Loudi Central Hospital, Department of Gynecology, Attending Physician.
Proficient in diseases
Diagnosis and treatment of common gynecological diseases.
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What causes vulvitis?
There are many reasons for the occurrence of vulvitis, mainly including recent sexual intercourse, the use of unclean sanitary pads, wearing tight, non-breathable pants, as well as not paying attention to vulvar hygiene, not cleaning the vulva for a long time, etc. It could also be due to direct contact transmission, such as through sexual activity, or contact with contaminated towels, underwear, swimwear, as well as sharing wash basins, bathtubs, toilet seats, or swimming in public pools, among others.
Can uterine polyps disappear?
First, we need to determine whether the endometrial polyp is a true polyp or a pseudo-polyp. If the polyp appears before menstruation and possibly disappears after the menstrual period, it is actually a pseudo-polyp. If the polyp found before menstruation persists after the menstrual period, it is a true polyp. True endometrial polyps generally do not disappear. Therefore, for true endometrial polyps, it is necessary to decide whether treatment is needed based on the size of the polyp and whether the patient has any corresponding symptoms. For endometrial polyps smaller than one centimeter and without any clinical symptoms, follow-up observation may be sufficient. For those with clinical symptoms, or where the endometrial polyp is larger than one centimeter, early surgical treatment is generally recommended.
What should be paid attention to usually with teratoma?
For patients with teratoma, once the teratoma is detected, it is necessary to monitor it regularly. If the tumor is larger than three centimeters, it is best to undergo surgery as soon as possible. If surgery cannot be performed promptly due to particular reasons, then it is essential to have an ultrasound re-examination every three months. Additionally, patients should avoid vigorous exercise, external impacts, and significant changes in body position in daily life. Because teratomas are mixed masses with uneven textures, they are very prone to torsion. Therefore, significant changes in body position or vigorous exercises can easily cause the torsion of the pedicle, which may lead to the need for emergency surgery.
What is female infertility?
Infertility is a reproductive disorder caused by various etiologies, representing an adverse reproductive health event for couples of childbearing age. For women, if there is no contraception and they have had sexual intercourse for at least 12 months without conceiving, a diagnosis of infertility can be made. In men, this condition is referred to as sterility. Infertility can be divided into two main categories: primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility is when a person has never conceived despite not using contraception, whereas secondary infertility occurs when a person has previously been pregnant but fails to conceive again after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
Does a teratoma that is too large affect fertility?
Ovarian teratoma is a type of commonly seen benign ovarian tumor. Even though it is benign, like in the case of teratomas, it can still potentially affect a woman's fertility. The critical factors are the location and the size of the ovarian tumor. If the tumor originates from the center of the ovary, it is likely to cause significant damage to the ovarian tissue. Additionally, if the tumor is large, it can also cause substantial damage to the normal tissue. These factors can impact a woman’s fertility, leading to a decline or even complete loss of reproductive function. Whether fertility is retained depends on the function of the ovary on the other side.
Treatment of Vulvar Eczema
For the treatment of vulvar eczema, I believe the most important thing is to keep the vulva clean and dry. Regular cleaning of the vulva is necessary, and it should be kept as dry as possible. Additionally, try to avoid using sanitary pads as much as possible, because they can reduce breathability. Our clothing should also be as loose and breathable as possible, and avoid wearing synthetic underwear. Moreover, if there is itching and pain associated with vulvar eczema, topical corticosteroids can be applied to the vulva to relieve these symptoms and help heal the eczema. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)
How long after laparoscopic surgery for a teratoma can one have sexual intercourse?
Teratomas are predominantly benign tumors, mainly located in the ovaries, although in some patients with unique physical constitutions, ovarian tissues may also ectopically end up in the pelvic area, forming a pelvic teratoma. Whether it is an ovarian teratoma or a pelvic teratoma, the scope of the surgery is typically medium-sized. If the surgery is an open operation, it is classified as a second-level surgery, and if it is performed using laparoscopy, it should be classified as a third-level surgery. Both second and third-level surgeries fall under the medium-sized category, and patients usually recover quite quickly after the operation. Typically, we advise patients to refrain from sexual intercourse, pelvic baths, and to avoid heavy physical labor within a month post-operation.
What should I do if I have uterine prolapse during menstruation?
The normal position of the uterus is within the female pelvis. When a prolapse occurs, the uterus gradually descends downwards. In cases of mild to moderate uterine prolapse, since the majority of the uterus remains inside the vagina, there is no particular need for special attention during menstruation—regular care will suffice. In severe cases of uterine prolapse, the uterus might completely protrude outside the vaginal opening. In such circumstances, extra care may be needed during menstruation to prevent menstrual blood from staining undergarments. You might need to use larger sanitary pads; other than that, there is nothing particularly different that needs attention. Additionally, remember to change sanitary pads and underwear regularly to avoid potential infections.
What are the symptoms of teratoma recurrence?
If a teratoma recurs, in cases of benign teratomas, generally there are no symptoms. Symptoms only arise when the tumor grows large enough to compress the bladder and intestines, which might induce signs of bladder and rectal irritation. Additionally, a teratoma might undergo torsion due to changes in body position, causing sudden lower abdominal pain. If it is a malignant teratoma, there might not be noticeable symptoms early on. The recurrence of a teratoma can only be detected through regular monitoring with ultrasound and tumor markers; there are no better methods available.
Complications of vulvitis
For patients with vulvitis, the main complications are the formation of vulvar ulcers or eczema. In chronic inflammation, the skin of the vulva may become thickened, rough, or cracked, and even undergo lichen-like changes. In severe cases, the condition may cause fever and other systemic symptoms, and even lead to enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes. Furthermore, vulvitis and its pathogens might spread upwards, causing an onset of pelvic inflammatory disease.