Human papillomavirus vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 11–12 years but can be given as early as age 9 years and as late as 13–26 years. The vaccines are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for all females and males aged 9–26 years. Children are best protected from HPV before they are exposed through close genital skin-to-skin contact or sexual intercourse.

For girls and boys who receive their first dose of HPV vaccine before age 15 years, only two doses are needed. The interval between the two doses is 6–12 months. If these two doses are given at an interval of less than 5 months, a third dose is recommended. If females or males receive their first dose at 15 years or older, three doses are needed and given at 0 months (baseline), 1–2 months after the first dose, and 6 months after the first dose.

Hysterectomy is used to treat many women oriented health conditions. Some of these conditions involves:

It totally depends on your condition, you may have to try other options first that don’t include surgery or to “watch and wait” to see if your condition improves on its own. Some women wait to have a hysterectomy until after they have completed their families. If you choose another option besides hysterectomy, keep in mind that you may need additional treatment later.

There are different types of hysterectomy:

If needed, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be removed if they are abnormal (for example, they are affected by endometriosis). This procedure is called salpingo-oophorectomy if both tubes and ovaries are removed; salpingectomy if just the fallopian tubes are removed; and oophorectomy if just the ovaries are removed. Your surgeon may not know whether the ovaries and fallopian tubes will be removed until the time of surgery. Women at risk of ovarian cancer or breast cancer can choose to have both ovaries removed even if these organs are healthy in order to reduce their risk of cancer. This is called a risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Removing the fallopian tubes (but not the ovaries) at the time of hysterectomy also may be an option for women who do not have cancer. This procedure is called opportunistic salpingectomy. It may help prevent ovarian cancer. Talk with your surgeon about the possible benefits of removing your fallopian tubes at the time of your surgery.

You will experience immediate menopause signs and symptoms. You also may be at increased risk of osteoporosis. Hormone therapy can be given to relieve signs and symptoms of menopause and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Hormone therapy can be started immediately after surgery. Other medications can be given to prevent osteoporosis if you are at high risk.

A hysterectomy can be done in different ways: through the vagina, through the abdomen, or with laparoscopy. The choice will depend on why you are having the surgery and other factors. Sometimes, the decision is made after the surgery begins and the surgeon is able to see whether other problems are present.

Pap smears can detect abnormal cells in the cervix early, before they develop into cancer. Early detection through regular screening can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Guidelines vary, but generally:

During the procedure:

Most women experience little to no pain during a Pap smear, although some may feel mild discomfort or pressure.

An abnormal result does not necessarily mean you have cancer. It may indicate:

A Pap smear primarily detects cervical cell changes. It is not designed to detect other conditions, but sometimes infections or inflammation may be noted.

If your hysterectomy was for reasons unrelated to cancer and you have no history of cervical cancer or significant precancerous conditions, you may not need further Pap smears. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.

Yes, Pap smears are safe during pregnancy and are often done during the first prenatal visit.

Most health insurance plans cover Pap smears as part of preventive care. Check with your insurance provider for details.

Pap smears are generally safe, but there are minimal risks such as slight bleeding or discomfort.

Yes, you have the right to refuse any medical procedure. Discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

A Pap smear looks for abnormal cervical cells, while an HPV test detects the presence of high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer. These tests are often done together in women over 30.

If you have any more questions or need further information, consult with your healthcare provider

Common early signs include missed periods, nausea (often called morning sickness), tender and swollen breasts, fatigue, increased urination, and food aversions or cravings.

A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period to the birth of the baby.

Avoid raw or undercooked seafood, eggs, and meat, unpasteurized dairy products, certain fish high in mercury (like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish), and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.

Yes, regular exercise is beneficial during pregnancy. Activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are generally safe. However, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routines.

Prenatal vitamins, which include folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA, are recommended. Folic acid is especially important in the first trimester to prevent neural tube defects.

Typically, you will see your doctor every 4 weeks until the 28th week, every 2 weeks until the 36th week, and weekly until delivery. Your schedule may vary based on your health and your provider’s recommendations.

While light spotting can be normal, especially in early pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any bleeding to rule out complications.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, severe headaches, vision changes, swelling of the hands and face, painful urination, or if you notice a significant decrease in fetal movement.

Travel is generally safe up to 36 weeks for most women with uncomplicated pregnancies. However, consult your healthcare provider before traveling, especially if you are flying or going to a remote area.

Weight gain recommendations vary based on your pre-pregnancy weight. Generally, women of average weight should gain 25-35 pounds, underweight women should gain 28-40 pounds, and overweight women should gain 15-25 pounds. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Regular prenatal check-ups are essential for monitoring your baby’s development. Eating a balanced diet, taking prenatal vitamins, avoiding harmful substances, and managing health conditions are all important for healthy development.

Ultrasounds are used to check the baby's development, monitor the pregnancy, and sometimes determine the baby's sex. The first ultrasound is usually done between 8-14 weeks, and a more detailed anatomy scan is done around 18-20 weeks.