Lauren Streicher, M.D. Busts Common Women’s Health Myths on the Web
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–LaurenStreicher, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and author ofLove Sex Again, sets the record straight with facts about yogurt, breast size, lubes and involuntary loss of urine.
“There is so much misinformation on the internet, make sure you are going to a trusted
health site and consult with your medical professional who can provide the best advice for your unique situation”
While 61 percent of American adults turn to the web for their most intimate health information, much of the information is incorrect. That’s why it’s so important to check with your doctor or medical professional before jumping to dangerous conclusions
Q:Are larger-breasted women more likely to get cancer?
“No, but they are more likely to miss a lump that could serve as an early warning sign. While breast size has no effect on your cancer risk, a woman with a EEE bra size will have a harder time than an A-cup detecting a 1cm mass. Women of all shapes and sizes should followscreening guidelinesfor their age and family history.”
Q: Does eating yogurt or inserting a dipped tampon prevent or cure yeast infections?
“Absolutely not, that gossip keeps circulating on the Internet. While yogurt can promote the growth of healthy strains of bacteria in the stomach and intestines it will not keep Candida in check and flavored yogurts tend to be high in sugar and can make the infection grow and harder to get rid of. Different parts of the body require different strains of lactobacilli and the proper strains for vaginal health are just not found in yogurt. But, the drug store carriesPro-B, a supplement that contains vaginal strains of probiotic lactobacilli (L. rhamnosusGR-1™ andL. reuteriRC-14™.) If you are itching, see your gyno before self treating to determine whether it’s actually a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis which requires treatment with antibiotics. And, I hate to say, antibiotics may cause a yeast infection because they kill both the good and bad bacteria. Just one more reason to keep yeast and bacteria balanced daily.”
Q: Can lubricants harm sperm when trying to conceive?
“Traditional lubricants are not ‘sperm safe’ as they contain Glycerin which is toxic to sperm and have the wrong pH and high salt or ion levels that dehydrate sperm and stop them from swimming. Even Vaseline, baby oil, canola oil and saliva can limit sperm function. Glycerin freePre-Seeddoes not harm sperm as its formula is balanced to match fertile cervical mucus in pH, osmolarity and consistency. It’s specifically intended for use by couples who are trying to conceive and it’s compatible with spermatozoa and sperm function, and proven safe by rigorous validated testing procedures.”
Q: I have vaginal odor–is this because I am not cleaning properly?
“There is a misconception traveling around the internet that women who have vaginal issues must be doing something wrong, such as poor hygiene. This is not true. The real issue is vaginal pH, which can be easily disrupted by everyday occurrences like menstruation, intercourse and normal hormone fluctuations. Feminine odor and other issues can occur even when women are doing everything right. The last thing a woman should do is try to wash away odor with washes or wipes. These are only meant for external cleansing, so they will not fix the source of the problem, and may disrupt the natural flora. The best way to eliminate and prevent odor is to maintain healthy vaginal pH.RepHreshGel can be found over the counter and can be used when you have odor or to maintain healthy pH when unbalanced pH is likely to occur (after your period or intercourse.)”
Q: I just had a baby and have been doing my Kegels but still lose urine when I cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise? Is there anything else I can do?
“Dr. Arnold Kegel, developed the exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles in 1948 and physicians still remind their patients to ‘do your kegels,’ even though we have new technology in 2014. Most women, however, experience frustration because they unknowingly don’t perform the kegels effectively, which leads to no improvement in symptoms.InTonetreats stress, urge and mixed female urinary incontinence with mild muscle stimulation and an active resistance balloon to exercise the correct muscles every time. Short daily sessions allow women to contract, relax and strengthen their pelvic floor muscles without surgery. A strong, toned pelvic floor muscle (PFM) decreases involuntary loss of urine, improves sexual health and ensures faster recovery of pelvic muscle tone after childbirth.”“There is so much misinformation on the internet, make sure you are going to a trusted health site and consult with your medical professional who can provide the best advice for your unique situation,” adds Streicher.Contacts
For DrStreicher.com
Media Contact:
Rachel Zar, 713-721-4774