Women’s Health

Hi Ann! Yes, vaginal rugae (or otherwise known as rugosity) is normal for young women. This physical state of the vagina coincides with the reproductive years of the woman (hence not present before puberty and is lost / reduced after menopause). There is nothing to worry about if you feel these "ridges" along the inside of the vagina. However, if you do encounter any form of discomfort, discharge, bad odour or any significant changes after exposure to new lubricants, you might wish to get it looked at by a gynaecologist. 

Hi. I am afraid you have to get a pregnancy test done at some point, the earlier the better. The morning-after pill (Plan B) is known to cause irregular bleeding after taking it; failure of the pill to work is possible, especially if not taken in a timely manner. If your pregnancy test is negative, you can safely do nothing and wait for your proper period to start. If you are indeed pregnancy, then help is easily available to get your though this rough patch. Many clinics in Singapore, including mine, are able to provide the necessary counselling and support for unplanned pregnancies. Your first step is to determine if you are indeed pregnant. So please do get a simple urine test done, either at home, or in the clinic. Everything else will fall into place thereafter.

Dear Sandaramei, Yes you are still able to get pregnant depending on the location and size of your fibroids and ovarian cysts. You might wish to consult your gynaecologist for an ultrasound scan to determine the location of any fibroids and ovarian cysts for a personalised discussion. It might also be reassuring to know that there are 2 ovaries a female reproductive system and if 1 ovary is really affected due to ovarian cysts, the other ovary can still produce eggs for fertilisation to take place. Hope this helps.

Dear @sandra You should not be pregnant as you had your period after your intercourse. Fertilisation happens mid- menstrual cycle which is usually 14 days after your menses. It might also be reassuring to know that ella is effective 5 days post intercourse and your pregnancy test is negative. So you should not become pregnant based on the recent sexual intercourse. Hope this helps. 

Dear @Anicka0730  You may develop pain due to constipation, known as constipation colic. The pain is due to the intestine contracting to try pass out the stools. Patients commonly feel pain due to constipation on the left of their abdomen where stools are more formed and hard.  Pain can be felt over left lower corner, left side of abdomen, upper abdomen or over the whole abdomen in very severe constipation. Do not hesitate to consult your family doctor to rule out other conditions that can present as abdominal pain. 

Dear @ThankYou. Kindly note that HPV vaccination is recommended prior to any sexual interactions. You are right to point out that the risk of acquiring HPV is much lower if both partners are each other's " only partner for life". However no one can be 100% certain of their future and hence it is still advisable for patients to undergo HPV vaccination before sexually active. Hope this helps.

Dear @Ariana351 pregnancy is a possibility as there is risk of failure with use of any contraceptive methods including implants. The risk of failure is higher especially since the implant was not started at the onset of your menstruation cycle on 22nd Jan. A backup method of contraception such as barrier contraceptives is recommended when first started on implant.

Dear @sebastian. It will be good to do a urine pregnancy test to ensure you are not pregnant in view of delayed menses. Menstrual cycle can be irregular especially if you are down with a cold or unwell. You might wish to consult your gynaecologist or family physician if you have persistent irregular menses. They might consider further investigations or start you on hormonal tablets to regulate your menses. Hope this helps.