What do i do if i missed a birth control pill? 

If you miss 1 active (hormonal) pill or if you started a pack 1 day late:

  1. Take active (hormonal) pill as soon as possible and then continue taking pills daily.
  2. No additional contraceptive protection (such as condoms) is needed.

If you miss 2 or more active (hormonal) pills or if you started a pack 2 or more days late:

  1. Take 2 active (hormonal) pills as soon as possible and then continue taking pills daily. You should take 2 pills on the same day. You may take one at the moment of remembering, and the other at the regular time or both at the same time.
  2. Also, use condoms or abstain from sex until you have taken active (hormonal) pills for 7 days in a row.
  3. If you missed the pills in the third week of the pack, you should continue taking the active (hormonal) pills in your current pack daily. When all active pills have been taken, discard the pack and begin a new pack the next day. You should not take the 7 inactive pills.
  4. If you missed the pills during the first week and had unprotected sex you should use emergency contraception for maximum protection, in addition to taking today’s active birth control pill.

Learn more here. 

What can I expect after an IUD insertion? 

Many people feel perfectly fine right after they get an IUD, while others have cramping and spotting. Plan to take it easy at home after your appointment — it’s a great excuse to curl up on the couch with your favorite book or movie. Heating pads and Ibuprofen can help too.  If your IUD is causing pain, discomfort, or persistent side effects, call your provider.

There’s a very small chance that your IUD could slip out of place. It can happen any time, but it’s more common during the first 3 months. IUDs are most likely to come out during your period. Check your pads, tampons, or cups to see if it fell out. You can also check your string to make sure it’s still there. If your IUD falls out, you’re NOT protected from pregnancy, so make sure to see your provider, and use condoms or backup birth control in the meantime.

Remember when you got your IUD (or write it down somewhere), so you’ll know when it needs to be replaced. The Paragard IUD should be replaced after 10 years. Mirena should be replaced after 6 years. Kyleena should be replaced after 5 years.  Skyla should be replaced after 3 years.

How soon after IUD insertion can I have sex? 

You can have sex as soon as you want to after getting an IUD.

You need to use a backup method of birth control (like condoms) until the IUD starts to work — whether you’re protected against pregnancy right away depends on what type of IUD you get and when it’s put in.

A Paragard IUD prevents pregnancy as soon as it’s in place.

A hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, and Skyla) take a little while to become effective. To be sage, use a backup form of birth control for the first 7 days after these IUDs are placed.

I think I have a yeast infection? 

The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is extreme itchiness in and around the vagina. Other signs and symptoms include:

  • Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva
  • Discomfort during sex
  • A thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and does not have a bad smell

You may have only a few of these symptoms. They may be mild or severe.

Many of these symptoms can mimic more serious infections so it is important to talk to your provider. Unfortunately we cannot diagnose over the phone. In some cases, it may be appropriate to treat with OTC medication, however, If you have had new partners, this is your first time experiencing these symptoms, or your symptoms persist after using OTC treatment, please call to schedule an appointment with your provider.

How can I prevent a yeast infection? 

Most women will get a yeast infection at some point in their lives. However, you can take steps to lower your risk of getting yeast infections

  • Avoid added fragrances. Everyday unsuspecting feminine rituals can disrupt the pH balance and irritate all areas of the vagina and cause vaginal itching. Common irritants you may or may not realize are problematic include fragrant soaps, bubble bath liquids, bath salts, talcum powder, detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets, sanitary wipes and pads, warming gels and scented lubricants, nylon underwear or bathing suits, rubber products such as diaphragms and condoms, latex allergy, saliva or semen, spermicides such as foams, creams, and jellies, feminine hygiene sprays, and tampons or deodorant pads.
  • Avoid allergens and irritants. The skin of the vulva is more susceptible to irritants in soaps, lotions, and clothing than pretty much anywhere else on the body. Use mild fragrance-free soap and lotion on your vulva and do NOT douche. Douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protects you from infection, and can make odor and discharge worse. Nylon underwear or bathing suits, rubber products such as diaphragms and condoms, or a latex allergy can all cause itching and irritation as well if you are sensitive to that material or have an allergy.
  • Change tampons, pads, and panty liners often.
  • Avoid or limit your time in tight underwear, pantyhose, pants, or jeans. These can increase body heat and moisture in your genital area.
  • Wear underwear with a cotton crotch. Cotton underwear helps keep you dry and doesn’t hold in warmth and moisture.
  • Change out of wet swimsuits and workout clothes as soon as you can.
  • After using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back.
  • Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths.
  • If you have diabetes, be sure your blood sugar is under control.
  • Limit processed carbs and sugar.
  • Try a probiotic.

I think I have a UTI? 

If you’re a woman, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced a urinary tract infection at some point. Common symptoms include:

  • A burning feeling when you urinate
  • A frequent or intense urge to urinate, even though little comes out when you do
  • Pain or pressure in your back or low belly
  • Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling urine
  • Fever or chills

It is important that UTI’s are treated appropriately to prevent further infection. If you’re having any of the above symptoms, call our office to schedule a same-day appointment.

You can prevent getting another UTI with the following tips:

  • Empty your bladder frequently as soon as you feel the need to go; don’t rush, and be sure you’ve emptied your bladder completely.
  • Wipe from front to back.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Choose showers over baths.
  • Stay away from feminine hygiene sprays, scented douches, and scented bath products — they’ll only increase irritation.
  • Cleanse your genital area before sex.
  • Urinate after sex to flush away any bacteria that may have entered your urethra.
  • If you use a diaphragm, unlubricated condoms, or spermicidal jelly for birth control, consider switching to another method. Diaphragms can increase bacteria growth, while unlubricated condoms and spermicides can cause irritation. All can make UTI symptoms more likely.
  • Keep your genital area dry by wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes. Avoid tight jeans and nylon underwear — they can trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria growth.

My provider ordered labs, where do I go? 

Unless otherwise instructed by the patient, all of our lab orders go to St. Charles Medical Center. You can have them drawn at any of their draw stations.

https://www.stcharleshealthcare.org/Our-Services/Laboratory-Services/Laboratory-Locations

I need a refill on my prescription? 

If you need a refill on your medication, please call your pharmacy first. Have them send us a refill request, even if you have no refills remaining. PLEASE ALLOW 48-72 HRS.

 

 

Call us today at 541-389-0450 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. 

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