FAQ

Is it possible for a woman with polycystic ovaries to become pregnant?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with cysts on the ovaries, leading to no ovulation, among other symptoms.  This means it would be much harder to conceive.  However, if the woman takes medication, which initiates ovulation the woman's ability to get pregnant increases.  While results vary from person to person, most women with polycystic ovary syndrome are able to have a very healthy pregnancy. 

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At what stage are you able to determine the sex of a fetus on an ultrasound?

The sex of the fetus can usually be detemined by ultrasound at 20 weeks, or in some cases 16 weeks.  However, depending on the position of the baby, or the thickness of the abdominal wall, sometimes the sex cannot be determined until up to 28 weeks.  It is important that the sonographer observes the scrotum and penis in order to determine it as a boy, just as it is important to observe the labia to determine it as a girl.  The absence of the penis on its own is not enough to determine the sex as female. 

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Why do some woman feel pain in their abdomen just before menstruation?

The pain a woman feels is due to a chemical called prostaglandin, which causes contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus.  The pain can vary form person to person, sometimes being very sharp and painful, other times being quite dull and long lasting.  

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I recently found out that one of my previous sexual partners had chlamydia. I do not appear to have any symptoms, is it necessary to go to the doctors to get checked out?

Yes.  Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that has serious repercussions for fertility.  It is often 'silent', and does not show any obvious symptoms.  However if left untreated it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in the uterine tubes, and in severe cases, complete blockage resulting in infertility.  If diagnosed it is easily treated with antibiotics.  It is important that if you have had any sexual partners since you let them know so that they can also get tested. 

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I recently noticed that i have a large labia minora. I don't know what is normal, but i don't think this is!

This is completely normal.  The development of the external genitalia is different in everybody, and no two people look the same.  As long as it is not painful then you have nothing to worry about.

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