Q.
The skin on my scrotum (balls)
is getting darker. Is this normal?
A.
It is normal
for skin over the scrotum to get darker as you change from
a boy to an adult (puberty). Darkening
of the skin over the scrotum is actually one of the first
steps of puberty. It usually occurs at the same time the skin
over the testicles changes from a smooth appearance to a more
rough appearance (called stippling).
Also
at this time, the testicles will begin to enlarge. These changes
are all the first visible signs that puberty has begun. The
darkening of the scrotal skin is perfectly normal and will
be followed over the next few years by even more dramatic
changes: adult pubic hair, growth of the penis, hair in the
armpits, larger and stronger muscles, facial hair, and growth
to an adult size. These changes are all determined by factors
called genetic traits -- these traits come from your parents
and determine how fast these changes will occur and what the
final results will look like.
Good question, I get that one a lot.
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Q.
What is Lunelle?
A.
Lunelle is a highly effective hormonal contraceptive given
as an injection once a month. It is the first in a new class
of contraception: the combination long-acting contraceptive.
It became available in the year 2000.
Lunelle
contains a combination of two hormones: medroxyprogesterone
acetate (MPA) and estradiol cypionate (E2C). MPA is a progestin
and is the same hormone found in Depo-Provera,
another injectable contraceptive.
The
major difference between Lunelle and Depo-Provera is that
Lunelle contains estrogen and Depo-Provera does not. Another
difference is that Lunelle only contains one-sixth the amount
of MPA found in Depo-Provera. Lunelle also differs from birth
control pills in that it contains much smaller doses of estrogen.
And unlike the Pill, which must be taken daily, Lunelle only
needs to be given once a month. For more on Lunelle,
check this out, or watch the video.
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Q.
I take the pill, is it true that antibiotics make the pill
less effective or not work at all?
A.
YES!!!
As with all oral contraceptives, antibiotics may decrease
their effectiveness. You may need to use additional contraception
(condoms and spermicide) when
you take an antibiotic. Certain medications such as antibiotics
can do that. Tell your healthcare provider if you’re
taking any medications, because they may affect how
well your pill works.
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Q.
What are
the benefits of taking the pill, besides for birth control,
I hear it’s good for your skin?
A.
Most women go on
the pill to avoid getting
pregnant, but birth control pills, actually do more than just
protect you from pregnancy. They can help reduce your menstrual
cramps, regulate irregular periods, and lighten your menstrual
flow. The pill has also been shown to decrease a woman’s
risk of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer (cancer in the
lining of your uterus), ovarian and breast cysts, and pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID). And yes,
there are several that do help with acne!
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Q.
I have a thick white discharge and am itchy “down there”
is this a yeast infection?
A.
It sure sounds
like some of the symptoms, read about
Yeast Infections.
