The Clinic ~ Ask me anything, I'm a nurse.

[A_Kefka]

A question I was asked while chatting with a friend, thought you might have some insight. Could a minor hernia affect a man's ability to climax. She said her husband has one, its a small lump in above and to the side of the groin. Since its not hurting him or constricting anything the doctor said surgery isn't necessary, but she says he is having a hard time reaching orgasm since it appeared. any thoughts, cause I had no idea?

 

[N_B]

Sent you PM only because of privacy concerns. Not of mine, mind you. But of the other party involved. Hope I was not being to presumptive there...

 

[culloden]

I'm getting to the age where I'm considering the little blue pill (Well, in a few years, of course I don't need it yet....) I understand that it works by dilating blood vessels to increase flow. I'm also subject to migraines, which I'm told are related to dilated blood vessels. Do you know if there's any chance that Viagra, etc., can be migraine triggers?

 

[fuckmeat]

Sent you PM only because of privacy concerns. Not of mine, mind you. But of the other party involved. Hope I was not being to presumptive there...

You're not being presumptive honey, sorry. Sometimes I plan to go research things and then they slip my mind as they move down my inbox. Sorry about that.

PM sent.

 

[fuckmeat]

A question I was asked while chatting with a friend, thought you might have some insight. Could a minor hernia affect a man's ability to climax. She said her husband has one, its a small lump in above and to the side of the groin. Since its not hurting him or constricting anything the doctor said surgery isn't necessary, but she says he is having a hard time reaching orgasm since it appeared. any thoughts, cause I had no idea?

An inguinal or femoral hernia can cause ED and performance problems in men but in those cases there's usually also groin pain. Complications like this are commonly found in older men, who have lower BP. Blood flow to the penis/testes can be obstructed by a hernia, depending on where it's located and how big it is. It can also rarely press on the prostate, so if his sex drive has recently skyrocketed, that should also be checked out.

If he has complications like that, that could make the difference as to whether or not he's recommended surgery so things like that should be reported and investigated. OTOH it could simply be the worry of having a hernia or it could be located in a way that physically impedes intercourse, lessening his enjoyment of it. Pelvic exertion like sex could also cause him abdominal pain, which will take the edge off any man's erection.

 

[fuckmeat]

I'm getting to the age where I'm considering the little blue pill (Well, in a few years, of course I don't need it yet....) I understand that it works by dilating blood vessels to increase flow. I'm also subject to migraines, which I'm told are related to dilated blood vessels. Do you know if there's any chance that Viagra, etc., can be migraine triggers?

Firstly, viagra should be used only to treat genuine erectile dysfunction (ie total inability to get or stay erect enough for penetrative sex). It is not a treatment for loss of confidence, to keep up with a younger partner or to address the fact that many men cease to be as rock hard in their twilight years as they were in their youth. Just saying, cause many men take viagra who shouldn't and then when they become older or have genuine ED problems, they have already developed a tolerance to the drug, minimising the benefit they get from it. So don't be too quick to start using it.

Viagra should only be used with a doctor's approval and like all medicines, you should be monitored by a doctor when you first use it (no, not literally, unless it gets you and your doctor hot). Viagra is a strong drug that affects the heart and BP, so it should be treated and used with respect. Please don't get tempted to buy it online because there are many bogus retailers and a lot of tablets sold online are made in developing countries in imprecise conditions, so batch or individual tablet strengths can vary dangerously. You also have to wonder what people like that bulk it out with.

Never try taking viagra if...

• You have a condition that affects your heart or blood pressure.
• You use a glyceryl trinitrate spray for angina.
• You have poor liver function.
• You have poor kidney function.
• You have ever suffered a stroke or heart attack.
• You have any problem with the retinas of your eyes.
• Sex is inadvisable to you, due to cardiovascular risk factors or breathing difficulty such as asthma.

Viagra was originally developed as a treatment for hypertension (high BP), the effect it had on men's penises was an inadvertent side effect until it was patented and re-branded in 1996 as an ED treatment, making pharmacological company Pfizer a fortune. So yes, its primary function is to cause vasodilation, because dilation of blood vessels reduces pressure.

Migraines are are caused when blood vessels in the brain go into spasm and then dilate. The first crunching pains and effects on vision that herald a migraine are blood vessels spasming and then when the migraine fully hits, the vessels have dilated. Migraine is not listed as a contraindication for taking viagra but it seems obvious to me that viagra could affect or trigger migraine. When you factor in that using viagra also means you're going to be exerting yourself, I'd say it's very likely to have an effect on blood flow in the brain.

Which is another reason why people should only take drugs like viagra on prescription, following medical advice and under the supervision of a doctor.

 

[culloden]

Firstly, viagra should be used only to treat genuine erectile dysfunction (ie total inability to get or stay erect enough for penetrative sex). It is not a treatment for loss of confidence, to keep up with a younger partner or to address the fact that many men cease to be as rock hard in their twilight years as they were in their youth. Just saying, cause many men take viagra who shouldn't and then when they become older or have genuine ED problems, they have already developed a tolerance to the drug, minimising the benefit they get from it. So don't be too quick to start using it.

Viagra should only be used with a doctor's approval and like all medicines, you should be monitored by a doctor when you first use it (no, not literally, unless it gets you and your doctor hot). Viagra is a strong drug that affects the heart and BP, so it should be treated and used with respect. Please don't get tempted to buy it online because there are many bogus retailers and a lot of tablets sold online are made in developing countries in imprecise conditions, so batch or individual tablet strengths can vary dangerously. You also have to wonder what people like that bulk it out with.

Never try taking viagra if...

• You have a condition that affects your heart or blood pressure.
• You use a glyceryl trinitrate spray for angina.
• You have poor liver function.
• You have poor kidney function.
• You have ever suffered a stroke or heart attack.
• You have any problem with the retinas of your eyes.
• Sex is inadvisable to you, due to cardiovascular risk factors or breathing difficulty such as asthma.

Viagra was originally developed as a treatment for hypertension (high BP), the effect it had on men's penises was an inadvertent side effect until it was patented and re-branded in 1996 as an ED treatment, making pharmacological company Pfizer a fortune. So yes, its primary function is to cause vasodilation, because dilation of blood vessels reduces pressure.

Migraines are are caused when blood vessels in the brain go into spasm and then dilate. The first crunching pains and effects on vision that herald a migraine are blood vessels spasming and then when the migraine fully hits, the vessels have dilated. Migraine is not listed as a contraindication for taking viagra but it seems obvious to me that viagra could affect or trigger migraine. When you factor in that using viagra also means you're going to be exerting yourself, I'd say it's very likely to have an effect on blood flow in the brain.

Which is another reason why people should only take drugs like viagra on prescription, following medical advice and under the supervision of a doctor.

Thank you. Good general cautions, which I would follow anyway. I don't understand why people risk buying prescription drugs online through sketchy sites.

I guess that leaves the question, when I get older and need the help, of whether I should take the Viagra or the Treximet first? Yeah, I know, talk to my doctor.

Thanks again.

 

[Mephistophelily]

I know your comp is MIA for awhile, FM, but this is something that's been bothering me for a few months... if you can't help me out, maybe some of the other peeking eyes may know.

I had a CSection back in February. I came home the 2nd morning in the hospital (Csection was 2/19 morning, I was in til 2/21), but didn't take things as easy as I should have. I was cleaning the house within two hours of coming home. When I went in for my 6 week checkup, Doc said everything seemed fine and gave me a Merina insert. I know there's a lot of bleeding off that and everything... And that did freak me out for awhile.

Anyway...
Now, 7 months later, I'm feeling "odd" still. Constant weak menstral-like cramps, pain and bad bleeding after sex, and what feels like (lack of better term) lumps down there. I'm not sure what could be causing this,: the Merina, or is my body just now messed up from two csections? I hate having sex anymore because of it. Everything hurts and I want nothing to do with it. Hubby's not too happy with that.

 

[SweetErika]

I know your comp is MIA for awhile, FM, but this is something that's been bothering me for a few months... if you can't help me out, maybe some of the other peeking eyes may know.

I had a CSection back in February. I came home the 2nd morning in the hospital (Csection was 2/19 morning, I was in til 2/21), but didn't take things as easy as I should have. I was cleaning the house within two hours of coming home. When I went in for my 6 week checkup, Doc said everything seemed fine and gave me a Merina insert. I know there's a lot of bleeding off that and everything... And that did freak me out for awhile.

Anyway...
Now, 7 months later, I'm feeling "odd" still. Constant weak menstral-like cramps, pain and bad bleeding after sex, and what feels like (lack of better term) lumps down there. I'm not sure what could be causing this,: the Merina, or is my body just now messed up from two csections? I hate having sex anymore because of it. Everything hurts and I want nothing to do with it. Hubby's not too happy with that.

I'm betting it's the Mirena. You shouldn't have bleeding that long after a c-section unless there's a serious problem. Have you read stuff like this? It seems like quite a few women have the same issue and are getting their IUDs out because of it.

What does your doctor say?

 

[Mephistophelily]

I'm betting it's the Mirena. You shouldn't have bleeding that long after a c-section unless there's a serious problem. Have you read stuff like this? It seems like quite a few women have the same issue and are getting their IUDs out because of it.

What does your doctor say?

I called the office about it. The nurse said it was normal... when I asked if I should come in to get it looked at, she said even louder that its normal and not to worry about it.

Yeah, I'm looking into a new doctor. One closer to home just started taking new patients.

 

[TheSilverLining]

Really sorry if I'm treading on toes here, but just thought I'd offer my tuppence worth seeing as fuckmeat is having technical difficulties

Firstly, I agree with SweetErika - under no circumstances should you be experiencing bleeding from a section 7 months postnatally. Infact, with a section you should have less bleeding afterwards than with a vaginal delivery. Also, seeing as your doctor was happy with your recovery at your 6week check, then I'd say that this probably isn't the reason.

I also think that the Merina is the cause of your problems. Remember that it is an IUS as opposed to the more traditional IUDs and is packed full of progesterone which adds to the contraceptive effect. Unfortunately, it can also have some undesirable effects such as the abdominal pain and irregular bleeding that you describe. I'm aware that we're on different sides of the ocean, but I find the FPA over here useful : http://www.fpa.org.uk/Helpandadvice/Contraception/IUS

Have you checked the positioning? Can you still feel the strings?
I'm sure I've read that on some women, any sort of IUCD or IUS will continue to overly stimulate the lining of the uterus causing pain and bleeding until either it's manually removed, or expelled by the resulting uterine contractions. Could be making that up though

I called the office about it. The nurse said it was normal... when I asked if I should come in to get it looked at, she said even louder that its normal and not to worry about it.
Yeah, I'm looking into a new doctor. One closer to home just started taking new patients.

(my bold)
This is the point that made me reply. I really wouldn't care if she thinks it's "normal" or not! The point is, if it's not normal for you... if the side-effects are unacceptable, or if it's having an adverse effect on your daily life then I'd consider an alternative form of contraception. OR of course I could be completely off the mark, and your symptoms could be caused by something else entirely.... Either way, ring your doctor. Don't take no for an answer and hopefully you'll get it sorted.
I hope you find a solution soon.
TSL xxx
(Hi-jack over. Crawling back into my hole now)

 

[blade_rocknut]

FWIW- I know it's not apples to apples, but my wife was miserable for a year with a copper" t " IUD implanted after our son was born. She would bleed of and on for 2-3 weeks outr of the month. initially, she was told to wait- it would improve. Upon my insistence, she got more aggressive with her ( overly complacent) doctor, and demanded they take her seriously. IUD was removed, pills taken, life as normal.

 

[fuckmeat]

No toes are being trodden on. It's always great when other people can offer insight, particularly as in this case I would have been no help really. I know nothing about midwifery or post natal care and I have no kids of my own. I have also never had an IUD and would only have done a bit of research and posted general info. So I bow completely to the superior knowlege posted here.

I hope you resolve this soon Lily and to your satisfaction. I agree with everyone else that your symptoms need investigating.

Best of luck

 

[Mephistophelily]

Thanks guys.
Yecch... That's what I've been hearing. This thing seems to be more trouble than it was worth. Doc tried to give me the copper one first, but I had to keep reminding her I'm allergic to metals... I have a horrific memory on remembering to take BC's, but I think I was far better off with them.

 

[SweetErika]

Thanks guys.
Yecch... That's what I've been hearing. This thing seems to be more trouble than it was worth. Doc tried to give me the copper one first, but I had to keep reminding her I'm allergic to metals... I have a horrific memory on remembering to take BC's, but I think I was far better off with them.

Are you a candidate for Nuvaring or the patch?

I won't touch hormonal BC anymore, so we're using condoms for a few years at which point my husband will have a vasectomy.

 

[Mephistophelily]

Are you a candidate for Nuvaring or the patch?

I won't touch hormonal BC anymore, so we're using condoms for a few years at which point my husband will have a vasectomy.

I'm not sure.
In one of my old posts awhile ago, after she put this thing in, I had mentioned how she basically forced the damn thing on me; that it was just "such a great thing" and how I just NEEDED it... Then I get the bill. Now I see why she wanted me to get it so damned bad. She didn't even let me take time to consider other options, just kept insisting this was the best thing for me and I ended up leaving with it put in (sobbing like a fool because it hurt so friggin' much and because she made fun of me for crying in the first place).

The pill seemed the best idea to go back to since it didn't bother me too much in other areas. I am getting some of the other side effects off this thing that the women on that thing you sent me to had; the headaches, memory issues, and weight gain. (Uuuugh, the weight gain.... I still can't get off babygirl's leftovers!!) I'm not sure about the other stuff, though. I'm just leery on the whole cancer risk stuff. My family has a terrible history of it, and I'm already paranoid over what's probably just swollen milk glands from nursing. To add that in there wouldn't help much!

 

[SweetErika]

I'm not sure.
In one of my old posts awhile ago, after she put this thing in, I had mentioned how she basically forced the damn thing on me; that it was just "such a great thing" and how I just NEEDED it... Then I get the bill. Now I see why she wanted me to get it so damned bad. She didn't even let me take time to consider other options, just kept insisting this was the best thing for me and I ended up leaving with it put in (sobbing like a fool because it hurt so friggin' much and because she made fun of me for crying in the first place).

The pill seemed the best idea to go back to since it didn't bother me too much in other areas. I am getting some of the other side effects off this thing that the women on that thing you sent me to had; the headaches, memory issues, and weight gain. (Uuuugh, the weight gain.... I still can't get off babygirl's leftovers!!) I'm not sure about the other stuff, though. I'm just leery on the whole cancer risk stuff. My family has a terrible history of it, and I'm already paranoid over what's probably just swollen milk glands from nursing. To add that in there wouldn't help much!

Ah yes, I remember now.

It sounds like you need to have it taken out--ideally by a more competent doctor/practitioner--even though you've put a lot of time and money into trying to make it work. It can't possibly be worth all of the trouble and worry you've been going through, and at least you can cross it off as an option that doesn't work for you (just as I've done with the pill and hormonal bc in general).

Do some research on the patch and Nuvaring (though both have weight limits, IIRC), as well as your other options. If you really don't want to go the hormonal route, you might consider using condoms or another barrier method (though diaphragms and the like are only about 85% effective, I think, plus they must be used with spermicide, which doesn't agree with many women). If you're done having your own kids, surgery is probably your best bet.

If it's hard to get another doctor who's likely to be respectful and fair, I'd suggest going to Planned Parenthood. They're pretty good about helping people find the right option(s) for them, and I've always found them to be cost-conscious when I've mentioned I was on a budget, didn't have good insurance, etc.

 

[Laila88]

.....

 

[Felix_Jones]

Your opinion

I've wanted to post this question in a while, and I'd like to see what you have to say. Not necessarily a medical question, but I believe that psychology/psychiatry is part of a nurses training, no? Anyway:

What effect do you think pornography has on sexual desire, expectation, libido?

 

[gagginforit]

Hi fuckmeat.

I just posted this in How To, then I remembered this thread, so I'll post here to. Reply in either one.

I took half a tablet of viagra on Tuesday, felt no ill effects, but on Wednesday I felt really light headed and woozy. My head still feels funny three days later.

I've taken the stuff before from a different batch and felt no ill effects. Could it be the viagra or something else? Should I not take it again, and more importantly will I be ok or should I go to a doctor?

I also felt slight abdominal pains after having sex and that was new too. But it went away by the next day.

My doctor didn't examine me or do any tests when he game me the prescription. I asked for it and he just gave it to me with nothing but a comment about why I am having trouble at my age.

Thanks very much.

I'm a forty year old dude by the way.

 

[sbelle79]

birth control question

ok so all this talk about birth control made me wonder somethin...im a bit bad also about remembering my BC pill every day. BUT, when you are taking the placebo to help start the sheading...isnt that like missing 4 days of pills? I was told they make you started your cycle b/c they have NO hormone in them. So does that mean you are susceptable to get pregnant on those days? i guess i could easily google this but I didnt....haha

 

[SweetErika]

ok so all this talk about birth control made me wonder somethin...im a bit bad also about remembering my BC pill every day. BUT, when you are taking the placebo to help start the sheading...isnt that like missing 4 days of pills? I was told they make you started your cycle b/c they have NO hormone in them. So does that mean you are susceptable to get pregnant on those days? i guess i could easily google this but I didnt....haha

If the pill is working properly, the bleeding you experience while on the placebo is breakthrough bleeding, not a period. You should not ovulate (which typically happens mid-cycle) at all if you take the pill correctly, so you can't get pregnant unless you just happen to be one of the very, very few women that has a hormonal imbalance that the pill corrects to make you fertile. The pill essentially makes your body think it's already pregnant, so there's no reason for it to ovulate.

I got a ton of insight out of Toni Weschler's "Taking CHarge of Your Fertility." It's an amazing book whether you're trying to avoid pregnancy or conceive, should probably be required reading for just about everyone, and it may be available at your local library.

 

[sbelle79]

If the pill is working properly, the bleeding you experience while on the placebo is breakthrough bleeding, not a period. You should not ovulate (which typically happens mid-cycle) at all if you take the pill correctly, so you can't get pregnant unless you just happen to be one of the very, very few women that has a hormonal imbalance that the pill corrects to make you fertile. The pill essentially makes your body think it's already pregnant, so there's no reason for it to ovulate.

I got a ton of insight out of Toni Weschler's "Taking CHarge of Your Fertility." It's an amazing book whether you're trying to avoid pregnancy or conceive, should probably be required reading for just about everyone, and it may be available at your local library.

thanks, i was extremely bored, couldnt sleep and after reading all that decided to ask...haha

 

[JohnZee]

Firstly, I've got to say that FM has exhibited more generosity than anyone I've seen on a forum. You've really done your homework, FM and I applaud you. I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable, but I'll take a punt at this (so you all can disagree :

I've wanted to post this question in a while, and I'd like to see what you have to say. Not necessarily a medical question, but I believe that psychology/psychiatry is part of a nurses training, no? Anyway:

What effect do you think pornography has on sexual desire, expectation, libido?

When I was a teenager in the '80s, I was given a book: 'How to pick up girls'. It had a small section on porn. Considering the proliferation of online porn, I suspect its moral is more relevant today. The author's basic assertion was that, the more often you use porn, the more you become desensitised to it, and the more you need to move up the ladder in terms of kink factor - until you get to a point where it's difficult to get any further. His example was this: you start out with Playboy, then you move onto Penthouse and then Hustler. Before you know it you're onto Colour Climax.

So, my attitude would be that porn should be used sparingly, so as to preserve its potency. Use it once in a while. If you use it too often, not only is there the danger of escalating your kink factor way beyond that of the average partner, but your own ability to use your imagination could be impacted. I've long felt that, rather ironically, porn is best used by people in relationships (to add spice) than the single.

I suspect that porn has given me a taste for certain things very few girls will indulge me with, so I might need to get de-programmed...

 

[cryforme1v]

i was having a conversation with my mom about when my son was born.
I dont really remember much, this is all going off what my dr and my mom both said. Also - my son is 5, so i dont remember the actual names of the medications.

I was to be induced at midnight, my water broke at the hospital before the induction and they still gave me the med to induce. Then kept me on a medication all night to keep the contractions going.
Through out the night my sons heart rate was dropping from between 40-60 then back up to around 100 in between contractions, from about 3 am to 1pm the next afternoon when they did the emergency c-section. My heart rate was between 100-110 after 8pm till 1pm.
The dr had told me they had no indication that i was even in labor besides the fact that i was going gray and mine and my sons heart rate was fluctuating so much. I didnt cry out or scream, nothing. The contraction monitor was showing nothing. They hooked me up to an internal monitor at approx 7am and realized that they had given me to much of the medication through out the night and then lowered the dosage that they were giving me. At this point, i had nothing left in my stomach but dry heaves and it was hard to breath, even in between contractions.
They told me i had no color in my face and i had broken 2 teeth from gritting them during contractions.
They finally gave me an epidural at 9am after my sons heart rate was above 70 and mine was below 100. This entire time, i was not dilating at all. I wasnt even 1cm by 9am with all the medication they loaded me with to get the contractions / dilating going.

What i'm wondering is - why the hell did they wait so long and not have the c-section before 1pm? My son had to stay in the hospital for over a week because of his heart, they said it was over exerted and his heart rate wasnt going up to normal and that the cause of this was because of hard labor.
My dr told me at the 2 week eval that i was lucky i didnt have a heart attack with the way my heart rate was fluctuating.
Why would any dr wait 12 hours when its obvious both mother and child are in severe distress?

My grandma died from heart failure.
My grandpa has had 3 heart attacks.
My aunt is in her 40's and has had a heart attack.
Heart issues are a big deal in my family, my dad even has coronary artery disease and is going for a bipass surgery in the near future.
Would this increase mine and my sons chance for more heart issues in the future?

Thanks. And sorry for not knowing exact names of medications <i suppose that would help, but i really cannot remember them.