May 5, 2025 • 29 mins
iHearRadio host Jenn Seay sits down with Valley girls Jess Staples and Melanie Shafer and special guest Dr. Caleb Huff, OBGYN, to discuss the embarrassing questions women rarely ask their provider. We're asking them and Dr. Huff isn't blushing when answering.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The content shared on this podcast is for informational and
educational purposes only and should not be getstrued as medical advice.
While we strive to provide accurate and up to date information,
the host and producers make no representations or warranties regarding
the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information presented. Medical
information this constantly evolving, and what is discussed may not
reflect the most current research or guidelines. This podcast is
not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
(00:22):
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified
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medical condition or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency,
please call emergency services immediately. By listening to this podcast,
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Speaker 2 (00:39):
This is TMI Talking Medical Information with Vallee Health.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
Hello, we are back again. It is Jen b.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
I am the host of your Valley Health podcast. D
am I Talking Medical Information with Vallee Help and we
are joined again today with Melie Adkins Schaeffer and Jen Staples.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Hello. Hello, Hi, I am.
Speaker 5 (01:04):
To be here.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
I know my Valley girls are here today. Oh yes,
and we are joined.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
We have the pleasure of hosting doctor Caleb Huff, who
is in obstetrics and obgyn.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
At Valley Hell. It is so good to have you
here today. I believe we have.
Speaker 4 (01:22):
Quite a few questions that that could make the normal
person blush.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
But you're You're not a normal person.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
Right, That is absolutely cool, Hery Harry abnormal maybe in
the good way. But I love unusual questions.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Okay, okay, And one of the questions.
Speaker 6 (01:39):
Really cool things about doctor Huff is he wants his
patience to always be heard. Okay, so it doesn't matter,
like you said, the weird questions, the crazy questions, the
may make you blush questions. He's very good about making
that patient comfort.
Speaker 5 (01:51):
Let's hear them. I love.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
I mean that makes everybody feel good because everybody has
a question that they were like, Oh, I just I
really want the answer, especially as it pertains to me,
but I really don't want to ask it.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Why.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's cool to know that physicians are open to that reassuring.
Speaker 4 (02:07):
And I mean I think it's you know, it's your
own body and you want to understand it well enough.
Who else to ask than your own doctor. Okay, so
we do have several questions that we got from not
only listeners, but also we just kind of asked our
friends to give us, you know, what they might ask
at their obgyn appointment that they might feel a little
(02:31):
embarrassed about asking. I mean, I see a question on
here already about waxing before an exam.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
What's the appropriate grooming situation?
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Yeah, I mean, and if you have an opinion on that,
doctor Huff, we'd like to know.
Speaker 5 (02:49):
Well, there's no right or wrong answer, and I think
that's the answer. Okay, whatever you feel comfortable with is
fun with us.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Okay, sort of come as you are.
Speaker 5 (03:03):
Yeah, yeah, whatever, I mean, you don't have to do
anything special. We frequently hear apologies, Oh my goodness, I
forgot to shave my legs, Like I don't even care
at all, don't worry at all about that.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
And what if my toenails don't get shut.
Speaker 5 (03:19):
Or like socks don't match, I don't care. That doesn't
matter at all.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
Okay, I'm glad to hear that.
Speaker 5 (03:25):
As you are. That's the first.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Question out of the way.
Speaker 7 (03:30):
I'm take that pedicure off the list for next I
don't worry.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
That's not where he's looking.
Speaker 5 (03:34):
I mean, yeah, maybe make sure your feet aren't stinky.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
But like you know, there you go.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
General higher, much appreciated.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
I get that.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Okay, Okay, here's another one from our list. And this
is one that I've heard a million times. I mean,
every girl has thought this. So I'm on my period.
Am I supposed to cancel my appointment? Or can I
go ahead and go because it's scheduled on my calendar.
I've re arranged my life, right.
Speaker 5 (04:01):
I say, come to the appointment, because for some docs
it takes forever to get back in, and you're going
to be six months before you're going to get back in.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
Well, that's true.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
And this is also down to your comfort level too.
If you don't feel comfortable, then you can reschedule. But
for us, it does not matter at all. Okay, it's
not weird, it's not We see it every day, so
it's not anything at all to be embarrassed about.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
Okay, for us, it's just part of life, right, it is, right, So, just.
Speaker 4 (04:32):
Like you said, it really is about your comfort level,
whether you're shaving your legs or not, or whether you
want to reschedule because of something like that may not.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Be what you want to handle at the day.
Speaker 5 (04:43):
Right for us, it doesn't matter.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
Okay, all right, You doctors are pretty professional.
Speaker 7 (04:48):
Huh, they're pretty laid back. Since we are on the
subject of periods, is it normal to have a heavy
period or a period that lasts.
Speaker 6 (04:58):
Longer than a week?
Speaker 5 (05:00):
It is not necessarily normal. It can be common, not
anything to get super worked up about if it happens
every now and then. Strange things can happen with periods.
What really becomes an issue is if, first of all,
if you're trying to get pregnant, or you're having trouble
getting pregnant, or this is affecting your quality of life.
Are you bleeding a lot, are you using tampons and
(05:23):
pads and you're you know, you're feeling exhausted and you're
passing clots and you're cramping really bad. Yeah, then we
definitely need to do something about that. Yeah, because that's
not that's not okay. If it's affecting your quality of life.
Speaker 6 (05:36):
At what point do you reach out and go, I
feel like I'm bleeding way too much.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
Well, it's kind of ridiculous because they have this defined
amount of blood loss that's normal of eighty mls. Well,
how what woman knows what eight mls?
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Yeah, that's yeah, we need to do something more tampable
by going through six tampons, right.
Speaker 5 (05:56):
And I think it's subjective because some people come in
and they'll be like, I am like hemorrhaging, and then
you see what they're actually bleeding and you're like, that's
not really that much, okay, or they're you know, you
check their hemoglobe and it's completely normal. So it is
kind of hard to define. But I usually just go
by what they tell me. If is this heavy for you?
Speaker 4 (06:17):
Yeah, And it is a very personal thing because just
like you said, your body is different.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Everybody's body is different.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
So if it doesn't feel normal to you, that might
be the red flag, you know.
Speaker 5 (06:29):
I mean, certainly, if you're bleeding through a tampon and
you just replace it and it's rolling out and you're
passing clots, that's not normal. That's too much, Okay.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
I guess I could go into this regarding that, especially
around that time of the month. You know, you may
have say an odor in that area, okay, Now, not
only on your period, but.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Sometimes you have an odor in that area other days.
So let's talk about how normal that.
Speaker 5 (06:58):
Is very very very common, okay, And I think women
are very sensitive to that and and paranoid and worried
about that, and so frequently I'll have somebody come in
and say, you know, I've got this odor and then
I'm like, Okay, I don't smell anything. I've got a
very good nose, and I would tell you if I did,
(07:18):
and there's not.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (07:19):
So there is a normal amount of discharge. That is
what we call physiologic or normal, and that's kind of
like the just the cleansing discharge of the vagina that
washes bad bacteria out. So that's kind of a normal process.
Doesn't mean that anythings that there's any infection. Now, if
you're having itching, burning, irritation, that sort of thing, that
(07:43):
could indicate something.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
So then then then.
Speaker 5 (07:48):
Then you could it would make sense to come in
and be like, maybe I've got something more going on here.
But if you know, always you know, if you do
have a concern, you can always come in and get evaluated. Sure,
but it is pretty common thing. I feel like that
we do have another question here about cleansers and that
sort of thing. Yeah, I would really try to stay
(08:08):
away from those things. I think there's a big market
for those things, and they prey on women who are
sensitive about that anyway, make a lot of money off
of that sensitivity, and I think it just imbalances things
more and makes it harder to get back on track.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
Okay, just leave it alone.
Speaker 5 (08:27):
For some women who are having really heavy periods all
the time, we probably have to take care of the
heavy bleeding first because that may be what's leading to
these bacterial overgrowth. Sure, or the odor. But usually I
say stay away from all of these douching cleaning things.
(08:48):
The more you do, I think, the more it kind
of messes up the pH.
Speaker 4 (08:52):
I was always told just soap. Just if you're washing
your body with soap, use soap.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
That's what I say too.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Okay, what do you think about I mean, whole body
deodorants are all the rage these days, all the sprays
for all the parts. What do you think about that?
Speaker 5 (09:06):
I guess it depends on how stinky you are. I mean, right, but.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Is it going to part problems with pH because they're
made for all areas?
Speaker 5 (09:18):
Certainly, certainly I would try to avoid down there, Like
I don't know your backside, you may it may need it, so,
but I would avoid the front, you know, right, the
back not there.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
You go write that one down.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
Okay, we talked.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
Them about waxing and shaving and prepping before the visit.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
But what happens when you find other bumps down there?
Speaker 5 (09:42):
How do I know when it's freezer bump and when
it's not.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
That's a good question.
Speaker 5 (09:46):
Yeah, well, yeah, I mean it's tough because you probably
the only way to be for sure is to have
somebody professional look at at it. But yes, it is
very common to have razor bombs or you know, a rash,
or irritation and ingrown hair right exactly. Now, A lot
(10:10):
of those things are pretty common and they don't mean
anything bad or even just a pimple or something. Yeah,
or there's just like normal skin irregularities that happen and
that's just a normal part of the volva and vagina
and that's nothing to be worried about. Normal anatomy. If
it's burning, burning, tender, oozing red.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
Those are words that definitely called the doctor oozing.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Yes, I would.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
Yeah, Now I will ask this question, and it's not mine,
but it is one that I thought it was a
friend of mine. Yes, no, I thought to myself, for
a friend, Well, this is a great question because I
don't even know what this is, Like, what what's my
vulva supposed to look like?
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Well, it's yes, it's everyone's yes.
Speaker 5 (11:01):
Again. I think this is kind of a newer thing
of people getting kind of paranoid about what they look like. Okay,
you don't need to worry about I don't think you
need to worry about it.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
Okay, we're having a regular checkup. You're going to tell
us there's no beauty passions. No, no, no, no no, I'm
just asking.
Speaker 5 (11:20):
Okay, I mean like there, well, okay, you.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Mean, why are we worried about it?
Speaker 6 (11:25):
Right?
Speaker 2 (11:26):
My head is here for any reason? Yet I can't
see I want to see j just so bad. She
just kind of reeled back. It was like I cannot.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
It's true. I mean, like, if you think about male anatomy,
they're not.
Speaker 4 (11:42):
The most pretty things.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
Really. It's yeah, okay, I mean you can say it.
Speaker 4 (11:51):
I wish you could see Jess because she's.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
I don't know, do you have a defibrillator. I'm just asking.
I might I might have to bring her back.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
These are all important questions we need to know about.
Speaker 5 (12:03):
Okay, it's it's functionality is the key here now, not
necessarily beauty, like you said, But when functionality is impaired,
that's when there's an issue. So like, for example, if
the labia are excessive and they're causing issues with intercourse.
So like during intercourse, if they're being pulled in vagina
(12:26):
and out, that can be really uncomfortable and cause friction
and sureations. So is there a treatment?
Speaker 2 (12:33):
I know it's like there a fix for surgery, surgery, okay, okay.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
Yeah, And that's not really something I would recommend. I
would almost never recommend it for cosmetic purposes, okay, because
if you've got a partner who cares about how you
look down there, then maybe that's not the right partner for.
Speaker 3 (12:51):
Right right, do you know?
Speaker 4 (12:53):
I will say this and this is this is maybe
just a weird side note, but whenever I have gone
to the bathrooms at Valley Health, I saw a note
on the wall. It said if you need help, if
you are in a domestic situation that you don't know
how to get out of and you need help, you
can talk to there's a number. But also you can
talk to the nurse there at Valley Health, and I
(13:13):
thought that was just really nice to see because you know,
not everybody does know where to get help, and that's
that's incredible.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
So I love that about Valley.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
I just think you all should know that. Well, that's
good to have those numbers up to because sometimes in
those types of situations, partners go in the room, right,
and there's no privacyvacy, So that is excellart to.
Speaker 5 (13:35):
See signs of that sometimes, and we start to suspect
that when you know, the man starts answering all the questions,
detailed questions about her periods. Ah, it starts raising those
flags in my mind like hmm, what do we have
(13:55):
going on here?
Speaker 7 (13:56):
Right?
Speaker 4 (13:56):
And that is good that doctors such as yourself are
paying to that too as well, to be there in
case you need that.
Speaker 5 (14:03):
It's different if he's there advocating for her saying, oh,
she's really in pain, I just want to make sure
she's taken care of, versus like I've been watching her
right nice?
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, well that was a different tangent.
Speaker 5 (14:18):
There, right, Yes, just mentioned it.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Yeah, Well, speaking of though, I mean, how I know
we're supposed to go for annual visits. Right, how often
do we do pap smears those kind of things, pelvic exams?
Is it more frequent than a year? Is a year? Right?
Speaker 5 (14:32):
So it's really confusing even for us doctors. And I
have an app on my phone that helps us look
at perhapsmear results and her age group. And there's all
these different age groups that we look at young women,
which is like twenty one to twenty six, and then
there's age group of like you know, thirty eight sixty five.
(14:56):
There's different recommendations for different age groups.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Okay, So for twenties, just walk us through it.
Speaker 5 (15:02):
Usually about every three years, Okay, it really starts at
twenty one.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
It used to be I thought it was every year.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
What is happening?
Speaker 5 (15:11):
So it used to be at onset of sexual activity
or different. Then they tried to simplify it and they
made it just twenty one, we're gonna start pap smears. Okay.
I still recommend a yearly exam that may not include
the actual PAP smear itself, Okay, okay, because you can
catch things and you can talk about things like pelvic pain,
(15:34):
periods in continents, that sort of thing that may not
be related to the actual pap smear itself. But I
think five years is a long time, and we've all
seen cervical cancer happened quicker than that. I've had a
twenty eight year old who had cervical cancer and I wasn't,
(15:59):
according to the guideline, supposed to do the pap smear
because she had a normal one within that three year period.
But I said, well, you do have a history of
an abnormal one. I'm just gonna go ahead and do it.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
And thank god you did, and it was.
Speaker 5 (16:10):
High grade and we did the appropriate steps and it
was cancer. Oh so, I mean, I know that's anecdotal,
and I usually say yearly exam and then I have
that discussion with the patient and individualize that and say,
according to your age group, your guidelines say five years. However,
we may individualize that a little bit with.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
Their history and maybe even insurance coverage.
Speaker 5 (16:32):
That's right, and that's true. Insurance may not cover it
if it's if it's sooner than.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
That, yeh, or they may they may cover it sooner.
It might be there, they may be on the yearly cycle.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
It just depends on your insurance. But you should definitely
check out as well.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
Right, we definitely recommend HPV vaccine. It's one of those
ones that has just it has the potential of eliminating
cervical cancer, which is a big deal. It's huge, huge.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
I guess I was under the impression that, you know,
if you reach a certain age, the shot is no
longer good for you.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
Right. They recently extended the age group to where they
found that it is still effective up to age forty five.
But I'm not sure if insurances. It would depend on
your insurance. Right for ridge Weather, you can if you
missed it in your teens, you may still be eligible
to get it, and I would recommend it. Yeah, just
(17:27):
getting it taken care of.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
That's is it tell me about? Is it one shot?
Two shot? Three shots? I honestly don't remember.
Speaker 5 (17:34):
Depends on the age group and which one it is.
It is a series of shots. It's either two or
three depending on age group.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
Okay, well, all.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Right, let's talk about something that plays fun stuff?
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Fun, well maybe only the butt of many jokes, but
not fun for us pre menstrual strendrome PMS. Is it real?
Speaker 7 (17:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (17:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:55):
And what let's talk about that? It's nothing that makes
someone if you believe there is a woman in your
life who's going through PMS and you tease her about PMS.
No no, no, no, no, trust me, no no. But
I'm just saying I sometimes, you know, guys will look
at you and guy have it to do? I call
(18:15):
it pop off about it And you're like.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
That isause yopause. I agree.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
I think everybody has cranky periods, let's just be honest.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
I agree with that.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
But if you're going to bring it up, you're probably
not thinking too wisely. Because if I'm already cranky and
you're going to bring it up, then you're just going
to get more of the cranky.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
I think you're angry exactly.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Yes, yes, okay, So is there a normal amount? Is there?
Are there things that you can do to, you know, alleviate.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
Yeah, Because I mean I get like there are days
and I know that I'm pmsing. When there's a day
that everything everybody does bugs the absolute crap out of me,
and I don't know why. I'm like, oh my gosh,
they do this every day, but today I want to
slap it in the face so hard.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
So I have a feeling and.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
Have everything is fine, yep.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
I have a feeling. That means I'm pmsing. So is
that a.
Speaker 5 (19:10):
Normal center, Yeah, it's very common. I think we confuse
the terms normal with common.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
There we go.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Okay, that's a good one.
Speaker 5 (19:20):
Normal but definitely common, very very common.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
Irritability, I mean, especially if you tend to have crampier,
heavier periods. It makes sense if you're like, great, here
we go, getting ready to have a miserable week or longer,
it does make sense. Yeah, you're going to be not
as peppy.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Well we're not just talking about being cranky, but like
you said, cramping, headaches, migraines.
Speaker 5 (19:49):
That's pretty common. But there are severe symptoms of that
called p m d D free menstrual dysphoric danger danger, yeah, disorder. Yeah,
there's danger, but that's when it's leading up to your period.
You feel like you're going crazy. You feel like you
could murder somebody, like you're severely depressed, you can have
(20:12):
suicidal thoughts. You just feel absolutely worthless, angry, horrible. Huh
Like absolutely, you gotta get taken care of because that's
that's terrible to live like, it is terrible.
Speaker 4 (20:25):
I actually had a conversation with my husband last week.
I was like, listen, you know, right before my period starts.
I know that it's about to come because I feel
like I have the flu. My body aches. I literally
feel like.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
I'm just exhausted.
Speaker 4 (20:40):
I'm so just completely wiped out and my body is
aching like it's sick and I and I know that
it's not me actually having the flu because it comes.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
Once a month.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
It's so much fun to feel that way once a month,
it really is. But now that you've discussed the PMDD,
I'm going to look more into.
Speaker 5 (20:58):
That one because I feel are they painful?
Speaker 3 (21:00):
Uh?
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Yeah, yeah, I know, so there could be an issue there.
Which so if that is the case, if I find
out that maybe PMDD is part of my life, now
what do I need to do.
Speaker 5 (21:12):
It could be hormonal. I mean, clearly, you've got massive
hormone fluctuations that happen right at that time. And that
makes sense because we see postpartum depression and that is
a serious deal. Yeah, that's something we don't talk about
enough and it is life threatening and it's a massive
(21:33):
withdrawal from progesterone. So it's hormonal. And some women they
know in their head, they're like, I should be happy.
I know, I should feel a certain way but I don't.
I feel terrible and I feel worthless. Well, it's not
your fault. Okay. Hormones play a huge role in how
you feel.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
They really do, and it sucks sometimes.
Speaker 5 (21:55):
Yes, yes, yeah, yeah, it's real. There's help, yeah, absolutely,
and good. Sometimes it can be hormones. Sometimes it can
be answer depressants. Sure, help through that time period.
Speaker 4 (22:10):
Okay, yeah, Now can I ask a question that maybe
this is it? Listen, I know most women, especially well
just most women have totally had this happen.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Can a tampon get lost inside of you?
Speaker 5 (22:29):
No, well that is good. You're never lost.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
You're always somewhere that you've never lost her, always somewhere.
That is a great and such would be said about.
Speaker 5 (22:47):
Now you may not be able to retrieve them because
they're too far up there, and you may need help
getting those out. We can help that, God, if you
don't be embarrassed. It happens. Sometimes they get turned sideway
and yeah, please get in quickly so that you don't
wait a month and then come in and then it's
really stinky.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
Oh yeah, that's not dangerous.
Speaker 5 (23:10):
Yes it is.
Speaker 2 (23:11):
I mean it leads to toxic shocks eventually.
Speaker 5 (23:17):
I don't want to minimize that, because that is I've
never seen that. But we're you know, in med school,
we're taught like, oh, that's going to happen immediately if
you leave Tampa in for five minutes. No, you know
it's it's pretty rare. But yes, like get in sooner
rather than later before Mainly it stinks.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
It's not good. It is not good.
Speaker 5 (23:38):
Me and my nurse, we have a protocol for this.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Stop it.
Speaker 2 (23:43):
Let's let's distract.
Speaker 3 (23:44):
What do we do?
Speaker 5 (23:49):
We we look, we communicate with our eyes perfect to
each other. So we've got the trash bag like, she's
got it real close. Okay, we got a bag and
tag it real quick.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
You have to test it.
Speaker 5 (24:01):
No, okay, ba tag it.
Speaker 2 (24:02):
Okay, good, just checking just.
Speaker 5 (24:05):
So we we pull it out in the bag. It's
tied off out the room.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
Gone boom, just just for the odor.
Speaker 5 (24:12):
Just right. We're like a pit crew.
Speaker 3 (24:15):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
Well, I mean I have several friends and that this
has happened to. I mean you just get busy, like
your kids get sick. You forget what day it is.
You're just like motherhood can be a blurt. So absolutely
it's happened. And when they realized that the odor is
not a dead mouse in the corner. Figure out what
(24:38):
is happening, and then you can help with that situation.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Yeah, yeah, perfect, I'm sorry, but oh my gosh, if
I really did, you will not.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
Be revealed who That is hilarious. Listen, this is why
you shouldn't feel bad. We are asking all the questions
you mentioned.
Speaker 5 (24:59):
I had a patient that said that one time she
pulled out a tampon. Her kids saw it and said,
did you pull out a mouse out of there? Because
it has the little string?
Speaker 2 (25:09):
And gosh, okay, what is one thing that you wish
more people knew, more women knew about their bodies? What
are we all a little clueless about what?
Speaker 5 (25:23):
I guess what's normal and what's not normal, which is
what we're talking about. Yeah, it is good to talk
about these things that we can know what's normal and
not normal. And I think probably the big one is pain.
How much pain is normal during a period, because you know,
I see every single day I see these patients that
(25:44):
are like, yeah, I'm in severe pain for half the month,
and I'm like, that's not normal. We think it is, yes,
because because they've been told that's a period. Suck it up, right,
like you're a you're a you're you know, take.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
This pill you're going to get our women have gone
through this for centuries.
Speaker 5 (26:04):
Right, Yeah, And I just want to say, no, it's
not it's not normal. You don't have to live like this.
We can fix it. Passing out, getting sick, no, they're not.
Speaker 3 (26:15):
Have a friend who's that for.
Speaker 5 (26:17):
Years, being nauseous, missing out on school and work, curling
up in the fetal position, having to take hot baths
and eating bad and motrin every few hours. Yeah, and
being miserable. No, it's not normal.
Speaker 2 (26:32):
Okay, that's good to know.
Speaker 5 (26:34):
Having cramps you know, Yeah, that's normal. Sure, like where
it's severe and it's like you've got to clear your schedule,
you can't do anything.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
No, that's a problem. I've always heard that exercise helps
kind of mitigate that. Is that true or false? Or
was my gym teacher just trying to get me to run?
Speaker 5 (26:50):
Well, that's good motivation. Yeah, there's probably some science to
that because with exercise you're going to release natural indoor
that is that like natural feel good hormones, and yes,
and it can help reduce pain in that way. But
if you feel horrible and a lot of times activity
(27:13):
makes the pain worse initially, so exercising is probably out
of the question for a lot of people with dometriosis.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Oh yeah, so definitely rest first.
Speaker 5 (27:23):
Yeah, I think I think that would be really challenging.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Maybe long term goal make it part of your all
the time and not just well.
Speaker 5 (27:30):
I've had patience before who I did surgery on for
something and I find they have stage four, which is
like the worst endometriosis you can find, and I'm like,
oh my gosh, this is horrible. And then they're like, oh, no,
I didn't. I didn't think I had pelvic pain until
you did my hysterectomy, and now I realize, yes I did.
(27:52):
I had terrible low back pain and terrible hit pain,
and I thought it was just from you know, Yeah,
it's different because all those nerves are just inflamed and
activated and it's referred.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
My gosh, I feel like I need to come see
you because I've just.
Speaker 5 (28:08):
Got a lot.
Speaker 4 (28:11):
Oh my gosh, I need to do an exam because.
Speaker 3 (28:13):
Oh my goodness, I've the hip in the back pain
once again.
Speaker 5 (28:17):
I'm over here, Like if it's checkless, if it's flaring
flaring up, during your period, before and during the period.
It's probably not hip in pain.
Speaker 4 (28:27):
Oh my gosh, well look at this. I tell you what,
we're learning so much. We are learning a lot sharing
we are and that's what I love about this.
Speaker 5 (28:36):
My new crusade is just like we can get your
quality of life better. Nice.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
I am damn for that crusade.
Speaker 5 (28:43):
Yeah, you don't have to live like this.
Speaker 3 (28:46):
Yes, this is wonderful.
Speaker 4 (28:48):
Okay, well, I think that's a pretty good wrap for
this segment. But we do have so many more questions
for you, doctor Huff.
Speaker 2 (28:56):
If that is.
Speaker 4 (28:57):
Okay, good, So we're going to hang on to you
and listen. We are going to come back with doctor
Huff and we're going to ask more questions. And if
you would like to submit your questions as well, all
you have to do is email Marketing at Ballyhealth dot org.
Speaker 3 (29:13):
There you go.
Speaker 4 (29:14):
You can also hit us up on Facebook if you
just find the David Jim Facebook page. You can email
me directly. But we do want to talk to him
more about women's health in particular right now anyways, So yeah,
just stick with us.
Speaker 3 (29:28):
We are your Valley girls.
Speaker 4 (29:29):
I've got Melanie Adkins Schaeffer and Jess Staples here and
your host gen C and of course doctor Caleb Huff
who we are going to bring back for the.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
Next time, so do not miss it.
Speaker 4 (29:40):
This is TMI talking medical information with Bally Health
The content shared on this podcast is for informational and
educational purposes only and should not be getstrued as medical advice.
While we strive to provide accurate and up to date information,
the host and producers make no representations or warranties regarding
the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information presented. Medical
information this constantly evolving, and what is discussed may not
reflect the most current research or guidelines. This podcast is
not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
(00:22):
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified
healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency,
please call emergency services immediately. By listening to this podcast,
you acknowledge and agree that the host and producers are
not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on
the information provided.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
This is TMI Talking Medical Information with Vallee Health.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
Hello, we are back again. It is Jen b.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
I am the host of your Valley Health podcast. D
am I Talking Medical Information with Vallee Help and we
are joined again today with Melie Adkins Schaeffer and Jen Staples.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Hello. Hello, Hi, I am.
Speaker 5 (01:04):
To be here.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
I know my Valley girls are here today. Oh yes,
and we are joined.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
We have the pleasure of hosting doctor Caleb Huff, who
is in obstetrics and obgyn.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
At Valley Hell. It is so good to have you
here today. I believe we have.
Speaker 4 (01:22):
Quite a few questions that that could make the normal
person blush.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
But you're You're not a normal person.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
Right, That is absolutely cool, Hery Harry abnormal maybe in
the good way. But I love unusual questions.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Okay, okay, And one of the questions.
Speaker 6 (01:39):
Really cool things about doctor Huff is he wants his
patience to always be heard. Okay, so it doesn't matter,
like you said, the weird questions, the crazy questions, the
may make you blush questions. He's very good about making
that patient comfort.
Speaker 5 (01:51):
Let's hear them. I love.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
I mean that makes everybody feel good because everybody has
a question that they were like, Oh, I just I
really want the answer, especially as it pertains to me,
but I really don't want to ask it.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Why.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's cool to know that physicians are open to that reassuring.
Speaker 4 (02:07):
And I mean I think it's you know, it's your
own body and you want to understand it well enough.
Who else to ask than your own doctor. Okay, so
we do have several questions that we got from not
only listeners, but also we just kind of asked our
friends to give us, you know, what they might ask
at their obgyn appointment that they might feel a little
(02:31):
embarrassed about asking. I mean, I see a question on
here already about waxing before an exam.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
What's the appropriate grooming situation?
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Yeah, I mean, and if you have an opinion on that,
doctor Huff, we'd like to know.
Speaker 5 (02:49):
Well, there's no right or wrong answer, and I think
that's the answer. Okay, whatever you feel comfortable with is
fun with us.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Okay, sort of come as you are.
Speaker 5 (03:03):
Yeah, yeah, whatever, I mean, you don't have to do
anything special. We frequently hear apologies, Oh my goodness, I
forgot to shave my legs, Like I don't even care
at all, don't worry at all about that.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
And what if my toenails don't get shut.
Speaker 5 (03:19):
Or like socks don't match, I don't care. That doesn't
matter at all.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
Okay, I'm glad to hear that.
Speaker 5 (03:25):
As you are. That's the first.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Question out of the way.
Speaker 7 (03:30):
I'm take that pedicure off the list for next I
don't worry.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
That's not where he's looking.
Speaker 5 (03:34):
I mean, yeah, maybe make sure your feet aren't stinky.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
But like you know, there you go.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
General higher, much appreciated.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
I get that.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Okay, Okay, here's another one from our list. And this
is one that I've heard a million times. I mean,
every girl has thought this. So I'm on my period.
Am I supposed to cancel my appointment? Or can I
go ahead and go because it's scheduled on my calendar.
I've re arranged my life, right.
Speaker 5 (04:01):
I say, come to the appointment, because for some docs
it takes forever to get back in, and you're going
to be six months before you're going to get back in.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
Well, that's true.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
And this is also down to your comfort level too.
If you don't feel comfortable, then you can reschedule. But
for us, it does not matter at all. Okay, it's
not weird, it's not We see it every day, so
it's not anything at all to be embarrassed about.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
Okay, for us, it's just part of life, right, it is, right, So, just.
Speaker 4 (04:32):
Like you said, it really is about your comfort level,
whether you're shaving your legs or not, or whether you
want to reschedule because of something like that may not.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Be what you want to handle at the day.
Speaker 5 (04:43):
Right for us, it doesn't matter.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
Okay, all right, You doctors are pretty professional.
Speaker 7 (04:48):
Huh, they're pretty laid back. Since we are on the
subject of periods, is it normal to have a heavy
period or a period that lasts.
Speaker 6 (04:58):
Longer than a week?
Speaker 5 (05:00):
It is not necessarily normal. It can be common, not
anything to get super worked up about if it happens
every now and then. Strange things can happen with periods.
What really becomes an issue is if, first of all,
if you're trying to get pregnant, or you're having trouble
getting pregnant, or this is affecting your quality of life.
Are you bleeding a lot, are you using tampons and
(05:23):
pads and you're you know, you're feeling exhausted and you're
passing clots and you're cramping really bad. Yeah, then we
definitely need to do something about that. Yeah, because that's
not that's not okay. If it's affecting your quality of life.
Speaker 6 (05:36):
At what point do you reach out and go, I
feel like I'm bleeding way too much.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
Well, it's kind of ridiculous because they have this defined
amount of blood loss that's normal of eighty mls. Well,
how what woman knows what eight mls?
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Yeah, that's yeah, we need to do something more tampable
by going through six tampons, right.
Speaker 5 (05:56):
And I think it's subjective because some people come in
and they'll be like, I am like hemorrhaging, and then
you see what they're actually bleeding and you're like, that's
not really that much, okay, or they're you know, you
check their hemoglobe and it's completely normal. So it is
kind of hard to define. But I usually just go
by what they tell me. If is this heavy for you?
Speaker 4 (06:17):
Yeah, And it is a very personal thing because just
like you said, your body is different.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Everybody's body is different.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
So if it doesn't feel normal to you, that might
be the red flag, you know.
Speaker 5 (06:29):
I mean, certainly, if you're bleeding through a tampon and
you just replace it and it's rolling out and you're
passing clots, that's not normal. That's too much, Okay.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
I guess I could go into this regarding that, especially
around that time of the month. You know, you may
have say an odor in that area, okay, Now, not
only on your period, but.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Sometimes you have an odor in that area other days.
So let's talk about how normal that.
Speaker 5 (06:58):
Is very very very common, okay, And I think women
are very sensitive to that and and paranoid and worried
about that, and so frequently I'll have somebody come in
and say, you know, I've got this odor and then
I'm like, Okay, I don't smell anything. I've got a
very good nose, and I would tell you if I did,
(07:18):
and there's not.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (07:19):
So there is a normal amount of discharge. That is
what we call physiologic or normal, and that's kind of
like the just the cleansing discharge of the vagina that
washes bad bacteria out. So that's kind of a normal process.
Doesn't mean that anythings that there's any infection. Now, if
you're having itching, burning, irritation, that sort of thing, that
(07:43):
could indicate something.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
So then then then.
Speaker 5 (07:48):
Then you could it would make sense to come in
and be like, maybe I've got something more going on here.
But if you know, always you know, if you do
have a concern, you can always come in and get evaluated. Sure,
but it is pretty common thing. I feel like that
we do have another question here about cleansers and that
sort of thing. Yeah, I would really try to stay
(08:08):
away from those things. I think there's a big market
for those things, and they prey on women who are
sensitive about that anyway, make a lot of money off
of that sensitivity, and I think it just imbalances things
more and makes it harder to get back on track.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
Okay, just leave it alone.
Speaker 5 (08:27):
For some women who are having really heavy periods all
the time, we probably have to take care of the
heavy bleeding first because that may be what's leading to
these bacterial overgrowth. Sure, or the odor. But usually I
say stay away from all of these douching cleaning things.
(08:48):
The more you do, I think, the more it kind
of messes up the pH.
Speaker 4 (08:52):
I was always told just soap. Just if you're washing
your body with soap, use soap.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
That's what I say too.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Okay, what do you think about I mean, whole body
deodorants are all the rage these days, all the sprays
for all the parts. What do you think about that?
Speaker 5 (09:06):
I guess it depends on how stinky you are. I mean, right, but.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Is it going to part problems with pH because they're
made for all areas?
Speaker 5 (09:18):
Certainly, certainly I would try to avoid down there, Like
I don't know your backside, you may it may need it, so,
but I would avoid the front, you know, right, the
back not there.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
You go write that one down.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
Okay, we talked.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
Them about waxing and shaving and prepping before the visit.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
But what happens when you find other bumps down there?
Speaker 5 (09:42):
How do I know when it's freezer bump and when
it's not.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
That's a good question.
Speaker 5 (09:46):
Yeah, well, yeah, I mean it's tough because you probably
the only way to be for sure is to have
somebody professional look at at it. But yes, it is
very common to have razor bombs or you know, a rash,
or irritation and ingrown hair right exactly. Now, A lot
(10:10):
of those things are pretty common and they don't mean
anything bad or even just a pimple or something. Yeah,
or there's just like normal skin irregularities that happen and
that's just a normal part of the volva and vagina
and that's nothing to be worried about. Normal anatomy. If
it's burning, burning, tender, oozing red.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
Those are words that definitely called the doctor oozing.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Yes, I would.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
Yeah, Now I will ask this question, and it's not mine,
but it is one that I thought it was a
friend of mine. Yes, no, I thought to myself, for
a friend, Well, this is a great question because I
don't even know what this is, Like, what what's my
vulva supposed to look like?
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Well, it's yes, it's everyone's yes.
Speaker 5 (11:01):
Again. I think this is kind of a newer thing
of people getting kind of paranoid about what they look like. Okay,
you don't need to worry about I don't think you
need to worry about it.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
Okay, we're having a regular checkup. You're going to tell
us there's no beauty passions. No, no, no, no no, I'm
just asking.
Speaker 5 (11:20):
Okay, I mean like there, well, okay, you.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Mean, why are we worried about it?
Speaker 6 (11:25):
Right?
Speaker 2 (11:26):
My head is here for any reason? Yet I can't
see I want to see j just so bad. She
just kind of reeled back. It was like I cannot.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
It's true. I mean, like, if you think about male anatomy,
they're not.
Speaker 4 (11:42):
The most pretty things.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
Really. It's yeah, okay, I mean you can say it.
Speaker 4 (11:51):
I wish you could see Jess because she's.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
I don't know, do you have a defibrillator. I'm just asking.
I might I might have to bring her back.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
These are all important questions we need to know about.
Speaker 5 (12:03):
Okay, it's it's functionality is the key here now, not
necessarily beauty, like you said, But when functionality is impaired,
that's when there's an issue. So like, for example, if
the labia are excessive and they're causing issues with intercourse.
So like during intercourse, if they're being pulled in vagina
(12:26):
and out, that can be really uncomfortable and cause friction
and sureations. So is there a treatment?
Speaker 2 (12:33):
I know it's like there a fix for surgery, surgery, okay, okay.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
Yeah, And that's not really something I would recommend. I
would almost never recommend it for cosmetic purposes, okay, because
if you've got a partner who cares about how you
look down there, then maybe that's not the right partner for.
Speaker 3 (12:51):
Right right, do you know?
Speaker 4 (12:53):
I will say this and this is this is maybe
just a weird side note, but whenever I have gone
to the bathrooms at Valley Health, I saw a note
on the wall. It said if you need help, if
you are in a domestic situation that you don't know
how to get out of and you need help, you
can talk to there's a number. But also you can
talk to the nurse there at Valley Health, and I
(13:13):
thought that was just really nice to see because you know,
not everybody does know where to get help, and that's
that's incredible.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
So I love that about Valley.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
I just think you all should know that. Well, that's
good to have those numbers up to because sometimes in
those types of situations, partners go in the room, right,
and there's no privacyvacy, So that is excellart to.
Speaker 5 (13:35):
See signs of that sometimes, and we start to suspect
that when you know, the man starts answering all the questions,
detailed questions about her periods. Ah, it starts raising those
flags in my mind like hmm, what do we have
(13:55):
going on here?
Speaker 7 (13:56):
Right?
Speaker 4 (13:56):
And that is good that doctors such as yourself are
paying to that too as well, to be there in
case you need that.
Speaker 5 (14:03):
It's different if he's there advocating for her saying, oh,
she's really in pain, I just want to make sure
she's taken care of, versus like I've been watching her
right nice?
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, well that was a different tangent.
Speaker 5 (14:18):
There, right, Yes, just mentioned it.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Yeah, Well, speaking of though, I mean, how I know
we're supposed to go for annual visits. Right, how often
do we do pap smears those kind of things, pelvic exams?
Is it more frequent than a year? Is a year? Right?
Speaker 5 (14:32):
So it's really confusing even for us doctors. And I
have an app on my phone that helps us look
at perhapsmear results and her age group. And there's all
these different age groups that we look at young women,
which is like twenty one to twenty six, and then
there's age group of like you know, thirty eight sixty five.
(14:56):
There's different recommendations for different age groups.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Okay, So for twenties, just walk us through it.
Speaker 5 (15:02):
Usually about every three years, Okay, it really starts at
twenty one.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
It used to be I thought it was every year.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
What is happening?
Speaker 5 (15:11):
So it used to be at onset of sexual activity
or different. Then they tried to simplify it and they
made it just twenty one, we're gonna start pap smears. Okay.
I still recommend a yearly exam that may not include
the actual PAP smear itself, Okay, okay, because you can
catch things and you can talk about things like pelvic pain,
(15:34):
periods in continents, that sort of thing that may not
be related to the actual pap smear itself. But I
think five years is a long time, and we've all
seen cervical cancer happened quicker than that. I've had a
twenty eight year old who had cervical cancer and I wasn't,
(15:59):
according to the guideline, supposed to do the pap smear
because she had a normal one within that three year period.
But I said, well, you do have a history of
an abnormal one. I'm just gonna go ahead and do it.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
And thank god you did, and it was.
Speaker 5 (16:10):
High grade and we did the appropriate steps and it
was cancer. Oh so, I mean, I know that's anecdotal,
and I usually say yearly exam and then I have
that discussion with the patient and individualize that and say,
according to your age group, your guidelines say five years. However,
we may individualize that a little bit with.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
Their history and maybe even insurance coverage.
Speaker 5 (16:32):
That's right, and that's true. Insurance may not cover it
if it's if it's sooner than.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
That, yeh, or they may they may cover it sooner.
It might be there, they may be on the yearly cycle.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
It just depends on your insurance. But you should definitely
check out as well.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
Right, we definitely recommend HPV vaccine. It's one of those
ones that has just it has the potential of eliminating
cervical cancer, which is a big deal. It's huge, huge.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
I guess I was under the impression that, you know,
if you reach a certain age, the shot is no
longer good for you.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
Right. They recently extended the age group to where they
found that it is still effective up to age forty five.
But I'm not sure if insurances. It would depend on
your insurance. Right for ridge Weather, you can if you
missed it in your teens, you may still be eligible
to get it, and I would recommend it. Yeah, just
(17:27):
getting it taken care of.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
That's is it tell me about? Is it one shot?
Two shot? Three shots? I honestly don't remember.
Speaker 5 (17:34):
Depends on the age group and which one it is.
It is a series of shots. It's either two or
three depending on age group.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
Okay, well, all.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Right, let's talk about something that plays fun stuff?
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Fun, well maybe only the butt of many jokes, but
not fun for us pre menstrual strendrome PMS. Is it real?
Speaker 7 (17:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (17:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:55):
And what let's talk about that? It's nothing that makes
someone if you believe there is a woman in your
life who's going through PMS and you tease her about PMS.
No no, no, no, no, trust me, no no. But
I'm just saying I sometimes, you know, guys will look
at you and guy have it to do? I call
(18:15):
it pop off about it And you're like.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
That isause yopause. I agree.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
I think everybody has cranky periods, let's just be honest.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
I agree with that.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
But if you're going to bring it up, you're probably
not thinking too wisely. Because if I'm already cranky and
you're going to bring it up, then you're just going
to get more of the cranky.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
I think you're angry exactly.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Yes, yes, okay, So is there a normal amount? Is there?
Are there things that you can do to, you know, alleviate.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
Yeah, Because I mean I get like there are days
and I know that I'm pmsing. When there's a day
that everything everybody does bugs the absolute crap out of me,
and I don't know why. I'm like, oh my gosh,
they do this every day, but today I want to
slap it in the face so hard.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
So I have a feeling and.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
Have everything is fine, yep.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
I have a feeling. That means I'm pmsing. So is
that a.
Speaker 5 (19:10):
Normal center, Yeah, it's very common. I think we confuse
the terms normal with common.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
There we go.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Okay, that's a good one.
Speaker 5 (19:20):
Normal but definitely common, very very common.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
Irritability, I mean, especially if you tend to have crampier,
heavier periods. It makes sense if you're like, great, here
we go, getting ready to have a miserable week or longer,
it does make sense. Yeah, you're going to be not
as peppy.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Well we're not just talking about being cranky, but like
you said, cramping, headaches, migraines.
Speaker 5 (19:49):
That's pretty common. But there are severe symptoms of that
called p m d D free menstrual dysphoric danger danger, yeah, disorder. Yeah,
there's danger, but that's when it's leading up to your period.
You feel like you're going crazy. You feel like you
could murder somebody, like you're severely depressed, you can have
(20:12):
suicidal thoughts. You just feel absolutely worthless, angry, horrible. Huh
Like absolutely, you gotta get taken care of because that's
that's terrible to live like, it is terrible.
Speaker 4 (20:25):
I actually had a conversation with my husband last week.
I was like, listen, you know, right before my period starts.
I know that it's about to come because I feel
like I have the flu. My body aches. I literally
feel like.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
I'm just exhausted.
Speaker 4 (20:40):
I'm so just completely wiped out and my body is
aching like it's sick and I and I know that
it's not me actually having the flu because it comes.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
Once a month.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
It's so much fun to feel that way once a month,
it really is. But now that you've discussed the PMDD,
I'm going to look more into.
Speaker 5 (20:58):
That one because I feel are they painful?
Speaker 3 (21:00):
Uh?
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Yeah, yeah, I know, so there could be an issue there.
Which so if that is the case, if I find
out that maybe PMDD is part of my life, now
what do I need to do.
Speaker 5 (21:12):
It could be hormonal. I mean, clearly, you've got massive
hormone fluctuations that happen right at that time. And that
makes sense because we see postpartum depression and that is
a serious deal. Yeah, that's something we don't talk about
enough and it is life threatening and it's a massive
(21:33):
withdrawal from progesterone. So it's hormonal. And some women they
know in their head, they're like, I should be happy.
I know, I should feel a certain way but I don't.
I feel terrible and I feel worthless. Well, it's not
your fault. Okay. Hormones play a huge role in how
you feel.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
They really do, and it sucks sometimes.
Speaker 5 (21:55):
Yes, yes, yeah, yeah, it's real. There's help, yeah, absolutely,
and good. Sometimes it can be hormones. Sometimes it can
be answer depressants. Sure, help through that time period.
Speaker 4 (22:10):
Okay, yeah, Now can I ask a question that maybe
this is it? Listen, I know most women, especially well
just most women have totally had this happen.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Can a tampon get lost inside of you?
Speaker 5 (22:29):
No, well that is good. You're never lost.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
You're always somewhere that you've never lost her, always somewhere.
That is a great and such would be said about.
Speaker 5 (22:47):
Now you may not be able to retrieve them because
they're too far up there, and you may need help
getting those out. We can help that, God, if you
don't be embarrassed. It happens. Sometimes they get turned sideway
and yeah, please get in quickly so that you don't
wait a month and then come in and then it's
really stinky.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
Oh yeah, that's not dangerous.
Speaker 5 (23:10):
Yes it is.
Speaker 2 (23:11):
I mean it leads to toxic shocks eventually.
Speaker 5 (23:17):
I don't want to minimize that, because that is I've
never seen that. But we're you know, in med school,
we're taught like, oh, that's going to happen immediately if
you leave Tampa in for five minutes. No, you know
it's it's pretty rare. But yes, like get in sooner
rather than later before Mainly it stinks.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
It's not good. It is not good.
Speaker 5 (23:38):
Me and my nurse, we have a protocol for this.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Stop it.
Speaker 2 (23:43):
Let's let's distract.
Speaker 3 (23:44):
What do we do?
Speaker 5 (23:49):
We we look, we communicate with our eyes perfect to
each other. So we've got the trash bag like, she's
got it real close. Okay, we got a bag and
tag it real quick.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
You have to test it.
Speaker 5 (24:01):
No, okay, ba tag it.
Speaker 2 (24:02):
Okay, good, just checking just.
Speaker 5 (24:05):
So we we pull it out in the bag. It's
tied off out the room.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
Gone boom, just just for the odor.
Speaker 5 (24:12):
Just right. We're like a pit crew.
Speaker 3 (24:15):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
Well, I mean I have several friends and that this
has happened to. I mean you just get busy, like
your kids get sick. You forget what day it is.
You're just like motherhood can be a blurt. So absolutely
it's happened. And when they realized that the odor is
not a dead mouse in the corner. Figure out what
(24:38):
is happening, and then you can help with that situation.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Yeah, yeah, perfect, I'm sorry, but oh my gosh, if
I really did, you will not.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
Be revealed who That is hilarious. Listen, this is why
you shouldn't feel bad. We are asking all the questions
you mentioned.
Speaker 5 (24:59):
I had a patient that said that one time she
pulled out a tampon. Her kids saw it and said,
did you pull out a mouse out of there? Because
it has the little string?
Speaker 2 (25:09):
And gosh, okay, what is one thing that you wish
more people knew, more women knew about their bodies? What
are we all a little clueless about what?
Speaker 5 (25:23):
I guess what's normal and what's not normal, which is
what we're talking about. Yeah, it is good to talk
about these things that we can know what's normal and
not normal. And I think probably the big one is pain.
How much pain is normal during a period, because you know,
I see every single day I see these patients that
(25:44):
are like, yeah, I'm in severe pain for half the month,
and I'm like, that's not normal. We think it is, yes,
because because they've been told that's a period. Suck it up, right,
like you're a you're a you're you know, take.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
This pill you're going to get our women have gone
through this for centuries.
Speaker 5 (26:04):
Right, Yeah, And I just want to say, no, it's
not it's not normal. You don't have to live like this.
We can fix it. Passing out, getting sick, no, they're not.
Speaker 3 (26:15):
Have a friend who's that for.
Speaker 5 (26:17):
Years, being nauseous, missing out on school and work, curling
up in the fetal position, having to take hot baths
and eating bad and motrin every few hours. Yeah, and
being miserable. No, it's not normal.
Speaker 2 (26:32):
Okay, that's good to know.
Speaker 5 (26:34):
Having cramps you know, Yeah, that's normal. Sure, like where
it's severe and it's like you've got to clear your schedule,
you can't do anything.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
No, that's a problem. I've always heard that exercise helps
kind of mitigate that. Is that true or false? Or
was my gym teacher just trying to get me to run?
Speaker 5 (26:50):
Well, that's good motivation. Yeah, there's probably some science to
that because with exercise you're going to release natural indoor
that is that like natural feel good hormones, and yes,
and it can help reduce pain in that way. But
if you feel horrible and a lot of times activity
(27:13):
makes the pain worse initially, so exercising is probably out
of the question for a lot of people with dometriosis.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Oh yeah, so definitely rest first.
Speaker 5 (27:23):
Yeah, I think I think that would be really challenging.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Maybe long term goal make it part of your all
the time and not just well.
Speaker 5 (27:30):
I've had patience before who I did surgery on for
something and I find they have stage four, which is
like the worst endometriosis you can find, and I'm like,
oh my gosh, this is horrible. And then they're like, oh, no,
I didn't. I didn't think I had pelvic pain until
you did my hysterectomy, and now I realize, yes I did.
(27:52):
I had terrible low back pain and terrible hit pain,
and I thought it was just from you know, Yeah,
it's different because all those nerves are just inflamed and
activated and it's referred.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
My gosh, I feel like I need to come see
you because I've just.
Speaker 5 (28:08):
Got a lot.
Speaker 4 (28:11):
Oh my gosh, I need to do an exam because.
Speaker 3 (28:13):
Oh my goodness, I've the hip in the back pain
once again.
Speaker 5 (28:17):
I'm over here, Like if it's checkless, if it's flaring
flaring up, during your period, before and during the period.
It's probably not hip in pain.
Speaker 4 (28:27):
Oh my gosh, well look at this. I tell you what,
we're learning so much. We are learning a lot sharing
we are and that's what I love about this.
Speaker 5 (28:36):
My new crusade is just like we can get your
quality of life better. Nice.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
I am damn for that crusade.
Speaker 5 (28:43):
Yeah, you don't have to live like this.
Speaker 3 (28:46):
Yes, this is wonderful.
Speaker 4 (28:48):
Okay, well, I think that's a pretty good wrap for
this segment. But we do have so many more questions
for you, doctor Huff.
Speaker 2 (28:56):
If that is.
Speaker 4 (28:57):
Okay, good, So we're going to hang on to you
and listen. We are going to come back with doctor
Huff and we're going to ask more questions. And if
you would like to submit your questions as well, all
you have to do is email Marketing at Ballyhealth dot org.
Speaker 3 (29:13):
There you go.
Speaker 4 (29:14):
You can also hit us up on Facebook if you
just find the David Jim Facebook page. You can email
me directly. But we do want to talk to him
more about women's health in particular right now anyways, So yeah,
just stick with us.
Speaker 3 (29:28):
We are your Valley girls.
Speaker 4 (29:29):
I've got Melanie Adkins Schaeffer and Jess Staples here and
your host gen C and of course doctor Caleb Huff
who we are going to bring back for the.
Speaker 3 (29:38):
Next time, so do not miss it.
Speaker 4 (29:40):
This is TMI talking medical information with Bally Health
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