Dr Lee Say Fatt – Page 3 – Women's Health by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Myths and facts of combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills

June 15, 2022May 1, 2022 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Currently, there is a wide selection of contraceptive methods available to suit the various reproductive needs of couples. Despite these, there is still a huge unmet need with regards to contraception. There are 123 million women around the world who are not receptive to contraception. In the 2015 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report, 15 million adolescent girls in developing countries gave birth and 13 million lacked access to contraceptives. WHO estimated that approximately 214 million women of reproductive age, in developing regions, who want to avoid pregnancy are not using a modern contraceptive method and between 2015 and 2019, almost half of all pregnancies were unintended.

The combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills are readily available in the markets and yet women avoid them due to their belief in the myths surrounding them. Following are some common myths regarding the combined oral contraception pills and the facts to dispel them.

Vulval Care

May 1, 2022April 2, 2022 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

The female external genitalia area (also called the vulval area) is particularly susceptible to skin disorders since this area is warm, sweaty, and moist. The wearing of undergarments in this type of condition can predispose the area to constant irritations and possible infections. Many types of irritants can aggravate the skin such as vaginal and menstrual discharge, use of sanitary pads or panty liner, synthetic undergarments, and vaginal lubricants. Chemicals used in the manufacturing of the undergarments, sanitary pads, and panty liners may act as irritants and sensitizing allergens. In postmenopausal women, lack of oestrogen can cause atrophy of the skin, with gradual loss of subcutaneous fat and skin elasticity. The labia fold (external skin fold at the side) will also shrink in size. This thinning of the skin will predispose to irritation and may lead to various skin disorders.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB)

September 28, 2023February 26, 2022 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Heavy menstrual bleeding or HMB (previously called menorrhagia) is a significant cause of morbidity in women of reproductive age. It often involves soaking through ten or more sanitary napkins in a day, a menstrual flow that lasts for seven to 14 days or even longer. The presence of “flooding” or clots is indicative of heavy bleeding. Normal menstrual blood flows freely without clotting. This is because of the presence of an anti-clotting agent produced by the uterus. However, if the bleeding is excessive and far exceeds the amount of anti-clotting agent available, then the remaining blood that flows out will form clots. Bleeding between menstrual cycles is also abnormal. The presence of other clinical signs such as anaemia will further support the diagnosis and indicate the severity of the bleeding

Endometrial polyps

May 6, 2024January 27, 2022 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Endometrial polyps are growths that arise from the inner walls that lined the uterine cavity. It is sometimes called uterine polyps. It is believed to arise from the overgrowth of endometrial tissue. It may range in size from a few millimetres only to a few centimetres. Sometimes, there can be several polyps present at the same time. It may have a long stalk and can extends through the cervix into the vagina.
An endometrial polyp is usually a non-cancerous growth. However, in a small proportion of women, some of these polyps can lead to cancer (called pre-cancerous type). The risk of cancer in a polyp is increased in post-menopausal women. It can arise at any age but rarely occur in women under 20 years old.

Cause and risk factors

Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS)

January 27, 2022January 1, 2022 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) is also sometimes called saline infusion hysterogram (SHG). It is an investigative procedure to assess the uterus cavity to ascertain the shape and look for any abnormalities within it. It incorporates an ultrasound scan and instillation of sterile fluid into the uterus to show the uterine cavity and endometrial layers. With the use of an ultrasound scan, the uterine wall and the ovaries can be visualized as well.

Genital Herpes

January 27, 2022December 12, 2021 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Genital herpes is a viral infection of the genitals. It is transmitted by sexual activity such as intercourse or oral sex and can affect both sexes (man and woman). Genital herpes is often associated with other sexually transmitted infections. It is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV. There are two types of HSV and both can cause genital herpes. HSV type 1 most commonly infects the lips, causing sores, but it also can infect the genital area. HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes but can also infect the mouth during oral sex. The lesions can occur in and around the vaginal area, on the penis, around the anal opening, and on the buttocks or thighs. Occasionally, sores also appear on other parts of the body where the virus has entered through broken skin.

What you need to know about Urodynamic Studies

January 27, 2022November 20, 2021 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

What is this test?

This is a test to assess bladder function and will involve the evaluation of the bladder during the filling, storing and emptying of the urine.

Why is it needed?

This test will provide information about your urinary problems and may help identify the cause. This will also help the doctor in choosing the best therapy for you.

How to prepare for the test?

You may eat or drink or take your regular prescribed medications prior to the test. The test is performed with a full bladder. There is no need to empty your bladder just before the test unless instructed by the nurse. Inform the nurse if you are unable to hold your full bladder any longer while waiting for your turn. The test can be done even if you are having your period unless it is very heavy on the day of the test. Please discuss this with your doctor. Please be punctual.

What is maskne?

November 23, 2021October 30, 2021 by Dr Lee Say Fatt

Article contributed by Dr Ch’ng Chin Chwen
Consultant Dermatologist, Subang Jaya Medical Centre

1. What causes maskne?

Maskne is acne caused by the mask, due to the heat and dirt trapped under the mask and the friction between our skin and mask as we talk and as we take the mask up and down.

2. How does acne impact our daily life?

Acne is uncomfortable, it is not only unsightly but can be itchy or even painful as well.

3. What will happen if we don’t treat acne?

If left untreated, acne leaves pigmentation and scars. Some of these scars can be permanent, affecting a person’s self-esteem, giving poor self-image, and is associated with anxiety, depression and even suicidal risk. Acne is not a trivial problem, studies have shown that it impacts the quality of life as great as chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease.