News

Genital Herpes

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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.

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What you need to know about Urodynamic Studies

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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.

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What is maskne?

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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.

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Post-menopausal bleeding

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Postmenopausal bleeding is defined as unexpected vaginal bleeding that occurs during the menopausal years. Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation and is normally diagnosed after 1 year of absent menstrual flow.

Symptoms and signs

  • Vaginal bleeding, which may be a light-brown discharge or heavy, red bleeding (with or without clots). Mucus may accompany the bleeding. Bleeding episodes may vary in length.
  • Women who are on hormonal replacement therapy may have some bleeding and this can be normal, depending on the type of hormone that she is taking. Please consult your doctor about the types of bleeding to be concerned about.
  • Presence of excessive bleeding, progressive abdominal distention, pain and feeling
    unwell usually signify a more serious problem.

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Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear, Thin Prep)

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The cervical cytology smear was previously referred to as Pap smear. It is a test carried out to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cell changes in the cervix.
Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women and the seventh-highest among the entire population (Malaysia National Cancer Registry report (MNCRR), 2007 – 2011). The good news is that it can be prevented via widespread vaccination with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine among the younger age groups and regular screening for precancerous lesions of the cervix with cervical cytology smear. Pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix can be treated easily and this will prevent further development into cancer and can save lives.

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Menopause – symptoms and treatment options

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Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation. It can occur as early as age 40 or as late as nearly age 60s. The average age of menopause is usually about 49 to 51. It is normally diagnosed in females after 1 year of absent menstrual flow. Menopause does not occur suddenly. It is a slow transition and peri-menopause usually begins a few years before the last menstrual period. Menopause is only one event in the transition period involving changes in the female body between the mid or late 40’s, when the production of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) begins to decline. Most of the signs and symptoms of menopause arise from this decrease in estrogen production even before periods stop altogether. Menopause occurring before age 40 is termed premature and may need medical evaluation for the cause. However, if menopause is delayed beyond the age of 55 (meaning a woman is still experiencing menstrual bleeding), there is an increased risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. This is due to the increased amount of time a woman’s body has been exposed to the estrogen. Therefore, regular mammograms and gynaecological review by specialist is important for women experiencing late-onset menopause.

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Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP/LLETZ) for CIN

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Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), also known as large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), is a procedure for further diagnosis and treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN lesion is an abnormal growth in the cervix. The CIN lesion is usually diagnosed during a routine Pap smear (or called Thin Prep) test. LEEP is a very safe way to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix that might otherwise progress to cancer. It minimizes the amount of tissue removed in order to preserve childbearing ability.

Reason for the procedure

• Presence of CIN lesions from the colposcopy evaluation and confirmed via cervical biopsy. Some types of CIN can progress to cervical cancer if not treated. This can be used as a treatment for CIN lesions.
• Unsatisfactory colposcopic evaluation whereby the whole transformation zone cannot be visualized or the cervix appeared abnormal and requires a bigger tissue specimen for a more accurate diagnosis to exclude cancer changes.

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Endometrial biopsy (Endometrial sampling or curettage)

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Endometrial biopsy is a procedure that involves the removal of tissues from the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus.

Reason for the procedure

It is done to diagnose endometrial cancer or hyperplasia (with or without atypia). Endometrial hyperplasia is a potentially precancerous condition. This procedure is indicated in a woman with abnormal uterine bleeding. This includes bleeding between menstrual periods, excessive bleeding during a menstrual period, or bleeding after menopause. It is also done to exclude endometrial cancer in post-menopausal  women with abnormal endometrial finding on ultrasound scan of the uterus.

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