Health Q&A

By Emily Bennett

Questions about excessive sweating, terrible va-jay-jay odor, anemia symptoms, and the dangers of Chlamydia, all answered, right here.

If you have a health question, submit it to Emily at info@ladythrills.com.

Excessive sweating

I sweat like crazy, and in weird place. For example, when I’m nervous, I begin to sweat under my arms (not so weird), on my upper lip, and between my legs, which is very embarrassing because even if others don’t notice (I think they’d be too polite to tell me anyway), I know it’s happening and I hate it.

And that’s not the worst of it; I seem to sweat more than anyone I know and for no reason. Please help.

Dripper

Dear Dripper,

I think you have a genetic problem called hyperhidrosis, and it’s caused by overactivity in the nervous system. But before a doctor can diagnose it, he must first rule out hyperthyroidism and psychiatric disorders, so book your appointment now.

There are many treatments available nowadays including Botox (it’s not just for freezing the eyebrow furrow anymore) and ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy) surgery, which treats the problem at the source.

If you’re not a big fan of needles and surgery, there are alternative treatments, such as Drysol (a superstrong deodorant that causes dryness when applied to specific areas) and oral medications (Robinul, Ditropan and Propantheline – normally used to treat peptic ulcers).

Discuss your options with your family doctor.

Emily

Terrible vaginal odor

I am a very hygienic, 30-something woman, but it seems that no matter what I do, I have this putrid vaginal odor. When I get undressed, I can smell it right away. I’ve tried everything from douching to showering 3 times a day and nothing has worked so far.

Do you have any suggestions for my stinky pinky?

Stinky Sara

Hi Sara,

Vaginal odors that have a fishy or musty stench usually indicate a vaginal bacteria overgrowth. The vagina contains bacteria and that’s normal; but an overgrowth may lead to bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, and yeast, which are all treatable.

A few other things you can do to lessen your chances of sweating down there and causing odor:

-Wear breathable materials like cotton and avoid synthetic fibers
-Don’t wear tight underwear and stockings, as they allow bacteria to multiply
-Use unscented, anti-bacterial soap to wash your vulva
-Do not douche unless you are doing so under the guidance of a physician, douching robs the vagina of necessary bacteria and leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Keeping your vulva dry will lessen the chances of increasing bacteria or yeast growth.

See your doctor as soon as you can and don’t feel embarrassed about talking with him or her about it; it’s their job to help, not to judge.

Emily

Symptoms of anemia

Hi Emily,

Of late, I’ve been getting headaches quite often, I always feel tired and my hands and feet become cold abruptly. I think it might be from my period, because whenever it comes around, these problems become rampant.

Please advise,
Rinna

Dear Rinna,


Although I am unable to diagnose you without a formal physical examination, it sounds to me like you might have anemia.

Anemia occurs when your body is lacking hemoglobin, which is necessary for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

The most common form of anemia is IDA, or Iron Deficiency Anemia. With the help of iron pills (prescribed by your doctor) or a diet rich in spinach, broccoli, lentils, liver, and cashews, the problem is reversible.

See your doctor and tell him about your symptoms.

Emily

No Chlamydia symptoms

Is it possible to get Chlamydia if you haven’t been sexually active? My boyfriend recently found out he had Chlamydia and promised that he hasn’t cheated. I went and got tested and discovered I had it too, although I never felt any symptoms.

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,

Chlamydia can only be transmitted from one person to another via sexual intercourse; however, it is possible that your boyfriend got the infection before the two of you began dating and has had it all this time.

While symptoms of Chlamydia include short-term itching, burning upon urination and vaginal discharge, it is possible that you had no symptoms at all.

Chlamydia, although completely curable with a round of antibiotics, if left untreated, can cause infertility in women and sterility in men, which means that it is possible that you and/or he may not be able to have children in the future.

Sincerely,
Emily