Announcements
Click the Menopause Health Center and slideshow to learn more about menopause and perimenopause. Skin and Beauty Center | Acne Health Center | Hair Loss Health Center | Incontinence/OAB Health Center | Look Up Your Meds
Includes Expert Content
Cervical Stenosis after Menopause
An_205921 posted:
I can find almost no info about developing cervical stenosis (the closing off of the opening to the cervix) after menopause. I went today for a repeat pap test and again the doctor could not get the instument into the cervical opening. The doctor had me insert Misoprostol tablets to no avail. My cervix is totally closed. This is a new situation. I am 58 and have been in menopause for about four years. No problems until now. My doctor says I am the 4th woman in the past six months to have developed this post menopause. The very little info I found says if previous pap tests have been normal then nothing is to be done. But I also read that chances for cervical cancer increase with age so doing nothing seems foolish. Can anyone give me any information? I am confused and worried.
11 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseI can find almost no info about developing cervical stenosis (the closing off of the opening to the cervix) after menopause. I went today for a repeat pap test and again the doctor could not get the instument into the cervical opening. The doctor had me insert Misoprostol tablets to no avail. My cervix is totally closed. This is a new situation. I am 58 and have been in menopause for about four years. No problems until now. My doctor says I am the 4th woman in the past six months to have developed this post menopause. The very little info I found says if previous pap tests have been normal then nothing is to be done. But I also read that chances for cervical cancer increase with age so doing nothing seems foolish. Can anyone give me any information? I am confused and worried.
Mary Jane Minkin, MD responded:
Dear Anon,
Sorry I haven't commented on your question earlier (peri-Thanksgiving busy!) It is quite true that many women's cervices narrow after menopause. However, in general, we don't usually worry women with keeping them dilated, unless we need to get into the cervix and the uterus (like if someone developed bleeding which we needed to evaluate). It does not seem that we miss any cancers-as long as women go for regular exams, and inspections of their cervix.
So what do we do if we need to get in there? we can use vaginal estrogens for a few weeks-that in general will soften the tissue up. And the misoprostol tablets can be of assistance, too. Occasionally, I have had to take a patient to the operating room to give her anesthesia and make her comfortable so that I can get in there. But not to worry, starting with very tiny cervical stretchers call cervical dilators, and with some anesthesia, we can get in there if we need to almost all the time.
Bottom line: don't worry about the cervical stenosis. Continue to see your doc for regular check ups-and let him or her check the cervix at the regular exam. And do report any bleeding.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Mary Jane
Sorry I haven't commented on your question earlier (peri-Thanksgiving busy!) It is quite true that many women's cervices narrow after menopause. However, in general, we don't usually worry women with keeping them dilated, unless we need to get into the cervix and the uterus (like if someone developed bleeding which we needed to evaluate). It does not seem that we miss any cancers-as long as women go for regular exams, and inspections of their cervix.
So what do we do if we need to get in there? we can use vaginal estrogens for a few weeks-that in general will soften the tissue up. And the misoprostol tablets can be of assistance, too. Occasionally, I have had to take a patient to the operating room to give her anesthesia and make her comfortable so that I can get in there. But not to worry, starting with very tiny cervical stretchers call cervical dilators, and with some anesthesia, we can get in there if we need to almost all the time.
Bottom line: don't worry about the cervical stenosis. Continue to see your doc for regular check ups-and let him or her check the cervix at the regular exam. And do report any bleeding.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Mary Jane
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseDear Anon,<br />Sorry I haven't commented on your question earlier (peri-Thanksgiving busy!) It is quite true that many women's cervices narrow after menopause. However, in general, we don't usually worry women with keeping them dilated, unless we need to get into the cervix and the uterus (like if someone developed bleeding which we needed to evaluate). It does not seem that we miss any cancers-as long as women go for regular exams, and inspections of their cervix.<br />So what do we do if we need to get in there? we can use vaginal estrogens for a few weeks-that in general will soften the tissue up. And the misoprostol tablets can be of assistance, too. Occasionally, I have had to take a patient to the operating room to give her anesthesia and make her comfortable so that I can get in there. But not to worry, starting with very tiny cervical stretchers call cervical dilators, and with some anesthesia, we can get in there if we need to almost all the time.<br />Bottom line: don't worry about the cervical stenosis. Continue to see your doc for regular check ups-and let him or her check the cervix at the regular exam. And do report any bleeding.<br />Happy Thanksgiving,<br />Mary Jane
leanfox replied to Mary Jane Minkin, MD's response:
I am in this same situation. I am 59, my cervix is closed and my Doctor wanted to perform a hysteroscopy and d&c to see if a polyp is causing my bleeding. She was unable to open the cervix to enter the uterus to see if I do have a polyp. What would be the next course of action? She mentioned getting a second opinion or possible hysterectomy. I had not heard of vaginal estrogens, but would be open to the least invasive treatment.
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseI am in this same situation. I am 59, my cervix is closed and my Doctor wanted to perform a hysteroscopy and d&c to see if a polyp is causing my bleeding. She was unable to open the cervix to enter the uterus to see if I do have a polyp. What would be the next course of action? She mentioned getting a second opinion or possible hysterectomy. I had not heard of vaginal estrogens, but would be open to the least invasive treatment.
Dear leanfox,
This problem of cervical stenosis is a lot more common than most physicians realize. I've actually had women, perimenopausally, develop severe pain-because they were bleeding, and the cervix was shut so tight, it couldn't escape-and I had to stretch the cervix with dilators. I would suggest to your doc that she try to use some vaginal estrogens with you for a month or so, and to consider asking you to take some misoprostol for a couple of days before she tries to dilate your cervix again-it well might work.
Have you had an transvaginal ultrasound of your uterus? if it does show some abnormalities, and she absolutely cannot get into your cervix, I would suggest getting a second opinion-perhaps from a gynecological oncologist (not because I think you have cancer, but because they deal with "tricky cervixes"-)but see if she'll try you with some vaginal estrogens and some misoprostol in advance,
Good luck,
Mary Jane
This problem of cervical stenosis is a lot more common than most physicians realize. I've actually had women, perimenopausally, develop severe pain-because they were bleeding, and the cervix was shut so tight, it couldn't escape-and I had to stretch the cervix with dilators. I would suggest to your doc that she try to use some vaginal estrogens with you for a month or so, and to consider asking you to take some misoprostol for a couple of days before she tries to dilate your cervix again-it well might work.
Have you had an transvaginal ultrasound of your uterus? if it does show some abnormalities, and she absolutely cannot get into your cervix, I would suggest getting a second opinion-perhaps from a gynecological oncologist (not because I think you have cancer, but because they deal with "tricky cervixes"-)but see if she'll try you with some vaginal estrogens and some misoprostol in advance,
Good luck,
Mary Jane
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseDear leanfox,<br />This problem of cervical stenosis is a lot more common than most physicians realize. I've actually had women, perimenopausally, develop severe pain-because they were bleeding, and the cervix was shut so tight, it couldn't escape-and I had to stretch the cervix with dilators. I would suggest to your doc that she try to use some vaginal estrogens with you for a month or so, and to consider asking you to take some misoprostol for a couple of days before she tries to dilate your cervix again-it well might work.<br />Have you had an transvaginal ultrasound of your uterus? if it does show some abnormalities, and she absolutely cannot get into your cervix, I would suggest getting a second opinion-perhaps from a gynecological oncologist (not because I think you have cancer, but because they deal with "tricky cervixes"-)but see if she'll try you with some vaginal estrogens and some misoprostol in advance,<br />Good luck,<br />Mary Jane
1222pink replied to Mary Jane Minkin, MD's response:
I am 51 and thought I was going through regular menopause. I had random periods for two years. When I had one it was heavy. In may I had one extremely heavy period but no pain. My gynecologist did a vaginal ultrasound and found that the wall was thickening again...two weeks later I had another period but it was not nearly as heavy...just painful. He decided to do a biopsy to be safe but could not because my cervix was nearly closed. He then scheduled to put me to sleep and try to dilate the cervix to get the biopsy and do a D and C. He again was unable to get through the cervix and punctured a hole in the wall. I have now been referred to an oncologist gynecologist who wAnts to do a robotic hysterectomy. I am bloated, uncomfortable, suffering with backaches and cramping...none of which I had before. I am making myself sick worrying about what is going on.
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseI am 51 and thought I was going through regular menopause. I had random periods for two years. When I had one it was heavy. In may I had one extremely heavy period but no pain. My gynecologist did a vaginal ultrasound and found that the wall was thickening again...two weeks later I had another period but it was not nearly as heavy...just painful. He decided to do a biopsy to be safe but could not because my cervix was nearly closed. He then scheduled to put me to sleep and try to dilate the cervix to get the biopsy and do a D and C. He again was unable to get through the cervix and punctured a hole in the wall. I have now been referred to an oncologist gynecologist who wAnts to do a robotic hysterectomy. I am bloated, uncomfortable, suffering with backaches and cramping...none of which I had before. I am making myself sick worrying about what is going on.
Hopefully, Dr. Minkin's responses to the original poster are helpful. And she may came along to address your situation.
I'm going to respond based on my experience and research after having had an unnecessary hysterectomy that I deeply regret. Based on your menstrual history, it sounds like you're in perimenopause. I didn't get the impression that you've ever gone at least 12 months without a period. Perimenopause is a time when cycles can be very irregular with erratic and oftentimes heavy bleeding. The endometrium can get quite thick at times during this transition but usually reverts back to normal on its own.
I've read that the ultrasound should be done 1 or 2 days after your period ends when the lining is its thinnest. According to medical literature, polyps (which can cause heavy bleeding) can be difficult to differentiate from the lining on u/s giving the appearance of a thicker lining.
Endometrial hyperplasia (no proof that you even have this) that occurs during perimenopause oftentimes reverts to normal on its own. But if it doesn't, progestins (such as Provera or Megace) are usually effective. So since you're not even sure you have hyperplasia and IF YOU DID, a hysterectomy sounds extreme since meds would likely treat it. When getting a second opinion, I've read that it's best to go to a different "network" of doctors.
I'm going to respond based on my experience and research after having had an unnecessary hysterectomy that I deeply regret. Based on your menstrual history, it sounds like you're in perimenopause. I didn't get the impression that you've ever gone at least 12 months without a period. Perimenopause is a time when cycles can be very irregular with erratic and oftentimes heavy bleeding. The endometrium can get quite thick at times during this transition but usually reverts back to normal on its own.
I've read that the ultrasound should be done 1 or 2 days after your period ends when the lining is its thinnest. According to medical literature, polyps (which can cause heavy bleeding) can be difficult to differentiate from the lining on u/s giving the appearance of a thicker lining.
Endometrial hyperplasia (no proof that you even have this) that occurs during perimenopause oftentimes reverts to normal on its own. But if it doesn't, progestins (such as Provera or Megace) are usually effective. So since you're not even sure you have hyperplasia and IF YOU DID, a hysterectomy sounds extreme since meds would likely treat it. When getting a second opinion, I've read that it's best to go to a different "network" of doctors.
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseHopefully, Dr. Minkin's responses to the original poster are helpful. And she may came along to address your situation.<br /><br />I'm going to respond based on my experience and research after having had an unnecessary hysterectomy that I deeply regret. Based on your menstrual history, it sounds like you're in perimenopause. I didn't get the impression that you've ever gone at least 12 months without a period. Perimenopause is a time when cycles can be very irregular with erratic and oftentimes heavy bleeding. The endometrium can get quite thick at times during this transition but usually reverts back to normal on its own. <br /><br />I've read that the ultrasound should be done 1 or 2 days after your period ends when the lining is its thinnest. According to medical literature, polyps (which can cause heavy bleeding) can be difficult to differentiate from the lining on u/s giving the appearance of a thicker lining. <br /> <br />Endometrial hyperplasia (no proof that you even have this) that occurs during perimenopause oftentimes reverts to normal on its own. But if it doesn't, progestins (such as Provera or Megace) are usually effective. So since you're not even sure you have hyperplasia and IF YOU DID, a hysterectomy sounds extreme since meds would likely treat it. When getting a second opinion, I've read that it's best to go to a different "network" of doctors.
some_inquiz replied to Anon_6061's response:
I am 52 years old. In 2006 I was put into medical menopause with tamoxifen, then a post menopausal med which did not work because my hormones had returned to pre-menopause status. This was all after having estrogen receptive breast cancer. Then i was given depo shots every month for 4 months until the symptoms were so bad i could not stand it any longer. I think i had one or two more periods after that, with the last one occurring a couple of years ago. I was45 at the time of breast cancer. I have recently been having lower abdominal pain, bloating, and have a prolapsed uterus and bladder. They did a urinary study and a trans-vaginal ultrasound, which showed a thickening of the endometrium and a couple of uterine polyps. I also had surgery for removal of several uterine polyps in 2000. I have also previously had a LEEP procedure, at age 32, and two cryotherapies in my 20's of the cervix, along with lazer surgery for endometriosis in my late 20's. I went in for a biopsy of the endometrium today since it is enlarged, but we had to skip the biopsy because the cervix is closed. I was told i can wait a few months for surgery, which will include removal of the uterus and cervix at which time they will do a biopsy since it was not possible today. Should i have any concerns about the polyps, or cervix being closed, or waiting for surgery?
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseI am 52 years old. In 2006 I was put into medical menopause with tamoxifen, then a post menopausal med which did not work because my hormones had returned to pre-menopause status. This was all after having estrogen receptive breast cancer. Then i was given depo shots every month for 4 months until the symptoms were so bad i could not stand it any longer. I think i had one or two more periods after that, with the last one occurring a couple of years ago. I was45 at the time of breast cancer. I have recently been having lower abdominal pain, bloating, and have a prolapsed uterus and bladder. They did a urinary study and a trans-vaginal ultrasound, which showed a thickening of the endometrium and a couple of uterine polyps. I also had surgery for removal of several uterine polyps in 2000. I have also previously had a LEEP procedure, at age 32, and two cryotherapies in my 20's of the cervix, along with lazer surgery for endometriosis in my late 20's. I went in for a biopsy of the endometrium today since it is enlarged, but we had to skip the biopsy because the cervix is closed. I was told i can wait a few months for surgery, which will include removal of the uterus and cervix at which time they will do a biopsy since it was not possible today. Should i have any concerns about the polyps, or cervix being closed, or waiting for surgery?
Anon_6061 replied to some_inquiz's response:
I know someone who recently went through this. Her doctor couldn't do an endometrial biopsy because of a stenotic cervix. She was told that she could be put under to dilate the cervix to be able to do the biopsy. Was that offered to you?
I had a hysterectomy and regret it every day. Hysterectomy is the most overused surgery after c-section. Only about 2% are done for cancer.
The uterus is generally treated as if it's useless after childbearing; however, it has a number of non-reproductive functions including pelvic integrity.
Have you looked into a pessary versus surgery for the prolapse? If you end up having surgery to suspend your bladder, it would seem reasonable to suspend your uterus at the same time versus removing it.
I had a hysterectomy and regret it every day. Hysterectomy is the most overused surgery after c-section. Only about 2% are done for cancer.
The uterus is generally treated as if it's useless after childbearing; however, it has a number of non-reproductive functions including pelvic integrity.
Have you looked into a pessary versus surgery for the prolapse? If you end up having surgery to suspend your bladder, it would seem reasonable to suspend your uterus at the same time versus removing it.
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseI know someone who recently went through this. Her doctor couldn't do an endometrial biopsy because of a stenotic cervix. She was told that she could be put under to dilate the cervix to be able to do the biopsy. Was that offered to you?<br /><br />I had a hysterectomy and regret it every day. Hysterectomy is the most overused surgery after c-section. Only about 2% are done for cancer. <br /><br />The uterus is generally treated as if it's useless after childbearing; however, it has a number of non-reproductive functions including pelvic integrity. <br /><br />Have you looked into a pessary versus surgery for the prolapse? If you end up having surgery to suspend your bladder, it would seem reasonable to suspend your uterus at the same time versus removing it.
Dear some_inquiz,
Indeed the thickening of the uterine lining and polyps could be related to the tamoxifen (although they certainly can happen to women who have never taken tamoxifen).
I don't know if you've read some of my earlier posts on the cervical stenosis. One medication that can be helpful to help dilate the cervix is misoprostol , which is actually a stomach ulcer drug! but it helps to dilate the cervix, too-you can take a pill by mouth; or some docs have you place it in the vagina. I have folks do it daily for a couple of days before trying a biopsy; and it does tend to help (and makes some women "biopsiable" when they weren't before.
And indeed, you may want to consider a pessary; pessaries can really help pelvic floor discomfort. It's worth considering to see how you would feel with one.
Good luck,
Mary Jane
Indeed the thickening of the uterine lining and polyps could be related to the tamoxifen (although they certainly can happen to women who have never taken tamoxifen).
I don't know if you've read some of my earlier posts on the cervical stenosis. One medication that can be helpful to help dilate the cervix is misoprostol , which is actually a stomach ulcer drug! but it helps to dilate the cervix, too-you can take a pill by mouth; or some docs have you place it in the vagina. I have folks do it daily for a couple of days before trying a biopsy; and it does tend to help (and makes some women "biopsiable" when they weren't before.
And indeed, you may want to consider a pessary; pessaries can really help pelvic floor discomfort. It's worth considering to see how you would feel with one.
Good luck,
Mary Jane
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseDear some_inquiz,<br />Indeed the thickening of the uterine lining and polyps could be related to the tamoxifen (although they certainly can happen to women who have never taken tamoxifen).<br />I don't know if you've read some of my earlier posts on the cervical stenosis. One medication that can be helpful to help dilate the cervix is misoprostol , which is actually a stomach ulcer drug! but it helps to dilate the cervix, too-you can take a pill by mouth; or some docs have you place it in the vagina. I have folks do it daily for a couple of days before trying a biopsy; and it does tend to help (and makes some women "biopsiable" when they weren't before.<br />And indeed, you may want to consider a pessary; pessaries can really help pelvic floor discomfort. It's worth considering to see how you would feel with one.<br />Good luck,<br />Mary Jane
Dignity replied to Mary Jane Minkin, MD's response:
Dr. Minkin,
I am 65 and have been on bio-idential progesterone and Estrogin for 2 years. In 2/2013 I started the T.S. Wiley bioidenticals. In 4 weeks, I started with cramps and in 7 weeks the cramps became unbearable. My Ob-Gyn said my cervix was shut tight and found a large blood clot through an ultrasound. April 2013 she did a D And C.and there was no cancer. I had a normal pap smear October 2012 and the day before my surgary, my cervix opened and a lot of blood clots came out.
I am scheduled to have another ultrasound in two weeks to make sure my cervix is still open before I start bio-identicals again. Will bio-identical estrogen keep my cervix open? I don't want to cause another blood clot because my cervix won't allow menstruation. I am taking bio-identicals because they reversed my osteoposis and allowed me to sleep. I also suffer from urine leakage. Is there anything that can be done to keep my cervix open?
I am 65 and have been on bio-idential progesterone and Estrogin for 2 years. In 2/2013 I started the T.S. Wiley bioidenticals. In 4 weeks, I started with cramps and in 7 weeks the cramps became unbearable. My Ob-Gyn said my cervix was shut tight and found a large blood clot through an ultrasound. April 2013 she did a D And C.and there was no cancer. I had a normal pap smear October 2012 and the day before my surgary, my cervix opened and a lot of blood clots came out.
I am scheduled to have another ultrasound in two weeks to make sure my cervix is still open before I start bio-identicals again. Will bio-identical estrogen keep my cervix open? I don't want to cause another blood clot because my cervix won't allow menstruation. I am taking bio-identicals because they reversed my osteoposis and allowed me to sleep. I also suffer from urine leakage. Is there anything that can be done to keep my cervix open?
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseDr. Minkin,<br /> <br />I am 65 and have been on bio-idential progesterone and Estrogin for 2 years. In 2/2013 I started the T.S. Wiley bioidenticals. In 4 weeks, I started with cramps and in 7 weeks the cramps became unbearable. My Ob-Gyn said my cervix was shut tight and found a large blood clot through an ultrasound. April 2013 she did a D And C.and there was no cancer. I had a normal pap smear October 2012 and the day before my surgary, my cervix opened and a lot of blood clots came out.<br /> <br />I am scheduled to have another ultrasound in two weeks to make sure my cervix is still open before I start bio-identicals again. Will bio-identical estrogen keep my cervix open? I don't want to cause another blood clot because my cervix won't allow menstruation. I am taking bio-identicals because they reversed my osteoposis and allowed me to sleep. I also suffer from urine leakage. Is there anything that can be done to keep my cervix open?
Dear Dignity,
In general, women on estrogen tend to have less cervical stenosis; but even women on estrogen can develop cervical stenosis. A couple of thoughts; you may want to see your gynecologist more often than once a year; she can then more regularly check to see if your cervix is open, and stretch it a bit at your exam to keep it open. If it seems to be shut, we often will recommend a medication call misoprostol, which is used to treat ulcers, believe it or not; but it can help open the cervix, before say doing a biopsy. I don't usually recommend taking it on a regular basis; but you might want to take some before seeing your gynecologist, to check on your cervix.
Good luck,
Mary Jane
In general, women on estrogen tend to have less cervical stenosis; but even women on estrogen can develop cervical stenosis. A couple of thoughts; you may want to see your gynecologist more often than once a year; she can then more regularly check to see if your cervix is open, and stretch it a bit at your exam to keep it open. If it seems to be shut, we often will recommend a medication call misoprostol, which is used to treat ulcers, believe it or not; but it can help open the cervix, before say doing a biopsy. I don't usually recommend taking it on a regular basis; but you might want to take some before seeing your gynecologist, to check on your cervix.
Good luck,
Mary Jane
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseDear Dignity,<br />In general, women on estrogen tend to have less cervical stenosis; but even women on estrogen can develop cervical stenosis. A couple of thoughts; you may want to see your gynecologist more often than once a year; she can then more regularly check to see if your cervix is open, and stretch it a bit at your exam to keep it open. If it seems to be shut, we often will recommend a medication call misoprostol, which is used to treat ulcers, believe it or not; but it can help open the cervix, before say doing a biopsy. I don't usually recommend taking it on a regular basis; but you might want to take some before seeing your gynecologist, to check on your cervix.<br />Good luck,<br />Mary Jane
Dignity - You said you started the Wiley protocol in February. Are you still on that? I know some women who were on it and it caused a lot of problems. They became overdosed with progesterone because it built up in their dermal tissues but it didn't adequately protect their uterine lining (topical progesterone usually isn't adequate to protect the lining). Also, the doses of estrogen and progesterone on Wiley are excessive. And the "inventor" Wiley isn't even a medical doctor.
Report This| Share this:Cervical Stenosis after MenopauseDignity - You said you started the Wiley protocol in February. Are you still on that? I know some women who were on it and it caused a lot of problems. They became overdosed with progesterone because it built up in their dermal tissues but it didn't adequately protect their uterine lining (topical progesterone usually isn't adequate to protect the lining). Also, the doses of estrogen and progesterone on Wiley are excessive. And the "inventor" Wiley isn't even a medical doctor.
Featuring Experts
Mary Jane Minkin, MD, is a nationally recognized obstetrician gynecologist, with a special interest in menopause. Dr. Minkin is clinical professor of ...More
Helpful Tips
Fact or fiction? Estrogen therapy is an option for all menopausal women
Fiction: Only women who no longer have a uterus should consider using esdtrogen-alone therapy (ET). For women with a uterus, the option ... More
Was this Helpful?
24
of
38 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit the North American Menopause Society website
Other Menopause Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.