expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Caryl Glenda Mussenden, M.D.

OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)

Dr. Caryl Mussenden is an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in Lanham, MD. Dr. Mussenden specializes in women's health, particularly the female reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, Dr. Mussenden can treat a number of health issues related to the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and breasts. Dr Mussenden can also treat women during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and the postpartum period. In this specialty, doctors focus on reproductive care from puberty through adulthood.
49 years Experience
Dr. Caryl Glenda Mussenden, M.D.
  • Lanham, MD
  • Howard Univ Coll of Med, Washington Dc
  • Accepting new patients

How many hours should a pregnant woman sleep?

All of us should have adequate sleep, pregnant or not. There is no set RULE about this. Some women find they are more fatigued in early pregnancy and require a mid day nap. Some READ MORE
All of us should have adequate sleep, pregnant or not. There is no set RULE about this. Some women find they are more fatigued in early pregnancy and require a mid day nap. Some do not. Pregnancy is a normal state. The man thing I suggest is to listen to your body. If you need to lay down during the day, do so. If you need more sleep at night, then go to bed earlier at night. You will know when you have had enough.

I am having frequent bouts of fungal infection in my vaginal region. What should I do?

Depends on where it is. Vaginal yeast inside the vagina that is recurrent can be caused by -diabetes, high sugar and carbs in your diet, perfumed bubble paths, the birth control READ MORE
Depends on where it is. Vaginal yeast inside the vagina that is recurrent can be caused by -diabetes, high sugar and carbs in your diet, perfumed bubble paths, the birth control pill and other causes.
External yeast on the labia and in the groin could be from diabetes, excessive sweating, working out in spandex and staying in wet exercise clothing, obesity or being overweight. etc
See your gyn who can evaluate

Could I be pregnant?

Once you start your period, you cannot be pregnant. The egg only lasts for about 24 hours and that is usually in the middle of your periods. If you have a cycle that comes every READ MORE
Once you start your period, you cannot be pregnant.
The egg only lasts for about 24 hours and that is usually in the middle of your periods. If you have a cycle that comes every 28 days, you will ovulate around day 14. If you have sex between days 10 and 18, sperm can last for up to 3 days and therefore could still be alive when you ovulate. How to prevent pregnancy?
1. ABSTAIN-no sex,
2. Use some form of birth control including condoms.

Can menopause cause doziness?

Recommend you see your PCP. If you mean dizziness, this could be some type of vertigo, which needs evaluation.

Can laying on your stomach constantly cause a miscarriage?

Laying on your abdomen in the first trimester of pregnancy is usually OK and comfortable. However, once the uterus has grown from the pelvis to the abdomen, it makes it almost READ MORE
Laying on your abdomen in the first trimester of pregnancy is usually OK and comfortable. However, once the uterus has grown from the pelvis to the abdomen, it makes it almost uncomfortable to do that and I don't feel is prudent. It is better to sleep on one side or the other using a pillow behind your back to keep you from rolling onto your back in the later trimester. This can put pressure on the large blood vessel (aorta) which supplies blood to our body and subsequently to the baby which is what you should avoid.

Do preconception vitamins help you conceive?

The reason prenatal vitamins are recommended before pregnancy is because of the folic acid (must be .8 to 1 mg) which helps prevent neural tube defects to the baby's spine after READ MORE
The reason prenatal vitamins are recommended before pregnancy is because of the folic acid (must be .8 to 1 mg) which helps prevent neural tube defects to the baby's spine after conception.
I know of no studies that show they improve conception

How early should I start taking prenatals?

Take for 2 months BEFORE you conceive to minimize spinal defects during development of the fetus

Do fibroids grow back after surgery?

Fibroids can always recur in a different area. Eating less meat and carbohydrates and sugar may help prevent recurrence. Eating more fruits and vegetables is best. Likewise, if READ MORE
Fibroids can always recur in a different area. Eating less meat and carbohydrates and sugar may help prevent recurrence. Eating more fruits and vegetables is best. Likewise, if a person is markedly overweight, that can cause fibroids to grow.

I have a painless bump on my vaginal area?

It is most likely a clogged oil or hair gland. If asymptomatic, just keep an eye on it. If it enlarges and is painful, ask your gyn about it.

I haven’t had my period in almost 2 years?

Make sure you are seeing a physician who deals with this. Don't get put off by repeated exams. Have you been given progesterone to try to make your period come on? I would suggest READ MORE
Make sure you are seeing a physician who deals with this. Don't get put off by repeated exams. Have you been given progesterone to try to make your period come on? I would suggest seeing an endocrinologist at some point to assess you.

Is white discharge a sign of pregnancy?

Absolutely not. A white discharge is a non specific finding and can merely be a physiologic type discharge which occurs more often than not, after ovulation has occurred (mid READ MORE
Absolutely not. A white discharge is a non specific finding and can merely be a physiologic type discharge which occurs more often than not, after ovulation has occurred (mid cycle)

Is it okay to get a tattoo done during prengnacy?

Elective cosmetic procedures during pregnancy are not generally recommended. I would question any tattoo artist about prudence if you find one who would.

Can you hurt the baby in womb while sleeping?

God is smart. He cushioned the baby in a sac of water (amnionic fluid) so the baby would have a place to ROLL around. It takes a lot of force or trauma to cause that to rupture READ MORE
God is smart. He cushioned the baby in a sac of water (amnionic fluid) so the baby would have a place to ROLL around. It takes a lot of force or trauma to
cause that to rupture

Can you go to a chiropractor while 7 months pregnant?

Absolutely. You can be treated on your side. Make sure your chiropractor is comfortable treating pregnant women.

Can I drink coffee during pregnancy?

Yes you can if coffee has not given you any problems when not pregnat.

Will taking birth control for an extended period of time effect my chances of getting pregnant when the time is right?

If you had fairly regular cycles when off the pill, then once you stop the pill, your body reverts back to its normal cycling.

Are painkillers safe to have for menstrual cramps?

THere are MANY non prescription agents to use for severe cramps. If they don't work, then of course prescription analgesics are sometimes needed. If you aren't interested in READ MORE
THere are MANY non prescription agents to use for severe cramps. If they don't work, then of course prescription analgesics are sometimes needed. If you aren't interested in pregnancy right now, the birth control pill almost invariably relives the pain because it prevents ovulation.

Can fibroids recur after a surgery?

Fibroids removed will never recur. However, if you still have a uterus you will always have the possibility of recurrence. Do know that just because you HAVE fibroids, you don't READ MORE
Fibroids removed will never recur. However, if you still have a uterus you will always have the possibility of recurrence. Do know that just because you HAVE fibroids, you don't need to have them removed except for symptoms.

What is the recommended dose of folic acid I should take when planning to conceive?

Between .8 and 1 mg. All over-the-counter vitamins touted as a PRENATAL vitamin are required to have that amount. Read your label first.

Extended heavy menstrual cycle

Thanks for advocating for your wife. She needs to see a gynecologist. If she was treated for uterine cancer and has her uterus, one must make sure there is no recurrence.