Dr. Ellen Elizabeth Claxton, MD

What this test result means is that in the past you have been exposed to Herpes Type 1 which is the virus that causes cold sores. Your body responded by making antibodies (IgG) to this virus in case it comes around again in the future. If you have a history of cold sores then that’s easy to grasp. If you have never had a cold sore, they know you have been exposed to this virus in the past.

If you period lasts 7 days and sex occurred 2 days later, then you were on the 9th day of your cycle. It is important to know how long a woman’s cycle is (start of one period to the start of the next period) to give sound advice. The first 14-15 days of the cycle are called the follicular phase. I’m Natural Family Planning methods this is the more fertile time of the month. 3-4 days AFTER ovulation the possibility of pregnancy goes down. Good idea taking the morning after pill.
It’s September, so with respect to the question written in January, I think you would know if you were pregnant and may have already delivered the baby.

Beth Claxton

This can be normal. Nice job using a condom, btw!
I’d recommend epsom salt bath soak daily until you feel better.

Beth Claxton

We definitely need protein during pregnancy, however, one of the most common dietary deficiencies is micronutrients. These are not in traditional protein sources. I would encourage eating fresh organic vegetables of every color every day of your pregnancy. This will help turn on optimal genetic expression in your baby's genes. Healthy organic and grass-fed, hormone-free protein sources are also the best for your baby. Protein is not necessarily the key. Micronutrients, healthy relationships, exercise in pregnancy and adequate sleep will give your baby optimal health.

Please do not worry about becoming pregnant by having semen on your jeans. The little swimmers do not live for long in the air. Wash your jeans to avoid staining and talk to your doctor about a reliable method of birth control. Hand jobs can lead to more intimate contact.

Beth Claxton

Please see your doctor and ask to be evaluated for cardiomyopathy. If there’s a pain that is persistent as well as other symptoms, this should be evaluated. Also, on a less scary note, a chiropractic adjustment will help with alignment if a rib is out of place. Tylenol would be fine to take. Aspirin is actually quite strong and will lower platelets. Please go get another opinion.

Beth Claxton

There are no known long-term cognitive effects from birth control pills. As a functional medicine practitioner I offer clients an elimination diet and lifestyle modifications to decrease systemic inflammation, which will alleviate menstrual symptoms. It is also possible to add omega-3 fish oil and modulate fat intake to steer away from inflammatory omega-6 fats and
towards omega-3's to find an optimal physiologic balance and bring about a lower inflammatory response overall.
I hope this helps.

A physical exam would be optimal to know truly what is happening; however, inflammation is inflammation. Is it something that is persistent or new? Sitz baths are one of my favorite
remedies. In a clean bathtub, put about 1 cup of epsom salts. Fill the tub so you can completely immerse the affected area and sit for 20 minutes (longer if it feels good to you). When you get out of the tub rub some castor oil on this area. I learned early in my training from a wise midwife that castor oil is a lymphatic enhancer. It will help your body clear infection. The third part of the treatment is avoiding sugar, sweet drinks, processed foods and gluten for a few weeks to remove any inflammation from your body to allow true healing to take place.
Best of luck! If there is no change in 3 weeks or it gets worse, go see your doctor for a physical exam.

Yes.

Beth Claxton

Pain in the body = inflammation. Your breast are getting ready to lactate and there is increased progesterone in the circulation. My advice is to avoid sweets, sugar, gluten and processed foods, maybe even dairy for a week. Increase vegetables and fruits, paying attention to eat a wide variety of colors in fruits and veggies. Also, castor oil is a lymphatic enhancer which could help clear the inflammation from the breasts. Rub a light layer of castor oil into the breasts before bed and sleep in an old t-shirt you don’t mind having oil stains on. Drink at lease 3 liters of water daily.

Hope this helps,

Beth, MD

Breast soreness before menses is absolutely normal. It’s called a moliminal symptom like bloating. It means there is progesterone in your body and that you ovulated in the cycle.

Beth Claxton

Never say never. That being said, scar tissue in the tubes can be dense and lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
If you were interested in working with a Functional Medicine practitioner and eating a low inflammatory diet and lifestyle changes and having pelvic manipulation with physical therapists, there MAY be a way to regain patency (opening) in the tubes. This is new integrative therapy and I strongly believe the body can heal. We can’t keep doing the same and expect things to turn out differently.

Beth Claxton