My mother, who is 57, has been losing urine when she coughs or sneezes for several years, but she tells me this is a normal part of aging. What can be done for this problem?
- D.E. Grand Prairie

It is never normal to lose urine involuntarily no matter what the age – period. This is a very common problem that affects millions of women throughout the United States. I would recommend that your mother come in for an evaluation. There are many effective treatments for urinary incontinence ranging from medicine to surgical procedures.

What causes recurrent yeast infections? I have tried all of the over-the-counter brands of yeast medicine, and I cannot seem to get rid of the infections.
- C.A. Arlington

Yeast infections are caused by ubiquitous airborne fungus. The majority of cases are caused by Candida albicans. Generally, the yeast medications found in your local pharmacy are very effective. The common symptoms exhibited by women are vaginal itching, pain and a thick white discharge. Recurrent infections need to be seen by a physician as they may be caused by an underlying medical problem such as diabetes or Immune disorders. Your physician has numerous medicines to treat yeast effectively and safely.

When should a woman begin having annual exams?
- R.G. Arlington

A woman should begin having annual exams (i.e. pelvic exams, PAP smear) at the age of 18 or when they become sexually active.

When should you get your first period? I am 15 years old and while all of my friends have started, I have not.
- S.G. Ft. Worth

There is no reason to worry right now. While the majority of girls have there first period between 11 – 14 years old, it is not unusual to have it a little earlier or a little later. If you do not have your first period by the age of 16, make an appointment with a gynecologist for an evaluation.

What exactly is a PAP smear, and why do I need one?
- A.G. Arlington

The PAP smear is named after a man named Papanicolaou, who designed this test in 1943. It is intended to be a cervical cancer-screening test. The important word is screening test, as it only shows the physician those individuals that need to be brought back for closer evaluation (those individuals whose PAP smear was reported abnormal.) Since the PAP smear was introduced, the number of women dying from cervical cancer has dropped dramatically.

My hormone patches are causing burns to my skin. Should I continue using the patch or switch to the pills?
- D.R. Mansfield

The most likely reason for the burns is due to the adhesive on the patches. I would recommend changing brands, as the adhesives are oftentimes different.