I am a 58-year-old woman well past menopause. I have been experiencing painful urination and pelvic pain regularly for several years. I have tried various medications, including estrogen cream, and suspect I may have interstitial cystitis (IC). I scored a 15 on a screening test. Do you think I am on the right track?

October 29th, 2023

Four days ago, I removed a wax ear plug too quickly, causing severe pain and immediate loss of hearing in that ear. The sound is muffled, similar to when your ear is full of water, and there's a rattling sound when I move my head. I'm experiencing slight dizziness occasionally and some ringing in the ear, but no fever or drainage. I'm concerned about permanent hearing loss or displacement of the small bones inside my ear. What could be the issue, and what should I do?

January 18th, 2024

I haven't been sexually active in many years. Recently, I had unprotected oral sex and brief unprotected intercourse. Since then, my penis was sore/sensitive, but that has subsided. My inner thighs and legs have become super sensitive, with a slight pin and needle sensation. I also noticed a very small dark patch in my pubic hair area, which doesn't itch or hurt. I'm concerned about these symptoms and would like to know if they are related to the recent sexual activity or if they could be due to something else.

March 4th, 2024

I have a thrombosed external hemorrhoid that doesn't hurt, but my buttocks and upper rear legs are painful, and my perineum area is tender. This is my first hemorrhoid, and I'm a 51-year-old male. Can this thrombosed hemorrhoid cause pain in these areas, and what can be done to alleviate the symptoms?

May 31st, 2023

My UA is positive for nitrites, leukocyte esterase, bacteria, and clumped WBCs. Is this concerning for pyelonephritis or simply a UTI? I am experiencing a lot of back pain and nausea, and my doctors office suggested an antibiotic without ordering a C&S. Should I be concerned about something more serious being missed?

August 3rd, 2023