

Zhang Xiu Rong

About me
I graduated from Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and have been working in the field of obstetrics and gynecology for over 20 years. I have attended advanced training programs at higher level hospitals and have published multiple national-level papers.
Proficient in diseases
Specializes in the treatment of common gynecological diseases, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginitis, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions.

Voices

What should I do if I have irregular menstruation and infertility?
If menstrual irregularities lead to infertility, the first step is to go to the hospital for an endocrine test. Menstrual irregularities generally indicate a dysfunction in ovarian function. At this time, you can go to the hospital for a blood test, which should be done on the second to fifth day of the menstrual period. It is important to fast before the blood test. After the blood test, treatment should be based on the results. Generally, patients with menstrual irregularities experience ovulation disorders or ovarian secretion dysfunction, causing abnormal hormone levels in the body, which are not conducive to egg implantation and development. Therefore, if menstrual irregularities lead to infertility, it is essential to undergo relevant medical examinations at the hospital and then treat based on the findings. Moreover, if you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, be sure to undergo other infertility tests.

Does taking contraceptive pills cause infertility?
Contraceptives are categorized into short-acting, long-acting, or emergency contraceptives. Commonly, long-acting contraceptives, such as those taken orally once a month, have significant side effects. Prolonged use can lead to menstrual irregularities, facial pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and amenorrhea. Therefore, long-term use of long-acting contraceptives may result in decreased ovarian function, leading to infertility. Generally, emergency contraceptives and short-acting contraceptives have relatively minor side effects. Occasional use does not have a significant impact, but prolonged use can cause menstrual disorders and hormonal imbalances, which in turn can lead to infertility. Thus, contraceptives are not suitable for everyone, and it is not recommended for women who have never given birth to use oral contraceptives for contraception.

Symptoms of cervical cancer
The most typical early symptom of cervical cancer is usually contact bleeding during intercourse. Clinically, once contact bleeding occurs, it is essential to go to the hospital for cervical cancer screening as soon as possible, generally involving a cervical TCT and HPV test. These two tests can initially screen for the presence of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. If it has progressed to the stage of cervical cancer, there may be a large amount of vaginal discharge with a foul smell, and severe cases can have symptoms like bleeding and abdominal pain. Therefore, patients with cervical cancer must undergo relevant cervical examinations at the hospital. If it is indeed cervical cancer, treatment options should be selected based on the stage of the disease to treat the symptoms accordingly. Hence, if there is any irregular vaginal bleeding, it is critical to go to the hospital for the relevant cancer screening.

Secondary infertility refers to a condition where a person is unable to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term following the birth of one or more biological children.
Infertility is divided into primary infertility and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to never having been pregnant before, which is called primary infertility. Secondary infertility generally occurs in individuals who have had children or a history of miscarriage and have been unable to conceive again after trying for a year, thus constituting secondary infertility. It is essential for those with secondary infertility to undergo relevant fertility tests at a hospital. Typically, the clinical evaluation includes a semen analysis for the male partner, and for the female partner, tests such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia detection, endocrine examinations, immunological tests, and assessments for fallopian tube patency and related endocrine tests. Generally, through these tests, the cause of secondary infertility can be identified, and treatment can be tailored based on the results. In cases of secondary infertility, the vast majority can achieve conception through targeted treatment.

Where to apply moxibustion for endometritis?
Endometritis is not recommended to be treated with moxibustion, as moxibustion is not effective for this condition. Generally, if there is pelvic inflammation or vaginal inflammation, it is better to use topical medications for targeted treatment. Clinically, endometritis manifests as abdominal pain during menstruation, accompanied by an abnormal odor. Treatment typically involves oral medications or intravenous anti-inflammatory drugs for symptomatic treatment. Therefore, for patients with endometritis, it is generally advisable to use medication for symptomatic treatment. The diagnosis of endometritis is usually confirmed through curettage, which can reveal signs of inflammation, or gynecologically through consultation and symptoms. Thus, for patients with endometritis, it is recommended to use medications for anti-inflammatory purposes and symptomatic treatment. Moxibustion can still be useful for regulating some menstrual issues.

What department should I go to for endometrial polyps?
Endometrial polyps can typically be diagnosed and treated at the gynecology department of a hospital. Patients should register at the gynecology department, and the doctor will schedule a hysteroscopy. Under hysteroscopy, the surgery to remove the endometrial polyp can be performed. This surgery is generally done within three to seven days after the end of menstrual bleeding. After the removal, the polyp can be sent for pathology to check if there is any tendency towards malignancy. Normally, most polyps are benign. After the removal, oral anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed as symptomatic treatment. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for one month, and oral anti-inflammatory medications can be taken within the first week. Patients who have had a polyp removed should seek re-examination if excessive bleeding occurs, and since endometrial polyps are prone to recurrence, annual check-ups are essential.

ultrasonographic appearance of endometrial polyps
Under normal circumstances, the diagnosis of endometrial polyps is usually determined clearly by performing an ultrasound at the hospital. Normally, the endometrial line is continuous. There is a specific thickness to the endometrium. Typically, a thickness of 3-4mm in the endometrium at the end of menstruation is considered normal. During ovulation, the thickness of the endometrium is 8mm. Before menstruation starts, the endometrial thickness is generally more than 10mm. If it is within this range, it is generally considered normal. If there is an increase in endometrial thickness and the echo of the endometrium is not continuous, and the endometrial echo is uneven, in most cases, endometrial polyps are suspected. The diagnosis of endometrial polyps can generally be clearly determined through color Doppler ultrasound. This diagnosis is not difficult. Once endometrial polyps are clearly diagnosed by ultrasound, they can be removed by hysteroscopic polypectomy at the hospital.

Can I take painkillers for menstrual cramps?
Patients with dysmenorrhea usually take painkillers when the pain is severe. Dysmenorrhea is generally treated with painkillers which relieve symptoms but do not address the root cause. If the pain during menstruation does not alleviate, it's not advisable to continually use painkillers. Therefore, before taking painkillers again, it is crucial to undergo relevant examinations to identify the cause of the dysmenorrhea. If the pain is caused by a cold uterus, it is advisable to take medicine that warms the meridians, dispels cold, and relieves pain, and to manage the condition regularly. If the dysmenorrhea is caused by stagnation of Qi and blood stasis, one can take medicine that activates blood circulation, removes blood stasis, and relieves pain before the onset of the next menstruation to properly manage the symptoms. Thus, severe pain can be managed with painkillers. For minor abdominal discomfort, observing the situation generally suffices. If dysmenorrhea gradually worsens, it is essential to visit a hospital for an ultrasound to check for endometriosis. Painkillers can be used during painful episodes of dysmenorrhea, but other times should be managed with appropriate medicines. (Please take medications under the guidance of a physician and do not self-medicate.)

Endometriosis Clinical Manifestations
Endometriosis is clinically most evident in dysmenorrhea, which tends to worsen progressively. The clinical presentation varies depending on where the endometrial tissue is located. If the tissue is located on the ovaries, it can form ovarian chocolate cysts. Generally, chocolate cysts can affect fertility, leading to anovulation and the appearance of ovarian chocolate-like cysts. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, which is characterized by a high risk of recurrence after surgery. If there is no immediate plan for pregnancy, there is also a possibility of recurrence. Additionally, if endometriosis involves the uterus, it can lead to a uniformly enlarged uterus and uneven uterine wall echoes, resulting in adenomyosis. Therefore, the most typical clinical manifestation of endometriosis is progressively worsening dysmenorrhea.

Is electrocauterization good for cervical erosion?
Cervical erosion electrocautery is a treatment method used in the past. Nowadays, most cases can generally be treated through physical methods like laser, electrocoagulation, and cryocondensation. After electrocautery, the cervical tissue typically becomes harder, which can result in cervical lacerations during childbirth for patients who plan to conceive in the future. Therefore, electrocautery is rarely used now, and most treatments currently employ laser or electrocoagulation methods. Patients with cervical erosion should first visit a hospital for cervical cancer screening, which generally involves TCT and HPV testing. If these tests show no cervical cancer or precancerous lesions, simple cervical erosion is generally not a serious issue. At this time, topical medications or some physiotherapy treatments can also be used for symptomatic treatment. (Please undergo medication under the guidance of a professional doctor, and do not medicate blindly.)