

Sun Shan Shan

About me
Chief physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases, currently working at the Chinese People's Liberation Army 203 Hospital.
Proficient in diseases
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as pelvic inflammatory disease, appendicitis, fungal vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, cervical erosion, cervical cysts, etc.

Voices

What are the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common gynecological endocrine disease, often seen in adolescence, primarily characterized by high levels of androgens. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by persistent anovulation and polycystic ovarian changes. It is often accompanied by insulin resistance and obesity. The exact cause of the disease has not yet been fully clarified, and it may be due to the interaction of genetic factors and environmental factors. Polycystic ovary syndrome requires timely treatment with hormonal drugs or laparoscopic ovarian drilling surgery, followed by further management based on the examination results.

Causes of endometrial polyps
There are many causes of endometrial polyps. One is the excessive secretion of estrogen in the body, leading to an uneven distribution of hormone levels. Furthermore, long-term use of health products and hormone medications can stimulate their development, as can gynecological inflammations from events like abortion, childbirth, or surgical procedures, all of which can lead to the formation of endometrial polyps. Additionally, high blood pressure and obesity are also high-risk factors for endometrial polyps. Therefore, it’s crucial to carry out a timely hysteroscopic examination once endometrial polyps are detected. This examination should take place three to seven days after menstruation at a hospital. If the polyps are larger than one centimeter in diameter, or if there is continuous vaginal bleeding, an immediate hysteroscopic polypectomy is necessary.

Can endometrial polyps heal by themselves?
Firstly, endometrial polyps cannot heal on their own. There are many causes of endometrial polyps, one being excessive levels of estrogen in the body; another is long-term gynecological inflammation stimulation, such as from abortions or childbirth surgical procedures, which can lead to the formation of endometrial polyps; furthermore, high blood pressure and obesity are also high-risk factors for endometrial polyps. Therefore, once endometrial polyps occur, this condition cannot heal on its own. It requires a hysteroscopic examination three to seven days after menstruation has ended to confirm if it is indeed an endometrial polyp. If confirmed as an endometrial polyp, further hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy is needed, followed by further pathological examination after the surgery.

How to treat uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive organs, consisting of smooth muscle and connective tissue, mostly seen in women aged 30-50. Uterine fibroids can be classified into fibroids of the uterine body and cervical fibroids. Depending on their location, the treatments differ. Fibroids of the uterine body are further divided into intramural fibroids, subserosal fibroids, and submucosal fibroids. In cases of submucosal fibroids, prompt symptomatic treatment is necessary once detected, as these fibroids grow towards the uterine cavity and protrude into it, covered only by the endometrium on the surface. Hence, timely surgical intervention and regular physical examinations are crucial for submucosal fibroids.

Are teratomas mostly benign?
Ovarian teratomas belong to the category of germ cell tumors, which are divided into mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Immature teratomas are malignant and account for 1%-3% of ovarian teratomas, thus they occur relatively less frequently. These are more commonly found in young patients, with an average age of 11-19 years. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign and can account for 10%-20% of ovarian tumors and 85%-97% of germ cell tumors, comprising over 95% of ovarian teratomas. These can occur at any age, but are most common between 20-40 years, often unilateral, and may contain components such as fats, hair, and sometimes teeth and bone tissues. Thus, the majority of mature teratomas are benign tumors.

How to check for cervical erosion?
Firstly, women who are sexually active and have cervical erosion need to visit a hospital for further examinations such as colposcopy to check for erosion. Cervical erosion is a physiological manifestation, caused by the external migration of columnar epithelium from the cervical canal due to hormonal levels, presenting as an erosion-like appearance. Thus, this condition is also a physiological response. Once sexually active, women who have been sexually active for over two years need to regularly undergo cervical cytology testing using the human papillomavirus (HPV) and liquid-based cytology to see if there are other potential issues. If there are no problems, cervical erosion can be periodically monitored, and it's advised to avoid cold exposure, fatigue, spicy and irritating foods, and maintain cleanliness of the external genital area.

How large must a teratoma be to require surgery?
Ovarian teratomas belong to a type of ovarian germ cell tumor. Ovarian teratomas can be classified into mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, which are a type of benign tumor. There are also immature teratomas, which are malignant tumors commonly found in younger patients, typically between the ages of 11 and 19. If an ovarian teratoma is found to be over three centimeters in diameter, further examinations such as a CA125 test and pelvic CT scan are needed. In the absence of other complications, elective surgical treatment can be planned. However, if the examination reveals high CA125 levels and the pelvic CT confirms the diagnosis, and the cyst is growing rapidly with high blood lipids, timely surgical treatment is necessary, followed by a rapid pathological examination during the surgery.

How to check for uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse can be assessed through a vaginal examination to determine the degree of prolapse. Uterine prolapse can be divided into three grades: First-degree mild, where the external os of the cervix is less than 4 cm from the hymenal ring and has not yet reached the hymenal ring; first-degree severe, where the cervix has reached the hymenal ring, and the cervix can be seen at the vaginal opening, which constitutes the first degree. Second-degree mild occurs when the cervix prolapses out of the vaginal opening, but the uterus remains inside the vagina, while in severe cases, part of the uterus prolapses out of the vaginal opening. Third-degree prolapse involves both the cervix and the uterus protruding completely outside the vaginal opening. Once uterine prolapse occurs, it is necessary to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital.

Can you eat seafood with vulvitis?
There are many causes of vulvitis. One cause is an increase in vaginal discharge due to vaginitis or cervicitis, which stimulates the vulvar tissue leading to vulvitis. Another cause is related to allergic constitution, manifesting as itching, swelling, and other inflammatory symptoms of the vulva. If the vulvitis is due to an allergy, it is advised not to consume seafood, as it may aggravate the condition. Therefore, it's important to seek timely medical attention at a hospital if vulvitis occurs. This includes routine examination of secretions and endoscopic examination of the vagina. Treatment should be promptly administered based on the examination results. Additionally, individuals with low immunity might display white lesions on the vulva, which could also be a sign of vulvitis. Regular cleansing of the vulva, avoiding cold and fatigue, and enhancing the immune system are recommended.

Can ovarian teratomas be treated with Chinese medicine?
Ovarian teratomas cannot be treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Firstly, ovarian teratomas are categorized as germ cell tumors and are divided into mature and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign tumors. The cysts may contain hair, teeth, and some bony material. Immature teratomas, on the other hand, are malignant tumors that make up 1% to 3% of ovarian teratomas and are more common in younger patients aged 11 to 19 years. Therefore, once an ovarian teratoma is suspected, it is necessary to promptly visit a hospital for further examinations to determine the nature of the cyst, and then, based on the examination results, appropriately handle it with timely surgical intervention.