Condyloma acuminatum

FEAR OF SKIPPED HEARTBEATS

Q I am a 27-year-old mother of one, and I often experience an irregular heartbeat or skipped beats. I feel these skipped beats in my throat when it happens. I've almost had a nervous breakdown because of it. I stay at home, mostly waiting for it to happen. I never hung out with friends because of the fear that it will happen while I'm out. I wanted to stay home, next to the phone, so I could call an ambulance. What could be causing this problem? A.J., Georgia

A Your level of anxiety goes beyond that which is reflected in many other people who experience what they fear to be abnormal activity of the heart. Doctors say ectopic heartbeats (skipped beats) are an arrhythmia that involve small changes in an otherwise normal heartbeat. In many cases, they may be without noticeable cause, but causes can be associated with excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine or various other conditions such as heart disorders.

An ectopic heartbeat can be identified during a physical examination that could include tests such as an electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heart. The test allows physicians to determine the rate and regularity of beats and the size and position the heart's chambers, and it can reveal damage to the heart. Other tests include an echocardiogram, or patients may be asked to wear a continuous ambulatory cardiac monitoring device, usually for 24 hours.

Often, doctors say, ectopic heartbeats do not require treatment. But in some cases, anti-arrhythmic medications may be needed to correct the condition.

TREATMENT OF GENITAL WARTS

Q I am 23 years old and recently discovered that I have an embarrassing condition called genital warts. I have heard a lot about the herpes problem, but very little about genital warts. What can I do to get rid of them? How contagious are they? I have not contacted a doctor because of the embarrassment. M.D., Youngstown, Ohio

A Don't let your embarrassment prevent you from seeking treatment. Genital warts can be caused by various types of human papillomavirus (HPV), but they are not the same as those that cause warts on the hands and feet.

Doctors say genital warts, which are very contagious, are spread by sexual contact with an infected partner. It's estimated that nearly 70 percent of people who have sexual contact with an infected person will develop warts, usually within three months of contact. Researchers say that as many as 1 million new cases of genital warts are diagnosed in the United States each year.

Genital warts often occur in clusters in men and women and often disappear on their own. But there are many cases where, if left untreated, genital warts may develop into a fleshy, raised growth with a cauliflower-like appearance.

Depending on size and location, genital warts can be treated in several ways. But even though treatment can eliminate the warts, doctors say, it does not eradicate the virus and the warts can reappear. Needless to say, if warts are visible in the genital area, sexual contact should be avoided.

DISCONTINUING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

Q I am in my late 20s and have been on birth control pills for eight years. I don't plan to try to have a child until I am 30. When should I discontinue using the pill after my husband and I decide to begin a family? C.C., Cheraw, S.C.

A Once you make the decision to begin a family, doctors suggest that birth control pills be discontinued at least two months before you hope to conceive. That allows your menstrual cycle a chance to return to normal, and it also allows your physician to date your pregnancy more accurately.

When you stop taking the pill, doctors say you should use a barrier method of birth control, like condoms, to prevent getting pregnant right away, making it difficult to establish an accurate due date.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group