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The best ways to pay for your child’s college [Infographic]

2018-05-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – According to a recent College Ave Student Loans survey of 3,510 parents of college students conducted by Barnes & Noble College InsightsSM, more than 1 out of 3 parents (39%) say paying for college is a more stressful financial obligation than their mortgage. To help make the financial road to college less complicated, here is an illustrated guide brought to you by College Ave Student Loans that breaks down what to expect in terms of covering college costs. This content was produced by GET Creative, a division of USA Today.


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More Research is Leading to More Cures for Cancer Patients

2018-05-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – A Patient’s Journey to Surviving the Odds

In 2010, Kristin Kleinhofer was feeling healthy when she found a bump on the top of the right side of her head and thought it was just a “harmless cyst.” After her mother suggested she see a doctor, surgery was performed to remove the growth. The biopsy results came back a week later and much to everyone’s surprise, Kristin was informed via a phone call at work that she had blood cancer and needed to immediately leave her job to have blood work done and was scheduled to meet with an oncologist the next morning. At age 36, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Kristin reflected on how overwhelmed she felt, “it was a lot to take in, a lot of unloading of my life … I learned that I didn’t know how strong I was until being strong was the only choice I had.”

After a two-year protocol of intense inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy, Kristin went into remission for eighteen months, but in February 2014, while eating dinner with her partner, Benny, she felt a lump on the right side of her neck and soon discovered that the leukemia had returned. Kristin immediately began salvage chemotherapy, but it was ineffective and left her with serious side effects, some of which she still has today.

Then, while enrolled in a 4-week inpatient combination chemotherapy clinical trial, Kristin’s oncologist mentioned CAR T cell immunotherapy as a possible option to perhaps get into remission. Kristin had never heard of immunotherapy before, and went home to research with her family. Doctor stories and educational videos helped to inform Kristin’s decision, and she immediately asked her oncologist to reach out to the medical institutions that had open clinical trials for CAR T cell immunotherapy. Kristin was on her way to reaching remission once again.

The Future of Immunotherapy Treatments

Approximately every 3 minutes, one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. While a cure for leukemia does not yet exist, new immune-based treatments are currently in development and improving the prognosis for people living with blood and bone marrow cancers. Clinical trials for leukemia are testing immunotherapies that fall into several broad categories, including adoptive cell therapy, targeted antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and oncolytic viruses.

Immunotherapy is widely considered to be the most promising new cancer treatment approach since the development of the first chemotherapies in the 1940s. Cancer immunotherapy treatments harness and enhance the innate powers of the immune system to fight cancer.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, a type of adoptive cell therapy, has been shown in early clinical trials to be particularly effective at treating leukemia. In CAR T cell therapy, T cells from a patient are removed and then genetically modified to express a receptor that recognizes a particular protein, called an antigen, found on leukemia cells. The receptor is called “chimeric” because it is a hybrid molecule made up of two different proteins (an antibody and a T cell receptor) joined together.

In 2011, Carl H. June, M.D., Michael Kalos, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine achieved good clinical responses in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including two complete, durable clinical responses. After Kristin’s mother shared a video with her and Benny about the doctors’ immunotherapy work, it made sense to her that she’d use her own immune system to eliminate the cancer as her body had become resistant to standard chemotherapy regimens.

What’s Next for Immunotherapy Patients

In November 2014, Kristin officially began the CAR T cell therapy clinical trial. As one of the first to receive outpatient treatment, nurses and other professionals were especially excited to support and document Kristin’s journey. Unlike her previous chemotherapy treatments, after the CAR T cell infusion was completed and she had experienced the anticipated cytokine release syndrome—characterized by intense flu-like symptoms—she felt like she could begin recovering right away with minimal side effects. Two weeks before Christmas, a bone marrow biopsy confirmed that the cancer was gone and Kristin was in remission. Kristin reflected, “It was the best Christmas gift” for her entire family, and they were elated that the immunotherapy treatment worked.

Now, almost four years later, Kristin celebrates life with her family and partner, Benny, traveling and checking adventures off her bucket list. In her free time, Kristin also offers independent patient navigation and advocacy. Her goal is to help educate people about their options by sharing her own story, and to create tools and helpful online resources. “It’s important to be your own advocate, and if you can’t, have a loved one be your advocate—so you feel in control of what is happening to you,” Kristin explained.

“Once you choose hope, anything is possible,” is a mantra Kristin lives by and one that has become especially meaningful to her family. “Immunotherapy offers so much hope for those that have run out of treatment options and it’s changing lives,” said Kristin. She remains optimistic that more patients will benefit from emerging immunotherapy treatments—through new FDA-approved therapies and clinical trial participation.

There are many other cancer patients and survivors, like Kristin, who have been given new hope and longer lives thanks to cancer immunotherapy research and clinical trials.

“Clinical trials today are evaluating immunotherapies as a first-line cancer treatment, and we are beginning to see the first FDA approvals in the first-line setting, providing patients with more treatment options earlier in their journey,” said Dr. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, chief executive officer and director of scientific affairs at the Cancer Research Institute. “We hope our Clinical Trial Finder gives more promise to patients.”

For more information on cancer immunotherapy and how to match with an open clinical trial, visit the Cancer Research Institute Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trial Finder at https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/clinical-trials.


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Myths about erectile dysfunction

2018-05-30T07:01:01

(BPT) – Erectile dysfunction, or ED, may be difficult to talk about, but more than half of men over 40 experience some degree of ED.[1] It can be frustrating, embarrassing and confusing to be unable to achieve or maintain an erection, but there are many myths about this common health condition that should be dispelled.

Myth: ED is Just a Normal Part of Aging

Fact: It’s true that ED becomes more common as men age, but it does not need to be something that men accept as a routine part of getting older. ED is a medical condition that can and should be treated, whether it occurs at 41 or at 89.

Myth: Having ED Means A Man Doesn’t Want Sex

Fact: Some men who experience ED may avoid having sexual intercourse because they are afraid they will not be able to get or maintain an erection. However, ED is not an indication of sexual desire, and treating ED may help to restore a healthy sex life.

Myth: ED is Nothing to be Concerned About

Fact: Although it isn’t always the case, ED can be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease.[2] For example, almost 70 percent of the time, ED occurs before coronary heart disease.[3] And, particularly for men younger than 45, ED can be an early symptom of undiagnosed diabetes.[4] It’s important to see a doctor when experiencing symptoms of ED to rule out possible serious medical conditions.

Myth: ED can be Treated Simply by Taking a Pill

Fact: While oral medications are a common first step to treat ED, they don’t work for everyone. About 50 percent of men with ED typically give up or the pills stop working[5] and men taking prescriptions for heart disease may not be able to take ED medications.[6] The good news is that there are a number of other treatment options available such as a penile implant, which offers a permanent solution and provides the man with complete control over his erections. ED medications have been used to treat the condition for twenty years,[7] and penile implants have been used for more than 40 years.[8]

If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of ED, it’s important to speak with a specialist. Visit www.edcure.org to:

  • Take a simple assessment to receive a customized profile of ED symptoms and see how severely it may be impacting you or your loved one’s life
  • Find an ED specialist in your area
  • Register for free educational seminars to learn more about treatment options
  • Hear how people like you have found treatment for their ED and get answers to common questions about ED, penile implants and insurance coverage.

EDCURE.ORG is a website sponsored by Boston Scientific Corporation

[1] Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, et al. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol. 1994 Jan;151(1):54-61. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[2] Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, et al. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol. 1994 Jan;151(1):54-61. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[3] Gandaglia G, Briganti A, Jackson G, et al. A systematic review of the association between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Eur Urol. 2014 May;65(5):968-78.

[4] Sexual and Urologic Problems of Diabetes. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/sup/. Accessed May 2015. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[5] Matthew AG, Goldman A, Trachtenberg J, et al. Sexual dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: prevalence, treatments, restricted use of treatments and distress. J Urol. 2005 Dec;174(6):2105-10. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[6] Jackson G, Rosen RC, Kloner RA, et al. The second Princeton consensus on sexual dysfunction and cardiac risk: new guidelines for sexual medicine. J Sex Med. 2006 Jan;3(1):28–36. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[7] Viagra: The Little Blue Pill That Could. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2013/03/27/health/viagra-anniversary-timeline/index.html. Accessed March 2018.

[8] Scott FB, Bradley WE, Timm GW. Management of erectile impotence: use of implantable inflatable prosthesis. Urology. 1973 Jul:2(1):80-2. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)


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Glucose Monitoring Just got Easier. Routine Fingersticks are Now a Thing of the Past.

2018-05-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you are one of the 30 million Americans with diabetes, you know all too well that the painful routine of checking blood sugar levels has remained unchanged for decades. Prick your finger, drop blood on a test strip, insert into a reader and wait. Repeat up to eight times per day.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body processes blood sugar. And according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the U.S. is one of the top three countries in the world with the highest diabetes prevalence.

“Every year, more than one million people are diagnosed with diabetes and have to learn how to best manage their disease, including adjusting their diet, exercising and closely monitoring their glucose levels,” said Cher Pastore, MS, RDN, Certified Diabetes Educator, founder and owner of CherNutrition in New York City. “With that comes the dreaded fingerstick, an important but painful and invasive part of managing diabetes that many patients struggle with for most of their lives. Until now, the fingerstick has been the only way to maintain a good handle on one’s glucose levels and help inform treatment decisions.”

But managing your glucose levels just got easier. Last fall, the FDA approved a revolutionary diabetes wearable technology that is unlike any other glucose monitoring technology on the market and is transforming the way people manage their diabetes. The FreeStyle Libre system from Abbott is a personal continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that eliminates the need for fingerstick calibration, allowing for more flexibility when managing your diabetes. It also removes the burden of routine fingersticks – the one step that people with diabetes claim is the biggest reason they don’t test their glucose levels as often as they should.

With just a one second scan over a small sensor that is worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 10 days, the FreeStyle Libre system provides people with their current glucose level, historical trends and patterns of where their glucose has been and a directional arrow showing where their glucose level is going. The FreeStyle Libre system scans through clothing and avoids interference with acetaminophen, an active ingredient in common over-the-counter medications, which can falsely raise reported glucose levels in certain CGMs to appear as if they are at dangerously high levels. The FreeStyle Libre sensor also automatically measures glucose readings day and night and is accurate for insulin dosing.

“Patients have really been embracing the FreeStyle Libre as it takes away the burden of routine fingersticks, while at the same time helping them manage their diabetes,” said Pastore. “It’s easy to use and discreet, and represents a true innovation that empowers patients to make the best decisions about their health.”

The FreeStyle Libre system is available in major retail pharmacies. Visit www.freestylelibre.us/cgm-experience to learn more about how the FreeStyle Libre system is transforming diabetes management and how you can receive the system free of charge.

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

The FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring system is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device indicated for replacing blood glucose testing and detecting trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The system is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.

WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The FreeStyle Libre system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The FreeStyle Libre system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.


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5 ways to up your summer get-together game

2018-05-30T17:01:00

(BPT) – Neighborhood cookouts are quintessentially summer, and totally fun. Because of that, it’s no surprise that you may want to host them as often as possible, even every weekend if you could. But that introduces a new challenge — how do you keep your events fresh and interesting for your guests?

Multiple events allow you the opportunity to switch things up and make your individual get-togethers more special. So with that in mind, here’s a list of five ways you can up your game and take your cookouts to the next level this year.

* Smoke your meat … without the smoker. Not only is this possible, it’s quite easy to do. Clean out a used metal can — the larger the better — and remove its label. Once the can is ready, fill it half full of wood chips — try apple wood for a more mild smokiness, or hickory for something a bit stronger. Cover the lid with foil and poke three to four holes, each about half an inch in size. Finally, place the can on your grill; you should start to see smoke rising from the holes in 10 minutes or less. Cook your meat around this can and keep the grill closed whenever possible to lock in that smoky flavor.

* Refresh old classics. The cheeseburger is a summer event mainstay and one you don’t need to sacrifice simply because you’re trying to switch things up. Instead of abandoning the cheeseburger altogether, why not give it a distinctly new taste instead? Castello Burger Blue Cheese is conveniently sliced and made to melt on any burger. Its creamy and characteristically tangy notes of blue feature balanced sweet and salty undertones, making it a good match for everything from traditional beef burgers all the way to Portobello veggie burgers. And if crumbles are more your thing, the Castello Burger Blue Cheese Shaker will turn your traditional cheeseburger into a delicious crumble creation in no time. All you have to do is shake and enjoy.

* Theme your get-together. This one could mean different things to different groups, but determining the best theme for your guest list is half the fun. If your guests are well traveled, host an “around the world” party and ask each guest to bring a dish from a different country. Or try a nostalgic approach with a summer camp theme featuring rustic picnic spreads, a campfire and games. Find a theme that matches the interests of your group and everyone will be excited to jump on board.

* Change up the menu. A cookout can have a very unique feel — and taste — simply by altering the side dishes you offer. This is a wonderful opportunity to show off your creative side and replace those same-old sides with new flavors like macaroni with blue cheese with bacon or baked sweet potatoes loaded with pulled barbecue chicken and Castello Extra Mature Cheddar cheese. You can find these and many more recipes on Castello’s website, so take the time to explore and discover the perfect solution to tantalize your guests’ taste buds.

* Shift the timeline. Cookouts are generally seen as an afternoon event, but you can always switch things up by adjusting the timeline. Invite friends and family over for a brunch cookout to enjoy before spending the day at the beach or ball game. Think pancakes, bacon and eggs on the grill using a cast-iron skillet, fresh squeezed orange juice and frozen melon balls for cooling down. Mix it up and your group is sure to appreciate the change.

The sooner you plan, the sooner you can celebrate

No matter the theme, time or menu for your event, a little planning goes a long way, so don’t delay. Your next-level summer get-together is just waiting for you to bring it to life, and once you finish your first cookout, there will be no stopping you from planning your second … and third … and … more!


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A healthier, happier summer starts with these tips

2018-05-30T17:01:00

(BPT) – In the cold of winter, at the start of the year, people all across the country resolve to live a healthier lifestyle — yet summer is actually the perfect time to start your resolution. Think about it: the weather is beautiful, the kids are out of school and fresh produce is abundant.

Instead of starting a resolution to live healthier at a time when you’ll be cooped up inside to avoid the cold, why not do it now when you can’t wait to be outside?

Your path to success begins with these five tips.

* Get the family outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, walking, gardening or swimming, there are scores of things to do outdoors during the summer, and any of these can help you burn calories, improve muscle mass and, best of all, have fun. And did you know that moderate exposure to sunlight can also provide the vitamin D your body needs to fight off disease? Bonus! Pick an activity that appeals to the whole family (furry friends included) and you’re more apt to stick to your routine.

* Start your day off right. Summertime is full of indulgences, from ice cream cones to frosè to s’mores over the campfire. Don’t be afraid to dig into these treats, but make sure the rest of the day stays balanced. Everything in moderation, as they say! A bagel or toast with a quick spread of Arla Cream Cheese made with no artificial flavors or preservatives is a quick, nutritious way to start your day off on the right foot. When you start with a cream cheese that is so deliciously simple, it’s easy to layer on the farmer’s market fruits and veggies. Give it a try and you’ll find an entirely new breakfast routine to fuel your summer fun.

* Grab some shades. Proper eye care is advised all year long, but it’s especially important in the summer when you’re outside in the sun. Invest in a good pair of shades capable of blocking at least 99 percent of all ultraviolet A and B rays. Then make sure you wear them when you’re outdoors. Not only will you look incredibly cool and chic, you’ll also reduce the possibility of wrinkles developing around your eyes and ward off cataracts.

* Serve up healthy snacks. Having a casual neighborhood get-together calls for easy, bite-sized snacks to complement your summer drinks. Skip the chips and aim for healthy snacks instead. Cranberry cream cheese dip, cheesy snack bread with grilled local vegetables, and warm spinach and Gouda Gateau will all redefine your idea of good snacking, and they’re easy to make. Visit Arla’s website to find your inspiration and make casual al fresco hosting more delicious and healthy than you ever expected.

* Take that vacation. Yes, actually take it. Your total health is more than just your physical well-being; it’s your mental health as well. Nothing helps you reset the batteries like a good vacation. With that in mind, make sure your vacation doesn’t create stress. Keep travel and related expenses to a minimum and you’ll spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time wondering how to get everywhere and pay for it. If traveling overseas or taking a whole week away is too big of a leap, instead try a long weekend in a new city in your own state, or road trip to a National Park and book a campsite. There are options at every budget level, and summer is the perfect time to get out and go!

Start enjoying a healthier lifestyle today

There’s no reason to wait until next winter to start living a healthier lifestyle. Everything you need is right here in the summer, so formulate your plan, apply the tips above and stick with it. Do so and your resolution will be holding strong by the time New Year’s rolls around again.


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Businesses brace for a summer with record low unemployment

2018-05-30T11:01:00

(BPT) – School closing for the summer may mark lazy days for kids, but local businesses are bracing for peak season. With unemployment at a 17-year low, and a record 6.6 million job openings reported at the end of March, it’ll be tougher than usual to serve the seasonal boom of customers as the weather warms up. Traditionally, many hourly positions were filled by teens on summer vacation who didn’t have another way to make some spare cash. This source of trusty summer hires is down from 60 to 30 percent, which — coupled with a teeny 3.9 percent unemployment rate — means businesses that rely on heavy summer hiring should expect a smaller-than-usual batch of job seekers.

Record-low unemployment means small teams with new or inexperienced hires handling the summer customer rush — a potential recipe for disaster, with managers filling in more gaps in service than usual. Not to worry! Here are a few tips to help keep things business as usual leading up to this challenging summer season.

Let technology handle paperwork, so you can manage the team

When paperwork’s piling up, it’s impossible to focus on running the team. Using wall calendars and highlighters as a way to manage schedules wastes valuable hours. There are plenty of new technologies, from onboarding to payroll to scheduling, to take the hassle out of all the managerial muck.

“Technology can be the secret weapon of Main Street with easy-to-use systems that automate everything from managing payroll to streamlining sales reports,” said John Waldmann, CEO of Homebase (joinhomebase.com), a top platform for managing the hourly workforce. “For example, Homebase can calculate overtime as you build your schedule and send text reminders to your employees to show up on time.”

Attract employees with benefits you can afford

Local and franchise businesses that rely on a minimum-wage workforce have been feeling pressure from increased labor costs. With higher hourly wages tightening already thin margins, businesses must rely on low-cost and high-impact benefits to attract and retain the best employees. A reliable front-of-house team is an essential part of the customer experience, and bad service can override anything you’ve done on the product.

Amy Simmons, founder of Amy’s Ice Cream, a local Austin chain, explains: “We want our team members to have just as much fun as our customers. Scoop-tossing tricks and great ice cream aren’t only what keep customers coming back, they keep employees excited to be a part of something fun and looking forward to coming in to work.”

Building a great employee culture is a relatively inexpensive way to attract team members and keep them engaged. Simple things like providing a team meal or rewarding high-performing (or highly enthusiastic) employees are ways to create a shared sense of value. Amy’s takes this even a step further by spending time educating employees on how to read financial statements and run a successful business. Team meals with a side of education are a wonderful way to create value for employees and invest in their futures.

Make and manage schedules that set everyone up for success

Regardless of the season, every scheduled hour matters — every late start or no-show can hit the bottom line. During the summer, high customer volume makes this even tougher. Local business owners should get into the communication flow of the digital native generation that’s running the registers. Give people more control over schedules with mobile tools that simplify shift-swapping and accommodate last-minute summer travel requests.

Communication is key when teams are juggling hourly schedules that are never the same two weeks in a row. Businesses found a significant decrease in missed shifts when using an online platform like Homebase to send out reminders to team members before shifts.

Stay on top this summer

This summer season will be a unique challenge given unemployment, but also a time to shine. The spots featured in tourist maps that help create the culture of our favorite neighborhoods are also the businesses under the most pressure when unemployment is low. Punting on paperwork and focusing on Insta-worthy recipes, displays and experiences will make these local heroes the hot part of their customers’ favorite season, regardless of weather.


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Menopause and painful sex: What you need to know

2018-05-30T07:01:01

(BPT) – This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Senior Health & Fitness Day. The common goal for this observance is simple: to help keep Americans healthy and fit at any age. This national awareness day is the perfect opportunity for individuals to make or renew resolutions around aging and health and to revitalize their commitment to lead healthier lives — including their sex lives.

Intimacy has been connected with more and better-quality sleep, less stress and happier relationships in general, according to the journal “Health” — although committing to maintaining a healthy sex life may prove to be easier said than done. Unfortunately, for menopausal and postmenopausal women, pain during sex is common. A recent HealthyWomen survey of menopausal women about painful sex, sponsored by Duchesnay USA, found that 62 percent of respondents reported experiencing vaginal pain during or after sexual intercourse. Moreover, while many of the respondents reported still being sexually active (73 percent), 83 percent of respondents reported experiencing pain in half or more instances of sexual activity, with 73 percent rating the pain moderate to severe.

According to the “Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved Today,” many women are empowered to navigate their own medical care and make health care decisions for their families. Yet, when it comes to painful sex due to menopause, it seems that women are not speaking up about this common symptom to their health care providers. According to the HealthyWomen survey, 60 percent of respondents reported not discussing their painful sex with their health care providers. Furthermore, 69 percent were unaware that the painful sex they were experiencing is treatable.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is an opportunity to highlight the communication barriers surrounding painful sex due to menopause and the treatment options available, with the long-term goal of improving women’s sexual — and overall — health.

Are you suffering needlessly?

Significant strides in clinical research and disease treatment have led to medical advances that may benefit menopausal women experiencing pain during intercourse. While painful sex can be treated with lubricants or moisturizers, these only provide temporary relief and do not address the underlying condition causing the pain. There are prescription options available to treat moderate to severe painful sex, including a once-daily, hormone-free oral pill, which some women may prefer over vaginally applied treatments.

Empower yourself

Being your own health advocate requires overcoming the communication barrier surrounding pain you are experiencing during sex. Your health care provider can provide insight into the risks and benefits of your options, but only if you start the conversation.

Here are some things you can discuss with your health care provider at your next appointment:

* When was your last menstrual period?

* How often do you have pain during or after sex?

* How intense is your pain during or after sex? Moderate? Severe?

* How are you coping with pain during or after sex?

* Is an oral treatment right for you?

To learn more: healthywomen.org/painfulsex.