A patient has a positive urine pregnancy test and says they can’t possibly be pregnant. What do you do next? Any test obtained in a clinic, research, or even in a home setting has the potential to have false positive results. It’s reasonable to start this evaluation with an assessment of how likely it is that the patient might be pregnant. If there is any possibility, then they are likely pregnant until proven otherwise. Here are the next steps in some puzzling scenarios …

Adults of reproductive age (18-45 years) who were assigned female at birth (i.e., born with a vulva and a vagina) frequently ask what screening examinations and tests are recommended for maintaining optimal health. Dr. Carrie Cwiak, Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University, offers the answers to those frequently asked questions.

Question: I am used to treating patients who report chronic heavy menstrual bleeding, but what can I do for a patient in my clinic who at this moment is actively losing excessive amounts of blood? She has to change her pad every 30-40 minutes and wear double protection to prevent spillage. I can tell she needs help now and may not be able to be referred.