help! im 16 and i think i have pinworms

[fantasy821]

im 16 years old and i think im pretty sure that i have pinworms. I know that i SHOULD talk to my mom, but its kinda embarasing for me if i talk to her. I dont know how long i have had them.... i kinda found this site out of desperation for an outside view and help--after all, i am kind of embarassed to talk about it with my mom. Im hoping that someone will be able to answer a few of my questions...

 

Ok, so, my family has a history of colon cancer (in fact, my mom just got out of surgery--shes doing great now) and i was wondering if i have pinworms, will that increase-scratch that, doctors say there is nearly a 100% chance i will have colon cancer- will having pinworms make my colon cancer condition worse when i do develope it (if the pinworms are left untreated)? (( does no one really know about that))

 

second, what will happen if i just leave it untreated?

 

third, is there a way i can get rid of it without having to get medication?

 

fourth, i know that someone will (hopefully) reply and they are going to say i should talk to my mom--BUT! is there someway i can get a treatment without having to go to a doctor and get a prescription?

 

thank you for any help you can give me

[Craig]

Why be embarrassed about talking to your Mom? Pinworms are easily spread, it's not like you have an STD or something.

 

So what are your choices? If you have Pinworms and treat yourself you are most likely going to get re-infected over and over again unless everyone in your household is treated as well. Because multiple infestations within the household are the rule, treatment of only one family member is useless.

 

If you leave it untreated you will just continue spreading pinworms to other people and eventually (if they aren't already infected) everyone in your household will have pinworms.

 

I don't know of a way to get rid of Pinworms without medication. There is an over the counter (no doctor or prescription needed) medication called Pin-X but I don't know how good it is.

 

Regarding your colon cancer question you'll have to ask your doctor.

[moimeme]

The last thing your mom needs is a case of pinworms. Go to a doctor as soon as you can and get rid of them before the rest of your family ends up with it.

[honey2005]

I really really recommend seeing your doctor about this. Since you're already at such a great risk for colon cancer, don't take a chance of making it any worse. I don't know if pinworms could complicate things more, but please don't take that chance. See your doctor:(. Don't be embarassed.

[CaterpillarGirl]

Ok, so, my family has a history of colon cancer (in fact, my mom just got out of surgery--shes doing great now) and i was wondering if i have pinworms, will that increase-scratch that, doctors say there is nearly a 100% chance i will have colon cancer- will having pinworms make my colon cancer condition worse when i do develope it (if the pinworms are left untreated)? (( does no one really know about that))

 

I could not find any evidence linking pinworms (Enterobiasis) with colon cancer.

 

second, what will happen if i just leave it untreated?

 

It is a parasite. It will continue to grow, reproduce, die in your intestines. Usually, the body is able to eliminate them over time, but this continues for several months. In the meantime it is VERY likely that you have spread the pinworms to someone else.

 

third, is there a way i can get rid of it without having to get medication?

 

You need a prescription to get mebendazole (Vermox) and/or pyrantel pamoate (Combantrin) to treat the infection. This is the guaranteed and safest method of eradication. Having said that, however, I have heard of naturopathic treatments which include a diet of pumpkin seeds, garlic, wormwood, and black walnut. Please, please go to the doctor instead!

 

 

fourth, i know that someone will (hopefully) reply and they are going to say i should talk to my mom--BUT! is there someway i can get a treatment without having to go to a doctor and get a prescription?

 

You need a prescription and the meds. Last time I was infected was when I was sixteen and working at a summer camp. It really is very easy, especially if you can vouch for having seen them yourself. The doctor will either: a) believe you have the worms or b) give you a stick with a piece of scotch tape to take home and collect a sample of the worms with. He will then give you and your family medication (in most cases only one pill a week is needed). You will also have to clean all your linens (twice) and go to town with the bleach in your bathroom.

 

 

Pinworms may seem like an embarassment, but really it is a common infection. And as such, easily spread. Please talk to your mom, or show her this post. It is not the huge thing you fear.

[Beth]

http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/hw50483.asp

 

Here is a link to WebMD. Look at the right-hand column for more information on pinworms, causes, treatments, etc.

 

I suggest you see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis. There is nothing to be embarassed about.

[Leikela]

And here's the direct link to the section on Home Treatment.

 

http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/aa28446.asp

[Fantasy 821]

thanks so much everyone, i suppose i was around online just tryin to find out more about the pinworms and then i just got spooked. Thanks so much for all your help!

 

i really dont wanna go to the doctor though, my doctor is psycho! everytime i go he insists on sticking that popsicle stick down my throwt even though i tell him theres nothing wrong with my throwt and ill just end up throwing up. He never listens though-and i do end up thowing up. Hes also like almost 60, german and has a really thick acsent, its so hard to understand what he says. I hacnt been to see him in ages because i hate him so much, hopefully by now he has retired or something....

 

But anyway! thank you all so much again, and i promise you ill go talk to my mom as soon as i gather up my courage, lol. (even if there isnt any that really does need to be gathered.)

 

Thanks a million again--toodles!