Just because your pap smears have always come back negative for any issues doesn’t mean that they’re an unnecessary part of your healthcare. Keeping an regular schedule of gynecology checkups is the best way to catch any potential issues before they can become a serious problem for your health.
Regular OB/GYN visits area necessary if you want to take control of your health and well-being. Most health experts recommend seeing your OB/GYN at least once a year.
The good news about fibroid tumors is that they are never cancerous. However, in some cases, the tumors can grow large enough to cause significant symptoms and even make it more difficult to get pregnant or to have a normal delivery.
If you are considering becoming pregnant, see your gynecologist beforehand. Also, it is a good idea to start changing your food habits to include a healthy variety of foods, and be sure to exercise, in order to stay in shape during your pregnancy.
If certain medical conditions like breast cancer or polycystic ovarian syndrome run in your family, you may have an increased likelihood of getting the disease yourself. Make sure to tell your gynecologist about your medical history as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, certain medical conditions can make pregnancy more difficult than others. Let’s talk about the state of your health and what changes you can make to ensure you’re giving your baby the best possible start you can.
Sometimes, women resist going to the gynecologist because they're shy or embarrassed about their appearance. The truth is that there's nothing to feel embarrassed about. Gynecologists see women of all shapes and sizes, and they're only interested in making sure you stay healthy.
Good nutrition is critical for a healthy pregnancy. It’s recommended you add 300 to 500 calories a day to your diet while pregnant and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water.
There are several reasons why your gynecologist might recommend a bone density test. This includes lost height, the taking of certain prescription medicines, a recent drop in hormone levels, and signs of bone fragility (such as a recent fracture).
When pregnant, be cautious with alternative or natural medicines or therapies. Always check with your OB/GYN, as certain substances are actually harmful in pregnancy.
For many women, a visit to the gynecologist is something they only schedule when they’re experiencing pain or menstrual irregularities. If you’re trying to maintain good reproductive health, it’s advisable to schedule more regular appointments just to ensure there aren’t any problems forming.
Many women experience Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy, which are harmless. Characteristic of Braxton Hicks contractions are that they don’t get closer together and they stop whenever you move around or rest.
If you’ve been experiencing recent changes to your menstrual cycle, you may wonder whether there’s a health issue you should worry about. While it’s always worth having us check it out for your own peace of mind, there’s no reason to panic.
Despite rumors that say pregnant women need to gain all the weight they can to have a healthy baby, the truth is that most women will only need an extra 300 calories per day. Most women only need to gain about 25 pounds throughout their entire pregnancy.
Fibroids don’t always require treatment. If they aren’t growing quickly or causing any noticeable problems, they generally will not require treatment. You do not need a hysterectomy to treat fibroids, but the reason for many hysterectomies is problems with fibroids.
A false positive Pap test means that a woman has been told she has abnormal cells but the cells are not actually abnormal or cancerous. If you have received a false positive, this means there is actually no problem and thus no need to worry.
Did you know that it’s recommended that teenage girls first see an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 to 15? This helps establish a good relationship between doctor and patient, and the doctor can also answer any questions she might have about contraceptives and STDs.
It’s important to remember that the female body is so much more complicated than what you learned in a high school health class. If you’re experiencing something that doesn’t seem quite normal for your body, we’re always here to help you get to the bottom of things.
Do you ever worry that issues with your menstrual cycle could make it more difficult for you to get pregnant when you’re ready? Let’s talk about what’s going on with your body so that we can help you to better manage the situation.
Were you aware that digestion slows during pregnancy? Progesterone slows down your digestion early on so that your body can absorb more nutrients to pass to your baby. To help your body out, have plenty of fluids, fruit, and vegetables on hand.
Although it can be a little embarrassing to talk about your sex life with your doctor, your gynecologist is often the best person to talk to when you’re experiencing pain or discomfort. Let’s talk about what’s been going on with your body, so that we can help you get to the bottom of things.
We recognize that not every woman necessarily knows how she’ll feel about having children in the future. When you’re looking for ways to protect against accidental pregnancy without cutting off your future options, your gynecologist is the best person to talk to.
We understand that some of the most common women's health complaints can also be some of the most uncomfortable to talk about. Remember, our office is your safe place to discuss all aspects of your reproductive health.
One of the common symptoms of pregnancy is leg cramps. Stretching before bed can help prevent these. Also, if you continue to exercise, even if you have to take it slow, you will be able to recover after pregnancy better.
While some questions you might have about your reproductive health might seem embarrassing, you can rest assured that your gynecologist has likely heard it before. It's a good idea to keep a list of questions between scheduled visits, so you have it on hand when it's time for your appointment.
Women over the age of 65 might have certain health topics they want to discuss with their gynecologist. Some topics might include: sexual health, fitness and nutrition, cardiovascular risk factors, relationships and mental health, how to reduce stroke risk, alternative medicine options, self-breast exams, bladder issues and hormone therapy.
Some of the most common symptoms of endometriosis are: pelvic pain, cramping in the pelvic area, fatigue, lower back pain and possibly infertility. Seeking advice from an experienced gynecologist can help with all of these issues.
Sometimes, women will no longer need a regular Pap test following a total hysterectomy. The exception to this would be if the hysterectomy was a treatment for a precancerous or cancerous condition of the cervix.
If you have a reproductive issue, beware of self-diagnosis. Trying to figure out and treat the problem yourself based on information you get off of the Internet or from a magazine is never as effective as a visit to your gynecologist (and you may erroneously think your issue is worse than it actually is).
MRI scans have been used on patients, including pregnant women, since the 1980s. Did you know there have never been any reports of problems or ill effects on pregnant women or their unborn babies?
So what is an ASCUS test result when it comes to Pap tests? An ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of unknown significance) is usually no cause for alarm and is usually the result of a mild infection or inflammation that has caused the cervical cells to temporarily look abnormal.
Did you know that well-women exams are recommended on an annual basis starting at the age of 18 (or when sexual activity begins)? This exam consists of a general physical exam, breast exam, and sometimes a pelvic exam and pap smear.
Is a hysterectomy the only surgical option to treat endometriosis? Consult your gynecologist, but it is possible to remove the endometriosis and not disturb the uterus. This can increase the chances of getting pregnant. However, it is not uncommon for endometriosis to return.
While new pap smear guidelines have been released, your doctor’s recommendations may be different. This is often due to a past history of abnormal pap smear results or any underlying health conditions which could affect gynecological health.
What is a quad screen? Usually given between the 15th and 18th week of pregnancy, this blood test can determine the risk that your baby will have certain birth defects, including neural tube defects. The only way to determine conclusively if your baby has a birth defect, however, is through amniocentesis.
Do you know why it’s important to eat healthy during pregnancy? Your baby gets food before you. The baby will take all the nutrients he or she needs, which can leave you lacking in vitamins such a Vitamin C and Iron.
With a Pap test, a small brush is used to collect cells from both the cervix and also the endocervix (which is the opening canal of the cervix). These cells are then tested for signs of infection, dysplasia (abnormalities), and cancer.
Both women and men seriously underestimate the prevalence of STDs. The guess is that one in 10 Americans will test positive for an STD during their lifetime. While that number seems astounding, the truth is that the real number is probably 1 in every 4 people.
It’s important to remember that being a long-term hormonal birth control user can mean your body takes longer to become fertile once you stop taking it. If you’re looking for a birth control method that won’t impact your ability to conceive when you’re ready, we may be able to suggest something else.
Teens might not feel comfortable talking to a parent or guardian about abnormal menstrual cycles. It’s important for them to know that their gynecologist is a great resource for them to ask questions and present any concerns they might have.
Are loss of bone density and menopause connected? Research shows they are, and it’s important for women to counteract the loss of bone density in menopause. Consult your gynecologist, but exercise – such as walking – and vitamin supplements can both help significantly.
Would you believe that your feet can grow an entire shoe size during pregnancy? It has to do with the excess pressure on your feet, paired with relaxed ligaments in your body. As your pregnancy progresses, your body starts to release the tightness of its ligaments to help with the birthing process, and this includes the entire body.
It's important for parents of teenage girls to take them to the gynecologist and establish regular visits as a routine. This will help them understand what's happening with their changing bodies and to catch any problems early, so they'll be easier to treat.
Are you planning a new little one in the near future? A check up with a good OB/GYN can help you make sure that you are ready for the experience- and they can help you through the whole process from day you begin trying to become pregnant to birth.
If you are working while pregnant, you may find that you become easily fatigued. Experts say drinking plenty of water, eating foods loaded with iron and protein and taking short but frequent breaks to get up and stretch or to close your eyes and put your feet up for a few minutes can all be helpful.
Did you know that about 35 out of 100 fertility issues are caused by a problem with the man’s reproductive system? The most common of these issues is a low sperm count.
So how exactly does a bone density test work? This type of screening uses x-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. The bones that are most commonly tested are located in the spine, hip, and forearm.
I lie awake at night for hours because of menopause. Is there medication that will help? Consult your gynecologist, but you also can try some lifestyle changes. Avoid taking any naps, and try to be physically active during the day, though not immediately before bedtime. In addition, stay away from caffeine, particularly later in the day.
Does it ever feel like you’re really too young to benefit from seeing your gynecologist regularly? Remember, cysts, cancer, and other reproductive issues can manifest at any age, making regular checkups your first line of defense against trouble.
Did you know that flu-like symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, can be a warning sign that you are going into preterm labor? Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, even if they seem mild.
The majority of reasons women see a gynecologist besides for annual examinations range from cancer or pre-cancer to fertility issues. Painful or nonexistent periods, prolapsed vaginal organs, infections, and incontinence are a few other reasons to see a gynecologist.
If your pap smear comes back abnormal, you may need to return to our office within six months to take another test. This can help us determine the cause of the abnormal test results.
Around age 70, a woman with a history of normal pap smears and no new sexual partners can typically stop regular gynecological visits.
If you do have an abnormal Pap result, it doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Your doctor knows the best steps to take, whether doing a biopsy on the abnormal cells or performing a colposcopy.
The majority of reasons women see a gynecologist besides for annual examinations range from cancer or pre-cancer to fertility issues. Painful or nonexistent periods, prolapsed vaginal organs, infections, and incontinence are a few other reasons to see a gynecologist.
If your pap smear comes back abnormal, you may need to return to our office within six months to take another test. This can help us determine the cause of the abnormal test results.
Generally, women in their third trimester are encouraged not to sleep on their backs. This is because the weight of the uterus can actually reduce blood flow to the fetus. Instead, it’s recommended you sleep on your side.
Around age 70, a woman with a history of normal pap smears and no new sexual partners can typically stop regular gynecological visits.
If you do have an abnormal Pap result, it doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Your doctor knows the best steps to take, whether doing a biopsy on the abnormal cells or performing a colposcopy.
The majority of reasons women see a gynecologist besides for annual examinations range from cancer or pre-cancer to fertility issues. Painful or nonexistent periods, prolapsed vaginal organs, infections, and incontinence are a few other reasons to see a gynecologist.
If your pap smear comes back abnormal, you may need to return to our office within six months to take another test. This can help us determine the cause of the abnormal test results.