There are no set rules for when a woman may begin menopause but according to several studies, the average age in America is 52 years old. However, this transition may begin anywhere from 30 to 60.
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.
What should I expect if my gynecologist suspects I have endometriosis? According to experts, a pelvic exam and ultrasound are very likely. The best way to make a conclusive diagnosis is with the help of a laparoscopy. This procedure requires general anesthesia, as a tube is placed inside the patient to examine cysts or other growths up close.
Upon self-examination, a breast lump or pain should be reported to your gynecologist. They will do a thorough breast exam and determine whether a mammogram, breast ultrasound, or both, should be scheduled in order to view any breast abnormalities.
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.
Are you thinking about discontinuing your birth control to try getting pregnant? If you’ve been on oral contraceptives, it could take several months before they’re fully out of your system and you’re able to conceive.
While most women start menopause in their early 50s, others start earlier or later. If you are approaching the onset of menopause and have a change in your menstrual cycle, it’s a good idea to check with your gynecologist to rule out the possibility of pregnancy.
There are certain times when it’s important to see your OB/GYN outside of your annual well-woman check. If you notice any unusual problems or symptoms, you should have an exam.
I have been diagnosed with endometriosis. Does that mean I can’t have a child? Every case is unique, and your gynecologist can provide more specific information. In some cases, that is the result because of scar tissue that can create significant pelvic pain.
There are a number of reasons for missing your period that have nothing to do with pregnancy or menopause that aren’t indicators for an underlying health problem. Rest assured that we’re always here to help you get to the bottom of issues with your cycle.
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.
If you notice any signs of a menstrual cycle not associated with the cycle, such as bleeding during or after sexual activity, it’s important to check with your gynecologist immediately.
Obstetrics and gynecological care is essential to a woman’s health, especially during pregnancy. Prenatal treatment will help keep both fetus and mom healthy, and will offer continuous monitoring to make sure everything is normal during the pregnancy.
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.
If you want to get pregnant, act like you already are. This means not drinking alcohol while trying to conceive. There are varying ideas of what is a safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, so its better to play it safe.
Although the experience of menopause is unique for all women, there are some menopause symptoms that are more common than others, such as hot flashes or weight gain. These can be managed with help from an experienced gynecologist.
Regardless of your age, you can expect your gynecologist to assess your current health status regarding your nutrition, physical activity, sexual activity, and potential tobacco or alcohol use during your first visit.
It’s a sad fact that some STDs can rob a woman of her ability to conceive a child later in life. While you may not necessarily be ready to have a baby today, working with your gynecologist to protect your reproductive health can help you ensure you’re healthy enough to have a baby when you’re ready.
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).
Are you trying to have a baby? Before becoming pregnant, you should make sure you are as healthy as possible. Some things to consider include: getting up-to-date on your vaccinations, getting any existing medical issues under control, get a complete family history, take inventory of any environment or occupational risks.
When you’re ready to start a family, it can be frustrating when you receive a negative pregnancy test month after month. Remember, it can take your body several months to conceive after you stop taking birth control pills, so you don’t necessarily have a fertility problem to overcome.
Preventive screenings that you get from annual doctor visits provides you with a better understanding of your current health situation.
