Can you believe that around 26,000 women died per year before the American Cancer Society suggested Pap screenings? Cervical cancer killed many women prior to implementation of Pap smears in the 1940s. The quick, painless test began saving lives almost immediately.
Did you know that pelvic inflammatory disease affects millions of women each year? This infection can occur in one or more pelvic organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, or cervix.
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.
When is the most common age for perimenopause to begin? While ages of perimenopause onset can vary, the average age is around 45 years. The perimenopause period can also commonly last for between 5 and 10 years.
If you are experiencing pain in the lower back, having extremely heavy, painful periods as well as pain during intimacy, you could have a fibroid tumor. These are most common in women in their 30s and 40s. The good news is fibroid tumors are not cancerous.
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.
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.
Even though MRI is found to be safe, the first trimester of pregnancy is critical and fragile, and because the unborn baby will be in a strong magnetic field, pregnant women should not have this exam unless the potential benefit from the MRI will outweigh the potential risks. Likewise, pregnant women should not receive injections of gadolinium contrast material except when absolutely necessary.
Did you know that the majority of women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer have gone more than five years without getting a Pap smear? Because the cancer isn't generally detected early in these women, it's more likely to be at an advanced stage and is much harder to treat. Schedule regular Pap screenings to make sure you stay healthy.
Were you aware that you breathe deeper during pregnancy? As your uterus grows, the diaphragm is compressed. It may seem difficult to breathe deeply, but you are actually breathing in more air than normal.
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.
When your menstrual cycle is all over the place, unpredictable hormones surging through your body can wreak havoc on your emotional state. When you’re ready to look for ways to treat these issues, your gynecologist is the best place to start.
Magnetic resonance imaging called MRI is a powerful magnetic field and radio waves that are interpreted by a computer to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI is used to diagnose and monitor many different health issues, including pregnancy concerns after the first trimester.
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.
Mammograms are not the most pleasant exam to have but they are necessary. Regular mammograms go a long way to early detection for breast cancer, which can increase your survival rate.
If my doctor concludes I have endometriosis, is surgery inevitable? Not at all. It depends on your specific symptoms, and, in some cases, pain medication is all that is required. In more serious cases, hormone therapy can help to reduce the pain, and there are many pharmaceutical options for you and your gynecologist to consider.
What is the Pap test? That is a wellness test that can detect the presence of cancers or pre-cancers in the cervix. Because of its importance, nearly all insurance plans are required to cover the total cost of this test.
Fibroids are growths made up of fibrous and muscular tissue. They can grow inside, outside, or within the walls of the uterus and can be painful and cause excessive bleeding. They are the most common type of pelvic growth found in women.
While it was once recommended a woman get an annual Pap smear as soon as she became sexually active, today the number has been raised to age 21. Women 20-29 should be tested every three years, adding an HPV test after that every five years.
While some infections may be easy enough to diagnose at home, coming to the wrong conclusion can mean using the wrong products. Scheduling an appointment with us can give you the peace of mind in knowing exactly what’s going on with your body.
What is the greatest risk from endometriosis? Depending on the severity of your case, pain and inflammation could be the most significant results. However, the growth of endometrium outside of the uterus can block the fallopian tubes or grow into the ovaries, creating additional health issues.
It is important for all women to have pap smears, along with pelvic exams, as part of their routine health care. It is recommended that you start Pap tests either at the age of 21 or are first sexually active.