View a printable version of this blog post here. Why do my periods hurt so much? During your period, your uterus makes chemicals called “prostaglandins”. Prostaglandins cause contractions of the uterus, which causes pain. These contractions are similar to the ones that happen during childbirth and can be very painful. They may begin 1-2 days […]
During National Women’s Health Week, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some health care topics to help patients improve their overall health and live a healthy lifestyle. #1 – Annual Exams We cannot highlight enough the importance of the screening annual exam. During this visit, your physical as well as emotional well-being is assessed. […]
Today more than ever, women have a wide variety of non-surgical contraceptive options for preventing pregnancy. Research tells us that the most effective methods in preventing pregnancy are long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), which includes 5 types of intra uterine devices (IUDs) and the contraceptive implant (Nexplanon). Benefits of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) LARCs are better […]
As an Ob-Gyn, among the most devastating news I can share with my patient is that they are experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth. What is a miscarriage? A miscarriage is any pregnancy loss that occurs during the first 20 weeks of the pregnancy, which is around the 5th month. Even though there is some awareness […]
In the United States, 80% or more of pregnancies among adolescents age 15 to 19 years are unintended. National surveys report that ⅓ of high school students are sexually active and only ⅓ of those reported use effective contraception. Barriers to Seeking Contraception Potential barriers might include concerns about confidentiality or cost as well as […]
Pregnant with tummy troubles? Let us explain changes to your gastrointestinal system in pregnancy, and what you can do to feel better! Battling Constipation Progesterone, a pregnancy hormone, slows down the GI tract, which can have many unpleasant side effects. Bloating and constipation are two frequent side effects of this. Pressure from the pregnant uterus […]
The Pelvic Floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis that provides support for a woman’s internal organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. Dr. Andrea Crane, Urogynecologist with WakeMed Physician Practices – Urogynecology, says one in four women may suffer from Pelvic Floor […]
View a printable version of this blog post here. You take a pregnancy test at home….and it’s positive. Now what? The questions start running through your head: What should you be eating or not eating? Can you continue your regular workouts? Are your prescription medications okay for the baby? Now you don’t have to wait […]
Wellness visits provide healthcare providers the opportunity to counsel women on the recommended screenings, physical examinations and vaccinations based on age and risk factors. Topics of conversation at these visits vary, but vital signs (including height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate) and an appropriate physical examination are usually performed. Ages 13-18 Most pediatricians see […]
With the institution of screening pap smears, the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer has decreased worldwide. Routine screening guidelines for both abnormalities of the cervical cells and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) have undergone some change in the last several years. Most women do not need a pap smear every year. Depending on your […]
