A Healthier You in 2016

The new year brings a new opportunity to take charge of your health and live a better life. These three simple resolutions are a great way to start taking better care of yourself in 2016 without having to make major life changes. Remember, investing in your health now will result in many good years to come!

Resolution #1: Be More Active

Physical activity is very important to your overall health and emotional well being. Setting aside just 15-20 minutes to exercise each day lowers your risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer and keeps your muscles, bones and joints healthy. But even better, exercise helps you mentally – lowering symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and menopause.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 60 percent of women don’t get the amount of physical activity they need. The multiple demands of work and family often leave little time for exercise. The key to keeping up with this resolution is finding creative ways to add some exercise to your daily life. For example, you can use 15 minutes of your lunch break to walk up and down the stairs at work or go out for a walk with your kids after you pick them up from school. Remember: those 15 minutes today can stave off years of health problems in the future.

Resolution #2: Eat Better

Many of us want to start off the new year with a new diet. But be careful which one you choose – popular diets that restrict certain foods or drastically reduce caloric consumption often fail within a few weeks. So how can you successfully eat healthier? By simply making a few small changes such as these:

• Eat four – five small, healthy meals a day instead of three large meals.

• Start your day with a complete breakfast that will keep you full for hours. Try steel-cut oatmeal with fruit, whole-grain toast with peanut butter and a green juice, or scrambled eggs with veggies.

• Incorporate vegetables or greens into every meal – keep your plate colorful!

• Treat yourself to occasional unhealthy foods, like tacos or pizza, but make sure you keep the portions small.

Resolution #3: Be Proactive About Your Health

Many diseases that affect women can be successfully treated if detected early. It’s very important that you develop good communication with your OB/GYN so he or she can have a complete picture of your health history and address any concerns you may have.

Some important exams recommended for women include:
• Breast Cancer Screenings – All well women exams include a breast exam (which is different from a mammogram) to screen for breast cancer. Depending on your age, you might need to have a mammogram every year or every two years. You can read about the new mammogram guidelines here.

• Cervical Cancer Screening – The American Cancer Society recommends that women between 21-29 receive a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer every three years and that women between 30-65 receive a Pap test and an HPV Test once very five years.

• Bone Mineral Density Test – Women over 65 should have this osteoporosis screening at least once. It is also recommended that women begin discussing this test with their OB/GYN once they turn 50. Those who are at a higher risk should be screened earlier.

• Well Woman Exam – We recommend that women obtain a well woman exam at least once a year. This allows your OB/GYN to get a clear picture of your health to catch any problems early.

Now is the perfect time to get 2016 off to a healthy start. Our practice offers nine different locations and more than 30 doctors to choose from to make it convenient for you. You can even schedule an appointment online.

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/a-healthier-you-in-2016/

Sexual Changes

Sexuality plays a tremendously important role in women’s lives.   It brings women an ever-evolving source of pleasure, intimacy, personal expression, interpersonal connectedness, and of course, reproduction.  It can be a wonderful part of a healthy relationship, but sometimes it can become a source of frustration, pain, or even become tedious and unfulfilling under certain circumstances.

Changes in women’s sexuality can occur at any point during their adult life.   Many things can impact a woman’s sexuality. I would like to take a little time to discuss some of these and hopefully provide some insight into what may be causes or contributing factors to these changes, and offer some treatment options.

One way to organize the various factors that affect women’s sexuality is by age, but that becomes problematic since most of these can occur at any age.   The following is a list of some of the factors that can have a negative impact on sexual health.

Pain during intercourse can be caused by many things.

Sexually transmitted infections:  can occur at any age, and while some cause no symptoms, most cause pain, sometimes chronic pain that can make sex difficult.

Endometriosis (which is more fully discussed in another “Girl Talk” episode that is archived) is very often a cause of pain during intercourse, especially causing pain in the lower pelvis during intercourse.

Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles at the opening of the vagina can go into spasms and tighten painfully with attempts at penetration.  Sometimes a ‘triggering’ event (something that caused the symptoms to start occurring) can be identified, but sometimes it can begin to happen without any obvious cause.

Interstitial cystitis is a condition of inflammation of the bladder that causes pain during intercourse.

Ovarian cysts, scar tissue “adhesions” from infections or previous surgeries can cause pain; the latter being a very difficult to diagnose and treat.  Uterine fibroids can cause pain in some cases (fortunately, a lot of they time they are small, and don’t cause any symptoms).

Vaginal dryness is a problem that can occur at any time during a woman’s life, but is most often seen during the menopause, when the loss of estrogen causes changes in the vaginal skin that make the skin very dry, and sensitive.  The loss of estrogen causes the vaginal skin to lose it’s ability to lubricate normally and to stretch – which can cause tearing of the skin and burning pain with attempts at intercourse.  Vaginal dryness can occur at younger ages sometimes due to dermatological skin conditions like lichen sclerosus, psoriasis or eczema.  Sometimes vaginal dryness from lack of lubrication or decreased arousal due to the use of oral contraceptive pills, or other hormonal contraceptives.

A history of physical or sexual abuse or trauma, or even emotional abuse can cause problems with pelvic pain, and/or pain during intercourse.

Changes in libido can affect women at any age.

Libido is the desire to have intercourse.  While excessive libido is an uncommon problem, it can occur, and can cause problems for the sufferer, particularly if the woman becomes excessively promiscuous, which can put her at risk for exposure to STDs or cause relationship problems of social stigma.  Decreased libido is a much more commonly encountered problem for women.  One of the biggest concerns can be due to a difference in libido in couples, with one couple wanting sex more often than the other.

Libido is a ‘multi-factorial’ condition, meaning that many things affect a woman’s libido.  While hormones contribute significantly and can often be a cause of decreased or absent libido, they are not the only factor.  Social factors affect women’s libidos as well.  Stress, fatigue, and family responsibilities as well as depression and other health conditions can have a huge effect on a woman’s sex drive.  For most women, being very stressed, or over-tired from working inside or outside of the home (or both) can leave them both emotionally and physically drained and have a negative impact on their libido.  Marital discord almost always has a negative impact on a woman’s sex drive.  Often women don’t desire to have a physical connection with their partner if the emotional connection is strained.  Many medications can have a negative impact on a woman’s libido, including birth control pills, anti-depressants, some blood pressure medications, even some anti-histamines can have a decreasing effect on libido.    Psychological factors are tremendously important in a woman’s sex drive.  A history of sexual abuse, or physical trauma can cause sexual dysfunction involving both libido and pain symptoms for victims.  Poor self-esteem, or body image disorders can leave women feeling undesirable and prevent them from having satisfying sexual interactions.

Changes in a woman’s production of hormones (specifically testosterone and or estrogen) can be a significant contributor to loss of libido.  These hormonal declines (in testosterone production) or imbalances are more commonly experienced as women age, especially from their mid-30’s and often more pronounced in their 40s and beyond.  Once a woman goes through menopause, her body’s own production of sex steroid hormones is very minimal (whether menopause occurred naturally, or due to having her ovaries surgically removed at a younger age) and low testosterone may be a significant contributor to decreased libido.  Before menopause (during something called ‘perimenopause’) many hormone changes occur in women that can have many effects on their lives; decreased libido being just one of those effects.  After giving birth is another time in womens’ lives that testosterone production has been shown to decline.  In the immediate post-partum period for breast-feeding women, their bodies produce minimal hormones, and they are in a period of temporarily suppressed hormones (almost like a ‘mini-menopause’) until they stop breastfeeding and their hormones return to more normal levels.   Even if women don’t breastfeed, having a child can result in lower than previously produced testosterone levels that can impact libido.  Although the exhaustion of having a  newborn (and small children, and, come to that, teenagers) – are also things that can negatively impact a woman’s sexual desire.

Orgasmic dysfunction.

Exact numbers vary by study, but it is estimated that only 25% of women are regularly able to have orgasms during vaginal intercourse.  Up to 10% of women never have orgasms.   It is important for women to know that it is ‘normal’ for them to not have orgasms with penile-vaginal intercourse alone.   For women who have never had an orgasm (or aren’t sure if they have) there are resources available to help them learn how to achieve orgasm.  Sometimes women can lose this ability, due to certain medications (anti-depressants being the most common cause of this), medical conditions, nerve injuries, or even due to hormonal declines.  A careful history by their gynecologist should be able to uncover possible causes and direct treatments.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/sexual-changes/

What is Urogynecology?

Urogynecology (official name: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery) is a subspecialty within Obstetrics and Gynecology. It is dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of disorders of the pelvic floor in women.

Urogynecologists have completed medical school and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. They become specialists with additional training and experience in the study and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs. Many have completed formal accredited fellowships (additional training after residency) that focused on the surgical and non-surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders. We encourage you to feel comfortable asking about the training and expertise (and Board Certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery) of any doctor caring for you.

So what are the pelvic floor disorders (“PFDs”)? The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that provides support for a woman’s pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum). The pelvic floor is important in keeping these organs in their proper place as well as in making them function properly.

Women with a weakened pelvic muscles or ligaments may have trouble controlling their bladder and bowels. They can experience leakage of urine, bowel gas or stool, difficulty emptying their bladder or having a bowel movement or overactive bladder. Some women can also feel or see tissue coming out of the opening of their vagina. This can be a prolapsing uterus or vagina (pelvic organ prolapse). It is also possible to experience several of these problems at the same time.

While primary care physicians, general gynecologists and general urologists can start the evaluation and initial treatment of PFDs, if the diagnosis is not clear, if you experience several pelvic floor problems at the same time, if the initial approach has not helped or if a surgery is considered as treatment, we recommend that you are evaluated by a Fellowship-trained Urogynecologist, with Board Certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/what-is-urogynecology/

The Importance of Girlfriends

How many friends can you call right now and ask them to accompany you to the doctor? If you can count more than five, you have a much higher chance of being healthier than most women. Often times we mistake friendship with how many Facebook friends, Twitter followers, or Reddit reposts we have. We loose track of how to build real, meaningful, and long-lasting friendships. Since we are celebrating “National Girlfriends Day”, we want to point out the importance of having girlfriends in our lives.

Having girlfriends not only allows us to live a fuller and happier life, it can actually lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of depression, and create a sense of well-being. Friends are those people that look out for us, they are always there to support us, make us laugh, and push us to be healthier and better. They are the ones that know who we truly are and therefore expect us to live life to our fullest potential. You can expect them to always be by our side throughout all the ups and downs of life, this is why we should always invest time and effort in our friendships.

Here are some reasons why having girlfriends can have a positive impact on your health and life:

You push each other to be better.

When you are in a rut, friends are the ones that always find ways to get you back on your feet. They can help you find motivation to exercise and eat right. Research shows that those that pact to make healthy lifestyle changes together are more likely to do so. It is also important to push each other to constantly take control of your own health. Ask your friends if they’ve had their annual exam done or if they need help letting go of an unhealthy habit.

Girlfriends are your best support group.

From a hard day at work to getting through cancer, friends will always be there to support you no matter what. They always know just what to do, what to say, and how to help. If they are not equipped to help you, they will find someone that can. Remember to always be a good friend and take interest in your friends’ health. Motivate them to schedule regular visits to their general and OB/GYN physicians.

Your girlfriends know what it is to be a woman.

Your girlfriends will ALWAYS understand your menstrual mood swings, your health concerns, your pregnancy fears, and your menopausal hot flashes. It’s great to always have someone that knows exactly what you are going through. You don’t have to be shy or embarrassed with your friends. You can ask them intimate questions about being a woman without any repercussions. You are all on the same boat.

So grab your phone and call up your girlfriends! Celebrate this “National Girlfriends Day” with your closest friends and remember to always look out for each other. Happy Girlfriends Day!

For More Information about it Visit https://www.ifwh.org/gn

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/the-importance-of-girlfriends/

Solutions to Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Even though breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful things a woman can do, it often comes with its challenges. One important thing to note is that every woman’s body is different, therefore some might face breastfeeding challenges while others might not. The important thing is to always be prepared and know how to solve problems that may arise. Before you start breastfeeding, it is very important to ask your doctor everything you need to know about it.

Here are some common breastfeeding challenges and tips on how to manage them:

Running Low on Milk?

Sometimes it is difficult to know if your baby is getting enough milk and if you will be able to produce the milk your baby needs. It is normal for your breasts to feel less full after a couple of months. Let your doctor know if you are concerned. Remember to always check your baby’s weight and growth to see if she/he is getting enough milk. Here are some things you can do if you are concerned about your milk supply:

• Limit the use of the pacifier.
• The more you nurse, the more you supply. Remember to always follow your baby’s lead- he will let you know when he is done.
• Use both your breasts when feeding. Start with one breast and if he is still sucking and swallowing offer him your second breast.
• Your baby does not need solid foods until he is 6 months old. Try to only breastfeed him and avoid offering him formula or solid foods. The less interest the baby has in your breast milk, the less you will supply.

Supplying Excess Milk?
While some mothers worry about the low milk supply, other mothers worry about oversupplying milk. This can be very uncomfortable for both the mother and the baby. Here are some things you can do if you are an over supplier.

• Try to gradually increase the length of time you breastfeed on each side.
• When your breast feels extremely full and it’s not time to breastfeed yet, hand express it for a couple of minutes or use a cold washcloth to reduce swelling.
• Try to prevent aggressive sucking and feed your baby before he or she becomes very hungry.
• Positions like “side lying” and “football hold” may help with milk ejection.

What to do if you have a rush of milk:

• Carefully and gently hold your nipple with your forefinger and middle finger to lightly compress milk ducts and reduce the milk ejection force.
• Let excess milk spray into a towel if you feel your baby is choking.

Are Your Nipples Sore?

It is normal for breasts to be sore, especially if you just started breastfeeding. Once you find a comfortable position and your baby has a good latch everything should be easier and feel better. Here are some things you can do if your nipples are sore.

• Changing positions can ease the pain and help you find a good comfortable latch.
• If your baby is not getting a good latch and only sucking on your nipple, carefully break your baby’s suction by placing your finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth and try again.
• Heal your nipples with your milk. Once you are done breastfeeding gently rub a few drops of milk on your nipples and let your nipples air-dry.
• Try to stay away from bras and clothes that can put a lot of pressure on your nipples.
• If you can’t deal with the pain or can’t seem to get a good latch don’t hesitate to get help from your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Nursing Strike:

If your baby refuses your breast all of a sudden, your baby is going into a “nursing strike”. This usually means that your baby wants you to know that something might not be quite right. Here are some of the major causes of nursing strikes.

• Distraction while breastfeeding.
• Overuse of pacifier or reduced milk supply.
• Reaction to overstimulation, stress, constant late breastfeeding, and a mother’s strong reaction to a baby’s bite.
• Loud noises or discussions while breastfeeding.
• Major change in routine.
• Breastfeeding positions might cause pain or soreness.
• Teething pain, fungal infection, ear infection, or a cold sore.

These are just some of the most common breastfeeding challenges. If you are confronted with pain, infections, or other breastfeeding problems, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Click Here For More Information

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/solutions-to-common-breastfeeding-challenges/

Discussing Women’s Health With Your Teen Daughter

As your daughter enters her teenage years, it’s important for her to understand how and why her body is changing. It is also time for her to start seeing an OB/GYN. Parents often feel nervous and embarrassed to bring up the subject. Here are some ways to make talking about women’s health with your teenage daughter easier for both of you:

Start Early

Establishing open and honest communication with your daughter early on will make it much easier for you to talk about sex, puberty, birth control, STDs, and other difficult topics. Don’t start talking to your daughter about her period when she begins to menstruate for the first time and don’t wait to talk about sex when her friends are already doing it. Start approaching these topics early so your daughter feels comfortable coming to you for information. Putting off these conversations may lead her to seek information from the wrong sources.

Don’t Have “The Talk”- Have Many Talks

Trying to teach your daughter everything she needs to know about women’s health in one sitting can be a daunting task. Make it easier for both of you by casually bringing up the subject when the opportunity arises. For example, if a menstrual pad commercial comes up on television, use the opportunity to explain to your daughter what these pads are used for and how she will be using them in the future. Look for “teachable moments” every day to casually bring up the subject.

Spend Quality One-on-One Time With Your Daughter

It’s important for your daughter to have plenty of opportunities in which she can ask questions or talk about the changes that she’s going through. Plan activities where both of you can chat without having siblings or other family members around. Allow your daughter to share what’s going on in her life. Keep an open mind and avoid getting angry at the information that she shares.

Find an OB/GYN Your Daughter Feels Comfortable With

As your daughter enters womanhood, she will need to start seeing an OB/GYN and getting her annual exams. The thought of visiting a gynecologist for the first time can be very scary for her. She’ll probably ask: What will they do to me? Will it hurt? What will they think about my body? Ease your daughter’s fears by letting her participate in the process of selecting an OB/GYN and share some of your own experiences with her. Ask her if she would like for you to stay in the same room during the visit or if she prefers that you wait outside.

For More Information about San Antonio OBGYN visit https://www.ifwh.org/en/

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/discussing-womens-health-with-your-teen-daughter/

Is it Just the Baby Blues?

Having a baby should be the happiest time of your life, right? So why are you feeling sad and out of yourself the first few days after giving birth to your baby?

If you’re feeling irritable, sad, and find yourself crying often the first week or two after giving birth, you’re not alone. Up to 80 percent of new mothers experience weepiness, irritability, frustration, mood swings, vulnerability, forgetfulness, exhaustion, and stress for the first two weeks after delivering. This condition, known as the Baby Blues, will peak itself around five days after delivery and should resolve on its own in around ten days.

The problem is that during this time, new mothers are also at risk of developing Postpartum Depression (PPD), which according to the American Psychological Association affects between 9-16 percent of postpartum women. Unlike the Baby Blues, PPD is a serious condition that requires treatment. It’s important to know the difference so that you can get timely care if needed.

How can I distinguish PPD from the Baby Blues?

The number one differentiating factor is that PPD impairs your normal functioning, explains clinical psychologist, Shoshana Bennett in her Psychology Today article. Although you experience ups and downs with the Baby Blues, you should feel happy most of the time. On the other hand, women suffering from PPD have symptoms like loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, hopelessness, anger, low self-esteem, and deep sadness that keep them from being able to perform their daily activities.

Another big differentiating factor is time frame. Symptoms of the Baby Blues should only last for a few days and a maximum of two weeks. After that, it is considered Postpartum Depression. However, if symptoms are keeping a new mother from being able to perform her daily activities it is probably PPD even if it hasn’t been two weeks. Women with both conditions report feeling tired and overwhelmed but the major difference is that with the Baby Blues these feelings go away with rest or support from loved ones.

What should I do if I’m experiencing the Baby Blues?

Remind yourself that what you are feeling is normal and that it doesn’t make you a bad or unfit mother. Make sure you get plenty of rest and ask your partner or loved ones to provide support during this time. Talking to other new mothers who are going through the same thing can also help you feel better. It is important to talk about your experience with a trusted doctor, such as yourOB/GYN, who can reassure you that these feelings are normal and can let you know if it’s time to seek additional help.

What should I do if I’m experiencing Postpartum Depression?

If you suspect that you are suffering from PPD, seek professional help from a licensed counselor or psychologist. He or she can provide you with treatment options that will help you go back to your regular functioning and let you enjoy your new baby. Your OB/GYN can evaluate your symptoms and help you take the next steps toward recovery.

Keep in mind that there is a dangerous condition known as Postpartum Psychosis in which new mothers experience hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, and suicidal thoughts. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK or chat online athttp://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org (available 24/7) if you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself.

Gonima, Camilo A., MD
The Institute for Women’s Health

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/is-it-just-the-baby-blues/

References:

New York State Department of Health:https://www.health.ny.gov/community/pregnancy/health_care/perinatal/maternal_factsheet.htm

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mommy-mental-health/200902/baby-blues-or-postpartum-depression

American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/depression/postpartum.aspx

The Facts Behind Embarrassing Women’s Health Problems

Women face many health problems that might be too embarrassing to discuss with friends or even their doctors. No matter what you’re going through, chances are most women experience it at one point or another too. Your OB/GYN is probably familiar with these embarrassing conditions and can help you find relief. Here we explain some common embarrassing problems that you might be experiencing.

Help! Why Am I Leaking?

Urinary incontinence is a very common problem among aging women, but can affect younger women as well. There are many reasons it happens and can range from leaking a few drops when laughing or exercising, having a frequent urge to urinate, or leaking large amounts. In older women, the pelvic muscles become weak and have less control due to childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, and aging. In other cases, health conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, or stroke can damage the nerves that control urinary impulses and control. Urinary tract infections or drinking too many diuretic drinks, like green tea, can also be a culprit.

The good news is that there are many solutions to this embarrassing problem. The first step is to schedule a visit with your OB/GYN to determine the root cause and find a way to resolve it.

Why Do I Smell Fishy?

Have you noticed that you have a fishy smell recently? You might be suffering from bacterial vaginosis, an infection that is caused by an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in your vagina. Besides a “fishy” odor, BV can also cause pain, burning, itching, and white or gray discharge – but around 84% or women who suffer from this infection report no symptoms at all. Although it can be very embarrassing, it’s a very common condition – affecting 29.2% of women between 14 and 29 years of age in the United States each year. Having multiple sexual partners can increase the amount of harmful bacteria leading to BV. Pregnant women should be even more careful about BV since it can cause premature delivery and low birth weight. Bacterial Vaginosis can be treated quickly with medication and the odor will go away.

Why Do I Bleed So Much?

Do you have to switch your pad or tampon more than six or seven times a day? Does your period last more than seven days? Do you often stain your bed or clothes? Do you get very painful cramps? All of these can be symptoms of heavy menstruation, or menorrhagia. Although it’s common, heavy bleeding is considered abnormal and should be checked by an OB/GYN. The cause can range from hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, noncancerous cysts, or malignant growths. It’s important to get checked and get treatment right away to prevent more serious problems or before the loss of blood leads to anemia.

Gonima, Camilo A., MD
The Institute for Women’s Health

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/the-facts-behind-embarrassing-womens-health-problems/

Symptoms and Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms and Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect since its symptoms tend to be vague and similar to the symptoms of many other non-cancerous conditions. This can be dangerous, since many women will spend months visiting different kinds of physicians and never think of visiting an OB/GYN. It is important for all women to know the symptoms and to ask their doctors about their risk for ovarian cancer.

Early detection of ovarian cancer is key. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist the most common symptoms are:

1. Bloating or increase in abdominal size
2. Pelvic or abdominal pain
3. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

If any of those symptoms persist for more than two weeks, are frequent or get worsen over time, it is highly recommended that you visit an OB/GYN. Additional symptoms, include fatigue, upset stomach, back pain, pain during sex, constipation, menstrual changes, abdominal swelling with weight loss and urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency.

The overall 5 year survival for ovarian cancer is 45%. The main reason this number is so low is because most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at more advanced stages, when the cancer has spread. Chances for survival are increased if ovarian cancer is detected at an earlier stage. Early detection can be difficult, but having a yearly pelvic exam and discussing your risks factors for ovarian cancer with your OB/GYN may help improve your chances for early detection.

Risks factors for ovarian cancer include age older than 55 years, family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, or endometrial cancer, personal history of breast cancer , genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 , never having had children, infertility and endometriosis. There are some additional tests that your OB/GYN may order if you are considered high risk to help detect ovarian cancer early. If you or a woman you know could be at risk, it is extremely important you visit your OB/GYN to make sure you are getting checked properly and in a timely manner. If you have any additional questions or concerns please visit The Institute for Women’s Health.

Guerrero, Jessica D., MD
The Institute for Women’s Health

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/symptoms-and-early-detection-of-ovarian-cancer/

Sources & References:

1) http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Ovarian-Cancer#risk
2) http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/

I am Pregnant. What Should I Ask My OB/GYN?

The feeling of uncertainty, nervousness, and confusion is normal for any pregnant woman. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first pregnancy or your 5^th; every pregnancy is different. That’s why it is so important that you see an OB/GYN you feel comfortable with and that you ask the correct questions. There are many factors that often get in the way of you asking your OB/GYN the right questions or having your concerns addressed. Below you will find some of the things your can do to reduce distractions or factors that may prevent you from getting the answers your need.

Get To Know Your Doctor:

You don’t have to become best friends, but it is very beneficial for everyone if you get to know them just enough in order to find out if they are the right OB/GYN for you. It is important that you share the same beliefs with your doctor when it comes to labor and delivery.

Do Your Homework: Research and staying informed is the best way to ask the correct questions that will benefit your pregnancy and will address your concerns. There are many ways to stay informed. You can subscribe to pregnancy magazines, read blogs, books, and ask your doctor for information packages.

Write Your Questions Down: It is very important that you take with you a written list of questions that you can check off during your visit, this way you don’t go home only to realize you forgot to ask the most important question.

Minimize Distractions: Minimize distractions by not taking your kids or too many people to your visit. Taking children to your prenatal visits can put them and other pregnant women at risk. Children are often exposed to germs and viruses at school that they can spread if they don’t cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. A minor cold or virus can be very harmful to a pregnant woman or her unborn baby. It is best if you take only your partner or family members that can help you make immediate decisions.

Ask Questions: Always remember that there is no such thing as a bad question; don’t be embarrassed – chances are your doctors have heard everything. Ask the question you want no matter what. You have the right to an answer.

Below we will share some good routine questions and topics to address with your OB/GYN.

1. Ask about your weight. Have you gained weight? Lost weight? Is it normal? What can be done about it?
2. Is your uterus changing in size too fast or too slow? Those are good things to know because the size of your uterus may imply different issues or circumstances.
3. Is your blood pressure regular? Has it gone up or down? During pregnancy your blood pressure can quickly change. It is important to keep track of the numbers since serious complications can quickly arise.
4. Remember to ask about what symptoms you should be on the lookout for from now to your next appointment. It is always good to know what to expect at every stage of your pregnancy.
5. Ask your OB/GYN about any foods, activities, or medications you should be avoiding at each stage of your pregnancy. It also good to ask what foods and activities he or she recommends.
6. You also have the right to know if you are being watched for any possible complications in your pregnancy. Ask them about your progress and what is normal and what is not.
7. Ask about what emergencies can arise at your given stage and what the action plan should be.
8. Ask who will deliver your baby and how the delivery process will go about.
9. Discuss labor and delivery philosophies.
10. Don’t forget to always ask for any general tips or recommendations on how to make your pregnancy and labor more pleasant and less straining.

If you have any more specific questions or doubts, feel free to contact The Institute for Women’s Health. Our friendly staff and our caring physicians are always ready to help.

For More information about OBGYN Click Here

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/i-am-pregnant-what-should-i-ask-my-obgyn/

Could someone you love have an eating disorder?

Eating disorders, while often misunderstood, are very real and complex illnesses that can have serious consequences for a person’s health and overall well-being. February 21 – 27, 2016, is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and a perfect time to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of an eating disorder, and what to do if you suspect someone you love is suffering.

“There’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to eating disorders,” said Wendy Askew, M.D., and obstetrician-gynecologist at the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. “Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding these disorders makes broaching the topic difficult for many people.”

Eating disorders can be triggered by a combination of factors, including behavioral, emotional, interpersonal and social. A person suffering from an eating disorder typically becomes preoccupied with control of food, and may exhibit mood swings and irritability. And while some eating disorders present in ways that are fairly obvious, others may not.

“Anorexia nervosa typically presents in a dramatic weight loss or a fixation on calorie counting and dieting,” Dr. Askew said. “Bulimia may not result in weight loss at all, but may manifest in physical signs including swelling of the cheeks, teeth that are more prone to cavities or calluses on the back of their hands or knuckles, which is indicative of self-induced vomiting.”

Binge eating disorder is another type of common eating disorder. A binge eater may eat much more food than normal in one sitting, but unlike bulimia, will not purge the calories. If you suspect someone you love may be a binge eater, try to take notice of wrappers or containers that indicate the consumption of large amounts of food over a short timeframe.

Other symptoms of eating disorders which may not be obvious include:

• Weight fluctuations (both gain and loss)
• Menstrual irregularities including a missed or stopped period
• Insomnia
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting
• Feeling cold all the time or growing a very fine layer of hair on the arms and legs
• Amenia
• Low potassium levels
• A sore throat or the inflammation of the esophagus; spitting up blood

Meal times traditionally are a source of great stress and anxiety for someone with an eating disorder. Many people fear eating in front of others and may avoid it all together. They may practice unusual food rituals like chewing an unusually large number of times, cutting their food into very small pieces or eating very slowly. And most people suffering from an eating disorder eventually become preoccupied with behaviors that allow them to exhibit an extreme form of control over their consumption or regurgitation of food.

“It’s important to remember that eating disorders don’t discriminate,” Dr. Askew said. “People of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds suffer from these disorders, and addressing them with kindness and compassion is key to getting them on the path to health.”

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. If you have a loved one exhibiting the signs of an eating disorder, talk to your physician about the best treatment plan for them. It may require a team approach with a registered dietitian and a mental health professional and, most importantly, the support of the people who care about them.

Wendy Askew, M.D., is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Askew, please call 210.494.2000.

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/could-someone-you-love-have-an-eating-disorder/