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/

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

Blame It On The Hormones

We all know that hormones are responsible for cramps, mood swings and breast tenderness during menstruation or hot flashes and irritability during menopause, but did you know that they can be responsible for many other symptoms?

Your body is able to function due to a delicate balance of hormones. These chemicals control everything from your sleep-wake cycle, your appetite, your metabolism, and even your heart rate. Women have their own set of hormones that control their reproductive systems and allow them to become pregnant and have babies. The tiniest change in the balance of these female hormones can create many alarming symptoms in your body.

There are many points in a woman’s life where it is normal for her to experience hormonal changes. These changes occur every month before menstruation, during pregnancy, and the few years leading up to menopause. Here are some of the symptoms that you can expect to experience during each period:

Symptoms days before menstruation

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Difficulty concentration
• Weight gain

Symptoms during pregnancy

• Nausea
• Morning sickness
• Increased appetite or cravings
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Spider veins
• Increased hair growth
• Aches
• Clumsiness

Symptoms during menopause

• Vaginal dryness
• Depression and mood swings
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes
• Sleep problems
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Decreased sexual libido
• Frequent urination or incontinence
• Headaches

Although it’s normal for those symptoms to happen during those periods, you can also experience them at other times. If this happens, it’s a signal that your hormones are off balance and it might be time to get checked with your OB/GYN clinic. This can happen due to your lifestyle or other medical conditions. Eating an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, long-term exposure to toxins, and smoking can all cause hormonal imbalances at any point in your life.

I’m having some of these symptoms, what should I do?

If you suspect that your hormones can be responsible for your symptoms, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN San Antonio. Your doctor will conduct some blood tests to determine the level of different hormones in your body. If there is an imbalance, he or she will further investigate to see if there is a medical condition behind this problem. You will probably also be prescribed a medication or hormonal therapy that will correct this imbalance and eliminate symptoms.

An imbalance in your hormones can produce very strong symptoms that can keep you from functioning. Many women suffering from severe depression and anxiety will find that hormones are the culprits. If you have been experiencing symptoms that doctors cannot find a cause for, consider having a blood test to see if hormones could be the cause. You don’t have to live in discomfort. There are many therapies available to correct the issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Institute for Women’s Health, our friendly staff and caring physicians are always ready to help.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/blame-it-on-the-hormones/