Well-woman exams are a great opportunity to catch up on any health concerns that may have cropped up recently. They also give your doctor a chance to spot any health concerns early on before they become large issues down the road. A well-woman exam can be thought of as a preventative exam where the goal…
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common medical condition experienced by an estimated 5 million women across the United States. PCOS occurs when the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts. This hormonal imbalance results in symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular…
Endometriosis is a common medical condition that primarily affects women of reproductive age (25-40). It occurs when cells that are normally found within the uterus begin to appear outside of the uterus. Places such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the peritoneum (a thin tissue that lines the abdominal organs). When this occurs, this is…
Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) in the United States are on the rise. Unfortunately, nationally reported cases of STI’s reached an all-time high in the year 2018. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the three most common sexually transmitted infections are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia These infections do not also present…
Human Papillomavirus Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sextually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. There were about 43 million HPV infections in 2018, many among people in their late teens and early twenties. As with other STDs, HPV can be passed between sexually active adults via vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Infection…
Pelvic pain is pain that affects the lower part of the abdomen (the area between the belly button and groin). Pelvic pain is a general symptom that may be caused by everything from menstrual cramps to a ruptured ovarian cyst. While common, the origins of pelvic pain should always be examined. Pelvic pain can be…
What is an IUD? An IUD is a small, t-shaped device that is placed into the uterus to provide protection from unwanted pregnancy. An IUD is an extremely effective form of birth control. Once inserted, it is 99% effective at stopping pregnancy. Furthermore it can last for 3-12 years which makes IUD’s a convenient and…
Menopause is a natural process that usually plays out over a number of years. It marks the time in a woman’s life where the ovaries start producing less estrogen and progesterone (the hormones that regulate menstruation). As this happens, fertility begins to decline. Periods become more erratic and ultimately stop. By the age of fifty-one…
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat menopause symptoms and help prevent osteoporosis. During menopause, the body stops producing estrogen and progesterone, two naturally occurring hormones. This change in hormone production can trigger a range of symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. How HRT works HRT works by…
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is any vaginal bleeding that happens unexpectedly or outside of what is considered ‘normal’ for you. It can also refer to a menstrual cycle that suddenly becomes heavier, lighter or more erratic than usual. Vaginal bleeding may be considered abnormal in some of the following cases: Menstrual periods that are particularly heavy…