Why I Should Go to a Gynecologist

Why I Should Go to a Gynecologist

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Gynecologic care is sometimes neglected due to many reasons but getting regular gynecologic care is extremely important for women to treat and prevent problems involving the reproductive system.

Going to a gynecologist (GYN) can seem intimidating or scary but it is very important for anyone with female reproductive organs to get regular gynecologic care. Seeing a gynecologist will help address any sexual or reproductive health questions or concerns you may have. Getting regularly scheduled cervical cancer screenings is also an important aspect of seeing a gynecologic care provider. Cervical cancer is very preventable and treatable if diagnosed in the early stages. Women may have many questions such as, “Why do I need to go to a gynecologist?” or “What does a gynecologist do?”. Let’s dive into those questions and what to expect from an appointment with a gynecologist.

What is a Gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a doctor who is trained in women’s reproductive health. This field can cover anything from periods, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), cancer screenings, menopause, and more.

Why Do I Need to Go to a Gynecologist?

It is recommended that anyone with female reproductive organs should start seeing a gynecologist when they become sexually active or before the age of 21. In most circumstances, a gynecologist appointment is recommended yearly if you are healthy and not experiencing any issues. A gynecologist can address birth control options, menstruation problems, STDs, sex, menopause, cervical cancer screenings, and more.

What Should I Expect at a Gynecologist Visit?

At an appointment with a gynecologist, you will be asked medical questions including questions about your periods and sexual activity. You may be asked to give a urine sample. If you are comfortable, they will do a breast exam and pelvic exam. A pelvic exam involves being unclothed and the doctor using a speculum to examine the vagina.

What is the Difference Between a Gynecologist and an Obstetrician?

A gynecologist does not treat pregnant women or deliver babies. An obstetrician treats pregnant women and delivers babies but does not treat other gynecologic issues. In many cases, a doctor may be both a gynecologist and an obstetrician (OB/GYN) meaning they can see both pregnant women, deliver babies, and non-pregnant women.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

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Women and Girl’s Health Books You Should Read

Women and Girl’s Health Books You Should Read

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Reading is a great way to learn about health and our bodies. Check out these recommended books on female health.

The female body is amazing and fascinating. We are stronger than we think. We can develop and give birth to a human being. We help maintain the circle of life. Being a female can sometimes be scary when it comes to all the physical changes we go through during our lifetimes. Fortunately, there is now an array of information available to us at all different stages of life. Check out these recommended books on female health depending on what stage of life you are in. You can even gift a book to another female who may benefit from it.

For Girls Ages 8 to 13 Years Old

  • Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!): The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls by Sonya Renee Taylor and Bianca I. Laureano

This book has tons of five-star reviews on Amazon saying that it is a great book, highly recommended, and easy to understand. It is a body-positive book to help young girls with the changes their body is going through. It gives advice on topics such as bras, body hair, emotions, and friendships. This is a great gift to give to a young girl in your life.

For Girls Ages 13 to 18 Years Old

  • The Ultimate Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens: Overcome Insecurity, Defeat Your Inner Critic, and Live Confidently by Megan MacCutcheon LPC
  • Anxiety Relief for Teens: Essential CBT Skills and Mindfulness Practices to Overcome Anxiety and Stress by Dr. Regine Galanti

The teenage years can be full of body changes, emotional ups and downs, stress, and anxiety. During these years it is important to learn life skills that will help build self-confidence and deal with difficult situations. Both of these books are aimed at helping teens find tools to help them deal with difficulties and grow and mature into confident adults. They include quizzes and writing prompts to get teens thinking and involved.

Pregnant Women

  • What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff

The classic pregnancy book What to Expect When You’re Expecting is still the number one rated pregnancy book on Amazon with almost 30,000 reviews. This book is very detailed and will take some time to read but it is very comprehensive. It is said that the book covers everything you need to know from conception to birth and beyond.

Menopausal Women

  • The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism by Dr. Jen Gunter
  • Preparing for the Perimenopause and Menopause by Dr. Louise Newson

Menopause can be a tough time in a woman’s life and many people don’t talk about it. These books provide information, understanding, and good advice about how menopause affects the female body. These books will prepare, educate, and empower women as they go through body changes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

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Your PMS Questions Answered

Your PMS Questions Answered

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PMS, we’ve all heard about it and some have experienced it but many do not know much about it. Don’t let all the jokes society has come up with that revolve around PMS make you brush it off, it is a real medical condition. Let’s break the stereotypes and dive into some common PMS questions.

What is PMS and What Causes it?

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. It usually occurs in the time period after ovulation but before the beginning of menstruation. It has not been confirmed, but it is thought that PMS may be due to the levels of estrogen and progesterone dropping after ovulation occurs and no pregnancy has happened. Estrogen and progesterone levels begin to rise again after the menstrual period.

What are PMS Signs and Symptoms?

The symptoms of PMS will vary for each woman but common symptoms may include:

  • Breasts that are swollen or tender
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Headache
  • Backache
  • Clumsiness
  • Low tolerance for noise or light
  • Irritable
  • Hostile behavior
  • Fatigue
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Appetite changes
  • Food cravings
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Poor Memory
  • Tension
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sadness
  • Mood swings
  • Less interest in sex
  • Social withdrawal
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Weight gain
  • Acne

Who Gets PMS?

Any female can experience PMS. The type and severity of PMS symptoms will vary for every woman. It is estimated that three out of every four women get PMS symptoms at some time during their life. PMS may occur more often in women with high-stress levels or a history of depression.

Can PMS be Treated?

Many women only experience mild symptoms of PMS and lifestyle modifications such as diet, vitamins, over-the-counter NSAIDs, improving sleep habits, stress relief, and exercise can help. Women who experience more severe symptoms that regularly affect their daily lives should see their healthcare provider. They may ask you to keep a journal to track symptoms over time. If lifestyle modifications do not work, they may recommend prescription medication to aid in improving PMS symptoms.

Resources

  1. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Retrieved July 8, 2022
  2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, February 25). Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 8, 2022

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3 Signs That It Is Time for a New Bra

3 Signs That It Is Time for a New Bra

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everyone has a unique body shape and size. This is what makes us all unique but can also make buying clothing difficult. This is especially true when it comes to bras. We all have different breasts and finding a good bra for them can be tedious. Having an ill-fitting bra can be uncomfortable and unflattering so it is worth the time to find what bra is best for you. There are many different styles of bras so you have many choices. Finding the right bra for you will depend on size, shape, lifestyle, and preference. Signs that you are ready for a new bra include:

1. Your Bra is Uncomfortable

We’ve all been there, your bra is riding up, the straps are falling down, your breasts are falling out of the cups, the underwire is digging into your skin, and / or it’s giving you an odd shape. No matter what the reason is, if your bras are uncomfortable then you should start replacing them. Having a bra that fits well will help you feel better and boost your confidence.

2. You are Having Pain

This could be breast, nipple, rib, neck, or back pain. Having a poorly fitted bra could be contributing to the pain you are experiencing. In some cases, your bra could be affecting your posture which could lead to these pains.

3. Your Skin is Irritated

If your skin is irritated around your bra area or breasts, it could be due to your bra. If your bra doesn’t fit right, it could cause skin irritation or even fungal infections in some circumstances. If you think you may have an infection, please see your healthcare provider for treatment.

If you are experiencing any of these signs it is time for a new bra. The best way to find the right bra for you is to talk to an expert. There are professionals who are trained in how to measure you for a bra and help you find the perfect bra for you. It may be easier to order your bras online but going to a store that specializes in bra fitting could be helpful if you have struggled to find good bras in the past.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

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7 Ways to Boost Energy

7 Ways to Boost Energy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everyone needs some extra energy sometimes. Many people hit a wall in the afternoon and feel tired the rest of the day. We all struggle to get through our long to-do lists and need a boost of energy. Here are 7 tips to help boost energy quickly to help you get through the rest of your day.

1. Put Your Shoes On

If you’re at home and struggling to get through your to-do list a simple trick to help you get a boost is to put your shoes on. There is something about having your shoes on that helps you get going. You’re probably not going to lay in bed or sit down if you are wearing your shoes.

2. Exercise

It may sound crazy but getting a quick workout can help you get going. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown sweaty workout. Even just a few jumping jacks, some stretching, or a walk around the block will help you wake up and get your tasks completed.

3. Turn Some Music On

Playing some of your favorite upbeat music can wake you up and give you an increase in energy. Make sure it’s music that will uplift your mood and get you moving.

4. Drink Water

If you are feeling fatigued, you could be dehydrated. Make sure you are consuming enough healthy fluids. Avoid beverages with too much sugar or caffeine, they may help hype you up for a short period but you could crash later and negatively affect your sleep.

5. Prioritize and Delegate

When all else fails and you just have too much to do and not enough time or energy it is time to lighten your load. First, look at your list and prioritize what you absolutely have to get done. If there is anything you can delegate to someone else then do it. By prioritizing and delegating you can reduce your list. Taking on too much and constantly being overwhelmed is not good for your health and will leave you feeling exhausted.

6. Analyze Your Sleep Schedule

Sleep is so important to our overall health and well-being. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you getting good quality sleep? Do you have good sleep habits? Take some time to analyze your sleep and make changes where needed.

7. See Your Healthcare Provider

If you are having chronic fatigue and are tired no matter what you do, you should see your healthcare provider. They will be able to do testing and further investigate what is causing fatigue. There may be something medically going on that needs to be addressed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

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4 Reasons Why You May Be Suffering from Frequent Urination

4 Reasons Why You May Be Suffering from Frequent Urination

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do you have to get up multiple times throughout the night to go to the bathroom? Do people comment about how often you go to the bathroom? Does constantly having to urinate make working, errands, and social events difficult? You are not alone in this struggle, there are millions of people who have urinary problems. If you suffer from frequent urination and you don’t know why then you should see your doctor. There are several conditions that could cause frequent urination and your doctor will be able to help you figure out what is causing yours.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common type of infection and one of the most common symptoms is frequent urination. You may be thinking this is crazy and you don’t have a UTI but your doctor will want to rule this out. Sometimes UTIs will have absolute zero signs or indications. A UTI can be ruled out using a simple urine test done at the doctor’s office or lab.

Diabetes

Frequent urination is a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes. Often people with uncontrolled diabetes will be excessively thirsty, urinate frequently, and be excessively hungry. Diabetes can be ruled out by your doctor with a simple blood test.

Medications

There are several medications that could be causing your frequent urination. If you think this could be the cause, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. A common type of medication that causes frequent urination is diuretics. These are used to get rid of excess fluid in the body and in simple terms, the way that is done is by urinating. Many times, it is recommended that you take diuretics in the morning instead of at night so that you will not have to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate.

Diet

Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine will cause you to urinate more. They are similar to diuretic medications because they reduce fluid in the body. It is not good if you are drinking too much alcohol or caffeine because it could cause dehydration. There are many negative health conditions associated with too much alcohol consumption.

Key Takeaways

These are just four possible causes of frequent urination and there are several more. If you are suffering from constantly having to urinate you should see your healthcare provider. They will be able to help you determine the cause and possibly save you a few trips to the bathroom.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

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