Few routine medical appointments cause as much collective anxiety as the annual woman’s wellness exam, specifically when it is time for a Pap smear. But demystifying exactly what happens on that exam table, and why the screening test is so important, can help transform an anxiety-inducing chore into a powerful, straightforward act of self-care.
Getting an intrauterine device (IUD) is one of those topics that comes with a lot of noise. If you search for it online, you will run into a wild mix of horror stories about the pain and glowing reviews from women who say it changed their lives. Let’s cut through the noise and talk about exactly what an IUD is, how it works, what your choices are, and what the insertion procedure looks like step by step. We are also going to talk very honestly about pain management, because those concerns are very real, have been ignored for too long and you deserve to know your options.
Overactive Bladder, or OAB, is a clinical condition where the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily, even when it isn’t full. It creates a sudden, overwhelming urge to urinate that can be incredibly difficult to ignore. It is estimated that one in three women, or over thirty million adults in the United States live with OAB symptoms, though the real number is likely much higher because so many people assume it’s just a normal part of getting older.
As a urogynecologist, I often take care of women who are dealing with various symptoms that come with the menopausal transition. Symptoms such as vaginal dryness, increased UTIs, and general discomfort “down there”, are even known collectively as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). One of the best options out there to help manage these symptoms is vaginal estrogen. Safe, effective and different from systemic estrogen. So let’s break down what it is, how it can help, and why it might be a great choice for you.
When a woman comes to my office with abnormal or heavy bleeding or describes a persistent sense of pelvic “heaviness” or a noticeable increase in abdominal size that doesn’t fluctuate with her cycle, the most likely culprit is usually uterine leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids.
It is so much more than just one letter. The transition from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome (PMOS) is a landmark shift in how women’s health is perceived. For decades, the name “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” misled patients and even some clinicians into focusing just on the ovaries. We now know that it is a complex interplay between the endocrine system and your metabolism. This change validates what many women have felt for years: that this is a whole-body experience, not just a reproductive one.
The decision to undergo a hysterectomy is often a major turning point in a woman’s health journey, and it is one that usually comes after a long road of managing symptoms that have affected her daily life. In my practice, I find that much of the confusion surrounding this surgery stems from the terminology itself. So let’s discuss exactly what anatomical part each term refers to, and what is removed in each procedure, so you can understand exactly what is being proposed for your body and why.
Pregnancy and childbirth bring about incredible changes, but they also put a lot of stress on your pelvic floor, the group of muscles that supports your bladder, uterus, and rectum. They they become stretched, injured or stressed, it can lead to pelvic floor disorders such as incontinence, prolapse, pain and more. Whether you’re pregnant with your first baby or have already given birth before, protecting your pelvic floor is essential for your long-term health, comfort, and confidence.
Do you have a sense of “heaviness” or discomfort or maybe even notice something bulging from the vaginal canal? Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition where the muscles and tissues supporting your pelvic organs become stretched or weakened. When this happens, organs like the bladder, uterus or the rectum can begin to shift from their natural positions and drop into the vaginal canal. Fortunately, this is easily treatable, so let’s dive into talking about the different types of prolapse, signs and symptoms and ways to treat it!
Why do we think it helps UTIs? Cranberries contain compounds, called proanthocyanidins (try saying THAT three times fast) and scientific studies have suggested that it may interfere with the adhesion of bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), the bug responsible for most UTIs, to the lining of the urinary tract. It is thought that if the bacteria cannot stick to the walls of the bladder, then it cannot cause an infection. It may contribute to urinary tract health, but individual responses can vary.
