Author: Heather Sellers

Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

By admin February 8th

While missing periods and producing excess male hormones can be unpredictable, annoying and embarrassing, the health risks don’t stop there. Women who have PCOS are also at a greater risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attack and depression. Pregnant women who have PCOS are also at an increased risk for gestational diabetes,… [read more]
What are Uterine Fibroids?

By admin February 8th

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are noncancerous tumors that form on the uterus, most typically during the childbearing years. Uterine fibroids are typically not dangerous and they often come with no symptoms. According to Womenshealth.gov, 20-80% percent of women will have uterine fibroids before age 50, some without even knowing it.
What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

By admin February 8th

While providers do not know for sure what exactly causes uterine fibroids, both your genes and hormones are thought to play a role in their development.
What Symptoms are Associated with Uterine Fibroids?

By admin February 8th

The majority of women who develop uterine fibroids experience no symptoms at all. In fact, they often don’t even know they have the growths until their provider discovers them during a routine exam. Among women who do experience symptoms, however, lower back pain, pain during intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, an overactive bladder, pressure and fullness… [read more]
What Treatments are Available for Uterine Fibroids?

By admin February 8th

Because most uterine fibroids are not serious and tend to go away on their own, most providers will initially opt for a “wait and see” approach. If you are experiencing significant symptoms, or if the fibroids don’t go away on their own, your provider may recommend additional treatment options, including medication and surgery. Talk to… [read more]
Symptoms of Menorrhagia

By admin February 8th

Women who have heavy menstrual periods often soak through a pad or tampon in an hour for multiple hours in a row, and they often bleed longer than a week. They may pass large blood clots past the first day of their menstrual cycle, and they may suffer additional complications such as tiredness or shortness… [read more]
What Causes Menorrhagia?

By admin February 8th

Heavy menstrual periods can be caused by a number of different factors, including a hormone imbalance, uterine fibroids, polyps, uterine dysfunction and cancer. They can also be caused by certain inherited bleeding disorders or medical conditions, pregnancy complications, an intrauterine device and certain medications. Identifying the cause of the excessive bleeding is typically an important… [read more]
What Treatments are Available for Heavy Menstrual Periods?

By admin February 8th

In many cases, heavy menstrual periods are treatable and reversible. Providers generally recommend treatments such as oral contraceptives, medications and hormones. For especially serious cases, providers may also recommend dilation and curettage, focused ultrasound ablation or hysterectomy. Providers also commonly prescribe iron supplements to replenish the iron that is lost through the heavy bleeding. Speak… [read more]
What is Vaginal Prolapse?

By admin February 8th

Vaginal prolapse, a type of pelvic organ prolapse, is a medical condition in which a woman’s uterus weakens and falls out of its normal position, causing complications. The condition is not life-threatening, but it can be quite painful and inconvenient if not treated.
What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Prolapse?

By admin February 8th

Common symptoms of vaginal prolapse include a pull in your pelvis, pain, pressure, a bulge of tissue protruding from your vagina, and the sensation that something may be falling out through your vagina. Women may also experience painful intercourse, urinary tract infections or difficulty emptying their bladder or bowels. Some women, on the other hand,… [read more]
What Causes Vaginal Prolapse?

By admin February 8th

Vaginal prolapse happens when a woman’s ligaments and pelvic floor muscles weaken and sag. This typically happens as the result of childbirth, particularly multiple childbirths, and aging. Factors such as obesity, heredity, physical strain and pelvic surgery can increase a woman’s risk of developing this condition as well.
What Treatments are Available for Vaginal Prolapse?

By admin February 8th

Women suffering from vaginal prolapse often have several treatment options. Women whose symptoms aren’t severe will likely benefit from non-invasive treatment options, such as Kegel exercises. For women who have severe symptoms, pessary devices or surgery are often the most effective and reliable options. There are various procedures available to treat uterine prolapse, including tissue… [read more]
What is a First Trimester Screening?

By admin February 11th

A first trimester screening, performed roughly between 11-13 weeks of pregnancy, is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome, Edwards’ Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome. It involves two parts, a blood test and an ultrasound screening referred to as a ‘Nuchal Scan’ or ‘Nuchal Translucency Screening.’ The screening helps your OB/GYN determine the fetus’… [read more]
How is a Nuchal Scan Performed?

By admin February 11th

A nuchal scan is done by ultrasound. The ultrasound technician will measure the amount of fluid in the back of the baby’s neck. While all babies have some fluid in the back of their necks, the presence of excess fluid in the back of a baby’s neck can be a symptom of an abnormality.
When Is a Nuchal Scan Performed?

By admin February 11th

Nuchal scans are generally performed between 11 and 14 weeks gestation. Tests completed before or after this range are not as accurate.
How Accurate are Nuchal Scans?

By admin February 11th

Nuchal scans are screening tests – not diagnostic tests. This means that they can be used to assess the risk or likelihood that your baby has an abnormality, but they cannot be used to diagnose a condition. If your nuchal scan does detect an abnormality, you will then have the option to pursue further diagnostic… [read more]
What Should I Do If My Nuchal Scan Comes Back Positive?

By admin February 11th

If your nuchal scan indicates that there might be an abnormality, the first thing you need to do is try to relax. Just because the scan says something could be wrong with your baby’s chromosomes does not necessarily mean that something is. At this point, you will likely have the option to pursue diagnostic testing… [read more]
What Risks are Associated with Nuchal Scans?

By admin February 11th

Nuchal scans themselves present no known risks. However, receiving a false positive can lead to undue anxiety, more testing and even terminating a pregnancy needlessly. Nuchal scans are routine and relatively risk-free, so if your provider recommends one, do not be alarmed. He or she is likely just checking to be sure.
Pain Reduction

By admin February 11th

Find out if your hospital offers special ice packs to new mothers, and if they don’t, make your own. They are bulky, but they will help. Dermoplast pain spray helps immensely too. Line your sanitary napkin with a witch hazel pad to ease the itchiness of any stitches. Recline or lay down rather than sitting… [read more]
For the Bleeding

By admin February 11th

You will bleed for several weeks after birth. Either wear the underwear the hospital provides or your own underwear you don’t care about with a giant pad. Some women opt for adult diapers. Your bleeding should gradually slow and turn from bright red to brown. Call your provider right away if you soak a pad… [read more]

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