Cell Free DNA Testing is a new technology that is a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome and Edward’s Syndrome. This is a test that looks at fetal DNA that is found in the mother’s blood stream. It requires a blood draw from the mother and can be performed as early … [Read more...]
Using Osphena to Treat Painful Intercourse
Pain with intercourse is a common problem for women that are postmenopausal. The most common cause of pain with intercourse in postmenopausal women is vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is a condition in which the vaginal tissues become thin and less elastic due to decreasing estrogen levels. There … [Read more...]
Smoking in Pregnancy
Smoking is the most common form of substance abuse in pregnant women. The incidence of smoking in pregnancy is between 10-50%. The incidence is higher in socially deprived populations. Smoking incidence decreases by 30% throughout pregnancy due to voluntary cessation. Smoking in pregnancy affects … [Read more...]
PMS: Don’t Suffer in Silence
Premenstrual Syndrome or Premenopausal Dysmorphic Disorder is a condition that can affect a woman’s mood and can also be associated with physical symptoms. Women with this condition have cyclical symptoms that occur before the onset of the menstrual cycle and end with the start of the menstrual … [Read more...]
Pain With Intercourse in the Postmenopausal Woman
[frame_left][/frame_left]Women that have gone through menopause often complain of pain with intercourse. One of the most common causes of this pain is vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is inflammation of the vaginal wall that occurs with declining estrogen levels. With declining estrogen levels the … [Read more...]
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after delivery of a baby. It also can occur after a pregnancy loss, such as a miscarriage. It is very common. One in eight women will experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is different than postpartum blues or the “baby blues”. … [Read more...]
Mastitis in the Breastfeeding Mother
[frame_left][/frame_left]Mastitis is a breast inflammation. The most common cause of mastitis in a nursing mother is infection. The common presentation of this infection is a tender red area in the breast. Mastitis also may be accompanied by fever, chills and body aches (similar to flu … [Read more...]
Is it Safe for Me to Travel While Pregnant?
With the arrival of fall, many families are beginning to plan Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. For most women and many of our patients, holiday planning requires traveling to a not so close destination to see loved ones and friends. For our pregnant patients, this means the inevitable question … [Read more...]
To Douche or Not to Douche?
[frame_left][/frame_left]As a gynecologist, one of the most common complaints from women is a complaint of vaginal discharge with odor or itching. There are a plethora of over the counter creams and ointments that claim to improve these symptoms. Some of the options being offered can be effective … [Read more...]
Is Postmenopausal Bleeding Normal?
I was inspired to write a blog post on postmenopausal bleeding due to one of my patient's recent experiences. My patient came in to our OB/GYN office for her pap smear and exam. It had been two years since I had seen her in the office. She was postmenopausal and had only some spotting which had … [Read more...]