Talking about your body, your sexual behavior, and personal concerns can be awkward and uncomfortable. While talking with your gynecologist should never be accompanied by shame, it can be hard to actually sit down and discuss private topics like sex, pregnancy, or STDs. However, your gynecologist’s main job is to hear your concerns and ensure your physical and reproductive health is sound. 

Questions For Your Gynecologist

Many women will have questions about their menstrual cycle, contraception, sexual activity, and more during a typical visit— which is a natural part of being a woman! Although it’s not always easy to talk about these things with your doctor, here at Raleigh OB/GYN, we’re here for you. We want to hear about your concerns so that we can help you address them and make sure you feel comfortable during your appointments.

1. Are There Ways I Can Mitigate My Period Symptoms?

If you are a woman experiencing severe period cramps or a super-heavy flow, your gynecologist wants to know. Believe it or not, you don’t have to suffer through these symptoms every month. Your gynecologist can help determine whether your period pain is caused exclusively by the menstrual period (primary) or caused by another condition in the reproductive system (secondary dysmenorrhea). From there, your gynecologist can prescribe treatment that will help you manage your symptoms. 

2. Is This Much Discharge Normal?

Discharge can be very alarming, especially because it can vary in amount and color. But have no fear, discharge is very normal and even serves several purposes, including cleaning and helping to prevent and fight infections. Normal vaginal discharge can vary, but is often somewhat thin or thick, clear or white, with minimal odor. If you see a change in vaginal discharge, such as a change in odor, color, or texture accompanied by vaginal itching, burning, or swelling, it is important to contact your doctor.  Regardless of the appearance of your discharge, if you have any questions about vaginal fluids, your gynecologist is there to help. 

3. How Do I Decide Which Birth Control Is Best For Me?

Navigating all the different contraceptive options can be challenging. Depending on your individual circumstances, your doctor can provide more information about safety, effectiveness, side effects, and other considerations to help inform your decision. Some of the most common forms of birth control include the pill, the patch, a hormonal vaginal ring, a birth control shot, an intrauterine device (IUD), or a birth control implant. 

4. Why Is It Painful When I Have Sex?

We get it— talking about sex with your doctor isn’t a particularly fun way to spend your day. However, if you are experiencing painful sex, your gynecologist will want to know. In fact, this is a prevalent issue that gynecologists deal with on a day-to-day basis. According to ACOG, pain during intercourse is very common, with nearly 3 out of 4 women experiencing pain during intercourse at some point during their lives. Some of the most common causes of painful intercourse include

• Lack of lubrication
• Injury or irritation
• Endometriosis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Vaginismus

Your gynecologist can help you detect the underlying cause of painful intercourse and get you the treatment you need to improve your sex life. 

At Raleigh OB/GYN, we believe that patient education is an invaluable tool. For that reason, our doctors and staff are committed to providing patient care in a nurturing, supportive environment. We want to ensure you understand everything about your body as a woman and have the resources to get all your questions answered. If you have unanswered questions, your gynecologist can help. Schedule an appointment through our website or give us a call at (919) 876-8225.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, with nearly 1 in 8 women in the United States being affected by some form of this disease. While advances in finding treatments and cures have made a big difference, there are still steps we can all take to stay healthier, maintain a proper diet, and reduce our risk of getting breast cancer. By staying informed about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, along with lifestyle changes and simple habits that may help prevent it, you will be better prepared if faced with this disease.

Reducing The Risk Of Breast Cancer

With the increase in cancer rates across the world, it is important to know how lifestyle choices can impact your health and improve your chances of avoiding certain forms of cancer. Raleigh OB/GYN has put together a general guide for lifestyle tips that can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

1. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Not only does maintaining a healthy body weight reduce the risk of breast cancer, but it is also essential in leading a healthy lifestyle. When women are overweight, they have more fat tissue. This fat tissue can increase the chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer due to rising estrogen levels. The American Cancer Society suggests that if you’re holding extra weight, losing anywhere from 5-10% of your weight can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of breast cancer. Women can reach this goal by dedicating 75 to 150 minutes each week to low-impact exercise such as brisk walking. 

2. Stay Active

The link between physical activity and cancer risk is mostly examined through observational studies. Cancer.gov suggests that exercise has biological effects on the body, which may be the reason for the relationship between physical activity and cancer, including

• Decreased levels of sex hormones that have been associated with cancer development
• Prevent high levels of insulin
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve immune system function
• Help to prevent obesity

Engaging in physical activity is good for your physical health, mental health, and can even reduce the risk of breast cancer. All adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, according to guidelines placed by ACS.

3. Breastfeed, If Possible

Breastfeeding is a magical, natural act that nourishes your baby and protects against allergies, sickness, infections, and certain diseases. Breastfeeding also can help reduce the risk of breast cancer in the mother. For every month that a woman continues to breastfeed her baby, the greater protection these women have from developing breast cancer. 

4. Don’t Forget Mammograms

A mammogram is an X-ray that is used to examine breasts for diagnostic and screening purposes. Mammograms are often considered one of the most effective ways to help detect breast cancer at an early stage. Early detection is important because the individual is likely to have more treatment options. This increases a woman’s chances of surviving breast cancer.  

5. Find Out Your Family History

Having a strong family history of certain diseases may increase your risk of developing similar conditions. It is important to gather information about those around you who are related by blood, including your parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, etc.  Once you find out more about your family history, your doctor can refer you to a genetic counselor. Genetic counselors can identify through testing if you have a higher risk of a genetic disorder. For more information regarding family health history and ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer, visit the CDC. 

At Raleigh OB/GYN, we are committed to providing care for all stages of a woman’s life. This includes necessary health screenings to monitor well-being and prevent illnesses. If you have questions about reducing the risk of breast cancer, contact us at 919-876-8225 or request an appointment online.

Also known as menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem among women. In fact, about one-third of women seek treatment for it. Heavy menstrual bleeding can interfere with a woman’s lifestyle and lead to pain and anemia, which occurs when the blood doesn’t have enough healthy blood cells.

How To Combat Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that heavy bleeding is defined by the need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger. If you are living with heavy menstrual bleeding, know that there are ways you can effectively treat this condition and improve your quality of life. Here at Raleigh OB/GYN Centre, we recommend the following treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding.

1. Diet

When experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, taking a look at your diet is a good place to start. Drinking a lot of water, along with eating a diet high in iron and vitamin C, may help keep heavy periods and associated symptoms at bay. Some foods high in iron and vitamin C to consider adding to your diet include brussel sprouts, broccoli, strawberries, lean beef, beans, tofu, and spinach. Additionally, try drinking an additional 4 to 6 extra cups of water each day when dealing with increased blood loss through menstruation. 

2. Medications

Oral contraceptive medications, as well as hormonal IUDs and pills, may reduce bleeding. They work by restoring the correct balance of hormones and making periods more regular. Birth control methods may include the pill, patches, rings, or a birth control shot. Other medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, can improve menstrual cramps and reduce blood loss.

3. Fibroid Removal

If your heavy menstrual bleeding is the result of fibroids, your issue can be treated by shrinking them. There are a number of fibroid removal procedures we may suggest, including a surgical procedure known as myomectomy or uterine artery embolization.

4. Endometrial Removal

Endometrial removal involves removing or thinning the endometrial lining to alleviate heavy bleeding. If we determine that an endometrial removal such as endometrial ablation or endometrial resection tissue removal is right for you, you should not become pregnant.

5. Dilation and Curettage

Dilation and curettage, or D&C, removes tissue from the uterine lining in order to reduce menstrual bleeding. In a D&C, the cervix is opened, and special tools are used to scrape or suction the tissue. You may require multiple D&C treatments if your heavy bleeding reoccurs.

6. Hysterectomy

If you do not have the desire to get pregnant and your heavy menstrual bleeding persists, a hysterectomy may be an option. A hysterectomy completely stops your menstrual cycles and prevents you from being able to conceive a child. 

7. Exercise

Although working out during your period may be the last thing on your mind, getting your body moving can help with menorrhagia. The exercise does not have to be strenuous— yoga, walking, and pilates are all great options. Ensure you are hydrating to replace the water lost during exercise. 

Here at Raleigh OB/GYN, prior to designing a treatment plan for you, we will take a number of factors into consideration. These factors include your medical history and overall health, the cause of your heavy menstrual bleeding, your tolerance for certain medications and procedures, how the condition affects your lifestyle, and your future childbearing plans. Our women’s health team understands how uncomfortable it can be to live with heavy menstrual bleeding. Therefore, we are committed to helping each and every patient with this condition find the relief they deserve. If you are facing menorrhagia, call us at (919) 636-3712 or schedule an appointment at our office today.

Throughout a woman’s life, there are many health concerns she should keep in mind. Often, these concerns change with age. One of the best practices in maintaining good health is getting recommended health screenings to detect any illness early so it can be treated more easily. 

Health Screenings For Women

Well-woman care is recommended to all women, no matter their age. Here at Raleigh OB/GYN, we understand the importance of health screenings, as they help to improve your overall health by preventing diseases and other complications. Continue reading to get an overview of some of the important screenings every woman should get throughout her life, when she should get them, and how often.

Cholesterol

Women should get their cholesterol tested regularly starting at age 20 if they are at increased risk of heart disease due to family history or other illnesses that might be linked to heart disease or high cholesterol. Because it varies on individual health, your doctor can talk to you about how often you should be tested.

Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure is probably taken at the beginning of most doctor’s appointments. But if not, it should be tested regularly. You can get tested every two years if you have normal blood pressure lower than 120/80. If you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89, then a test once a year is necessary. If your blood pressure is any higher than that, you should discuss a treatment plan with your doctor. 

Breast Cancer

Doctors recommend women of all ages do monthly self-exams to detect any lumps or changes in breast tissue. Beginning at age 40, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends health screenings such as annual mammograms.

Cervical Cancer

All women should get regular health screenings for cervical cancer. Pap smears, or Pap tests, are performed by collecting cells from the cervix with a swab and then screening them for abnormalities. HPV tests can also be a part of a cervical cancer screening, as HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer.

Many gynecologists include a Pap smear in an annual well-woman exam, but not all of them do. If it’s not part of your annual checkup, the general recommendation is as follows:

• Women 21 and over should get a Pap test at least every three years.
• Women 30 – 64 can get an HPV test and a Pap smear together every five years.
• Women 65 and older should talk to their doctor about when and if they need to get a Pap test.

Colorectal Cancer

From ages 50-75, a woman should get health screenings for colorectal cancer once every 5-10 years. This range changes if you are at greater risk for colorectal cancer due to family history, a hereditary condition, inflammatory bowel disease, or if polyps have been found in prior screenings. Then the frequency could be every 1-5 years.

There are several types of colorectal screenings, and your doctor will discuss with you the best option for you. These screening methods can include:

• Colonoscopy
• CT colonography
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Barium enemas
• Stool tests

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes affects almost 10% of the U.S. population, with even more Americans considered prediabetic. How often and when you should get tested for diabetes varies on your overall health, family history, and whether you have other conditions that are linked to the disease. 

It is recommended for most people to get tested for diabetes once every three years after age 45. If you have high blood pressure, especially if you take hypertension medication, you should get screened for diabetes earlier and more often than people without hypertension. 

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Even if you are generally knowledgeable about STIs, you might not know when or how often to get tested for STIs. The CDC provides excellent information on many sexually transmitted diseases, including the symptoms, risks, and guidelines for health screenings and treatment.

If you are sexually active, it is important to know the symptoms of STIs and when you should get tested, even if you use protection. STIs can affect not only your sexual health but other body systems. Left untreated, they can be serious. However, with appropriate screening, many STIs are treatable, if not curable. The most common STIs include

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)
• Chlamydia
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

At Raleigh OB/GYN, we are committed to providing care for all stages of a woman’s life. This includes necessary health screenings to monitor well-being and prevent illnesses. If you have questions about what kind of health screenings you should get and when, contact us at 919-876-8225 or request an appointment online.

A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose or treat problems of the uterus. This procedure may be done for various reasons, including preventative and diagnostic care. At Raleigh OB/GYN Centre, hysteroscopies are performed in-office by our physicians. The procedure is scheduled for a day when you are not having your menstrual period. 

What Is A Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose or treat problems in the uterus using an instrument called a hysteroscope, which is a thin, lighted tube that acts as a telescope. It is inserted through the vagina into the uterus. The scope transmits images from inside the body to a screen. Other instruments may be used along with the hysteroscope, depending on why the procedure is being performed. 

Why Is A Hysteroscopy Done?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the most common reason for a hysteroscopy is to diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Abnormal uterine bleeding includes unusually heavy periods, prolonged menstrual periods, or bleeding between periods. Other reasons a hysteroscopy may be performed include 

• Removing non-cancerous fibroids or polyps
• Diagnosing the cause of repeated miscarriage
• Helping to discover the underlying cause of fertility problems
• Removing adhesions that are the result of an infection or previous surgery
• Finding the location of an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Postmenopausal women experiencing unexplained bleeding 

Some possible complications of hysteroscopy include infection, bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, or complications from fluid or gas used to expand the uterus.

How Do You Prepare For A Hysteroscopy?

At Raleigh OB/GYN, hysteroscopies are performed in-office by one of our physicians on a day you are not having your menstrual period. Before your procedure, you should take a shower and refrain from using any lotions, perfumes, or deodorants. Depending on your specific needs, your provider may give you medication to help you relax and open your cervix. 

What Happens During A Hysteroscopy?

Before the hysteroscope is inserted, the vagina and cervix are cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Once this is complete, the hysteroscope is passed into your womb, and fluid is gently pumped inside to make it easier for your doctor to see. To do this, an instrument called a speculum may be inserted into your vagina to hold it open. Images are sent to a monitor so your provider can spot any abnormalities. This procedure generally takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes but can take longer or shorter depending on the diagnosis and symptoms.

How Do You Recover From Hysteroscopy?

In most cases, you can go home the same day you have the procedure. Those who were administered general anesthesia will need to wait until it has worn off or have someone take them home. Some women may experience slight discomfort, cramping, or blood discharge post-procedure— this is considered normal. However, should you experience a fever, severe abdominal pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge, consult your doctor right away. Refrain from having sexual intercourse for roughly seven days to decrease the risk of infection. Unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider, you can return to your normal activities the next day. 

Procedures like hysteroscopies are performed to inspect the uterine cavity in order to diagnose and treat a number of different conditions, such as abnormal bleeding, polyps, fibroids, adhesions, and septums. The physicians, nurses, and medical staff at Raleigh OB/GYN offer a comprehensive list of gynecological and obstetric services to the women of the Raleigh, NC area. If you have questions or concerns about a health issue that can be diagnosed or treated with a hysteroscopy, call our office at (919) 876-8225 to make an appointment.