Yeast infections are one of life’s unpleasant issues. Most women will experience at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. The discharge, itching, burning, and vaginal rash can leave any gal feeling more than a little uncomfortable. However, because a yeast infection shares symptoms with some STIs it’s always a good idea to make a trip to see your OBGYN if you are sexually active. Here’s what to know about treating yeast infections and when to turn to a doctor.

 

An overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus, leads to a yeast infection. While there may be fungus present in the vagina at any point in time, often it’s not enough to cause symptoms; however, when there’s overgrowth this leads to an infection.

 

Certain factors can increase your risk for yeast infections,

The most common signs of a yeast infection include,

While certainly uncomfortable, a yeast infection is easy to treat. In fact, many women find relief from going to their local pharmacy and picking up yeast infection medication (you can purchase these products over the counter). If you don’t experience relief from your symptoms about a week after treatment, then it’s time to call your OBGYN.

 

If you’ve had a yeast infection before and you recognize the symptoms then over-the-counter treatments should be fine; however, if this is your first time dealing with a yeast infection you should turn to your doctor to find out if that’s exactly what it is. If you’re dealing with severe symptoms or if you are dealing with recurring infections (infections that happen at least four times a year) you should turn to your OBGYN.

 

Your OBGYN can do everything from prescribing yeast infection medication to providing STI screenings and HPV vaccines. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, turn to your OBGYN today for the treatment you need.

We understand the turmoil and grief that comes from a miscarriage. It’s important to know that you are not alone. Miscarriages are incredibly common. In fact, about 15-25 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Recovering from a miscarriage both physically and mentally takes time, and your OBGYN can provide you with the tools, advice, and support you need to recover from this sudden loss.

Bleeding after Miscarriage

Whether you had to go through a D&C or you had a natural miscarriage, it is completely normal to bleed immediately after. The bleeding will be heavy for several hours, and it’s normal for it to contain tissue and clots. The bleeding will lighten and go away after 1-2 weeks. Only wear pads, not tampons, while bleeding.

Getting Your Period

It is normal for the first period after a miscarriage to be a little different than what you’re normally used to. Your period could be unusually heavy, or you may only experience spotting. It can take one cycle before your period returns to normal and it should be normal by the second cycle after your miscarriage. If you are still dealing with irregularities after your second cycle, you should talk with your OBGYN.

Having Sex

Most OBGYNs will give you the go-ahead to have sex again after about two weeks, but your OBGYN will need to have you come in for a follow-up to make sure that you’re not still bleeding. If you are, your doctor may ask you to wait a little longer.

Addressing Your Emotions

Your OBGYN has worked with many women who have experienced miscarriages, and they understand that what you are going through is traumatic and stressful. Some ways to support your emotional health during this time include,

Many women who have experienced a miscarriage worry that they may experience another one, but it’s important to note that women who have had a miscarriage in the past are not at a higher risk for future miscarriages. Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies after a miscarriage.

Remember that you do not have to go through the recovery process alone. Many women seek solace in their OBGYN after a miscarriage. When you are ready, they can also guide you through the steps of getting pregnant again and providing you with the support system and compassionate care you need.

If you are a woman, then chances are fairly good that you’ve had an ovarian cyst before. Maybe even several already; however, it’s also just as likely that you didn’t even know it. It’s common for cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, to develop in or on the ovaries. This is a very common condition for women during their reproductive years, and it’s typically not anything to worry about. From the office of your OBGYN, here’s what you should know about ovarian cysts.

 

Many ovarian cysts are too small to cause symptoms; however, if the cyst is large you may notice:

Ruptured cysts can cause more severe pain. While ovarian cysts may cause pain with intercourse, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pain, these symptoms are less common. If you are dealing with abdominal pain or swelling that has you concerned, schedule an appointment with your OBGYN.

 

Several factors can predispose certain women to ovarian cysts. These factors include:

It’s always a good idea to see your OBGYN as soon as possible if you are experiencing intense or severe abdominal pain, especially if it’s accompanied by a fever. Severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention.

 

An ovarian cyst will typically go away on its own without treatment; however, the size of the cyst and the symptoms you are experiencing may determine whether or not you should have surgery to remove the cyst. Your doctor will continue to monitor the cyst through regular ultrasounds every few weeks or months to see if the cyst has gone away. Recurring or very large cysts often require surgery.

 

If you are dealing with abdominal pain or swelling that isn’t going away or is getting worse, it’s always a safe bet to call your OBGYN right away to schedule an immediate appointment.

The pelvic floor consists of muscles and connective tissue that provide support to the organs of the pelvis. The pelvic floor is important for everything from bladder and bowel control to sexual arousal. Unfortunately, many women will deal with pelvic floor dysfunction or pain at some point during their lifetime. If you are dealing with this problem, you may want to talk with your OBGYN about the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy.

What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?

Some many injuries and conditions can weaken the muscles of the pelvis or even tear the tissue. Common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction include,

If you are dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction you may experience these common symptoms,

Just as someone might get physical therapy to restore function and strength into a shoulder injury or bad knee, your OBGYN may recommend that women who have pelvic floor dysfunction undergo pelvic floor physical therapy. These one-on-one physical therapy sessions are designed to help alleviate the symptoms of dysfunction while also training and re-strengthening weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Your OBGYN will first need to perform a physical exam to assess the muscle. This assessment will help us create a customized plan of action to alleviate your symptoms. Pelvic floor physical therapy may include,

Pelvic floor physical therapy has helped many women gain better control over their sexual health and bladder function. Whether you’re dealing with pelvic floor problems after giving birth or as a result of certain health problems such as endometriosis, your OBGYN may recommend pelvic floor physical therapy. Call your doctor to learn more.

A Google search will show you thousands upon thousands of women who are wondering whether bleeding is okay during pregnancy. We understand that bleeding can be scary, especially if you aren’t sure what’s causing it. Here’s what you should know about bleeding, including when to turn to an OBGYN.

Bleeding During Your First Trimester

Your body is going through a ton of changes, especially during the first trimester. So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that as many as 30 percent of women experience some sort of spotting or light bleeding during early pregnancy. Some of the causes of light bleeding or spotting include,

Implantation bleeding: After about 6 to 12 days after conception, some women experience cramping and light spotting. This is known as implantation bleeding. While some women may assume that their period is coming (since implantation bleeding usually appears a few days before a woman’s period), implantation bleeding is very light and may cause pink or brown spotting that may only last a day or two.

Cervical polyps: These (often) benign polyps are common in women and can lead to inflammation and spots of bright red blood. You may not experience any other symptoms apart from light bleeding, but your OBGYN can diagnose polyps during a pelvic exam.

Pelvic exams, intercourse, or infection: Anything that may irritate the cervix may result in bleeding. This includes infections, intercourse, or a pelvic exam. If you notice some drops of bright red blood after intercourse or a pelvic exam, don’t worry. It will go away on its own.

Bleeding During Second and Third Trimester

While light bleeding is fairly normal during the first trimester, it’s less common and more likely to be a concern if there is bleeding in the second or third trimester. If you are bleeding during your second or third trimester it’s best to talk with your OBGYN as it could be a sign of,

Since bleeding could be a sign of a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other serious problems, you must talk with your OBGYN about any bleeding you experience. You should call your doctor right away if,

If you have any concerns about symptoms or issues during pregnancy, your OBGYN can provide you with the answers and care you need. Don’t ever hesitate to call your OBGYN if you are worried about bleeding or other problems. A simple phone call can determine whether you need to come in for an evaluation.