obgyn

Questions to Ask Your OBGYN

Health and Fitness Yuniar Hamond

OBGYN

As a woman, visiting a Womens Healthcare Physicians OB/GYN can be challenging. Talking about sensitive topics with another person is quite complex. However, regardless of how awkward the discussion is, you still have to talk about it for better healthcare from the physician. Seeing an OB/GYN is crucial at all stages of a woman’s life, whether in college, getting pregnant, or experiencing menopause. If you plan to start your visits to the OB/GYN, making the most from that visit is vital.

Ask About the Type of Exams You Need

Once you reach 21 years, a lot of things are happening in your life. Therefore, a woman needs to know the type of exams that need to be done for a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended to begin annual pelvic exams once you are 21, and mammograms once you are 40. However, this is bound to vary depending on your health. When speaking to your OB/GYN, allow him/her to examine your history for easy recommendations on the type of exams you should get done.

When you start a conversation with such a question, it opens room for easy communication with the physician. At this point, the OB/GYN also feels comfortable to tell you the importance of particular exams and what you should expect from every exam. It also makes it easy for the healthcare provider to know your personal needs, easing the treatment process.

Where can you get the tests?

When you visit your doctor, there are times when the OB/GYN will suggest lab tests such as urine or blood screening. Your OB/GYN will let you know if you need to schedule an appointment at a different location or if everything is done at the same place. Therefore, it will help you plan your time for the visit appropriately.

Also, while speaking of services and available tests, it is good to mention patient-doctor confidentiality. Ask whether you will get to see the same doctor whenever you visit the clinic or someone else. In case there will be different people in the room, then finding a clinic with digital or electronic medical records would be convenient. This way, it will be easy for the doctor to have a record of your medical history. Therefore, there will be consistency in treatment, whether you meet the same OB/GYN or a different one with every visit.

How Often You Need to Visit

Planning for the next visit is always an excellent way to wrap up your appointment. This is dependent on various factors, such as your health goals and age, among others. In general, it is recommended to see your OB/GYN yearly, however getting to see them often is necessary, and it helps you relax whenever you visit. More visits also give you the confidence to share more without feeling awkward when tackling various topics.

Everything You Should Know About Endometriosis

Health and Fitness Yuniar Hamond

It is that time of the month again? While some of your counterparts have pain free periods, the opposite holds true for you. You cringe at the thought of having your periods. It is excruciatingly painful, no matter the pain reliever you use. If that is your experience, visit Fair Oaks OBGYN who will help you make the process at least bearable.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to your uterus lining grows outside the uterus cavity. The tissue can grow either on your ovaries, bowel, or tissues lining on your pelvis. Over time, hormonal changes in your menstrual cycle affect the misplaced endometrial tissue which causes inflammation and pain. The tissues will then break open and bleed at the end of your cycle.

Risk Factors

Endometriosis develops years after the onset of your menstruation. There are several factors which increase the probability of this condition which may include:

Age

While women of all age groups have a risk of suffering from endometriosis, 25-40 years is usually the common group.

Genetics

Your family history determines a lot of things in your life. Endometriosis is one such element. If your family has a history of endometriosis, you have a higher risk of having the disease.

Pregnancy Timing

If you haven’t had children years into your childbearing age, you are at a higher risk of having the condition. Pregnancy is known to decrease endometriosis symptoms. Notwithstanding, women who have had children can also have endometriosis. Thus, it shows hormonal levels significantly influence the condition.

Menstrual Problems

Issues such as shorter or longer cycles than expected are factors that place you at a higher risk of developing the condition. Additionally, heavier periods than expected can also be a sign. If you started your menstruation at an extremely young age, it could also increase your probability of developing endometriosis.

Symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms vary from one person to another. While another may feel mild symptoms, you could have moderate or even severe symptoms in the worst cases. The symptoms include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain on the lower part of your abdomen before and during your periods, cramps lasting one to two weeks, and even irregular heavy menstruation.

Additionally, you might also experience pain during and after having sexual intercourse, discomfort during bowel movements when peeing, and also intense lower back pains. You might also experience difficulty in conceiving. In some cases, you might have blood in your urine or stool and persistent fatigue.

Treatment

While endometriosis has no certain cure, your doctor can help you manage the condition. Your doctor may first opt for medication to manage the condition. However, if you have no signs of improvement, you might get surgery. The medication can include pain relievers, supplemental hormone therapy, and also hormonal contraceptives. Surgery is usually the last call for your condition.

Endometriosis occurs in four stages, namely: minimal, mild, moderate, and eventually severe. No matter the stage you are in, always remember endometriosis is manageable through proper medication. Additionally, you can also have children even with the condition.