Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with anticipation, joy, and a lot of doctor’s appointments. Most women have one prenatal appointment every month from weeks 4-28, one every two weeks from weeks 28-36, and one every week from week 36 until delivery. Although it might seem like a lot, regular prenatal care is one ofContinue reading “Ask These Questions at Your Next Prenatal Appointment”
Your body experiences dramatic change during pregnancy and childbirth — and the journey continues into the postpartum period, too. After having a baby, your body transitions back to its pre-pregnancy state, but that transition can incite a lot of questions. One concern that many women bring up is a change in their menstrual cycle, particularlyContinue reading “Why Has My Period Gotten Heavier After Childbirth?”
Welcoming a baby into the world is a beautiful experience. But all too often, the joys of motherhood come with a variety of postpartum challenges. One of the most common post-delivery issues that women face? Postpartum incontinence. In fact, it affects up to 50% of postpartum women, and it’s essential for new mothers to recognize the signs.Continue reading “Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Incontinence”
About 13% of American women get breast cancer in their lifetimes. It can be deadly, but early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes — and regular breast cancer screening is essential for early detection. Mammograms are breast X-rays that can pick up early signs of cancer. If you’re scheduled for your first screening, you might beContinue reading “First Mammogram? Here’s What to Expect”
Ovarian cysts are small sacs filled with fluid that form on your ovaries. They’re extremely common, and about 10% of women get them during their reproductive years. Most of the time, ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own. But if you keep getting cysts, it’s normal to wonder if your health is at risk. OurContinue reading “Are Ovarian Cysts Dangerous if They Keep Returning?”
Did you know that 8% of American women have an intrauterine device (IUD)? It’s one of the most popular types of long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARCs), and it’s quickly rising in popularity among women of all ages. IUDs are small, plastic devices that your gynecologist inserts into your uterus. They prevent pregnancy with either hormones orContinue reading “When to Consider an IUD — And When Not to”
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that develops when your bones become weak and brittle. It affects millions of people worldwide, but it’s especially common among women during and after menopause. In fact, 1 in 2 postmenopausal women has some degree of osteoporosis, making them more susceptible to fractures and related complications. That means if you’re in menopause orContinue reading “Why Is Osteoporosis Common During Menopause?”
Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes are located on chromosome 17, and they produce proteins that suppress abnormal cell and tumor growth. They play an important role in preventing cancer — but about 1 in 500 women has a mutation on one of these genes. BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation can interfere with your body’sContinue reading “How Often Should I Schedule Mammograms if I Have a BRCA1 Gene Mutation?”
A pelvic exam is a routine examination of your reproductive organs. Most women get pelvic exams as part of their annual well-woman check-ups, but if you’ve never had one before, it’s normal to have questions. Our team at The Women’s Center is here to help. We provide comprehensive gynecology care for teens and adults atContinue reading “What to Expect From Your First Pelvic Exam”
When it comes to your menstrual cycle, there’s a broad definition of what’s considered “normal.” A normal cycle lasts 21-35 days, and a normal period lasts 2-7 days. While every woman’s cycle is slightly different, your cycle and period should last about the same amount of time each month. So what does it mean whenContinue reading “My Periods Are Becoming Irregular — What Does That Mean?”
