Douching is a common practice, but do gynecologists recommend it? Vaginal douching is washing the vagina with water or other fluids. Prepackaged douches often contain vinegar, baking soda, iodine as well as fragrances. Most women are familiar with the prepackaged kits available over-the-counter. These kits contain a small bottle of solution with a nozzle [...]
This year, Sunday, May 15th has been designated as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, less than 3 percent of pregnant women suffer from the condition but those that do should be monitored carefully. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is an uncommon complication of pregnancy associated with severe, persistent [...]
Many women worry about labor pain and how it can be safely managed. While most women experience some degree of discomfort during labor and childbirth, the amount of pain varies depending on the size and position of the baby, pelvic size, intensity of contractions and emotions of the woman. Understanding the labor process can [...]
Heartburn is common during pregnancy. In fact, an estimated one half of all pregnant women experiences the condition, particularly during the second and third trimesters. The term heartburn describes an uncomfortable burning sensation that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, happens when the lower esophageal [...]
Cervical cerclage is a procedure used to prevent preterm delivery due to cervical insufficiency. Normally, the cervix doesn’t begin to open until the startof labor, but, sometimes, as the fetus grows, it can place pressure on the cervix causing it to open too early. When the cervix can’t retain a pregnancy through the second [...]
Emergency contraception is used to decrease the risk of pregnancy following unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Also known as postcoital contraception or EC, the therapy works by preventing pregnancy from occurring and should be used as soon as possible following unprotected sexual intercourse. The two main types of postcoital contraception are copper IUDs and [...]
Reducing the risk of breast cancer is an important goal and one most women can achieve. Although not every risk factor can be avoided, making a few healthy lifestyle changes can lower your chances of developing breast cancer. Out of the nearly 250,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed in this country each year, only [...]
Just as a woman differs from a man physically, her reactions to stress are different, too. From headaches and insomnia to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stress takes a toll on the physical and mental health of a woman. Stress is the brain’s natural response to a demand. All living creatures are armed with [...]
Bioidentical hormones are medications made from natural chemicals extracted from soy and wild yam plants. The molecular structure of the hormones is identical to those produced by the human body. Some bioidentical hormone products are available in prescription form through your local pharmacy, but most of the hormones are custom-mixed to meet the specific needs [...]
As concerns about the Zika virus continue to grow in Texas and throughout the US, health officials are working to learn more about the virus, how it is spread and the dangers it presents. Only 20 percent of those infected with the Zika virus experience symptoms. When symptoms are present they include fever, mild joint [...]