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 [...]
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 [...]
Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure done to remove tissue from inside the uterus. The procedure is helpful in diagnosing abnormal uterine conditions that cause bleeding such as fibroids, polyps, endometriosis and uterine cancer. D&C may also serve as a treatment for specific conditions. Gynecologists may perform a D&C to remove remaining tissue [...]
Interstitial cystitis, IC, is a chronic inflammation of the urinary bladder that can lead to chronic pelvic pain, urinary frequency and urgency. Ninety percent of those who have interstitial cystitis are women. Interstitial cystitis can be difficult to identify, and the exact cause of the condition is unknown. Some believe the protective lining of the [...]
There are numerous health risks associated with being overweight and obese. In women, these extra pounds can increase the risk of multiple medical conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer and arthritis. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and health risk factors are three common screening tools used by OBGYNs to identify women [...]
The heart is a well-known symbol of Valentine’s Day, but how much do you really know about women’s heart health? Heart disease isn’t just for men, it does occur in women. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in this country. Most heart disease is caused by coronary artery disease, [...]