Atlanta Women's Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC Atlanta Women's Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC
We all know that exercise is one of the most beneficial ways to relieve stress, even though we sometimes don’t want to do it. Those who live with endometriosis often find that exercise also works for their painful symptoms as it releases endorphins, which help to ease and slow pain. Let’s look at why, and the ways, exercising to improve symptoms of endometriosis may work for you.
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Once they are discovered, you can expect to see the doctor more often because there may be some fibroid factors that increase your risk of complications during pregnancy.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop inside of the uterus, outside of the uterus, or within the uterine wall itself. They can be very tiny or as large as a grapefruit, so once your doctor determines the size(s) and location of the fibroid(s), they can give you an idea of any particular risks associated with them. If a fibroid is larger than 5 centimeters there can be additional abdominal pain during pregnancy and an increased urge to urinate more frequently.
Most women with fibroids will experience little to no effect during their pregnancy. However, up to one-third of women with fibroids may experience some increased risks and complications during their pregnancy and delivery.
Intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR refers to a fetus that does not develop at the normal rate. The fetus is smaller than normal compared with other fetuses of the same gestational age. This term is also used when a child is born less than 5 pounds 8 ounces.
One particular fibroid factor relates to pain from the fibroids during pregnancy. This pain can cause uterine contractions and lead to early delivery. Preterm means being born prior to week thirty-seven, and overall one in eight women deliver preterm.
In this case the placenta breaks away from the uterine wall too early due to a blockage by a fibroid. Since the placenta is what nourishes the fetus, the baby may not get sufficient nutrients or oxygen as a result of an abruption.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women with fibroids are 6 times more likely to have a C-section.
If the uterus is an abnormal shape due to a fibroid(s), it can prevent the baby from getting into the correct position for birth with the head facing down. In some cases there is less amniotic fluid for the baby to move into position for a normal birth.
It is considered to be a breech birth if the baby’s feet are pointed down. Although many breech babies are born perfectly healthy, this positioning does put your child at a higher risk for birth defects and complications.
A women with fibroids has double the chance of experiencing a miscarriage.
Should you be worried if you are pregnant and have fibroids? Clearly there are some increased risk factors from having fibroids during pregnancy, but it does not guarantee a woman will have complications. Talk to Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology about your personal risks and how you can minimize them, if possible.
Speak with Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology if you are considering getting pregnant and know you have fibroids. To make an appointment, please call our office or request an appointment online.
Pap smears, also known as Pap tests, help to identify suspicious cells in your cervix that could signal a precancerous condition.
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Most sexually active adults have been exposed to HPV. However, how much do you really know about human papillomavirus? Here are a few surprising facts about HPV so you are better informed:
According to the American Cancer Society, 20 million Americans are infected with the genital form of the virus and around 5.5 million infections occur each year.
Because HPV is transmitted through genital skin-to-skin contact, you don’t have to have sex to transmit the disease. It’s even possible to transmit it through oral sex, but less likely.
Some strands of HPV are high-risk, cancer-causing strains while other strains cause no symptoms or health problems.
Condoms can lower the risk of becoming infected with the disease. However, since human papillomavirus is passed through skin on skin contact, there are no sufficient preventive measures. Most physicians will suggest Gardasil as the most effective form of prevention. Gardasil protects against two types of HPV that cause 75 percent of cervical cancer cases and two types of HPV that cause 90 percent of genital warts cases.
It’s true that there’s no cure for HPV, but approximately 90 percent of infections are resolved by the body’s immune system.
Contact Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics and Gynecology at (404) 352-3616 for more information on treatment.
Continue reading “How Probiotics Can Help Bacterial Vaginosis and a Yeast Infection”
Polycystic ovary syndrome, abbreviated as PCOS, is a female hormone disorder. This syndrome is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, which can lead to many issues involving the ovaries.
Many women living with endometriosis do not even realize that they have it. Sexual health can be a bit of a touchy topic that leaves many women feeling embarrassed about their body, but there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and speaking up will only help to improve both the quality and longevity of your life.
Continue reading “10 Symptoms of Endometriosis You Should Be Aware Of”
As common as uterine fibroids are, it’s obvious why a month is dedicated to it in an effort to help raise awareness, research, and funding.
Endometriosis is a much more prevalent issue than many people might think. In fact, fewer than 1/3 of women know what endometriosis is, despite it affecting approximately one out of every ten women in the United States.
Continue reading “Could My Infertility be Caused by Endometriosis?”
Uterine fibroids are a much more common issue than you might think. According to the National Institutes of Health, one study found that between 80 and 90 percent of African American women and 70 percent of Caucasian women will develop fibroids before the age of 50.
Continue reading “How Do I Know if I Have Uterine Fibroids?”