PCOS: Signs of the Problem & How to Deal with Symptoms

Many women quietly suffer from a female condition known as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal issue that causes an abnormal collection of fluid in the ovaries, sporadic or non-existent egg release, and irregular menstrual bleeding or cycles. Dealing with this condition can be a challenge, but the first step to learning how to cope is proper diagnosis. 

Common Signs of PCOS

The signs and symptoms that any one woman experiences can be different from the next, which makes PCOS a little difficult to diagnose in some cases. Most of the time, a female will start to have some symptoms that something is wrong around the time she first begins her menstrual cycle as an adolescent. However, the condition can also show up later in life. The three primary signs a doctor will use to make a diagnosis of PCOS include:

  • Excess androgen hormones in the system, which can cause excessive hair growth or acne
  • Irregular periods, sometimes going more than 35 days without having a period
  • Polycystic ovaries that often fail to function properly 

Dealing with the Symptoms

Dealing with the symptoms can be a challenge. Not only can you be dealing with unreasonably painful periods or prolonged bleeding, but some women also report having problems with mood swings, severe PMS symptoms, and depression. Left untreated, PCOS can cause issues with fertility and elevate risks of liver disease and type 2 diabetes. While there is no cure for the condition, your gynecologist can help by offering progestin therapy to stabilize hormones, birth control to normalize periods, and various other treatments to target the specific problems you are experiencing. 

Even though living with PCOS can be hard, your gynecologist can help you come up with a plan of treatment. Reach out to Avant Gynecology for an appointment to discuss any symptoms you have been experiencing. 

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Uterine fibroids 101: What Are They & When Should You Seek Treatment

Some issues that affect a woman are fairly obvious and easily diagnosed. However, there are other some conditions that are less obvious and a little harder to diagnose like uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumor-like growths that grow in or on the walls of the uterus. Typically showing up during the childbirth years, uterine fibroids can cause problems. 

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Symptoms of uterine fibroids are not always present. In fact, many women have uterine fibroids and have no idea. The size of the fibroid can be as tiny as a seed or as large as a massive grapefruit in severe cases. Of course, larger uterine fibroids cause more symptoms. A few symptoms that can be present include:

  • Backaches and pain that radiates down the legs
  • Heavy or longer menstrual bleeding 
  • Difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder fully 
  • Pain or pressure in the pelvic region 
  • Constipation

When to Seek Treatment

Fibroids are rarely a sign of a serious problem and they can go away on their own. However, if you are experiencing certain symptoms, it is best to see your gynecologist for advice. For example, if you have heavier bleeding than usual, experience pain in your pelvic area that does not go away, or you are having difficulty emptying your bladder, these could be signs that the fibroid is either large or in an area that will cause you more problems. In severe cases, a uterine fibroid left untreated could cause anemia due to high blood loss and may interfere with your ability to carry a baby. 

Overall, uterine fibroids can be a hassle, but they should not be a major worry. If you have symptoms and would like to see a doctor, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for an appointment.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

When to Seek Treatment for Painful Sex

Sexual experiences can involve a lot of descriptive language after the fact—sensual, enjoyable, pleasurable. Unfortunately for women who suffer from dyspareunia, painful intercourse, these are not terms they would use to describe a sexual experience. Pain during sex can have a lot of root causes; some simple in nature and easily managed and others, more serious that require a visit to a gynecologist. Here are a few signs that painful sex is deserving of a little more attention.

You have pain beyond vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness is a common problem for women, and it can contribute to painful sex. However, vaginal dryness can be fairly easy to get past in the moment. For example, you can use lubricants or lubricated condoms. However, if you have made changes to help lubricate the vaginal area and you’re still feeling pain, it may be time to see your doctor.

You are experiencing pain at the opening of your vagina.

Pain at the entry point of the vaginal opening can signify that there is something going on that needs to be treated. There are a few reasons why you can have pain at the vaginal opening during sex, including:

  • You have an injury or tear at the opening
  • You have a urinary tract infection
  • You have a cyst or abscess around the vaginal opening

Additionally, if you have had an episiotomy, you can have some discomfort around the scar before it is fully healed. Certain sexually-transmitted diseases can also cause pain near the opening, such as Chlamydia.

You have pain deeper inside of you or in your lower abdominal area.

Pain that reaches deeper inside or to your lower abdominal area can be a sign of serious reproductive problems. Endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease are two examples. If you experience severe pain in your lower abdominal area or that seems to radiate from around your ovaries and uterus, it is especially important to see a doctor.

If you have experienced pain during sexual intercourse and you suspect there is a problem, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for an appointment today.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Avant Gynecology’s Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora featured on “The Weekly Check-Up”

On Sunday, August 19, Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora of Avant Gynecology were guests on “The Weekly Check-Up Atlanta,” a healthcare-focused radio show airing every Sunday on AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB.

On the show, Drs. Durrett and Mora discussed issues related to women’s health, such as menopause treatment, hormone therapy, contraceptive services, and more.

You can listen to the full show on “The Weekly Check-Up Atlanta” website.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

The Symptoms of Endometriosis and the Treatment Options Available

Endometriosis is a painful issue that affects women of different age groups. The endometrium that naturally grows inside the uterine walls can spread to the outside of your uterus and start to spread and take over the reproductive parts of your body. Even though it is quite rare for it to happen, the endometrium can grow beyond the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus and reach your intestines, stomach, or other organs.

What Are the Symptoms and Risk Factors?

There are multiple symptoms of endometriosis, including:

  • Pain in the lower pelvic region
  • Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
  • Heavier periods than usual
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

All women can have different symptoms depending on the severity of the endometriosis. For example, some women will have skipped periods and others may have intermittent bleeding between periods. The risk factors for endometriosis include if you have had a c-section, retrograde menstruation issues, higher than usual estrogen levels, never giving birth, and even alcohol consumption. Women who started their period at an early age may also be at a higher risk.

When Should Someone Seek Treatment for Endometriosis?

If you suspect that you have endometriosis, it is critical that you discuss your symptoms with a professional. Left untreated, endometriosis can cause severe problems, including damage to your reproductive organs and the other organs in the lower parts of your body. Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often can be related to other issues. Reach out to us at Avant Gynecology if you would like to know more about endometriosis, whether you have this female condition, and what types of treatments are available.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

How Does Heavy Lifting Affect Your Uterus?

For the most part, the uterus is a pretty resilient part of a woman’s body. After all, it is capable of housing an infant during its growth during pregnancy and then returning to its pre-pregnancy size. However, there are certain things that you can do that are known to be hard on your uterus, including heavy lifting.

A Look at How Does Heavy Lifting Affect Your Uterus

Long-term or repeated heavy lifting as a female can actually cause what is called a uterine prolapse. A uterine prolapse is when the pelvic floor muscles are weakened, which support the uterus, and the uterus descends downward. When the uterus descends downward, it slips its way into the vagina and can get pretty severe if not tended to by a medical professional.

Some People Are More Prone to Uterine Prolapse Than Others

Some women will lift heavy items most of their life and never have an issue with uterine prolapse, but there are others who have specific risk factors that make them more vulnerable to prolapse, including women who:

  • are obese
  • have had multiple births or given birth to a large infant
  • have experienced a prior prolapse of the uterus
  • are older or who have already gone through menopause

There are ways to mend a prolapsed uterus, most of which involve something like a surgically installed sling or stitches to hold the uterus in place. If left untreated, the entire uterus can collapse, but before that, painful symptoms can emerge like discomfort during sex and pelvic aching. If you believe you have a prolapsed uterus or have any more questions about how does heavy lifting affect your uterus, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology today and schedule an appointment.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Vaginal Dryness: A Look at the Causes and Treatment Options

In a normal and healthy female body, the vaginal walls stay well lubricated pretty much all the time with a clear fluid that is produced as a result of proper estrogen levels. While lacking fluid can seem like no big deal, it can lead to problems like painful sex and general discomfort. Here is what you need to know about the causes of vaginal dryness and the treatment options available.

Common Causes of Vaginal Dryness

The number one culprit behind vaginal dryness is a drop in hormone levels. When estrogen levels drop, it prevents the moisturizing fluid from being produced. While one out of every three women will have issues with vaginal dryness because of hormone changes during menopause, menopause is not the only reason hormone levels can change. You can also see a decrease in estrogen levels:

  • after giving birth to a child
  • if you are breastfeeding
  • if you have a hysterectomy
  • because you are taking certain medications
  • you are undergoing cancer treatment

Beyond low estrogen, there are a handful of other reasons you can experience vaginal dryness, such as certain autoimmune disorders, douching too frequently, taking some allergy medications, and even some antidepressants.

Treatments for Vaginal Dryness

Treatment for vaginal dryness can range according to the underlying cause. However, the majority of the time, the condition is treated through medications that help to stabilize estrogen levels in the body. Topical estrogen creams can help induce moisture in the vaginal area, but oral medications may also be provided by your gynecologist. There is also an estrogen ring that can be placed inside the vagina and one-time use tablets that you insert as needed for moisture.

If you have problems with vaginal dryness, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for an appointment today.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Three of the Most Prevalent Birth Control Myths Debunked

Birth control is more available now than it has ever been before in history, and in the United States, 98 percent of women have taken birth control at some point in their reproductive life. Though it is common for women to use a medically available birth control in some form, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there that need to be debunked.

Myth: There is no need to be on birth control while you are breastfeeding.

Some new mothers completely avoid birth control after giving birth because they intend to breastfeed, and breastfeeding has been touted for years as a natural way to prevent pregnancy. However, there is no truth behind this fictional information. You can still ovulate while breastfeeding; you just may not ovulate as usual or be quite as fertile because it can lower hormone levels. Pregnancy is still a very real possibility.

Myth: Being on birth control for a long time can compromise your fertility later.

You can get pregnant as soon as you stop taking birth control and that information applies to just about every form of contraception. Birth control works by changing hormone levels in your body, but when the contraceptive is gone, your level returns to normal and you can once again get pregnant. The primary exception to this rule is contraceptive injections that have a longer half-life in the system. However, even contraceptive injections should not cause fertility problems in the long run.

Myth: It is best to take a break from birth control occasionally.

It is true that birth control can have a few side effects, but long-term use really is not a concern with most contraceptives. Taking a break because you think it is a safe bet for your body could land you with an unplanned pregnancy. Modern birth control is incredibly safe to take long term, even if you don’t plan to get pregnant for many years.

If you need advice on picking the best birth control methods for you, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for an appointment.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

How to Tell When You’re Ovulating: A Few Signs Every Woman Should Know

According to sources, if your menstrual cycle is absolutely on-point like clockwork and your cycle lasts 28 days, you should be ovulating around the 14th day of your cycle. Unfortunately, not every woman’s menstrual cycle works like clockwork, and sometimes, you are more fertile at other times of the months. Therefore, knowing the other signs that you are ovulating will be a bigger help if you have trouble tracking down the egg release according to your body’s cycle.

KEEP TABS ON YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE

Because hormones change throughout your menstrual cycle, your body temperature can also change. Most women’s body temperature will slightly elevate when they are ovulating. This temperature difference can be slight, however, so you may not notice if you do not know your normal basal body temperature. Take your temperature daily and keep track of the readings. Over the course of a few months, you may be able to spot a pattern of when your temperature peaks slightly in your cycle. This will be a good sign of ovulation.

WATCH FOR MUCOSAL DISCHARGE CHANGES

When your body is preparing for ovulation, the cervix will naturally release more mucus than usual. This mucus is slippery and clear, which is designed to help the entering sperm easier travel to the released egg. If you spot more discharge than usual at a certain point in the month, this could be the sign of ovulation.

TRY HOME OVULATION TESTS

If you are failing to catch the physical symptoms of ovulation, it is always worth trying the over-the-counter ovulation tests. These tests work by detecting levels of a certain hormone that is present in your urine just before you start ovulating. Best of all, most of the testing kits will have multiple strips that you can use for testing yourself as much as you need to until you do start your ovulation cycle.

If you would like more information on ovulation and fertility, reach out to Avant Gynecology for an appointment.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Causes of Yeast Infections

Itching, burning, and painful discomfort — yeast infections are one of the most frustrating health problems a woman can face. While the occasional yeast infection is something easily treated, if you have more than four yeast infections per year, you may have a more difficult situation to contend with. In order to manage and prevent yeast infections, you should educate yourself a bit about the issue and the causes.

WHAT CAUSES A YEAST INFECTION?

The vaginal area is naturally home to yeast that is present in the body. When the body’s pH balance gets disrupted, the yeast will multiply and accumulate to higher numbers, which causes the uncomfortable symptoms of a yeast infection. However, some women have recurring yeast infections because of a variant form of yeast that is more resilient to common treatment methods.

The delicate pH balance of the female body can be disrupted by a multitude of different things. Therefore, the root cause of a yeast infection can be a lot of everyday things, such as:

  • certain forms of birth control
  • using douches, scented soaps, or scented lotions in the vaginal area
  • excessive sweating
  • poor hygiene
  • a high-sugar or high-carb diet

Additionally, some medical conditions can make you more prone to yeast infections. For example, if you are diabetic or if you are pregnant, you may be more prone to yeast infections.

If you have frequent yeast infections, with or without the aforementioned causes, this is a condition you should speak to your gynecologist about. There are prescription medications that are better built to treat stubborn yeast infections than over-the-counter remedies. To learn more, contact Avant Gynecology to schedule an appointment today.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.