Overactive Bladder 101

With more than 200,000 cases in the United States alone per year, overactive bladder (also called OAB) is a common medical condition many women and men experience. This urological issue causes a frequent, urgent need to use the restroom, sometimes even leading to accidents before a person has time to get to the bathroom.

If you or a loved one are dealing with OAB, keep reading below to learn more about causes and treatment options.

What Are the Symptoms for Overactive Bladder?

The most common symptoms of OAB are:

  • The sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control.
  • Accidently releasing urine when the urge appears.
  • Using the restroom multiple times in the middle of the night, a condition called nocturia.
  • Frequently urinating more than usual, beyond eight times a day.

What Causes OAB?

Usually, OAB can occur when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily, creating that urgent need to use the restroom.

There are several risk factors and medical conditions that can cause OAB, including enlarged prostates, diabetes, cognitive decline, tumors, certain medications, and hormone changes.

What’s the Treatment for OAB?

 

The most common treatment for overactive bladder is behavior therapies and lifestyle changes. Those include options such as pelvic floor muscle exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, biofeedback, intermittent catheterization, scheduling restroom use, and bladder training. These therapies help encourage the body and bladder to function without daily interruption.

Other treatment options include:

  • Bladder injections
  • Medications
  • Nerve stimulation
  • Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
  • Surgery

If you have further questions about overactive bladder, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora of Avant Gynecology Featured on “The Weekly Check-Up” on WSB Radio

On Sunday, August 30, Avant Gyneology’s Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora — both honorees of the 2020 “Top Doctors” list in Atlanta magazine’s July issue — returned as guests on The Weekly Check-Up on News/Talk WSB Radio.

During the show, Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora discussed several topics related to women’s health, such as hormone replacement therapy, hormone pellets, menopause, UTIs, uterine fibroids, and navigating a healthy lifestyle amidst the current pandemic.

You can listen to the full show below.

Tune in to The Weekly Check-Up every Sunday from 3-5 p.m. on AM 750 on 95.5 WSB, and WSBRadio.com.

The Effects of Systemic Racism on Black Women’s Healthcare Access

The systemic discrimination facing Black women and men in the United States is nothing new but with the recent Black Lives Matter movement, these issues have come into the spotlight. Unfortunately, the specific ways they affect Black women in the healthcare space is still not widely understood or even discussed by many.

Here, we will unpack some of the statistics around the lack of healthcare access for Black women, specifically when it comes to OBGYN care, and what we can do to combat this issue.

Important Statistics on Healthcare Access for Black Women

How Do We Address This Issue?

If you’re as alarmed as we are by those statistics and the lack of support for Black women in healthcare, here are some ways you can help:

  • Educate Yourself: Continue the fight for equality by educating yourself on issues like this. Become aware of statistics, read the stories of Black women in these situations, and recognize that this will be an ongoing process of self-education.
  • Support Organizations: There are several organizations out there trying their best to help resolve the issues described above. One great example is the Black Women’s Health Imperative, whose mission it is to “lead the effort to solve the most pressing health issues that affect Black women and girls in the U.S. Through investments in evidence-based strategies, we deliver bold new programs and advocate health-promoting policies.” Read more about the health inequalities on Black women, sign petitions, and donate straight to these organizations that are making a strong impact

At Avant Gynecology, we pride ourselves on being a safe space for all women. Schedule an appointment with one of our women’s health experts by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

The Benefits of Keeping Your Pubic Hair

Over the past several decades, smooth, bare skin has become mainstream for millions of people, regardless of their gender. Many enjoy shaved skin, compared to when the hair is left to grow out naturally.

Because of this, it’s become routine for some women to shave or wax their skin. Many times this results in the complete removal of their pubic hair. However, it’s a good idea to understand the benefits of keeping your pubic hair, especially as it pertains to your health. That’s why the experts at Avant Gynecology are giving you all the details on this hairy subject!

Your Pubic Hair Serves a Purpose

Here are some of the reason you might consider keeping your pubic hair:

  • It provides protection against friction that can cause skin irritation in this sensitive area.
  • It helps reduce the amount of sweat produced around the vagina.
  • It helps block your vagina from the following bacteria and infections:
    • Sexually transmitted infections.
    • Urinary tract infections.
    • Yeast infections.
  • It helps regulate body temperature.
  • It is NOT more hygienic to remove pubic hair.

Keep this information in mind the next time you feel the need to reach for your razor! Your pubic hair serves an important purpose. That being said, the decisions around your body hair are totally up to you. If you do decide to remove your pubic hair, that’s ok too. Just be sure that you use a clean razor, replace dull blades, and keep an eye on any cuts, bumps, or inflammation. When in doubt, always remember you can ask your general practitioner or gynecologist for guidance.

If you have further questions about the benefits of keeping your pubic hair, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

How Your Happiness Can Impact Your Health

We’re all living through truly unprecedented times. From dealing with a global pandemic to processing national political unrest, it’s no surprise that many people are also experiencing mental health struggles as well. Despite how common these struggles are, it can be hard for many to prioritize their happiness. But you should, and here’s how happiness can impact your health. 

How Happiness Can Benefit Your Health 

If you’re feeling happy and stress-free, here are the ways your physical and mental health can benefit. 

  • Boosts your immune system.
  • Decreases risk for cardiovascular disease. 
  • Encourages better sleep habits. 
  • Helps problem-solving abilities.
  • Improves pain levels. 
  • Lengthens life expectancy. 
  • Lowers blood pressure 
  • Protects against strokes. 
  • Reduces stress levels. 

How to Feel More Positive and Happy 

It’s one thing to read about the benefits of happiness, it’s another to figure out how to actually implement this into your life. If you need some help and tips on how to feel more positive and happy, try these suggestions.

  • Eat healthier. The more fruits and veggies in your diet, the happier you will feel. Avoid processed foods, items with high percentages of fat and salt, and red meats. Check out this connection between a healthier diet and your mental health. 
  • Get outside. The sunshine and great outdoors are perfect for boosting your mood and making you feel more positive. In fact, low vitamin D levels are often connected with those who suffer from mental illnesses. That’s why it’s vital to get outside and soak up the natural vitamin D all around you.
  • Practice positive mindsets. Of course, becoming happier is easier if you focus on encouraging yourself to feel that way. A great way to do so is by writing down things you’re grateful for. Do this at the end of every day, and you’ll be feeling more positive in no time. 
  • Regular self-care exercises. Doing your favorite stress-relieving practices like yoga or meditation regularly enough helps to control mood swings, teaches you how to remain positive in intense situations, and increases your positivity. Some additional ideas are cooking healthy recipes, drawing, cleaning, and reading. 
  • Remain active. Staying active isn’t only good for your physical health, it’s also good for your mental health. It’s a mood booster and an easy way to alleviate stress. 
  • Sleep. You’ve heard it time and time again, but it’s proven in study after study that a full eight hours of sleep significantly increases your mood and happiness level. So, get to bed earlier than usual and minimize your screen time beforehand. Instead, read a book before you go to bed. Just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by 68%. But, if you don’t enjoy this pastime, you could also remediate, write, or listen to music that relaxes you. 

Interested in learning more about the connection between mental and physical health? We’ve discussed how stress can impact your health and the different ways that mental health can affect women in previous blogs.

If you have further questions, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Most Common Issues Women Face in Their 60s

At Avant Gynecology, we are committed to ensuring you are healthy, no matter your age. That being said, age plays a major role in which health issues you may face in your lifetime. That’s why we’ve developed a blog series focusing on the different phases of a woman’s life and the health concerns she might encounter.

We started off discussing the most common health issues women face in their 20s, their 30s, their 40s, and their 50s. Now, we’re discussing the most common health issues women face in their 60s.

Common Health Problems You Might Face in Your 60s

Unfortunately, the biggest concern for this age group is a general overall increased risk of major health issues. That’s why it is vital to keep up annual doctor visits. Here are more specific problems you might face during this age period. 

  • Significant Increase Risk for Heart Disease: When you’re in your 60s, your risk for heart diseases increases significantly. In fact, heart disease is the cause of 20% of deaths for women ages 65 to 74. To fight against this, maintain a healthy diet, stay active, and speak with your doctor to make sure your heart is looking happy and healthy. 
  • Higher Risk for Stroke: On top of what we discussed above, women in this age group are also at double the risk for stroke.  
  • Hearing Loss: Many women during this age group report a decline in their ability to hear. If this becomes an issue for you, speak with your doctor to figure out which of the many new advances in technology would be best to restore your hearing. 
  • Decreased Immune System: Your immune system weakens as you age. This means an increased risk for all diseases, including smaller ones like the common cold or seasonal flu. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on vaccines like the flu shot. Additionally, be extra vigilant about washing your hands, avoid spending time with people who you know are sick, and consider wearing masks when you’re in a large crowd. To boost your immune system further, keep exercising, reduce your stress levels, consider taking vitamins, and eat a healthy diet. 
  • Weaker Skin: On top of seeing an increased number of age spots on your skin, you might also notice that your skin is generally more dry and fragile. If this is bothering you and causing issues, head over to your dermatologist to see what treatment options might be best for you. 

It’s important to note that this list is just a starting point for ensuring you’re as healthy as possible in this phase of life. Develop a close relationship with your general practitioner and/or gynecologist to ensure you’ve set up a wellness plan that’s right for you.

If you’re in need of guidance on the most common health issues women face in their 60s, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora Receive Top Doctors Honors

Congratulations to Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora on ranking amongst metro Atlanta’s Top Doctors in Atlanta magazine’s July issue! 

Dr. Durrett has been practicing obstetrics and gynecology for more than 20 years and has been annually recognized as a Top Doctor in the publication since 2010. 

Dr. Mora joined McDaniel & Durrett Gynecology in 2012 and oversaw the transition to Avant Gynecology in 2018. 

Both Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora are currently seeing and accepting new patients at the Buckhead and Northside offices, located on the Piedmont Hospital and Northside Hospital campuses, respectively. 

Atlanta magazine uses a database of top doctors compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., an established healthcare research company based in New York, to assist in its annual effort. Doctors are nominated for consideration through both a nationwide survey and a peer nomination process. Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers then select the Top Doctors through a rigorous screening process that includes an evaluation of educational and professional experience. This year the publication honors 1,002 of these physicians representing the following counties: Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Hall, Forsyth, Cherokee, and Rockdale. 

“It’s an honor and a privilege to receive the Top Doctors recognition, and I’m proud to be among such talent,” says Dr. Durrett. “However, the true reward in healthcare comes from the patients themselves, who put their faith in you and give you the privilege to provide care.”

Dr. Mora echoes those sentiments. “Being able to treat women at all stages of life is incredibly gratifying,” she explains. “I’m forever grateful for that opportunity, and the chance to be a part of a practice at the forefront of women’s health and gynecology surgery.”

Dr. Durrett’s professional expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques with interests in vaginal prolapse treatment, management urological conditions, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), American Medical Association (AMA), Medical Association of Georgia, American Minimally Invasive Surgery Society, Atlanta OB/GYN Society, Georgia OB/GYN Society and American Academy of Anti-Aging, a society of physicians and scientists dedicated to enhancing the quality and extending the length of the human lifespan. 

Dr. Mora’s professional expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques with interests in pelvic reconstructive surgery, symptomatic fibroid management, endometriosis management, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. She is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), and the Georgia OB/GYN Society.

Learn About the Health Impacts of Orgasms!

Sex is a pleasurable thing for most people. In addition to the pleasure it can bring, did you know there are also health benefits? In fact, for women, orgasms can have a long list of positive impacts on the body and on the mind. 

Keep reading to learn about the health impacts of orgasms from the experts at Avant Gynecology.

Physical Benefits

First, let’s dive into the physical, positive effects orgasms can have. 

Alleviates Pain

Women have regularly reported that if they were experiencing certain types of pain or discomfort, such as a headache, they find that it subsides after having an orgasm. This can be attributed to the fact that during an orgasm, large amounts of endorphins are released, which can impact how your body is experiencing pain.

Boosts Fertility 

Regular orgasms do many things to help boost a woman’s fertility. Examples include increasing the chance of pregnancy at any point during a women’s cycle, drawing in more sperm, and also boosting the immune system to help assist with fertilization. 

Helps with Heart Health 

For both men and women who regularly participate in sexual activity and experience orgasms, they will experience a lowered risk for hypertension, rapid heart rate, and most cardiovascular diseases. 

Helps Out Your Immune System 

After orgasming, the levels of white blood cells in your body increase. This means that your immune system has a boost for fighting off any illnesses.

Mental Health Benefits 

Physical health isn’t the only area of health that’s impacted by orgasms. Here are the ways your mental health can also benefit. 

Deeper Connection with Partner

When you orgasm, a large level of the hormone oxytocin is released into your system. This is a powerful tool to help foster a stronger connection with your partner. That’s why after-sex cuddles can be a fantastic thing to engage in. It builds a stronger connection with your partner that only increases the enjoyment of your relationship. 

Increased Focus 

Similar to the above effect, the hormones released after an orgasm has been shown to increase the amount of brain activity you experience. This means more focus, better sleep, less stress, and a better ability to think through problems. 

If you have further questions about the health impacts of orgasms or general sexual health topics, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Most Common Health Issues Women Face in their 50s

At Avant Gynecology, we are committed to ensuring you are healthy, no matter your age. That being said, age plays a major role in which health issues you face. That’s why we’ve developed a blog series focusing on the different phases of a woman’s life and the health concerns she might encounter.

We started off discussing the most common health issues women face in their 20s, their 30s, and their 40s. Now, we’re discussing the most common health issues women face in their 50s.

Common Health Problems You Might Face in Your 50s

The biggest health concern for most women during this period is, of course, menopause. After all, it is one of the biggest changes that women experience in their lifetime. However, there are other things to consider as well. 

  • Menopause: In technical terms, menopause is the stage in life when a woman will stop menstruating. Your body goes through a process because of the changes in your hormone levels, which means you can experience a full list of symptoms along with changes in your menstrual cycle. It can be complicated and tough to go through menopause, but it is a natural process every woman experiences that will bring many changes, some good and some bad. To learn more about how menopause affects women in their 50s, click here. 
  • Mental Health Struggles: As women continue to age, struggles with depression and mental health rise. This can be contributed to losing a sense of purpose and struggling with how much time has already gone by. But there’s still so much to look forward to! Ways to fight against any mental health issues are to explore new hobbies and habits, speak with your loved ones, and schedule professional help such as therapy appointments. 
  • Slow Down of Physical Activity: Many women think that this age means that all kinds of physical activity, including sex, stops. But that doesn’t have to be the case! In fact, continuing to follow a regiment of 30 minute cardio exercises five times a week has tremendous health benefits. This includes an increased sex drive, lower risk of heart disease, and weight gain prevention, all of which can be common at this age. 
  • Keeping Up With Screenings: It can be tempting as you grow older to stop visiting the doctor as much as you used to. But the older a woman is, the higher her chance of contracting major diseases, such as breast cancer. That’s why regular appointments with your physician is absolutely essential. Speak with your trusted gynecologist to discuss your risk factors so that the two of you can develop a plan of which screenings to get and when.

It’s important to note that this list is just a starting point for ensuring you’re as healthy as possible in this phase of life. Develop a close relationship with your general practitioner and/or gynecologist to ensure you’ve set up a wellness plan that’s right for you.

If you’re in need of guidance on the most common health issues women face in their 50s, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Why You Still Need to Get Your Annual Gyno Exam During a Pandemic

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many people are nervous about making trips to the doctors office for preventative check-ups. National numbers on annual physicals have plummeted as many people opt to delay these important visits out of fear of contracting coronavirus while at the doctor’s office. 

“This is an issue that is starting to alarm many health professionals,” Avant Gynecology’s Dr. Lynley Durrett stated. “Especially with gynecology, we are concerned our patients are not coming in when they should for their annual gyno exams, which means we’ll miss early diagnosis for major health issues.” 

To help raise awareness on this issue, we’re explaining why you still need to get your annual gyno exam during a pandemic. 

How is the Coronavirus Impacting Annual Gyno Exams? 

As mentioned above, many people are too afraid to head to the doctor’s office right now. They don’t want to run the risk of catching the virus, so they ignore when their annual check-up date comes and goes. And, even worse, some patients are also ignoring symptoms of potential health issues that they perceive to be non life-threatening. The issue with this is that many major, life-threatening conditions start out with small, seemingly insignificant symptoms. 

In fact, ignoring annual exams or smaller pains often means larger issues go by undetected in their early stages when they are the most treatable. For major health concerns, it’s always best to discover them when they are smaller, such as when breast cancer is only a tiny lump versus when it’s already traveled to your lymph nodes. The earlier the discovery, the better chance you have at recovery. 

In short, when you don’t get to your annual exams or ignore smaller issues that don’t seem like such a big deal at first, you run the risk of missing early diagnosis and treatment. 

The Benefits of Annual Exams 

Seeing your gynecologist on a regular basis has very important health benefits that can impact your life today and for years to come. For example, when ovarian cancer is caught in its earliest stages, 94 percent of patients diagnosed live well beyond five years after diagnosis because the cancer is not as likely to spread. Having an annual gynecological exam means a condition is less likely to go unnoticed, giving you a better chance at recovery.

Read more details about why annual gynecological exams are necessary here. 

Don’t Be Afraid: Your Doctor’s Got This

We get it! Even going to the grocery story feels scary these days. But, the good news is that doctor’s offices are actually one of the safest places you can visit right now. Medical practices like Avant Gynecology have experts on staff whose job it is to ensure the space is disinfected and cleaned to the highest possible standards on a regular basis. Additional preventative measures like temperature checks, social distancing, mandatory mask wearing, and more are taken to ensure patients are as safe as possible. Rest assured that, though your visit to your gynecologist might look a little different, it will be a safe place to visit. You can read more about the steps our practice is taking specifically here. 

If you have any other questions about why you still need to get your annual gyno exam during a pandemic, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.