Tag Archive for: women’s health

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.

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.

Most Common Health Issues Women Face in Their 40s

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, as well as their 30s. Now, we’re discussing the most common health issues women face in their 40s.

Common Health Problems You Might Face in Your 40s

Now more than ever, scheduling regular appointments with your doctors is vital for remaining as healthy as possible. If you’re in this age group, keep that in mind as you continue to read about these common issues. 

  • Deteriorating Vision: Annual eye exams are often one yearly check up people don’t take as seriously as others. However, when you’re a woman in your 40s, your vision may not be as good as it once was. Many women this age commonly report reaching for reading glasses or experiencing common eye issues, such as dry eye, that never appeared before. So, if it’s been a while since you visited your eye doctor, it’s time to schedule that appointment. 
  • Increased Risk for Cancers and Other Major Health Issues: Unfortunately, as women continue to age, their risk for many serious diseases increases. Examples of this include colon cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, and skin cancer. With all of these issues, prevention and early detection are vital. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of regular screenings and ask your primary care doctor if you should be considering any new health screenings due to your age.
  • Unintended Pregnancy: While the dangers of unprotected sex might be more advertized towards younger generations, having an accidental pregnancy or catching STDs is still very likely to happen to women in their 40s. If you’re not hoping to make any additions to your family, be mindful and intentional about the birth control methods you use. Speak with your primary care doctor or gynecologist about what option might be best for you. 
  • Changes in Bone Density: When you grow older, your body slowly begins to change and deteriorate. This is especially true for your bones during this age. That’s why ensuring you spend time getting plenty of Vitamin D, taking extra supplements to help fill in what has disappeared, and exercising regularly is essential for keeping your bones happy and healthy. Doing so will lead to fewer health issues down the road. 
  • Shifts in Lifestyle Habits: You’re not as young as you once were, and, while that may not be impacting much right now, you may notice subtle shifts in your lifestyle habits. For example, maybe you’re not as sexually active as you once were. Or maybe you don’t workout as much or eat as healthily as you did before. Keeping track of how things are changing for you—and if you enjoy those changes—is extremely important. If you want to have more intimate time with your partner, you might consider going to sexual therapy. Or, if your BMI is going past what you’re comfortable with, it might be time to find a new favorite exercise. Either way, staying vigilant to your habits is key to remaining happy and healthy. 

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 40s, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

A Message to Our Patients about COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

The well-being and safety of our patients is our highest priority. Please be assured that we are following all guidelines and precautions suggested by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, and will continue to monitor new information as it becomes available.

  • If you are experiencing any symptoms of respiratory illness or cold symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath) on the day of your appointment, or have been feeling ill during the week leading up to your appointment, PLEASE DO NOT COME INTO THE OFFICE!
  • If you have any known exposure or suspected exposure to someone that is infected with COVID-19, PLEASE DO NOT COME INTO THE OFFICE!
  • In these cases, please call the office during normal office hours, and we will happily reschedule you to a more appropriate time. If you feel that the reason for your visit demands urgent attention, please call the office to discuss alternative methods of receiving care.

What to expect on the day of your appointment:

  • Please do not bring family or friends (including children) to your appointment during this time. Of course, exceptions will be made for a family member that is accompanying a patient that is also a minor.
  • All patients will be screened for fever and symptoms of illness upon arrival prior to entering the waiting room and asked to reschedule if an illness is detected.
  • Staff members will be wearing masks, and we encourage all patients to wear masks as well if possible.
  • We ask that you thoroughly wash your hands for 20 seconds both before and after your office visit to help protect both you and our staff members.
  • The staff has been instructed to refrain from close personal greetings such as handshakes and hugs.

Our office practices universal healthcare precautions for the prevention of infection in our treatment rooms and common areas. We will be continually wiping down doorknobs, treatment surfaces and countertops between patients.

We appreciate your trust in allowing us to partner with you in your healthcare and thank you for your assistance in helping us decrease the risk of transmission of the virus. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment and will be happy to answer any questions during our office hours.

Facts about COVID 19.

How Stressful Times Can Impact Your Pregnancy

We all experience stress during our lives. It could be directly related to your pregnancy, such as general fear of the birthing process, or other life-related issues, like work or relationships. Certainly right now, in the midst of a global health pandemic, many expecting mothers have lots of additional stress piling up.

But how does that impact the nine months of development during pregnancy? The experts at Avant Gynecology are discussing how stressful times can impact your baby or pregnancy.

Stress and Pregnancy: How Stressful Times Can Impact Your Pregnancy

Just like a lot of stress can physically impact us through headaches or issues sleeping, it can also impact your pregnancy. Here are the biggest ways this happens:

  • Unfortunately, a study has proven that women who experience extreme stress, such as through a traumatic event, are more likely to have a miscarriage.
  • In the same vein, preterm birth is more likely for women who experience large amounts of stress during their pregnancy.
  • For women who already have high blood pressure, experiencing large amounts of stress during pregnancy only makes things worse. While stress won’t cause issues like preeclampsia or long-term hypertension, it can cause spikes in those problems.
  • Sometimes, stress can impact your baby later down the road, such as increasing the risk of mental issues like ADHD and even depression.

COVID-19 Specific Impacts

Right now, we’re all going through an extremely stressful time with the coronavirus epidemic. Many people have health-related questions regarding their pregnancy and their newborn baby, and rightfully so. While scientists and the world are still learning about how this virus impacts everyone, here are some things that we know to be true about how the coronavirus affects motherhood:

  • Most pregnant women are more susceptible to diseases, especially respiratory ones. It’s imperative that pregnant women follow strict quarantine requirements.
  • Those who are pregnant should continue to follow hygiene best practices, such as washing your hands and not touching your face. There are no additional necessary steps pregnant women need to take to remain safe at this time.
  • It is unclear if a pregnant woman will pass down COVID-19 to her baby. This is still being studied.
  • Be prepared for possible changes during your birthing experience. Most hospitals are currently overloaded with treating coronavirus patients, and they don’t want to put you or your newborn in the path of the virus. This fact may change which room you’re put in, how the doctors look when assisting you through your birth, or other minor details. Speak with your provider to discuss how things might impact your birth.
  • There is no proof that breast milk carries the virus, so women are allowed to continue to breastfeed their babies.
  • Don’t be afraid to touch your baby during this time! Just plan to wash your hands before and after, which you were probably already doing in the first place.

We Know It’s Scary, Here’s What You Can Do

In addition to following the COVID-19 prevention recommendations above, there are things pregnant women can do to help alleviate stress and its related health effects:

  • Stay in touch with your healthcare team. That may include your OBGYN, general practitioner, and even your psychologist or psychiatry. These experts will be able to make clear the things you can and can’t control during this uncertain time. If you are not currently seeing any mental health professionals but struggling with lots of stress, there are many great telemedicine options available.
  • Talk with your partner or support system. Similarly, it’s important to lean on your partner and friends to get the emotional support team you need and deserve. Don’t be afraid to discuss your worries or fears with them.
  • Find dedicated time each day to participate in stress-relieving activities. These activities can look different for each person. Perhaps you enjoy prenatal yoga and meditation, or maybe watching the latest episode of your favorite TV show does the trick. No matter what you do, be sure to check-in with yourself before, during, and after to see if your activity has given you the relief you need. You can even check your heart rate as a physician indicator of this.

If you have further questions about how stressful times can impact your baby or pregnancy, 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 30s

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 they might encounter.

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

Common Health Problems You Might Face in Your 30s

 

The theme of being a woman in your 30s is starting healthy habits. Whether that’s by initiating a relationship with your gynecologist or by taking a critical look at your diet, spend this decade setting yourself up for success later down the road.

  • Pregnancy and Infertility: For a majority of women, your 30s is a fantastic time to grow your family. However, if this doesn’t pertain to you, we understand! Not everyone wants to have babies, and all family planning decisions are valid. However, if you do have plans to get pregnant, it’s a fantastic idea to develop a strong relationship with your OBGYN. This way, you can work with a medical professional to discover your risks and concerns when it comes to childbearing. Infertility and miscarriages are extremely common, with about 12 to 13 women out of every 100 couples struggling to get pregnant. Know that you may end up facing these issues, but, if you do, you’re not alone.
    • Also, understand that those who are pregnant have to deal with a large list of medical issues, such as:
      • Depression, both during and after being pregnant
      • Anxiety
      • High blood pressure
      • Iron deficiency
      • Diabetes
    • That’s why it’s great to have a trusted OBGYN on your side as you start your journey to becoming parents. They will assist you in navigating through any of the above health issues.
  • Weight Gain: At this phase of life, it’s very common to experience weight gain. This can be attributed to a wide variety of things, including a slow down in metabolism or a shift in your lifestyle. First off, know that weight gain is not inherently a bad thing! The most important thing is to keep an eye on other health indicators and have open conversations with your physician team. Overall, just like in your 20s, it’s great to maintain some level of physical activity each week (a combination of cardio and strength training is ideal) to ensure you keep your body operating as efficiently as possible. Similarly, continue to keep an eye on what you’re eating to ensure you’re getting enough healthy fruits, veggies, whole grains, and proteins.
  • Increased Risk for Cancers and Major Medical Issues: Just as it was important to set up regular testing for things like STDs and skin cancer in your 20s, it’s just as vital to keep up those healthy habits during your 30s. As you continue to age, the risk you have for major types of cancers and medical issues only continues to grow. So, keep a vigilant eye to live the longest and healthiest life possible. This is especially true for your breasts and any lumps that might appear.

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 30s, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.