Tag Archive for: women’s health

Common Health Issues Women Face in their 20s

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.

To start, we’re diving into the most common health issues women face in their 20s. If you are currently of that age or know someone who is, keep reading below.

Common Health Problems You Might Face in Your 20’s

The key to being a healthy 20-something? Be proactive about your health! This is the best time in your life to be prepared and to set yourself up for success in the future by making wise decisions today.

  • Melanoma and Skin Cancer: Especially if you spent your childhood running around outside and soaking up the sun, melanoma is a huge risk you need to watch out for in your 20s. Start setting up yearly skin checks with your dermatologist to keep an eye on spots that could be melanoma. Additionally, do monthly checks on your own. Look for changing moles or weird spots on your skin. Plus, protect yourself now by applying sunscreen every day.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Statistics show that those in their 20’s are most at risk of getting STIs. In fact, one in two sexually active people will catch one before they’re 25. If you are sexually active, you need to plan for regular visits to your gynecologist to test for STIs, including having a pap smear. In addition, practice safe sex by using condoms if you are unsure if your partner has been tested themselves.
  • Diabetes: If you spend your 20’s not eating healthy and not exercising, then you are putting yourself at major risk for developing diabetes. This chronic disease would absolutely change your life, so do your best to set up healthy habits now. Eat more lean protein, fruits and veggies, and whole grains versus processed food or red meat. Exercise regularly. If you’re just starting out, find a sport or activity that you enjoy that keeps you active. That could be dancing, hiking, swimming, or more. Whatever you do, make sure it gets you up on your feet and moving.
  • Mental Health Issues: While many people think being in your 20’s is one of the best times of your life, it can also be one of the most stressful and mentally challenging. Because of this, anxiety and depression are an extremely common illness many people in their 20s face. If you are already experiencing mental health issues, know you’re not alone and there are ways to help. Talk with your general practitioner about what you’re feeling to see if a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist is right 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 common health issues women face in their 20s, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Best Vitamins for Women

Whether you’re watching yet another TV ad about vitamins or walking down the pharmacy aisle at the grocery store, the vitamin options these days seem countless and never-ending. With such an excess of options, it can be difficult to decipher if vitamins are actually beneficial, and, if so, which ones are best for you?

We’re here to cut through the noise! Read below to hear from the experts at Avant Gynecology on this important topic.

Want to Take Vitamins? Here are the Best Options

While it’s recommended to try your best to get all of the needed nutrients from your diet, it can sometimes be impossible to do so while balancing work, family, social life, hobbies, and healthy living. Fill your plate with fresh fruits and veggies, proteins, and grains and you won’t have a need for vitamins. But if you know that just doesn’t happen as much as you’d like, here are some of the best vitamins to reach for.

  • NatureMade Multi For Her: If you know you’re struggling to get in your needed iron and calcium, this is a fantastic option to help.
  • Alive! Women’s Gummy Vitamins: Be careful when choosing gummy vitamins. Many have unnecessary sugar and food coloring added. This option, however, does not have those additives, and also has a boost of many necessary nutrients.
  • One a Day Women’s Formula: A simple and easy way to get all of those nutrients you may be missing out on.
  • Core Daily-1 Multivitamins for Women 50+: If you’re looking for vitamins and you’re further along in age, this is a fantastic way to get what you may be missing in your diet. This brand focuses on jamming their tablets with the necessary items that can boost an elderly person’s body and their digestive tract, such as calcium and vitamin B12.
  • mykind Organics Vitamins: Hoping to find a totally organic option? This brand is perfect for you! They offer generic once-daily options as well as prenatal-specific vitamins as well.

What You Should Get From Your Vitamins

Still not sure what you need to focus on when it comes to vitamins? Here’s an easy guide of the nutrients most people do not get enough of in their daily diet.

  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • Iron
  • Folate
  • Magnesium
  • Omega-3 fatty acids often found in fish oil
  • Vitamin B12

Have any more questions about the best vitamins for women? Often the most beneficial first step you can take is going over your diet and lifestyle with your physician, who can then recommend the most useful vitamin options for you. Reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Yes, You Can Get An Infection Down There: What to Know About Vaginal Infections

Burning, itching, and discomfort. No one wants to experience those sensations anywhere, let alone in our most sensitive areas. But, for the 200,000 women who have vaginal infections in the United States each year, this is an uncomfortable reality.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about vaginal infections, their causes, and how to treat them.

What are Vaginal Infections?

Vaginal infections are defined as the infection or inflammation of the vagina and any of its parts. Some of the most common vaginal infections are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, STDs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, and even allergies.

What Causes Vaginal Infections?

The causes can vary dramatically depending on what type of infection you have. However, here are the most common:

  • Sexual intercourse with someone who has an STD.
  • Overgrowth of bacteria or fungi.
  • Reduced level of hormones, leading to vaginal thinness and dryness.
  • Soaps or other beauty products that can irritate the skin in that area.
  • Tight clothing.

What Are the Symptoms?

Much like causes, the symptoms can vary greatly from situation to situation. It can also be tricky to distinguish between normal vaginal characteristics and those that indicate an infection.

For instance, did you know that some discharge from your vagina is totally normal—and is, in fact, the vagina’s way of cleaning itself? That being said, unusual types of vaginal discharge can be a sign something is wrong.

Other signs include:

  • Burning sensation when peeing
  • Discomfort during sex
  • Itching
  • Vaginal discharge that has changed in color, weight, or smell
  • Burning
  • Bleeding
  • Soreness
  • Swelling

How Are Vaginal Infections Treated?

The good news is that there are several different methods for treatment, so suffering does not have to last long. There are a handful of creams, tablets, and gels that a doctor can prescribe to immediately relieve the symptoms described above and begin to treat or manage the infection. The specific type of treatment prescribed will depend on the infection type, patient history, and any pre-existing conditions.

If you have any more questions or would like to discuss treatment options, contact the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or give us a call at 404-352-2850.

Everything You Need to Know About Tubal Ligation, AKA “Getting Your Tubes Tied”

If your family is already complete with how many kids you always envisioned, you may want to make absolutely certain that you won’t be having any more. Birth control methods like the pill or an IUD may not cut it at this stage in your life.

That’s where tubal ligation comes in. Keep reading below to learn more about this procedure from the experts at Avant Gynecology. 

What is Tubal Ligation?

You’ve likely heard the expression, “getting your tubes tied.” That’s in reference to this form of birth control, also called tubal sterilization. It occurs when the fallopian tubes are either blocked, tied, or cut to permanently prevent pregnancy. 

How does this work? Having a tubal ligation or sterilization blocks an egg from traveling to meet the sperm and also prevents the sperm from traveling to meet the egg, which is the process that fertilizes the egg, often resulting in the creation of a fetus. This is done by cutting off their means of transportation: the fallopian tubes. 

In most cases, tubal ligation is not able to be reversed. Sometimes it is possible to try, but that requires major surgery and the outcome is not guaranteed. 

What’s the Procedure Like?

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so patients are not awake during any steps of this process. But, for those of you who are curious, here are the steps of tubal ligation:

  • Either a needle is inserted or an incision is made around the belly button. 
  • The abdomen is inflated with gas. 
  • A laparoscope is put into the abdomen. 
  • A second small incision is added so that the doctor can work through the abdominal wall. 
  • The fallopian tubes are sealed. 
  • The patient is allowed to leave the hospital a few hours after the surgery.

However, these steps might look different if you are getting this procedure done right after, or even during, childbirth. 

When should I consider getting Tubal Ligation?

As we mentioned above, tubal ligation is best for those who are very serious about never having children. While some versions of this surgery are less permanent, it’s not as easy to undo their effects as it is to remove an IUD or stop other forms of birth control. 

Additionally, those who have diabetes, a history of pelvic or abdominal conditions, or obesity should consider other options. Those characteristics lead to a greater risk of complications after the surgery.  

If you have any more questions about tubal ligation or would like to learn more about your options, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850. 

Can’t Hold It In? What Your Overactive Bladder Could Mean

The sudden need to use the restroom is a common experience among women. This issue, called overactive bladder (OAB), happens to about 17% of women over the age of 18. That’s millions of women feeling like they can’t hold it in, regularly having accidents, or being ruled by proximity to the closest bathroom.

But what exactly is OAB? And how can you manage it? Keep reading to learn all about this type of urinary incontinence that affects so many women.

What Causes Overactive Bladder?

OAB happens when the muscles in the bladder contract without intention, even when the amount of urine in your system is small. There are many things that could lead to this happening. While some examples are more common than others, here is a list of many causes that can lead to overactive bladder:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Tumors or bladder stones
  • Certain medications
  • Inability to empty the bladder completely
  • Obstructed bladder
  • Inability to walk fully or troubles with using the restroom yourself
  • Large consumption of caffeine and/or alcohol
  • Declining cognitive function
  • Diabetes
  • Neurological disorders

Who Is At Risk for Overactive Bladder?

There are several things that can lead women being at risk for OAB. Those are:

  • Overweight
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Genetic diseases like diabetes
  • Illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease
  • Advanced age
  • Bowel control issues

However, just like with many medical diseases, healthy habits can keep OAB at bay. Here are some habits you can pick up today to lower your risk, especially if you have any of the conditions above:

  • Limit caffeine and alcohol
  • No smoking
  • Perform strengthening kegel exercises
  • Manage illnesses that might make OAB more commonplace, such as diabetes
  • Have a healthy weight
  • Eat a nutritious diet
  • Maintain regular exercise

If you have any more questions about overactive bladder, the experts at Avant Gynecology are here to help. Give us a call at 404-352-2850 or click here to schedule an appointment.

Pap Smears: The Best Tool in the Fight Against Cervical Cancer

Every year, it’s estimated that more than 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States. Though that number can be alarming to some, it may be comforting to know that the number of women who die from cervical cancer is declining. Why? Pap smears. This typing of testing allows doctors to detect cervical cancer early, giving women more of a fighting chance to get rid of cancer in their bodies.

But if you’ve never had a pap smear done before, you could be anxious about what the process entails. Keep reading below to learn all about it from our experts.

When Do Women Receive Pap Smears?

It is recommended by medical professionals for women ages 21 to 65 to receive a pap smear every three years. However, there are many risk factors that might require a woman to get testing done more frequently:

  • Weakened immune system.
  • HIV infections.
  • Family history of cervical cancer.
  • Previous positive test results.

What Happens When Receiving a Pap Smear?

Though it only takes a few minutes, many women commonly describe the testing as uncomfortable. Here are the steps that happen when receiving a pap smear:

  • You will undress from the bottom down or be completely undressed.
  • Your doctor will ask you to lay down on your back with your knees bent and feet in the stirrups.
  • An instrument called the speculum will be inserted into your vagina. This is where the discomfort comes from: the pressure that keeps your vaginal walls apart.
  • A sample of your cells will be taken using a small brush and a spatula.
  • The cells will be tested to see if you have normal results or abnormal results, which could be a detection of cervical cancer.

You might experience some light spotting that day after receiving the test. But, other than that, you will be able to go about your day as usual.

Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare?

Not really, though some doctors do recommend no sexual activity a few days before in case that might skew results. It’s also recommended to try and not schedule a pap smear during your period.

If you have any further questions regarding pap smears or would like to schedule yours, reach out to the expert gynecologists at Avant Gynecology by either clicking here or giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Tips for Staying Active This Winter

When you think about the coldest season of the year, staying active this winter may not be the first thing that pops into your brain. You’re more likely to think about things like steaming soups, mugs of hot chocolate, and bundling up by the fire.

But working out is especially important during the wintertime. Not only does it help relieve stress—a common thing to encounter during the busy holiday season—but it also keeps you focused on your fitness goals. You won’t slip back into old habits or regress in your health goals like so many other people do during this season.

So, strap on your hat, stick your hands in some gloves, and get ready to enjoy working out in the cold. Here are the best ways to staying active during the winter.

Get Outside

One of the most challenging parts about staying active during the winter is the low temps. However, as long as the weather isn’t extremely low, you should still take the time to bundle up and spend some time outside. That might mean keeping up your daily walks during the workday, taking a quick jog around the block, or visiting your local park with your family.

Whatever you can do, do it. Both your mind and body will thank you!

Find an Online Exercise Class

Online workout classes are fantastic for many reasons.

  1. They’re awesome for fitting exercise into your busy schedule, which is significantly harder during this season due to the shorter days and countless holiday to-dos.
  2. Exploring online options opens up a world of possibilities to find the specific types of classes that are harder to track down in physical gyms.
  3. These types of courses are often much cheaper than their in-person counterparts. Who couldn’t stand to save some money around the holiday season?

Grab an Accountability Partner for Staying Active This Winter

If you know you’re struggling to keep up your exercise regimen during the cold winter months, reach for a friend or loved one to help kick you into gear. There’s no motivation better than having an accountability partner to cheer on all your successes, help pick you back up during your setbacks, or to let you know you’re not alone during this difficult, cold period.

Spend Your Weekends Wisely

If you work a traditional 9-to-5 job, having the time and motivation to hit the gym after work when it’s already starting to get dark may be impossible. That’s where the weekends come in! Make plans to do something physical AND fun each weekend. That might mean a family hike, find a festive holiday activity (ice skating, Christmas light hunting, etc.) to enjoy, or even just a long morning walk around your neighborhood.

No matter what you choose, focus on getting outside and being active during your winter weekends.

If you have any more questions or concerns about keeping yourself healthy during the winter season, feel free to reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology. Our physicians would be happy to assist you in discussing all elements of your health and figuring out the next best steps for you and your body. Click here to schedule an appointment with us, or give us a call at 404-352-2850.

Experiencing Winter Blues? You’re Not Alone!

Winter may be filled with holiday cheer for some people, but for others, the dark, cold, and dreary weather is almost too much to bear. When the weather contributes to feelings of depression or sadness, this is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

About 16 million people in the United States are expected to have an episode of major depression this year, and about five percent of those people will experience it because of the weather. Even worse? Women are most likely to experience seasonal affective disorder, with about four in five women stating they have experienced SAD before.

If you or someone you know is experiencing the winter blues, know you’re not alone. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get through this holiday season with positive mental health.

Spend Time Outside

Often the cold, short winter days are the last time of the year you want to spend time out of the house. In order to fight against seasonal depression, it’s crucial to spend quality time outside. In fact, the more you do it, the more your mind and body will benefit.

If you’re not sure how to get outside this winter, here are a few ideas:

  • Take walk breaks during work.
  • Grab some loved ones and go for a hike during the day when the sun is still out.
  • Park further away from work or the stores to give yourself a longer walk.
  • Walk around the block at your house before going inside for the night to relax.

Don’t Slack on Your Nutrition

The holidays are filled with rich comfort food and large holiday feasts. But just because you may have a few splurges coming up doesn’t mean you need to totally drop all of the nutritious and healthy eating habits you’ve built up.

This is especially true when you consider that diet contributes to mental health. Don’t want to give up the joy of yummy, cold-weather comfort food? Find a good, hearty soup recipe with high protein and lots of veggies.

Keep Exercising

Similarly, it might be tempting during this season to slack on exercising habits. As the temperature drops, all we want to do is cuddle up next to the fire under blankets. However, just like keeping up your healthy diet, maintaining your fitness routine during this time of year is one of the best ways to stay happy and healthy.

Check out our full blog on staying active in the winter months here.

If You Need Extra Help with Winter Blues, Get It

In addition to the suggestions mentioned above, there are other ways you can give your brain the support it needs this time of year.

  • Vitamin D supplements can give you the boost you’d normally get directly from the sun.
  • Communicate with your loved ones that you’re struggling. They can pitch in to help boost your spirits when you are feeling particularly low.
  • If things are really bad for you this winter, don’t feel ashamed to reach out to your general physician or a psychiatrist to learn about medication and therapy to help balance your seasonal depression.

The expert gynecologists at Avant Gynecology are devoted to helping women live their healthiest and happiest lives, including working through winter blues. If you would like to speak to any of our doctors, click here to schedule an appointment with us or give us a call at 404-352-2850.

OBGYN Visits for the LGBTQIA Community

Differences, Barriers to Access, and What We’re Doing to Help

LGBTQIA community members often face major obstacles to receiving fair treatment and access to healthcare. Tragically, OBGYN services are no exception to this serious issue. At Avant Gynecology, we recognize the importance of correcting this harmful trend and effort towards making our offices a safe space for all.

Keep reading to learn more about OBGYN Visits for the LGBTQIA Community and how they can get access to the quality services they need and deserve.

Different Experiences, Different Needs

No matter what they are, your sexual orientation and gender identity play an important role in the type of gynecology care you need.

Access to services like gender reconstruction, assistance with sperm transplants, different STD/STI prevention methods, and hormonal imbalance treatments are all examples of services needed for this community. At Avant Gynecology, we’re happy to discuss and assist with all of your gynecology needs. However, at this time, our office does not offer hormonal treatments. However, our expert staff is happy to refer you to someone in the area that you can trust.

Finding Allies in the Medical World

For many LGBTQ+ community members, a lot of anxiety understandably surrounds going to the doctor. After all, you’ve already faced many obstacles in the real world when it comes to receiving the care, love, and respect you deserve, and this can certainly be true at the doctor’s office.

Because of this, we understand scheduling appointments and finding a doctor you can trust may come with serious stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, this can lead to individuals avoiding annual exams and potentially more health complications.

The way to overcome this is communication and self-care best practices. When calling to make an appointment, ask the practice up-front if they support, or even specialize in, working with the LGBTQ+ community. Over-communicate with your doctor about what makes you comfortable, and even bring a friend or partner to your appointment to help support you.

While Avant Gynecology does not currently have staff who specialize in LGBTQ+ treatment, we are proud to treat the needs of all patients who come through our doors in a safe, judgment-free environment. We are also happy to direct patients to outside resources for related, but more specialized needs.

If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community in need of safe gynecological care, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team today, especially if you have more questions about OBGYN visits for the LGBTQIA community.

Why Women Should Stay Active, No Matter Their Age

A natural part of growing older is becoming less active. Life gets busier, natural energy levels fluctuate, and even general enjoyment around physical activities can wane. Regardless, it’s important to keep up active habits and find ways to enjoy this important part of living a long, healthy life. Keep reading below to learn why women should stay active, no matter their age.

The benefits of being active:

  • Stressed all the time? Exercising adds to your serotonin level. This chemical decreases the amount of stress you feel and makes room for more fun and positive emotions.
  • Increased exercising also has been proven to improve women’s sexual response and desire.
  • Physical activity helps your digestive system break down food.
  • Regular exercise boosts the part of your brain called the ventral prefrontal cortex, which makes decision making and emotional processing much easier.
  • Exercising also helps the hippocampus work better, which improves your memory. In the same vein, staying active also helps to slow down and prevent cognitive decline from diseases like Alzheimer’s.
  • Dealing with adult acne? Working out helps to reduce the hormones that produce acne. In fact, the more you sweat, the more you unclog your pores.
  • The more you exercise the better you sleep. Working out helps you feel better rested, gets you to sleep faster, and helps you remain asleep.
  • Exercising regularly also goes hand in hand with better self-confidence.
  • Exercise has been connected to a decreased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and mental illnesses like anxiety or depression.
  • You improve your overall life quality and length of life when you exercise regularly.

Not sure where to start?

Lacking inspiration on how to remain active? We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you get started.

  • Cardio is an absolute must for your exercise regimen. Regularly engaging in cardio keeps your heart and lungs healthy, plus also benefits your bones and joints. If you hate the idea of running, there are plenty of other easy ways to get your heart pumping. Dancing, biking, tennis, walking, hiking, and swimming are a few great examples.
  • Also, include strengthening and muscle toning in your schedule. Doing so keeps your weight in check, strengthens your overall body, and keeps your bones strong. Grab some weights, head to your local gym to work with their machines, or use your own body weight to get started (push-ups, lunges, etc.).
  • Stretching is often overlooked but it’s vital for building healthier muscles, improving overall balance, and keeping joint pain to a minimum. If you have time every morning and evening to stretch, do it. If not, try to regularly engage in activities like yoga and pilates. Plus, the more you work on your balance, the less likely you are to fall.

Remember, the experts at Avant Gynecology are here to help women of all ages live long healthy lives. Click here to schedule an appointment or give us a call at 404-352-2850 if you have any more questions about why women should stay active, no matter their age.