SERVICES PATIENT RESOURCES PHYSICIANS MEDICAL STAFF BLOG CONTACT OUR BLOG MAMMOGRAPHY AND YOU By Ernest H. Carlton MD We must start this discussion with a brief look at hormones and menopause. When female patients become menopausal they are deficient in estrogen and progesterone and to a lesser degree- testosterone. Some patients move right through the menopausal years with very little or no consequences. However, a lot of patients have varying degrees of hormone symptoms that can become debilitating. These range from mild to severe hot flashes with night sweats resulting in little sleep, fatigue, or irritability. CONTINUE READING UPDATE ON ZIKA VIRUS By A. Kenneth Harper MD The CDC has updated its recommendations on Zika virus including travel restrictions, evaluation for possible Zika infection and conception planning for those with possible or confirmed exposure to the virus. Infection during pregnancy risks include birth defects in babies such as microcephaly (very small head) and other developmental problems. The CDC has an excellent patient education section about Zika on their website, CONTINUE READING YOGA IN PREGNANCY By A. Kenneth Harper MD Research has shown that pregnant women benefit from mild to moderate exercise during a normal pregnancy. While there is no clear evidence of reduced risks of complications or C-section, women who exercise have improved weight control, overall sense of well-being and increased tolerance of labor. In particular women report less problems with the common “aches and pains” of pregnancy such as back and pelvic pain. CONTINUE READING UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR PAPS By A. Kenneth Harper MD The "annual Pap" smear has been recommended for three generations of women to screen for cancer of the cervix. Improved Pap technology and testing for HPV virus has resulted in updated recommendations for Pap screening. The association of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and cervical cancer is critical to the new Pap guidelines. There are two categories of HPV based on the risk of producing cervical cancer: 1) Low risk HPV associated with genital warts but not cervical cancer, and 2) High risk HPV associated with cancer. CONTINUE READING VACCINATIONS DURING PREGNANCY By A. Kenneth Harper MD Women are very concerned about exposure to any medication during pregnancy for fear of harm to the baby. Many women fear vaccinations especially since there has been discussion in recent years regarding a possible association of childhood vaccinations and autism. The CDC, ACOG and the American Academy of Pediatrics all support usual vaccinations including the ones recommended in pregnancy. There is no scientific evidence of a link between autism and mercury in vaccinations. A good review of vaccinations is on the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/pregnant.html CONTINUE READING DONT BE SILENT ANYMORE ABOUT ENDOMETRIOSIS By Paul E. Evans MD Endometriosis is one of the most common health problems in women. It is defined as uterine tissue that grows out side of the uterus. It is most commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic cavity, bladder, and bowel. It is estrogen dependent, so it usually affects reproductive age women. About 30% of patients are asymptomatic, however it can be found in up to 80% of women with chronic pelvic pain. 30% of women with endometriosis have less than normal fertility... CONTINUE READING WHAT TO EAT (OR NOT TO EAT) DURING PREGNANCY By A. Kenneth Harper MD Pregnancy creates concern about many activities including diet. This blog will cover a few common questions we encounter daily from pregnant women regarding diet. Can I drink caffeine? Yes, but in moderation. There is concern over an increased risk of early miscarriage and premature labor with heavy use. Most experts recommend no more than 200 mg of caffeine daily during pregnancy. Coffee is the most recognized caffeine drink and, depending on the type and strength, has varying amounts of caffeine... CONTINUE READING NO SEX IN THE CITY By Paul E. Evans MD Lack of sexual desire is a common problem in many relationships. Forty three percent of women report problems with sexual dysfunction, decreased desire being the most common complaint. Decreased libido is reported in more than half of postmenopausal women and in one-quarter of premenopausal women. What are the factors that cause decreased sexual desire? CONTINUE READING ALTERNATIVES TO HYSTERECTOMIES By John T. Slocumb MD We recently had a blog on hysterectomy for abnormal bleeding. Yet, we also offer alternatives to hysterectomy. These include observation, medical therapy, and D&C with endometrial ablation. Observation would be considered in a short term bleeding problem. This problem could potentially resolve itself such as in situations of stress, where the bleeding stops when the stress is alleviated. The next option is medical therapy consisting of hormone therapy... CONTINUE READING WHAT YOUR OB/GYN WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT HPV By Ernest H. Carlton MD When I was trying to decide what topic I should cover in my blog, I tried to think about what medical problems concern and confuse my patients the most. One diagnosis I commonly encounter that seems to terrify patients is HPV and abnormal pap tests. Hopefully, after reading this you will have a better understanding and less fear if you have been diagnosed with HPV. There have been entire books written about HPV. I will not be able to cover every issue with HPV but hopefully will answer a few important questions you may have. CONTINUE READING HYSTERECTOMY: THE WHY, WHEN, AND HOW. By Paul E. Evans MD Hysterectomy is the 2nd most common surgery among women in the USA. A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman's uterus. A woman may have a hysterectomy for different reasons. Hysterectomy is usually considered only after all other treatment approaches have been attempted without success. When you have tried other medical or less invasive treatments then hysterectomy may be the best solution for your problem. http://women.webmd.com/guide/hysterectomy CONTINUE READING