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Visiting the doctor can be a frightening experience for children. Even for parents, these appointments can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, and even heartbreaking. Luckily, telehealth is making pediatric check-ups a little less scary.
In this blog, you’ll find out when and how you can conveniently see an online pediatrician—without the tears. As a bonus, if you’re in the Las Vegas area, there’s an alternative way for your child to see a pediatrician virtually inside our walk-in clinic on Paradise Road.
Let’s start with how telemedicine can be a lifesaver when your child is ill.
When your child is sick, all you want is for them to feel better again. Whether your son or daughter is an infant or a teenager, sometimes you need to seek outside help from a pediatrician to see if medication or other treatments are needed to get better.
It’s difficult to watch your child as their little body struggles to fight off an illness. It’s every parent’s worry whether they are doing enough to get their child back to feeling better. This can be especially distressing with newborns, infants, toddlers, and children with special needs who can’t verbally articulate their complaints.
If your child has a troubling cough, spikes a high fever, or has experienced a sprain, cut, or another seemingly minor injury that isn’t going away—you may be wondering whether your child needs more critical medical assistance, such as “convenient-care” or a visit to the ER. It can be a tough call, and an expensive one. If you need help making that decision, our online pediatrician and virtual doctors can help.
Consulting with an online Las Vegas pediatrician can save you time, money, and worry. From the comfort of your own home and for an affordable flat fee, you can set up a virtual visit for your child to be seen by a doctor who can immediately:
Related: The RSV Virus is Spreading in Las Vegas: Should You be Concerned?
Some conditions won’t get better on their own and may require medical intervention and prescriptions. For example, if your child has symptoms of pink eye (conjunctivitis), it may require prescription medication. A doctor can prescribe medications to help clear infections caused by bacteria.
Online pediatricians can treat a range of conditions virtually, including:
The biggest advantage to visiting virtually with your child’s pediatrician is that it can be done from home. Stay home with your child while still receiving professional care and medical advice from a doctor. You can rest easy knowing that you’ve done everything in your power to nurture your child back to health.
Yes, your child can see a pediatrician online for routine visits. Don’t wait until your child is sick to try out a virtual pediatric visit. Children can visit online pediatricians for things like preventive care, routine wellness check-ups, and follow-ups.
Parents can also set up virtual appointments for their child when they want a doctor’s professional advice on things such as their child’s nutrition, behavior, and social and emotional development. In these cases, you can set up online consultations directly with your child’s pediatrician. It has never been more pain-free to see a pediatrician in Las Vegas..or anywhere!
Getting a visit in today with a friendly and compassionate pediatrician who supports telemedicine capabilities—like My Virtual Physician’s Dr. Ayyagari—can help your child feel more comfortable during a sick visit when they aren’t feeling so well.
Alternatively, you can mix virtual care with in-person care for your child. See your local brick-and-mortar pediatrician for milestone visits and vaccinations, and depend on your online pediatrician for more immediate concerns, sick visits, or to gain a second opinion when necessary.
The quickest way to get your child in to see a pediatrician is through a walk-in clinic or online visit.
In 2022, My Virtual Physician opened a new kind of clinic on Paradise Road in Las Vegas—a hybrid clinic. Here, you can physically walk into our brick-and-mortar location for an immediate televisit with a specialist.
You can bring your child into the clinic, have their vital signs measured by our certified medical assistant, and then meet virtually with our pediatrician in a private room where all of the equipment is set up for the telemedicine visit.
Related: Hybrid Medical Clinics: Expanding OBGYN Access in Las Vegas
You can also schedule appointments ahead of time for vaccinations and other care needs that can be met inside our hybrid clinic by a Las Vegas doctor. Our hybrid clinics provide increased access for children and adults alike to see their doctors, without needing any special equipment or internet service.
Forget the anxiety, frustration, and tears that traditional pediatric doctor’s appointments bring. Get established today with our online pediatrician, who can help walk you through your child’s development and medical needs.
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Schedule a virtual appointment to get your child seen by our pediatrician, or walk in with your little one to our clinic on Paradise road to see a Las Vegas doctor today.
Need to see a specialist? Whether you’re looking for a Las Vegas OBGYN or a pediatrician for your child, getting established with a specialist physician can be an intimidating venture.
It used to be a lengthy, expensive, and convoluted process.
Luckily—things have changed. Today, there’s a new path available for patients. Now, you can see a healthcare specialist without the red tape.
More providers are paying attention to the patient experience, and a clear demand has surfaced: patients need easier access to specialists for healthcare. Healthcare specialist appointments must be easily accessible, swiftly scheduled, and transparently priced.
In this blog, we’ll define what specialists are and when you need to see them. And then, we’ll explore the processes required to see a healthcare specialist, both old and new—letting you in on the secret to seeing a Las Vegas Specialist in a snap.
When you call to schedule your appointment for your annual physical or a routine checkup, you’re likely booking with your primary care physician. These doctors can handle a wide range of common medical ailments seen in the general population.
A specialist, on the other hand, is a doctor who has expertise in a particular body system.
For example, an OBGYN specializes in the female reproductive system. Read more about the special care focus of an OBGYN below in the related blog at the link below.
Related: What’s an OBGYN: Get to Know Our Las Vegas Gynecology Team
An ENT doctor specializes in ailments of the ears, nose, and throat. A pediatrician specializes in the healthcare needs of children.
Here are some other specialists found in our healthcare system:
This is just a small selection of the many specialty fields out there in the world of healthcare.
There are many reasons to seek medical care from a healthcare specialist. Here are a few.
If you’re experiencing a chronic medical condition that your primary care doctor is unable to treat, it may be time to see a specialist. For example, if you’ve been asking your regular doctor to help clear up a skin condition, but it doesn’t seem to be improving—a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions, may be more qualified to help. Sometimes your doctor will refer you to a specialist; other times, you may need to seek out the specialist yourself.
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are trained to treat a broad scope of conditions that occur in the general population. If you know that you have a condition that is rare or that a specialist is more qualified to treat, then it may be appropriate to book directly with a specialist rather than a PCP. For example, if you have irregular menstrual cycles, an OBGYN or endocrinologist may be better able to pinpoint a care plan than a doctor with general training.
A third reason that patients desire to see a specialist is to find a doctor who is more familiar with treatment options that they have researched. If a primary care doctor is unfamiliar with a treatment that you want to try, seeing a specialist with experience using the treatment is a valid option.
So, now that you know when it’s time to see a specialist—let’s look at how to do it.
First, the long way.
Traditionally, the process of seeing a specialist involved making multiple appointments. Ultimately, your primary care physician was the gatekeeper who decided whether patients were permitted to schedule an appointment with a specialist.
Sometimes, you’d also need to have pre-approval from your insurance company before seeing a specialist. Insurance companies may deny coverage of specialist visits if the proper referral paperwork is not filed by your doctor’s office.
With the traditional method, you had to jump through hoops to see a specialist physician, including:
With the shortage of specialists in the Las Vegas area, seeing an OBGYN or other specialists in the area could take months.
Luckily, there’s a better way!
It’s hard to believe that anyone would follow the long process above to see a healthcare specialist when there’s such a simple shortcut. So, how can you see a specialist physician without jumping through hoops?
Schedule directly with your specialist.
My Virtual Physician wants patients to have access to specialists. That’s why we are here. Our patients have the option to visit with our Las Vegas specialists either online or inside our hybrid clinic located on Paradise Road in Las Vegas.
Our specialists include:
My Virtual physician offers transparent pricing and affordable visits for self-paying patients. Read more about grabbing affordable medications as a self-pay patient below.
Related: Guide to Self-Pay Prescriptions: Get the Best Price on Medications
If you’re located or visiting the Las Vegas area, walk-ins are welcome at our hybrid clinic. At this clinic, you can visit virtually with our specialists inside a private exam room right on the Vegas strip, making seeing a specialist on your own terms as easy as can be.
If you’re ready to book your appointment with one of our specialists, click below to self-schedule or walk into our hybrid clinic for an instant appointment. We look forward to serving you by providing a positive patient experience.
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You’ve been planning this vacation for months and now you’ve arrived—you finally made it to Vegas! Now, the fun begins…
You’re full of excitement and ready to experience the Vegas strip and have some fun! But there’s one detail that you probably didn’t plan out while you were booking tickets, packing your bags, and making your way to Nevada.
That detail is this—what to do if you need to see a doctor while you’re on vacation.
If you’re insured, seeing an out-of-state doctor may mean that you’ll face steep out-of-network charges that don’t count toward your regular deductible. If you’re uninsured, you might get stuck with hefty out-of-state medical bills.
If you’ve just arrived at your hotel in Las Vegas and realized you need to see a doctor ASAP, here’s what to do in order to see a doctor quickly and affordably so that you can turn your focus back to enjoying your vacation.
Before making any decisions, just pause for a moment. Focus on the reason that you need to see the doctor. If it’s because you forgot your medications at home, then write down the medications that you need refilled in Las Vegas to cover you during your vacation.
On the other hand, if you’re having indications of an illness that requires medication for you to feel better, write down your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. Some common illnesses that pop up during vacation include UTIs and bacterial infections.
If you feel a urinary tract infection (UTI) coming on or you are experiencing a sudden and extreme sore throat, write down your answers to the following questions:
In many cases, you’ll continue to feel miserable until you get antibiotics to fight the infection if it’s caused by bacteria. Tracking your symptoms as soon as you notice them can help you evaluate whether things are getting worse.
Related: What To Do If You Are Traveling With a UTI on Your Road Trip to Las Vegas
Take an account of the facts and assess the urgency of your situation before reacting. Once you’ve got your troubles documented, you can make an informed decision on whether or not you need to see a doctor.
The next step before taking action is to figure out the best type of doctor that can help you. A general practitioner can handle many common health concerns. But local doctors probably won’t have an opening for months and an urgent-care clinic staffed with general practitioners might cost you a small fortune in medical bills.
If your medical need requires a specialist, how can you find one in Vegas? Specifically, can you find an OBGYN in Las Vegas? OBGYNs specialize in the female reproductive system and cover anything from contraceptive prescriptions to menstrual problems and infertility. Read more about what conditions OBGYNs treat.
Once you’ve narrowed down whether it’s a general practitioner or a specialist that you need to see, you can start looking for a doctor or clinic. The two main places to look are in-person clinics in Las Vegas or online.
Telemedicine has provided greater access to healthcare and specifically, to specialists. Today, you can see a doctor in minutes rather than months. Searching for a provider online (who is licensed to practice in Nevada) can be one of the simplest solutions to finding a provider while traveling.
Online providers also tend to be more self-pay friendly. Since insurance companies don’t typically cover out-of-network providers, going online can be an affordable alternative. You’ll find a wide selection of specialists online who are taking new appointments.
Related: What to Expect During an online OBGYN Las Vegas Appointment
If you prefer a brick and mortar visit to the doctor without breaking the bank, My Virtual Physician has created a hybrid clinic to meet that need. Located on Paradise Road in Las Vegas, this clinic offers televisits for walk-ins and same-day appointments. Appointments are available for a flat, affordable price. Get back to the fun after stopping by the hybrid clinic on Paradise Road.
Our hybrid clinic is staffed virtually with a variety of physicians and specialists (including pediatricians and OBGYNs) to help you get feeling better faster.
If you’ve been prescribed medication during your hybrid or telemedicine visit, picking it up is also a simple process. You’ll need to find a Las Vegas pharmacy that is nearby so that you can get your prescription right away. There are several pharmacies within walking distance of our hybrid clinic where your doctor can send your prescription to be filled.
For help finding the most affordable local pharmacy, check out our guide to self-pay prescriptions below.
Related: Guide to Self-Pay Prescriptions: Get the Best Price on Medications
My Virtual Physician is proud to provide greater access to doctors and specialists, particularly in the Las Vegas area with our hybrid clinic on Paradise Road. Our board-certified Las Vegas team of OBGYNs, pediatricians, and other specialists are here to help if you find yourself needing to see a doctor urgently while on vacation in Las Vegas or elsewhere.
Walk into our hybrid clinic today or schedule your online appointment now by clicking below.
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Need to get in to see your OBGYN?
There are a lot of reasons to see your OBGYN, including getting contraceptive refills, screenings, and care for menstrual concerns, infertility, menopause, sexual health, urinary problems, and pregnancy.
For most women, scheduling a gyno appointment comes with a feeling of dread. But this Las Vegas OBGYN clinic is making life easier than ever for women in the big city.
Find out how you can see your gynecologist in a matter of minutes, right here in Vegas.
There’s a lot that can get out of whack with a woman’s body if left untreated. Here’s a quick list of signs that will grab your attention until treated. Do not delay your visit to the gynecologist if you have any of the following issues:
Related: Our Las Vegas OBGYNs Cure Your Bacterial Vaginosis Fast
These are all signs that you need to see your OBGYN urgently. But how can you make that happen?
Here’s the secret to getting your OBGYN appointment quicker: forget the traditional appointment model.
In the past, seeing your gynecologist was something that had to be planned well in advance. First, you’d have to get established with a brick-and-mortar healthcare facility before you were allowed to see a specialist at all.
Next, you’d have to call and schedule an appointment. It’s not unusual for specialists like OBGYNS to be booked out for months—especially in Las Vegas. If you’re lucky, your gynecologist might try to squeeze you in between patients if you have an urgent need. But you’ll probably be waiting around for hours to be seen.
So, what’s a girl to do? There’s got to be a quicker way for getting in to see a Las Vegas OBGYN. Luckily, there is.
Telemedicine is paving the way for quicker access to your doctor, bypassing the dreadful waiting that accompanies traditional appointments.
Thanks to the increasing availability of telemedicine, you can now see your doctor in a less traditional way: online. And it’s not just your primary care physicians that have moved their practices into the digital space. Specialists, including obstetricians and gynecologists, are making appointments accessible to patients online.
There’s no denying that telemedicine is increasing access to care exponentially. Now, you can see your Las Vegas OBGYN on your terms and from the comfort of your own home. In the digital realm, doctors are able to reach more patients, spread the demand for care over a wider supply of physicians, and complete appointments from start to finish more efficiently. It’s a win-win situation.
Related: Telemedicine Improves Access to Prenatal Care, But Can We Improve Access to Telemedicine?
But beaming up your doctor on your smartphone or computer doesn’t work for everyone. And for those patients who prefer to come into a physical facility, My Virtual Physician is providing an alternative called a hybrid clinic.
My Virtual Physician has opened a new type of healthcare facility. Their hybrid clinic, located on Paradise Road in Las Vegas, provides patients a way to virtually meet with an OBGYN, pediatric, or primary care physician on a walk-in basis.
Inside the clinic, you’ll find a certified medical assistant who will walk you through the steps to visit virtually with our doctors in a private room. Our assistant can also measure your vitals during your visit. Ultrasounds and other specialist appointments can also be scheduled ahead of time at the hybrid clinic.
My Virtual Physician is making Las Vegas OBGYN care more accessible to patients in the city who prefer a healthy mix between traditional visits and speed. Visit us today for a transparently affordable visit with our specialists.
Holiday traditions encourage families to get together to celebrate with distant relatives—including aunts, uncles, grandparents, and in-laws. This is an opportunity to catch up with one another and find out how everyone in your family has been doing since you were last together.
Family get-togethers are also a suitable occasion to recognize when something isn’t quite right. This season provides a short window of opportunity for intervention when someone is crying out for help from elder abuse.
In this article, we aim to spread awareness about elder abuse during this holiday season by covering:
Elder abuse is when a trusted caregiver knowingly or negligently takes advantage of an elder—it can include physical or sexual abuse—or take another form, such as:
The elderly tend to be more vulnerable to abuse than other adults. That’s because there is a gradual decline in physical strength and mental acuity as we age. Many of our elders also depend on caregivers to help with day-to-day functioning.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as many as one in ten adults over the age of 60 may become a victim of elder abuse. And only around 1 in 23 cases of elder abuse are reported to authorities. With such a high incidence, it’s critical to know what to look for to spot elder abuse.
Doctors often screen for signs of elder abuse during regular visits, and the ACOG recommends that OBGYNs screen all patients over the age of 60 for signs of abuse.
But doctors are not the only ones who can recognize the signs of abuse. When you meet with your loved ones this holiday season, look deeper at any red flags that grab your attention.
For example, if your grandpa shows up to Christmas dinner with teeth missing from his dentures and unkempt hair, you might begin to look for other signs that he is not receiving proper care. If your aunt, who takes care of grandpa, has a shiny new car out of the blue and a bad attitude toward grandpa—that’s worth investigating further.
Here are some other signs to look out for:
If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth investigating whether your family member has become a victim of elder abuse. Talking to your loved one directly about the red flags may not be enough to get them the help they need—so what can you do to get real help if you suspect elder abuse?
Our elders deserve protection. If you suspect elder abuse, the best course of action is to report it to authorities, who are trained to investigate this type of situation. You can report suspected abuse to a number of agencies, including:
The National Center on Elder Abuse website has state-specific resources for you to contact the right professionals in order to get help in your region.
If you’re not sure whether your loved one is suffering from abuse, you can encourage your elder to see his or her doctor, who will do an elder abuse screening. Physicians are mandated reporters, which means that they must report suspected abuse to authorities.
Sadly, elder abuse is not an uncommon occurrence. But the good news is that everyone has the ability to do their part to help stop the abuse. Simply reporting any suspicions to the proper authorities may be enough to put an end to elder abuse.
My Virtual Physician prioritizes protecting vulnerable populations and can help with the reporting process. Contact us today if you or a loved one needs help.
Virtual doctors are making waves. Atlanta Medical Center (AMC) in Atlanta, Georgia, has closed its doors to two facilities this year, including the most recently closed downtown location. According to Wellstar, the organization that ran these hospitals, the closures are caused by a lack of revenue, a side effect of rising inflation.
Atlanta isn’t the only community affected by this trend. Even rural hospitals have seen an increase in facility closures. Are virtual doctors the solution or the cause?
Read below to find out how virtual doctors are changing healthcare.
Telemedicine exploded during and after the pandemic. A new way to see your doctor on-screen became the norm. And it stuck. Here are a handful of reasons that virtual doctors are now preferred by patients over in-person visits, leaving hospitals and other in-person medical facilities hanging.
Getting into your doctor for a preventative visit or even to solve a new health problem used to take an excessive amount of time.
First, you had to wait on hold to get an appointment, then you had to wait weeks or months for an opening, then you had to commute to the appointment, and when you finally arrived at your scheduled time—you had to wait a little longer until your doctor was ready to see you. That’s a lot of waiting.
Luckily with the recent developments in telemedicine, most of this waiting process has been completely eliminated. No waiting on hold for scheduling, you can get in the same day to see a doctor, and there’s no commute or waiting room to waste your time with.
Telemedicine solves the dilemma of delayed treatment. Telehealth provides an avenue for patients to be seen by doctors and specialists faster than ever before, which means—patients get faster treatment. Today, conditions get treated before they ever have time to fester into major health concerns that require hospitalization.
It’s safe to say that telemedicine cuts down on the need to hospitalize.
Every patient deserves access to medical care. Relying on the outdated infrastructure of brick-and-mortar buildings to meet the entire nation’s medical needs is no longer feasible. Especially when the technology exists to move certain care needs to the digital realm.
Stepping up to the plate, virtual doctors are here to help ease the demand on physical facilities so that they can serve their populations more effectively.
Telemedicine helps by spreading the load of care needs over a larger pool of providers. When a substantial portion of preventative care visits and other types of appointments that don’t require in-person exams can be transitioned online, it makes healthcare more accessible.
Additionally, virtual doctors open doors for access to patients who are affected by hospital or facility closures in their local communities. Physical distance is no longer an obstacle to overcome when it comes to getting medical care for non-emergency situations.
Related: Telemedicine Improves Access to Prenatal Care, But Can We Improve Access to Telemedicine?
When it comes to answering the question posed at the top of this article, the answer is a little bit of both. While telemedicine certainly shifted patients out of hospitals, that’s not a bad thing. Hospitals can now focus on scaling down operations and focusing only on the emergency needs, such as surgical procedures, while leaving preventative and other simple appointments to virtual doctors.
While telemedicine is certainly not the only cause, it has played a part in the shift away from brick-and-mortar facilities. As far as being the solution to hospital closures, virtual doctors certainly proved their value during the pandemic. Telemedicine is here to stay by popular demand and will become the solution for patients who need to see a provider but have no nearby facility available.
Our virtual doctors serve patients in all 50 states. Whether you need to see a primary care physician or a specialist, we’re here to help. Our mission is to provide access to healthcare. If your community recently experienced a shut down of a medical facility or you’ve heard rumblings of disruption, get established with our online doctors today so that you can always get care when the need arises.
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Imagine a world where you can’t get in to see your doctor for months or even years. Whether you simply need a prescription refill or help diagnosing and managing a chronic medical condition like diabetes, both can produce scary, or even life-threatening, scenarios.
Now, consider that the United States isn’t that far from this reality. In a 2021 report, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicted that a physician shortage is coming to the US. By 2034, the country will fall short of meeting the appropriate physician-to-patient ratios.
In fact, the AAMC believes that the US will fall between 40,000 to 124,000 doctors short in the next decade or so.
It makes sense that densely-populated areas require more doctors in order to meet healthcare needs. That’s where the physician-to-patient ratio comes in. If you can measure this ratio, it tells you whether you have enough doctors to meet a geographical area’s healthcare needs.
Most states within the USA fall below the ideal physician-to-patient ratio. An ideal number is around 270 physicians per 100,000 people. This equates to about 370 patients per doctor. Many states hover around a rate closer to 200:100,000.
The governmental agency known as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) works to increase healthcare access to vulnerable populations (geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable). Reports are available on their website. These reports show where vulnerable populations are located and where physicians are needed the most.
Nevada has been experiencing a physician shortage for some time. Currently, the state’s ratio remains around 200:100,000. Read more here about the OB/GYN Physician Shortage in Las Vegas.
HRSA reports displaying Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) show regions where there is a shortage of providers. Nevada shows 75 areas with a primary care physician shortage, plus numerous dental and mental health areas where there is a shortage of specialists to serve these populations.
A search on medically underserved areas from HRSA shows 25 regions within the state have underserved areas and populations. Specifically, these areas in Las Vegas are underserved:
It is My Virtual Physician’s mission to provide access to healthcare for men, women, and children. That’s why we offer online telemedicine visits for patients in any US state. This helps break down geographical barriers in order to increase the real physician-to-patient ratio. On top of that, we have taken it a step further with our hybrid clinic located in Las Vegas.
Read about our hybrid clinic’s opening here: My Virtual Physician Celebrates Las Vegas Hybrid Clinic Opening.
This clinic helps to serve populations who may not have access to the digital requirements of telemedicine. We provide a private room that our patients can use to meet virtually with our doctors inside the clinic located at 2217 Paradise Road in Las Vegas.
Additionally, the clinic provides immediate access for all populations. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. Find out more here. Our doctors can provide primary care needs as well as specialty visits. In addition to our primary care doctors, we also have board-certified OBGYNs and Pediatricians ready to meet with patients.
As the number of monkeypox cases climbs in the United States during the 2022 outbreak, people are wondering if they should get the vaccine.
Data from today shows nearly 30,000 cases in the US, making up nearly half of the cases in the entire world (just over 75,000 total cases worldwide) this year. Although it’s not very deadly, it’s also not pleasant. So, what can you do to reduce your risk of contracting the monkeypox virus? One option is the monkeypox vaccination.
That brings us to our big announcement: we’re proud to announce that My Virtual Physician is in the process of becoming certified to dispense the monkeypox vaccine inside our Las Vegas Hybrid clinic located at 2217 Paradise Road.
Related: What is Monkeypox and How Can I Get Tested?
Monkeypox is closely related to the smallpox virus, and there are two vaccines that are currently used to prevent monkeypox and smallpox. They are called JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. It’s important to note that certain groups should not get the ACAM2000 version, including:
The JYNNEOS vaccine is provided in a series of two doses, spaced 28 days apart. The injection site can be located in your forearm, shoulder blade, or shoulder muscle. The vaccine is considered effective 14 days after the second dose is received.
ACAM2000 is the alternate monkeypox vaccine, provided in a single dose using a special needle that administers multiple pricks. The injection site will form a lesion that will take several weeks to heal and requires special after-care attention to prevent spreading the live Vaccinia virus to others. This vaccine has a longer period of time to be considered effective, at 28 days after vaccination.
Not everyone should get vaccinated for monkeypox. Right now, the CDC only encourages two major groups of people, who are at a higher risk, to consider vaccination. You should consider vaccination if:
Men who have sex with other men, transgender, and nonbinary people may also be at a higher risk of contracting monkeypox and should consider vaccination. Additionally, if you engage in sexual activity with multiple partners, you could also increase your chance of getting monkeypox.
Even if you’ve already been exposed, the CDC still recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible to reduce the severity of symptoms.
If you’re not sure whether you should get vaccinated for monkeypox, contact our doctors at My Virtual Physician, and we’ll help you determine which course of action is right for your situation. If it’s deemed that you qualify for the vaccine, we’ll notify you when it is available at our hybrid clinic on Paradise Road in Las Vegas. Contact us today for more information about the monkeypox vaccine.
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Many things in life take preparation. Sometimes couples have happy accidents, but other times, trying for a baby takes a little work upfront. If you’re in the second boat, you may be in the preconception planning phase.
So if you’re here to make sure you’re in good shape for pregnancy—then you’re in the right place. This post will cover a checklist of items you can tackle to ensure your best chances for conception.
Pregnancy is hard on a woman’s body. There are steps that a woman can take to make it a little easier to prepare for this life-changing event. Preconception health happens before a couple tries for a baby; it looks at the overall health of a woman before conception to optimize her chances of getting pregnant. Preconception planning includes observing and adjusting diet, lifestyle, stress level, and other factors to set a couple up for success.
While these are great tips for any woman at any time, adopting these changes three months before trying for a baby can help improve preconception health.
Use this preconception checklist to help boost your chances of pregnancy.
Your baby will depend 100% on your body for nutrition. That means that if you’re malnourished, then your baby will not be able to get the best nutrients through the umbilical cord. Here’s a list of FDA-recommended foods for future moms:
Make small changes to your diet to try to incorporate more variety into your diet. Avoid foods such as rice, which can contain naturally-occurring arsenic and certain types of fish that are high in mercury.
If you’re taking any natural supplements, prescriptions, or over-the-counter medications, be sure to reassess whether they are compatible with pregnancy. Consult your doctor before conception to make sure that you’re not taking any medications that could harm your baby or your fertility.
There are supplements that can help with fertility and embryo development. Folic acid, naturally occurring as folate, is the most well-known one. This vitamin is known to help prevent birth defects in the developing baby’s spine and brain. The CDC-recommended dosage is currently 400 mcg daily and has even mandated fortification of cereal grains to reduce deficiencies in this B vitamin.
Optimize your fertility by reducing your consumption of harmful chemicals such as alcohol, beverages, and sugar. Quitting bad habits before you try for a baby is one way to take action and let your body know you’re ready to nurture a baby in the womb. Drugs are detrimental to you and your baby’s health. Make a commitment to break the habit before you try to conceive.
Related: Naturally Boost Your Fertility at Home
Exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress. Now is a great time to develop a routine for regular exercise if you have not already been active. Simply adding more walking to your daily routine can be enough to get your heart pumping. Take this time for you now to establish healthy habits; because once the baby is born, getting out will have additional challenges.
In addition to these changes you make while you are getting ready for pregnancy, you can also begin observing your body’s natural cycles. This is the perfect time to identify your fertility window. First, you’ll need to stop taking any hormonal birth control that you’ve been on. Next, you’ll observe the day that your period starts naturally. About 14 days after your period starts is when you are most fertile.
You can read more about tracking your cycle and identifying your fertility window in the article below that discusses the FAB method. While the related content is talking about preventing pregnancy, you can apply the same technique to identify your most fertile days for when you begin trying to conceive. Start tracking now so that you don’t have to guess later down the road.
Related: Natural Birth Control: Fertility Awareness Pregnancy Prevention
Checking your fertility is easy today with at-home testing kits from organizations like Orchid, My Virtual Physician’s partner in at-home fertility testing. Not only can you have test kits sent directly to your home with a return label to send to a lab for full analysis, but the cost is affordable. You can get your results before stepping into a doctor’s office. At-home fertility tests are a quick way to rule out any fertility hiccups that may need to be addressed before conception.
Related: How Can I Test My Fertility at Home?
At-home fertility tests aren’t just for women! Orchid offers two types of fertility tests for men who want to make sure their sperm and reproductive potential are in good shape:
Read more about how to get an affordable at-home male fertility test done in these articles:
As complex and unique beings, sometimes other factors can affect your fertility. If you have a complicated health history that might interfere with your ability to conceive, bring it up in your pre-pregnancy checkup with your doctor.
Here’s a handful of health-related concerns to discuss with your physician:
Come to your pre-pregnancy checkup prepared to discuss your full medical history along with any ongoing conditions that may be impacted by your pregnancy (or vice versa). And if you’ve already taken an at-home fertility test, bring the results! Your doctor can help guide you to take the right corrective actions to make your dream of having a baby come true.
All that planning pays off. Making small adjustments now can increase your chances of success down the road. When you’re ready, reach out to the OBGYNs at My Virtual Physician to schedule your preconception planning visit, get your prenatals, and order your at-home fertility tests.
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Having pain “down there” isn’t normal. But it’s also not totally unheard of either; in fact, up to 16% of women may suffer from a specific type of pain in their vaginal region called vulvodynia. Vulvodynia is a condition that causes pain in a woman’s vulva, the outside part of the female’s lady parts. Unfortunately, many women suffer silently with their vaginal pain. In this blog, our Las Vegas gynecology team has taken the time to shed some light on this sensitive subject.
The female anatomy is complex, and there’s a lot of moving parts to consider. Vaginal pain isn’t the same for all women, and it may not even be in the same region of the reproductive organs for every patient. Let’s cover where vaginal pain often occurs by categorizing the types.
Vulvodynia is a chronic, burning pain of the vulva that continues for more than a quarter of a year. Others have described it as stinging, rawness, or throbbing. It’s sometimes accompanied by swelling. The symptoms vary greatly from person to person, and there’s no clear cause. However, suspected culprits may include:
Painful sexual intercourse that interferes with sexual function is called dyspareunia. While it can affect both men and women, here, we’re only talking about vaginal pain during sex. This is usually described as a sharp, intense pain that is tied to sexual activity, whether it’s during, or soon before or after the act. Others describe it as dull or aching. This pain in women can be located either in the vagina or the urinary organs. It’s sometimes accompanied by other irritating symptoms like burning and itching. There is a long list of possible causes for this condition:
There’s a third type of vaginal pain that is called vaginismus. With vaginismus, the muscles inside the vagina spasm uncontrollably. It can interfere with sexual intercourse and cause severe pain, burning, and stinging, sometimes even making penetration impossible. The causes are often tracked back to physical trauma or emotional fears.
Sometimes, your pain won’t fit into any of the above categories. When that happens, it could mean that your vaginal discomfort is caused by something else. Current infections, genetics, hormonal changes, cancer, cysts, or polyps are all factors that increase your chances of experiencing vaginal pain. If you’re struggling to relieve your vaginal pain, our Las Vegas team of gynecologists at My Virtual Physician is here to help.
The first step to relieving your vaginal pain is to take detailed notes. Start a pain diary and write down your pain level throughout the day. You can use your pain diary to narrow down the pattern and cause of your vaginal pain. Take note of what helps versus what worsens your pain. Don’t forget to include the foods that you eat and the activities you participate in.
While you’re making your pain diary—you can try these tips to provide vaginal pain relief:
RELATED: Top 5 Tips to Maintain Vaginal Health: Things You Were Never Told
If documenting your vaginal pain and making small lifestyle changes listed above don’t work, don’t despair. There are still plenty of treatment options to cure, or at least manage, your vaginal pain.
Some women have found that biofeedback and physical therapy can help strengthen pelvic muscles, providing some vaginal pain relief caused by poor muscle tone.
If you need more immediate results, you might consider some medications that can bring vulvar pain relief, including topical anesthetics for numbing, hormonal creams, or even some antidepressants. Medications that treat vaginal dryness may also be helpful in treating dyspareunia. Some topical corticosteroid creams may also relieve vaginal pain. Talk with your doctor about what pain-relief method is right for you.
If physical therapy or medication is not for you, there is another option on the table. Believe it or not, sexual therapy is often an effective method to reduce vaginal pain, especially when it has a psychological component due to past trauma.
Nobody deserves to live in pain. If you’re suffering from any sort of vaginal pain, don’t keep it secret. Talk confidentially to our online board-certified OBGYNs to get help and relief. Schedule your appointment today.
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“You want me to do what?!” That’s a common reaction when a lady partner asks her man to get his sperm tested. With infertility being a valid concern affecting one in five couples, lovers are looking for ways to proactively identify fertility issues before they try to grow their families. This increases their chances of conceiving once they are ready.
Since men are half the equation when it comes to fertility, verifying potency is a critical step in confirming fruitfulness. And one of the best ways to test male fertility is through a sperm analysis. Unfortunately, that usually means an awkward visit to a facility where the holder of the sperm masturbates to produce a sample. This has been an inherent part of the process—until now. Today, you can get the job done at home.
Read on to find out more about at-home semen analysis.
Semen, also called seminal fluid, is the ejaculated fluid and its contents, which includes sperm. In order to identify whether your sperm are healthy, evaluating the seminal fluid is also important because it helps the sperm travel more easily.
A semen analysis measures and observes your semen and sperm characteristics. A lab looks at your semen under a microscope and writes down its characteristics, some of which include:
Compare your results to normal ranges so you can easily see if any sperm or semen qualities are out of whack. Having a semen analysis done helps couples identify whether there will be any hiccups when they try to conceive. Or, for other couples who have already been trying for a baby for a while, a semen analysis can help determine which partner needs help restoring their fertility.
If you’ve ever looked into getting your semen analyzed, you have felt nervous about masturbating in some private room of a facility in order to produce your sample. The days of awkwardly handing over your cup of semen to some technician in a medical facility are over. Now, you can get a semen analysis done at home. Here’s how it works:
When you collect your sample at home, you can expect to receive a collection cup, preservative, temperature control pack, and prepaid shipping label so that your precious goods make it to the lab safely.
Also, make sure to follow any instructions before you use your kit. Some things to know before you test:
You’ve done the deed, and now the results are in. What do they mean? Let’s take a look at normal ranges of characteristics for semen.
The shape of sperm can affect its ability to travel and penetrate an egg. The shape includes the oval head as well as the midsection and tail. Some men who struggle with fertility may have abnormally shaped sperm. If more than 50% of your sperm are irregularly shaped, then it is an abnormal result that might be the cause of infertility.
Each load should contain a lot of sperm! A normal sperm count ranges between approximately 40 million to 900 million per sample, or a sperm concentration of 15 million to 260 million per mL. Even though it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, your chances drastically decrease if your sperm count is below 20 million during your at-home semen analysis.
Semen should be slightly alkaline at between 7.2 and 7.8 on the pH scale. If your semen’s pH is off, it can affect your fertility. Abnormal seminal pH can also be a symptom of an infection or other malfunction with a man’s reproductive organs.
Similar to the sperm shape, at least half of your sperm need to have normal movement. If your sperm isn’t moving, it will have a hard time making it to the target to fertilize an egg. Look for this result to be above 50% of sperm with normal movement.
A normal range for ejaculate volume is between 1.5 to 7.6mL. This is the amount of liquid measured from the sample. A high volume, along with a low sperm count, may mean that your sperm is diluted. Low volumes can also make it more difficult to conceive if there is not enough seminal fluid.
Collecting your sample for your semen analysis is easier than ever today with at-home testing kits. If you’re ready to get your male fertility tested, you have the option to get it done with dignity from the comfort of your own home. Schedule an appointment with My Virtual Physician today to get your test ordered.
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Barrier methods are old school. There’s a reason for that–it’s because they provide a simple solution that can be effective without the major side effects of hormonal birth control.
Two of the oldest barrier methods that have been in use since the 1800s, and are still in use today, are the diaphragm and cervical cap. These two methods sound very similar, but they are a little different. Here, we will be covering those differences.
If you’ve ever seen a diaphragm, you’ll notice it looks like a miniature version of the invisible dome in the Stephen King-based television series “Under the Dome.” It’s basically a half sphere with a sturdy, flexible rim.
It takes two components to make up the diaphragm’s dome shape. First, a large, flexible spring or wire forms a circular structure about four inches in diameter. The second component is the latex or silicone material laid across the spring and encapsulating it so that the entire diaphragm is soft and rubbery.
In the past decade, a new shape has entered the arena. Caya is the first contoured diaphragm. This means that both the spring and the silicone material are shaped to fit a woman’s body, rather than forcing the traditional circular shape to fit.
So what do cervical caps look like? They are much smaller than diaphragms and cup-shaped. FemCap is the only cervical cap available in the United States, and its shape can be described as looking like a tiny sailor’s hat. The material is 100% medical grade silicone with no wire or spring required. FemCap was designed to use its special shape to trap sperm.
The diaphragm covers a larger area which includes the cervix; it depends on the walls of the vagina to stay in place, and spermicide goes on the cervix-facing side. The cervical cap only covers the cervix and the “hat brim” touches the walls of the vagina to trap sperm inside a crevice. Spermicide is not always required, but it’s usually recommeded for the cervical cap on the outside facing side.
Related: Why You Might Want to Ask Your Online OBGYN about Diaphragms
When it comes to getting fitted for your diaphragm or cervical cap, these both used to require an in-person exam and fitting by your doctor. That’s because both barrier methods previously came in
multiple sizes. Traditional diaphragms come in around eight different sizes!
However, the diaphragm has evolved to include the contoured option that is labeled as one-size-fits-most and therefore requires no awkward fitting, as mentioned earlier, this version is called Caya. Since we are all unique, if you find that this single size doesn’t fit you, there are still other barrier options available to you.
FemCap, the modern cervical cap available on the market, has three sizes. The great news is, despite the options, no in-person fitting is required by your doctor. You can get your prescription sized based on whether or not you have been pregnant and whether that birth was vaginal or cesarian.
Both the cervical cap and diaphragm are similar in doing the job of covering the cervix to prevent pregnancy when used properly; however, one of them is slightly more effective. Used with spermicide, the diaphragm has an average failure rate of 18%, and the cervical cap has a failure rate of 20%.
Both methods become more effective when spermicide is used together with the devices. It’s also notable that the cervical cap may have decreased effectiveness for women who have given birth.
The modern version of the diaphragm, Caya, has a 14% failure rate with perfect use, and 18% with typical use. The modern version of the cervical cap, FemCap, has a failure rate of about 8% during clinical trials, meaning it actually might be even more effective at pregnancy prevention than a diaphragm.
It’s notable that FemCap can be left in place for up to 48 hours while the diaphragm must be removed every 24 hours. Both methods require a six-hour window after sex before removing the device. These timeframes are important to keep in mind when deciding which method will work best for your lifestyle.
Related: Hormonal Migraines: How Your Las Vegas OBGYN Can Help
Both the diaphragm and cervical cap have very limited side effects when compared to hormonal birth control methods. The main side effects of a diaphragm are the possibility of irritation and increased urinary tract infections (UTIs). The cervical cap has listed irritation as a side effect, as well as allergic reactions and the possibility of abnormal pap test results.
The FemCap claims to have a lower risk of urinary tract infections, but traditional cervical caps have a history of some other side effects, including:
It’s also important to consider that spermicide can cause some side effects as well. Since both the cervical cap and diaphragm recommend adding spermicide to their devices, don’t forget to factor this into your decision as you’re choosing the right barrier method.
If you’re looking for a non-hormonal birth control method, both cervical caps and diaphragms are worthy options to consider. Using the information above, we hope that we’ve cleared up what the main differences are between the two.
At My Virtual Physician, we are here to support you in choosing the right contraceptive option for you. Set up an appointment today, and we’ll help you get the prescription that is right for your body and lifestyle.
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Disclosure: My Virtual Physician has partnered with Caya to make it easy to provide a simple, hormone-free contraceptive solution to our patients.
Childbirth and aging can both wreak havoc on a woman’s body. Several organs and tissues are all located in the abdomen, from the bladder and bowels to the reproductive organs—there’s a lot going on and a lot that needs to be held together. Although it’s natural that growing a child in the womb puts pressure on the female organs and tissues for a prolonged time during pregnancy, it can result in some long-term problems down the road.
It’s not uncommon for women to experience bladder incontinence after having children, especially as she approaches menopause. In fact, one in five women deals with a pelvic floor disorder. Pelvic floor disorders are a group of medical conditions that include both urinary and fecal incontinence, as well as pelvic organ prolapse. In this blog, our team of Las Vegas gynecologists at My Virtual Physician takes a look at pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that some of our patients face.
Pelvic organ prolapse is similar to a hernia, where internal organs move through weakened tissues and out of their normal position. This leaves the organs vulnerable and may require surgery to correct. Women with pelvic organ prolapse have weakened muscles, tissues, and ligaments that are no longer able to hold organs, including the bladder, cervix, uterus, urethra, and rectum, in place. The result can be organs protruding into the vagina, and sometimes even out the opening.
There are different types of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), depending on which organ is bulging into the vagina. The most common prolapsed pelvic organ is the bladder; this type of POP is called cystocele, or dropped bladder. Other common types are rectocele, which involves the rectum, and uterine prolapse, involving the uterus. Although pelvic organ prolapse sounds extremely alarming, it’s not life-threatening.
There are four stages of pelvic organ prolapse:
So now that we’ve defined pelvic organ prolapse, let’s talk about who is at a higher risk for the condition. By and far, it’s older women who have birthed children who commonly suffer this type of prolapse. Other than age and childbirth, a few other factors that increase your risk of POP include a family history, an existing connective tissue disorder, obesity, sustained heavy lifting, prior pelvic surgery, chronic cough, smoking, and frequent constipation.
Strangely, most women with pelvic organ prolapse don’t have symptoms. Often, the condition is identified by a gynecologist during a regularly scheduled pelvic exam. If it’s not caught during a regular exam, patients sometimes don’t notice anything until they are in stage three, when they notice tissue protruding outside the vagina.
Some women do have signs and symptoms of POP, such as:
If you notice any of the above signs of pelvic organ prolapse, get in touch with our Las Vegas Gynecology team at My Virtual Physician to discuss the severity and start a treatment action plan.
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When discovered early on, pelvic organ prolapse can be treated without surgery. Common treatment plans include pelvic floor strengthening exercises, also known as Kegels. These can be done at home to increase vaginal muscle tone and keep organs in their place, preventing your prolapse from progressing further.
The other non-surgical treatment for POP involves a pessary. Pessaries are supportive medical devices that can be placed into the vagina in order to provide more structure and keep your anatomy properly aligned. These devices can also help with urinary incontinence. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in seeing if a pessary works for you. My Virtual Physician has partnered with Uresta, a type of pessary that helps patients with stress incontinence. Your doctor can help you find the best pessary for your particular prolapse.
If your pelvic organ prolapse cannot be corrected with pelvic exercises or a pessary, it may require surgery to restore your anatomy. Reconstructive pelvic surgery is recommended for women whose quality of life is affected by their prolapsed organ.
Pelvic organ prolapse can be an embarrassing condition; often kept in secret. But if you’re suffering from the condition at any stage, the first step is to notice the signs and talk with your doctor about your symptoms. My Virtual Physician has board-certified gynecologists standing by to help you correct your prolapse and get you on your way to getting your life back.
Headaches are inconvenient, but migraines? Those are debilitating. More than a headache, this special type of throbbing head pain often comes with a host of strange symptoms, including:
Experts still don’t know for sure what causes migraines, but they believe a number of triggers are involved. Some factors that may cause migraines include allergies, alcohol, dehydration, stress, certain foods, or changes in hormones. So what do migraines have to do with your gynecologist?
OBGYNs specialize in understanding the reproductive hormones in the body and how they function or malfunction. Our Las Vegas gynecologists can work with you to identify and minimize hormone-related migraines by correcting imbalances. In this article, we’ll talk about the role that hormones play in migraines.
Since the odds of experiencing a migraine increase for women three to one, the cause of migraines must be biologically related. Reproductive hormones are what make the two biological sexes unmistakeably distinct. Two well-known reproductive hormones are estrogen in women, and testosterone in men, although each one is not exclusive to one sex.
Estrogen instability seems to be a common denominator for women with migraines. Throughout a woman’s reproductive lifespan, her estrogen levels will drastically change, creating periods of time where she is prone to increased migraine attacks. Some women have migraines on a recurring basis in sync with their menstrual cycles, further supporting the idea that migraines are tied to reproductive hormones.
Researchers suspect that it’s the sudden drops in estrogen that may be to blame. Estrogen levels drop just before the menstrual cycle and during the post-partum period after childbirth. That’s why some women get a break from their migraines while pregnant; their estrogen levels are higher and stable. Here are times when women are more susceptible to migraine:
While hormone fluctuations are not the only recognized trigger for migraines, they do seem to play a major role for women. That’s where your Las Vegas gynecology team at My Virtual Physician comes in. We’re here to help you understand your body and the role that hormones could play in your migraines.
It’s fair to say that many women have a love-hate relationship with their chosen contraceptive method. Birth control does the job of preventing pregnancy, but it often comes with inconvenience and side effects.
Take the pill, for example; it is a contraceptive option that changes your body’s hormones. The pill usually contains estrogen and progesterone. Some women experience increased migraines while taking hormonal birth control, and others actually find migraine relief when using the pill. Sometimes skipping the placebo pills under a doctor’s order can help prevent hormone fluctuations that cause migraines.
Women who suspect that their hormonal birth control is the cause of their migraines should consider alternative nonhormonal contraceptive options. You can read about alternative methods below:
If taking hormonal birth control is off the table for you, there are other treatment options available for hormonal migraines. One of the first steps in identifying the problem is to take a look at what your hormones are doing.
Before you start taking hormonal birth control in an attempt to control your migraines, you can opt for hormone testing. There are at-home hormone test kits available that work with blood, urine, or saliva samples. If considering this type of testing, it’s important that you use a method that allows you to test your hormones throughout different days of your menstrual cycle. You will not be able to identify when the drop in estrogen occurs if testing only on a single occurrence.
Bringing your hormone test results to our online Las Vegas OBGYN team can help diagnose, treat, and even prevent future migraine disturbances if the culprit is hormonal imbalances.
There is currently no cure for migraines. However, understanding whether your migraines are hormonal–or triggered by some other influence–can shed light on which way to go for prevention and treatment of symptoms.
Your online OBGYN can help identify whether your migraines are hormone-related. If you’re experiencing menstrual-related migraines, your doctor can help design a prevention plan and also prescribe medications for prevention and symptom relief.
If you’re ready to talk to your doctor about your migraines, the first step is to keep a log. Track your migraines on a calendar along with your menstrual dates. Track these activities to get insight into your migraine triggers:
Bring these logs with you when visiting your doctor. It helps to identify patterns and triggers so that your gynecologist can set up an appropriate treatment plan. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes can affect your hormones and reduce your migraines.
For perimenopausal women, doctors may treat severe migraines with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in order to stabilize estrogen. However, there are side effects, so this treatment is not for everyone.
Your gynecologist isn’t exactly the first person you would think to call to solve your migraine problem. However, if your migraines are cyclical, they could be hormone-related. Ask the hormone experts for help and get migraine relief. Our clinics operate virtually online, so schedule your appointment today to meet with our OBGYN team. Alternatively, we have walk-in hybrid locations in Las Vegas where we can collect labs and vitals for our local patients.
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How painful are your periods? Most women don’t think twice about it. The pain they have during their menstrual cycle is reflexively deemed normal and accepted as part of “being a woman.” Maybe you have thought, is this abnormal? And even went as far as to ask your doctor about it during your annual exam. Often, women who complain about menstrual pain are told that it’s nothing to be concerned about and are given the advice to take an over-the-counter pain reliever–as if the thought never crossed their mind.
If you’ve experienced excruciating period pain, our doctors at My Virtual Physician are here to offer support and healing. Our Las Vegas gynecology team has decades of experience working with women who suffer from painful periods. In this blog, we tackle the topic of painful periods head on. We’ll cover the questions you have about your menstrual pain, including:
Pain is a funny thing; it’s a sensation, and it can’t be objectively measured or observed like other symptoms, such as heavy bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge. Instead, it’s up to you to notice if your pain is out of the ordinary.
This is usually done by using a pain scale. If you think your pain might be abnormal, start keeping track of where you’re at on the pain scale. If you find that you’re above a 5, or if your period interferes with day-to-day functioning and enjoyment, then it may be time to take a deeper look into the cause of your pain.
When it comes to menstrual pain, women usually experience some prolonged, dull muscle cramping along with sharp, quick spasms, both of which help shed the uterine lining each month. Here are some signs of abnormal period pain:
Related: Irregular Periods: What is Normal & When to See Your Online OBGYN
If you’re experiencing abnormal period pain, then you may wonder if it’s endometriosis. Since over 10% of menstruating women suffer from endometriosis, it’s important to consider the possibility. Maybe you’ve heard of the condition–but what is it, and what’s it have to do with period pain?
Endometriosis is an abnormality that can cause serious period pain. The pain from endometriosis is described as stabbing, chronic, and unrelenting. It can also spread to different parts of the body. Doctors don’t know what causes endometriosis, but they do have an explanation for the cause of the pain that accompanies it.
The pain from endometriosis is caused by endometrial tissue growing in parts of the body where they don’t belong. These cells are only supposed to grow inside the womb, but with endometriosis, this endometrial tissue grows elsewhere. It grows on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other organs. This wreaks havoc on a woman’s insides because the tissue swells and bleeds, just like the tissue inside the uterus, except it has no way to leave the body.
Women with endometriosis often have chronic pain that doesn’t go away when their period stops; instead, they continue to experience discomfort in the lower back and pelvis throughout the month. Sex can also be painful for women with the condition because it can affect the abnormal endometrial tissue. Intestinal and bowel pain are also not uncommon in women affected by endometriosis.
Here’s a list of all of the chronic symptoms of endometriosis:
Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging since it is an internal growth of tissues that cannot be observed through a typical pelvic exam. If you are experiencing the symptoms above, schedule an appointment to discuss them with your doctor. Our team of gynecologists is available to meet virtually online or through our hybrid clinics located in Las Vegas.
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Even normal period pain, called dysmenorrhea, can cause enough discomfort that you seek relief. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends treating the pain with medication such as NSAIDs, including ibuprofen or naproxen, since they affect the hormone involved in reproductive tissue formation.
A second approach for relieving serious period pain may be to begin using certain hormonal birth control medications to regulate your periods and encourage a reduction of pain. For endometriosis, a GnRH agonist medication may be used, but these medications come with side effects.
If you prefer not to use medications to manage your period pain, there are other treatments available. Some relief can come by incorporating exercise, heat, sleep, and relaxation into your routine during your period. Acupuncture, acupressure, physical therapy, nerve stimulation, and biofeedback techniques are other non-standard routes of treating chronic period pain.
If your period discomfort is still debilitating after you’ve tried the pain management methods above, a doctor’s visit is in order. When you call our online gynecology team based out of Las Vegas, you can rest assured that our doctors will take your concerns seriously by providing a comfortable and welcoming environment to discuss diagnostic testing and treatment options.
The saying “no pain, no gain” fails to hold true when it comes to a woman’s period. We hope that by reading the material above, you can now decipher the “normal” period pain from something more serious. Don’t live your life dreading that time of month anymore; call our board-certified gynecologists today to discuss your pain and relief options.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, nearly 2.5 million Americans are affected by hospital-acquired pressure ulcers each year. What is more concerning is that about 60,000 patients die annually as a direct result of a pressure injury. Pressure injuries are costly, painful, and dangerous. Those that develop while in the hospital may require special care when returning home.
A hospital-acquired pressure injury is a skin injury or bedsore that occurs during a patient’s hospital or nursing facility stay. It is a pressure injury that is caused by a breakdown of the skin or underlying tissue. Pressure injuries may occur due to several factors, including:
While recovering in the hospital, you may get pressure sores from lying or staying in one position for a long time, especially over bony prominences.
Common pressure sore locations include:
Pressure injuries and skin tears take a long time to heal. Thus, having a wound or pressure injury wound may prolong a hospital stay. Pressure injuries may become severe and cause infections or permanent muscle or bone loss.
When it is time to return home from the hospital, you may still have open areas or ulcers.
Here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to caring for your hospital-acquired pressure injuries at home.
If you have an open wound but are unsure if it is a true hospital-acquired pressure injury, you must still take measures to help the skin heal and prevent further problems.
To care for broken skin or wounds at home, you should:
While many injuries heal on their own with time, you should call your doctor if the area looks worse or if it doesn’t heal in 7-10 days.
You should also call your doctor immediately to have a look at your wound if you notice these signs of infection:
Patients or caregivers must give special care to skin ulcers and hospital acquired pressure injuries to prevent complications.
If you need to talk with one of our expert doctors or you want to learn more about virtual services, contact us now to find out about how to book a free or low-cost appointment. My Virtual Physician offers video consultations for pressure injuries and other wounds.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The information, graphics, and images on this site are not intended to substitute diagnosis or treatment by a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician for any questions you may have regarding a specific condition.
"Bedsores (pressure ulcers)". mayoclinic.org. Accessed July 20, 2022.
"Dressing interventions to heal pressure ulcers". ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed July 20, 2022.
"Pressure Ulcers". aafp.org. Accessed July 20, 2022.
"Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Hospitals". ahrq.gov. Accessed July 20, 2022.
Sarah Falcone, BSN, RN, WCN-C, CSWD-C, is a certified wound care nurse, nursing consultant, and health content writer in Fort Worth, TX. She works with clients in home health, wound care, and telemedicine. Sarah is a passionate advocate for moving advanced levels of care to the home, where her clients can safely receive the medical treatments they need with greater satisfaction and comfort. She focuses on patient experience, outcomes, and advancing clinical models using innovative technology to serve patients better. Sarah draws from 15 years of practicing patient care and nursing leadership to share her own nursing experiences and expertise online. Connect with her on LinkedIn!
Do you have a doctor’s appointment coming up? What kinds of emotions conjure up when scheduling the appointment? Anxiety? Annoyance? Dread? For many, just the thought of setting up healthcare commitments can be overwhelmingly negative.
Not to mention the eventuality of going through with the actual appointment. There’s a lot that can and will go wrong if you tolerate bad behavior from your healthcare provider. If your healthcare experience has been a thorn in your side, then you might be considering leaving your doctor. And you may be wondering–what are my options?
We know what it’s like to begrudgingly drag yourself to the doctor only to have the same terrible experience over and over again–and we also know the temptation to skip checkups to avoid the discomfort altogether. But is it enough to warrant the drastic step of switching doctors? Well, the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and expecting different results. Why not give something new a try?
Whether it’s your primary care physician–or your gynecologist–that you’re looking to replace; our team of Las Vegas doctors are here to step in and provide the care you deserve. We want you to know that you do not have to accept sub-par healthcare services any longer. We created this reference to help you make the decision.
If you’re unhappy with your healthcare experience, it’s likely that one, or a combination, of the below experiences has happened to you. Let’s cover some common reasons that patients decide to call it quits and find a new doctor.
In relationships–whether personal or professional–communication is the keystone that holds everything together. In a doctor-patient relationship, both parties need to feel safe and comfortable to communicate openly. That way, the doctor can make a proper assessment and diagnosis because the patient shared all pertinent facts, symptoms, and concerns.
If you feel your doctor is doing any of the following during your visit, it’s a red flag:
A minor occurrence here and there may be excusable, but if you have an overall bad experience every time you see your physician that leaves you feeling deflated and drained, then it’s likely time for a change.
You’ve done your part and shared all the juicy details of your symptoms with your Las Vegas OBGYN, but you are still sick! If you’ve been prescribed medication that worsens or does nothing for your symptoms and your doctor isn’t willing to correct it or make suggestions for something better, that’s a problem. Make sure you’re working with a physician who is your advocate, who listens to your concerns, and who is competent enough to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Something that might be even worse than the wrong treatment is when your doctor tells you nothing can be done. If you feel like your doctor ignores your concerns, gives ambiguous answers to your questions, or is uninformed about the latest medical advancements and treatment options, then it might be time for a second opinion.
Seeing your doctor should not require you to use vacation time; but unfortunately, the traditional in-person experience at a doctor’s office still requires it. How much time do you spend on your appointment?
Depending on your personal factors, the whole process of a simple doctor appointment will take a minimum of two hours, and in worst-case scenarios, up to four hours out of your day.
It’s often a frustrating experience with little or no apology for keeping you waiting. If your doctor often runs behind and has no consideration for your time, it can be a damaging combination. Pile on top of that a doctor whose assistant calls to cancel and reschedule your appointment (that has been booked a month in advance) for no reason, and you are officially feeling violated.
Customer service should not go out the window when it comes to healthcare. Don’t allow your doctor or the facility to walk all over you and take advantage of your time. A recent study showed that 8 in 10 patients factor in customer service when they choose healthcare providers. If your provider won’t administer consistently good customer service, find another who will.
And the last straw to cutting ties with your healthcare provider is when it affects your pocketbook. Healthcare costs can be vague, confusing, and mysterious, especially when health insurance factors in. If you’ve ever asked for the cost of your appointment beforehand, you’ve likely received a confused look and some jargon about not knowing which medical billing code will be used.
That explanation is becoming less and less accepted by patients as pricing transparency is in demand. If you need to know how much your healthcare will cost up-front, there are doctors who will provide it willingly. Your doctor should also be considerate of your financial situation when prescribing treatments and offer less expensive alternatives when appropriate.
If the above scenarios are recurring every time you see your doctor, you may be ready to move on. You’ve got three basic options to choose from:
Option #1, switching doctors within the same facility, is viable if you believe it is strictly a personal shortcoming of your doctor, but won’t do much for facility-wide dysfunction.
Option #2, switching facilities and doctors, is a good choice if you prefer in-person visits but have reason to believe there are facility-wide functioning problems with the original clinic.
Option #3, finding a doctor online, will usually solve all of the concerns and inherent problems of traditional brick-and-mortar facilities. Here’s why:
My Virtual Physician is proud to offer online gynecology, pediatrics, and primary care–along with hybrid healthcare options in Las Vegas. We strive to provide an excellent patient experience that meets you where you are. Check out our testimonials to see what our patients are saying about us and make the switch today!
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It can be as minor as a paper cut or as serious as a puncture wound from a dog bite. Any wound that creates an opening in the skin can become infected. If you notice signs that your open wound is infected, here's what you can do next.
An open wound is an injury to the skin that leaves underlying tissues exposed.
The skin is an important barrier that protects our internal tissues and organs from potential injury from the world around us. Compromising the skin barrier invites bacteria and other microorganisms into the body.
An infected open wound is a skin injury in which disease-causing organisms have invaded healthy tissue surrounding the wound. Infection of the wound triggers the body's immune response, causing inflammation and tissue damage and slowing the healing process.
Infected open wounds may show signs and symptoms, including:
It is important to identify signs of an infected open wound to seek the proper treatment.
It's possible to treat most open wounds at home. The best care for an open wound is to keep the site clean and dry. Common over-the-counter treatments for open wounds with mild signs of infection include:
If you are unsure how to treat your wound at home, talk with a healthcare professional about your injury for evaluation and treatment.
Wound dressings are also an important part of at-home care. Dressings or bandages protect open areas from getting dirty and can also speed healing.
Today, many traditional wound dressings (such as cotton bandages) are being replaced by new innovative dressings that promote the optimal environment for wound healing. For basic wound care, don't be confused by the variety of wound products at the drugstore. Choose a bandage that fully covers the wound and change it every 1-2 days or when it is wet or dirty. With each bandage change, wash the area with warm water and mild soap to remove dead tissue or drainage.
The goal is to encourage your body's natural healing process.
Although you can treat most wounds at home, there will be times when you should seek medical attention for an infected open wound.
Contact a qualified medical professional if you notice these signs or symptoms.
Also, if the injury was caused by an animal bite or a rusty object, you should seek medical treatment as early as possible. Telemedicine providers offer a fast, affordable, and convenient way to see a doctor about your wound without leaving home.
Many private insurance companies and federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid cover telemedicine services.
In short, some open wounds can be cared for at home. You can buy wound washes, ointments, and sprays online to bandage the site and encourage the body's natural healing process. However, if you have a wound that looks infected and are worried, you should talk to a medical professional.
My Virtual Physician offers video consultations with expert doctors and wound care specialists on staff for new and chronic infected open wounds.
Contact us now to find out how you can book your free or low-cost appointment for wound treatment.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The information, graphics, and images on this site are not intended to substitute diagnosis or treatment by a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician for any questions you may have regarding a specific condition.
"Infected Wounds". woundsource.com. Accessed June 28, 2022.
"Management of Acute & Chronic Wounds". pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed June 28, 2022.
"Treatment Strategies for Infected Wounds". ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed June 28, 2022.
"8 Signs and Symptoms of Wound Infection". woundsource.com. Accessed June 28, 2022.
Sarah Falcone, BSN, RN, WCN-C, CSWD-C, is a certified wound care nurse, nursing consultant, and health content writer in Fort Worth, TX. She works with clients in home health, wound care, and telemedicine. Sarah is a passionate advocate for moving advanced levels of care to the home, where her clients can safely receive the medical treatments they need with greater satisfaction and comfort. She focuses on patient experience, outcomes, and advancing clinical models using innovative technology to serve patients better. Sarah draws from 15 years of practicing patient care and nursing leadership to share her own nursing experiences and expertise online. Connect with her on LinkedIn!
A leaky bladder can put a damper on life. The never-ending cycle of bathroom breaks tempts you to hold back from enjoying a full-bellied laugh with your friends or an intense group workout at the gym. You’re not alone┈bladder control problems are common in women–but you shouldn’t have to limit your life like this. And the good news is, you don’t have to; urinary incontinence is a treatable condition.
My Virtual Physician’s team of Las Vegas gynecologists wants to help provide the solution to your leaky bladder situation. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of stress incontinence, its causes, and provide our recommended remedy.
Urinary incontinence is a medical condition that affects your ability to hold or control your bladder and the flow of urine. There are many types of urinary incontinence:
Each type of urinary incontinence has a different cause and treatment. In this article, we are focusing on one type: stress incontinence. Stress incontinence happens when you abruptly leak urine as you:
Stress urinary incontinence, or SUI for short, affects more women than men. The woman’s urinary system is more prone to weakening of the pelvic muscles that keep the bladder sealed. Some of the reasons that women have a higher prevalence include anatomy, childbirth, and hormonal changes which are all unique to women. Risk factors that tend to lead to stress incontinence include obesity, neurological conditions, trauma, certain medications, and childbirth.
Many women believe that there is nothing that can be done to prevent or treat stress incontinence. They manage the condition by wearing pads or protective underwear just in case. Pelvic exercises are an inconvenience and surgery seems too extreme without a guarantee to fix the issue, so many women accept leaky bladders as part of aging–but it doesn’t have to be.
There are insertable devices that can be used to strengthen and support the urinary organs, muscles, and tissues; these are called pessaries. They are usually made of silicone or another medical-grade material and are used to reposition the urethra and help prevent incontinence. Traditionally, these devices are selected and fitted by your physician. However, today, there’s a new product on the market that is making pessary access available to more women, more easily: it’s called Uresta.
Uresta is a reusable bladder support device that can be self-fitted by you, the patient. It is comfortable, easy to insert, and comes in five different sizes, with three common sizes included in the starter kit for initial fitting. If the starter kit sizes are not a perfect fit for your body, the other sizes are available to you for free at your request. Uresta has proven effective for the majority of women who have tried it. The numbers speak for themselves:
My Virtual Physician’s Las Vegas OB GYNs are strong believers in providing patients with the tools they need to manage their women’s healthcare needs–without jumping through hoops. That’s why we advocate for the Uresta pessary device. You don’t have to come into an office for an awkward fitting appointment; you can self-fit from the privacy of your own bathroom.
If you struggle with stress incontinence and would like to see if Uresta is your solution, we’d like to help. Schedule a virtual appointment today with a Las Vegas gynecologist at My Virtual Physician to discuss your options, get your Uresta prescription today, and get your life back.
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Telemedicine gained a foothold during the pandemic. By the end of 2021, digital doctor visits had increased by 63% over two years, according to a government study. And the trend seems to be holding strong, with many physicians and facilities–Las Vegas gynecologists included–continuing to provide telehealth access, post-pandemic.
While telemedicine has proven valuable and trends show that it’s here to stay, there are some limitations. In this blog, we’ll briefly cover some obstacles inherent to telehealth along with our proposed solution: hybrid clinics.
While telemedicine was literally a life-saver throughout the pandemic, it comes with its limits. The most glaring limitation is the lack of a hands-on physical exam. For standard consultations, this is usually not an issue; but if certain diagnostic services are required, like pelvic exams or getting labs done, it gets a little trickier.
Another problem that telemedicine presents is patient access. Telemedicine requires some expensive equipment that not all patients have on hand; that we often take for granted. A virtual visit requires the following:
Even if you do have this equipment, you still must count on many factors to be in working order to participate in telemedicine appointments.
Related: Telemedicine Improves Access to Prenatal Care, But Can We Improve Access to Telemedicine
A third limitation of telemedicine is simply that some patients prefer the traditional visit to a doctor’s office. An in-office visit to a clinic where a real person is physically present to assist is preferable to some, especially those who are technology-illiterate, have certain disabilities, or struggle with the English language.
For those who feel telemedicine is not suitable to meet their comprehensive healthcare needs, hybrid clinics provide another pathway. My Virtual Physician is embracing this new solution, which offers our patients a new healthcare experience where they can have their gynecology or other healthcare needs met right there on the Las Vegas strip.
A hybrid medical clinic is a physical building that offers some of the same services that you would expect from a traditional in-person doctor’s visit while also providing the equipment to meet virtually with your doctor. My Virtual Physician’s hybrid clinics are located at:
Our hybrid clinic will open its doors to walk-in patients as well as those who schedule an appointment. As you enter the clinic, our Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) will welcome you, take your vital signs, and collect any urine samples, if required. You’ll then be guided into a private room where the telehealth equipment is set up for you to meet virtually with our board-certified physicians. Our staff is here to help in the event that you need any further assistance.
Just a handful of the additional services that we can provide inside our hybrid clinics include the following:
*by appointment only when a nurse or specialist is required
Related: My Virtual Physician’s List of Women’s Telemedicine Services
My Virtual Physician is excited to offer this new hybrid option to patients who prefer the in-person experience or who do not have access to the special equipment required for virtual visits or special services. While we understand that the hybrid clinic is not for everyone, or maybe just not for every visit, we have made it a priority to provide a physical alternative to the fully digital world of telemedicine.
Our intention is to provide value to our patients by offering in-person services as an option at our hybrid clinics. We deliver this as a solution to the limitations we find in telemedicine alone. Our hybrid clinic provides a nearby physical hub for specimen collection, as well as ultrasound, for prompt confirmations and diagnoses.
Our hybrid clinics will provide a safe, private, and well-equipped place for you to meet virtually with your OBGYN in Las Vegas to discuss your health needs. Come visit our friendly staff at our two hybrid locations today!
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Telemedicine provides a convenient way to get the care you need without traveling to the doctor or specialist you need. Virtual care, or Telehealth, has been around for a while, but recent changes in healthcare have caused telemedicine services to surge.
In the past, telemedicine visits were used primarily as urgent care encounters. If you had symptoms of a cold, you could chat with a Tel-a-doc and maybe get antibiotics.
Today, telemedicine services have expanded. And patients can see their telemedicine doctor for gynecologic, primary, and even wound care. In this post, we will look at how telemedicine has become a solution for patients with chronic or non-healing wounds by answering these questions.
Read on to learn more about telemedicine as a wound care solution.
Telemedicine is a healthcare delivery model that involves virtual consultations between patients and physicians, using online tools such as video conferencing, virtual examination rooms, and remote medical devices.
In many situations, telemedicine is ideal for individuals with wounds.
Those injured or struggling with chronic wounds may not feel like leaving home. Or they may be physically unable to leave home without assistance.
Often their caregivers work and cannot take time from work for frequent doctor appointments. Also, depending on where an individual lives, there may not be a wound specialist in the area. If there is a local certified wound care expert, they may have limited availability.
So, wound care appointments may be difficult to get.
Telemedicine providers with specialized training and certification in wound care can save patients and their families frequent trips to their doctor or wound clinic. Telemedicine for wound care is efficient. Doctors can conduct virtual visits, see the wounds, and make treatment recommendations through video.
Telemedicine also lets patients have virtual follow-up conversations with their doctors and send images when the wounds change.
Telemedicine decreases costs by reducing the need to travel long distances to the hospital or to consult with a physician. It improves the quality of life for patients with chronic wounds while maintaining high standards of wound care.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state programs (Medicare and Medicaid) and private insurers have expanded coverage for telemedicine services, including wound care.
That is good news for patients with wounds who need to see a specialist. In many cases, your health insurance will cover the cost of your virtual visit and wound care supplies that your provider orders.
Your insurance may cover a virtual doctor visit for treatment if you have:
You can check with your insurance company to find out what they will cover or talk with a telemedicine provider and have them verify your insurance coverage before making an appointment.
Wound care specialists provide a variety of services through telemedicine. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Telehealth services are especially helpful for monitoring and improving ongoing health issues, like chronic wounds.
A telemedicine wound care specialist can evaluate and treat wounds virtually by:
These services help patients get the right treatment to heal the wound quickly and return to normal lives.
Telemedicine specialists also coordinate your care with your other doctors or home health.
There are many advantages of using telemedicine wound care services, including:
It’s easy to see why telemedicine wound care services are growing.
While there are numerous benefits of telemedicine for patients, primary among them is the ease of convenience and the ability to access quality care fast. Wound care services provided through telemedicine are a great example of a wound care solution that is helping many individuals get the care they need.
If you have a skin wound that needs medical attention, talk with the My Virtual Physician team to find out if their telemedicine wound care services are right for you.
Contact us now for your low-cost appointment that your insurance may cover!
There is one thing that all women have in common: periods. But every year, over a million of those women enter a new stage in their life when their periods cease to exist–a certain special interlude called menopause.
While menopause marks a new phase in life, getting there isn’t quick or easy. The process of going through the menopausal transition takes around four years on average and can bring with it a roller-coaster of emotions.
Every woman deserves to know what to expect in menopause and how to endure the change as pleasantly as possible. Our team of Las Vegas gynecologists is here to help. Here, we will cover the basics of menopause and how your doctor can assist during this important progression of your reproductive lifecycle.
You’ve probably experienced a mature woman talking about hot flashes, an uncomfortable symptom experienced by 75% of menopausal women. And you probably understand that menopause is the stage when a woman’s body stops ovulating permanently. But other than hot flashes and the end of fertility, what is menopause really? Menopause is commonly defined as “the cessation of menstruation.” Well yes, but there’s a little more to it than that.
There are three major phases of menopause that take years to complete:
Menopause is the natural and gradual process that every woman experiences when her ovaries reduce the production of reproductive hormones and stop releasing eggs.
It’s the changes in hormones that cause menopausal symptoms. During perimenopause, your body will gradually decrease estrogen production. Here are some common symptoms that could be signs you are entering perimenopause:
Your age, along with the above symptoms will help you and your Las Vegas gynecology team identify if you’re experiencing the first signs of your menopausal transition. Most women’s bodies begin the process between the ages of 45 to 58 years old, reaching menopause at age 52 on average.
Your doctor can order lab tests that measure hormones in order to determine whether you are entering menopause. Hormone levels during perimenopause can be very unpredictable. These tests are usually only needed if you suspect early menopause.
More than two-thirds of women say that their menopausal symptoms have interfered with their quality of life. Here are some natural tips to help during your transition:
If you’re still experiencing discomfort, our Las Vegas OBGYN team is available to provide guidance as well as additional options to manage your menopausal symptoms. Some treatments include hormone therapy, mood-stabilizing medications, and prescription supplements.
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Life after periods begins a whole new era. While you won’t have to worry anymore about getting your period or using birth control to prevent pregnancy, postmenopausal women tend to have a higher risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems due to the changes in hormones. Prepare for menopause early and take care of your body along the way so that you can continue to enjoy every moment of your life post-menopause.
How much are you paying for your healthcare? Healthcare in the United States is expensive. In fact, it’s so expensive that over 90% of Americans purchase or apply for medical insurance just to offset the cost of care.
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the traditional model, we have great news for you–it is possible to get affordable OBGYN care in Las Vegas–even without health insurance. Let’s review the traditional model of healthcare expenses that we’ve all begrudgingly accepted up until now, and then we’ll cover the new path forward.
Do you know how much your next doctor appointment will cost you? If you’ve ever called ahead to get a quote, you likely got a confusing answer or none at all. Seeing your doctor in the traditional sense can be expensive and many factors influence your out-of-pocket cost, even for a simple diagnostic exam with your Las Vegas gynecologist, such as:
All factors considered, without health insurance, you’ll likely pay between $200 to $500 after all is said and done for just a simple appointment at a brick-and-mortar facility. Even with health insurance, you’ll still be on the hook for paying a large sum of cash until you exceed your deductible. That’s just for one appointment; imagine if you had an ongoing condition requiring regular physician monitoring–this paints the picture clearly of why health insurance came into existence.
Related: No Health Insurance? No Problem.
Health insurance was originally designed to help offset the patient’s out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses. It generally works like this:
While you can get health insurance on your own, if you’re working a traditional job, you probably depend on your employer for your health insurance. Many employers offer to subsidize a portion of a health insurance plan as an employee benefit. If this isn’t an option for you, you may have looked into the government marketplace.
If you’ve checked out the HealthCare.gov plans and pricing, you’ll quickly realize how unaffordable medical insurance has become. Family premiums are over $400 per month for plans with a high out of pocket max and high deductibles–both exceeding $8,000 per year. That means you could spend as much as $5,000 per year on premiums plus another $8,000 on healthcare for a total of $13,000 per year. This model has become unsustainable.
Luckily, there is a new model for affordable healthcare and technology is paving the way. The acceptance and advancement of telemedicine, a new way to see your doctor, has been drastically accelerated by the pandemic. Virtual doctor visits are creating a new alternative to the traditional model of unaffordable medical care. There are many reasons telemedicine makes healthcare more affordable, including:
Besides the cost savings, there are countless other benefits to moving healthcare visits online including time savings, elimination of the commute, less disruption to your routine, privacy, comfort, and much more.
Related: Telemedicine: An Advantage for Patients & Providers of Prenatal Care
So how much will an appointment with one of My Virtual Physician’s Las Vegas OBGYNs cost you? Our pricing is simple and transparent. We offer appointments as needed for a flat rate for quick things like renewing your annual prescription or getting a UTI treated. If you have ongoing care needs, we offer individual, family, and employee membership levels that allow unlimited visits for a flat fee. You can explore our current rates here, where you’ll find all of our pricing transparently available to you.
With My Virtual Physician, you won’t need to pay insurance premiums and there are no surprises about how much the appointment will cost. We promise our patients affordable access to the best Las Vegas gynecologists right from the comfort of your own home.
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Healthcare doesn’t have to be unaffordable. The old model is breaking down and being replaced with one that works for both patients and providers. My Virtual Physician is proud to be a quality Las Vegas OBGYN provider that anyone can afford.
While over 80% of mothers attempt breastfeeding their newborns, only one in four continues breastfeeding past the first six months outside the womb. The further from the birth date it gets, the less likely it is for breastfeeding to continue. There are many reasons for this pattern; in this blog, we’ll explore breastfeeding benefits, challenges, and tips for success.
Common sense tells us that breastmilk is best. Not only is it completely natural, but it’s custom-tailored to your baby’s exact needs. Doctors agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommending exclusive breastfeeding for a baby’s first six months and encouraging a full year of the practice. Studies have found a correlation between a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and babies who are breastfed longer.
Breastfeeding has health benefits for both mothers and babies. Human milk contains proteins and living leukocyte cells that protect your baby against infections from bacteria and viruses and also contain properties that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria for a healthy flora and easy digestion in your infant’s belly. Long-term benefits to the baby include reduced risk of:
The health benefits to mothers who breastfeed include lower blood pressure along with a reduced risk of diabetes and certain types of cancer, including ovarian and breast cancer. Studies have found that the longer a mother can breastfeed her child, the more likely that she will experience improved health when it comes to the circulatory system.
We all pretty much recognize that breastfeeding is best, so why do the breastfeeding rates drop off so dramatically after the first few months? Let’s tackle them in the order that they usually come.
First, mothers may have trouble from the get-go while still in the hospital. Baby may have trouble latching, mom may struggle to find the right position, and mom’s milk supply may lag behind. Doctors in the hospital might push for formula or donor milk to supplement if they are concerned that mom’s supply is not sufficient. This can wreak havoc on a mom’s confidence in her ability to feed her baby naturally.
Luckily, most hospitals have a lactation consultant that diligently tries to help the new mother make the bond and get breastfeeding off to a good start. Once leaving the hospital, mothers don’t have a lactation professional nearby to help and may continue to face issues with latching. She may also struggle with the routine required to feed the baby all hours of the day and may long for sleep and a break.
If a mother is still able to continue breastfeeding once transitioning home, another transition period may upset the routine: returning to work. 7 in 10 mothers with children under 18 participate in the labor force to earn income. It’s not practical to return to the office with your infant by your side to breastfeed on-demand, so most mothers will start to pump their breastmilk so that their baby can still receive the benefits of breastmilk from a bottle.
Transitioning to pumped breastmilk and time away from baby can cause problems for a mother’s milk supply, making her wonder if she will be able to maintain the supply to keep up with her baby’s nutritional needs.
Other factors that can pose a challenge and deter a mother from continuing breastfeeding include taking medications, lack of support at home or work, societal pressure, and a host of other reasons.
Fortunately, society recognizes that the drop in breastfeeding is detrimental and is poised to correct it. We are collectively getting better at providing more tools for success. One such action was taken in 2011 by the Surgeon General in his Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. This call to action provided twenty action steps for harboring an environment of support for breastfeeding mothers, including:
So while organizations are still working on making breastfeeding easier and more achievable, there are other things mothers can do on a personal level to increase their chances of success with long-term breastfeeding.
Set yourself up for success by exploring resources designed especially for mothers who desire to breastfeed. One of these is La Leche League, an organization that supports breastfeeding families and provides helpful resources as well as group meetings. Meetings are free, operate online or in-person, and are run by volunteer parents who breastfed their own children. Attending meetings at any point during the process, from pregnancy to anytime after birth, is encouraged.
You can also proactively find and establish a relationship with a local lactation consultant from the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) that you can speak with regularly once you’ve left the hospital to help overcome challenges and transitions. A personal lactation consultant can prove to be an invaluable resource for both physical guidance and mental support.
As a breastfeeding mother, it’s likely that you’ll experience ebbs and flows in milk production, and, depending on your situation, you may need to supplement or transition to using a breast pump in order to keep your supply up or pump when your baby is not with you.
Here are some quick tips to increase your milk production:
Breastfeeding is not as easy as it looks. If you want to breastfeed your baby, you can do it with support. Use the support networks and resources outlined in this article to achieve your breastfeeding goals. Our online physicians at My Virtual Physician, which include OBGYN, pediatric, and primary care specialists, are also available to help if you have any concerns around breastfeeding, nutrition, or milk production.
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