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Women who have dedicated their lives to medicine may have an unsettling common denominator. Infertility in women is on the rise.

 

According to the American Medical Women’s Association, studies show that one in four female doctors struggle with infertility—that’s a whopping 25%. 

 

Infertility is a growing problem. In the general population of the US, 19% of couples spend more than a year trying to get pregnant. For female doctors trying to start their families, the problem seems to be exacerbated.

Fertility Basics and At-Home Testing

If you’re a physician interested in learning more about your own fertility, we have resources for you. Learn more about fertility in our four-part blog series on testing for fertility indicators. For women working in higher-risk careers, it’s important to be proactive about fertility.

  1. Curious about your fertility?
  2. How can I test my fertility at home?
  3. How do I read my fertility results?
  4. What do I do if my fertility test comes back abnormal?

Why Women in Medicine Face Infertility at a Higher Rate

A fertility specialist testing for infertility

The exact reason that women in medicine face higher infertility rates is not clear. It’s likely a combination of factors. Below, we’ll outline a few likely culprits.

Delayed Family Planning

With each menstrual cycle that passes, the chance of getting pregnant decreases. A woman under the age of thirty has a 25-30% chance of pregnancy for each cycle. By a woman’s 40s, her chances of getting pregnant are reduced to 10% per cycle.

 

It’s well-known that age plays a role in women's fertility. It’s also common knowledge that it takes several years of education, training, and focus to become a doctor. Many women in medicine choose to delay starting a family during the years before becoming licensed to practice. The average age of a woman giving birth is 27, but for women physicians—it jumps up to 32 years old.

 

Medical school and residency often take up a dozen or so of a woman’s precious child-bearing years. By the time a woman reaches physician status, she’s likely already in her thirties and her ovarian reserve begins diminishing. We encourage women in medicine to see a fertility specialist. This is especially important for women over 30 who are trying for a baby.

 

It’s simple to see how it happens. Settling down to start a family often gets put on the back burner while your career launches, and before you know it, you’re nearing forty and still without a child. All this time, you may not have considered that your fertility may be compromised.

 

Related: Infertility: When is it Time to See a Doctor?

Lifestyle

Who has time to settle down and find a mate when you’re busy trying to get trained on how to become a doctor? Busy schedules are another common reason that female doctors aren’t having babies as much as their non-physician counterparts. By the time you get back into the dating scene, your fertility has likely already peaked.

 

Other lifestyle factors that may play a role might include working in high-stress environments (although the relationship between stress and infertility is not well-understood), poor diet, lack of exercise, alcoholism, and more. The answer to the exact cause of the correlation between female physicians and infertility is still being studied.

What Can Female Physicians Do to Promote Fertility Health?

Recognizing that there is a relationship between career choice and infertility is the first step to being proactive. Women in medicine must be informed that they are embarking on a career choice that could put them at a higher risk of infertility.

 

Even though women in medicine struggle more than others with infertility, there are proactive steps that can be taken to combat infertility in women.

 

Below are a few steps you can consider taking now:

 

  1. Test your fertility: Learn how to test your fertility from home.
  2. Naturally boost your fertility: Check out this article for some steps you can take today to naturally boost your fertility.
  3. Conceive earlier: Avoid putting off starting your family and conceive while still in training.
  4. Consult with a fertility specialist: Early intervention can increase your chances of conceiving.
  5. Consider cryopreservation: Freeze your eggs for when you’re ready.

 

If you’re currently struggling to conceive, our online OBGYNs can help with treating infertility.

How an Online OBGYN Can Help

If you’re a female physician who is concerned about this trend of women's infertility in the profession, My Virtual Physician is in your corner. We’re here to consult with you and provide answers. We can assist with regular fertility testing and our online OBGYNs serve patients in all 50 states.

 

If you’ve already received a concerning fertility test result, we’re available to consult with you on the best plan of action to move your fertility forward. Online appointments are available now; book your appointment today to meet with our board-certified OBGYNs.

 

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doctor in las vegasEveryone needs to see a doctor at some point in their lives. Whether you’re facing an illness, pain, disorder, or just need a medication refill or regular checkup; our society relies heavily upon primary care physicians.

 

How long has it been since you last saw yours? 

 

The Problem

It can be a struggle to get an appointment scheduled with your Las Vegas primary care physician (PCP). Waits are long and many doctors aren’t even accepting new patients. One reason for this is that there is a shortage of physicians.

 

Related: Increasing Access in Las Vegas: Physician-to-Patient Ratio

 

That may leave you wondering—what can I do to see a Las Vegas doctor sooner? Read on to find out a solution to the doctor access dilemma.

 

Availability isn’t the only problem that patients face when trying to schedule doctor appointments in Las Vegas. Physical limitations, such as transportation, access to technology, and geographical location, can also hinder access for patients to see their doctors regularly.

 

What’s a PCP and Who Needs One?

A primary care physician, or PCP for short, is a general practitioner who you know as your “go-to” doctor. Any time you have an infection, need medication, or want a consultation, your PCP is probably your initial point of contact.

 

This type of doctor sees a broad range of patients, in the age ranges of anywhere from children to the elderly, and treats a wide variety of conditions. If you have to manage an ongoing health condition, such as diabetes or asthma, you likely see your PCP more frequently.

 

While it’s not necessarily required to have a PCP, establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor in Las Vegas can be beneficial for both patients and physicians. That’s because your doctor can get to know you, your health, and you become comfortable with one another to discuss private health matters.

 

Reasons to See Your Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Here’s a list of common conditions or patient needs that most primary care physicians are capable of handling without the need for specialist visits:

 

But if you can’t get in to see your PCP or get established with a new primary care doctor in Las Vegas, then what can you do?

 

A Simple Solution

My Virtual Physician has a new solution to the patient access problem in Las Vegas. Our Las Vegas specialists can provide PCP services online through our hybrid clinic on Paradise Road.

 

Related: Hybrid Medical Clinics: Expanding OBGYN Access in Las Vegas

 

This physical clinic solves many problems when it comes to patient access to doctors in Las Vegas.

 

Can’t get an appointment? No problem, walk-in visits are welcome in our hybrid clinic.

 

No computer, phone, or internet connection? Our hybrid clinic offers a private room with all the technology already set up for our patients to use.

 

Need a second opinion? Our professional doctors are available to meet with you today to provide medical advice.

 

Uninsured? My Virtual Physician offers affordable and transparent pricing on our telemedicine appointments, both in the clinic and online.

 

See a Doctor in Las Vegas Today

Stop waiting for an opening at your traditional doctor’s office. See a doctor today in Las Vegas who can meet your healthcare needs.

Book Appointment Now    Call For An Appointment

 

 

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.

Getting Care When Your Child is Sick

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.

How Do I Know if My Child Needs Urgent Care or Emergency Care?

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.

What Can an Online Pediatrician Help With?

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?

Conditions That Can Be Treated by an Online Pediatrician

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.

Can My Child Routinely See a Pediatrician Online?

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.

How Can I Get My Child in to See the Doctor ASAP in Las Vegas

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.

Get Established Today

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.

 

Book Appointment Now    Call For An Appointment

 

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.

 

What is a Specialist?

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.

 

Las Vegas Specialist - My Virtual Physician

When Should I See a Specialist?

There are many reasons to seek medical care from a healthcare specialist. Here are a few.

Your Primary Care Doctor is Unable to Treat Your Condition

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.

You Have a Rare (or system-specific) Condition

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.

Your Regular Doctor is Unfamiliar with Treatments

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.

 

The Traditional Method

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:

 

  1. Multiple appointments required
  2. Pre-approval is required for insurance coverage
  3. Primary care physicians must provide a referral
  4. Long waiting list to get an appointment

 

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!

 

Bypass the Wait and See a Specialist Today

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.

 

Ready to Schedule Your Specialist Appointment?

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.

 

Step #1: Write Down Your Troubles

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.

 

Step #2: Determine the Type of Doctor You Need to See

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.

 

Step #3: Check Telehealth Options or Find a Local Walk-in Clinic

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.

 

Step #4: Pick up Your Prescription & Get Back to Fun!

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

 

This Hybrid Clinic on Paradise Road Takes Walk-in Visits

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.

 

Book Appointment Now    Call For An Appointment

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.

 

Don’t Wait to See Your OBGYN if You Have These Problems

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?

How Can I Get in Sooner for an OBGYN Appointment?

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.

Take This Shortcut to Find A New Way to See Your OBGYN—Urgently

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.

This Las Vegas OBGYN Welcomes Walk-Ins or Appointments

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:

What is Elder Abuse?

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.

Recognizing the Signs of 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?

Getting Help: Freedom from 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:

  1. Local police
  2. Local adult protective services
  3. Local Department on Aging
  4. Local Public Health Department
  5. Eldercare hotline: 1-800-677-1116
  6. Doctors

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.

Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

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.

Get Faster Access to Healthcare with Virtual Doctors

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.

There is Little to No Wait to See a Virtual Doctor Online

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.

Patients are Getting Treated Faster

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.

Virtual Doctors Erase Geographical Barriers

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?

So, Are Virtual Doctors the Cause or the Solution?

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.

My Virtual Physician’s Team

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.

An Ideal Physician-to-Patient Ratio

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.

How Las Vegas Stacks Up

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:

My Virtual Physician is Increasing Access to Doctors & Specialists

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?

About the Monkeypox Vaccines Available in the US

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.

Who Should Get Vaccinated for Monkeypox?

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:

  1. Someone you are intimate with tested positive for monkeypox
  2. You are at risk of exposure to someone who might test positive for monkeypox

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.

Visit our Hybrid Clinic in Las Vegas for Monkeypox Vaccination

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.

What is Preconception Health & Preconception Planning

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.

Preconception Checklist

Use this preconception checklist to help boost your chances of pregnancy.

❒ Supercharge Your Diet

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.

❒ Revisit Your Supplements & Medications

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.

❒ Break Bad Habits

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

❒ Get Active & Reduce Stress

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.

❒ Track Your Cycle & Stop Taking The Pill

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

❒ Take an At-Home Fertility Test

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?

❒ Ask Your Partner to Take an At-Home Fertility Test

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:

❒ Schedule a Pre-Pregnancy Checkup with Your Doctor

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.

Go From Preconception to Baby Shower Planning

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.

What are the Different Types of Vaginal Pain?

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

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:

Dyspareunia

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:

Vaginismus

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.

Vaginal Pain Caused by Another Illness

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.

Self-Care Tips to Relieve Vaginal Pain

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

How to Cure Vaginal Pain

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.

End Your Vaginal Pain

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.

What is a 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.

How is an At-Home Semen Analysis Done?

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:

How to Read Your At-Home Semen Analysis Results

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.

Sperm Shape Normal Range

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.

Sperm Count Normal Range

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 pH Normal Range

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.

Sperm Movement Normal Range

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.

Ejaculate Volume

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.

Get Your At-Home Semen Analysis Over With Today

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.

Shape & Size

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.

What Makes up the Diaphragm Shape?

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.

A New Shape for the Old Diaphragm

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.

Cervical Caps - What Do They Look Like?

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.

Why the different shapes?

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

Fittings & Range of Sizes Available

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!

One-Size-Fits-Most Option Comes to Town

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.

No Fittings Required

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.

Effectiveness of Pregnancy Prevention

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%.

Spermicide Increases Effectiveness

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.

Set it and Forget it (for 1 or 2 days)

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

Similar Side Effects

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.

The Final Comparison

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.

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

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:

Am I At Risk for 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.

Signs & Symptoms to Share With Your Las Vegas Gynecologist

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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Get Treatment for Your Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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.

The Final Say on Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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.

 

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