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.
Experts strongly recommend that pregnant women should avoid alcohol during pregnancy. There is no "safe" amount of alcohol during pregnancy, including beer, wine, wine coolers, and liquor.
Alcohol is harmful throughout pregnancy but most during the first three months of pregnancy. Drinking alcohol while pregnant puts your baby at risk for developmental problems, long-term medical problems and birth defects. Women planning to get pregnant are also urged to stay away from alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the higher the risks.
When you drink alcohol, the alcohol travels through your blood, into the placenta and gets into the blood, tissues, and organs of your baby.
Your baby's liver does not mature until later in pregnancy. Hence, your baby cannot break down alcohol efficiently, and the alcohol level remains high for a prolonged period in your baby's blood. High and prolonged exposure to alcohol seriously affects your baby's development and causes low birth weight, cerebral palsy, and other problems later in life.
Drinking alcohol in pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
One serious condition that drinking during pregnancy causes is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) is a group of defects seen in a baby exposed to alcohol before birth. Symptoms of FASD are lifelong and can range from mild to severe. They include:
How much you drink is as important as how often you drink. Do not take any amount of alcohol during pregnancy. One time is enough to harm your baby.
Avoiding alcohol throughout pregnancy may not be as difficult as you think. If you are planning to become pregnant or once you find out you are pregnant, do give up drinking.
If you already drank before you found out you were pregnant, avoid further drinking. Avoid being around people who drink; it could make it harder for you to stop.
If you find it difficult to stop or have concerns, you can talk to us at My Virtual Physician or your local doctor or healthcare provider. You could also join an alcohol abuse rehabilitation program.
A visit to us helps you get your prenatal care started while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. Your virtual physician can help to electronically order prenatal care labs and/or send an order to the nearest radiology facility for you to get an ultrasound.
At My Virtual Physician, we are available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. We are in network with many insurance health plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
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It takes two to tango. While that popular idiom is usually reserved for placing the blame on both parties during an argument, it also holds true for many aspects of life, including fertility. If one partner, whether it be the guy or the gal, has a hiccup in their fertility, then the whole process of making a baby gets put on hold.
When it comes to infertility, both sexes can be equally affected. According to NIH, a couple’s infertility is caused by the man a third of the time, the woman a third of the time, and is uncertain the rest of the time.
It’s a sensitive subject, and while neither partner has likely done an intentional thing to cause it, nobody wants to discover that they’re infertile. So if you’ve been trying to conceive, or maybe you’re just curious about your fertility–you may be wondering what preemptive steps you can take toward testing your fertility–and preferably, at home.
In this blog, we’ll cover who should get at-home fertility testing, along with how to do it.
Both sexes are at risk for infertility. Male infertility often is sperm-related, while female infertility can be caused by hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation. You’ll never know whether you’re infertile until you try to start your family. But what if you want to know before then? The first thing to consider is how many risk factors for infertility apply to you or your partner. Below, we’ll talk about who is at a higher risk for infertility.
A woman’s most fertile years are between the ages of 15 and 44. So once you begin to get close to the higher end of that age range, your fertility begins to wane. That’s because you are approaching menopause, the stage of life when you stop ovulating and become infertile, typically beginning in your mid to late 40s. So if you’re hoping to conceive at an age that is approaching perimenopause, you may want to have your fertility tested so that you can be proactive with correcting any problems before full-blown menopause occurs.
Another factor that is related to a woman’s fertility is her menstrual cycles. If you experience irregular cycles, or are not menstruating at all, it’s a sign that ovulation is not occurring properly or that you may struggle with getting pregnant. If you’re experiencing irregular periods, it can bring peace of mind to have your fertility tested at home now so that you know whether or not there are any ovulation concerns.
A third risk factor for infertility is a personal or family history of surgery or disease of the reproductive system. For example, if your mother or aunts experienced early menopause, premature ovarian failure, advanced endometriosis, reproductive cancers, or infertility, then you may be at a higher risk when it comes to fertility problems. Testing your fertility even before you’re ready to start a family is a reasonable measure to take, especially if there is a history of reproductive disease. With at-home fertility test kits, the option is on the table for everyone.
Lastly, we’ll mention that women who have undergone radiation or chemotherapy may be at an increased risk of infertility. Many women want to confirm that their eggs are still in good shape after cancer treatments. Luckily, at-home fertility testing is an affordable option to verify your fertility at any time.
It’s not just women that are concerned about their ability to procreate; men care, too. Since men are half of the equation, it makes sense to consider testing a man’s fertility to get a full picture of a couple’s ability to reproduce. Let’s discuss some reasons that men may decide to get at-home fertility testing.
Smoking increases the risk of infertility for both sexes, but specifically, it has a detrimental effect on sperm. Studies have shown that smoke may decrease sperm density and movement. If you’re a man with a history of heavy smoking, you may be curious about whether your sperm has been damaged. An at-home fertility test for men can help answer that question.
A history of testicular trauma is another factor that gets men questioning whether they are sexually potent. Unlike women, a man’s reproductive organs are more prone to injury from outside forces due to their external nature. They are at a higher risk of injury from hits, kicks, and other traumas. If a man’s reproductive organs are damaged from past trauma, it can affect fertility. Many men are unsure whether past trauma has hindered their testes. An at-home sperm analysis is a great way for men to see if they are still fertile.
Even if the above risk factors don’t apply to you, you can still have your fertility tested for peace of mind. With at-home fertility testing available to both guys and gals, it allows for an affordable way to get the ball rolling in case there are any concerning results. If you’re ready to test your fertility, we’ve got great news for you. My Virtual Physician has partnered with Orchid in order to provide our patients with quality, at-home fertility testing.
Set up your appointment today to get your test ordered and answer that lingering question… “Am I fertile?”
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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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Hygiene is an integral part of self-care at any given time or period. However, it is of greater importance during pregnancy as little changes can have massive ripple effects during this period. During pregnancy, the woman's body undergoes several hormonal changes, and its effects vary from one woman to the other. Hormonal imbalances result in increased perspiration (sweating), increased vaginal discharge, less lubrication and vaginal dryness, dry skin, and nipple leaks, amongst others.
Infections are best kept at bay during pregnancy. Infections can affect the health of the mother and her baby and may result in complications. Hence, good hygiene is an important part of self-care in pregnancy. Also, it boosts your self-esteem and keeps you refreshed and comfortable in your skin.
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The following are basic tips that can help you maintain good hygiene in pregnancy.
Hormonal changes can affect your dental health. Increased estrogen levels can cause inflammation of your gums, resulting in pain and frequent bleeding. Increased progesterone also puts you at risk of hosting plaque-causing bacteria and developing gingivitis.
Hence, poor oral hygiene can cause dental health issues and increase your risk of certain pregnancy complications. Bacteria that cause gingivitis can make a low-birth-weight baby if it enters your bloodstream and reaches the fetus. See a dentist in case of any mouth condition, especially gum disease.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet, avoid sugary and hard foods, brush and floss daily, and, as prescribed, take fluoride supplements.
To stay safe from infections;
Increased vaginal discharge may stimulate bacterial growth and cause ‘bacterial vaginitis. This can cause complications and get transmitted to the child if left untreated in the mother.
To maintain vaginal hygiene:
These tips help maintain air circulation and keep your vagina optimally dry, preventing infections:
Hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy can result in increased sweating and buildup of sweat, dirt, oil, and bacteria between skin folds. Hence, experts recommend that you bathe regularly with mild soaps and shampoos. Avoid harsh soaps, dyes, and other chemicals for your skin and hair to prevent an allergic reaction in you and your baby.
Avoid taking a bath or shower with boiling water. Use warm water instead. Also, apply lotions or creams immediately after a bath or shower to soothe and soften your skin.
Wear cotton and loose-fitting clothes to improve and maintain air circulation between your clothes and your skin.
A visit to us helps you get your prenatal care started while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. Your virtual physician can help to electronically order prenatal care labs and/or send an order to the nearest radiology facility for you to get an ultrasound.
At My Virtual Physician, we are available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. We are in network with many insurance health plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
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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.
You may have wondered what labor looks like and how it feels. You are not alone. Many pregnant women also ask questions about how it will feel, what to expect, and how long it will last.
This article will discuss what labor is and how to know you are in labor.
Labor is the process of childbirth that starts with strong uterine contractions and cervical dilation and ends with the expulsion of the fetus.
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There are early signs that labor is soon or imminent. Some may occur 3-4 weeks before actual labor sets in. At other times, these signs happen just before labor starts or hours before active labor.
Some very early signs of labor include the following:
This is also known as lightening, where your baby (ideally, your baby's head) descends into your pelvis. If you are a first-time mum, this may occur a few weeks before labor. If you're not a first-timer, lightening may not happen till you're truly in labor.
Your healthcare provider may notice your cervix dilating (opening) and effacing (thinning out) during your antenatal visit. This may happen weeks to days before delivery. Note that some women do not dilate at all till labor starts.
As labor nears, you may feel cramping and pain in your lower and groin. Not to worry, your abdominal and pelvic muscles and joints are loosening up and stretching in preparation for labor and childbirth.
While your joints and ligaments may have loosened up during pregnancy, you may feel them loosen as labor nears. This is your body's way of preparing for the passage of your little one.
You may experience diarrhea as your expected date of delivery nears. Ensure you drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
During the last days of pregnancy, you may feel very tired and sleepy with your big belly and active bladder.
You may have bursts of energy and a compelling urge that sees you through cleaning, arranging baby clothes, putting up a baby's room, organizing your home, and many more.
The following are signs of true labor:
Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, labor contractions increase in intensity, are regular, painful, frequent, and don't get better with changing positions. Also, real labor contractions last anywhere between 30 to 70 seconds, depending on far you've gone into labor.
During pregnancy, a mucus plug seals off your uterus at the cervix. However, as the cervix dilates or the body prepares for labor, it may come off as a large piece or in bits.
When the mucus plug comes off, it may be with blood. Hence, a thickened, pinkish vaginal discharge is called bloody show. When you notice a bloody show, it indicates you are close to or in labor.
If you're having strong abdominal cramps, abdominal pain or pressure, and/or pain in your lower back that radiates to your legs, you are most likely to be in labor.
This may occur just before labor or after you've experienced other labor symptoms. When your water breaks, your membranes rupture, and amniotic fluid escapes from the sac. It could be in big gush. At other times, it could be a trickle or leak.
Not all women's water break before labor. Usually, it happens later during childbirth and occurs in a small percentage of pregnancies. Hence, it is not a definitive sign of labor.
Call your doctor when your contractions are painful, intense, regularly spaced, and last for 30 to 70 seconds
Also, if you have doubts about whether or not you're in labor, call your healthcare provider. If you also experience or notice any of the following, immediately contact your healthcare provider:
A visit to us helps you get your prenatal care started while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. Your virtual physician can help to electronically order prenatal care labs and/or send an order to the nearest radiology facility for you to get an ultrasound.
At My Virtual Physician, we are available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. We are in network with many insurance health plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
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Nonhormonal contraceptive options, such as the diaphragm, can put the reigns back in your hands when it comes to managing your fertility and family planning. If you’re considering switching to a diaphragm as your primary form of birth control, there are a few things you should know.
Used alone, barrier methods tend to be less effective than hormonal birth control or sterilization. However, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), diaphragms are in the middle tier, above other barrier methods, including condoms, cervical caps, or sponges, and just below to top tier of the most effective methods, which include implants, IUDs, and sterilization. That puts diaphragms on the same tier of effectiveness as hormonal injections, pills, patches, and rings, with less than 12 pregnancies per 100 women in a year with perfect use.
Effectiveness of contraceptive methods is usually measured in two ways, typical use vs. perfect use. Typical use means that you follow the product instructions most of the time. Perfect use means that you follow the instructions exactly. For diaphgrams, this means:
For the CAYA diaphragm, typical use has an effective rate of 18 pregnancies per 100 women, and perfect use has an effective rate of 14 in 100. These are based on using the diaphragm as directed and without any additional contraceptive methods. However, you can increase the effectiveness of your diaphragm further by combining it with other methods, such as the fertility awareness method (FAM or FAB), and by also using condoms.
Related: Natural Birth Control: Fertility Awareness Pregnancy Prevention
If you’re using a diaphragm for your birth control, you can continue to use lubricants and condoms; however, you will need to verify that they are compatible with your particular diaphragm’s material. Many diaphragms are made of silicone or latex, which can be damaged by oil-based creams and oils.
Water-soluble lubricants and creams are the safest to use with most diaphragms. Avoid silicone-based or oil-based lubes because they can damage the chemical structure of your diaphragm.
Most condoms are compatible to use along with your diaphragm. Having your partner use a male condom together with your diaphragm can significantly increase the effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, not to mention STD prevention. Avoid condoms that have oil-based lubes and check your diaphragm’s package insert for any additional requirements in selecting compatible condoms.
It’s important to remember the above guidelines apply to medications as well. So if you’re being treated for a vaginal infection, keep in mind that oil-based medication creams can damage your diaphragm. For example, Clindamycin cream or ovules are often used for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV). The CDC recommends avoiding using diaphragms within 72 hours following treatment to prevent damage to your diaphragm.
Related: Our Las Vegas OBGYNs Cure Your Bacterial Vaginosis Fast
It’s not recommended to use your diaphragm dry, or in other words, without the use of a spermicide substance. Diaphragm manufacturers instruct users to apply a gel spermicide inside and around the rim of the device before insertion with additional applications if too much time has passed. The spermicide destroys sperm cells, preventing them from fertilizing an egg and increasing the effectiveness of the diaphragm alone.
You’ll need to purchase spermicide gel at your local pharmacy or drugstore in order to use your diaphragm properly. It is available for purchase without a prescription and usually comes in a large tube or individual pre-filled applicators. VCF vaginal contraceptive gel is a common brand of spermicide that is often used with diaphragms. Its active ingredient is nonoxynol-9 or N-9.
The CAYA diaphragm calls for 4 mL, or about a teaspoon, of spermicide gel for each use. Diaphragm users may also need to add additional gel with an applicator if it has been more than two hours since insertion. You can use FSA or HSA accounts to pay for spermicide at a variety of retailers.
Traditionally, contraceptive diaphragms required a woman to visit her gynecologist in person for an awkward appointment that was designated for fitting the correctly-sized diaphragm. Many diaphragms had a range of sizes, sometimes up to 8 different sizes, in order to provide a good seal around the cervical opening. As you can imagine, the process can be quite embarrassing, strenuous, and awkward.
Luckily, today there are new options available that do not require awkward diaphragm-fitting sessions. My Virtual Physician has partnered with one of these manufacturers to provide our patients with a one-size-fits-most diaphragm option: the CAYA diaphragm. To obtain your prescription, schedule an appointment online today. The process is very simple and only requires a virtual consultation with our online OBGYN in order to get your diaphragm prescription.
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Contraceptive diaphragms put women back in control of their own bodies. This birth control method allows women to choose how effective their contraceptive method will be and to return to fertility immediately. In order to make your diaphragm the most effective for pregnancy prevention, it’s important to know and understand the considerations discussed above. If you’ve been using a diaphragm for a while, we’d love to hear your tips. Shoot us a message to let us know if you’ve got more to share about your diaphragm experience!
The vagina is a captivating organ. It must maintain a microbiome of various yeasts and bacteria species in order to keep your vagina clean and functional. By sustaining normal flora, the body keeps out pathogens while keeping the good microorganisms in balance. It’s a delicate act to maintain equilibrium. So, what happens when equilibrium is lost?
My Virtual Physician’s team of Las Vegas gynecologists has extensive experience and expertise in understanding a woman’s microbiome and how it works. They know that a disruption to your normal flora can wreak all sorts of havoc. So that’s why this blog post is dedicated to the topic of bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common, and probably the most embarrassing, vaginal affliction in women from puberty up through mid-forties.
Related: How Your Body’s pH Levels Can Affect Your Health
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV for short, is caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria inside a woman’s reproductive system. BV is similar to a yeast infection in that both bacteria and yeast are naturally present in the vagina, and the condition is caused by an overgrowth of one or the other. Both BV and yeast infections can have similar symptoms, so it’s essential that the diagnosis is correct before treatment; otherwise, the condition could get worse.
A bacterial infection can happen with or without having sex, but certain behaviors or factors can increase your risk of BV, including:
Unlike a yeast infection, BV must be treated with prescription antibiotics. My Virtual Physician’s Las Vegas board-certified gynecologists are experienced and qualified in diagnosing and treating vaginal infections quickly online.
Bacterial vaginosis causes some very unpleasant symptoms. That’s your body’s way of alerting you that your natural balance has been disrupted and needs attention. The most distinguishable symptom of BV is abnormal vaginal discharge. With BV, you will notice a change to your discharge. Your discharge may be milk-white, gray, foamy, or watery. A foul-smelling, fishy discharge is a signature indication of a BV infection. Other symptoms of a vaginal bacterial infection can include burning during urination, itching, and irritation.
The only way to treat BV is with physician-prescribed antibiotics. These work by killing and thereby reducing the overgrowth of bacteria in an attempt to restore balance in your vaginal microbiome. It is critical to consider that by killing the bacteria, you may cause another common vaginal imbalance: yeast infections. If you’re prone to yeast infections after taking antibiotics, you can talk to our online Las Vegas OBGYN team about solutions that can return your flora to normal.
Related: Understanding, Treating, & Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections
Getting timely treatment for BV is important, not just for your own comfort, but for your long-term reproductive health. If you have untreated BV, it can increase your chance of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including:
Keeping your delicate vaginal flora in balance can be complicated. Trust the experts at My Virtual Physician to competently diagnose and treat your BV or other vaginal infection today. By utilizing virtual appointment technology, we can get you the quick treatments and healthcare solutions that you need right now. In a matter of minutes, you can be on your way to feeling better today.
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For most pregnant women, it is safe to exercise during pregnancy. To a large extent, it has health benefits for you and your baby. However, talk to your doctor about exercising during pregnancy before you do. Certain types of exercise may cause harm to you or your baby.
Healthy pregnant women need at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly. In other words, you do not need to have 2½ hours of exercise at a single time. Instead, spread it over the week. You may have 30 minutes of exercise on most or all days.
Aerobic activities make you breathe faster and deeper and make your heart beat faster. However, ensure it is moderate-intensity where you are active enough to sweat and have your heart beat faster.
Don't forget to take breaks if you need them. Listen to your body.
Regular physical activity in healthy pregnant women provides the following benefits:
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Not all exercise is good for pregnant women. Some may be too intense and cause more harm than good to both mother and baby.
Examples of exercises that pregnant women can do and benefit from include:
Brisk walking is a simple and great workout for any pregnant woman.
Water is easy on your joints and muscles and relieves pain and tension. As you swim or do water workouts, the water supports your weight and that of your baby.
A stationary bike is preferred to a regular bike because there is a reduced risk of falls and injury.
You can sign up in gyms or community centers that offer prenatal yoga and Pilates classes. If there are no specialized gyms, tell your yoga instructor that you are pregnant to avoid dangerous poses such as lying on your belly or flat on your back (after the first trimester).
Low-impact aerobics do not put a lot of strain on your joints and muscles. You will always have one foot on the ground or equipment. Examples are walking, riding a stationary bike, and using an elliptical machine. Tell your instructor you are pregnant so that you avoid high-impact exercises like running, skipping, and doing jumping jacks.
Working with weights is safe during pregnancy as long as they're not too heavy. Strength training helps you build stronger bones and muscles.
You do not have to belong to a gym to exercise during pregnancy. You can take advantage of your normal daily activities at home. Do an active hobby like gardening, taking the stairs, dancing to music, etc.
Avoid exercise or activities:
Other activities to avoid include diving, water skiing, skydiving or scuba diving, and surfing.
If you are pregnant and have the following conditions, please avoid exercise:
A visit to us helps you get your prenatal care started while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. Your virtual physician can help to electronically order prenatal care labs and/or send an order to the nearest radiology facility for you to get an ultrasound.
At My Virtual Physician, we are available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. We are in network with many insurance health plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
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Are you on the bigger side? Does your BMI suggest you are overweight or obese? Are you also pregnant and wish to lose weight? Women with obesity have a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Their babies also have a greater risk of premature birth, neonatal problems, and birth defects.
As much as you may be encouraged to gain a little weight during pregnancy, it is dangerous for you to gain too much weight. More so, what if you are already overweight? Previously, doctors didn't want to advise weight loss during pregnancy to prevent harm to you and your baby. However, recent studies show that pregnant women with obesity can safely exercise and lose weight without risking their health and that of their babies.
As a rule of thumb, pregnancy is a time to do things in moderation. Hence, any form of exercise or dieting shouldn't be intense or extreme.
So, if you want to lose weight during pregnancy, the following are safety tips to follow:
Consult with your doctor before you embark on any exercise regimen while pregnant. Your doctor will ask some questions, check your health status and help you come up with an exercise regimen that will best suit you. Your doctor will also answer any questions you may have.
Also, your doctor may refer you to a dietician, nutritionist, or trainer that may help you with your weight loss journey.
Whether or not you're pregnant, do not rush into anything new. Instead, start slow. Don't cut down on your calories abruptly. Start an exercise routine slowly and build up over time from 5 to 10 minutes every day to more time over the next few weeks.
You may start with easier exercises such as walking and swimming. These can keep you active for roughly 30 to 45 minutes each day.
As stated earlier, do everything in moderation while pregnant. Intense workouts can be dangerous to you and your baby. Listen to your body and trust your instincts. You should be comfortable when exercising. If you are breathing too heavily, or feeling hurt, take a break.
Avoid activities like horseback riding, skiing, or mountain biking. These sports can throw you off balance and cause harm and injury.
Diet fads are often very calorie-restrictive. You lose out on nutrients that you and your baby need to stay healthy and grow optimally. You need healthy amounts of calories during your pregnancy for a safe pregnancy and childbirth. Your body and baby will thank you for it.
This could be manual or online. Keeping a journal helps you track how many calories, nutrients, and water you are getting every day. It helps you know what to cut down on and what to increase per time.
It is also a great way to create a routine and plan your schedule. This applies to both diet and exercise.
There are certain foods you should limit or avoid altogether, if possible. These include fast food, fried food, soda and energy drinks, sweets, pastries, and microwave dinners.
These foods contain empty calories and avoiding them can be more effective than exercise in helping you lose weight.
Prenatal supplements provide you and your baby with more of the necessary vitamins and minerals like folic acid and iron. They also help prevent health problems in you and your baby like anemia, obesity, and neural tube defects.
A visit to us helps you get your prenatal care started while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. Your virtual physician can help to electronically order prenatal care labs and/or send an order to the nearest radiology facility for you to get an ultrasound.
At My Virtual Physician, we are available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. We are in network with many insurance health plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
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Two out of three women aged 15 to 49 use some form of birth control. But not every type of birth control is compatible with every woman’s body. Luckily, there are a lot of contraceptive options out there to pick from. You’ve probably heard of the pill…the shot… the ring... those are all common hormonal contraceptives.
When it comes to non-hormonal birth control, what comes to mind? Most people think of condoms, or maybe even surgical sterilization. But if you’re looking for an alternative that provides you with more control over your own body and your fertility, you may be considering a lesser-known contraceptive option: the diaphragm.
But what is a diaphragm even? If you want to know more–we’re covering some basics here, along with what it's like to use a diaphragm.
A diaphragm is a rubbery-feeling, bendable device that women can insert into their vagina before sex. It acts as a physical barrier that prevents sperm from passing through the cervix.
A single prescription can last several years since you can wash and re-use the same diaphragm over and over again. The Caya diaphragm, for example, can be used for up to two years. This makes diaphragms an affordable and convenient contraceptive option.
A diaphragm gives a woman complete control over her contraceptive. It’s only used as needed and you choose when to use it. When you decide to have sex, you insert the diaphragm beforehand, up to 2 hours prior to sex. That means there are no awkward pauses or having to remember to take medication every day.
When you insert the diaphragm, you will follow these basic steps:
Depending on the user instructions, you can usually leave the diaphragm in place for up to 24 hours. If you have sex, wait at least 6 hours to remove it in order for the spermicide to deactivate all sperm.
The first few times that you use a diaphragm, the insertion and removal process may feel a bit uncomfortable. It may take several tries to get it into the correct position. As you become more familiar with the most comfortable techniques for your body during insertion, you will find that it becomes simple and easy–similar to how a woman “gets used to” inserting a tampon.
When a diaphragm is properly fitted and in place, you should not be able to feel it. Again, the experience is very similar to how a tampon seems to escape our minds once inserted. Having sex with a diaphragm feels the same as sex without a diaphragm.
The best thing about a diaphragm is that it doesn’t alter your body’s hormones and has very few side effects, if any at all. A diaphragm can put a woman back in control over her own body when it comes to contraceptives, fertility, and family planning.
Are you interested in trying a diaphragm? My Virtual Physician is here to support you and give you the tools you need. Schedule your online appointment now to discuss your contraceptive options with your gynecologist to get your prescription today.
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Your body is a miraculous thing. For the most part, it operates autonomously. Your heart beats effortlessly and your reproductive system knows just what to do each month with your menstrual cycle.
The body maintains many processes instinctively; no direct involvement from yourself or your gynecologist is required. But when these subconscious processes are interrupted by disease or ailment, our bodies do another incredible thing–they tell us something’s wrong so that we can temporarily intervene and return to health.
When it comes to a woman’s health, paying attention to the body’s red flags is crucial to maintaining optimal reproductive health. Here’s a list of eight signs that your body is calling out for help–and your Las Vegas gynecologist may be able to help.
All vaginas have a scent. It’s normal to have a slightly acidic smell. Get to know your personal vaginal aroma so that you are familiar with your healthy scent. When your vaginal fragrance changes drastically, pay attention. Your body is telling you that something is off.
For example, a forgotten tampon will create a stench, reminding you that you’ve got to do something about it. Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis are infections often easily detected by your body’s radiation of unusually foul-smelling, fishy odors. These two culprits require your gynecologist’s intervention to prescribe medication that kills the odor-causing bacteria.
Vaginal swelling is another red flag that you should never ignore. Noticeable swelling usually happens on the outer vulva and there are many possible explanations. Some common reasons that your lady parts are inflamed can include:
If you’ve recently switched laundry detergents or personal hygiene products, you can try going back to what you used before to see if the swelling subsides. But if you have a fever or pain that accompanies your vaginal swelling, or if swelling persists longer than a few days, contact your gynecologist promptly for proper assessment and quick treatment.
Pain is the body’s uncomfortable way of getting your attention; so never ignore it. Painful periods are not a normal part of life and neither is painful intercourse. If you’re experiencing debilitating pain in your reproductive organs, contact your gynecologist to identify the cause and provide relief. Some common causes of pain include infections, dryness, pelvic floor dysfunction, and endometriosis. All of these have treatment routes.
One in four women have experienced abnormal menstrual cycles in their lifetime. Period abnormalities can be especially alarming when they include excessive blood loss, large clots, or non-stop bleeding between cycles.
If your period becomes irregular, or you find yourself heading to the bathroom non-stop to change your super tampon and pad, your body is alerting you that it needs your attention. Stress, hormonal imbalances, infections, growths, and other diseases may be to blame. Our staff can help you online, or in-person at our Las Vegas hybrid clinics, to help uncover the root cause of your bleeding and get you back to normal quickly.
Related: Irregular Periods: What is Normal & When to See Your Online OBGYN
If your menstrual cycle is irregular or non-existent, it can be a sign that your body is not ovulating. It’s called amenorrhea, and it’s a problem if you are trying to conceive. Periods are a sign that your reproductive system is functioning properly; so a lack of a period means something is off.
Possible causes of missed periods, or absence of menstruation, include: pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, stress, low weight, certain medications, or menopause. If you’ve missed three or more periods, it’s time to contact your gynecologist.
If your lady parts develop new sores, bumps, or blisters, you may be wondering if you need to contact your OBGYN. There are many causes, including:
In most cases, if your sores, bumps, or blisters are accompanied by pain, pus, blood, odor, or itching that causes disruption to your normal lifestyle, then you may want to have your gynecologist take a look.
Vaginas use discharge to perform self-cleaning and flush out dead skin cells and other foreign materials. So a certain amount of discharge is expected in a healthy vaginal environment. If you’re not sure whether your discharge is normal or not, check out the related blog below:
Related: Here’s What’s Normal Vaginal Discharge… and What’s Not
Abnormal discharge can be yellow, green, or foul-smelling. An increase in discharge that is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, bleeding, itching, soreness, or burning is also a cause for concern. Changes in your discharge are your body’s way of communicating changes in your body to you. The most common cause of abnormal discharge is an active infection, so it’s important to see your gynecologist as soon as possible.
Saving the best for last: there’s nothing more embarrassing or irritating than vaginal itching. It is not normal to experience itching down there, so if you have vaginal itching, your skin is talking to you. The most common culprits are irritants like soaps, detergents, and fragrances. Infections, from yeast or bacteria are another cause. If you’re unable to rule out irritants or the itching doesn’t stop, your online OBGYN can help.
Learn to read your body’s language and recognize red flags early on. My Virtual Physician has board-certified gynecologist available to meet virtually with you online, or with staff at our Las Vegas hybrid clinics, to help calm your body back to normal. Schedule your appointment now to get treatment today.
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Gaining a few pounds is expected and normal during pregnancy but how many calories do you need?
Eating for two doesn't necessarily mean eating twice as much. Instead, you need to eat a healthy, balanced diet in the right portion so that your baby gets the nutrients they need to grow and develop optimally.
The average pregnant woman needs an extra 300 calories a day than when she was not pregnant to gain the right amount of weight in pregnancy. However, the extra calories a woman needs during pregnancy vary from woman to woman. Ask your doctor how much weight you should gain.
The amount of weight you should gain depends on your pre-pregnant weight and BMI. If you were of average weight before getting pregnant, you should gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.
If you were underweight (that is BMI is less than 18), you should gain 28 to 40 pounds. Women who were overweight before pregnancy need only 15 to 25 pounds more weight during pregnancy.
As a rule of thumb, you should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during your first trimester. Afterward, you gain 1 pound per week for the rest of your pregnancy.
Multiple pregnancies require more weight gain. If you are having twins or more babies, your weight affects the babies' weight. Your babies' weights need to be healthy because they are born earlier than singleton babies. You need to gain about 35 to 45 pounds.
If you are pregnant with twins, you need to gain about 35 to 45 pounds. So that's about the normal 2 to 4 pounds during the first 3 months of pregnancy and 1½ pounds every other week of pregnancy.
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Let's have a little weight allocation budget, shall we?
If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend you lose weight under supervision. In most cases, you'll want to wait until after delivery to lose weight.
However, if your doctor asks you to gain weight in pregnancy, here are some ways to gain the right amount of weight:
Usually, you will have to wait till you have the baby before you can lose any extra weight gained.
However, you can slow down your weight gain. Here are some tips to help you:
Do you feel you're gaining weight rapidly? Or do you want to know how much weight you should gain during pregnancy? Are you suddenly losing weight in your second or third trimester? Do you have other food and weight-related questions to ask?
At My Virtual Physician, we are available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. We are in network with many insurance health plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
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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!
