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One in five Americans face poor access to medical care. In some parts of the country, there are serious shortages of doctors and healthcare services. And this is the case for many women living in Georgia.
Georgia has been greatly affected by a nation-wide healthcare shortage. The need for care, specifically women’s healthcare, has increased dramatically over the past decade. Especially in the rural areas outside of major cities, Obstetrical and Gynecological (OB/GYN) services can be hard to find. Fortunately, My Virtual Physician (MVP) has been able to fill the need for some.
Why is there such a need for OB/GYN services in Georgia? And what can be done about the problem? Here's a closer look at the problem.
According to the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce, the state has:
Hence, the lack of doctors is part of the issue. Some women have no choice but to travel to other cities for care. And others even go without.
In many rural areas, there are no OB/GYNs. And in other parts of Georgia, facilities are closing. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, over 100 hospitals have closed during the past decade. Georgia ranked third for most hospitals closed, behind Texas and Tennessee.
To sum it up, a lack of doctors and hospitals is one piece of the puzzle.
Finding a doctor is one problem. But paying for services is another. Many women in Georgia do not have health insurance. Notably, Georgia's insured rate is ranked 48th in the nation.
Another problem is the state's low high school graduation rate. Lack of education is a barrier for access to healthcare. Women struggling with their health may not know where to go for answers.
Speak to one of our board certified OB/GYN virtual doctors today:
Birth control, sexual health, and menopause are sensitive topics. Women need doctors they can trust. OB/GYNs help women through complicated health changes.
OB/GYNs can treat common problems such as:
In addition to new or worrisome symptoms, gynecologists also provide preventative health services.
For example, OB/GYNs encourage women to have breast cancer screenings after age 45 and bone density scans every two years following menopause.
Without regular checkups, women may face major health concerns as time goes on.
Despite the dismal circumstances, care for women in Georgia and other states is changing.
Telemedicine providers offer a new solution. Board-certified OB/GYNs are treating women in Georgia virtually.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), patients can get the same quality care via telemedicine as they would in person. In some cases, patients say their online doctor experience is even better.
Online doctor appointments are affordable and easy to schedule. As well as that, virtual gynecology visits provide a greater sense of safety and security from the comfort of home.
It is getting easier for the women of Georgia to see top-rated doctors for the virtual gynecology care they need. Dr. Howard of MVP treats patients across the U.S., including Georgia. MVP is a multi-state, multi-specialty telemedicine provider that is quickly becoming the preferred choice for many.
Women who want an online gynecology appointment can text the office at 725-228-8277 or visit the patient portal to set up self-scheduled appointments.
My Virtual Physician offers comprehensive virtual gynecology services to address women’s healthcare needs. Our caring doctors can talk with you about your concerns and provide the experience you've been looking for.To talk with one of our expert physicians near you, book an appointment today.
Women looking for a great Obstetrics and Gynecology provider (OB/GYN) in Las Vegas, Nevada, may have trouble. There is an OB/GYN physician shortage in Las Vegas. And the situation is getting worse.
Factors such as physician burnout, population growth, and competition from other parts of the country have created a shortage of OB/GYNs in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a result, some may have difficulty finding the perfect provider to care for their reproductive health.
Women and their partners want an OB/GYN they can trust. Issues like birth control, childbirth, and menopause are delicate matters. Unfortunately, a shortage means there are not enough providers to meet Las Vegas’ needs. Thus, those doctors who are available may be overworked or stretched thin.
Here is why it’s hard to find a good OB/GYN in Las Vegas and what to do about it.
When there are too few doctors to meet a city's demands, it can be hard to find a provider to respond to each patient’s needs. According to NBC News, America is facing an OB/GYN shortage.
Las Vegas, overall, has the most severe OB/GYN workforce shortage.
Other parts of Nevada face an even more serious situation. Some counties lack even one OB/GYN provider. Hence, patients face delays in care. In some cases they are forced to look far away to find a doctor.
Here’s why it is hard to find OB/GYN care in Las Vegas.
And while Las Vegas OB/GYNs may have it rough, the patients suffer too.
OB/GYNs offer services that women need. They provide health counseling, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and more. From puberty to menopause, women need a health expert they can trust. Many patients depend on OB/GYN advice.
Fortunately, Las Vegas residents can now find the best OB/GYNs, right in their neighborhood.
My Virtual Physician has an answer for the physician shortage crisis. Two of the best board-certified OB/GYNs in the nation are on staff and available for appointments near you in Las Vegas.
My Virtual Physician offers OB/GYN visits in Las Vegas with flexible scheduling through telemedicine. While most providers are busy and feel the pressure to treat many patients quickly, My Virtual Physician is different. Online video visits eliminate travel time and the feel of a busy waiting room. Virtual consultations provide a relaxed, personalized, and patient-centered care experience.
During the pandemic, many patients have had questions about staying safe. Some want to know if vaccination is right for them. Women in Las Vegas can now book a visit with My Virtual Physician to discuss their concerns and get real medical advice. Booking an appointment with an OB/GYN in Las Vegas has never been easier.
Are you looking for an OBGYN near you in Las Vegas? My Virtual Physician has two board-certified physicians licensed in Nevada who can address gynecological problems via video visits.
If you would like to talk with a board-certified OB/GYN, you can schedule your appointment online now. My Virtual Physician offers health screening, lab tests, and counseling to meet all of your healthcare needs.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common, with around 25 million new diagnoses made yearly in the United States. Young people, ages 15-24 years of age, appear to be the most prevalent group to acquire and spread STDs, accounting for about half of newly diagnosed cases in 2018 per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Notably, 1 in 5 people in the United Stated have had an STD.
Oral, vaginal and anal sexual encounters are the methods of transmission and these infections vary greatly in their symptoms, severity, curability and prognosis. Treatment has improved over the years and some lifelong conditions now do not preclude a good quality of life. However, some of these diseases can be quite quiet in terms of initial symptoms, and screening tests, or tests to check if a disease is present even when symptoms are not, are a critical way to help reduce transmission and consequences of these infections.
Bacterial Vaginosis, not categorized itself as a sexually transmitted disease, is a condition named for alterations in the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, which can lead to an increased risk for susceptibility to STDs, as well as preterm labor. A fishy odor may be noted after vaginal intercourse, and pain, itching and burning in this area or during urination, as well as thin, grey-white vaginal discharge, are among associated complaints. Although many cases of bacterial vaginosis clear on their own, antibiotic treatment may be needed at times. Currently, there is no recommendation for routine screening for BV.
Two of the most predominant, but easily treatable STDs, include chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both can spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex. Though either condition may be asymptomatic, some suspicious findings include abnormal vaginal or penile discharge, burning while urinating and pain or swelling of the testicles. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can also reoccur if infectious sex continues, despite prior treatment. Also, having these infections increases a woman’s risk to develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is damage to the internal reproductive organs, making future fertility a challenge. If infected during pregnancy, risk for miscarriage, preterm labor, low birth weight or an infection in the fluid surrounding the fetus, called chorioamnionitis, increases. Newborns of untreated mothers may also suffer postnatal complications such as eye infections and pneumonia. Pregnant women < 25 years of age, or older pregnant women at increased risk of exposure to gonorrhea or chlamydia, are typically screened at their first prenatal visit. Similarly, it is recommended to screen all sexually active women < 25 years of age, yearly, for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and older women who have multiple sexual partners. All sexually active gay or bisexual men, should also be screened at least yearly, but more often depending on frequency of new sexual encounters/multiple partners. Testing for these diseases can be as simple as a urine sample ordered by a virtual physician, however it is prudent to discuss symptoms and history to determine the best course of screening.
According to the CDC, every 1 out of 6 people in the United States has herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, oftentimes without knowing it. HSV can be divided into HSV 1, more commonly known as oral herpes, and HSV 2, known as genital herpes. Although designated as such, either can occur orally or genitally. Many people are infected with HSV 1 in their childhood, through non sexual mediated contact with infected saliva. Oral herpes results in cold sores or fever blisters, around the lip and mouth area. Genital herpes, likewise, can demonstrate sores throughout the genital region of infected individuals. Lack of active sores however does not negate infectious activity and the disease can still spread through unprotected oral, vaginal and anal routes. There is no curative treatment for HSV and the virus can go into a dormant phase where no symptoms occur for years, though patients are at risk for recurrent outbreaks, where an antiviral medication may be prescribed. Devastating effects can occur if left untreated during pregnancy, including life-threatening infection to the newborn. If there is history of infection or active infection at the time of labor, a Cesarean section may be indicated. The United States Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine screening for HSV in asymptomatic sexually active adolescents or adults, including pregnant women.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact, and is divided into distinct phases, first beginning as painless mouth/oral, genital or anal sore(s) several days to several months after initial exposure. This sore or sores will resolve after a few weeks, even without medication. Then a body rash develops, sometimes with swollen lymph nodes, general fatigue and a fever, later. There can be a long period of “latency”, or no symptoms, followed by the last stage classified by neurological, ocular and cardiac symptoms. This is a curable condition, but can cause life-long consequences if untreated, including dementia and blindness, and can lead to death. Screening is indicated for sexually active individuals on a yearly basis, but more often such as every 3-6 months for high risk features, such as multiple partners. This can be performed through a blood test, which may be ordered through a virtual physician’s visit.
Although there are other methods of transmission, typically hepatitis B may be acquired through the sexually transmitted routes mentioned above. Hepatitis C is less commonly sexually transmitted, but spreads through exposure of infected blood, such as in activities like sharing needles in illicit IV drug abuse. Both conditions, though incited by different viruses, have the same impact on the liver and symptoms can overlap, with fever, fatigue, yellowing of the eyes and skin, abdominal pain and changes in urine color. With the exception of individuals living in extremely low prevalence areas, it is recommended that hepatitis C screening be given to a person at least once after the age of 18 years. Additionally, although hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable illness, the USPSTF recommends screening by blood test, those individuals at high risk such as those who inject drugs or share needles, men who have sex with men and immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV, as well as those living in areas with a 2% or higher prevalence of the hepatitis B surface antigen, regardless of vaccination status. This is especially important given that hepatitis B is a chronic illness that will need lifelong treatment and both viruses present a higher susceptibility to liver cancer.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, eventually progresses to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Fortunately, through screening and early detection, appropriate prophylactic and supportive agents can be provided to help maintain CD4 counts and stable immune status in order to prevent, or at least slow, this advancement. It is generally recommended that adolescents beginning at 13 years, through adulthood, into the 60s, be screened via blood test, at least once as part of routine health maintenance. For those in higher risk categories, such as individuals with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men and those who share needles, screening may be advised yearly or with more frequent intervals depending on individual circumstances. Once again, this is a blood test that may be ordered through a virtual doctor visit.
While prevention of any illness is optimal through regular visits with a physician, screening tests have proven to be useful in early detection of otherwise asymptomatic diseases, allowing for quicker treatment. In particular, sexually transmitted diseases are relatively easy to screen for through blood or urine samples. If you have questions or concerns regarding your need to be screened for these conditions, it is quite simple to schedule a virtual visit with one of our physicians at My Virtual Physician, and we can help determine which testing is right for you. In addition, depending on the results, oftentimes follow up guidance or medication can also be provided! Schedule a visit today!
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the world. In fact, 12% of all new cancer cases in 2021 will be breast cancer. As a result, chances are you know someone who has faced this terrible disease. And it is likely you have wondered about breast cancer screening.
Currently, there are several recommendations about breast cancer screening. There are benefits to screening and early detection, but there are also potential problems. Your doctor should help you decide which tests you need based on your history and risk. For high-risk men and women with a family history of cancer, BRCA genetic testing is invaluable.
Breast cancer screening is a great way to take charge of your health. Here's what you need to know about breast cancer screening.
According to the National Cancer Institute, screening means looking for the disease before there are any signs. Hence, the best time to get checked is before you have symptoms.
Screening is looking for abnormalities. It may find cancer at an early stage. Because of advanced detection, doctors can more easily treat the disease. Patients also have better odds at survival. Each type of cancer has unique guidelines for screening.
Overall, current guidelines and recommendations say that most women should have a mammogram to detect tissue changes beginning at age 40.
Men are also affected by breast cancer. However, most guidelines do not include them in the recommendations. A doctor can give male patients personalized guidelines for screening.
Here are the most current routine recommendations for women starting at age 40.
| Organization | Women Age 40-49 | Women Age 50-74 |
| US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) | Individualized to the patient | Digital mammogram every 2 years |
| American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) | Offer annual mammogram | Mammogram every 1-2 years until age 55, then every 2 years |
| National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Mammogram every 1-2 years | Mammogram every 1-2 years |
| American Cancer Society | Offer annual mammogram until age 45, then mammogram every year | Mammogram every year age 50-55, then every two years after age 55 |
| American College of Radiology (ACR) | Annual | Annual |
Some men and women worry about breast cancer because they have a family history of cancer.
Women with a personal or family history of some cancers could have changes in their genes. These mutations are known as BReast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1) or BReast CAncer gene 2 (BRCA2) changes. They may mean a higher cancer risk.
High-risk patients should see a doctor or specialist. They will need a risk assessment, genetic counseling, and in some cases, lab testing. Mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes may lead to:
Genetic testing for BRCA1/2 requires a special blood test that your doctor can order. The doctor can explain the details. They can also answer questions you might have.
According to the National Cancer Institute, many women with ovarian and breast cancers are not receiving these genetic tests, even though they have become inexpensive and easily accessible.
Now with telemedicine, it is easier than ever to get this valuable testing done. An online provider such as a virtual gynecologist or virtual physician can tell you if you need it and when or how to get it.
My Virtual Physician offers consultations about this important BRCA gene testing. For little or no out-of-pocket cost, they can arrange for you to have your blood drawn. They make it easy. They work with many local LabCorp or Quest outpatient testing centers who can provide this service for you.
Like much in healthcare, tests may not be “one risk fits all.” That is why you should talk to your doctor about what is best for you. He or she will consider factors such as lifestyle, family history, and other health concerns. Then they can help you decide what to do.
Your doctor can recommend one of these methods below. If you do not have a doctor, a virtual doctor online can be a great place to start.
The most common test for breast cancer is called mammography. It is ordered by a doctor. Mammograms look for early changes in the tissue that could be dangerous.
A mammogram is a special type of X-ray that shows the breast tissue. Sometimes, doctors can see lumps on the images that they cannot feel.
Women who have a high risk of cancer or have dense breast tissue may require magnetic resonance imaging.
The MRI test is more sensitive and can detect finer irregularities. MRI images also give a clearer picture of the breast tissue. Unfortunately, this screening method is much more expensive and therefore is not used for routine exams.
Breast cancer testing is an active area in clinical research. Other methods include:
Physicians can explain the options to patients. And they can help them make informed choices about each type of screening.
Doctors can help guide a patient to the best choice. Physicians also tell their patients about risks that they need to consider.
Your doctor should tell you when to get screened for breast cancer. Talking to a board-certified physician about the right time for you to have a cancer screening may prevent problems.
Specialists caution patients that there are risks involved with all medical tests, including cancer screening. Some of them include:
This is why you should talk to your doctor when you are thinking about breast cancer screening.
My Virtual Physician offers a full line of virtual physician services. To talk with one of our board-certified physicians, click to book now. Our caring experts can talk with you about a screening plan that is best for you.
If you have suggestions for other topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
Sources:
Breast Cancer Overtakes Lung As Most Common Cancer - WHO. Reuters. Feb 2, 2021. https://www.reuters.com/article/health-cancer-int/breast-cancer-overtakes-lung-as-most-common-cancer-who-idUSKBN2A219B
Cancer Screening Overview (PDQ®)–Patient Version. National Institute of Health. National Cancer Institute. Aug 19, 2020. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening/patient-screening-overview-pdq
Breast Cancer Screening. U.S. Preventative Task Force. Jan 11, 2016.https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin. Number 179. July 2017. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2017/07/breast-cancer-risk-assessment-and-screening-in-average-risk-women
American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer: Breast Cancer. American Cancer Society. Jul 30, 2020. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html
New ACR and SBI Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines. American College of Radiology. Apr 4, 2018. https://www.acr.org/Media-Center/ACR-News-Releases/2018/New-ACR-and-SBI-Breast-Cancer-Screening-Guidelines-Call-for-Significant-Changes-to-Screening-Process
BRCA Overview. Basser Center for BRCA, Penn Medicine. Accessed Jul 24, 2021. https://www.basser.org/brca
Chen, S., Parmigiani, G. (2007). Meta-Analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Penetrance. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 25(11), 1329-1333. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2006.09.1066
Fewer Women with Ovarian, Breast Cancer Undergo Genetic Testing than Expected. National Cancer Institute. Apr 9, 2019. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2019/ovarian-breast-cancer-testing-inherited-genetic-mutations
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing. BreastCancer.org. Sep 21, 2020.https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/brca
Pediconi, F., & Galati, F. (2020). Breast cancer screening programs: does one risk fit all?. Quantitative imaging in medicine and surgery, 10(4), 886–890. https://doi.org/10.21037/qims.2020.03.14
This past year tested many young businesses. Telemedicine is not new. But the My Virtual Physician (MVP) business model is. The virtual doctor practice offers the best in online doctor services as a direct-to-consumer multi-specialty provider licensed in multiple states. Regardless of 2020's challenges, the MVP virtual doctor team didn't slow down. They focused on their path to becoming the #1 online doctor and forged ahead.
Over the last 12 months, MVP worked hard to bring high-quality medical care into homes in 15 states. They now offer online pediatric, gynecologic, and primary healthcare services for patients of all ages. Plus, they provide same-day scheduling for online physician appointments, some in-network insurance benefits, and five-star customer service.
As the #1 online healthcare provider, MVP doctors get to know their patients. Quality care is emphasized, and they aim to provide the best patient satisfaction in telemedicine. Here’s what patients are saying about MVP's online doctors:
“I would give My Virtual Physician more stars if I could”
“Dr. Howard has the best personality and is very friendly.”
“The future of medical visits; what better way to social distance.”
“A+ would recommend to everyone.”
Since their launch, MVP has opened new offices and added service lines such as nutrition and diabetic care. The practice has partnered with more online doctors and added office staff. Just this Spring, MVP enhanced their patient portal for self-scheduling, and integrated a program to trend patient reviews.
This one year anniversary milestone is cause for celebration. It is exciting, and this is only the beginning. Despite any challenges that lie ahead for this medical practice, their progress shows that the future is very bright for My Virtual Physician.
Congratulations to Dr. Howard, Dr. Masghati, Dr. Ayyagari, and all of the My Virtual Physician Staff.
Advanced practice nurses work alongside physicians in many settings. As more facilities employ nurse practitioners to work with their doctors, you may wonder: is care improved by a collaborative approach?
The truth is that care is better when physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) or nurse practitioners work together in a collaborative care model. When these professionals come together to treat the patient, the result is a synergistic effect that improves care outcomes and increases satisfaction.
To find out how, read on.
A care approach by a doctor and APRN team improves:
A recent article on collaborative care between physicians and nurses found that outcomes improves in many areas. To sum up, the results were better compliance, lower symptom severity, and fewer hospitalizations.
There are many reasons for these findings. Firstly, when doctors and nurses work together on a treatment plan, they complement each other. Each brings a different set of skills, knowledge, and background. Putting these two views together gives a better picture of the patient and how to treat them.
Physician and APRN teams provide a more comprehensive treatment plan that addresses more factors affecting health and illness than each one could alone.
Certainly, a team approach improves satisfaction in many ways. Patients, family members or caregivers, and the healthcare providers themselves report more contentment from this care model.
One reason for increased satisfaction is the focus on health promotion. Nurse practitioners provide education. They can counsel patients and families, and they even perform care coordination. Patients and families get great benefits from this added care management. It makes them feel they are getting better care.
Secondly, when APRNs work with physicians in outpatient settings, they help to increase efficiency and optimize patient care. For example, clinics or offices that use nurse practitioners are able to give patients more appointments. These care teams can make same-day visits, walk-ins, and extended hours possible. APRNs can provide routine health care services, while letting physicians to treat the more complex cases.
Healthcare continues to change. Read more about in our article here. More doctors and patients are focusing on preventative care, health, and wellness.
Meanwhile, factors such as a growing, aging population and increased access to care under the Affordable Care Act have helped create a greater demand for physicians. The workforce is not able to meet the need. Moreover, the physician shortage is expected to continue. Nurse practitioners are one of the answers to this crisis.
Working with doctors, nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat patients in many settings from hospitals to specialty clinics.
Nurses provide health promotion and education. Consequently, APRNs complement the care that physicians provide. They are an integral part of the healthcare team. The results of this doctor-nurse collaborative care model include improved health outcomes and increased satisfaction.
To talk with one of our board-certified physicians, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician treats health conditions, provides routine screening, counseling, and more. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
Starting a family is a goal for many couples. Unfortunately, one in ten couples may have some difficulty getting pregnant and require medical treatment. If you've been affected, you might be wondering about infertility: when is it time to see a doctor? My Virtual Physician has board certified physicians who specialize in infertility and are available for virtual doctor visits.
Infertility is a diagnosable medical condition in which a couple cannot conceive a pregnancy despite unprotected intercourse. It can be caused by many factors.
In women, most often, abnormal ovulation causes infertility. In men, usually problems with sperm cells, such as sperm count or function, cause difficulty conceiving.
Aside from these physiological causes, factors affecting a couple's fertility include their age, health status, and lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, or smoking.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who are overweight, underweight, or exercise too much may have difficulty getting pregnant, and men who are heavy drinkers or smoke marijuana since these are known to lower sperm count and movement.
In some cases, doctors cannot determine the cause and refer to these cases as unexplained infertility.
Generally, it is time to consult your physician about getting pregnant if you are under the age of 35 and have been unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. Women over the age of 35 and those who have irregular menstrual cycles or have known abnormalities with their reproductive system, should talk with their doctor much sooner, after six months.
Infertility affects both people in the relationship. There is a 30% chance the infertility is related to male factors in a traditional couple, 30% related to female factors, and a 30% chance a combination of both factors. Therefore, anyone in the relationship may need to discuss options for starting a family. Here are some reasons to see a virtual doctor:
When you consult your physician about infertility, you can expect that they will begin your care with a complete history and physical exam. They may order blood testing, urinalysis, hormone tests, or other diagnostics to check for abnormalities. It may be necessary to have your partner undergo an exam and diagnostic testing also. Your physician may order an ultrasound or an X-ray as well.
After all of the tests, you will meet with your physician to discuss the results and go over treatment options and recommendations. After you decide on the treatment plan that is best for you, you will receive support and guidance in your process to get pregnant.
Medical treatment and new technologies can increase your chances of getting pregnant. One or both partners in a couple may undergo treatment.
Medications may be taken by mouth or injected. There are drug therapies for both men and women aimed at increasing egg production or sperm count. A list of medicines frequently prescribed for infertility treatment can be found here.
In some cases, blockages, scar tissue, or abnormal growths require surgical intervention. Procedures may be laparoscopic: meaning performed through small incisions in the abdomen for a minimally-invasive procedure.
Today, the two most common infertility treatments are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
IUI is a procedure during which a physician injects sperm into the uterus at the ovulation time. This method is least invasive and most cost-effective but has lower success rates. The estimated success rate is 10-20% for a single cycle of IUI, but additional rounds increase chances, and in three to six cycles, the success rate is up to 80%.
IVF is a complicated procedure requiring surgical retrieval of a woman's eggs, fertilization in a laboratory, and then transferring the fertilized eggs back into the uterus. Women under the age of 35 can expect a 50% success rate for IVF treatment, but this process requires intense testing and monitoring and can cost $20,000 to $50,000.
Starting a family can be challenging, and your physician may offer options to guide you through the process. Infertility is a medical condition that affects many couples, and there are treatments available.
Need to talk to a physician now? My Virtual Physician has Board-Certified OB/GYN's that are available for virtual doctor appointments and are able to answer any questions you have and guide you in the right direction. The online doctors at My Virtual Physician, not only address infertility and reproductive endocrinology, but also irregular periods and painful periods, and many more gynecological conditions.
If you still have questions or you would like to discuss your problem with our board-certified OB/GYN specialists, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician treats conditions, including infertility, irregular periods, sexually transmitted infections, and more. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to check out our podcasts for more and follow us on social media.
Did you know that many women have ovarian cysts? Most are harmless and resolve without problems. In some cases, serious complications can occur. Here's what you need to know about this common diagnosis:
A cyst is a membranous sac or pocket. Cysts form in many places in the body. The term ovarian cyst refers to a cyst that has formed in or on one of the ovaries.
Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus in the lower abdomen. These ovaries are part of a normal reproductive system. Normally, an ovary releases an egg each month as part of a woman's menstrual cycle. This process of forming a sac-like pocket on the organ is just one type of ovarian cyst.
Most ovarian cysts are small and harmless and commonly occur in regular menstrual periods. A corpus luteum cyst or a follicle cyst may form each month on the ovary when the egg is released. These are called functional cysts. These normally shrink on their own in about 1 to 3 months.
There are multiple other conditions that may cause a cyst to form. Other types of ovarian cysts include endometriomas, dermoid cysts, and cystadenomas. These are less common though. Most cause no problems and may go unnoticed.
In some cases, multiple cysts may occur at once. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), many small cysts are formed on the ovaries and the normal reproductive cycle may be interrupted. Women with PCOS experience hormone imbalances, which can cause irregular menstrual periods.
According to Dr. David Howard, M.D., Ph.D., what really causes concern is "when a cyst becomes too big, above 5 cm, that's when cysts almost always are going to start causing pain and pressure symptoms." He compares a large cyst to a large piece of fruit hanging from a branch. The size and weight of the cyst can cause the blood supply of the ovary to twist. Any organ that does not get adequate blood flow could potentially die without urgent treatment.
Only about 8% of premenopausal women develop large cysts that need treatment. After menopause, these cysts are less common. Still, ovarian cysts can occur at any age. Although most are not problematic, ovarian cysts can be cancerous and could lead to ovarian cancer. It is important to talk to your physician if you think you have a cyst.
Since ovarian cysts should be checked out by a healthcare provider, you might be asking what are the symptoms?
As we said most cysts are asymptomatic. Many are found incidentally, on ultrasound or on exam.
If a cyst does cause symptoms, you may experience pain or pressure in the low abdomen. Pain or discomfort from an ovarian cyst could feel sharp or dull, and it could come and go. If a cyst breaks open it could cause sudden, severe pain. Also, if a large cyst breaks open it could cause heavy bleeding. If a cyst causes an ovary to twist, this is called torsion and could be serious because it decreases blood flow to the organ. This may be associated with nausea and vomiting.
It is important to talk to your physician if you are concerned about these symptoms. Your provider may do a pelvic exam to feel for a cyst on your ovary. Additionally, they may order further testing. Some tests which may help diagnose an ovarian cyst include ultrasound, pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, hormone levels, and other blood tests.
There are treatment options for ovarian cysts. These may include pain medication or comfort measures such as heat therapy. Using a heating pad to the painful area may bring some relief. Another option is hormonal birth control methods which can prevent ovulation and therefore lower the risk of forming more cysts.
In about 5-10% of cases, an ovarian cyst may require surgical removal. This may be necessary if your cyst does not go away, grows larger, or causes pain.
An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the ovarian cyst. In some cases, the doctor may suggest removing the affected ovary. An oophorectomy is a procedure that removes an ovary. After a surgery like this, you may stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. You should also avoid strenuous activity or exercise for a time. Your physician will give you instructions depending on your situation.
If you still have questions or you would like to discuss your symptoms with a specialist, Dr. David Howard, M.D., Ph.D. is available for consultation. MyVirtualPhysician treats OB/GYN conditions including irregular periods, vaginal bleeding, hormone imbalances, and more. Click below to schedule an appointment. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about please let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
Growing into the woman I am today has come with unexpected surprises, and even some scares, as I experienced my body developing throughout my teenage years. My first menstrual cycle at 15 was just the first hurdle in what seemed like a million other body changes that followed as my body transformed into a woman. Puberty brings unexpected changes, and while I think most girls aren’t fully prepared for the experience, informing yourself as you grow during your adolescent years can help you understand your body better.
One of those unexpected surprises that I experienced for the first time as a teenage girl was a yeast infection. I didn’t understand what was happening with my body, but I knew something was not right.
Symptoms of Yeast Infections
Experiencing your first yeast infection can be alarming, uncomfortable, and sometimes shameful. My first yeast infection was when I was 17. It began first with itchiness and irritation in my private area, along with pain during urination, that began to worry me. The discomfort caused me some concern, but not enough to do anything about it right away. There were a couple of reasons why I kept quiet.
First of all, I was embarrassed and scared. The symptoms I experienced at first were not terrible and I hoped they would go away on their own. I wasn’t so lucky. The next day, the itchiness and pain were still there and I developed even more red flags. There was a change in the texture of my discharge. It was lumpy, like cottage cheese, and it began to gross me out.
In a panic, I took a closer look at my private area to see what was going on and I found that it was very irritated and a little red. I realized that something was wrong and I needed help to fix it. That’s when I then told my mom immediately.
In hindsight, suffering and panicking for a full 48 hours while withholding it from the help around me was not my best decision! But nobody can blame me; I had never experienced this before and I had no idea what was going on with my body. I grew frustrated that nobody informed me that this could happen, what it meant, or what to do to make it go away.
Once I told my mom what was going on with my body, she helped me. She explained that it was a yeast infection and I should refrain from having sex until it was treated and I was feeling back to normal. She bought me an at-home, over-the-counter remedy to cure the condition.
She assured me that yeast infections are a common and easily-treatable condition and she had experienced them many times. She said to call a doctor and get a prescription drug if the over-the-counter medication didn’t cure the symptoms.
My symptoms lasted about four days and got better with the medication. At the time, I did not know how to prevent these kinds of things from happening besides practicing basic hygiene. I was also unaware of anything else I could be doing to be the healthiest I can be as a young adult woman.
Two years later, I now feel like it could be extremely beneficial to inform young women about common infections, how to prevent them, and how to take care of these issues. Yeast infections are a lot more manageable and less shameful when you know more about your body as a beautiful growing woman!
Response:
As your body grows and changes, it’s important to understand how to take care of it. Yeast infections are pretty common, but it’s easy to see in hindsight how it could turn into a frightening experience if you don’t understand what’s happening to your body. Here are a few other common infections or helpful resources to help you navigate and understand your new body.
Anytime that you’re experiencing discomfort, especially if it causes you anxiety or disruption of your normal daily activities, it’s an indication that you should talk with a parent or doctor. Yeast infections are easier to identify at home, but many other conditions require a doctor to assess your symptoms and provide a diagnosis and prescibe treatment.
At My Virtual Physician, we understand that young women are still learning about their bodies and we’re here to help. Our virtual OBGYN appointments are quick and simple and we’re standing by ready to help you understand the changes you’re experiencing and get you feeling better when things aren’t quite right.
