When should you turn to a gynecologist for care?
A gynecologist is an important medical professional for all women to have. While the pandemic has certainly put a halt to how regularly we see certain doctors, particularly gynecologists, it’s important that women aren’t putting off these important wellness checks with their gynecologists.
When and how often does a teenager need to visit a gynecologist?
Your age and your health are two of the biggest determining factors as to just how often you should see a gynecologist for checkups. Most girls should visit the gynecologist for the first time between the ages of 13-15 years old. This visit is important as it acknowledges that girls have a doctor they can specifically turn to for their reproductive concerns and needs. Rest assured, that most girls will not need a pelvic exam during their first visit.
After this initial exam, a young girl may not need to come back in for another exam for years. This is something to discuss with your daughter’s gynecologist to see when they need to come back in for another preventive checkup. They may also need to come in for an evaluation if they are dealing with irregular menstrual cycles, serious period-related pains or would like to discuss birth control options.
How often do women need to visit a gynecologist?
Most women don’t see their gynecologist as often as they should unless they are dealing with issues or looking to become pregnant; however, these routine checkups are just as important as visiting your regular doctor for an annual wellness check or seeing your dentist twice a year for cleanings. Women over 21 years old should visit their OBGYN once a year for an annual exam, which includes a pelvic and breast exam. Pap tests are performed every 3-5 years depending on your history. Women with HPV will need to come in more regularly for pap tests.
What are some other reasons to visit a gynecologist?
A gynecologist can be invaluable to women of all ages, so it’s important that you have a gynecologist that you can turn to. You should also schedule an appointment with a gynecologist if,
- You’re interested in contraception and want to talk about options
- You’re having menstrual issues (this can be everything from irregular periods to heavy, painful periods)
- You’re experiencing symptoms of an STD
- You are planning to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant
- You’re experiencing distressing symptoms of menopause
If you are experiencing spotting, a missed period or other issues that have you concerned, a gynecologist should be the first doctor you turn to. If it’s also been more than a year since your last checkup, it’s important that you don’t put off this appointment any longer.
How a weight management program from your doctor in Brownsville, TX, can help you maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for a lot of reasons. It helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other serious medical conditions. It’s also important to your appearance and how you feel about yourself. If you are having weight issues, your doctor can help.
Dr. J. Gabriel Guajardo in Brownsville and Harlingen, TX, provides a wide range of OBGYN and women’s health services, including weight management services.
Did you know that even losing small amount of weight, such as five or ten pounds can reduce your risk of serious diseases that can shorten your life? Your doctor is on your side, helping you lose excess weight the safe way, under medical supervision.
Losing weight can help you:
- Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Stabilize your blood sugar levels
- Enjoy less joint or back pain
- Enjoy increased flexibility and mobility
Medically supervised weight loss begins with a consultation and medical examination. Your doctor may also want to order some lab tests and possibly an EKG to make sure your heart is ready for you to increase exercise.
Then your doctor will develop a customized weight loss plan which includes a healthy diet program focusing on:
- Replacing high-fat foods like red meat and whole fat dairy with lean meats like poultry or fish, and low-fat dairy
- Replacing sugary foods and desserts with fruit
- Eating lots of green vegetables and other high-fiber, high-nutrient foods
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
Your doctor will also recommend increasing your level of exercise. Your exercise program should include:
- Exercising for 30 minutes most days of the week
- Aerobic exercises like brisk walking or swimming to get your heart working
- Weight training to keep your muscles and bones strong
To view or print out a handy guide on how to manage your weight, please click here.
To learn more about how weight management services can help you maintain a healthy weight, call Dr. J. Gabriel Guajardo in Brownsville and Harlingen, TX, at (956) 350-4821. Call today.
To maintain a healthy pregnancy it’s important to turn to an obstetrician for routine care.
If you’ve just taken a pregnancy test and it’s come back positive you may have so many thoughts running through your head. Of course one of the first things you should be thinking about is visiting an OBGYN for your first prenatal visit. Your first prenatal appointment should take place between the sixth and eighth week of your pregnancy. If you think you’re pregnant it’s a good idea to call your OBGYN as soon as possible for an appointment.
What to Expect from Your First Prenatal Visit
If you just received a positive home pregnancy test, or if you’re experiencing pregnancy symptoms and a missed period, it’s a good time to call your OBGYN to set up your first appointment. The first visit with your OBGYN will be used to confirm the pregnancy and to check to make sure you are in the best health possible. We will go through your medical history to determine if there are any pregnancy risk factors we need to be aware of, as well as determine your due date. The first prenatal appointment is always a bit longer than other pregnancy checkups, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Expect your OBGYN to perform certain tests and exams throughout your checkups including,
- Physical exam
- Pelvic exam
- Blood tests
- Genetic testing
- Urinalysis
We know that the first visit can feel a bit stressful, but we are here to make it as easy as possible for you by preparing you for what to expect. You will need to keep up with routine pregnancy care visits with your OBGYN to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
How Often Should I Come in for Prenatal Care?
If you are between 4-28 weeks you will want to come in at least once a month. If you are between 28-36 weeks you’ll want to increase your visits to every 2 weeks, and once you reach the 36-week of your pregnancy, you’ll want to come in once a week. We will talk to you more about your prenatal schedule when you come in for your first checkup.
As soon as you suspect or find out that you’re pregnant, the first call you should make is to your OBGYN. These prenatal visits are important for all expectant mothers, even women who are otherwise healthy. These visits ensure that both you and your unborn baby stay healthy.
Latex allergies are surprisingly common. If you suspect that you could be allergic to latex, it’s important to not only recognize the warning signs of an allergy but to also consult your OBGYN to discuss other options. From condoms to disposable gloves, there are many everyday and frequently used products that could cause irritation and other issues if you are allergic. Here’s what you should know about latex allergies,What is latex?
Latex is a rubbery material that is found in the bark of a rubber tree. Even though latex might seem man-made it is actually made from nature. Since latex is derived from trees, this also increases the risk for an allergy.
What products contain latex?
Latex is found in quite a few household items including,
- Gloves
- Condoms
- Balloons
- Rubber bands
If you have a latex allergy you may be likely to develop symptoms that impact the nose, throat, ears, stomach, and skin. If you have an allergy to latex and you use latex condoms, you may notice itching, redness, or a rash in the vaginal region. Those with more severe latex allergies may also experience,
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
How is a latex allergy treated?
Since there is no cure for latex allergy, the best thing you can do is avoid anything that contains latex including condoms. There are many non-latex condoms on the market these days but if you aren’t sure which ones are safe, simply ask your gynecologist.
However, if you do accidentally use a latex condom your gynecologist may recommend taking an antihistamine or corticosteroids or carrying an EpiPen in case of a severe latex allergy. If you are experiencing a reaction to a latex condom you may also want to relax in a sitz bath or apply hydrocortisone cream to the area to ease discomfort.
If this is your first time experiencing vaginal redness, swelling, or a rash it’s important to have these symptoms properly evaluated by a gynecologist to determine if it’s an allergy and to rule out STIs or other problems.
Even with a latex allergy, there are a variety of safe sex options that do not involve latex condoms. If you have questions about how to practice safe sex with a latex allergy your OBGYN can provide you with all the information you need to make smart choices for you and your partner.
In a healthy pregnancy, the egg is fertilized within a woman’s uterus; however, when the egg is fertilized outside the uterus (most often the fallopian tube) this is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Since an ectopic pregnancy can cause serious complications it’s important that you not only recognize the warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy but that you seek immediate medical attention. If you have concerns about the symptoms you are experiencing during the early stages of your pregnancy, always turn to your OBGYN as soon as possible.What causes an ectopic pregnancy?
Many women who’ve experienced ectopic pregnancies never had any risk factors; however, certain factors could increase the risk for an ectopic pregnancy. These include,
- Endometriosis
- A sexually transmitted disease
- Cigarette smoking
- Past abdominal or pelvic surgeries
- Getting pregnant with an IUD in
- Past fertility treatment
- Previous ectopic pregnancies
Early symptoms and signs of an ectopic pregnancy are typically minor such as light abdominal pain or minimal vaginal bleeding; however, as the egg develops this can cause the fallopian tube to rupture. As blood leaks out this can result in sudden and severe abdominal and shoulder pain. Life-threatening symptoms include fainting, lightheadedness, and shock. If you are experiencing severe pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, shoulder pain, or lightheadedness it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention.
What are my treatment options?
The recommended course of action to treat an ectopic pregnancy will depend on how far along you are in the pregnancy as well as the symptoms you are experiencing. If detected early, most women receive an injectable medication that stops the cells from multiplying and dissolves the cells that are present. A blood test will then be performed to check HCG levels.
Laparoscopic surgery may be necessary to remove the ectopic pregnancy so the fallopian tube can heal. If there is extensive damage to the tube or the tube has ruptured then the tube may also need to be removed.
Light vaginal bleeding and stomach cramping are also normal parts of early pregnancy, so if you have any questions or concerns about the symptoms you are experiencing during your first trimester, your OBGYN is the ideal doctor to get answers to all of your questions and to provide you with specialized care.
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