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Posts for: June, 2020

By J. Gabriel Guajardo, M.D.
June 19, 2020

Find out when you may want to speak with an OB/GYN about your fertility options.

Are you and your partner having trouble getting pregnant? No matter whether you’ve been trying for about a year or you are trying a bit later in life, there are many reasons why a couple may choose to come into our office to undergo a fertility evaluation from our Brownsville, TX, OBGYN Dr. Gabriel Guajardo. This evaluation can often pinpoint the reason or reasons why you are having trouble getting pregnant.

What does a fertility evaluation entail?

Many people who come into our office are concerned about not getting pregnant. These evaluations can shed light and often ease concerns that a couple may have regarding fertility. Some factors that we will need to consider when evaluating a woman’s fertility include her age and physical health.

A fertility evaluation will include time spent talking with the doctor and going through your medical history, as well as a comprehensive medical exam and any testing required to check the health and function of the reproductive system. Once our Brownsville, TX, OB/GYN is able to find out what’s going on, he can develop a custom fertility treatment plan.

When should I consider a fertility evaluation?

Getting pregnant can take time, and you don’t need to rush into our office if you’ve only been trying for a couple of months; however, if you haven’t gotten pregnant within one year of actively trying or if you’re over 35 years old and haven’t gotten pregnant within six months of trying it’s a good idea to see an OBGYN for an evaluation.

What are my infertility treatment options?

This is something that your doctor can discuss more in-depth with you during your evaluation. The treatment options available to you will depend on the root cause of infertility. Common forms of infertility treatment include,

  • Fertility medications (prescribed to women who don’t ovulate regularly)
  • Hormone injections
  • Surgery (to treat blockages or other damage to the reproductive organs)
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Want to discuss your fertility treatment options with our Brownsville, TX, team? If so, call our office today at (956) 350-4821 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gabriel Guajardo.


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By J. Gabriel Guajardo, M.D.
June 12, 2020
Category: OBGYN
Birth control is important if you’re a sexually active female. It keeps you safe from pregnancy while also providing other health benefits. Just like there are many different types of people, there are a variety of birth control options. It’s important to talk to your OBGYN to discover what works best for you. There is a birth control type that matches every female's preferences and lifestyle. 
 
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives 
These are long-term birth control options that are inserted into your body. They can last anywhere between three-to-ten years without needing a replacement. Your OBGYN will insert the device during a scheduled appointment. These are great if you don’t want to worry about taking or applying your birth control daily. 
 
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic T-shaped device inserted into the uterus. They are one of the most effective types of birth control. They are instantly reversible by having your OBGYN remove the IUD when you are thinking about conceiving. IUDs work by either releasing the hormone progestin, which thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm away or through copper, which functions as a spermicide. 
 
An implant is a thin rod that your OBGYN places into your arm. Just like with an IUD, this method is extremely effective. Once removed, a female can conceive right away. Implants last for years and work by producing progestin. It’s the same as a hormone IUD, with progestin thickening cervical mucus to stop sperm from reaching the egg. 
 
Short-Acting Hormonal Methods
This category contains birth control pills, the patch, the shot, and the vaginal ring. These differ from the long-acting type by needing to be used or replaced on a daily or monthly basis. 
 
Birth control pills are one of the most popular forms of contraceptives. Your OBGYN prescribes them for you. They are an affordable and easy option. You take the pill every day just like any other type of medication. For the best results, take it at the same time every day as well. 
 
The vaginal ring, called the NuvaRing, is a bendable ring placed in the vagina. Talk to your OBGYN about NuvaRing, as you need a prescription for it. This birth control method works by being inserted into your vagina. It stays there for twenty-one days before removal. You can either keep the ring out for a week during your period or replace it with the next one immediately after.
 
The birth control shot is also called Depo-Provera. This is an injectable form of birth control performed every three months. It is a very straightforward process. Every three months you go into your OBGYN office to receive a shot, which prevents fertility until the next dosage. It’s a great option for people who want something low maintenance and without daily interaction. 
 
The birth control patch is a weekly contraceptive. You put on a new patch every week for three weeks, leaving it off the fourth week while you’re menstruating. The patch is similar to a bandage and is commonly placed on the stomach, back, upper arm, or buttock. Talk to your OBGYN if this option is right for you. It is less effective for patients weighing over two-hundred pounds.  

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By J. Gabriel Guajardo, M.D.
June 01, 2020
Category: Pregnancy Care
Tags: USDA’s MyPlate  
Congratulations on your little bundle of joy! Pregnancy is a new and exciting time. Your body goes through vast changes as your baby develops. It’s important to do everything possible to guarantee a healthy baby. This includes changing your diet! Many women aren’t sure what they should and shouldn’t eat during this time. Why not schedule an appointment with your local OBGYN and learn what’s best for you?
 
A Balanced Diet and You
You should start eating a balanced diet right away when you find out you are expecting. Most OBGYN’s even recommend starting before you’re even pregnant. What you eat directly affects the baby’s nutrition. Eating healthy foods keeps both of your bodies strong. It’s also a good idea to take a prenatal vitamin or multivitamin with folic acid every day. 
 
Follow your OBGYN’s advice on the proper balance of dairy, proteins, vegetables, fruit, grains, and fats during your pregnancy. A great resource is the USDA’s “MyPlate.” This is the upgraded version of the food pyramid. 
 
Healthy Weight Gain
Everyone is different when it comes to pregnancy. Your OBGYN will monitor your weight gain to make sure it’s within healthy levels. Typically, women gain 2-4 pounds during the first trimester and 3-4 each month during the second and third trimester. 
 
Although you are eating for two, your calorie intake should only increase by about 300 or so. This amount varies between women, so talk to your doctor about an appropriate goal. It’s even more important in the first trimester because of morning sickness. Nausea can make it hard to keep food and fluids down. 
 
Dangerous Foods During Pregnancy
You should avoid certain types of food throughout your pregnancy. These are dangerous for you and the baby. Avoid eating or drinking: 
  • Smoked seafood
  • Hot dogs or deli meat
  • Meat spreads
  • Uncooked sprouts
  • Unpasteurized milk or juice
  • Fish that contain high levels of mercury
It’s also a good idea to reduce your intake of fat and cholesterol. You should also make sure you’re not drinking alcohol, smoking, or consuming high levels of caffeine. 
 
Pregnancy Cravings
Many women crave specific foods during their pregnancies. Just try to make sure what you’re eating ends up being healthy and providing nutrients to your body. If you end up craving junk food, try to limit how much you eat. 

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