Yeast Infections: Certain Women are at Greater Risk
Learn why some women are more likely than others to contract yeast infections. Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are infections caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Yeast infections are more common than you might think. About 75 percent of women have had a yeast infection, and about 45 percent will have them more than once. About 1.4 million outpatients of candidiasis are seen annually in the United States. Why do Women Get Yeast Infections? All healthy vaginas have yeast. Candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that causes infection. Any woman at any age can get a yeast infection, although it is rare before puberty and after menopause. Learn more about yeast infections here, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. In this blog, we’re going to dive deeper into why some women are at greater risk. Who is at Risk of a Yeast Infection? Some women are at greater risk of getting a yeast infection. Here are some risk factors. Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or on birth control, the risk is heightened because estrogen is a factor in maturing the vagina and making a thicker lubricated vaginal lining. Damp places increase the growth of yeast, and estrogen is increased with birth control and pregnancy. Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of yeast infection because it is caused by excess glucose in the blood. Because of this excess glucose, more is secreted from the vagina, which is normally an acidic environment that has little nutrients. This glucose promotes the growth of yeast. Immune System Deficiencies/Antibiotics/Steroids: Women with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for developing yeast infections because their bodies aren’t capable of defending themselves from infections. Additionally, immune system problems are often treated with antibiotics or steroids, which increase the risk of yeast infections because antibiotics kill off the bacteria that maintain and limit the growth of yeast. Without that bacteria to do its job, yeast has an ideal environment to grow rapidly and turn into an infection. Sex: Sexual interactions are not the cause of yeast infections, but yeast can be spread vaginally and orally. The chemistry of the different yeasts may be different and unbalanced, which can cause it to grow. Yeast infections aren’t an STD, but a person’s body chemistry can have a bad reaction to another person’s yeast and bacteria. How to Prevent Yeast Infections It’s important to know who is most at risk for yeast infections, and it’s also smart to learn prevention. Here are a few key preventions: Watch antibiotic use. Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor. Wear cotton underwear. The cotton allows airflow, which prevents the vagina from getting too damp. (Yeast prefer damp environments.) Don’t douche or use scented feminine products. These products can kill the healthy bacteria that limits yeast growth. Wipe from front to back after using the restroom. Avoid moist environments, such as tight, wet clothes, hot tubs or hot baths. Conclusion: Yeast Infections are Common Yeast infections are common occurrences among women of all walks of life. Luckily, there are ways for women to lower their risk of contracting a yeast infection. If you think you have a yeast infection, there are many treatment options. Make an appointment with your physician to ensure you receive the correct care and advice.
Help for Hot Flashes: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Help for Hot Flashes: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments Don’t be stopped by one of the most common symptoms of menopause, women who feel like they’ve just exercised in their winter coats but haven’t left their office chairs are not alone. Am I Having Hot Flashes? Hot flashes are an unfortunate and common side effect of menopause for about 75% of women. Hot flashes include the sensation of extreme heat that usually lasts from one to five minutes and often are most intense in the head and upper chest. Women experiencing hot flashes break out in a sweat and can sometimes experience red blotches on their skin, fast or uneven heartbeats, dizziness, shaking and headaches. What Causes Hot Flashes? Hot flashes occur because of changing hormone levels that trigger thermoregulatory zone changes in the brain. Basically, during menopause, the drop in estrogen confuses women’s bodies’ thermostats. These bothersome symptoms can affect sleep and quality of life. Though hot flashes aren’t serious, it’s important for women to talk to their doctors about this period in their lives and find treatments against hot flashes. Treatment for Hot Flashes Women should talk with their doctors about the right treatment plans for their symptoms. It’s common for women with severe symptoms to try multiple treatments before finding one that works best. Here are a few commonly prescribed treatments and remedies for hot flashes: Estrogen replacement: Women can find relief from hot flashes through hormone replacement therapy. After all, the transition to menopause includes decreasing amounts of estrogen. Anti-depressants. Many women find that anti-depressants such as Zoloft lessen the severity of hot flashes. Gabapentin or pregabalin: Doctors might prescribe one of these prescription medications depending on womens’ symptoms Increasing dietary soy Dressing in layers Avoiding hot and spicy foods and drinks Avoiding hot environments Minimizing stress Herbal remedies Exercise Meditation The compassionate doctors at Women’s Integrated Healthcare are committed to helping women through every stage of their lives, including menopause. We encourage women experiencing symptoms to make an appointment with a trustworthy Women’s integrated Healthcare physician soon. What’s Happening During a Hot Flash Take a look at this great information about hot flashes, why they happen, and how to improve them. Just For Fun To prove you’re not alone in the suffering, these hot-flash quotes will make you giggle. “The Definition of Hot Flash: Your body deciding to spontaneously combust while taking you on a secret roller coaster ride through the bowels of hell.” “I wouldn’t mind these hot flashes so much if they would burn a little fat off my butt and thighs in the process.” “Night sweats: Hot flashes that occur while you are asleep, because catching fire in the daytime isn’t sufficient enough.” “Amazing women don’t have hot flashes. We have power surges.” – @amazingwomen Our compassionate and experienced Grapevine and Fort Worth OBGYN’s are here to help you stay healthy and informed through all stages of life. Contact us today for an appointment.
Your Path to Women’s Wellness
Three important steps to take on your path to women’s wellness Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns urge you to take three significant steps on your path to women’s wellness. You can make it work, one step at a time. Your path to women’s wellness begins with these three critical actions Managing your health and attending your annual well-woman exam with our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns are vital steps on your path to women’s wellness. Here are some specific steps you can take to reach optimal health. Manage your overall wellness with a healthy diet and physical activity Part of your path to women’s wellness is getting to and maintaining a healthy weight. A normal body mass index (BMI) is between 18.5 and 24.9. The best way to achieve your weight goal is with a portion-controlled diet. This should consist of lean proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits and foods that provide calcium. Physical activity helps you build muscle, strong bones and a healthy heart. On your path to wellness, you should aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense activity such as brisk walking or bike rides. You should also add resistance training such as weight lifting or yoga. Pay attention to mental health issues such as stress and depression Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Ignoring it can have adverse effects on your overall wellness. If you are suffering from stress, address it with your physician as part of your path to wellness. Stress can cause headaches, stomach problems, sleep issues and other physical symptoms. Depression is another undertreated and underreported problem, but it is a treatable medical issue. If you feel hopeless, sad or empty for more than two weeks, you may be suffering from depression. The right care can help you feel better. Schedule your annual well-woman exam with our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns A vital component of your path to women’s wellness is your annual well-woman exam. During this visit, we address your overall mental and physical health, schedule important health screenings and discuss other health issues. Annual appointments are our opportunity to get to know you better and care for your health. Contact us to schedule one.
Stress vs. Urge Incontinence
What women need to know about stress vs. urge incontinence Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns believe it’s important for women to understand the differences between stress vs. urge incontinence. Each type of urinary incontinence has its causes, symptoms, and methods of diagnosis and treatment. Knowing the difference between the two types also helps women comprehend why they are experiencing urine leakage, or the sudden or even constant urge to urinate. Stress vs. urge incontinence – What causes each type? Many people are unaware of what causes stress vs. urge incontinence. Different conditions and circumstances are responsible for each type. Weakened pelvic floor muscles are the ultimate cause of stress incontinence. Muscles become weak due to childbirth, age and menopause. There are circumstances that aggravate stress incontinence, including obesity, smoking, high-impact activities like running and aerobics, and conditions that cause a chronic cough. On the other hand, conditions that affect the bladder’s normal function cause urge incontinence, which is an important distinction between stress vs. urge incontinence. Here are the conditions that cause urge incontinence. Bladder stones Bladder inflammation Bladder cancer A blockage in the bladder Conditions that affect the brain or nervous system such as multiple sclerosis Injuries that affect the spinal cord Symptoms of stress incontinence The symptoms of stress incontinence are the ones that people most often associate with urinary incontinence. The primary symptom is urine leakage, especially when a woman laughs, coughs, sneezes or performs high-impact exercises. Women also leak when standing, getting in and out of a vehicle, lifting heavy items and having sex. Symptoms of urge incontinence The differences between stress vs. urge incontinence are obvious when you contrast the symptoms. While women with stress incontinence leak urine, women with urge incontinence may experience a sudden, strong urge to urinate, loss of control over when urination occurs and frequent urination both day and night. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns diagnose and treat both types of incontinence Women can depend on our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns to determine whether they are suffering from stress vs. urge incontinence. They can also rely on our physicians to provide accurate diagnosis and surgical and nonsurgical treatments for incontinence. Women who are afflicted with the symptoms of incontinence should contact us for an appointment.
Tips for Preparing for Gynecological Surgery
What you may not know about preparing for gynecological surgery Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns believe that the more you know about preparing for gynecological surgery, the less nervous you will feel on the day of your procedure. You can help our surgeons by complying with all the instructions provided. Everything our physicians and staff advise you to do is for a reason, and following our directions makes the surgery and the recovery a smoother process. Five ways to prepare for gynecological surgery Some of our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns’ directions about preparing for gynecological surgery may surprise you and leave you wondering why you are being asked to do these particular things. Here are five critical steps to take before surgery and the reasons why our physicians ask you to follow these directions. Stop smoking cigarettes and marijuana. Smoking affects your heart and lungs, and so does anesthesia. When you stop smoking, your lungs begin to improve as early as 12 hours after you stop. Do not drink alcohol in the 24 hours before your surgery. Refraining from drinking prior to surgery is an important part of preparing for gynecological surgery. Alcohol affects how your body absorbs anesthesia and your blood’s ability to clot. Provide our obgyns with a complete list of every medication or supplement you take. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns need to know about every prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as any vitamins, supplements or herbal remedies you take. Different ingredients can affect the medications our doctors need to administer during and after surgery. Remove nail polish and acrylic nails before surgery. This may seem like a small thing to do when preparing for gynecological surgery, but it’s essential. Surgeons and anesthesiologists need to see your natural nail bed to check for circulation problems. Do not shave for a certain amount of time before surgery. Ask our obgyns which areas of the body you should avoid shaving and for what period of time prior to surgery. Hair removal can leave nicks in the skin that increase your risk for an infected wound. Our compassionate staff and experienced Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns make preparing for gynecological surgery as easy as possible. Our goal before and after surgery is a happy, healthy patient. Contact us for an appointment.
Obgyn Care in the DFW Area
High-quality obgyn care in the DFW area that’s convenient and close to home Are you looking for high-quality obgyn care in the DFW area? Our Fort Worth and Southlake obgyns work with women from adolescence to menopause and beyond to provide outstanding obstetrics and gynecology services. As an added bonus, every obgyn in our practice is a woman. Our obgyn care in the DFW area offers user-friendly locations Why fight the Dallas traffic when you can find first-rate obgyn care in the DFW area closer to your neighborhood? Our Fort Worth and Southlake offices are close to several cities and towns in the Metroplex area. The locations are easily accessible with ample parking. State-of-the-art gynecology and gynecological surgery services Good health begins with preventive care. Our physicians form a valuable relationship with patients, especially during the annual well woman exam. When problems occur, and you need obgyn care in the DFW area, there’s no need to venture far from home. With our Fort Worth and Grapevine obgyns, you’re in experienced, trained hands. From endometriosis and PCOS, to urinary incontinence and recurrent UTIs, our physicians and staff provide thoughtful and thorough treatment and diagnosis. If you need surgery, rest assured that our obgyns are trained in the most up-to-date gynecological surgery techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Our surgeons perform hysterectomies, endometriosis surgery, surgery for urinary incontinence and more. Obstetrics and midwifery services for routine and high-risk pregnancies If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, and considering obgyn care in the DFW area, our offices offer everything you need. Our experienced obstetricians care for high-risk and routine pregnancies. Our midwifery services provide another pregnancy care option for patients. From preconception counseling and fertility testing, to pregnancy office visits and labor management, we’ve got you covered. Patients at our Fort Worth office deliver at Fort Worth Medical Center Fort Worth. These locations offer nearby, expert care, making for a smooth trip to the hospital on the big day. Our Fort Worth and Southlake obgyns prove that excellent obgyn care in the DFW area is not limited to the city of Dallas. Our all-female physicians are close to your neighborhood, ready to provide you with the comprehensive healthcare you need. Contact us for an appointment.
Annual Well Woman Exam
Four reasons why you still need an annual well woman exam Even though you no longer need an annual Pap smear, you still need an annual well woman exam. This yearly appointment with our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns is the best way to prevent problems and stay healthy. An annual well-woman exam provides fundamental preventive care Here are four important reasons why your annual well woman exam is an essential appointment. It’s a vital opportunity for preventive care. Your annual well woman exam is about much more than a Pap smear and a pelvic examination. It’s about your overall health. Screening tests help evaluate your health. During your annual well woman exam, your physician may discuss the need for various types of screening, based on your age, health and risk factors. For example, starting at age 40, our physicians generally recommend a yearly mammogram. Our obgyns also recommend bone density screening for women age 65 and over. Pap guidelines have changed and a Pap smear is no longer needed at every annual well woman exam. Here is a summary of the new requirements. If you are age 21 to 29, you need a Pap test every three years. If you are age 30 to 65, our physicians recommend a Pap smear and an HPV test every five years. You may also opt to have a Pap test every three years. At your annual well woman exam, our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns counsel you about several essential lifestyle and health issues. During your annual well-woman exam, our physicians discuss everything from birth control options and sexual health to depression and weight management. Your yearly appointment is the perfect time to ask questions. Whether you are planning to become pregnant and want to ask about preconception counseling, or you are wondering about changes caused by menopause, your annual well-woman exam is a great time to talk with your physician. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns care about your health and well-being At your annual well-woman exam, you and your physician work together to achieve your best health. Contact us for an appointment with our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns.
Finding Your Target BMI
Determining and reaching your target BMI You’ve probably heard our Fort Worth and Grapevine obgyns mention that it is important to reach and maintain a healthy body mass index, or BMI. In order to do this, you need to know your target BMI. To help you on your journey to health and wellness, our obgyns have some information about how to determine your target BMI and how to reach it. How to calculate your target BMI The easiest way to determine your target BMI is to use an online BMI calculator. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer a helpful calculator online. The normal BMI range for adults is 18.5 to 24.9. Anything under that range is considered underweight, while anything over it is considered overweight or obese. Health risks are associated with BMIs that are outside of the normal range. Individuals with high BMIs are more likely to develop health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, sleep apnea and pregnancy complications. In contrast, people with low BMIs have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, iron deficiency, anemia, infection, hair loss, lung disease and muscle wasting. Both low and high BMIs can also cause infertility. For these reasons, our Fort Worth and Grapevine obgyns stress the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet. Food plays a huge role in health and weight. Strive to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, strive to incorporate other sources of protein, such as beans and nuts. Stay active. Balance the time that you sit every day with hikes, bike rides, yoga and other activities that get you moving. You can start slow by exercising for a few minutes at a time and moving up to longer increments as you gain strength and endurance. Get help. You don’t have to do it alone. If you’re struggling to lose or gain weight, partnering with our Fort Worth and Grapevine obgyns or a nutritionist will improve your chances of success. Your partners in health Our Fort Worth and Grapevine obgyns are your partners in health. From well-woman appointments to information about how to find your target BMI, our obgyns offer a full range of services to help you live a happy and healthy life. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take control of your health.
Your Health and Fitness
Five health and fitness tips for a healthier 2018 Our Fort Worth and Grapevine obgyns are here to help you achieve optimal health. In 2018, our physicians urge you to take control of your health and fitness. Follow our health and fitness tips in 2018 for a healthy year and life Healthy habits pay dividends in the present and the future for women of all ages. If you adopt these five health and fitness practices, you will reduce your risk of developing health problems, including certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. You will also improve your general and reproductive health. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. A healthy diet should include the following. Lean proteins, including grilled, broiled or baked fish, meat, poultry and legumes Fruits and vegetables Whole grains Foods rich in calcium, including dairy products, kale and broccoli In addition, limit sugar and saturated fats. Track your food intake and practice portion control. Part of improving your health and fitness is weight management. Keep track of what and how much you eat with a mobile app. Educate yourself about portion sizes and practice portion control. Get 60 to 90 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each week. If exercise hasn’t been a part of your life, start slowly. Move more and exercise in 10 minute increments. Address stress and mental health issues in your life. For better health and fitness, it’s important to address stress, depression and other mental health issues that can affect your daily life. Yoga, meditation or counseling can help. If you are planning to get pregnant, focus on preconception health. A preconception counseling appointment with our Fort Worth and Grapevine obgyns can help you plan for a healthy pregnancy. Important goals for preconception health include getting to and maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise and reducing stress. You should also begin taking folic acid supplements. Our Fort Worth and Grapevine obgyns can help you get healthy Our physicians can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Contact us to schedule an annual wellness or preconception counseling appointment.
Prevent UTIs
6 steps you can take to prevent UTIs Do you cringe when you think about UTIs? Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, occur in the urinary tract and are caused by bacteria. It isn’t always possible to prevent UTI’s and their annoying symptoms of urgency, burning and frequency of urination. However, our Fort Worth and Grapevine ObGyns have some recommendations to help stop UTIs before they start. Six good habits you should adopt to help prevent UTIs Drink up Water is your friend in the fight to prevent UTIs. Our ObGyns encourage you to drink six to eight glasses of water each day. Practice good hygiene You’ve heard that you need to wipe yourself from front to back, but you may not know the reason. Wiping from back to front can spread bacteria to the urinary tract and cause an infection. Avoid feminine products Feminine products such as douches, deodorants and scented soaps aren’t necessary to keep your vaginal area clean. Simply wash the skin in your genital area, including your anus, with water to prevent UTIs. Empty things out During your busy day, you may wait to urinate. It’s important that you urinate as soon as you feel the urge, which is usually every two or three hours. In addition, you should take enough time in the bathroom to ensure that you are emptying your bladder completely. Get out of bed You may love to cuddle after sex, but you should go to the bathroom first. You can prevent UTIs by making a trip to the bathroom to empty your bladder both before and after sex. Your urinary tract will thank you. Get loose Avoid wearing tight pants and underwear that can trap moisture, setting up the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. Our Fort Worth and Grapevine ObGyns are here to help you prevent UTIs. Contact us for an appointment.
