Genitourinary Syndrome
Genitourinary syndrome, the menopausal problem women may not know about Menopause can make you want to swear off sex. The decrease in levels of estrogen and other hormones after menopause causes changes to the vagina that can cause genital and urinary symptoms in women. This condition is known as genitourinary syndrome. Our Grapevine and Alliance ObGyns know that you might be hesitant to discuss these symptoms with us, but talking about the condition is the first step in treating it. What are the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome? [righttextbox]“GSM is thought to affect about half of all postmenopausal women.” —http://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause-sgm[/righttextbox] The symptoms of genitourinary syndrome may impact the clitoris, labia, vagina, urethra or bladder. Genital symptoms Vaginal burning, dryness or irritation Vaginal discharge Itchy genitals Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse due to lack of lubrication and tightening and shortening of the vaginal canal Urinary symptoms Feeling urgency to urinate Burning during urination Increase in urinary tract infections Experiencing urinary incontinence How is genitourinary syndrome treated? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome, you shouldn’t suffer in silence. Our Grapevine and Alliance ObGyns will talk about the problems in an open and caring way that we hope will make you feel comfortable and hopeful, knowing treatment is available. There are a variety of treatment options. Over-the-counter remedies include vaginal moisturizers and water-based lubricants to help reduce pain and irritation during sex. If these methods don’t work, our ObGyns may prescribe topical vaginal estrogen in cream, tablets or in a soft, flexible ring. Some women may benefit from systemic estrogen or estrogen/progestin therapy, administered via pills, gel, patches or an estrogen ring. Women with urinary symptoms may benefit from pelvic-floor physical therapy or other treatments for urinary incontinence. Prevention advice includes regular sexual activity When you are in the throes of genitourinary syndrome symptoms, you may find this bit of advice hard to imagine, but it’s important to spend some time in the bedroom. Participating in regular sexual activity can keep vaginal tissues healthy by increasing blood flow. If you’re experiencing pain, treatment can help you enjoy sex again. You shouldn’t ignore the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome. Contact us – we’re here for you.
Today’s IUDs
3 truths about today’s IUDs Our Grapevine and Alliance ObGyns want to update women about today’s IUDs, one of the most effective forms of birth control currently available. IUDs are a form of long-acting reversible contraception, known as LARC. ObGyns sometimes call it “set it and forget it” birth control because once IUDs are in place, they can remain in the uterus for a period of 3-10 years, depending on the type of IUD. We would like women to know the truth about IUDs. Three important truths women should know about today’s IUDs Today’s IUDs are safe to use for almost every woman. The Dalkon Shield IUD, on the market through the 1970s, was implicated in some cases of serious pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. The Dalkon Shield received quite a bit of negative publicity and was taken off the market. Today’s IUDs have been shown to be very safe and serious side effects and complications rarely occur. In addition, in the past, IUDs were not recommended for adolescents or women who had not given birth, but today’s IUDs work for these patients. IUDs are highly effective. IUDs are the most effective form of reversible birth control available today; in fact, today’s IUDs have the same effectiveness rate as permanent sterilization. Fewer than 1 in 100 IUD users become pregnant during the first year of typical use. IUDs are available in both hormonal and non-hormonal forms. Today’s IUDs have evolved and improved. Now, women can choose from a copper IUD, which does not contain any hormones, or hormonal IUDs. Copper IUDs can be left in place for up to ten years, while hormonal IUDs remain in the uterus for a period of 3-5 years. Today’s IUDs, like any contraceptive method, offer several benefits, including: They don’t interfere with sexual intercourse. They can be used while breastfeeding and be placed immediately after pregnancy or miscarriage. They are completely reversible – simply remove the device when ready for pregnancy. Talk to our physicians about possible side effects and risks. Our experienced ObGyns can help you choose a contraceptive method Women should discuss their contraceptive needs with our Grapevine and Alliance ObGyns. Our physicians are always willing to answer questions and offer expert advice. Contact us to learn more about today’s IUDs.
Optimizing Natural Fertility
The truth about optimizing natural fertility When you’re ready to get pregnant, you may talk to friends or look to the internet for tips on optimizing natural fertility. Unfortunately there are many myths out there and tips you don’t need to follow, including the ones below. You don’t have to lie flat on your back with your legs in the air after sex. Your sexual position during sex will not help you get pregnant. You don’t have to eat certain foods to improve your chances for conceiving. Basically, one of the most important things to know about getting pregnant is to seek knowledge and ignore myths. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyns are here to tell you the truth about optimizing natural fertility. Three important facts about optimizing natural fertility It’s important to know when you are ovulating. For optimizing natural fertility, the very best time to have sexual intercourse is the six days prior to ovulation, known as the fertile window. Most experts recommend that couples have sex every one or two days during the fertile window in particular. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before the next menstrual period during a regular cycle. Couples can purchase ovulation prediction kits to help them determine when ovulation occurs. Certain lubricants may negatively affect your fertility. Many couples may not realize that certain lubricants that are frequently used during sex may adversely affect sperm’s motility or movement. Optimizing natural fertility means avoiding popular lubricants like Astroglide®, KY® and others. Instead, use natural lubricants like canola or mineral oil or Pre-Seed® brand when you are trying to get pregnant. Lifestyle choices matter. One of the most important things couples can do when optimizing natural fertility is to make smart lifestyle choices. This includes adopting several good habits. Both partners should avoid smoking. Women should eliminate alcohol and reduce caffeine use; men should reduce alcohol and caffeine use. Neither partner should use recreational drugs. Women should begin taking a prenatal vitamin every day. Optimizing natural fertility isn’t difficult once you understand the truth and ignore the myths. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyns are here to help you with preconception counseling appointments, the ideal opportunity for you to get helpful and honest advice. Contact us today for an appointment.
