Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

The certified nurse midwives at Cherokee Women’s Health specialize in natural birthing methods. They are trained to recognize abnormal pregnancy symptoms and potential complications. By partnering with board certified obstetricians, they provide both mother and child with the best possible care, even in the event of pregnancy and labor complications. Top 4 Benefits of Choosing a Midwife 1. Certification in Nursing and Midwifery Midwives at Cherokee Women’s Health are certified in both nursing and midwifery, giving women a safe, natural birthing experience. 2. A Personal Connection Midwives place special emphasis on the relationship between an expecting mother and her women’s healthcare provider. During a pregnancy, a midwife monitors the physical, emotional, and interpersonal well being of the mother. Many women feel a personal connection to their midwives, who try to remain accessible to their patients whenever they’re needed. This interpersonal connection can decrease stress levels during pregnancy. 3. Highly Individualized Care Midwives offer highly individualized pre- and postpartum care. This includes individual education for expectant mothers, counseling during pregnancy, expert prenatal care, continuous assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support for new mothers. 4. Natural Birthing Options Because midwives strive for a natural birthing experience, they limit technological interventions. Women who choose midwives as their primary birthing specialists receive fewer epidurals, episiotomies, and assistance from birthing instruments like vacuums or forceps. Our Midwives are Here for You Call us today at 770.720.7733 to schedule an appointment, schedule an appointment online or learn more about our midwife services.

OB, STD/STI Screening

Can I Give Syphilis to My Unborn Baby?

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Congenital syphilis can cause serious damage to your baby and these health problems can occur during pregnancy, birth and even later in life. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (also called STD). Congenital syphilis happens when a woman passes it on to her baby. It is most often passed to baby during pregnancy, but it can also happen during vaginal birth if the baby comes into contact with a syphilis sore. Your Baby May Have Serious Problems if Syphilis is Left Untreated If a woman’s syphilis is left untreated, it can cause serious health issues for the baby, including death. Reports state that up to 40% (2 in 5 babies) born to women with untreated syphilis die from the infection. Your baby can have serious health complications later in life too, even if he or she seems healthy at birth. The severity of complications depends on how long the woman was infected during pregnancy and if and when she received treatment. Problems for Your Baby During Pregnancy These may include: Problems for Your Baby During Birth These may include: Problems for Your Baby Later in Life Problems for your baby later in life may include: Diagnosing Congenital Syphilis in Your Baby Your baby can be diagnosed with congenital syphilis, or any STDs, during your prenatal care visits. If you had been diagnosed with syphilis prior to becoming pregnant, tell your OB/GYN about any treatment you received. Several tests can be performed to check for congenital syphilis, including: How is Congenital Syphilis Treated? If your baby has congenital syphilis, it’s important that he or she receives treatment right away to help prevent complications. Your baby can be treated with an antibiotic, either as a shot or through an intravenous line (IV). Your provider will determine the amount of treatment your baby gets, which is determined by the infection and condition of your baby. In some cases, congenital syphilis can be completely cured. For others, they may need treatment for health conditions caused by the infection. Can Congenital Syphilis be Prevented? Yes, if You Protect Yourself Congenital syphilis is completely preventable. However, the only way to prevent it is by protecting yourself from getting infected in the first place. Learn more about STDs and how to protect yourself. Schedule a Screening Today Request a confidential appointment online or call us at 770.720.7733 to make an appointment with one of our OB/GYNs to get tested today. Early diagnosis and treatment are the only ways to help protect you and your baby.

Infertility Education, STD/STI Screening

Can Chlamydia Cause Infertility?

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Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause serious health complications if left untreated. Highly transmittable, a chlamydia infection can become quite severe and can even cause infertility in women. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and is known as a ‘silent infection’ since the majority of people who contract it have little to no symptoms. It is diagnosed most often in people under the age of 15, but anyone can become infected. Reports vary but some studies report that around 1 in 20 sexually active young women are infected with it. How Serious is Chlamydia? If chlamydia goes untreated, it can result in infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is a common cause of ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. If a woman contracts chlamydia, a build-up of scarring can block the fallopian tube and prevent fertilization. And since there are often no symptoms, it is highly transmittable. Most women are not aware that they have it, so it’s very important to get regularly tested. Symptoms The symptoms associated with chlamydia are usually mild — if there are any symptoms at all — and can be mistaken for other health issues. For women who do experience symptoms, they often include painful sex, vaginal dryness and bleeding between periods. Can Chlamydia Cause Infertility? Yes! Women can become infertile if it is undiagnosed and goes untreated. Many women don’t know they’re infertile until they try to become pregnant. At that point, fertility treatments are often needed for a woman to become pregnant. Infertility is caused by the scarring and inflammation of the reproductive tract. Among women who have chlamydia, 1 in 10 will develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is the leading cause of infertility. While chlamydia alone does not always cause infertility, if can lead to fertility issues if not treated. How Long Does It Take to Become Infertile From a Chlamydia Infection? Every woman is different and it is not known how long the infection must remain in the system to cause infertility. It may take weeks to two years. Can I Reverse Infertility Caused by Chlamydia? Unfortunately, infertility caused by chlamydia is permanent. Get Regular Screenings If you are sexually active, you should get regular testing. This is particularly recommended before trying to start a family. Can it be Cured? Yes, But Only with Early Diagnosis and Treatment The good news is that chlamydia can be cured with early detection. It is easily treated with a short course of antibiotics, but you must be screened regularly. Make an appointment today for a sexual health screening. Call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule a confidential appointment online.

GYN Problems, STD/STI Screening, Teen GYN Education

The Silent Symptoms of STIs and Their Unknown Risks

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STIs are on the rise among young women so it’s important to make appointments for annual screenings if you are sexually active. With ‘silent’ symptoms, annual testing for sexually transmitted diseases is key. Unless diagnosed through testing, you may not know you have an STD. Who is Most at Risk Women with a new or multiple sexual partners, or a sex partner with a sexually transmitted infection, are more at risk for developing an STD or STI. STIs Have No Symptoms Women diagnosed with chlamydia or other STIs are at higher risk of infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). What’s more is that chlamydia and PID are known as “silent” infections. Many women may not know that a sexually transmitted disease can result in infertility. Chlamydia historically accounts for the largest proportion of reported STIs in the United States. The damage caused by chlamydia can result in infertility. With most women experiencing no symptoms, getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI. STIs Can Result in Infertility and Infant Death As infections continue to rise, more women will develop PID. Left untreated, about 10-15% of women will develop chlamydia with PID, which can also cause fallopian tube infection. This infection in the upper genital tract may cause permanent damage to the uterus, fallopian tubes and surrounding tissue, which can lead to infertility. STIs don’t just affect women. Congenital syphilis — when an infected mom passes the disease on to their babies — put their babies at risk of death or severe health problems such as deafness or blindness. In fact, annual congenital syphilis have surged, resulting in increased stillbirths and infant deaths. Take Control: Protect Yourself and Your Sexual Partners Following are the best methods to prevent contracting or spreading an STI: Abstaining from Sex – The most reliable way to avoid an STD or STI is to not have sex. This include anal, vaginal or oral sex. Reduce Number of Sex Partners – You can reduce your risk for STIs by reducing your number of sex partners, getting yourself tested, having your partner tested, and sharing the test results with one another. Mutual Monogamy – Being sexually active with just one partner, and one who has agreed to be sexually active with only you can reduce the risk of STDs. Have an open and honest conversation with your partner about to be sure you are not infected with an STD. Use Condoms – Using the right type of condoms correctly and consistently is very effective in reducing the spread of STIs. Use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Protect Your Vaginal Health – Get Tested It’s important to know your STD status, not just for yourself but for your partner, future sex partners and your baby if you are pregnant or decide to become pregnant. Many STIs can be easily diagnosed and treated. Ask your OB/GYN to test you for STDs. This is the only way to know whether you are receiving the right tests. It’s as simple as having a blood test and pelvic exam. Have Your Partner Get Tested – and Share Your Results Your partner may have an STD and not even know. Asking your partner to be tested – and following up with the necessary steps to prevent further spreading of the STD if they do have an infection – is one of the ways you can help prevent the spread. Share your results with one another and have open and honest conversations to help prevent transmission. If either you or your partner is infected, both of you need to receive treatment at the same time to avoid getting re-infected. Make an Appointment Today Getting tested for STDs and STIs is common and very routine. Our compassionate and understanding OB/GYNs are here to help you. Call us today at 770.720.7733 to make a confidential appointment or simply Schedule an appointment online. STD/STI Education Articles

GYN Problems, Pelvic Pain Education

Sudden Abdominal Pain was Ovarian Torsion

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Lucy was only 17 when she began experiencing pain and tenderness in her abdomen. Her primary doctor chalked it up to PMS. However, her abdominal pain soon became so severe that her mom took her to an OB/GYN for an exam. It was there that Lucy was diagnosed with ovarian torsion. What is Ovarian Torsion? Ovarian torsion is a condition that occurs when an ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place. This twisting can cut off blood flow to the ovary and fallopian tube, which can result in severe pain and organ damage. Ovarian torsion is difficult to recognize since the only physical indicators are abdominal pain, cramps and pelvic pain. Because the symptoms closely mimic PMS, you’ll only know that something is wrong by the pain and tenderness in your abdomen. It can be easy to dismiss these symptoms but you should never wait to seek help in cases of severe, sudden pain. Symptoms of Ovarian Torsion The most common symptom of ovarian torsion is sudden abdominal pain. You’ll feel an occasional but sharp pain and you may also feel nauseous. You may even vomit as a result of the pain. Other symptoms include: Cramps may last a few days or even weeks. This occurs when your ovary is twisting and untwisting constantly. Pain may also go into your back or legs. The amount of pain you feel can depend on whether you are perimenopausal or post-menopausal. ‌Severe Ovarian Torsion If you have a fever, your ovary may be necrotic and will need to be removed. This is considered a severe case and you must seek treatment immediately. You may also experience abnormal bleeding from your vagina, as well as discharge. If your abdomen or pelvic area is rigid or in pain when you stop touching your abdomen, you may already have a necrotic ovary. Your doctor may do a pelvic exam to feel for other problems and tenderness. Who is Most Likely to Experience Ovarian Torsion? Ovarian torsion is most likely to happen to women during their reproductive years. However, it can also occur in children and women who are post-menopausal. Pregnancy can also put you at risk. Roughly 20% of ovarian torsion cases occur in pregnant women. Women who are on fertility or hormone treatments can also be at risk since hormonal medication can cause cysts to grow on your ovaries. These cysts and masses can put your ovaries at a higher risk for twisting around themselves. Treating Ovarian Torsion Surgery is the only treatment for ovarian torsion. Your doctor will recommend one of the following two surgeries. Laparoscopic Surgery – Laparoscopic surgery is considered minor. Your doctor will make an incision in your abdomen and insert a thin tube with a camera on the end called a laparoscope. He or she will then untwist the ovary and if necessecary, will untwist your fallopian tube, too. ‌ Laparotomy Surgery – Laparotomy surgery is an open surgery. This type of surgery is more invasive and requires anesthesia and an overnight stay. This surgery is performed by making an incision in your abdomen and assessing your reproductive organs. If possible, any present masses will be untwisted and removed.‌ If you experience severe ovarian torsion, meaning your blood supply was cut off from your fallopian tubes or ovaries, they will most likely need to be removed. ‌Seek Immediate Medical Attention if You Suspect Ovarian Torsion If you experience sudden abdominal or pelvic pain, seek immediate medical attention, as you could be experiencing ovarian torsion. Seeking help immediately will not only help relieve your pain quicker, but it may also keep you from having to get your reproductive organs removed. Ovarian torsion can happen at any age. Thankfully, Lucy received help immediately and was successfully treated. Our board-certified OB/GYNs can help if you suspect any issues. Make an appointment today by calling 770.720.7733 or request an appointment online.

Will I Always Have Pregnancy Stretch Marks?

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If you’ve had a baby, you may be wondering if you will always have pregnancy stretch marks. A whopping 90% of women get stretch marks as a result of pregnancy, so you’re not alone. It’s no wonder this is such a common occurrence. After all, stretch marks occur when your body stretches faster than your skin can keep up, and few things stretch a body more than carrying a baby for nine months. Who is Most Apt to Get Them? Women are more prone to get them if your mother had stretch marks, as genetics plays a role, or if you have a lighter complexion. The average weight gain over a nine-month period is about 30 pounds and the most affected areas are often the breasts and belly. However, they can also appear on the thighs, upper arms and buttocks. Stretch marks often start out purple or reddish and then gradually fade to white or gray after pregnancy. However, all women are different so the amount of stretch marks and the deepness in color one woman experiences may differ greatly to the next woman. Can I Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy? There are a lot of creams and lotions that claim to prevent stretch marks but unfortunately, it’s impossible to prevent them. That said, there are some things you can do to help make your skin feel better or look smoother and less itchy. Will My Stretch Marks Fade? Yes, the good news is that stretch marks will fade over time, and there are some things you can do to help the process. These include: Stretch marks are a normal part of pregnancy, and today, many women are celebrating their bodies, stretch marks and all — and that’s a beautiful thing!

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Endometriosis Education, Pap Smears, PCOS Education, Well Woman

The Importance of Getting Established with an OB/GYN in Your Early 20s

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The best time for a young woman to get established with an OB/GYN is before a health crisis arises, or before you decide to become pregnant. For young women, there are often several changes going on simultaneously that can make that time extra busy or even overwhelming. Life changes, new relationships, college, career choices, etc. make this an exciting and eventful time in a woman’s life. Most women are relatively healthy in their early 20s, and don’t consider the need for an OB/GYN until they desperately need one. Or think they can put it off until later, when they decide to become pregnant. The Importance of Establishing a Relationship With an OB/GYN If a woman can establish that doctor-patient relationship in her 20s with someone she can trust, that physician or medical practice can be a valuable resource to help guide her through all phases of life. “Your early 20s are an important time to establish healthy routines and habits that can last your entire life. Finding an OB/GYN you are comfortable with — and building a relationship where you can talk openly — is so helpful in creating a long-term healthy lifestyle.” Ansley Stone, MD, an OB/GYN at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in Woodstock and Canton, GA Why an OB/GYN is the Best Doctor for Women’s Health For many young girls, the transition from pediatrician to primary care physician takes place during their early teens, and often it is the primary care doctor who has initial discussions about hormones or birth control with her. However, during this time, and before she reaches her early 20s, she should see an OB/GYN annually, both to begin developing a relationship and for important gynecological screenings. “In my experience, young women have so many questions about their sexual health, menstrual cycles and hormones, and a trusted OB/GYN can help them understand and take charge of their own bodies. I always invest the time to really listen to my patients and understand their concerns. I want them to feel they can always ask me anything. Nothing is too personal to talk about with me!” Dr. Lisa McLeod, an OB/GYN at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists OB/GYNs Receive the Most Training for Women’s Healthcare Many people do not realize the extensive training that OB/GYNs undergo for becoming an expert in women’s health, becoming board-certified, and the extra training that is required each year to maintain certification and staying current on the latest women’s health issues. OB/GYNs undergo 4 years of undergraduate school in college for their bachelor’s degree, 4 years of medical school to become a medical doctor, and 4 years of residency in obstetrics and gynecology. Many have further training in a subspecialty or for certification in certain surgical techniques. All physicians undergo comprehensive written and oral testing for board certification, along with standard physician training, and then each year complete additional continuing education hours and testing, which are required to maintain certification. For a woman’s reproductive and hormonal health, the American College of OB/GYN (ACOG) recommends that all women over age 21 see an OB/GYN annually for thorough gynecological management. Pediatricians and general practitioners certainly have their valuable purpose for patients. They are responsible for the general overall health of children, men and women, but are not necessarily specialists in any one area. Why Annual OB/GYN Checkups are Critical for a Woman’s Health Most importantly, an annual visit to the OB/GYN is necessary for critical health screenings. Women in their 20s should have an annual pelvic and breast exam and a Pap smear to check for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. With all types of cancers, the earlier they are detected the better the prognosis. In addition to routine screenings, having open discussions about your general health is vital to uncovering underlying health issues. OB/GYNs often detect other underlying conditions — especially anything hormone related. Following are just a few of the issues managed and treated by OB/GYNs. Common Disorders and Diseases Managed by OB/GYNs: “It’s very easy for young women to overlook breast or cervical cancer and assume it is mostly found in older women. But the truth is that cancer can develop at any age, and early detection is critical. It’s not said to scare anyone – just get regular checkups for your own peace of mind!” – Dr. Lisa McLeod Read About Doctors to Find the Best Fit For You Read the Cherokee Women’s physican profiles to find the best physician for you, see their background information and watch their “Getting to Know You” videos. Schedule an Appointment Today Establishing a relationship with an OB/GYN in your early 20s sets a pattern for overall health for your lifetime. To schedule an appointment and get established with an OB/GYN, call Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists at 770.720.7733 or simply schedule an appointment online.

GYN Problems, Well Woman

Do I Have PMDD – Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). If you suffer from extreme physical and emotional distress a week or two before your period, you may have PMDD. PMDD Symptoms Not only do women with PMDD suffer from physical symptoms, but they experience psychological and behavioral symptoms as well. Symptoms occur a week or two before your period, and typically improve within a few days after your period begins. Symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with your everyday life. Emotional Symptoms Physical Symptoms What Causes It? The cause of PMDD isn’t actually known. However, decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone after ovulation and before starting your period may trigger symptoms. The brain chemical serotonin, which regulates hunger, sleep and mood, may also play a role as they constantly change throughout your menstrual cycle. Diagnosing PMDD Make an appointment with your gynecologist – a doctor who is board-certified in female health – and have an open and honest discussion about your symptoms. From there, your GYN will take a medical history and evaluate your symptoms. Once other conditions such as depression, reproductive disorders or anxiety are ruled out, you may be asked to track your symptoms over one or two menstrual cycles to check for a pattern. Your doctor will look for five or more PMDD symptoms, including one mood-related symptom. Is There a Treatment for PMDD? There are various treatments or ways to help manage PMDD. Your GYN may recommend one or more of the following: What Happens if Left Untreated? PMDD can cause extreme depression and in severe cases, may result in suicide. Relationships and careers can suffer as a result of the severe physical and emotional symptoms. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255. You’ll receive free and confidential emotional support 24/7. Talk to Your GYN Today if You Suspect PMDD While PMDD can be physically and emotionally debilitating, most women can get relief from their symptoms and enjoy a full life. Make an appointment with one of our compassionate GYNs today. Call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

Contraception Education, Teen GYN Education, Well Woman

My First GYN Appointment on My Own

Diane /

It’s time to go to your first GYN appointment alone and you probably have a million questions, such as: What will the doctor do? What will they ask? Will I have to get one of ‘those’ exams? As a young woman, it may feel scary to go to your first gynecological visit without your mom or someone to help guide you. We want to help put your mind at ease and explain what to expect and why it’s so important to get established with a GYN early on. Why Seeing a GYN for Female Health is Better than a Pediatrician or Family Doctor It’s important to understand the differences between a GYN and a pediatrician, or a general practitioner (family doctor). Gynecologists are experts in female anatomy and are the most qualified to care for GYN needs. While pediatricians and general practitioners are important for other issues, they don’t receive the extensive, specific training that GYNs do when it comes to female health. A GYN is Best Qualified to Pick Up on Female Health Problems Seeing the right doctor — a GYN — can be lifesaving. We’ve seen cases time and time again where our GYNs find health issues that were overlooked by a pediatrician or family doctor. This is because GYNs receive an extra 4 years of training and are board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, making them the best qualified to pick up on signs of female health problems. GYNs are also required to keep up with continuing education so they remain up-to-date on the latest OB/GYN health information. Female health problems that may be overlooked by pediatricians or family doctors include: Finding a Good ‘Fit’ Finding a doctor with the right qualifications in female health is extremely important to a young woman’s overall health. However, it’s also important to find a GYN that you feel comfortable with and cared for. Oftentimes, your friends and family can give you recommendations based on their experiences. You may want to ask your friends and family the following questions: 5 Reasons to Get Established Early On with a GYN There are many reasons a young woman should get established early on with a GYN. After all, she will likely have the same gynecologist for years to come. Following are just a few of those reasons: 1. A Trusting, Long-Lasting Relationship We often see generations of women come to our clinic. The same doctor that delivered a baby will often help that ‘baby’ deliver their own baby. It’s a beautiful thing when you develop that bond with your doctor. Not only is this helpful in terms of your GYN intimately knowing your health history, but having that connection with your doctor can also help alleviate any anxiety you may feel. 2. Knowing What’s Normal As a young woman, it’s important to know what’s normal when it comes to your gynecological health. Talking to your GYN about what’s considered normal — and/or abnormal — can help you know what to expect. Every young woman is different but having an established relationship with your GYN can help your doctor better understand and treat your particular issues. 3. Insurance Women often choose to stay with the same GYN for years is due to insurance issues. No one likes talking about insurance and for good reason; it’s stressful, policies can change from clinic to clinic in terms of coverage, and the entire process of changing practices can be daunting. Knowing what to expect when it comes to insurance can help give you peace of mind. 4. Learn Your Basic Health Information Another good reason to visit a GYN before you may actually have a ‘reason’ to see one is so that you can figure out your basic health information. These may include: 5. Discussing Exercise and Mental Health While you might not think to talk to your GYN about exercise or your mental health, our doctors treat patients as a whole. Taking care of your body and mind is very important to overall health so it’s a good idea to talk to your GYN if you’re experiencing any issues or have any concerns. We’re Here For You Choosing a GYN that’s right for you is important. We can help make your decision easier. Call us today at 770.720.7733 to make an appointment with one of our board-certified, compassionate GYNs or simply schedule an appointment online. We’re here for you! Teen GYN Articles

woman in labor counting contractions_180967781

How Will I Know I’m in Labor?

Diane /

Is it active labor or Braxton Hicks? Every woman’s experience is different, so knowing when it’s actually time to head to the hospital can be tricky. We have tips to help you. Labor is a Process While your body almost always gives you signals to recognize that labor is approaching, it’s always better to be prepared and know the common signs. It’s also important to remember that it is a process and that even after signs of labor start to appear, it could be hours or even several days until your baby arrives. Common Signs That Labor is Approaching Early labor can easily be misread as active labor, especially if this is your first baby. In terms of duration, it’s pretty unpredictable and really up to your baby and body to decide. Until you notice more consistent contractions, try your best to stay relaxed. If you are in early labor, you’re almost there as it’s the first step to active labor! 3 Common Signs of Early Labor Common Signs of Active Labor By the time active labor arrives, your cervix is most likely dilated 6 to 10 centimeters and you will notice stronger symptoms as time passes. Active labor can range from 4 to 8 hours, and sometimes even longer. This is when things begin to truly happen, and you should head to the hospital. As always, if you’re unsure of what steps to take, call us. 5 Signs of Active Labor False Labor Knowing you’re in labor can be hard, especially when you feel your uterus contract, but true labor hasn’t begun. This common feeling is called “false labor” and these contractions are called Braxton Hicks contractions. Communicate With Your Doctor When it comes to labor be sure to explain all your symptoms and concerns. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re still unsure or have any doubt, call our office. If you are experiencing pain or need immediate attention, go immediately to Labor and Delivery at the hospital. Be Prepared for Your Precious Bundle of Joy It’s normal to feel a wave of emotions during this time. From feeling excited, to disbelief or even apprehension. Just try your best to stay calm and breathe. It’s very unlikely that you will go into labor without warning as your body will let you know when you’re approaching the big day. Stay prepared and have your hospital bag packed so when the time is right, you’re ready to leave. Being as prepared as you can will help reduce anxiety when those first signs appear. You’re almost at the end and will be holding your baby in your arms before you know it. You got this!

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FREE OB eBook

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Anterior and Posterior Repair Education, Urinary Incontinence Treatments Education, Urogynecology

When Something Doesn’t Feel Right ‘Down There’

Diane /

If it feels like something isn’t quite right ‘down there, or you have a feeling of fullness, feel like you’re sitting on a ball, or experience a pressure in your pelvic region, you may have vaginal prolapse. Vaginal prolapse occurs when a woman’s pelvic floor muscles weaken, causing the uterus, urethra, bladder or rectum to sag and fall down into the vaginal canal. Because the muscles and tissues become weak and stretch, these organs may eventually even protrude out of the vagina. The Types of Prolapse What are the Symptoms? You may not experience any symptoms of vaginal prolapse. However, if you do, they may include: What Causes Vaginal Prolapse? Your pelvic organs are supported by a group of muscles called the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are often stretched and weakened as a result of childbirth, especially if you had a difficult delivery. Aging and the loss of estrogen during menopause can further weaken these muscles, allowing the pelvic organs to droop down into the vagina. Other causes of vaginal prolapse include: Who is Most at Risk? You’re more likely to experience vaginal prolapse if you: How is it Diagnosed? A pelvic exam is performed to diagnose vaginal prolapse. Your doctor might ask you to bear down as if you’re trying to push out a bowel movement. You may also be asked to tighten and release the muscles that you use to stop and start the flow of urine. This test checks the strength of the muscles that support your vagina, uterus and other pelvic organs. If you have problems urinating, you may have tests to check your bladder function. This is called urodynamic testing. Your doctor might also do one or more of these imaging tests to look for problems with your pelvic organs: What are the Available Treatments? Your doctor will recommend the most conservative treatment methods first. Non-Invasive Treatment Options Weight loss may help. Losing excess weight can take some of the pressure off your bladder or other pelvic organs. Ask your doctor how much weight you need to lose. Pelvic floor exercises, also called Kegels, strengthen the muscles that support your vagina, bladder, and other pelvic organs. Another option is a pessary. This device, which is made from plastic or rubber, goes inside your vagina and holds the bulging tissues in place. It’s easy to learn how to insert a pessary and it helps avoid surgery. Surgical Repair If other methods don’t help, you may want to consider surgery to put the pelvic organs back in place and hold them there. A piece of your own tissue, tissue from a donor, or a man-made material will be used to support the weakened pelvic floor muscles. This surgery can be done through the vagina, or through small incisions (laparoscopically) in your abdomen. Vaginal Prolapse is Treatable If you have any symptoms of vaginal prolapse, including a feeling of fullness in your lower belly or a bulge in your vagina, see your gynecologist for an exam. This condition isn’t dangerous, but it can have a negative effect on your quality of life. Vaginal prolapse is treatable. Milder cases can improve with noninvasive treatments like Kegel exercises and weight loss. For more severe cases, surgery may necessary. Call Us Today Call us at 770.720.7733 or request an appointment online to discuss your symptoms with one of our double board-certified urogynecologists. Specializing in women’s vaginal health, they will help guide you to the right treatment plan for your unique situation.

Author name: Diane

Expert, Natural Birthing

Can I Give Syphilis to My Unborn Baby?

Can Chlamydia Cause Infertility?

The Silent Symptoms of STIs and Their Unknown Risks

Sudden Abdominal Pain was Ovarian Torsion

Will I Always Have Pregnancy Stretch Marks?

The Importance of Getting Established with an OB/GYN in Your Early 20s

Do I Have PMDD – Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

My First GYN Appointment on My Own

How Will I Know I’m in Labor?

FREE OB eBook

When Something Doesn’t Feel Right ‘Down There’

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