Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

Have you ever looked ‘down there’ and wondered if your vaginal age is in line with your actual age? Does it look the same as other women your age? Many women spend thousands of dollars over the years to preserve their youthful appearance, but mostly on what is noticeably obvious to others. Usually not their vaginas. Your vagina may rarely be seen by others, or maybe quite a lot – but most likely somewhere in between. As a woman ages, her body goes through many changes. This includes her vagina. Vaginas are a soft tissue canal, and the vaginal opening is part of the vulva, which also includes the clitoris, labia and pubic mound. The internal vaginal canal connects the vulva to the cervix and uterus. Throughout a woman’s lifetime, the vagina looks and feels different. Since vaginal health is important for your overall health, every woman should be aware of what is normal for each age. As OB/GYNs and experts in female vaginal health, here is what you can expect your vagina to be like at every age and stage of your life. Your Vagina From Late Teens Through Your 20s A woman’s vagina is at its peak in the late teens to 20s with a surge of the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Estrogen keeps a woman’s vagina lubricated, elastic and acidic which helps it remain in optimal vaginal health. The vagina is surrounded by two sets of skin folds known as the inner labia and outer labia. The outer labia contain a layer of fatty tissue. In late teens and into a woman’s 20s, the outer layer thins and may appear smaller. Another noticeable truth for many women is that her sex drive is usually at its strongest during her 20s. If sexually active, especially if sex is frequent, she may experience urinary tract infections (UTI) as bacteria travel from the vagina to the urethra. To help minimize the risk of developing a UTI, it’s recommended to urinate as soon as possible after sex to help force bacteria out of the vagina. A common saying among OB/GYNs is that the female vagina is self-cleaning. As it cleans itself, it produces a white or clear discharge. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect the amount of discharge the vagina produces. Unless you’re having symptoms such as pain during sex, itching, a foul-smelling discharge or burning, your vagina needs little maintenance in your 20s, other than a daily washing of your vulva with very mild soap and water. Your Vagina in Your 30s During your 30s, your inner labia may darken due to hormone changes. If you become pregnant, vaginal discharge may increase and appear milky. It may have a mild odor, but should not be green, yellow or smell bad or fishy. After giving birth, your vagina may lose some of its elasticity and stretch more than usual. Over time, many vaginas will return to almost prebirth size. For some, the vagina may stay more stretched than it was before giving birth. Kegel exercises can help by strengthening pelvic floor muscles and restoring vaginal tone. Oral contraceptives may cause vaginal changes such as increased vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness and breakthrough bleeding. These symptoms often resolve on their own. If they persist, consult your gynecologist. You may need to try a few different oral contraceptives until you find one that works for you. Your Vagina in Your 40s During your 40s, you may begin perimenopause, which is the time before you stop menstruating. Perimenopause causes your vagina to go through significant changes. As estrogen levels in your body decrease, your vaginal walls become thinner and drier. This is known as vaginal atrophy and may cause: Vaginal irritation Vaginal burning Painful sex Vaginal itching Vaginal discharge Burning during urination Vaginal shortening of the canal. Having regular sex helps slow the progression of vaginal atrophy by keeping it elastic and increasing blood flow to the vagina. Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers or applying a vaginal estrogen cream may also help combat vaginal dryness. See your gynecologist for advice on improving vaginal atrophy. Another change during your 40s is that you may notice your pubic hair may thin or turn gray or white. Your Vagina in Your 50s and Beyond By age 50, most women have stopped menstruating and her estrogen levels are quite low or depleted. Her vulva may appear smaller. Vaginal atrophy is a widespread problem for many women in their 50s. Low estrogen may change the acidity in your vagina. This may increase your risk of infection due to bacteria overgrowth. Low estrogen doesn’t only impact your vagina, it can affect your urinary tract. Atrophy may occur in your urethra and lead to urine leakage, overactive bladder and urinary frequency. See your gynecologist if you are experiencing any of these problems. Hormone replacement therapy helps reduce the symptoms of vaginal and urinary atrophy. There are several options available to help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, anxiety, etc. Discuss hormone replacement therapy with your gynecologist if you are experiencing any of these menopausal symptoms. Vaginal Prolapse Menopausal women are at risk of vaginal prolapse, especially if they have given birth vaginally or had prolonged labor. Vaginal prolapse occurs when all or part of the vaginal canal falls into the vaginal opening. Vaginal prolapse often involves other organs such as the bladder, rectum and uterus. Vaginal prolapse symptoms may include vaginal discomfort, a heavy sensation in the pelvis and pain in the lower back. Vaginal prolapse treatments are pelvic floor exercises, insertion of a supportive device to hold the prolapsed area in place, or if prolapse is more bothersome or severe, surgery may be the best option. So, What is Your Vagina’s Age? Most likely your vagina is right on track with your own age. If you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s and beyond, you can typically expect your vagina to be similar to others your age. However, there are many exceptions, and

Do I Have a Shallow Vagina?

Diane /

As OB/GYNs, we are asked thousands of questions from our patients. Oftentimes, women feel embarrassed to ask common questions, such as the above questions. However, having a shallow vagina can create noticeable problems, especially with intercourse or trying to insert anything into the vagina. Pain and discomfort are never normal, so it’s best to discuss any issues with your OB/GYN. What is a ‘Normal’ Vagina? The average vagina is between 3 and 6 inches deep, or for most people, that’s roughly the length of your hand. But an unusual fact is that the depth of a vagina can change in any 24-hour period. For instance, if a woman gets nervous or uptight, the vagina can be more on the smaller size. However, if a woman gets sexually aroused, the vaginal canal grows longer. This lengthening allows the uterus and cervix to lift up from the vaginal canal so that penetration will be easier and more comfortable. The vaginal canal undergoes several changes throughout the many stages of life, from puberty, childbirth, aging to menopause. Also, all women are different and unique, and this holds true for vaginas as well. It is completely normal for each female to have different lengths, shapes and sizes of vaginas. Just like no two women are the same, no two vaginas are just alike. There is No ‘Normal’ Vagina So, technically, there is no ‘average’ or ‘normal’ vagina, just a range for what is most common. The only important fact to keep in mind is that if you experience pain or discomfort, see an experienced OB/GYN who can help you find the source of the pain. If you’re suffering with a “shallow” vagina, it could be caused by an underlying condition that makes penetration uncomfortable. Read on to learn more about why this happens and how you can find relief. What if my Vagina isn’t Deep Enough? If vaginal penetration is uncomfortable, you may have a conditioned called a shallow vagina. It can also be noticeable if you have discomfort or difficulty inserting a tampon. Some other signs that your vagina is shallow or not deep enough is if: A Shallow Vagina Can be Caused By: If your vagina feels unusually short and is causing discomfort or pain, see an experienced OB/GYN to rule out an underlying medical condition so together you can find the root of the problem. For many, treatment can lessen the degree of discomfort and minimize pain. 7 Medical Conditions That Can Cause a Shallow Vagina If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may be diagnosed with any of the following conditions: 1. Vaginismus Vaginismus is an automatic bodily response where vaginal muscles involuntarily constrict when trying to insert something. This condition is usually treated through a combination of pelvic floor exercises, medical vaginal dilators and possibly counseling or coaching. 2. Tilted Uterus The uterus is above the vagina and usually points forward toward the abdomen. But in approximately 1/3 or all women, the uterus is tilted toward the spine. This is called a tilted or retroverted uterus. A tilted uterus doesn’t necessarily shorten the length of the vaginal canal, but it may make insertion difficult. Penetration from behind and deep thrusting may be especially uncomfortable. Discuss with your doctor different sexual positions that may work better and not cause discomfort. In some cases, your doctor can recommend exercises that may help to correct the position of the uterus. In severe cases — and if it is seriously altering your lifestyle — surgery may be discussed. Your doctor will advise treatment options based on your unique situation. 3. Vaginal Stenosis Vaginal stenosis is a condition that causes scar tissue in the vaginal canal. The result is a narrower and shorter opening to the vagina which may make intercourse more difficult or impossible. Vaginal stenosis is often the result of surgeries, childbirth, sexual trauma or other injuries which can cause scar tissue in the vaginal canal. Treatment focuses on keeping the muscles pliable and preventing stiffness. To do this, your doctor may recommend using a vaginal dilator, lubrication and practicing pelvic floor exercises. 4. Fibroids Up to 80% of women have fibroids, and many don’t even realize it. They can be the size of a pea, or as large as a watermelon. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in and around the uterus. If the fibroid is a significant size, it can possibly bulge into the wall of the vaginal canal and cause pain with intercourse. The fibroid can make the vagina seem shorter if it is blocking part of the vaginal canal. Pain with intercourse is never a normal symptom, so it should never be ignored. Uponexamination with an OB/GYN, they will be able to see if fibroids are present and come up with a treatment plan. 5. Infection Vaginal infections are one of the most common problems that affect the female reproductive organs. These infections are not only uncomfortable but can cause further health problems if left untreated. There are a wide variety of infections that can affect the female genitalia. Vaginal infections may be caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses or parasites found in the vagina or vulva of a female. If left untreated, an infection can cause pain and swelling in the vaginal canal, which in turn can make penetration uncomfortable or impossible. Evaluation by an OB/GYN can help determine if an infection is present and if so, provide treatment options. 6. Vaginal Dryness Vaginal dryness can occur for many reasons and can cause painful intercourse. It is common as women age, especially as they are approaching menopausal years. With menopause, there is a decrease in the production of estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that helps maintain the vagina’s lubrication, elasticity and thickness. Speak to your doctor to find out if hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Vaginal dryness and low estrogen can occur at other times as well. Estrogen levels fall after childbirth, with breastfeeding or during certain other medical treatments or medications. 7.

Bleeding Education, Well Woman

Is My Period Normal?

Diane /

What is a ‘normal’ period? When it comes to your period, what is standard for one woman may not be for another. Some women have short, light periods and others have longer, heavy periods. However, a normal, healthy period is defined by a few common criteria. Normal bleeding typically occurs about every 25-31 days, lasts 4-5 days, and a woman loses approximately 2-4 tablespoons of menstrual fluid during each period. The fluid lost can be thin or clumpy and varies in color from dark red to brown or pink. Your period may last from 3-8 days. What If My Period Changes? Often when a woman first starts her period it may last only a few days or be very light. Once your body adjusts to your regular cycle, it’s important to track so you will be aware of significant changes. There are apps to make it easy or you can use a good old-fashioned calendar. Changes in your period could be a sign of a problem and may require a visit to your doctor. A few examples of these changes are: Bleeding for longer than you normally do Unusual or greater pain during your period than before Unpredictable timing of periods from month to month Bleeding between periods, particularly if you are not on any birth control Missing a period altogether, and you are not pregnant. You are having much heavier bleeding than normal. Note: Some health conditions or birth control methods may also affect your period. This should also be discussed with your doctor. What is Considered Heavy Bleeding? Heavy menstrual bleeding or HMB, is defined by certain characteristics, such as: Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row Needing to wear more than one pad at a time Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days Needing to change pads or tampons during the night Menstrual flow with blood clots that are as big as a quarter or larger. If you feel your periods are irregular, unpredictable or abnormal, it’s time to talk with your doctor. Your menstrual health is an important part of your overall health and our physicians at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists are here to help make sure all is well. Call us today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

Colostrum – A New Mom’s Liquid Gold

Diane /

You haven’t given birth yet but can feel your breasts leaking, so what’s going on? Don’t worry, it is completely normal and just means your body is getting ready to feed your baby. As your body’s hormones work to regulate milk production, you may find drops of colostrum in your bra, most commonly in the final weeks of pregnancy. What is Colostrum? Colostrum is the first milk your baby gets when you start breastfeeding, a high-protein, antibody-rich liquid that your body produces. It’s the first stage of breast milk production that begins during pregnancy and lasts for several days after the birth of your baby. It’s commonly called “foremilk” because it comes in before mature breast milk, or “liquid gold” because it’s the perfect first food for your baby. Colostrum: High in protein and lower in fat and sugar, making it easier to digest and full of nutrition. Full of antibodies and immune properties. A natural laxative, helping your baby move their bowels and get rid of the meconium (the tar-like poop that collects in the bowels before your baby is born). What Does it Look Like? Colostrum doesn’t look like what matured breast milk does. You can expect it to be a clear, creamy white, yellow, or even orange liquid. Most times it’s thick, though it can be thin, and sticky. As more mature breast milk comes in, typically around the third or fourth day after giving birth, it appears creamier looking and white or blueish white in color. Don’t worry if the volume of colostrum seems small. Your body produces exactly what your baby needs. A newborn’s stomach is quite small, so several spoons of colostrum per day is plenty. When Does Colostrum Come In? While it’s different for every woman, colostrum can appear as early as the second trimester. If you do experience leakage long before your due date, don’t worry. This leakage is not a sign of premature labor, nor does it mean you won’t have any left when your baby arrives. How Much Colostrum Does My Baby Need? Generally, newborns need to eat about 8 to 10 times per day. Their little stomachs can only hold about a teaspoon of colostrum or milk at each feeding. Don’t worry about over-feeding at this stage, your body won’t produce much colostrum each day. If you and baby are healthy and breastfeeding is going well for both, you’re in great shape. Our OB/GYNs are Here for You and Your Baby At Cherokee Women’s Health, we dedicate ourselves to providing optimal care to moms and their babies. Call to schedule an appointment with one of our exceptional board-certified OB/GYNs or certified nurse midwives or simply schedule an appointment online.

Different Baby Positions in the Womb

Diane /

Throughout pregnancy, your developing baby moves into several positions. You might be wondering how your little one lies inside your uterus. Are they crisscross, upside down, sideways? As labor approaches, some positions are safer than others. Keep reading to learn all about fetal positions. Positions in the Womb Anterior – The position ideal for birth, and the most common, is anterior. In the anterior position, your baby faces your back with the head pointing down to the ground. Your baby will most likely be moving in all different positions, but most settle into this position during the last month of pregnancy. Left occiput anterior – The baby is on the left side of the womb with their head facing down and facing your back. Right occiput anterior – The same position as listed above, except the baby is on the right side of the womb. Breech – The baby’s feet point down when the baby is in a breech position. Posterior – The baby’s head is down and their back is in line with yours. Transverse lie – The baby is lying horizontally on their back. Anterior Position The best position for delivery. The baby’s head is down in the pelvis, facing your back with their back facing your belly. This position allows for the baby to tuck their head in, with the top pressing down on the cervix. This encourages it to open for labor. Breech Position The breech position is when the baby is resting with their head up instead of down in the pelvis. If your baby is in the breech position at any time throughout pregnancy, there is no need to worry. It is safe for a baby to be in this position during pregnancy. Some risks are involved if the baby stays in breech position at the time of delivery. Only around 3-4% of babies are in breech position at the time of delivery. Posterior Position The posterior position is also known as the ‘back-to-back’ position. The baby’s head points down with their back resting against your back. This position makes it difficult for the head to tuck in and can lead to other challenges, such as: A challenging and slow labor Backache for the mom Harder to pass through the smallest part of the pelvis Most babies are in this position due to mom spending long periods of time sitting or lying down, which is likely to happen if your doctor recommends bed rest. Since the back of a baby’s body is heavier than the front, they can sometimes be encouraged to roll into the ideal position by leaning in the wanted direction. Transverse Lie Position The baby is lying horizontally when in the transverse lie position. Most do not stay in this position in the weeks and days leading up to labor. If your baby is in this position right before birth, a cesarean delivery will most likely be necessary. How to Tell Which Position the Baby is In Your physician or certified nurse midwife can usually figure out your baby’s position by Leopold’s maneuver, which is feeling your belly with their hands. If they’re unsure, the position can be confirmed with an ultrasound. It may also be possible for a person to tell which position their developing baby is in on their own. Pay attention to any movement you feel, like firm pushes from elbows, knees and feet. Following these movements, you might get a sense of which way your baby is oriented. The baby might be in the anterior position if your abdomen feels firm, which means you’re feeling your baby’s back. Another way to tell if your baby is anterior is if you feel strong kicks under your ribs. On the other hand, if your abdomen feels softer and your belly button is pushed in rather than poking out, your baby might be in the posterior position. Oftentimes in the posterior position, you’ll feel kicks in the middle of your belly. Don’t Worry Remember, your baby moves into many positions throughout your pregnancy journey. If your baby is in a transverse lie or breech position just before labor, the correct steps will be taken to ensure you and your baby’s safety during birth.

Infertility Education, OB

How Many Eggs Do I Have?

Diane /

If only women could replenish their ovarian reserve by running to the grocery store and picking up a carton of eggs. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. And what’s worse is that once a woman’s eggs are gone, they’re gone. So How Many Eggs Does a Woman Have Throughout Her Lifetime? Let’s start at the beginning. That is, with a fetus. It may be shocking to know that a fetus starts with around 6 million eggs. However, by the time that ‘baby’ reaches 40, only 10% of her eggs will remain. At menopause, a woman will only have around 25,000. So how and why does this happen? And what does this mean for your fertility chances? In this article, we break down a female’s egg count by the ages. Egg Count of a Fetus and at Birth As we mentioned, a fetus has around 6 million eggs. These eggs, called oocytes, are steadily reduced when that baby is born, she only has 1 to 2 million eggs left. No new eggs are produced after the fetus stage. Before Puberty Only about 300,000 eggs remain by the time a female with ovaries reaches puberty, as prior to puberty more than10,000 eggs die each month. Of the 300,000 eggs before puberty, only around 300 to 400 will be ovulated during a woman’s reproductive lifetime. After Puberty Finally, some good news! After puberty, the number of eggs that die each month actually decreases. Each month, one egg is selected by your body to become the dominant follicle. This follicle contains the one egg that is ovulated that month and represents your one chance to conceive. (Although in some cases there are exceptions, resulting in fraternal twins.) The eggs not chosen as the dominant follicle die off. Every month, you ovulate one egg and the rest die, and that cycle continues until menopause when there are no eggs left. In Your 30s Fertility begins to decrease anywhere from age 28 to 32. After age 37, it declines more rapidly so that by the time you reach 40, you’re likely to be down to less than 10% of your pre-birth egg count. In Your 40s There is no definitive answer when it comes to determining how many eggs you have left when you hit your 40s. Because certain factors, like smoking, can reduce your number of eggs, there is no one-size-fits-all. Research has shown that the average woman has less than a 5% chance of getting pregnant per menstrual cycle in her 40s. Also taken into account is that, while the average age of menopause is the U.S. is 51, some women will reach menopause earlier. After menopause, a woman has less than 100 eggs left, making the chances of getting pregnant very slim. What Does This Mean for Fertility? While these statistics, give you a general idea of how many eggs a woman has during different stages of her life, they are simply generalizations. There are certain risk factors, such as smoking, chemotherapy and radiation, that can cause a faster rate of egg loss. If you’re in a higher risk category, you may have fertility concerns or may even experience early menopause or ovarian failure. Know Your Egg Count So, how many eggs do you have? That question is one that should be given much consideration if you’re planning on conceiving. Thankfully, our OB/GYNs can help you determine your ovarian reserve. By knowing your egg count, you can better prepared for future decisions. Make an Appointment Today Our compassionate OB/GYNs are here to help you. Make an appointment today for preconception counseling by calling 770.720.7733 or simply schedule an appointment online.

Urinary Incontinence Education, Urinary Incontinence Treatments Education, Urogynecology Patient Stories

‘No More Leaking During Intimate Moments’

Diane /

Leaking due to urinary incontinence affected Stephanie in more ways than one. Not only was her physical activity affected, but her intimate moments with her husband as well. “When I ran road races it was just brutal because I was concerned with leakage. It even affected intimacy.” – Stephanie on the hardships of dealing with incontinence Stephanie shares how urinary incontinence affected everything from working out, to laughing, to intimate moments — and how she ‘feels free’ after having surgery. Constant State of Worry Urinary incontinence can have far reaching effects. Stephanie was so occupied with worrying about what was going on ‘below the belt’ that it hampered her ability to just be in the moment. Working out, as well as intimacy, were a challenge and constantly on her mind. At just 53, Stephanie realized she was too young to have incontinence rule her life. She decided to take charge and scheduled an appointment with her doctor. “Within 2 weeks, I took a 60 minute bike riding class at the gym. Shortly after that, I was jumping rope! I feel so free and I worry a lot less. I wish I had done it sooner.” – Stephanie on the freedom surgery gave her Surgery Gave Me ‘Peace of Mind’ Stephanie shares that the best part of having surgery for her incontinence is that she got back her peace of mind. She no longer has to worry about leakage in public or private settings, which is a very good thing indeed!

Urinary Incontinence Education, Urinary Incontinence Treatments Education, Urogynecology Patient Stories

“I Would Stay Behind for Fear of Leaking”

Diane /

For Renay, stress urinary incontinence meant she was missing out on life. She would often ‘stay behind’ while her family and friends went hiking, played volleyball or participated in fun activities. And going to the gym? That was out of the question. “Pads could only do so much,” Renay said. “The bouncing, running and jumping would make matters worse so I either ‘stayed behind’ or became the photographer.” – Renay reflects on life before surgery Renay was also restricted by where she could go, regardless of the activity. If there wasn’t a bathroom within a safe distance, she would again ‘stay behind’. Renay’s story is not uncommon. She had given birth to five children and it was after her fourth baby that she started experiencing incontinence. She was tired of living a limited life so she decided to do something about it. Renay talks about her decision to get surgery for her stress urinary incontinence and how her life changed after treatment. Getting Help for Stress Urinary Incontinence Renay finally made the decision to get surgery for her incontinence and she’s so glad she did. The only regret she has is that she didn’t do it sooner. She explains that she had a bit of discomfort right after the surgery but felt fine the very next day. She was most surprised to learn that the effects really were immediate. “The effects were immediate. I wish I had done it 5 years earlier.” – Renay on difference surgery made. Today, Renay no longer sits on the sidelines or ‘stays behind’. Worries about jumping and running are a thing of the past. She participates in activities with family and friends and is even hitting the gym.

Urinary Incontinence Education, Urogynecology Videos

Sling Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Diane /

This video explains the sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence, which is just one treatment option for incontinence.

Cancer Screening, Well Woman Patient Stories

Diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer in my 30s

Diane /

Mandy was healthy and young, just in her mid-thirties the day she found the lump. While she didn’t even think about the possibility of breast cancer, she decided to go ahead and schedule an appointment with her doctor anyway. And then, just before she made the appointment, she found another lump. She immediately went in for scans and a biopsy. Diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer Mandy was even more terrified when her doctor suspected she had stage IV cancer, however, he wouldn’t know for sure until after surgery. This meant Mandy had some serious decisions to make, and quickly. “I thought it was a death sentence. I remember thinking, ‘I have to get my affairs in order’.” – Mandy’s upon learning she had stage IV metastatic breast cancer With the possibility of having stage IV cancer, Mandy decided the best option for her was to have a double mastectomy. She’s certainly glad she did because after surgery, her doctor told her that she did indeed have stage IV metastatic breast cancer. The Importance of Self Screening and Mammograms This is just another woman’s example of the importance of self screening and making an appointment with your doctor as soon as you find a lump or suspect something is not right. Today, Mandy reports that she is feeling great and is healthy. She attributes that to her decisions to take action and receive care as quickly as possible.

OB Patient Stories

Joy Triumphs Over Grief – Shacorra’s OB Story

Diane /

Shacorra and her husband, Jerrod, were thrilled when they welcomed their first child — a healthy baby boy named Grayson. When Grayson was breech at 37 weeks and had to be delivered via an emergency C-section, they had no idea that would be just the first of many challenges they would have to endure throughout their parenthood journey. They were not prepared for the loss and grief to come, or for the pure joy they would ultimately experience. Within a year of Grayson’s birth, Shacorra was expecting again, but this time things did not go as well, and she lost the baby due to a miscarriage at seven weeks. While grieving for this child, Jerrod and Shacorra found they were expecting again. While they were excited to be expecting another baby boy, they were naturally very apprehensive that they’d suffer another miscarriage. Shacorra’s pregnancy progressed as planned but devastatingly, their beautiful baby boy, Rhyne, was stillborn at 34 weeks. Grief-stricken, Shacorra wondered why this happened to her. She was angry. She was sad. She even felt guilty, wondering if she had done something wrong. “What got me through was prayer and leaning on my family and friends. I had a great support system. I also feel everything is in God’s timing and that helped me to stay hopeful.” – Shacorra on how she endured the difficult times Pregnant Again With one toddler at home and two babies lost, Shacorra and Jerrod were surprised and thrilled to learn that they were pregnant again, but of course, they were nervous. Shacorra wanted to call the physician for every little ache or pain and felt like she needed her OB appointments closer together. But knowing that anxiety wasn’t good for her or the baby, she eventually learned to relax her mind. While she had a smooth pregnancy, Shacorra was diagnosed with cholestasis, a liver condition that occurs in late pregnancy that triggers intense itching. Thankfully, medicine relieved the symptoms and her pregnancy continued to go well. Shacorra went into labor at 37 weeks. Choosing to deliver via VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), baby boy Taylen joined the family! Another Pregnancy 6 Months Later! Six months after the birth of baby Taylen, Shacorra and Jerrod learned that they were pregnant again. Now living in Georgia, they were many hours away from their family and friends in North Carolina. Needing a local OB, Shacorra spent lots of time reading reviews in Woodstock and Canton areas of N. Georgia. After much research, she settled on Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. The many excellent reviews she read led her to feel it was the right choice. Choosing Cherokee Women’s Health Shacorra’s pregnancy was quite typical, at least as typical as it can be during a pandemic. But because of Shacorra’s history, the physicians and certified nurse midwives at Cherokee Women’s watched her very closely. And then, at 39 weeks, Shacorra delivered another healthy baby boy named Kaz, again via a VBAC. “Cherokee Women’s Health delivered baby Kaz and they are the best! I truly trust them and loved having them there to deliver Kaz.” – Shacorra on Cherokee Women’s Health Another Loss, But Then More Joy While Shacorra and Jerrod were incredibly grateful to be parents to three healthy boys, they were devastated when they suffered yet another loss when Shacorra had an early miscarriage a little over six months after baby Kaz was born. Fast forward, and Shacorra and Jerrod learned that they were pregnant again. This time with their first baby girl! They chose Cherokee Women’s Health again to help them through her pregnancy and as before, Shacorra was monitored very closely throughout her pregnancy by the physicians and midwives. Welcome Baby Rhya! Everyone was thrilled when she made it to full term after having a smooth pregnancy. Then, Dr. Lisa McLeod welcomed baby Rhya into the world! “Dr. McLeod was great and helped me to have a calm labor. With all I had been through and being so far away from family and friends, I was so grateful for everyone at Cherokee Women’s Health. They treated me like family. They really showed they cared. They not only helped me with my physical health, but also with my mental and emotional health.” – Shacorra on the care she received from Dr. Lisa McLeod and the staff at Cherokee Women’s Health Shacorra says only God knows for sure what is next for Jerrod and their growing family, but one thing they know for sure is that Baby Rhya will be spoiled by her three big brothers. And she’s the first granddaughter in the family! “It’s still hard sometimes and I will never forget the losses we endured, but I will say that time has helped. Whatever comes our way, we will trust God and lean on our support system. Sometimes we go through situations not just for ourselves, but to be able to share our experiences to help and encourage others. And I as Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.” – Shacorra’s thoughts on strength Advice for Other Moms Suffering Loss In reflecting on all that has happened, Shacorra shared, “Some of us women are blessed to have every pregnancy a success, and some of us have losses. It’s important to express every emotion. Don’t keep it in. Know you are not alone and know that rainbows only come after storms. Things will get better.”

Pelvic Reconstruction Education, Urogynecology Patient Stories

No More Drippy, Saggy Parts!

Diane /

Women often think it’s normal to experience saggy, drippy parts as they get older. However, Cherokee Women’s Health patient, Janeen, aged 69, didn’t want to live with vaginal looseness and incontinence so she sought help from double board-certified urogynecologist Dr. James Haley. Here, she shares why she decided to do something about it and what she — and her husband — think about her results. “I am so very happy to have had Dr. Haley as my surgeon. I finally decided to have surgery as I was “drippy” at unexpected times. Sex was okay, but not like it was when I was younger, when I told Dr. Haley what penetration felt like for me he explained that he could fix that also! – Janeen on her experience with Dr. Haley “I really wanted to understand exactly what was going to happen physically to my insides and I asked a lot of questions. Dr. Haley took the time to draw me pictures so I could grasp the concept of just how my saggy ligaments would be tightened up. I also had concerns about pain medication as I do not respond well to most common drugs for pain. He worked with me to find something that my body would tolerate. The information from his office was very complete and gave me guidance on what to expect after surgery. My total time at the hospital was half a day from start to finish, if that long. The first three days I had to move slowly as I found it difficult to sit down, but after three days I was completely off of pain meds. Soaking in a bath of Epsom salts helped the healing process. My post-surgery care required no sex for eight weeks. I thought that was too long to wait, but let me tell you that the first time was so tight, that I am glad we waited. Sexual feeling in the vaginal area has changed. I feel more sensation, more length and more satisfaction,” Janeen shares. “My husband said I was tight before and he was happy, but after surgery, holy cow, did he change his mind! He said it is a “hole” new experience.” – My husband’s thoughts on my new surgery I am almost 69 years old and I highly recommend anyone with similar problems to let Dr. Haley fix you up! Insurance covered everything but Medicare does not pay to pull up the pelvic floor and make you tight. I guess the insurance companies think that women over 65 must not have sex anymore so I did have to pay out of pocket for the portion to tighten me up. The cost was so worth it though! You will be happy you took the time to take care of yourself.”

Author name: Diane

How Old is My Vagina?

Do I Have a Shallow Vagina?

Is My Period Normal?

Colostrum – A New Mom’s Liquid Gold

Different Baby Positions in the Womb

How Many Eggs Do I Have?

‘No More Leaking During Intimate Moments’

“I Would Stay Behind for Fear of Leaking”

Sling Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer in my 30s

Joy Triumphs Over Grief – Shacorra’s OB Story

No More Drippy, Saggy Parts!

Find us on

Locations

Patient Portal

Appointments

Credit Card Financing

Cherokee Women's Health

WARNING: Mature Content