Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

Sex can improve sleep, according to the latest studies. While more research is needed, the findings have shown that a healthy sex life can indeed help improve sleep and quality, restorative sleep can improve sex. Studies estimate that around 45% of women experienced at least mild sexual problems in the last year, and around 17% of women had more serious issues that caused them distress. Sexual health problems can be primarily physical but are also associated with mental, emotional or relationship issues that interfere with normal sexual activity. If you suffer from sexual dysfunction, we can help. Examples of sexual dysfunction include: Sleep Quality and Amount of Sleep Matters Sleep affects nearly every process and system of the body and is vital for one’s health. And while sleep is important, not all sleep is alike. Waking up several times a night or sleeping very lightly will not give you the restorative sleep your mind and body need to function at its optimum level. Continuous, uninterrupted sleep is vital and enables the restorative sleep we need. Another factor is the amount of time we sleep. Seven to nine hours of sleep per night is the average amount needed for adults for recuperation. If better sleep doesn’t improve your sex life, you may want to consider vaginal rejuvenation. Download our FREE Vaginal Rejuvenation eBook to learn more. Sleep-Related Disorders Can Lead to Sexual Dysfunction Following are sleep-related issues that can lead to sexual problems: Orgasms Result in Better Sleep Just as sleep can lead to better sex, studies show that sex can lead to better sleep. After an orgasm, hormones like oxytocin and prolactin are released, which can induce relaxing and pleasant feelings. Sex also reduces cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, thus resulting in better, sounder sleep. These hormonal changes can cause drowsiness, making it easier to fall asleep. Sex with a partner may also trigger this hormonal response by creating greater feelings of intimacy. All of these factors are conducive to better sleep. We Can Help If you’re suffering from any type of sexual dysfunction, it’s worth it to look at you and your partner’s sleep patterns. The solution might just be a few good snoozes away! If you have any questions or are experiencing any sex-related issues, our OB/GYNs are here to help. Call us today at 770.720.7733 to schedule an appointment or simply schedule an appointment online.

Midwife Education, OB

Midwives and OBs – Working Together

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At Cherokee Women’s Health, our patients receive the best of both worlds; a holistic-centered approach to birthing with the help of our midwives, along with the assurances of having a board-certified OB/GYN available should complications arise. By providing a team approach for our OB patients, we offer women more control over how they bring their babies into this world. If you choose to work with a midwife, this is what you can expect. Your Pregnancy, Our Team Approach The safety of our patients and their babies are our top priority. For this reason, our midwives deliver babies in a hospital setting, as opposed to providing home births. By working in conjunction with our doctors, our patients receive the best care possible. Our midwives are certified nurse midwives (CNMs) – as opposed to certified midwives – who are registered nurses who receive additional training in pregnancy and childbirth, including anatomy, physiology and obstetrics. With a master’s degree in nurse midwifery, CNMs receive the top midwifery training available. What This Means for You Because our midwives are both midwives and highly trained nurses, they have the expertise to recognize high-risk situations. If a situation occurs at any point during your pregnancy journey that requires an OB/GYN, she will immediately alert our OB on staff, who will promptly assess and treat the situation. By offering certified nurse midwives and OBs, you receive the compassionate, holistic care midwives are known for, along with the assurances of having an OB/GYN available in case there are any complications. We’re Here for You We would love to help guide you through your pregnancy journey. Call 770.720.7733 today to make an appointment with one of our OB/GYNs or certified nurse midwives. Or, simply schedule an appointment online.

OB Patient Stories, Queen's Journey to Motherhood

Queen’s Journey to Motherhood: Part 7

Diane /

Part 7 of Queen’s video series. Watch Episode 7 — the final video of our series — as Queen shares her journey towards motherhood and how Cherokee Women’s Health helped make that dream possible.

GYN Problems

Diagnosing Painful Sex

Diane /

Painful sex (dyspareunia) is treatable and there are ways to diagnose the reasons you’re experiencing painful sex. We understand that some women may find it uncomfortable to talk about sex, but it’s important to speak candidly with your doctor as this will help provide important clues to help with the diagnosis and treatment. Painful sex is a common problem and one that our physicians hear on a regular basis so you can be assured that our OB/GYNs will treat you with empathy and compassion. The more information you can share with your doctor, the better. He or she will take a thorough sexual and medical history, ask questions to gauge your emotional well being, and discuss any other issues that may affect your sexual health, such as stress. How Your Doctor Will Diagnose Painful Sex Diagnosing painful sex will typically include the following: A pelvic exam – Your provider will perform a pelvic exam, which can reveal signs of infection, skin irritation or anatomical issues. A speculum may be used to separate the vaginal walls so your doctor can get a visual exam. Some women who experience painful sex may also experience pain during a pelvic exam. You can always tell your provider to stop the exam if you’re uncomfortable. Your medical history – You’ll be asked where you’re experiencing the pain, how it feels, if different sexual positions increase or reduce the pain and if it happens with every sexual partner. You’ll also be asked when it began, your sexual history and if you’ve given birth. Other tests – Your doctor may also recommend a pelvic ultrasound for further diagnosis. Call Us Today, We Can Help You don’t have to live with painful sex. Our OB/GYNs can help you get back to enjoying sex the way you deserve. Call us today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

GYN Problems, Pelvic Pain Education

Why Does Sex Hurt?

Diane /

If sex hurts for you, you’re not alone. Thankfully, treatment options are available so you can get back to enjoying the sex you deserve. In fact, a large percentage of women of reproductive age experience pain during sex. While it’s a common problem, it’s a very individual problem and can be confusing and worrisome. Not only does a woman experience physical pain but oftentimes, suffers with emotional pain. It can be confusing when sex seems to hurt out of the blue, especially if you haven’t previously been diagnosed with any pelvic issues. That’s why it’s very important to talk candidly with your OB/GYN. While we know it may be uncomfortable for you to discuss these sensitive issues, our OB/GYNs hear these issues from their patients on a regular basis so again, you’re not alone. Causes of Painful Sex There are many causes of painful sex, including: We’re Here to Help Talking about sexual issues with your doctor may feel embarrassing but it’s one of the most common issues OB/GYNs deal with so when discussing it with your doctor, be as candid as possible. We will diagnose and develop a treatment plan specifically for you so you can enjoy sex the way you deserve. Our compassionate approach to treating you helps ensure a plan that addresses your specific symptoms. Call us today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

OB Patient Stories, Queen's Journey to Motherhood

Queen’s Journey to Motherhood: Part 6

Diane /

Part 6 of Queen’s journey to motherhood. Our patient, Queen, shares her journey to motherhood after a high-risk pregnancy.

GYN Problems, STD/STI Screening

What Causes Painful Sex?

Diane /

Painful sex is one of the most common issues women face, and it often becomes more prevalent over time. The reasons for pain during intercourse vary but the root cause can usually be pinpointed, and therefore treated. Following are possible common causes of painful sex: Help for Painful Sex is Available There are many reasons women experience pain during sex and each woman’s situation is unique. Our board-certified OB/GYNs are experts in female health and can help you find relief. Call us today at 770.720.7733 to schedule an appointment or schedule an appointment online. Help is available.

dr. michael litrel incontinence after childbirth

OB Videos, Urinary Incontinence Education, Urogynecology Videos

Incontinence After Giving Birth

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Dr. Michael Litrel of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists discusses urinary incontinence after giving birth and treatment options. Read his corresponding article.

GYN Problems Patient Stories

Jacqui Shares Hysterectomy Experience

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Our patient Jacqui talks about her hysterectomy experience, how she got relief at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists and what a difference it’s made in her life.