Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

Cherokee Women’s Health Services is Awarded AlUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation

The Ultrasound Practice Accreditation Council of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine is pleased to announce that Cherokee Women’s Health Services has been awarded ultrasound practice accreditation. Cherokee Women’s achieved this recognition by meeting rigorous voluntary guidelines set by the diagnostic ultrasound profession. All facets of the practice were assessed, including the training and qualifications of physicians and sonographers; ultrasound equipment maintenance; documentation; storage, and record-keeping practices; policies and procedures to protect patients and staff; quality assurance methods; and the thoroughness, technical quality and interpretation of the sonograms the practice performs. Dr. Michael Litrel FACOG, FPMRS of Cherokee Women’s Health said “our guiding mission is to maintain the best standards in health care to help our patients achieve the best possible outcomes. Meeting AIUM standards may seem like a ‘nice-to-have’ feature, but for our practice, it is a must have. Our patients deserve the very best from us whenever they step through our doors.”

Painful Periods and Endometriosis

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Endometriosis is a condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, forms and grows in places outside the uterus. These growths may lead to pain and infertility. Up to 50% of women who have endometriosis may experience infertility. If you had painful periods as a teenager, it is very likely you have endometriosis. This problem often goes undiagnosed because women “get used to” the pain. Symptoms of Endometriosis In endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — abnormal tissue that binds organs together. Endometriosis can cause pain — sometimes severe — especially during your period. Fertility problems also may develop. Fortunately, effective treatments are available. Causes of Endometriosis The exact cause of endometriosis is not known. However, possible causes include the following: When to Call Your Doctor If you develop sudden, severe pelvic pain, call your doctor immediately. Call a doctor to schedule an appointment if: Treatment Options There is no cure for endometriosis, but treatment can help with pain and infertility. Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and whether you want to get pregnant. If you have pain only, hormone therapy to lower your body’s estrogen levels will shrink the implants and may reduce pain. If you want to become pregnant, having surgery, infertility treatment, or both may help. Not all women with endometriosis have pain. And endometriosis doesn’t always get worse over time. During pregnancy, it usually improves, as it does after menopause. If you have mild pain, have no plans for a future pregnancy, or are near menopause (around age 50), you may not feel a need for treatment. The decision is up to you. Medicines If you have pain or bleeding but aren’t planning to get pregnant soon, birth control hormones (patch, pills, or ring) or anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may be all that you need to control pain. Birth control hormones are likely to keep endometriosis from getting worse. If you have severe symptoms or if birth control hormones and NSAIDs don’t work, you might try a stronger hormone therapy. Besides medicine, you can try other things at home to help with the pain. For example, you can apply heat to your belly, or you can exercise regularly. Surgery If hormone therapy doesn’t work or if growths are affecting other organs, surgery is the next step. It removes endometrial growths and scar tissue. This can usually be done through one or more small incisions, using laparoscopy. Laparoscopy can improve pain and your chance for pregnancy. In severe cases, removing the uterus and ovaries (hysterectomy and oophorectomy) is an option. This surgery causes early menopause. It is only used when you have no pregnancy plans and have had little relief from other treatments. We Can Help As OB/GYNs, we specialize in protecting your fertility and providing treatment to relieve physical suffering. Our three board certified specialists in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) provide an exceptional level of expertise you won’t find in any other OB/GYN practice in the Southeast. Please contact us today to schedule your appointment by calling 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

Midwife Education

Founding Midwife Susan Griggs APRN, CNM

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Nurse Midwife Susan Griggs, a Pioneer in Midwifery for Cherokee County, Announces Retirement Certified Nurse Midwife Susan Griggs was the only midwife in the practice when she joined Cherokee Women’s Health, as well as the only midwife delivering at Northside Hospital Cherokee. A pioneer in midwifery for Cherokee County, local resident Susan Griggs has helped deliver more than 1,000 babies at Northside Hospital Cherokee. First Midwife to Deliver Babies in Cherokee County Susan was the first midwife to deliver babies in Cherokee County, a crucial service that has helped save the lives of many babies. Providing much-needed education on the importance of prenatal care and contraception – as well as the importance of midwives – Susan leaves quite a legacy. In May 2022, the certified nurse midwife of Cherokee Women’s Health and local resident of Woodstock, stepped down from her role and into a new one: retirement. “I would like to thank my patients for letting me take care of them. It has been a privilege to deliver over 1,000 babies at Northside Hospital Cherokee. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to provide gynecologic services and family planning for so many women in the community.” – Certified Nurse Midwife Susan Griggs Susan Joined Cherokee Women’s Health in 2007 Griggs came to the Northside Hospital-affiliated women’s health care clinic in 2007 after spending many years at Northside Atlanta and other hospitals around Atlanta. “Dr. Litrel and I both trained at Emory at Grady Hospital. I knew he had trained with midwives, and he wanted an experienced midwife on his team. Not all doctors work with midwives or know what we’re about, so we established a good relationship from the beginning, and it was a good match. The nurses had also worked with midwives, so they were very welcoming.” Co-workers added that it was Susan’s vision and leadership, along with Dr. Litrel, that formally established the midwifery program at Cherokee Women’s and Northside Hospital Cherokee. “Susan and I supported each other, and we’ve worked together intimately for a long time. She has helped mentor other midwives and nurses and has helped us build a strong team of midwives to incorporate into our practice.” Dr. Michael Litrel Susan adds, “I was the first midwife to be established at Northside Cherokee and deliver babies. As such, there were a lot of educational needs. This was something new in Cherokee County, so I did a lot of teaching. I also learned a lot from my colleagues. At Cherokee Women’s, there was – and continues to be – a great appreciation for midwives. It was very collaborative, which is what we all strive for. We want to help each other and learn from one another, and I’ve seen that growth and change over the years. It’s very empowering.” When asked about the role of a midwife, Susan shares, “Midwives learn and teach the natural process of labor and delivery. Just being a presence with the mother throughout the natural labor process is important. Doctors are always right there for a higher risk situation or for an emergency. Working collaboratively ensures the best outcome for the patient and baby and an overall positive birth experience.” Susan was Instrumental in Expanding OB Services at Cherokee County Health Department Susan also leaves behind a legacy of a long-term involvement with the Cherokee County Health Department. When she joined Cherokee Women’s Health, the Cherokee County Health Department only served women with gynecological needs. Susan was involved with the program as it expanded to include obstetrical services, which would have long-lasting, positive effects across the state of Georgia. Cherokee Women’s Health was founded in 1993 by a prominent Atlanta OB/GYN, Dr. James Cross. He was the first OB/GYN in the county with the sole purpose of improving the infant mortality rate. Within two years, he had reduced the infant mortality and morbidity rate by almost half. Dr. Michael Litrel joined the practice a few years later and became increasingly aware that more work needed to be done to help the women in the area who were without health insurance. “We knew we had to act and make a change because as women would show up at the hospital, their babies were dying, because they had no prenatal care at all. It was such a sad situation. Something had to be done, shares Dr. Litrel.” Susan and the doctors at Cherokee Women’s got involved by seeing patients at the Health Department that otherwise received no health care, usually due to cost. “Eventually, Susan would be the one to go to the health department and we’d supervise,” Dr. Litrel said. “It was a very synergistic process. We trained Health Department staff so those that didn’t have health insurance could receive care.” Cherokee Women’s was – and is – the Only Group to Deliver the Health Department’s OB Patients at Northside Hospital Cherokee Women’s Health began delivering the Health Department’s OB patients at Northside Hospital. They were – and continue to be – the only group that cares for Health Department patients. To qualify, patients had to go to at least one pre-natal visit at the Health Department. They would then be enrolled in the state program so when they went to the hospital in labor, they would be delivered by one of Cherokee Women’s midwives or doctors. At one time, Cherokee County had a 2.0 perinatal mortality rate, among the lowest in the state. Dr. Litrel says, “The new program that we implemented with the Health Department helped bring those numbers up dramatically. “We’re so thankful for all the people who got involved to make such a positive change in the community. It’s awesome to be a part of it.” Cherokee County is one of the few counties in the state (out of 159) that offers free obstetrical care through the Health Department. In fact, the program was so successful that several other Georgia counties followed suit and began the same model at their Health Departments. Unfortunately, many counties in Georgia still don’t offer

Pregnancy Pain

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If your pregnancy pains incite panic, you’re not alone. Moms are hardwired to protect their babies, and it’s easy to jump to the worst case scenario when experiencing unexpected pregnancy pains. But pregnancy means your body is stretching to accommodate new life, and sometimes those internal gymnastics result in some less than pleasant feelings. It’s not always fun to be a human trampoline! So when is pregnancy pain something to get concerned about? Common Pregnancy Pains Pregnancy pains are nothing new. Between the uterus expanding and infant elbows jutting into your internal organs, pregnant mothers undergo a lot. The most common causes of sharp pain during pregnancy are uterine cramping, gas and bloating, constipation, and second trimester round ligament pain. Home remedies will typically alleviate these discomforts. Try: Pregnancy safe stretches Walking or light exercise Breathing exercise Experimenting with sleeping positions and sitting positions. When to Call Your Obstetrician While many pregnancy pains are nothing to worry about, they can be a warning from your body that something isn’t right. Contact your obstetrician immediately if: You experience bleeding, chills, fever, or you are leaking fluid Pain lasts longer than several minutes or fails to abate after resting or adjusting The pain makes it difficult to move, breathe, or speak Sharp pain is localized on one side of the abdomen or uterus The pain comes and goes in cyclical fashion and increases in intensity Your midwife or obstetrician is with you for every step of your pregnancy. If you have concerns about pregnancy pain you’re experiencing, call us today at 770.720.7733 or request an appointment online.

GYN Problems, ThermiVa Education, Urinary Incontinence Treatments Education

Are You a Candidate for ThermiVa?

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ThermiVa is performed without the use of lasers, offering patients no recovery time or delay in sexual activity. The procedure only takes 15-30 minutes and requires no preparation time, so it offers flexibility for patients looking to receive treatment without hassle. How Does ThermiVa Treat Mild Urinary Incontinence Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are all contributing factors to urinary incontinence in women. ThermiVa is best for mild stress urinary incontinence, which includes leakage with certain activities, including coughing, sneezing, laughing and during exercise. For these factors, ThermiVa can be an excellent treatment option. Benefits of the ThermiVa include: Reduction in leaking during everyday activities Reduction in the “gotta-go” feeling, or sense of urgency Improvement of muscular coordination and strength of squeeze ThermiVa and Vaginal Dryness Another common issue that many women face, particularly after menopause, is vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness occurs during menopause as a result of the body’s decrease in the production of estrogen. ThermiVa treatments promote internal and external vaginal moisture by encouraging new collagen growth and circulation of the blood. Thus, this treatment is useful for menopausal patients who do not want or are unable to use estrogen replacement. ThermiVa can also offer relief for women who are on estrogen-reducing prescriptions such as Tamoxifen, which can cause vaginal dryness. Are You a Good Candidate? If you’re interested in receiving the ThermiVa procedure, consider these questions: Are you currently menstruating? Do you have signs of vaginal or bladder infection or severe vaginal pain or pelvic pain? Are you pregnant or could you become pregnant? Do you experience difficulty with tampons staying in, vaginal flatulence, or have you noticed a difference in penetration during intercourse or foreplay? All physicians at Cherokee Women’s Health are trained and qualified to administer ThermiVa treatments. Our practice also offers patients three physicians (Dr. Litrel, Dr. Gandhi and Dr. Haley) who are board certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). This certification allows them to provide exceptional care in regards to complications related to pelvic floor disorders. To schedule an appointment to speak to one of our physicians about ThermiVa, contact our office at 770.720.7733 or request an appointment online.

Dr. Litrel's Blog

April Fools

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by Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS The year my sons were seven and ten, I asked for my wife Ann’s help playing an April Fools’ joke on them. Sunrise on the big day found me crawling like a Ninja across the floor of my eldest son Tyler’s bedroom. With barely a sound, I rolled on to my back and shifted my body directly beneath his bed. I took a deep breath, and then, using all my strength, began shaking the entire bed frame. Ann’s timing was perfect. She burst into the bedroom. “Tyler!” she shouted. “Get up! It’s an earthquake – it’s an earthquake! Go downstairs – HURRY!” Tyler hardly moved. “It’s okay, Mom,” he mumbled, still half asleep. “It’s just Dad under my bed.” I was demoralized, with only bruised knees and a scraped back from my efforts. But it was not going to be for nothing. Nursing my wounded pride, I hushed Ann and went to the next room. “Let’s try it on Joseph.” But by the time I had crawled under Joseph’s bed, Ann reported that Joseph was smiling, his eyes closed, pretending to sleep. Luckily, I had prepared a backup trick the night before. I’d slid a rubber band around the kitchen sink nozzle so it would spray as soon as the water came on. It pointed up to the exact spot for dousing whichever of my beloved offspring washed his hands first. Tyler came downstairs still half asleep. “Would you please wash your hands before you eat,” I reminded him. It was hard to hide the eagerness in my voice. I watched Tyler as he came to the sink and reached for the soap. He stopped, looked at the faucet, and yawned. “You know, Dad,” he said with a trace of patronization, “if you use scotch tape, it won’t show as much.” I wasn’t in the mood for advice. “Just be quiet, and let’s wait for Joseph,” I replied testily. “AAUGHH!” screeched Ann. Oops. While I was distracted, Annie had turned on the water. Her pajamas were soaked. I apologized profusely, but Ann was not amused. Well, at least I’d gotten someone. But my real quarry was Tyler. He was just too cocky for his own good. I spent the day mulling it over, playing a few jokes to pass the day. Pregnant patients made the easiest targets. “Gosh, I hope you have two girls’ names picked out.” Or, “Wow, we haven’t had triplets in the practice in four or five years.” Back at home that evening, Tyler wouldn’t fall for anything. I found myself growing amateurish in my desperation. “There’s a spider on your shoulder!” “Your teacher just called. You’re in trouble!” Tyler just rolled his eyes. April Fools was obviously beneath him. Indeed, he hadn’t played a single joke on me all day. I finally gave up and trudged upstairs to bed. Just as Ann and I climbed between the sheets, we were met with an impediment. Tyler had short-sheeted our bed. Ann was dead tired. She began to complain and laugh simultaneously as she stripped the bedcovers to remake the bed. I tried to shush her so Tyler wouldn’t have the satisfaction of knowing his trick had succeeded. But it was too late. I could hear him snickering outside our bedroom door. My mind was unsettled. Although I was tired, I lay awake in bed for a while, unable to sleep. Finally, after some honest introspection, I came to a resolution which allowed me to drift off at last. Just wait ‘til next year. Excerpted from Dr. Litrel and his wife Ann’s book of “he-said, she-said” stories about love and family. A MisMatch Made In Heaven: Surviving True Love, Children, and Other Blessings In Disguise is available in the office, and online at www.createspace.com/4229812

GYN Problems Videos

Hysterectomy Q&A with Dr. Litrel

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Dr. Litrel addresses the most frequently asked questions about hysterectomies. Watch more GYN Problems videos below

Dr. Litrel's Blog

Do We Have Enough?

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by Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS When my son Tyler was fifteen, I brought him with me on a church mission trip to Honduras. It seemed an inspired idea: I was seized with a vision of him forsaking his Xbox for a transformative week of caring for poor people in a third world country. Twenty of us boarded the plane headed for rural Central America. Our physical task was to repair homes. Our spiritual task was to learn and teach about God’s love. Tyler was shocked by the poverty. Forty people lived in the remote village in mud and stick huts. They had no running water or electricity. Wandering the village were dogs so emaciated you could count each rib. Over the days that followed, Tyler took me to the side several times to sort through his feelings. How could we have so much at home when others in the world have so little? I was proud of him, growing up, asking the right questions… But as it turned out, he was still an obtuse adolescent. On the last day, we faced a grueling three-mile hike through the steaming jungle to the work site. Tyler assured me he had filled all our water bottles. But when we arrived, I discovered only three of the eight bottles were full. Tyler had gotten lazy and just hadn’t bothered. I was livid. We had an entire afternoon of physical labor ahead. Don’t you realize we have four THOUSAND pounds of cement to mix? How can we work without water? Blah, blah, blah… I’m sorry, DAD!!! I GET it! Tyler threw up his hands in exasperation. I could tell Tyler was more angry than sorry. But I stopped and sulked away, muttering dark thoughts under my breath. I had been proud that Tyler had chosen to come – the youngest in the group by five years. Heaven knows it was gratifying to see his hands finally off the game controller and wielding a shovel full of dirt. But I didn’t want to hear any adolescent fibs about filling water bottles. Our project was a hut with a dirt floor, to be replaced with cement. Twenty bags of mix had already been carried to the site. The choice of tasks were these: carry buckets of water from the stream, mix the cement on the ground, carry the wet cement into the hut, or lay down the floor. There were eight of us. It was back-breaking work. Three hours later, we lay exhausted under the hot equatorial sun. A feeling of discouragement began to creep over us. The floor was only a third done, and we were running out of both cement and energy. I slumped on a stool. A small village girl named Amalia crept quietly next to me. Her dress was worn, her face dirty, but her smile was glowing. She was one of eight children who lived in this tiny hut. A cement floor would keep her young body off the ground at night. Tyler rested motionless, his back against a tree. His work efforts had been listless at best. But I kept my criticism to myself. At least he was here. Just when the job seemed hopeless, a few neighboring villagers arrived to help. Recharged, we resumed mixing cement, carrying bucket after bucket into the hut. Somehow, we now had so much that we could not only cover the entire dirt floor but even make a front porch. Remarkably, too, our water bottles never ran out. Tyler and I had enough to last all afternoon. It was a strange and wonderful day in Honduras. Tyler and I had partaken in a kind of miracle: plenty of cement, a floor for Amalia, and even enough water. For me, it was a spiritual reminder that we are always given enough – an ironic lesson to learn while helping a family whose belongings could fit in the trunk of my car. It was only later, as I was falling asleep, that I figured out – Tyler had left all the water for me. Excerpted from Dr. Litrel and his wife Ann’s book of “he-said, she-said” stories about love and family. A MisMatch Made In Heaven: Surviving True Love, Children, and Other Blessings In Disguise is available in the office, and online at www.createspace.com/4229812

GYN Problems

Treatment for Endometriosis: How a Board-Certified FPMRS Can Help

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If you have a history of painful periods, pain with sex, or general pelvic pain, there is a good chance you have endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition that affects over six million women and teens in the United States, and millions of other women worldwide. Cause and Symptoms of Endometriosis While the definite causes of endometriosis aren’t 100% clear, possible causes include: Retrograde menstruation Embryonic cell growth Surgical scar implantation Endometrial cells transport Immune systems disorder Symptoms can be varied, with some women experiencing little to no pain and others experiencing moderate to heavy amounts of pain during periods, sexual intercourse or with bowel movements. Other symptoms include: Fatigue Diarrhea Constipation Bloating Nausea Excessive bleeding Infertility Treatment Strategies for Endometriosis While there is not a cure for endometriosis, certain treatment options can help with pain and infertility. Treatment will vary depending on your symptoms, your age, and whether or not you have future plans of becoming pregnant. Medication – Over-the-counter pain relievers may include aspirin and acetaminophen, as well medicines that inhibit prostaglandin (the hormone that controls processes such as inflammation, blood flow, and the formation of blood clots and the induction of labor). These include ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. If pain is very severe, prescription drugs may be required. Hormonal Therapy – Hormonal treatment aims to stop ovulation for as long as possible and may include: oral contraceptives, progesterone drugs, a testosterone derivative (danazol), and GnRH agonists (gonadotropin releasing hormone drugs). Side effects may be a problem for some women. Surgery – If your doctor has determined that surgery is the best treatment option, a board-certified FPMRS (Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeon) can determine what surgical method works best for your needs. FPMRS surgeons are highly skilled in the diagnosis, evaluation and both surgical and non-surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders such as endometriosis. Types of Surgery For Endometriosis A more conservative surgery option consists of using a laparoscope to find and remove any growths to remove pain and increase the possibility of pregnancy. In some cases, hormonal therapy may be prescribed in conjunction with conservative surgery. In more severe cases, your surgeon may recommend a hysterectomy, removal of all growths, and removal of ovaries (also called oophorectomy). These types of surgeries are considered only when other treatment options have offered little relief, as the surgery causes early menopause. Additionally, it is only considered when you have no future plans to become pregnant. The OB/GYNs at Cherokee Women’s have a deep understanding of women’s anatomy and the types of concerns that women struggling with endometriosis may be facing. Our board-certified FPMRS doctors can address concerns related to scar tissue, internal trauma after childbirth, excessive bleeding and infertility. If you have questions or concerns regarding symptoms or treatment for endometriosis, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.

Well Woman

Dr. Gandhi: Words of Wisdom and Facing Challenges

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In this article, Dr. Peahen Gandhi talks about her path to becoming a doctor, who inspired her and her philosophy regarding patients. Dr. Gandhi, what are some of your favorite parts about your job? I really enjoy talking to my patients and caring for women. Especially as a woman. I feel like I can relate to a lot of the same worries and concerns they have. Also, the spontaneity. This specialty incorporates surgical skills as well as quick-thinking on your feet. It is a moment-to-moment kind of thing, especially when it comes to delivering babies. I always feel totally humbled because when I get to work, my schedule may say one thing, but when I get done, I could have done a C-section at lunchtime or an emergency surgery that afternoon. All in the same day. Have your studies and sub-specializing in FPMRS changed the way you think about patients or how you approach their problems? The pelvis is such an interesting cavity, containing organs that play a crucial role in muscle support, reproduction and sexual function. After becoming board certified in this subspecialty, I realize that I play a unique role in helping women resolve issues of pelvic organ prolapse, leakage and sexual dysfunction. In fact, I realize how much women think about these embarrassing topics, especially the sexual dysfunction symptoms, and how much their needs change as they get older. For both menopausal patients and younger patients, it’s becoming a lot more acceptable to talk about sexual dysfunction. There’s a cultural shift going on that is allowing and encouraging women to feel more comfortable talking to their doctors about it. I’ve learned how to talk to patients better about sex, too. And why they’re not enjoying it, and how to improve it. We even do ThermiVa in the office which is a procedure that helps tighten the vaginal canal and improves lubrication. This is cutting-edge technology that provides patients non-surgical options without having to even take hormones. Another unique piece is the degree in which doctors are challenged to restore the anatomy without using synthetic materials (such as mesh). Patients are looking for surgical options that give them a quick recovery and yet, are successful. Surgical management of prolapse is more tailored to each patient, rather than using synthetic products to augment repair. I think I’m a better surgeon because of it. What has been your biggest challenge? I’m very sensitive. I really have to displace myself from taking things to heart. I worry about my patients all the time. How they’re doing; how I can help them. But it can be emotionally draining. I’m trying not to be such a worrywart all the time, and trying to be more objective. What is your biggest success up until now? Building up a medical practice that I am proud of – I can think of no other success than being a trusted provider. I think most of my referrals come from other patients. It’s been a slow process for me, but I see the difference in the number of patients after joining Cherokee Women’s eight years ago. I continue to grow and try to improve the care I deliver. Patients have said to me, “I want to see you because I know you’ll take care of me.” – Dr. Gandhi It’s so flattering, it’s such a high. I can’t believe somebody would feel that way about me, especially if they don’t even know me. That’s what I wanted, when I was in medical school and residency, to have a situation where the patient could tell that their doctor loves what they do. When you were young, how did you picture being a doctor? When you’re young, you don’t live in reality. You live in this foggy, idealistic world. I had a really good mentor, though. I went to high school in a very small town called Amanda, Ohio. Everybody kind of knew each other. My parents owned a grocery store, and we lived on top of the grocery store. I knew I wanted to go to medical school, and I surrounded myself with other people who believed in me and thought I could do it. I always pictured myself looking old (around 30 or so, because when you’re 15, 30 seems so old!), and saying, “Man, I knew I could do it.” How is your work the same as that, and how is it different? I realize now how naïve I was. The practice of medicine is on-going and fluid. One can never master it. But every great doctor aims high. This is what benefits patients in the long-run, a physician who never stops learning and is never “done.” What words of wisdom would you give your younger self? I think I would’ve told myself to have more fun. Trying to get everything done is an accomplishment, but sometimes it can compromise your ability to really grow as a person. If I could tell my fifteen-year-old self anything, I would say take moments to spend time with your family and friends. Every summer, all I did was study or go on some internship or work. And this is the first time in private practice that I’ve actually started taking vacations and making myself a priority. Who is one person who has had a tremendous impact on your life, personally or professionally? Honestly, there is never just one person. My father obviously was my biggest supporter. He never doubted my ability and was so insistent that I could achieve ANYTHING as long as I worked hard. He and my mother and brother have been so crucial in getting me to this point. Why and how did this person impact your life? The sacrifices they made for me through the years, I could never repay. When my dad passed away it really impacted me and how I choose to live life. But I strive to make my father proud, every day. I miss talking to him during my lunch breaks.

Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy

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The Centers for Disease Control made headlines this week when they announced that sexually active women of childbearing age should never drink alcohol unless they’re on birth control. The recommendation met with both support and backlash: many women agree that it’s not worth the risk, while others argue that telling 3.3 million women not to drink isn’t feasible. What do you think? Are You Expecting? You probably know that consuming alcohol during pregnancy can negatively impact a baby’s mental, physical, and behavioral development. What you may not know is whether or not you’re expecting. Some moms-to-be take 4 to 6 weeks to realize they’re pregnant. And as many moms of lovable broods know, about half the pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Even women actively trying to get pregnant might continue drinking. According to the CDC, only 1 in 4 women stops drinking alcohol when they go off birth control. Exposure to even minimal alcohol during pregnancy may affect the baby’s health. So is the risk worth it? The Effect of Alcohol on Developing Babies Whether you’re happily expecting or simply trying, we know your baby’s health is your #1 consideration. But you may not realize just how much damage drinking during pregnancy can cause. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause: Miscarriage Stillbirth Prematurity Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) FASDs can affect a child’s development both before and after birth. Symptoms can include anything from abnormal facial features and underdeveloped growth to poor memory, attention or hyperactivity disorders, learning disabilities, speech and language problems, and low IQ. Many people suffering from FASDs also have impaired hearing or vision and problems with their hearts, kidneys, or bones. Make the Healthy Choice At Cherokee Women’s Health, we advocate for the health of mothers and their babies. According to the CDC recommendation, all expectant mothers should refrain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy. If you’re trying to get pregnant, we recommend that you stop drinking alcohol until you go back on birth control. If you discover you’re pregnant unexpectedly, stop drinking immediately. Cherokee Women’s Health has an experienced team of obstetricians, dedicated nurse-midwives, and board certified FPMRS surgeons on staff. We specialize in normal and high risk pregnancies, with expert care physicians and advanced practice providers trained in both natural and standard births. To learn more about how to ensure a healthy pregnancy, call today or schedule an appointment online.

GYN Problems, OB, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Education

Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Pregnancy – Steps To Take

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When you’re diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, you’re faced with a challenging and emotionally painful question: Should I continue adding children to my family? Whether you’ve always wanted a big family, or just two children, you know that your health is in a precarious and delicate state. You’re afraid of worsening your prolapse, but even more afraid that you will regret not choosing to become pregnant again. Talking with a urogynecologist who specializes in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery may help to make this decision easier for you to make. Since there are surgical and non-surgical treatment options for any stage of prolapse, your doctor can offer insight that may alleviate your fears and concerns. Once you’ve settled on an additional pregnancy, it is important to take care of yourself physically in order to optimize a birth and post-partum period that will accommodate your body and your prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse doesn’t have to rule your decisions. Don’t let your limitations hold you back from living the life you want. During and After Pregnancy Prolapse Care Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – The exercises and touch therapy included in PT can help to keep your symptoms to a minimum throughout your pregnancy. Ask your urogynecologist or OB/GYN for a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in women’s health. After you deliver, check with your urogynecologist and OB/GYN to be cleared to begin the healing process of post-partum physical therapy. Prenatal and Post-Partum Support – When worn correctly, a maternity belt can ease pressure on the pelvic floor and lower back, allowing you to move easier and prevent straining. Different from a waist-trainer or girdle, effective post-partum support can be therapeutic for a healing pelvic floor. Run these products by your doctor to see if they will work for you and your limitations. Conscientious Movement – Remember that you are growing a baby, as well as nursing your prolapse. Move with purpose, and don’t push yourself to the point of pain. Lifting should be kept to a minimum, as well as bending over. When you do have to make larger movements, engage your transverse abdominus and kegel muscles. Keeping theses muscles strong will help support your pelvic floor, and help prevent any stress urinary incontinence. When recovering from birth, give yourself time to heal. Move slowly, and deliberately, and “baby” your pelvic floor. Ask your doctor how soon you can resume any pelvic floor exercises, and start slowly, working yourself up to your pre-pregnancy status. Simple life adjustments can have a big impact on a successful pregnancy and post-partum period. Cherokee Women’s Health Can Help Our board-certified physicians are female pelvic health experts and can help. Call us today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

Author name: Diane

Cherokee Women’s Health Services is Awarded AlUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation

Painful Periods and Endometriosis

Founding Midwife Susan Griggs APRN, CNM

Pregnancy Pain

Are You a Candidate for ThermiVa?

April Fools

Hysterectomy Q&A with Dr. Litrel

Do We Have Enough?

Treatment for Endometriosis: How a Board-Certified FPMRS Can Help

Dr. Gandhi: Words of Wisdom and Facing Challenges

Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy

Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Pregnancy – Steps To Take

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WARNING: Mature Content