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Pap Smears, Well Woman

Do You Really Need an Annual Every Year?

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It’s a common misconception that women don’t need an annual checkup from their gynecologist each year. In fact, women do need an annual checkup each year, especially for a pelvic exam and breast exam. Cherokee Women’s Health sheds some light on the difference between a pap smear and a pelvic exam and why they’re so important to maintaining your overall health. Pelvic Exam vs. Pap Smear A pap smear and a pelvic exam are not the same thing. A pap smear is a brushing of cells from the cervix, or opening of the uterus. These cells are evaluated by a laboratory to look for signs of precancerous diseases of the cervix, which if successfully treated, can prevent cervical cancer. Sexually transmitted diseases can also be diagnosed and treated through information gained from a pap smear. Pap smears do not test for uterine or ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam usually occurs after a pap smear at your annual checkup. This is when your physician or advanced practice provider examines the skin of the vulva, vagina and cervix, looking for any suspicious lesions, which could indicate skin cancer or vulvar diseases. He or she will also perform a bi-manual exam using their hands to feel the pelvic organs and check for masses or inconsistencies. During this process, your doctor will gently place two fingers inside the vagina and use the other hand to gently press down on the area he or she is feeling. In doing this, your doctor is noting if the organs have changed in size or shape, and it allows them to feel the uterus, the ovaries, the bladder and the rectum. If your doctor determines that your uterus or other organs feel enlarged, he or she may order an ultrasound to check for fibroids, cysts, or other inconsistencies. Do I Need a Pap Smear Every Year? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggest that certain women do not require a pap smear every year. If you are over the age of 30, in a mutually monogamous relationship and have never had an abnormal pap smear, you may not need a pap smear each year. If you’ve ever had a hysterectomy that was not done for an abnormal pap smear and you fall into any of the above categories, your doctor may suggest you only need a pap smear every three to five years. However, any changes to menstrual cycle, abnormal bleeding, or vaginal pain or discomfort should warrant a call to your gynecologist. Do I Need a Pelvic Exam Every Year? Annual pelvic exams in addition to your yearly well-woman exam are essential for maintaining your overall health. It is imperative that you do not skip your annual pelvic exam, even if you have had a hysterectomy with removal of the uterus and ovaries. Your annual well visit not only includes a pelvic exam but a breast exam, as well as an opportunity to talk to your doctor about birth control options, weight, cholesterol, blood pressure or any other concerns. If you have questions regarding the recommendations of when to get a pap smear or a pelvic exam, contact our office at 770.720.7733 or make an appointment online.

kegel exercises
GYN Problems, Urinary Incontinence Education

Are You Exercising Your Pelvic Floor?

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While new mothers have a ton of new things on their minds after giving birth to a baby, one of the most important things they need to keep in mind is the importance of self-care, particularly the tightening of pelvic muscles to prevent further decline. For many women, practicing pelvic floor exercises can help repair their pelvic muscles and speed up recovery time. Tighten Your Pelvic Floor with Kegels Kegels, or pelvic floor muscle training, can be especially helpful for women who may be experiencing urinary incontinence due to pregnancy or childbirth. The great thing about Kegels is that you can do it discreetly, and just about anywhere or anytime. To make sure you have the right muscles, stop urination midstream. If you succeed, you have the right muscles. (However, be sure not to do this often, as doing Kegel exercises while emptying your bladder can actually weaken the muscles.) Once you identify your pelvic floor muscles, follow these tips to help tighten them: Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery While Kegels can be helpful in repairing pelvic floor muscles, it’s not a solution for every woman. The uterus, vagina, bladder and rectum can be injured during childbirth, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms for women after they give birth. These symptoms include pelvic pain, pelvic heaviness, back pain, bladder leakage, pain during intercourse, sexual dysfunction, and many others, and can be difficult to talk about. Sometimes, pelvic reconstruction surgery is necessary depending on the level of discomfort of the symptoms. We Can Help The urogynecologists at Cherokee Women’s Health are expertly trained in surgery to repair a woman’s reproductive and pelvic organs. If you are suffering from pelvic floor problems due to pregnancy, childbirth or age, don’t suffer silently. Call us today at 770.720.7733 to schedule a consultation or simply schedule an appointment online.

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Well Woman

Sign Up for Our Patient Portal

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We are constantly looking for ways to make our patients’ lives easier and to help them get the information they need quickly and easily. Our online patient portal does just that. Cherokee Women’s patients can now check results, message physicians and advanced practice providers, make appointments and view health records online. How Do I Sign Up? Signing up for our patient portal is super easy. All you have to do is call the office at 770.720.7733 and verify your email address. We’ll then send you a sign-up email. From there, you’ll need to input your password (our front staff will be able to help you with the temporary password) and follow the process to create your new account. Once you have your new account, you will have access to all your medical information, 24-hours a day. If you were signed up for the old system, your information is retained and automatically transferred to the new system, you just need to call the office for the new password and to verify your email address. By Using the Patient Portal, You Can:  Request appointments that are convenient to your schedule Pre-register and fill out health forms before your appointment, saving you time when you’re at our office. View lab results (As soon as we get them, they’re available on the patient portal.) Access your health records online for FREE. This is handy if you need to take them to a PCP, or for your own personal records, as you can do this with no hassle and no cost. Send a question or message to your physician or advanced practice provider Pay your bill online safely and securely Change your address or insurance information. Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is dedicated to giving the best in OB/GYN care to Canton and Woodstock residents. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our patient portal, don’t hesitate to call us at 770.720.7733.

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Miscarriage Education, OB

Understanding a Miscarriage

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Miscarriage is a pregnancy complication that happens when a woman’s pregnancy ends on its own before 20 weeks. Miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Studies reveal that anywhere from 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Chemical pregnancies, or when a pregnancy is lost shortly after implantation, accounts for 50-75% of all miscarriages. Often, a woman may not realize that she conceived when she experiences a chemical pregnancy, and may think that it’s her expected period instead. What You May Not Know About Miscarriage There are several things to know about miscarriage and miscarriage rates, according to an article recently published on Health.com called 11 Things You Didn’t Know About Miscarriage. These include, but are not limited to: Symptoms of Miscarriage Spotting is fairly common during early pregnancy, but shouldn’t be overlooked and you should always follow-up with your OB/GYN. Symptoms of miscarriage include: If you or someone close to you has suffered from a miscarriage, take the time to grieve. Women connect with a pregnancy early on, so it’s normal to grieve the loss. Some women have depression or depression-like symptoms following a miscarriage, and of course, fathers may suffer the effects as well. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with family and friends. Call Cherokee Women’s Health at 770.720.7733 immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.

OB

Pregnancy Sleep: Are You Getting Enough ZZZs?

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If you’re a first-time mom, you may not have expected sleep problems to arise before your little one was born. Sleep problems are common in pregnancy and can affect even the most resilient women. The key is to remember that any discomfort you may be feeling is short-lived, with the result of welcoming your new baby. Staying comfortable as your belly grows is probably the most common sleep problem during pregnancy, with frequent bathroom breaks, changes in temperature and weird pregnancy dreams being some of the other culprits. Here are some of Cherokee Women’s suggestions on getting a good night’s sleep while pregnant. Finding a Comfortable Sleeping Position As your belly continues to grow, you won’t be able to sleep on your stomach or on your back, leaving side-sleeping as the only option in those last few months. Back sleeping isn’t advised after your first trimester, since being flat on your back can put unnecessary pressure on blood vessels. More than likely, it won’t be comfortable anyway, as the weight of your uterus and baby pressing up against you will make it difficult to sleep. Sleeping on your side is easier on your circulatory system, and the left side is preferred because it allows for maximum blood flow. Stock up on Pillows To help make sleeping on your side more comfortable, especially if you’re a tummy or back sleeper, stock up on pillows. Some pregnant women find relief by putting a pillow between their legs. You can also place one under your belly and behind your back. There are also custom-fit full-body pillows specifically designed for pregnant mamas that cradle all these areas, aiding in a better night’s sleep. Of course, if you wake up in the middle of the night and realize you’ve shifted to your stomach or back, don’t panic. More than likely, it was your body’s way of telling you to shift positions, or you’re waking up to use the bathroom, again. To help you make the most of your pregnancy sleep cycles, avoid caffeine after lunchtime, curb your liquid intake after dinner (to keep you from those frequent bathroom breaks), and make sure you’re getting plenty of exercise (but avoid exercise right before bed). You can also take a warm bath or practice relaxation exercises to help you drift off easier. If you’re not getting enough sleep or have concerns about sleep positions during pregnancy, talk to your doctor the next time you’re at our Canton or Woodstock office.

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High-Risk Pregnancy Education, OB

Getting Pregnant After 40: What You Need to Know

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Thanks to the significant improvements in obstetrics and labor and delivery, more and more women are choosing to have children later on in life. What does this mean for mamas who want to have a baby after their 40th birthday? Cherokee Women’s Health takes a look at what you need to know if you’re considering waiting to have children. How Healthy are You? The chance of becoming pregnant during any one month drops to only 5 percent after age 40 (down from about 20 percent on average in your 20’s). Being able to conceive without the use of fertility drugs in your 40’s depends on a variety of factors, including your level of fitness, daily habits (think smoking, drinking, and diet), and whether this is your first baby. Pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body at any age, and making sure you’re the healthiest you can be will give your baby a healthy start. What are the Risks of Getting Pregnant After 40? While being an older mom can have advantages such as financial stability and more life experience, there are more risks associated with pregnancies later in life. These include: Make an Appointment Today Many of these risks can be avoided with excellent prenatal care. Talking to your doctor about your risks and concerns is your first step in determining whether having a baby after 40 is the right decision for you. If you’re considering adding to your family a little later on and have questions about conception, pregnancy, and delivering a healthy baby, don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment with one of our healthcare specialists or simply schedule an appointment online.

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OB

Summer Pregnancy Survival Tips

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When it comes to being pregnant during the sweltering summer months, many pregnant mamas think, “whose pool can I spend the next three months in?!” It’s true – being pregnant during the warmer months may not be fun for some, but there’s lots of pros and cons to being pregnant at any time of the year. Pregnancy Health: Sunburns, Insect Bites, and Vitamin D Summer pregnancy survival tips:  Use the pool – Or the beach, or the lake, or wherever you may find yourself this summer. One of the best perks about being pregnant in the summertime is being able to take a load off in the water. Swimming is also great exercise! Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water during your pregnancy is important for any time of the year, but it’s especially important during the summer. Try a mocktail – A cold beer and fruity alcoholic drinks are a no-no during pregnancy, but you can join the fun with a fruit mocktail. There are tons of delicious-looking recipes on Pinterest that will serve every palate. Use that SPF. Protect your skin by wearing a high SPF sunscreen and make sure you apply liberally throughout the day, especially if you’re in the water or prone to sweating. Protect your head with a wide-brimmed hat that will provide extra protection for your face and neck. Maximize your wardrobe – with a stretchy maxi skirt or dress. These summery outfits are perfect for pregnant women, as they accommodate a growing belly and are lightweight and flowing. And for tired, swollen feet, nothing beats a comfortable pair of flip-flops. It’s important to note that during pregnancy, your body temperature is already higher than normal. Pay attention to the heat index (hot hot the temperature feels due to the combination of heat and humidity) and for days in the 90s, stay in doors as much as possible with your air conditioning turned on. If you have questions about the dos and don’ts of summer pregnancies, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor the next time you’re at one of our offices.

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Well Woman

Cherokee Women’s Celebrates National Women’s Health Week

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Mother’s Day kicks off the celebration of National Women’s Health Week, a week designed to encourage the women of our lives (mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, friends, co-workers) to take some time out for them to really focus on their health. Women are known for making sure that their family and friends are taken care of and often put themselves last. However, without properly taking care of yourself, you’re doing them a disservice – you’re not your best self. We want to focus on a few key habits that will allow for you and your entire family to remain taken care of. Annual Gyno Exam For all women, annual well-visits are the key to maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. Gynecological services at your well-woman visit include a full pelvic checkup, any necessary tests such as screenings for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sexually transmitted diseases, among others. You will also be able to discuss family history, family planning, and ways to improve your overall health with your doctor and discuss any concerns you may have. When scheduling your next annual well-visit, make a list of all questions or topics you want to ask your doctor so you’re better prepared. Breast Exams Breast exams, which may or may not be performed at your annual well-visit, are also one of the services now offered without additional out-of-pocket costs. Breast exams, both in-office and at home, are imperative in detecting different types of abnormalities and warning signs. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle You’re busy. We understand. Trying to squeeze exercise into an already-jam packed week full of work, school schedules and outside activities can seem like an exhausting task in and of itself, but if you think about exercise in terms of a necessity, carving out 20 minutes here or there to go for a walk can really help keep you healthy. In combination with eating right and quitting smoking, exercise will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. To schedule your next well visit at one of our two locations, contact our office.

OB

Exercising During Pregnancy Leads to Healthier Moms and Babies

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During your pregnancy, you are no doubt taking every step to keep yourself and your baby as healthy as possible: you are abiding by the foods-not-to-eat list; you are not drinking any alcohol; you are limiting your caffeine; and you are making sure you are drinking plenty of water. So, what about being active? While this is not the time to start training for your first marathon, exercise during pregnancy leads to healthier moms and babies. The Benefits of Exercising During Pregnancy Exercise has already been proven to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes as well as improve the endurance of the mother, resulting in an easier delivery. Not to mention, you more likely to get back to your pre-baby weight faster than if you were not active. While we know that pregnancy fitness is beneficial for the mom, new studies indicate that maintaining a regular fitness regime during pregnancy will actually lead to a healthier baby, too. Studies show that women who exercised regularly during the second half of their pregnancy were more likely to give birth to babies with a lower birth weight. While a lower birth weight might not seem preferable, it actually is healthier since a too high weight is an indicator of childhood obesity. How to Exercise Safely During Pregnancy Now that you know the many benefits to staying active during your pregnancy, you need to make sure you are not doing anything too strenuous that could result in injury. So, here are a few guidelines to safely exercising during your pregnancy: Consult your doctor – It’s a great idea to discuss your fitness regime with your obstetrician and get his/her approval first. While it is healthy to continue exercising, your body is different now and some activities may not be conducive to your pregnant state. Don’t Overdo It – This is not the time to try for a personal record in the upcoming 5K or to push yourself to tackle a new goal. You are growing a human being, and that takes a lot of effort. As a result, your body may need more recovery time in between workouts and you may need to reduce the intensity of your workouts – like switch to power walking or swimming instead of running. Be Aware of Your Pregnant Limitations – Your growing belly comes with a few restrictions in regards to activity, like avoiding any exercises that require you to lie on your back. Also, your balance is not what it used to be, any activities that pose a high risk of falling, like rock-climbing and water skiing, are off-limits, too. Cherokee Women’s Health encourages you to remain active during their pregnancy, as long as you get the go-ahead from your obstetrician. Don’t hesitate to contact our office with any questions you may have about exercising or pregnancy in general.

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OB

Morning Sickness – How to Deal With It

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Shortly after you get the exciting news that you’re pregnant, the first trimester symptoms begin. One of the most common and unpleasant is morning sickness. Typically, morning sickness begins at about six weeks gestation, and it affects approximately 75% of pregnancies. If you are one of the lucky ones who sail through your first trimester without feeling sick, enjoy it. For the other three quarters of women, morning sickness is  a general term for nausea and vomiting. The severity of the symptoms differ from pregnancy to pregnancy and range from slight nausea to, in rare cases (like the Duchess of Cambridge), hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires hospitalization. How to Alleviate Morning Sickness Since you can’t put your life on hold during the first few months of pregnancy while battling morning sickness, you need to find ways to minimize the symptoms. So, Cherokee Women’s Health has a few suggestions to help you get through the day: While unpleasant, we hope that you can take comfort in the fact that experiencing morning sickness is perfectly normal and these symptoms usually subside during your pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns about morning sickness or anything about your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

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