Posts for category: Obstetrics Gynecology
Find out how an OBGYN treats and helps you manage endometriosis.
If you deal with unexplained or intense lower abdominal pain and cramping, particularly around your period, you may think that this is just a normal part of menstruation but it’s actually not. This could be a sign of endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus is also present and growing outside the uterus. This can lead to adhesions and scar tissue, as well as pelvic pain and a host of other unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, your Fountain Valley, CA, OBGYN Dr. Debora Sedaghat of OC Women’s Care can help you find the treatment you need to get your endometriosis under control.
How common is endometriosis?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that endometriosis can impact around 1 in 10 women in their reproductive years. While this condition is quite common and can affect women between the ages of 15-44 it is more common in women in their 30s and 40s.
Since endometriosis may make it more difficult to become pregnant, women who have endometriosis will want to turn to our OBGYN team for treatment options and to improve their chances of becoming pregnant.
What are the signs of endometriosis?
Painful cramping is one of the most common symptoms. These cramps usually occur around your menstrual cycle and can continue to get worse over time. Some women with endometriosis may also experience pain with sex or vaginal pain with bowel movements. Spotting between cycles is also more common in women with this gynecological condition.
If you notice abnormal spotting or bleeding, or painful menstruation, it’s a good idea to talk to our Fountain Valley, CA, team to find out what’s going on.
How is endometriosis treated?
Even though there is no cure for endometriosis, there are a variety of ways to help you treat and manage your condition. Hormonal birth control pills, shots, or intrauterine devices may be recommended to improve painful periods and breakthrough bleeding. If you are trying to become pregnant, hormonal treatments won’t be the best option.
In this case, our team will recommend a gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which is taken for a short period of time to reduce the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This can also improve your chances of getting pregnant once you come off the medication.
Sometimes surgery is necessary if medications aren’t providing our patients with the relief they need. Surgery is typically not recommended unless you are experiencing severe symptoms or non-surgical treatment options aren’t working.
OC Women’s Care in Fountain Valley, CA, can help you better manage your endometriosis. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with this condition, or you simply suspect that you might have endometriosis, our OBGYN team can help. Call Dr. Sedaghat today at (714) 966-2112 to schedule an appointment.
Birth control isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to family planning. What is considered ideal birth control for one woman won’t be the ideal option for another. This is why it’s important to talk with your OBGYN to discuss your lifestyle and your healthcare needs to find out which option is best for you. An OBGYN can help you determine the birth control that is going to be most effective and convenient for your life. Ready to find out about birth control?Here are some questions to ask yourself before considering birth control options,
What is most important to you when it comes to birth control?
This might seem like a rather broad question, so let’s get a little more specific. Some women are looking for a low or no hormone birth control that boasts fewer side effects while other women want a birth control option that can also help them get clearer skin. It’s important to talk with your OBGYN about what’s most important to you so that they can provide you with the best options for your specific needs.
Do you want to have a family and how soon?
If you are looking for a birth control option now but are thinking of having a baby in the next year, then this could help us determine which birth control option is best. Women who want to wait several years before starting a family, or who don’t want a family, may benefit from long-term birth control solutions such as intrauterine devices, which can remain in the uterus anywhere from three to ten years. Women who are looking to prevent pregnancy for only up to a year or two may benefit from more short-term options such as the pill or patch.
Will you remember your birth control?
Some women know that they won’t take the pill at the same time every day, so they want an easier option. If you think you’ll forget, or simply don’t want to deal with the daily reminders, then options such as the patch, ring, injection, or IUD can provide peace of mind knowing you are protected without having to take a pill every single day. For other women, taking a pill every day is no big deal. This is something to keep in mind.
Are you concerned about side effects?
Hormonal birth control does come with possible side effects, as compared to non-hormonal birth control (e.g. condoms; diaphragms; certain types of IUDs). Women who’ve tried hormonal birth control in the past and have dealt with mood swings and other issues may want to consider non-hormonal or low-hormone options. This is definitely something to discuss with your gynecologist.
It’s important to have the facts when it comes to birth control. There is a lot of information out there that can be daunting (not to mention that there is also a lot of misinformation out there). If in doubt, schedule a consultation with your OBGYN to help make the decision-making process easier.
Birth control is important if you’re a sexually active female. It keeps you safe from pregnancy while also providing other health benefits. Just like there are many different types of people, there are a variety of birth control options. It’s important to talk to your OBGYN to discover what works best for you. There is a birth control type that matches every female's preferences and lifestyle. 
A colposcopy is an OBGYN procedure performed after abnormal test results for cervical cancer or unusual areas are detected on the vulva, vagina, or cervix. Pap smear results come back flagged if there’s a chance the cervix is infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). The entire exam takes between 5-15 minutes. The only difference between colposcopy and a Pap smear is that your OBGYN uses an instrument called a colposcope. Your OBGYN will walk you through the entire procedure. - Genital warts
- Precancerous changes to the vagina, vulva, or cervix
- Vulvar, cervical, or vaginal cancer
- Cervicitis
For many females, making an appointment with a gynecologist can be intimidating, and some avoid visiting one altogether. The truth is, visiting a gynecologist is important for all females. OC Women's Care, which is located in Fountain Valley, CA, is an obstetric and gynecology practice that offers the full range of women's health services. Here are five reasons why you should visit your gynecologist.
1. Pap Smears - A Pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. A Pap test samples cervical cells to check for abnormalities. Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular pap tests and follow-up. To stay clear of cervical cancer, a pap test is necessary every three years.
2. Pelvic Exams - According to ACOG, women ages 21 years and older should get a yearly pelvic exam. The exam is a thorough check of a woman's pelvic organs. It may not be your favorite appointment, but a pelvic exam is indispensable to your overall health.
3. Breast Exams - A breast exam is a physical examination of the breasts done by a doctor. Breast exams are used to check women for breast cancer. Over 30 percent of women aren't getting breast exams when they should be. Breast examinations are commonly recommended for females over 40. However, if a history of breast cancer is present in your family, then earlier breast examinations are needed.
4. Irregular Menstruation - Have your periods stopped or become irregular? If you have a concern about your menstrual cycle, it is important to make an appointment with your Fountain Valley, CA gynecologist right away. If you ignore the problem, it could cause reproductive problems later on.
5. Birth Control - Birth control allows you to prevent pregnancy. If you are sexually active and are not ready to conceive, you should visit a gynecologist for birth control. Many females don't know that birth control can also be used to treat a variety of female problems.
When was your last visit to the gynecologist? Don't take risks with your health. Yearly visits to the gynecologist are a great start to taking control of your health. Call OC Women's Care, which is located in Fountain Valley, CA at (714) 966-21128 right now to schedule an appointment with one of our world-class gynecologists.
