Category: Women’s Health

When searching for a provider, have you ever wondered what OB/GYN services to look for? The truth is many offices and physicians have different specialties, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare. When choosing an OB/GYN, it’s important to ensure their services align with your needs. Your life stage, personal and family history, and lifestyle will all influence your needs from an OB/GYN office and provider. To help inform you of the necessary offerings you should be looking for, here is our round-up of 10 key OB/GYN Services:

Annual and preventive health exams

Some assume that OB/GYN care is only for women who are pregnant or experiencing a gynecological issue, but this is not the case. Most OB/GYN offices provide annual checkups and preventative health exams to keep you healthy. Most health conditions are more treatable when identified early, which is just one of the many reasons to stay up to date on your annual exams. Preventative health exams are also important because they allow for the management of abnormal pap smears.

HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine is a fundamental part of preventing human papillomavirus, an infection that can lead to genital warts or even cancer. The Gardasil 9 vaccine is an FDA-approved vaccine that can be administered to people aged nine and older.

Family planning

Whether or not having children is part of your plan, establishing care with an OB/GYN office providing family planning services can provide a more supportive experience. Whether you are deciding when and how you would like to start a family or deciding what type of contraception is right for you, it’s important to choose a provider who aligns with your decisions and values. 

Infertility evaluation

If conceiving is more challenging than you anticipated, it’s important that your care provider is able to offer education and support related to infertility. Approximately one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner, one-third is attributed to the male partner, and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or is unexplained. Fortunately, there are also a variety of treatments available. For example, Green Valley OB/GYN provides fertility testing, ovulation induction, and minimally invasive surgery to help you overcome any infertility issues. 

Menopause management

When looking for care, it’s important to factor in OB/GYN services for every stage of life. Many providers choose the OB/GYN career path because of the continuity of care it allows for their patients. Choosing an office that provides services such as menopause management, osteoporosis treatment, and more means that you can enjoy the convenience of continuing care with a provider you are comfortable with.

Evaluation of pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can be indicative of a variety of different conditions. Having an OB/GYN can help you decipher the root cause of this pain and identify the most effective treatment. From period pain to endometriosis and more, your OB/GYN should be your go-to doctor for pelvic pain. 

Mammography

While mammograms are a necessary preventative measure for breast cancer, there are many OB/GYN offices that do not provide mammography screening in their office. For added convenience, we recommend choosing an OB/GYN that lists mammography as one of their OB/GYN services. 

Urinary Incontinence 

Urinary incontinence is another example of a service not offered by all OB/GYN practices. Still, it can be an excellent addition to other routine OB/GYN services. If your quality of life is being affected by bladder problems, it’s important to seek treatment. Green Valley OB/GYN is proud to 

evaluation and treatment options for urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and urinary frequency.

Laboratory services 

The convenience of laboratory services is not to be overlooked. Having a lab within your OB/GYN office allows for a quicker turnaround time, faster treatment, and added peace of mind. 

Surgery

Ultimately, should you ever face the need for gynecologic surgery, having a history with the physician can help you feel at ease. At Green Valley OB/GYN, our team specializes in various minimally invasive surgeries, including advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgical methods. Our office contains a surgical suite with anesthesiology services for various surgical treatments, including hysteroscopy, Novasure, Myosure, and LEEP.

Consult with an OB/GYN

Green Valley OB/GYN provides high-quality, comprehensive care regardless of your stage of life or gynecology needs. Whether you’re looking for a new provider or learning more about our offerings, we are proud to provide all of the key OB/GYN services you need for well-rounded health. Schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 336.378.1110.

Breast pain and tenderness are sensations most women will feel at one point or another in their lifetimes. Whether they experience it at the start of puberty or during menopause, breast pain is commonly seen in any stage of life where hormones are fluctuating. To help you decipher what might be causing your breast pain and tenderness, we’re sharing some of the most common conditions associated with this discomfort: 

Hormonal Fluctuations 

Breast pain and tenderness are commonly associated with a fluctuation in hormones that can be caused by many different factors. A feeling of soreness or heaviness in the breasts is often seen around the time of menstruation. Some women experience breast tenderness before their period and see it subside once their cycle begins. The reasons for this change is due to a rise in hormones, more specifically estrogen, and progesterone. 

Estrogen and progesterone are two of the primary ingredients in hormonal birth control options, which makes breast pain and tenderness a common side effect of some hormonal birth control methods. In some cases, your body adjusts to the birth control, and the breast tenderness subsides on its own, but in other cases, you may want to switch your contraceptive.

If you are experiencing breast tenderness, it may also be due to a change in life stage. Different life cycles, like puberty and menopause, are times when rapid hormonal changes occur, leading to numerous side effects, including breast pain and tenderness. 

While this sensation is a normal part of menstruation, you can alleviate the pain by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or by talking to your doctor about switching up your birth control method. 

Pregnancy 

Another time we commonly hear of breast pain and tenderness is in pregnancy. During the initial stages after conception, the body sees significant hormonal changes that can cause the breasts to remain sore during the first trimester as hormone production increases. Breast tenderness is typically one of the earliest signs of pregnancy for many women. This sensation, combined with other common signs such as a late or missing period and fatigue, are all indications that you may be pregnant. 

Side Effects of Medication

As we previously mentioned, hormonal contraceptives can cause breast pain and tenderness, but that’s not the only medication that has breast tenderness as a side effect. Other medications, including Oxymethone (a treatment for some forms of anemia), Chlorpromazine (used to treat various mental health conditions), and some diuretics (used to treat kidney and heart disease and high blood pressure), all list breast sensitivity and tenderness as possible side effects. 

Infection

If your breast pain is accompanied by redness, swelling, or fever, it is most likely caused by an infection. Conditions such as mastitis typically occur in breastfed women, but it’s possible for it to occur in other women as well. 

Breast Cancer

It’s important to note that breast cancer is typically painless, but in some cases, inflammatory breast cancer can cause pain. Inflammatory breast cancer is rare and amounts to only 1% – 5% of all breast cancer cases. If you are experiencing pain in addition to other side effects like a swollen, heavy breast and red or discolored skin, consult your doctor immediately.

Speak with A Green Valley OB/GYN Provider

While most causes of breast pain are normal and can be treated on their own, our team is always here to answer any questions you may have. Whether you’re experiencing changes in hormones, you think you might be pregnant, or you’re concerned with a possible infection, we are here to help! Give us a call or contact us online to set up an appointment with one of our providers at Green Valley OB/GYN. 

A new year has arrived, and with that comes a fresh start. While you set new goals and resolutions for yourself, be sure not to neglect an appointment with your gynecologist or obstetrician. Here are five important reasons to see an OB/GYN in 2023: 

Reasons to See an OB/GYN:

1. Annual Health Exam

Do you ever wonder how often you should go to the OB/GYN? The reality is that all women should have annual gynecological health exams on their calendars. At these exams, the focus is on preventative care and overall feminine health. 

During your yearly visit, otherwise known as a Well Woman Exam, you will discuss your medical history and any concerns you may have – such as pain during sex, STI testing, irregular menstrual cycles, etc. In addition, there is usually a breast and pelvic exam performed. Starting as early as age 21, a pap smear should occur at your preventative visit. A pap smear is a cervical screening that looks for cellular changes which could indicate reproductive issues or possible signs of cancer. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends getting a pap test done every three years. If you’re overdue for this screening or have any other gynecological questions for your physician, 2023 is the perfect time to book an appointment. 

2. Breast Health

If you’re at the age of 40 or above, the ACOG also recommends undergoing a mammogram at your annual Well Woman Exam. A mammogram is a safe, and effective way of screening for breast cancer. At Green Valley OB/GYN we are proud to offer a 3D mammography breast exam, which is proven to be more precise in detecting early signs of cancer than any other mammogram method. Book your breast screening and make 2023 the year of prioritizing your breast health. 

3. Finding the Right Birth Control for You

When it comes to birth control, there is no one-size-fits-all option. However, there is an option for everyone. A Well Woman Exam is the appropriate time to discuss different contraceptive methods with your OB/GYN. If you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, it’s important to find the best fit for your overall health needs. Whether you’re looking for a short-term or a permanent contraceptive solution, your OB/GYN will assist you in reviewing the pros and cons of various types of birth control. If conception is not in your plans for 2023, consult with your physician so you can feel confident in your contraceptive.

4. Planning a Pregnancy

On the other hand, if 2023 is the year you’re hoping to start a family, it’s an equally important reason to see your OB/GYN. According to the CDC, about 12% of women struggle with infertility. If you’ve been failing to conceive for over a year with unprotected sex, consider meeting with your obstetrician for an infertility evaluation. The physicians at Green Valley OB/GYN offer Family Planning Counseling. They cover every step of your journey, from preconception care to prenatal delivery and postpartum needs. Planning a family is a huge undertaking; it is not one you should take alone. Let your OB/GYN guide you through a safe and healthy pregnancy. 

5. Menopause Management

Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life that happens when their period stops permanently. The U.S. Office on Women’s Health states that the average age of occurrence is 52 years old. But how can you be sure you’re experiencing menopause symptoms? Some signs of menopause include hot flashes, mood swings, and (most importantly) going twelve consecutive months without a period. Your OB/GYN can recommend treatments to help you manage your menopause symptoms.

As you can see, there are many reasons a woman should consult with an OB/GYN. No matter what stage of life you’re in, your gynecologist is an essential part of achieving optimal female health. Start 2023 on the right note, and learn more about how Green Valley OB/GYN can help you become your healthiest self. 

Choosing an OB/GYN is an essential task for women. This doctor is crucial in maintaining one’s health throughout development and beyond. As this doctor will play a significant role in your health and wellbeing, there are certain things to look out for when choosing them. Considering these factors can make it, so you do not feel the need to switch after just a few appointments. 

Things To Look For When Choosing An OB/GYN 

Your OB/GYN plays an important role in your health journey. Feeling comfortable about your decision on who that is can make maintaining the relationship easier. At Green Valley OB/GYN, we are not only dedicated to your health but also to helping you find the best doctor suited for your needs. 

Check Out Their Qualifications 

Choosing an OB/GYN can come down to their experience. It is important to know an OB/GYN’s qualifications before setting foot in their office. With any type of medical professionalism, it should be very available information. 

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology explains this certification and its requirements. As this is such a specialized position, these are factors to consider. Ensuring that the candidates you are researching have these qualifications can be the easiest way to rule out some. All of them should be able to provide proof of these qualifications. 

Hear About Other Peoples’ Experiences 

The internet is an excellent resource for choosing services. There are constantly ways to find reviews and experiences that people have had at any given place. An OB/GYN is no different. Take the time to research the various options and read about what other peoples’ experiences have been like. 

While the internet is a great resource, you can also use the people around you for information. Ask your friends and family in the area if they are happy with their OB/GYN and if so, try out that one. You can even ask questions that are important to you to see if their doctor would be on the same page as what you are looking for. 

Pay Attention To Their Communication Style  

You should feel comfortable talking to your doctor about what is going on with your health. For some people, that looks different than for others. The key is finding a doctor with a communication style that matches your own. This is why reviews have a role while also leaving room for your own opinion if certain things do not seem like a dealbreaker for you. 

Once you have that initial appointment, you can decide if you think the communication styles pair well. If not, you can go on to find another option that does. If you do not feel comfortable sharing information with your doctor, it could lead to you not disclosing information that would stand out to them about your health. That is why this is so important to consider during the decision.   

Figure Out What Your Insurance Covers

Sometimes, choosing an OB/GYN comes down to which doctor your insurance covers. Healthline digs deeper into this by explaining that if you have health insurance, the policy documents should include which OB/GYNs in your area take your insurance plan. 

This is important to understand and figure out as it may make your pool of candidates smaller from the beginning. If you find one that does not fall under your plan but they are your favorite, you need to check the policy to see the cost of choosing a doctor who does not fall under your plan. 

Take your time when choosing an OB/GYN. These four things to look out for can start your process and rule out options along the way. You may even try out options throughout the process and decide they are not it. That is okay. At Green Valley OB/GYN, we provide women with confidence in their health while also making sure they are satisfied with our service. Does this seem like the OB/GYN for you? Check out our website or give us a call at (336) 378-1110 to schedule an appointment.