The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus. But...
Several years ago, as I walked down the halls of Labor and Delivery, I realized that many of the women had not planned to be there. So, what happened? The fact is many women are sexually active and say, "if it happens, it happens." Definitely, we could be more intentional...
Fibroids are benign growths on the uterus. They can get pretty big and cause problems like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain/pressure, frequent urination, and infertility. If fibroids are small and not causing any problems, then the best treatment is to leave them alone. An ultrasound can be done periodically to check...
What exactly is an ovarian cyst? Ovarian cysts are sacs that develop in or on the ovary. Ovarian cysts can grow pretty big, ranging from the size of a peanut to a grapefruit, or larger. Let's explore the many types of ovarian cysts: The ovary is made up of tiny...
The causes of infertility in women can include many of the following: Hormonal issues: When hormone disorders are present, problems with ovulation can occur. These can be due to the lack of the necessary synchronized hormonal changes leading to the release of an egg from the ovary. Disorders of the...
Dating violence is when someone you are seeing romantically harms you in some way, whether it is physically, sexually, emotionally, or all three. It can happen on a first date, or once you’ve fallen deeply in love. Dating violence is never your fault. Learn the signs of dating violence or abuse...
A woman’s best reproductive years are in her 20s. Fertility gradually declines in the 30s, particularly after age 35. Yet, the number of women trying to get pregnant in their forties is rapidly rising. Whether due to personal choice or life circumstances, the reality is that it is harder to...
Have you ever been crazy in love? A kind of love that made you feel like the world is perfect. And then, BOOM! You test positive for a sexually transmitted disease. How could this happen, he did not look like he had chlamydia! Most people who have chlamydia don't know...
My dad once said, "good friends, you can never have enough." Then he said he could count on one hand the number of good friends he had. At his age, he knew the distinction between acquaintances and ride or dies! What about you? Even the most introverted amongst us needs...
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in women. Unfortunately, majority of the cases of ovarian cancer are discovered when the disease is advanced. Treatment is more effective when ovarian cancer is detected early. What are the early warning signs of ovarian cancer? Abdominal pain/pelvic pressure...
Curb your cocktails. If you're counting calories, alcohol is a waste of your daily allowance. You'll get a buzz but you'll rack up your calorie count quickly. Keep a weight log. Weigh yourself and record your numbers. It doesn't make sense to stay away from the scale. Awareness is powerful...
Heavy periods can be messy, painful, and simply incovenient. So many questions arise as women are faced with this monthly challenge. Let's explore: Q: What is a "heavy period?" Experts agree that every woman can have her own definition of a heavy period. So, if you say it's a heavy...
Excellent question. The fact is that every time you have sex, there is a chance that you could get a sexually transmitted infection. Consider this the next time you meet someone new. No one actually looks like they have chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, herpes, or HIV, to name a few STIs....
Leakage of urine with cough, laugh, or sneeze is a type of incontinence called "stress incontinence." With activity, there comes a strong urge to urinate followed by a bladder spasm and a gush of fluid. Stress incontinence is common among women and could worsen with childbirth, age, and illness. Well,...
Sex hurts so you avoid it. The less sex you have the more painful each episode gets until finally you say, "ENOUGH!" Before you give up entirely, let's discuss potential solutions. Painful intercourse or painful sex can be experienced by women of all ages. The pain can be inside the...
Vaginal Rejuvenation Q & A with Dr. Okasi Q: What is vaginal rejuvenation? A: “Vaginal rejuvenation” describes a variety of procedures to improve vaginal feel and function. With age, pregnancy, and childbirth trauma, the vagina loses its vitality. Some women experience looseness, pain, dryness, or leakage of urine. Surgery is...
“I feel fine.” Of course you do. A well-woman exam will give you proof and make it official. “I’m too busy with work, family, life in general.” Remember that all of them need you to be healthy. Wellness is the key to being unstoppably successful with work, life, and...
Did you know that with typical use, up to 90 out of 1,000 women will get pregnant on the pill. That’s 9%! Pills are very effective but can be challenging to remember to take at the same time daily. Here are a few tips our patients have shared: Place the...
