Put A Ring On It

There is a new kind of birth control on the market, and it’s called Annovera.  Annovera is a silicone ring, containing two female hormones, an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) a progestin (segesterone acetate).  Like other rings on the market, it’s meant to be inserted into the vagina, and kept in place for 21 days.  Then removed …

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Vaginal Odors? What To Make of Them

Vaginal odors are something many women worry about.  Sometimes, women are concerned they aren’t cleaning down there properly, or that something else is wrong – do I have a vaginal infection? A UTI?  Did I eat something that made me stink?  None of these questions are silly, and most of the time the smell from …

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What’s the difference between Low Libido & Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?

Did you know that 43 percent of all women experience some form of sexual dysfunction?  Hypoactive (low) Sexual Desire Disorder [HSDD], characterized as frustrating low libido, is the most common form of sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), is believed to be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.  …

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Defining Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

If you are a woman of reproductive age, chances are you have heard of PCOS.  This stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome.  We will get more into the defining characteristics of PCOS in a moment. But, for now, consider this:  According to the Centers for Disease Control, PCOS is one of the most common causes of …

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Migraines and Menopause…What’s the connection?

Migraine headaches are a gender specific healthcare issue, especially since many migraines are hormonally triggered.  As such, providers in the field of gynecology need to be inclusive of this issue in treating the “whole” woman.  Currently, we as healthcare providers do a very poor job of diagnosing and properly treating migraines early.  When we fail …

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Dilation Station

Vaginismus is defined as the involuntary spasm or contraction of the muscles that surround the vagina.  For women with this chronic condition, any kind of vaginal penetration can be painful – especially intercourse.  The key to treatment of vaginismus is what is known as “dilation.” This refers to the introduction of a series of graduated …

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