The post Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Stress in small amounts can be a good thing. Stress can cause us to complete tasks with a higher sense of urgency when approaching a deadline. Chronic stress, on the other hand, can negatively impact physical and mental health. Stress is more likely to cause depression and anxiety in women than in men.

The top offenders that cause stress in women are work, family, and or financial stress. There are many symptoms of stress. Minor symptoms of stress can include insomnia, upset stomach, and headache. Major symptoms of stress can include but are not limited to; difficulty sleeping, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of energy, lack of focus, loss of interest in usual hobbies, and social isolation.

Women with higher levels of stress are more likely to run into fertility problems and often have difficulty getting pregnant. Chronic stress in women can cause irregular periods and severe Premenstrual Syndrome. Chronic stress can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Stress triggers a hormone in the body called cortisol. Women who have higher levels of stress produce more cortisol which causes overeating and increased fat storage. This can lead to obesity and diabetes in women. Gastrointestinal distress such as upset stomach, gas, bloating, and excess acid can lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Many women are overworked and burnt out. There are several methods to cope with stress. Creating a daily plan or to-do list can help. Most importantly, it is important to ask for help and to practice self-care. Techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, spending time outdoors, counseling, spending time with loved ones, or exercise can all help cope with stress. If you are unable to cope with stress, you are not alone. Talking to a professional can help. Tell your doctor.

The post Stress and Women’s Health appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Many feel alone when they are faced with the trials of infertility. It can help women and men to hear others’ journeys and pathways when faced with infertility. It is important to remove the stigma and help hold up the people in our community that face this challenge. The more we talk about it frankly, the more support, resources, and options, are shared. The good news is that great strides continue to happen for infertile couples. Talk to us if you are concerned about conceiving.

The post Spread the Word to Help Others appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

About 12 to 13 couples out of 100 in the United States will have trouble conceiving. Infertility means that you have had unprotected, regular sex for at least six months to a year and can’t get pregnant. Other factors may apply as well, like age. Some people think that pregnancy will occur after a few attempts, but this is not necessarily true. So how do you know when you need to keep trying or when you may be infertile?

Infertility Signs in Women

There are many causes of infertility. The following list includes common infertility signs in women. You may be infertile if you:

• Have never had a period or if your periods have suddenly stopped
• Experience painful periods with pelvic and/or back pain and cramping
• Have irregular periods with a different number of days between each cycle
• Have bleeding that’s heavier or lighter than usual

Hormone problems can cause infertility. Hormones may be the cause if you also notice:

• Acne or other skin changes
• A change in your sex drive
• Dark hair that grows on the chin, chest, and lips
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Weight gain

Should I Talk to an Obstetrician About Infertility?

You need to keep your OB/GYN in the loop when it comes to your health. You should have a consultation as soon as you decide you want to become pregnant. They can provide advice and discuss the possibility of infertility or other related concerns. Contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield today to schedule an appointment.

The post How Do I Know If I Am Infertile? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Deciding to have a baby can be exciting! It can also be overwhelming. Some couples are not sure where to begin when they want to conceive. Others may have difficulty with fertility. There are many things to consider before you begin trying for a baby. The following tips will help you get started.

Talk to Your Doctor First

Your OB/GYN should be consulted before you attempt to get pregnant. They can discuss risk factors, genetic testing, lifestyle changes, and more. They can also review any medications you take to ensure they are safe to continue taking during pregnancy. Your doctor will most likely also recommend taking prenatal vitamins months in advance.

Understand the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle can vary for some women. Some are very regular, while others are not. Understanding this process will help tremendously with conception. The cycle begins on the first day bright red blood appears and can last between 21 and 35 days on average. This will affect the timing of conception, so you need to know what’s happening internally to determine when to have sex.

Plan to Have Sex – A Lot

If you want to have a baby, then you need to have sex. Some couples get lucky and conceive quickly. Others must try for a while, so plan to have sex often. The best time is during ovulation.

Studies show maximum fertility occurs 3 to 5 days prior plus the day of ovulation. That means you should plan to have sex 1 to 2 days prior to ovulation. Doctors usually suggest having intercourse every other day during the week before ovulation or after the end of your period.

An OB/GYN can help you learn more about getting pregnant and staying healthy. Give Women’s Health a call to schedule an appointment.

The post What Should I Do If I Want to Get Pregnant? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Approximately 6.1 million American women experience infertility. That equals around 10% of females in the U.S. who are in their childbearing years. Out of those, around 25% are infertile for multiple reasons. Common causes can be age, blocked tubes, or STDs. Even women who have no medical conditions can have difficulty conceiving. So how do you know what is normal and when you should talk to a fertility specialist?

Are You Timing Pregnancy Attempts Correctly?

Timing is crucial when trying to conceive. You should understand the menstrual cycle to know the optimum time for ovulation. A woman is most fertile between days 11 and 21 of her cycle. This is when ovulation typically occurs. There may be variation, so it’s important to pay attention to what’s happening with your body.

How Long Have You Been Trying to Get Pregnant?

Pregnancy isn’t guaranteed to happen the first time you have sex, even if you time ovulation. For many couples, it’s a process that can last months or longer. If you are under age 35 with no medical conditions, then you will likely be expected to try for a year before considering fertility treatment.

If you are over age 35 with no medical conditions, then you may be advised to talk to a fertility specialist after six months of trying. Fertility declines as a woman ages, so it may be harder to conceive if you are in this age group or older.

Know About Fertility Before You Try

Many factors are at play when trying to get pregnant. You should speak and be examined by a Women’s Health OB/GYN before you begin. We can provide advice and do any screenings or tests that could help you understand any challenges you may face as well as any risk factors for your baby. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in our West Bloomfield offices.

The post Trouble Getting Pregnant? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Endometriosis affects 176 million women across the globe. This condition occurs when tissue that normally grows on the inside of the uterus forms on the outside. It’s usually located on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and around the uterus.

The Symptoms of Endometriosis

Every woman with endometriosis may experience a different set of symptoms. Some report no discomfort at all, while others may notice:

• Pain during intercourse
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Pelvic pain that increases during menstruation or ovulation
• Infertility

The 4 Stages of Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs in four stages. Stages I and II are minimal to mild and include mild scarring. Stage III is moderate and includes severe scarring and cysts. Stage IV is severe and usually causes infertility. The stage is identified by the extent, location, and depth of the condition.

Endometriosis Treatment

The cause of endometriosis is not clear. Family history has been known to increase risk. Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy if you experience pain only. Women who want to have a baby may need to have surgery and infertility treatments. There is no proven cure, but there are ways to manage symptoms and overcome the negative effects.

Endometriosis is known to improve after pregnancy and menopause. Women who do not want to have children and those nearing menopause who experience no symptoms may opt for no treatment. If you notice pain or are having difficulty conceiving, contact your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OB/GYN to discuss symptoms, diagnosis and the best treatment options for you.

#WomensHealthandMenopauseCenter #OBGYN #Endometriosis #InfertilityTreatment

The post Endometriosis appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Women’s health breakthroughs are responsible for saving thousands of lives. Even in situations where a condition isn’t life threatening, these innovations produce new methods that increase the quality of life for many patients.

• Fight Infertility with a Uterus Transplant

The uterus transplant is a relatively new procedure that has had positive results. The first American clinical trial was performed in 2015 and involved a transplant into a 26 year old patient. The first attempt failed and the new uterus had to be removed. Despite the setback, there have been successful transplants in Sweden. If perfected, this surgery could assist the over 50,000 U.S. women who experience infertility as a result of uterine removal or damage.

• An Improved Breast Cancer Detection Method

Breast cancer is a major concern for many women. Thanks to science and medicine, the way we detect this type of cancer keeps getting more and more accurate. Using a method called Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), we can now uncover three times as many breast tumors than those found using mammography. This is an important step forward for women with dense breasts that are harder to view using traditional mammograms.

• A Better HPV Vaccine

An estimated 79 million Americans are infected with HPV. The Gardisil 9 vaccine received FDA approval in 2014. This updated version added five strains to the original and can prevent 90% of all vulvar, cervical, anal, and vaginal cancers.

Women who are concerned about cancer prevention should schedule regular, annual exams with their gynecologist. Contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center Southeast Michigan offices now to schedule an appointment to learn more about prevention and staying healthy.

The post 3 Women’s Health Breakthroughs That Have the Power to Change Lives appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

If you have ever researched reproductive technology, then you have probably come across the term “in vitro fertilization,” or IVF. This process assists with conception by extracting eggs from the female and combining them with a sperm sample from the male. This part of the process is done in a laboratory. The embryo is then implanted in the uterus for gestation.

Should I Try In Vitro Fertilization?

If you can reproduce the natural way, then that is the best method to use. IVF is considered a treatment option for infertility in cases where:

• The fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked
• The male experiences decreased sperm count or motility
• The female experiences ovulation disorders, uterine fibroids, or premature ovarian failure
• Patients have a genetic disorder

IVF can also be used in cases involving unexplained infertility. Both partners must undergo screening tests before they can begin the process.

In Vitro Fertilization Side Effects

Some patients report side effects after undergoing IVF. Most women are able to return to their normal routine within about a day. Possible side effects include:

• Mild cramps
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Tender breasts
• Passing small amount of fluid

The above side effects are not severe and only cause minor discomfort. If you notice heavy vaginal bleeding, bloody urine, fever, or pelvic pain after IVF, contact your obstetrician immediately. Some fertility medications may also cause additional side effects like mood swings, headaches, hot flashes, and ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome. Make an appointment with your Women’s Health & Menopause Center obstetrician if you are interested in learning more about in vitro fertilization.

The post In Vitro Fertilization appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.