Dangers of Tight Clothing for Women

Females have curves, and sometimes, it is fun to show them off with clothing that hugs the natural curvature of the body and highlights your shape. However, some types of tight-fitting clothing can actually be hard on you. Check out some of the often unknown dangers of tight-fitting clothing for women.

Skin Irritation

Clothing that is too tight can cause problems with skin irritation, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive, such as around your bikini line, under your breasts, or under your arms. Tight panties, bras, and even tops and pants can rub your skin and cause chafing, redness, and irritation. If the skin is repeatedly irritated, it can lead to infections. Skin irritation can also come from lack of breathability. For example, moisture can be more prevalent around your feminine areas if your tight clothing is preventing air flow, which can contribute to infections.

Circulatory Interruption

If your clothing is too tight in certain areas, it can reduce blood flow to other areas of your body. For instance, if you wear jeans that are way too snug around the waist, it can reduce blood flow to your lower extremities. While this problem short-term would not be a major problem or health threat, it could prove risky for long periods and it is definitely not healthy.

Stomach Problems

Wearing clothing that is extremely tight against your stomach can cause a certain level of gastrointestinal upset. If your pants are too tight, for example, it can push stomach acid back up through the esophagus and cause uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux.

Though it’s important to dress in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable, take care to make sure looking good is not causing health concerns. If you have any more questions about the dangers of tight clothing for women, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology to discuss the risks of tight clothing further.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

When You Should be Worried About Irregular Bleeding

A lot of women experience irregular menstrual bleeding from the time they hit puberty. Some women naturally develop irregularities as they get older. In all truth, irregular menstrual bleeding is a pretty common female thing. However, there are some situations when you should seek the help of a professional for advice about the problem.

You’re experiencing new or severe pelvic pain.

If you have irregular bleeding in between periods or you bleed longer than your usual cycle, and that bleeding is accompanied by new or severe pelvic pain, it is best to get an appointment with your gynecologist. Even though there can be a simple cause of these symptoms, the pelvic pain can be indicative of problems like fibroids, endometriosis, or other issues.

You’re bleeding much heavier than you normally do.

Blood loss greater than 80 milliliters each cycle. How do you judge how much is too much? Most doctors will want to know how often you have to change a sanitary pad or tampon to judge if you are losing too much blood. A general guideline is to seek help if you are having 16 soaked sanitary products during the course of your period.

You’re finding large blood clots in the blood.

Small blood clots are common, but if you have larger clots of more than an inch in diameter, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Your body creates clots to try and stop bleeding, so larger clots can mean your bleeding is far too heavy. Additionally, the clots can be relative to other issues.

Overall, it is best to trust your instincts about irregular bleeding. If you feel like something is wrong, don’t hesitate to get professional advice. Reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for more information.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Introduction to Hormone Pellets

What are hormone pellets?

Bio-identical hormone pellets are obtained in various strengths of estradiol and testosterone from a highly rated commercially licensed compounding pharmacy. The hormones are derived from an ingredient found in many vegetables including yams and soybeans. The hormones are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders that are smaller than a grain of rice and smaller than a ‘tic tac.’

Why pellets?

Pellets deliver consistent levels of hormones for 4-6 months. They avoid the fluctuations of hormone levels seen with other methods of delivery. In studies, compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have been shown to be superior for relief of menopausal symptoms, maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns, and improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response.

Many patients who fail other types of hormone therapy find a high success with hormone pellets. There is no other method of hormone delivery that is as convenient for the patient as pellets. Pellets have been used in both men and women since the late 1930s.

How are pellets inserted?

The insertion of pellets is a simple, relatively painless procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are usually inserted in the upper buttocks in a small incision, which is then covered with a small bandage or steri-strips. The experience of the health care professional matters a great deal, not only in the placement of pellets, but also in determining the correct dosage of hormones to be used.

Interested in learning more about hormone pellets? Reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for an appointment.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

3 Reasons to Make Finding a GYN a Priority New Year’s Resolution

The holidays have come to a close and you are facing the beginning of an entirely new year. As a woman, there are probably a lot of New Year’s resolutions floating around in your mind. Maybe you want to achieve your goal weight or take more time for you, but there is one other resolution that should be a top priority: seeing a gynecologist (GYN) for a checkup if you’ve never been. Here is a look at some of the reasons finding a GYN should be a top resolution on your list.

Get the latest info on things that affect your health as a woman.

Gynecologists receive consistent news about things that affect women’s health. For example, when there is new information about things that can increase the risk of ovarian cancer, doctors in the field are given information so they can effectively warn patients. By never going to a GYN, you will likely miss out on a lot of information that could affect your health.

Avoid risks associated with female diseases and illnesses.

As a female, there are naturally-occurring illnesses and diseases that you will need to be monitored for. By getting regular checkups with a GYN, you are automatically lowering your risks of developing these diseases and not knowing. Things like pap tests, breast exams, and general observation can help catch signs of things like cervical cancer, endometriosis, and breast cancer.

Keep your reproductive system in good health.

If you’ve not had children, but someday plan to, seeing a GYN regularly is the best way to make sure there is nothing going on that would affect your fertility down the road. Even if you have already had children, the health of your reproductive system plays a giant role in your overall health as a female.

Make it your priority this new year by finding a GYN and keep your health in check. Reach out to us at Avant Gynecology to make an appointment. 

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Hysteroscopy: An Introduction for Curious Patients

Exploratory surgeries are utilized every day in modern medicine to help doctors diagnose sometimes hidden medical issues. The hysteroscopy is an example of a type of exploratory surgery that is performed on women who are having certain symptoms. Take a look at this blog to learn more about this procedure and what you should know as a female gynecological patient.

What Exactly Is a Hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a procedure performed with a very thin, lighted scope that the doctor inserts through the cervix and into your uterus. The uterus is usually filled with fluid to expand it and give doctors a better look using the scope. If you are having an operative hysteroscopy, the surgeon will insert small tools through the hysteroscope to make repairs while inside.

Why Would a Hysteroscopy Be Performed?

Hysteroscopies are most often performed if a patient is having abnormal bleeding to diagnose the problem. However, the procedure can also be performed for other reasons, such as if a female is having issues with fertility and it is suspected there is something inside the uterus that is creating problems or as an operative procedure to remove abnormal growth.

What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed or Treated?

There are multiple conditions that can be diagnosed and sometimes treated with a hysteroscopy, including:

  • For the removal of polyps and fibroids
  • To diagnose and remove uterine adhesions
  • For the diagnosis of uterine septum
  • To better understand abnormal uterine bleeding

Overall, the hysteroscopy is a valuable gynecological procedure that can be used to help women with a range of symptoms find out what is going on inside their bodies. If you would like to learn more about a hysteroscopy, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for professional advice.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora featured on “The Weekly Check-Up Atlanta”

On Sunday, November 4, Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora of Avant Gynecology were guests on “The Weekly Check-Up Atlanta,” a healthcare-focused radio show airing every Sunday on AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB.

On the show, Drs. Durrett and Mora discussed issues related to women’s health, such as infertility treatments, vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

You can listen to the full show on “The Weekly Check-Up Atlanta” website.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

PCOS: Signs of the Problem & How to Deal with Symptoms

Many women quietly suffer from a female condition known as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal issue that causes an abnormal collection of fluid in the ovaries, sporadic or non-existent egg release, and irregular menstrual bleeding or cycles. Dealing with this condition can be a challenge, but the first step to learning how to cope is proper diagnosis. 

Common Signs of PCOS

The signs and symptoms that any one woman experiences can be different from the next, which makes PCOS a little difficult to diagnose in some cases. Most of the time, a female will start to have some symptoms that something is wrong around the time she first begins her menstrual cycle as an adolescent. However, the condition can also show up later in life. The three primary signs a doctor will use to make a diagnosis of PCOS include:

  • Excess androgen hormones in the system, which can cause excessive hair growth or acne
  • Irregular periods, sometimes going more than 35 days without having a period
  • Polycystic ovaries that often fail to function properly 

Dealing with the Symptoms

Dealing with the symptoms can be a challenge. Not only can you be dealing with unreasonably painful periods or prolonged bleeding, but some women also report having problems with mood swings, severe PMS symptoms, and depression. Left untreated, PCOS can cause issues with fertility and elevate risks of liver disease and type 2 diabetes. While there is no cure for the condition, your gynecologist can help by offering progestin therapy to stabilize hormones, birth control to normalize periods, and various other treatments to target the specific problems you are experiencing. 

Even though living with PCOS can be hard, your gynecologist can help you come up with a plan of treatment. Reach out to Avant Gynecology for an appointment to discuss any symptoms you have been experiencing. 

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Uterine fibroids 101: What Are They & When Should You Seek Treatment

Some issues that affect a woman are fairly obvious and easily diagnosed. However, there are other some conditions that are less obvious and a little harder to diagnose like uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumor-like growths that grow in or on the walls of the uterus. Typically showing up during the childbirth years, uterine fibroids can cause problems. 

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Symptoms of uterine fibroids are not always present. In fact, many women have uterine fibroids and have no idea. The size of the fibroid can be as tiny as a seed or as large as a massive grapefruit in severe cases. Of course, larger uterine fibroids cause more symptoms. A few symptoms that can be present include:

  • Backaches and pain that radiates down the legs
  • Heavy or longer menstrual bleeding 
  • Difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder fully 
  • Pain or pressure in the pelvic region 
  • Constipation

When to Seek Treatment

Fibroids are rarely a sign of a serious problem and they can go away on their own. However, if you are experiencing certain symptoms, it is best to see your gynecologist for advice. For example, if you have heavier bleeding than usual, experience pain in your pelvic area that does not go away, or you are having difficulty emptying your bladder, these could be signs that the fibroid is either large or in an area that will cause you more problems. In severe cases, a uterine fibroid left untreated could cause anemia due to high blood loss and may interfere with your ability to carry a baby. 

Overall, uterine fibroids can be a hassle, but they should not be a major worry. If you have symptoms and would like to see a doctor, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for an appointment.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

When to Seek Treatment for Painful Sex

Sexual experiences can involve a lot of descriptive language after the fact—sensual, enjoyable, pleasurable. Unfortunately for women who suffer from dyspareunia, painful intercourse, these are not terms they would use to describe a sexual experience. Pain during sex can have a lot of root causes; some simple in nature and easily managed and others, more serious that require a visit to a gynecologist. Here are a few signs that painful sex is deserving of a little more attention.

You have pain beyond vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness is a common problem for women, and it can contribute to painful sex. However, vaginal dryness can be fairly easy to get past in the moment. For example, you can use lubricants or lubricated condoms. However, if you have made changes to help lubricate the vaginal area and you’re still feeling pain, it may be time to see your doctor.

You are experiencing pain at the opening of your vagina.

Pain at the entry point of the vaginal opening can signify that there is something going on that needs to be treated. There are a few reasons why you can have pain at the vaginal opening during sex, including:

  • You have an injury or tear at the opening
  • You have a urinary tract infection
  • You have a cyst or abscess around the vaginal opening

Additionally, if you have had an episiotomy, you can have some discomfort around the scar before it is fully healed. Certain sexually-transmitted diseases can also cause pain near the opening, such as Chlamydia.

You have pain deeper inside of you or in your lower abdominal area.

Pain that reaches deeper inside or to your lower abdominal area can be a sign of serious reproductive problems. Endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease are two examples. If you experience severe pain in your lower abdominal area or that seems to radiate from around your ovaries and uterus, it is especially important to see a doctor.

If you have experienced pain during sexual intercourse and you suspect there is a problem, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for an appointment today.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Avant Gynecology’s Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora featured on “The Weekly Check-Up”

On Sunday, August 19, Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora of Avant Gynecology were guests on “The Weekly Check-Up Atlanta,” a healthcare-focused radio show airing every Sunday on AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB.

On the show, Drs. Durrett and Mora discussed issues related to women’s health, such as menopause treatment, hormone therapy, contraceptive services, and more.

You can listen to the full show on “The Weekly Check-Up Atlanta” website.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.