The Symptoms of Endometriosis and the Treatment Options Available

Endometriosis is a painful issue that affects women of different age groups. The endometrium that naturally grows inside the uterine walls can spread to the outside of your uterus and start to spread and take over the reproductive parts of your body. Even though it is quite rare for it to happen, the endometrium can grow beyond the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus and reach your intestines, stomach, or other organs.

What Are the Symptoms and Risk Factors?

There are multiple symptoms of endometriosis, including:

  • Pain in the lower pelvic region
  • Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
  • Heavier periods than usual
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

All women can have different symptoms depending on the severity of the endometriosis. For example, some women will have skipped periods and others may have intermittent bleeding between periods. The risk factors for endometriosis include if you have had a c-section, retrograde menstruation issues, higher than usual estrogen levels, never giving birth, and even alcohol consumption. Women who started their period at an early age may also be at a higher risk.

When Should Someone Seek Treatment for Endometriosis?

If you suspect that you have endometriosis, it is critical that you discuss your symptoms with a professional. Left untreated, endometriosis can cause severe problems, including damage to your reproductive organs and the other organs in the lower parts of your body. Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often can be related to other issues. Reach out to us at Avant Gynecology if you would like to know more about endometriosis, whether you have this female condition, and what types of treatments are available.

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.

How Does Heavy Lifting Affect Your Uterus?

For the most part, the uterus is a pretty resilient part of a woman’s body. After all, it is capable of housing an infant during its growth during pregnancy and then returning to its pre-pregnancy size. However, there are certain things that you can do that are known to be hard on your uterus, including heavy lifting.

A Look at How Does Heavy Lifting Affect Your Uterus

Long-term or repeated heavy lifting as a female can actually cause what is called a uterine prolapse. A uterine prolapse is when the pelvic floor muscles are weakened, which support the uterus, and the uterus descends downward. When the uterus descends downward, it slips its way into the vagina and can get pretty severe if not tended to by a medical professional.

Some People Are More Prone to Uterine Prolapse Than Others

Some women will lift heavy items most of their life and never have an issue with uterine prolapse, but there are others who have specific risk factors that make them more vulnerable to prolapse, including women who:

  • are obese
  • have had multiple births or given birth to a large infant
  • have experienced a prior prolapse of the uterus
  • are older or who have already gone through menopause

There are ways to mend a prolapsed uterus, most of which involve something like a surgically installed sling or stitches to hold the uterus in place. If left untreated, the entire uterus can collapse, but before that, painful symptoms can emerge like discomfort during sex and pelvic aching. If you believe you have a prolapsed uterus or have any more questions about how does heavy lifting affect your uterus, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology today and schedule 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.

Vaginal Dryness: A Look at the Causes and Treatment Options

In a normal and healthy female body, the vaginal walls stay well lubricated pretty much all the time with a clear fluid that is produced as a result of proper estrogen levels. While lacking fluid can seem like no big deal, it can lead to problems like painful sex and general discomfort. Here is what you need to know about the causes of vaginal dryness and the treatment options available.

Common Causes of Vaginal Dryness

The number one culprit behind vaginal dryness is a drop in hormone levels. When estrogen levels drop, it prevents the moisturizing fluid from being produced. While one out of every three women will have issues with vaginal dryness because of hormone changes during menopause, menopause is not the only reason hormone levels can change. You can also see a decrease in estrogen levels:

  • after giving birth to a child
  • if you are breastfeeding
  • if you have a hysterectomy
  • because you are taking certain medications
  • you are undergoing cancer treatment

Beyond low estrogen, there are a handful of other reasons you can experience vaginal dryness, such as certain autoimmune disorders, douching too frequently, taking some allergy medications, and even some antidepressants.

Treatments for Vaginal Dryness

Treatment for vaginal dryness can range according to the underlying cause. However, the majority of the time, the condition is treated through medications that help to stabilize estrogen levels in the body. Topical estrogen creams can help induce moisture in the vaginal area, but oral medications may also be provided by your gynecologist. There is also an estrogen ring that can be placed inside the vagina and one-time use tablets that you insert as needed for moisture.

If you have problems with vaginal dryness, 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.

Three of the Most Prevalent Birth Control Myths Debunked

Birth control is more available now than it has ever been before in history, and in the United States, 98 percent of women have taken birth control at some point in their reproductive life. Though it is common for women to use a medically available birth control in some form, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there that need to be debunked.

Myth: There is no need to be on birth control while you are breastfeeding.

Some new mothers completely avoid birth control after giving birth because they intend to breastfeed, and breastfeeding has been touted for years as a natural way to prevent pregnancy. However, there is no truth behind this fictional information. You can still ovulate while breastfeeding; you just may not ovulate as usual or be quite as fertile because it can lower hormone levels. Pregnancy is still a very real possibility.

Myth: Being on birth control for a long time can compromise your fertility later.

You can get pregnant as soon as you stop taking birth control and that information applies to just about every form of contraception. Birth control works by changing hormone levels in your body, but when the contraceptive is gone, your level returns to normal and you can once again get pregnant. The primary exception to this rule is contraceptive injections that have a longer half-life in the system. However, even contraceptive injections should not cause fertility problems in the long run.

Myth: It is best to take a break from birth control occasionally.

It is true that birth control can have a few side effects, but long-term use really is not a concern with most contraceptives. Taking a break because you think it is a safe bet for your body could land you with an unplanned pregnancy. Modern birth control is incredibly safe to take long term, even if you don’t plan to get pregnant for many years.

If you need advice on picking the best birth control methods for you, 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.

How to Tell When You’re Ovulating: A Few Signs Every Woman Should Know

According to sources, if your menstrual cycle is absolutely on-point like clockwork and your cycle lasts 28 days, you should be ovulating around the 14th day of your cycle. Unfortunately, not every woman’s menstrual cycle works like clockwork, and sometimes, you are more fertile at other times of the months. Therefore, knowing the other signs that you are ovulating will be a bigger help if you have trouble tracking down the egg release according to your body’s cycle.

KEEP TABS ON YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE

Because hormones change throughout your menstrual cycle, your body temperature can also change. Most women’s body temperature will slightly elevate when they are ovulating. This temperature difference can be slight, however, so you may not notice if you do not know your normal basal body temperature. Take your temperature daily and keep track of the readings. Over the course of a few months, you may be able to spot a pattern of when your temperature peaks slightly in your cycle. This will be a good sign of ovulation.

WATCH FOR MUCOSAL DISCHARGE CHANGES

When your body is preparing for ovulation, the cervix will naturally release more mucus than usual. This mucus is slippery and clear, which is designed to help the entering sperm easier travel to the released egg. If you spot more discharge than usual at a certain point in the month, this could be the sign of ovulation.

TRY HOME OVULATION TESTS

If you are failing to catch the physical symptoms of ovulation, it is always worth trying the over-the-counter ovulation tests. These tests work by detecting levels of a certain hormone that is present in your urine just before you start ovulating. Best of all, most of the testing kits will have multiple strips that you can use for testing yourself as much as you need to until you do start your ovulation cycle.

If you would like more information on ovulation and fertility, reach out to 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.

Causes of Yeast Infections

Itching, burning, and painful discomfort — yeast infections are one of the most frustrating health problems a woman can face. While the occasional yeast infection is something easily treated, if you have more than four yeast infections per year, you may have a more difficult situation to contend with. In order to manage and prevent yeast infections, you should educate yourself a bit about the issue and the causes.

WHAT CAUSES A YEAST INFECTION?

The vaginal area is naturally home to yeast that is present in the body. When the body’s pH balance gets disrupted, the yeast will multiply and accumulate to higher numbers, which causes the uncomfortable symptoms of a yeast infection. However, some women have recurring yeast infections because of a variant form of yeast that is more resilient to common treatment methods.

The delicate pH balance of the female body can be disrupted by a multitude of different things. Therefore, the root cause of a yeast infection can be a lot of everyday things, such as:

  • certain forms of birth control
  • using douches, scented soaps, or scented lotions in the vaginal area
  • excessive sweating
  • poor hygiene
  • a high-sugar or high-carb diet

Additionally, some medical conditions can make you more prone to yeast infections. For example, if you are diabetic or if you are pregnant, you may be more prone to yeast infections.

If you have frequent yeast infections, with or without the aforementioned causes, this is a condition you should speak to your gynecologist about. There are prescription medications that are better built to treat stubborn yeast infections than over-the-counter remedies. To learn more, contact Avant Gynecology to schedule 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.

Menopause 101: Facts Every Woman Should Know

In technical terms, menopause is the stage in life when a woman will stop menstruating, which sounds simple enough. However, simply waking up one day and no longer having your monthly period is not how menopause works. Your body goes through a process because of the changes in your hormone levels, which means you can experience a full list of symptoms along with changes in your menstrual cycle.

Who Does Menopause Affect?

As a woman grows older, the reproductive hormones that cause menstruation and ovulation naturally decline. Therefore, menopause basically marks the end of the reproductive period in a woman’s life. This tends to occur for most women in their 40s or 50s, but early menopause for some women can begin before the age of 40 and some women may not even reach menopause until they are in their mid to late 50s.

Does Menopause Affect All Women the Same?

All women can have unique experiences with menopause because every woman’s body is unique. The age of the onset of menopause can be different, as well as the type of symptoms and the severity symptoms are experienced. For example, some women may have issues with things like vaginal dryness and hot flashes, while others will not experience these symptoms but will feel moody and emotional.

How Should Women Approach Dealing with Menopause?

Every woman’s first line of defense in combating the symptoms of menopause is to maintain an open line of communication with their gynecologist. Your gynecologist can help you understand what your body is going through and treat deficits in vital hormones to help alleviate your symptoms. Reach out to Avant Gynecology for an appointment if you believe you are experiencing menopausal symptoms.

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.

A Look at the Benefits of Robotic Surgery

Learning that you have to have surgery can be scary, but surgical technology has evolved so much in the last several decades that procedures that were once scary don’t have to be anymore. Robotic surgery gives surgeons the ability to operate through minimally invasive procedures that require smaller incisions and often involve shorter healing times for patients. The da Vinci method of surgery, which is the name given to robotic surgery, has become one of the most common routes of surgery used today, and it is for good reason.

What Exactly is da Vinci Surgery?

According to the da Vinci Surgery website:

With the da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons operate through just a few small incisions. The da Vinci System features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand.

What are the Advantages of da Vinci Surgeries?

Da Vinci surgeries come with a wealth of advantages. As previously mentioned, incisions with this form of surgery can be smaller because the surgeon’s hands don’t actually have to go inside of the body to do the work. Therefore, healing time can be reduced. Other advantages include:

  • Less scarring and less scar tissue development during the healing
  • Enhanced control over movements and cuts
  • Greater visual insight during the procedure to avoid wrong moves

How Does the da Vinci Surgery Benefit Women?

The primary benefit for women with the da Vinci surgery is common female procedures are no longer as worrisome. For example, a hysterectomy, which is a surgery done to remove the reproductive parts of a woman, can be done with robotic tools. Instead of a large incision, only small incisions are made in the abdomen and the robotic tools are used to carefully and gently make the necessary reductions.

If you would like to know more about the da Vinci surgery, reach out to Avant Gynecology for an appointment or give the office a call at 404-352-2850.

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.

Causes and Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence

You sneeze, cough, laugh, or move and you are left running to the bathroom because you’ve leaked a little urine, or you feel a sudden urge to urinate. This may occur so often that it interferes with your daily routine, making it difficult to lead an active life. Unfortunately, urinary incontinence is one of the most common issues for women with one in four women who experience episodes of leaking urine.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

There are two different types of incontinence: stress incontinence and urge incontinence. The main symptom of stress incontinence is leaking urine when small amounts of pressure are put on the bladder, like when you cough or laugh. Urge incontinence is more characterized by an uncontrollable urge to urinate at just about all times.

Treatments for Urinary Incontinence

The treatment your gynecologist will recommend for urinary incontinence will depend on the root cause of the problem. Some of the most common causes of both types of incontinence include:

  • Weak pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth
  • Weight gain or obesity
  • Stress
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • A chronic cough
  • Bladder irritation or infection

In some cases, the incontinence can be treated by addressing the underlying problem. For example, if you have gained weight and suffer from incontinence, your doctor may help you follow a better diet. However, there are also medicinal treatments, such as prescriptions that assist in alleviating the urge to urinate, which is especially good for people with an urge incontinence. Plus, there are surgeries that can help with incontinence in extreme situations, such as implanting a bladder sling to support the bladder if your pelvic floor muscles are too weak.

Dealing with urinary incontinence can interrupt everything about how you live your life and can be an embarrassing issue. If you have problems with urinary incontinence, 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.

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

On Sunday, March 25, Dr. Lynley Durrett of Avant Gynecology was a guest on “The Weekly Check-Up with Dr. Bruce Feinberg”, a healthcare-focused radio show airing every Sunday on AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB.

On the show, Dr. Durrett discussed issues related to women’s health, such as menopause, hormone replacement therapy, pelvic prolapse, urinary incontinence, uterine fibroids, and much more.

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

Have any questions on any of the topics and treatment options discussed in the show? Contact Avant Gynecology here or give us a call at 404-352-2850.

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.