Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora of Avant Gynecology Return to “The Weekly Check-Up” on WSB Radio

On Sunday, February 7, 2021, Avant Gynecology’s Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora—both honorees of the 2020 Castle Connolly and Atlanta magazine “Top Docs” list — returned as guests on The Weekly Check-Up on News/Talk WSB Radio.

During the show, Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora discussed women’s health topics with host, Ashley Frasca, including hormone replacement therapy, contraception, vaginal rejuvenation, uterine fibroids, and took several questions from callers.

Drs. Durrett and Mora were also joined by Dr. Jessica Shepherd, M.D., MBA, an OB/GYN and women’s health expert, to discuss Acessa — a minimally invasive procedure available for the treatment of fibroids—now available at Avant Gynecology.

You can listen to the full show below.

How Stress Impacts Your Sex Life

We have all experienced stress. Whether caused by work, school, or personal factors, stress can easily interfere with many elements of your life. But did you know that stress can impact your sex life, leading to low libido? 

Read more from our experts about how stress impacts your sex life!

Decreased Sexual Drive

When we are stressed, a chemical reaction occurs in our brain—also known as the “fight or flight” response—where stress produces too much of the hormone’s cortisol and epinephrine, which can lower libido. Not only does this increase our heart rate and blood pressure, but also decreases the desire to do non-essential functions, like sex. These combined, can also affect the menstrual cycle. 

Distracted Mind During Sex

When you’re stressed, your brain can only focus on one thing: being stressed. 

Having pleasurable sex requires attention, focus, and relaxation. Stress can cause you to have a busy mind and distract you from wanting sex or being present during sex. If you are having sex when you’re stressed or busy thinking of your piling “to do” list, chances are it’s more difficult to enjoy the moment. 

Hoping to turn this around? Having a healthy sex life while controlling stress is possible. Here are a few tips to consider:

  • Communicate with your partner. Communicate with your partner often and communicate honestly. Stress and low libido can affect a relationship. This is why it is important to talk with your partner. Having a general understanding of both parties’ feelings and emotions can often allow for more productive solutions. 
  • Practice self-care. Taking care of yourself and spending time doing things that you enjoy are great tools for managing stress. Tips for practicing self-care can include regular exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, doing activities you enjoy, meditation or deep breathing exercises, or spending the day or an evening pampering yourself like taking a bath. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Seeking help from a doctor or mental health professional can make very positive impacts on your life. For those with a uterus, stress can also affect your menstrual cycle. It is important to inform your gynecologist about any changes to your period, even from stress. 

If you have further questions about how stress impacts your sex life, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at (404) 352-2850.

How to Prepare For Your First OBGYN Visit

If you’ve never visited an OBGYN before, it can be a daunting experience going to your first appointment. Not many people are comfortable talking about their reproductive parts, and it can be challenging to do that for the first time with an OBGYN doctor. At Avant Gynecology, our goal is to ensure our patients feel comfortable in our offices. 

OBGYN visits are a vital part of every woman’s health, because it’s important to stay on top of your reproductive health and any potential medical issues, especially if you are or are becoming sexually active. 

If you’re between the age of 13 and 15 years old, or if you’ve been thinking about engaging in sexual activities for the first time, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your first OBGYN visit!

 It’s Normal to Be Nervous

We totally understand; doing anything for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when it comes to your health. If you’re feeling anxious or nervous, feel free to tell the nurses or OBGYN doctor. They are experts and will do everything they can to make sure you are comfortable during the visit. 

We wrote this guide for how to get over your nerves before visiting your OBGYN! We recommend reading it before your first appointment. 

Research What Happens 

Look up exactly what happens during an OBGYN appointment. Doing this can also help calm any nerves before your appointment. What will the doctor ask you about? What happens doing the physical examination? Will we talk about sexual activity? Can I ask about birth control? These are all great questions to research before your first OBGYN appointment. 

If you’re comfortable, asking your friends and family about their experiences is another valuable resource.

Know What You Want to Talk About 

As humans, it’s easy to forget things. It can be very easy to walk into the doctor’s office and get distracted. There’s so much to see and experience! When preparing for your OBGYN visit, plan out what you want to discuss with your gynecologist. Write down (either on a phone or a piece of paper) questions, concerns, and topics you’d like to talk about with the doctor. Your medical professional will be impressed that you are keeping track of your health!

If you’re ready to schedule your first OBGYN visit, we’d love to see you in our offices. Reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850. We’d also be happy to answer any more questions you might have about how to prepare for your first OBGYN visit. 

What Is a Saline-Infused Sonogram?

A saline-infused sonogram is a procedure that explores the uterus and evaluates the uterine cavity. Often used to discover any abnormalities, the procedure uses sterile liquid to highlight the women’s reproductive system and present anything that might be wrong. 

At Avant Gynecology, we are proud to offer this saline-infused sonogram procedure to patients. Want to learn more? Keep reading below. 

How Does A Saline-Infused Sonogram Work? 

A patient must not be pregnant or in the middle of their menstrual period to receive this sonogram.

Here are the steps:  

  • A probe is placed inside the vagina. 
  • A speculum is then used to place a narrow catheter into the vagina through the cervix and finally into the uterine cavity. 
  • Through the catheter, sterile saline (saltwater), is placed in the uterus and fills it up. 
  • This saltwater solution shows the uterine walls and cavity, showing anything unusual such as fibroids or scar tissue.

Why Would You Need One?

 If a woman shows signs of medical problems—such as abnormal uterine bleeding and multiple miscarriages—a saline-infused sonogram is a way to discover if something is wrong with the vagina and uterus. The procedure is also a great tool for exploring the uterus to see if it was developed improperly.

Are There Any Risks? 

No! A saline-infused sonogram is a very safe procedure except for very rare instances. In those cases, pelvic infections, cramping, spotting, and vaginal discharge may occur. 

If you have further questions about saline-infused sonograms or would like to schedule one for yourself, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

A New Uterine Fibroid Treatment: Learn All About Acessa!

For the 20 to 80 percent of women who will develop uterine fibroids by the time they’re 50, this painful condition can have negative impacts on quality of life. Despite how common this condition is, treatment options for uterine fibroids are limited, and the most common one, a hysterectomy, involves a drastic life change. 

Thankfully, a new, less invasive treatment option —Acessa— is now available for patients at Avant Gynecology! 

What Is Acessa? 

Acessa is a minimally invasive procedure that uses Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation (Lap-RFA) to treat uterine fibroids. The Lap-RFA generates heat that changes the fibroids from hard to soft, reducing the painful symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. This treatment completely avoids any healthy surrounding tissue in the uterus. 

How Does Acessa Work?

While this treatment option does require surgery, it is minimally invasive. Here’s the process from start to finish: 

  • Two small incisions are made on the belly button, in addition to one below the bikini line. Through these incisions, a tiny camera is inserted as well as an ultrasound. 
  • Each fibroid is then located using the above technology. 
  • The tip of Acessa is put into the fibroid, avoiding healthy uterine tissue. 
  • Controlled heat is applied through Acessa that destroys the fibroid tissue. 
  • The process is repeated until every fibroid is treated. 

How Quickly Do Results Begin?

For most women, it takes anywhere from three to 12 weeks for symptoms to begin to ease. This is determined by the size of the fibroids and the symptoms the patient was experiencing before treatment. 

What Are the Risks? 

Just like with any medical procedure, there are potential risks to Acessa. We recommend speaking with your doctor to assess the pros and cons of undergoing this procedure. Click here to learn more.

If you have further questions about Acessa or other treatment options for uterine fibroids, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

The Truth Behind Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Whether you deal with this condition or not, chances are you’ve heard of PMS. While popular media may poke fun or make jokes about a woman’s mood swings caused by PMS, it’s a natural part of a woman’s life and crucial to understand. 

Rumors and misinformation run rampant on this topic, which is why our expert medical team is breaking down this topic below!

What is Premenstrual Syndrome?

PMS begins when a woman starts her cycle, but it may intensify in the years leading up to menopause. It’s a set of symptoms women experience about a week or two prior to their period. This means it’s just after ovulation but before the menstrual period. 

It’s more likely to impact women with depression, high levels of stress, or a family history of mental health issues. 

What Are the Symptoms?

As many as three in four women will experience PMS symptoms during their lifetime. Each woman experiences it differently, and it usually impacts both physical and mental health. With that in mind, here are the most common symptoms:

  • Anxiety
  • Appetite changes
  • Backache
  • Bloating
  • Clumsiness
  • Constipation
  • Cramping
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Exhaustion
  • Gas
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Issues with concentration
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Mood swings
  • Sleeping issues
  • Swollen or tender breasts

Is There Treatment for PMS?

For several women, these symptoms can be extremely debilitating and cause interruptions to everyday life. In those cases, treatment is necessary. While PMS cannot be “treated,” there are ways to help alleviate symptoms. The most common options are:

  • Lifestyle changes: Practicing healthy habits can help with PMS symptoms. For example, regularly exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, sleeping eight hours a night, coping with stress, and not smoking. 
  • Medications: Over-the-counter options, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, work well with painful symptoms. Some prescription medicines, such as hormonal birth control and antidepressants, also help those who regularly experience severe PMS symptoms. 
  • Vitamins: In addition to eating a well-balanced diet, certain vitamins and minerals can improve PMS symptoms. These include calcium, vitamin B6, magnesium, omega-3, and omega-6.

If you have further questions about premenstrual syndrome, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

What is Urodynamic Testing?

When someone is having issues using the restroom or problems emptying their bladder, urodynamic tests are a medical tool used to assess the situation. These tests can officially diagnose patients with medical issues like urinary incontinence, a condition that impacts over 25 million adults in America.

Curious to learn more? Keep reading!

What Does a Urodynamic Test Do?

There are a wide variety of urodynamic tests. A few examples include cystometry, uroflowmetry, and video urodynamics. All types of tests measure the following:

  • Flow rates of urine.
  • Nerve and muscle function.
  • Pressure around the bladder.

Depending on the results, these measurements can allow physicians to discover what medical condition someone with urinary incontinence might be facing.

Why Would You Need a Urodynamic Test?

Here are some of the common conditions that might warrant a physician to give a urodynamic test:

  • Frequent urination, over eight times a day.
  • Not being able to empty your bladder completely.
  • Pain when urinating.
  • An overwhelming urge to use the restroom.
  • Urine leaking/incontinence.

What Is the Test Like?

The process of urodynamic testing varies based on the specific test performed. Regardless of the type of test, you won’t need to prepare much at all. Some tests require you to drink liquid before urinating into special equipment, while others require catheters.

Speak with your physician about which test you’re receiving, and don’t be afraid to ask for details on what the process will entail.

If you have further questions about urodynamic testing, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

 

Overactive Bladder 101

With more than 200,000 cases in the United States alone per year, overactive bladder (also called OAB) is a common medical condition many women and men experience. This urological issue causes a frequent, urgent need to use the restroom, sometimes even leading to accidents before a person has time to get to the bathroom.

If you or a loved one are dealing with OAB, keep reading below to learn more about causes and treatment options.

What Are the Symptoms for Overactive Bladder?

The most common symptoms of OAB are:

  • The sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control.
  • Accidently releasing urine when the urge appears.
  • Using the restroom multiple times in the middle of the night, a condition called nocturia.
  • Frequently urinating more than usual, beyond eight times a day.

What Causes OAB?

Usually, OAB can occur when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily, creating that urgent need to use the restroom.

There are several risk factors and medical conditions that can cause OAB, including enlarged prostates, diabetes, cognitive decline, tumors, certain medications, and hormone changes.

What’s the Treatment for OAB?

 

The most common treatment for overactive bladder is behavior therapies and lifestyle changes. Those include options such as pelvic floor muscle exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, biofeedback, intermittent catheterization, scheduling restroom use, and bladder training. These therapies help encourage the body and bladder to function without daily interruption.

Other treatment options include:

  • Bladder injections
  • Medications
  • Nerve stimulation
  • Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
  • Surgery

If you have further questions about overactive bladder, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora of Avant Gynecology Featured on “The Weekly Check-Up” on WSB Radio

On Sunday, August 30, Avant Gyneology’s Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora — both honorees of the 2020 “Top Doctors” list in Atlanta magazine’s July issue — returned as guests on The Weekly Check-Up on News/Talk WSB Radio.

During the show, Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora discussed several topics related to women’s health, such as hormone replacement therapy, hormone pellets, menopause, UTIs, uterine fibroids, and navigating a healthy lifestyle amidst the current pandemic.

You can listen to the full show below.

Tune in to The Weekly Check-Up every Sunday from 3-5 p.m. on AM 750 on 95.5 WSB, and WSBRadio.com.

The Effects of Systemic Racism on Black Women’s Healthcare Access

The systemic discrimination facing Black women and men in the United States is nothing new but with the recent Black Lives Matter movement, these issues have come into the spotlight. Unfortunately, the specific ways they affect Black women in the healthcare space is still not widely understood or even discussed by many.

Here, we will unpack some of the statistics around the lack of healthcare access for Black women, specifically when it comes to OBGYN care, and what we can do to combat this issue.

Important Statistics on Healthcare Access for Black Women

How Do We Address This Issue?

If you’re as alarmed as we are by those statistics and the lack of support for Black women in healthcare, here are some ways you can help:

  • Educate Yourself: Continue the fight for equality by educating yourself on issues like this. Become aware of statistics, read the stories of Black women in these situations, and recognize that this will be an ongoing process of self-education.
  • Support Organizations: There are several organizations out there trying their best to help resolve the issues described above. One great example is the Black Women’s Health Imperative, whose mission it is to “lead the effort to solve the most pressing health issues that affect Black women and girls in the U.S. Through investments in evidence-based strategies, we deliver bold new programs and advocate health-promoting policies.” Read more about the health inequalities on Black women, sign petitions, and donate straight to these organizations that are making a strong impact

At Avant Gynecology, we pride ourselves on being a safe space for all women. Schedule an appointment with one of our women’s health experts by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.