Why Women Should Stay Active, No Matter Their Age

A natural part of growing older is becoming less active. Life gets busier, natural energy levels fluctuate, and even general enjoyment around physical activities can wane. Regardless, it’s important to keep up active habits and find ways to enjoy this important part of living a long, healthy life. Keep reading below to learn why women should stay active, no matter their age.

The benefits of being active:

  • Stressed all the time? Exercising adds to your serotonin level. This chemical decreases the amount of stress you feel and makes room for more fun and positive emotions.
  • Increased exercising also has been proven to improve women’s sexual response and desire.
  • Physical activity helps your digestive system break down food.
  • Regular exercise boosts the part of your brain called the ventral prefrontal cortex, which makes decision making and emotional processing much easier.
  • Exercising also helps the hippocampus work better, which improves your memory. In the same vein, staying active also helps to slow down and prevent cognitive decline from diseases like Alzheimer’s.
  • Dealing with adult acne? Working out helps to reduce the hormones that produce acne. In fact, the more you sweat, the more you unclog your pores.
  • The more you exercise the better you sleep. Working out helps you feel better rested, gets you to sleep faster, and helps you remain asleep.
  • Exercising regularly also goes hand in hand with better self-confidence.
  • Exercise has been connected to a decreased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and mental illnesses like anxiety or depression.
  • You improve your overall life quality and length of life when you exercise regularly.

Not sure where to start?

Lacking inspiration on how to remain active? We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you get started.

  • Cardio is an absolute must for your exercise regimen. Regularly engaging in cardio keeps your heart and lungs healthy, plus also benefits your bones and joints. If you hate the idea of running, there are plenty of other easy ways to get your heart pumping. Dancing, biking, tennis, walking, hiking, and swimming are a few great examples.
  • Also, include strengthening and muscle toning in your schedule. Doing so keeps your weight in check, strengthens your overall body, and keeps your bones strong. Grab some weights, head to your local gym to work with their machines, or use your own body weight to get started (push-ups, lunges, etc.).
  • Stretching is often overlooked but it’s vital for building healthier muscles, improving overall balance, and keeping joint pain to a minimum. If you have time every morning and evening to stretch, do it. If not, try to regularly engage in activities like yoga and pilates. Plus, the more you work on your balance, the less likely you are to fall.

Remember, the experts at Avant Gynecology are here to help women of all ages live long healthy lives. Click here to schedule an appointment or give us a call at 404-352-2850 if you have any more questions about why women should stay active, no matter their age.

Dealing with Lack of Sexual Desire as a Woman

The medical term for lack of sexual desire is hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). This condition is extremely common. In fact, one-third of women ages 18 to 59 report having low sexual desire. However, this condition can be very tricky to diagnose and treat since “low sexual desire” can be defined very differently from person to person. For that reason, the official definition is when someone experiences a significant decrease in sexual desire that has an impact on their emotional quality of life and relationships.

If this is something you or your partner are dealing with, know that you’re not alone. Keep reading below to learn the basics of this condition, including causes and treatment options.

Causes

There are a wide variety of possible causes of HSDD. Below are some of the most common.

  • Relationship issues
  • Age
  • Big changes in life, such as losing a loved one or having a child
  • Outside stress
  • Mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety
  • Medical diseases such as endometriosis or fibroids
  • Societal standards
  • Certain medications
  • Low testosterone
  • Extreme self-consciousness.
  • Past influences, such as trauma
  • Menopause

Treatment Options

The good news is that there are many treatment options available for women who want to change their low sexual drive. Here are some of the most common:

  • Lifestyle changes could be all you need to do. This could mean starting to exercise, working on stress management, cutting out bad habits like smoking, or working with your partner to set aside time for intimacy.
  • If you’re dealing with untreated mental or physical disorders (depression, anxiety, chronic pain, etc.), addressing those conditions can often have a positive impact on your sexual drive as well.
  • Talk therapy focused on intimacy is also an option. Especially if your partner and you are both struggling with low sexual desire, a therapist is a fantastic resource to lean on to improve your situation together as a couple.
  • Medication is also available. Don’t be afraid to discuss the issue with your physician and see if there are any medications that can help. Examples include hormone replacement therapy, natural supplements, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, an FDA-approved oral medication (Addyi) and a new FDA-approved subcutaneous injection (Vyleesi).

If you are dealing with lack of sexual desire, the experts at Avant Gynecology are here to help. Click here to schedule an appointment with us or give us a call at 404-352-2850.

Women’s Hormones 101: How Much They Affect Us

Hormones impact women in multiple different ways. Hidden from sight and working away inside, these substances that exist in the tissue and fluids can directly change women’s weight, energy levels, mood, and food cravings. 

While hormones can be complicated and impact a wide scope of women’s health, the experts at Avant Gynecology are here to help explain the basics of women’s hormones.

What are Women’s Hormones? 

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by certain glands in the body and then released into the bloodstream. These tiny parts of our body impact most, if not all, of our bodily functions. Women are especially prone to be affected by hormone fluctuations due to their chemical makeup. In fact, many stages of women’s lives are defined by what their hormones are doing. Examples of this include puberty, PMS, and menopause. 

The two most well-known women’s hormones are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is produced by the adrenal glands, fat cells, and ovaries. Estrogen first appears during puberty and severely impacts the reproductivity and sexual development of women. Progesterone is created by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta. The amount found in a woman increases during ovulation but is also found in great numbers during pregnancy. It helps to create stable menstrual cycles and also prepare the body for pregnancy. 

However, there are many more hormones that are produced in women’s bodies. For example, vitamin D controls calcium consumption and bone growth. Oxytocin affects labor, breastfeeding, and bonding. 

Overall, there are countless chemical messengers doing hard work behind the scenes for women. To learn the full list and what all they do for your bodies, click here to read more. 

Common Issues with Women’s Hormones

Nearly half of all women experience issues with hormonal imbalance. Unfortunately, sometimes the problems they cause may not seem obvious. While trying to discover what is wrong, doctors may guess other complications before realizing hormones are the cause. 

Here are some of the most common issues women experience when their hormones are imbalanced:

  • Irregular periods 
  • Poor sleep quality 
  • Acne
  • Brain fog
  • Gastrointestinal issues, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation
  • Mood swings
  • Headaches
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Low sex drive
  • Infertility 
  • Unstable blood sugar
  • Mental health issues
  • Changes in weight
  • Breast cancer

This long list is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to issues that hormones can cause. That’s why it’s vital to keep track of any medical issues you may be experiencing and then communicate them both to your general physician and gynecologist. They will be able to ensure that your hormones are functioning properly and can provide a treatment plan that will work best for you if they aren’t. 

If you have any further questions about women’s hormones, click here to contact the expert team of gynecologists. We’d be happy to assist you. 

Navigating the Complex World of Dieting

The diet industry is complex and ever-changing. There are countless fad diets claiming to be the key to weight loss. However, many of them come with hidden complications and even serious risks.

We’re breaking down some important guidelines for anyone navigating the overwhelming world of dieting.

Do Your Research

Before you commit to any major diet or nutritional plan, it’s important to do your research. You will need to understand the nutritional value of what you’re consuming, what you’ll be leaving out, and how it will affect your overall health and body. Taking this first step will help you properly assess your various options and decide what’s best for you.

After you’ve done your own research, it’s also very important to consult your primary care doctor. They will be able to share their assessment of the plan from a holistic, medical perspective.

Be Aware of Dieting Fads and Myths

Another benefit of doing research is to help to identify dangerous diet fads and myths. For example, while the very popular “Keto diet” may work for some, this high-fat, low-carb plan has actually increased heart issues for others. Similarly, the claims that a “juice cleanse” can clean your colon and reset your appetite is inaccurate and a dangerous way to lose weight.

The key to identifying an unhealthy diet trend is finding credible sources that have reviewed the plan’s safety and efficacy. If you can’t but are still eager to try it, speak with your primary care physician for a tailored assessment.

Aim for a Balanced Diet

No diet is as good as just eating a healthy mix of the key food groups. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, the US Department of Health has a “Dietary Guide for Americans” that is backed by medical research.

If you’re looking for a quicker take on keeping a balanced diet, here are some suggestions:

  • Avoid over-processed, salty, and sugary foods.
  • Eat more fresh veggies and fruits.
  • Make sure to add protein to your diet in the form of chicken, turkey, and other non-red meat-based options.
  • Dairy is also good, but make sure to try your best to avoid options overloaded with sugar.
  • Don’t totally toss out carbs. Carbs are healthy too! Just pick healthier options, like brown rice or oatmeal over white rice and bread.
  • If you can avoid all the bad stuff, that is great. But don’t kill yourself taking away all your favorite comforts and snacks. Remember to enjoy eating too!
  • Another key is eating healthier is portions. Eat your favorite snacks and guilty pleasures with controlled portions, and they can still be in your life.

If you’re struggling to identify and maintain a healthy diet, know you’re not alone. With rampant misinformation, tough social pressures, and expensive grocery lists to contend with, sometimes professional help is needed. Don’t be afraid to speak with your primary care physician, or even reach out to a nutritionist to see if they can help develop the best plan for you.

Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. If you would like to meet with any of our expert gynecologists about dieting, click here to schedule an appointment today or call us at (404) 352-2850.

Fertility Treatment Options

Fertility issues affect more families than you might think. In fact, out of 100 couples in the United States, about 12 to 13 of them have trouble getting pregnant. If you’re dealing with infertility, know that you are not alone and there are fertility treatment options available.

Treatment Options for Both Men and Woman

If assisted reproductive technology is required for pregnancy, meaning both the egg and sperm are worked with to create a pregnancy, there are multiple ways to do so. Here are some of the most common types of assisted reproductive technology:

  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) happens when sperm is injected into a mature egg directly.
  • If the couple’s egg or sperm is not able to produce the baby itself, a donor egg or donor sperm may be used to help stimulate what cannot happen naturally.
  • When the embryo is implanted into the uterus, this is called assisted hatching. It requires opening the outer covering of the embryo to do so.
  • A gestational carrier may be needed if a woman is not able to carry the baby herself, whether that be because they don’t have an operating uterus or if other health issues make pregnancy risky for the mom. A gestational carrier carries the egg and sperm for the couple.

Fertility Treatments for Women

For women facing infertility, there are countless treatment options. The most common ones are as follows:

  • If a woman is having issues with ovulation, there are multiple fertility drugs available, whether they are to help regular ovulation or to induce it.
  • Endometrial polyp, scar tissue, endometriosis, fibroids, and uterine septum are several examples of medical illnesses that require a woman to have surgery in order to fix her infertility.
  • Intrauterine insemination occurs when healthy sperm is placed directly into the uterus after the ovary releases eggs, helping to aid in the success rate of pregnancy.

Fertility Treatments for Men

If a man is struggling with infertility, here are the treatment options most common:

  • Certain medications that improve testicular function, sperm count, pregnancy success, and sperm quality are often prescribed to men struggling with infertility.
  • Lifestyle changes might also increase the chance of pregnancy. Some of these options include cutting back on drinking or smoking, exercising more, stopping medications that interfere with reproductivity, increasing the amount of sex in the relationship, and eating a healthier diet.
  • Surgery may be required to reverse issues like sperm blockage or repairing a varicocele.
  • If there are issues with sperm and ejaculation, then sperm retrieval is another common treatment resource, in which the sperm is retrieved manually to put with the egg to create the baby. There are multiple ways to receive sperm and multiple ways to use it once it has been retrieved. You can read more about this option here.

If you are facing infertility, Avant Gynecology is here to help. Click here to schedule an appointment today or call us at (404) 352-2850 to discuss fertility treatment options.

Best Exercises for Women

While it’s true that women are capable of doing anything and everything, there are some physical exercises that are better suited for our goals and our bodies. Plus, if you are just getting started on your physical fitness journey, it’s good to start off with exercises and activities that will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to your body type.

Just like with anything else, there is no one size fits all for exercise. Before committing to any type of exercise, make sure to do the proper research beforehand and consult with your doctor.

But if you’d like to learn about the best exercises for women with your goals and skills in mind, then keep reading!

Best Cardio Options for Women

You’ll notice that this list will be pretty identical to a list of cardio options for any other gender or identity. But if you’re looking for a new idea for cardio or need help with figuring out where to begin, here are some fantastic options:

  • Running: Running is a great and fun way to get your heart racing. But did you know there are other benefits to running? Going for regular jogs burns plenty of calories, builds better cardiovascular capacity, adds muscular endurance, and gives you more energy the more you do it. Plus, it can be a fun–and super affordable–way to explore nature or your local neighborhood.
  • Professional Classes: Have you always wanted to try Zumba? Or maybe some HITT exercises? Then head over to your local gym and see what kind of professional classes they offer. Or maybe subscribe to a kickboxing gym if that’s something you’ve always wanted to try. Anything that gets you up and going on a regular basis is a great place to start.
  • Yoga: Yoga has grown in popularity in the past years, and it’s no wonder why. Yoga is fantastic for not only getting your heart pumping, but it can also tone your muscles and provide a more positive mentality. And, great news: you have lots of options to add yoga to your daily practice. You can either sign up a local yoga studio and plan your schedule around that, or you can pick any video from the countless options on YouTube or Google.
  • Move more: It’s hard to find the time to exercise daily or even weekly when you’re a busy woman constantly on the go. But it’s vital to at least try and move around 30 minutes a day. That can look different for everyone. Park further away so you have to walk more. Make a point to take walking breaks throughout your busy day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or just get outside for a bit to enjoy moving and the fresh air.

Best Strength-Building Options for Women

These exercises depend entirely on your goals, skill level, and your personal preferences. The good news is that there are countless options out there for you. All you need to do is a bit of research, but we can help kickstart the best way to do that.

First of all, consider your goals. Do you want to strengthen certain parts of your body? Or would you like to target fat in a specific area? Write down your goals for exercising and then hit Google to find the best options for you. Strengthening your arms will yield totally different results for burning belly fat.

Secondly, make sure to always consider your skill level. You don’t want to jump too quickly into a lift set that is for immediate users. You might end up hurting yourself.

And finally, have fun! Getting to the gym on a regular basis can be like pulling teeth, so make sure you’re doing something you can look forward to. Love lifting weights? Make more room for that in your schedule. Prefer exercise classes to joining a community? Then schedule that time for yourself.

If you’re worried about what exercises would be best for you, mention something during your annual gynecology visit. Your medical professionals would be happy to assist you in making the right, most educated choices for yourself when picking from the best exercises for women. Click here to schedule an appointment with any of the medical professionals at Avant Gynecology.

Cycling Up With Your Friends: Common Women’s Health Rumors

Women’s health doesn’t get nearly as much attention as men’s health. There’s lots to still learn about women and their bodies. While many years ago other women might have had to guess or make up rules about why our bodies do certain things, now we have more knowledge than ever before. Yet, some of those common women’s health rumors have stuck around despite being proven wrong.

To help keep you in the loop, we’re busting some of the most common women’s health rumors below. Before you read the answer, see if you can guess correctly.

Myth: Before you start labor, your water has to break.

While most fictional stories show a woman’s water breaking before she goes into labor, only about 10% of women have their water break before their labor begins. Instead of counting on their water breaking as a measurement of labor, women should concentrate on the frequency of their contractions.

Myth: You cycle up with your friends and loved ones.

Menstrual synchrony is a medical theory that women who live near each other or spend a lot of time together sync their periods so that they all occur at the same time. However, while many women have reported experiencing this, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to prove it officially. In recent studies, the findings were inconclusive, with some experiencing menstrual synchrony and others not. This doesn’t mean the investigation is fully closed, so keep your eyes peeled for more findings.

Myth: Having period pain or pain during sex is normal, even if it’s dehabiliting.

It’s common to have some mild period pain. Most women experience that. However, extreme pain that gets in the way of your daily activities while you’re menstruating should not be happening. If you’re experiencing this, it could be a medical condition like endometriosis or PMDD. The same can be said for pain during sex. While some pain from time to time might be normal, pain every you have intercourse is usually a medical condition.

Myth: Most women don’t experience postpartum depression.

This is probably one of the most important myths to set straight. One in five women experience postpartum depression after giving birth, which can lead to serious mental health issues. If you are experiencing postpartum depression or baby blues, know that you are not alone, and consider seeking help to alleviate these feelings.

Myth: The earlier you get your period, the earlier you go through menopause.

False! The average age of women to go through menopause is 51.7 years old. This age does not change depending on when the person had their period.

Myth: If you have a urinary tract infection, drink cranberry juice.

While cranberry juice does help prevent bacteria from attaching to your bladder’s wall, it doesn’t help get rid of your UTI or lessen your symptoms. Only antibiotics prescribed by your doctor can do that. However, the benefit of cranberry juice for women’s health is still being studied.

Myth: I don’t have a high sex-drive or any sexual desire at all, so something must be wrong with me.

Not true! Some women have a low sex drive, others have a very high sex drive. If you don’t want to have sex at all ever, there is absoutely nothing wrong with you. If you would like to change your sex drive however, you can speak with your doctor to potentionally start hormonal treatments.

Myth: I have no symptoms, so I don’t have an STI. Even if I am sexually active, I only sleep with one person so I don’t need to get STD testing done.

Some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have zero symptoms, such as gonorrhea or HPV. This is why you should have yearly STD testing done, even if you sleep with only one person.

Myth: Eating certain foods will help me get pregnant, while others will help determine the gender of my baby.

There are so many pregnancy-related myths we couldn’t fit them all in one blog. But if you see anything claiming that the kinds of foods you eat will affect your ability to get pregnant or change the gender of your baby, don’t believe them. While some of those rumors are fun, most of them are old wife’s tales and won’t do anything to impact you or your baby.

Myth: I am the only person I know struggling to get pregnant.

Did you know that 12 percent of women struggle to get pregnant? And that about 10 to 15 out of 100 pregnancies end in a miscarriage. So, no, you are not alone in your journey. If you would like to speak to someone going through a similar struggle as you, click here to find a support group from Resolve, the National Infertility Association.

If you have any more general questions about your health, click here to schedule an appointment with any of our expert gynecologists today. We’d be happy to help you work through any issues you may have or answer any questions or common women’s health rumors you want to be debunked.

What Causes Abnormal Menstrual Cycles?

It can be frustrating to keep track of your menstrual cycle. Sometimes your period is right on time doing exactly what you expect it to do, but other times it shows up late, and the bleeding is irregular.

It’s normal to feel worried if abnormal menstrual cycles are becoming more frequent for you. Often times there’s nothing to feel anxious about, but sometimes irregular bleeding can be the initial sign of a serious medical condition. That’s why it’s always vital to listen to your body, and educate yourself on what it could be trying to tell you.

We’re breaking down the biggest culprits of irregular periods below and when you might need to head to your doctor’s office.

General Life Events Causing Abnormal Menstrual Cycles:

There are a handful of events that happen during a woman’s life that will trigger a difference in menstrual bleeding. Keep these in mind if you’re trying to rule out a medical condition.

Pregnancy

Often the first sign of pregnancy is missing your period. Spotting is also a common symptom for women who are pregnant, and women who breastfeed also see reduced periods. Pregnancy is an amazing medical event that touches so many parts of a woman’s life, so it’s only natural that it also impacts that person’s menstrual cycle.

However, every woman experiences pregnancy differently. Speak with your gynecologist to figure out what is and isn’t normal if you’re worried about how much or how little you are bleeding during your pregnancy.

Birth Control / Medications

It’s extremely common that hormone-based birth controls can cause irregular bleeding, whether it’s spotting or causing your period to disappear altogether. If you’re concerned about your period and know you’re using birth control like an IUD or pills, then do some research, and see if it’s a common occurrence for your period to change. Also, make sure to speak with your gynecologist, and ask your questions. They are the experts in birth control methods.

Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the period before menopause, mimicking similar symptoms and preparing the woman’s body for what is to come. Since both perimenopause and menopause are a shifting of women’s hormones, your period is one of the first things to become affected. Other symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and vaginal dryness.

If you know it’s about that time for you, then visit your doctor to learn what else to expect during this period. Or click here to learn more about menopause from the experts at Avant Gynecology.

Obesity or Weight Change

Being overweight impacts your hormones and insulin levels, therefore affecting the regularity of your periods. On the opposite end of the spectrum, extreme weight loss and over-exercising can also cause your period to change for the same reasons.

Speak with your doctor today to discover if your physical health is interfering with your period.

Stress

Abnormally high levels of stress are no fun, and it could also be impacting your menstrual cycle. When you’re stressed out, your brain begins to meddle with your hormones, including the ones that regulate your cycle. This can cause all sorts of issues, like weight gain and severe fatigue. But it can also increase or decrease the flow of your period.

If you’re feeling stress, help your body relax and get out of fight or flight mode by practicing relaxing techniques. Yoga, meditation, or baths can go a long way and get your body back on the right track.

If the problems continue to persist, contact your doctor to see what else you can do to assist your body.

Medical Conditions That Cause Abnormal Menstrual Cycles:

If you’ve ruled out all the above life-related options, here are some of the most common medical issues that cause changes in your menstrual cycle. All of these conditions will require an immediate visit to your gynecologist.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This is a disorder that causes ovaries to become overly large and have small cysts on the outer edges. It most commonly affects women in the reproductive age. Aside from interfering with menstrual bleeding, it also causes weight gain, acne, infertility, depression, excess male hormones, and hair loss.

Thyroid Disorders

There are two common types of thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism, when the thyroid is underactive, or hyperthyroidism, when your thyroid is overactive. While the former causes heavier periods, more cramping, fatigue, cold sensitivity, and weight gain, the latter is known to cause lighter periods, weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumor-like growths that grow in or on the walls of the uterus. They range in sizes, starting from somewhere as small as a seed to something as large as a baseball. Aside from being extremely painful, they also cause abnormal bleeding, pelvic pressure, lower back pain, and pain during sex. Click here to learn more about uterine fibroids from our experts.

Endometriosis

A condition that makes the tissue normally inside of your uterus grow on the outside, endometriosis affects an alarming one in 10 women who are in their reproductive age. It most commonly causes changed bleeding patterns, extremely painful menstrual cramps, gastrointestinal pain, painful bowel moments, pain during and after sex, and even infertility.

Reproductive Cancers

Reproductive cancers, like uterine cancer, often cause irregular bleeding as a first symptom. Understanding the causes of cancer and potential means of prevention is one of the most important steps women can take for their health, which is why you should click here to learn more about reproductive cancers.

Issues Unrelated to your Reproductive Organs

Sometimes issues unrelated to your reproductive organs can also cause your menstrual cycle to be impacted. Such examples of these medical problems are liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and blood clotting disorders.

Having an irregular period can be concerning to experience. If you’re still not sure whether or not you should visit the doctor, click here to read more from us about when irregular bleeding is truly a cause of concern.

If you have more questions or would like to speak to a professional, click here to schedule an appointment with any of our talented and intelligent gynecologists.

How to Get Over Nerves Before Visiting your OBGYN

Visiting your GYN practice can be a nerve-wracking experience if you don’t like doctors or the idea of someone examining your sensitive areas. Turns out a large percentage of women ages 18 and 71 experience fear when it comes to visiting their OBGYN office.

If you’re nervous about your annual exam OGYBN exam, keep reading below for some tips on how to get over nerves before visiting your OBGYN.

Educate Yourself

If you’re worried about the particulars of what happens during an annual exam visit to the OBGYN, take the time to educate yourself. Luckily, Avant has a few resources you can check out. Click here to read a blog about why annual gynecology exams are essential to a healthy life, or click here to learn the details about all the procedures we offer at our practice.

Of course, a step above research is experiencing it for yourself beforehand. Don’t be afraid to perform a self-examination so you grow familiar with the feeling of what the doctors will do.

In addition, get to know your practice and your physician before arriving for your appointment. Check out the practice’s website to learn their story, and read the bio of the person who will be performing your annual exam. Visit the practice beforehand, so you feel confident you won’t get lost or be late for your exam.

Any small task you can check off the list to give you peace of mind is worth doing, no matter how trivial you might think it is.

Practice Your Speech

Just like how it’s beneficial to practice a public speech beforehand, it’s valuable to practice what you need to communicate to your gynecologist. If you know you have specific concerns, write them all down, and rehearse how you will ask your physician. Consider using this blog as a guideline on what you should ask your gynecologist.

If you plan ahead, you will be more likely to express yourself correctly during this important examination. Therefore, it’s less likely that you will forget to say something or leave the clinic feeling disappointed.

In addition, plan to let your doctor and practice know that you are nervous, and they will be able to calm your worries.

Focus on Mental Confidence

There are plenty of beneficial tools you can use to help yourself feel more relaxed and confident.

Do a relaxing yoga flow the night before, which will help you sleep more peacefully. Practice meditation and reflection a few hours before, focusing specifically on taking deep breaths. Stand in your bathroom, and do power poses in front of your reflection to boost your morale. Text your worries out with friends, or spend some time journaling about your fears before the appointment.

Whatever works best for you, do it. It’s important and valid to spend time on you and your mental health, especially if it’s getting in the way of your physical health.

Seek Help

All fear and anxiety are valid, but sometimes it’s rooted in something you can’t overcome alone. If you have past trauma or other issues that you need help working with, there is absolutely no shame in reaching out to a professional for that help. Especially when you consider that one in five women experience mental health issues, know that you are not alone, and there is someone who would love to help you. Search for a psychiatrist in your area, and take time out of your schedule to visit them before your appointment.

In addition, think about why you’re nervous to go to your annual exam. Is it just normal nerves, or could it be that you don’t like the practice and gynecologist you visit? Consider visiting a new place if you realize it’s the people in that specific location that are adding to your worry.

Visiting your gynecologist doesn’t have to be an unnerving experience. Click here to schedule an appointment with any of Avant Gynecology’s professional and expert gynecologists today. We’re happy to help with any issues on how to get over nerves before visiting your OBGYN.

Dr. Lynley Durrett of Avant Gynecology Receives Top Doctors Honor

Congratulations to Dr. Lynley Durrett on ranking amongst metro Atlanta’s Top Doctors in Atlanta magazine’s July issue! Dr. Durrett, who has been practicing obstetrics and gynecology for more than 20 years, has been annually recognized as a Top Doctor in the publication since 2010. She is currently seeing and accepting new patients at the Buckhead and Northside offices, located on the Piedmont Hospital and Northside Hospital campuses, respectively.

Atlanta magazine uses a database of top doctors compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., an established healthcare research company based in New York, to assist in its annual effort. This year, the publication honors 860 physicians. Doctors are nominated for consideration through both a nationwide survey and a peer nomination process open to licensed physicians in Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, and Rockdale counties. Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers then select the Top Doctors through a rigorous screening process that includes an evaluation of educational and professional experience.

“Honors such as these are certainly humbling and welcome,” said Dr. Durrett. “However, at Avant Gynecology we will continue focusing on our mission to provide exceptional and 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.”

Dr. Durrett’s professional expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques with interests in vaginal prolapse treatment, managing urologic conditions, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), American Medical Association (AMA), Medical Association of Georgia, American Minimally Invasive Surgery Society, Atlanta OB/GYN Society, Georgia OB/GYN Society and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, a society of physicians and scientists dedicated to enhancing the quality and extending the length of the human lifespan.