WomanCare

Preeclampsia Eclampsia Health Byte

If you are under prenatal care, then you have probably heard your OBGYN mention preeclampsia. This condition could potentially threaten both the mother and baby’s life without appropriate monitoring and treatment.

As explained in this video clip, preeclampsia is a precursor to eclampsia, marked by elevated blood pressure and abnormal urine protein. Eclampsia can lead to grand mal seizures. Watch the video to learn more and talk to your OBGYN if you are experiencing any symptoms of preeclampsia.

The Importance of an Annual Pap Smear

One of the most important annual exams required to maintain your feminine health is your pelvic exam with your gynecologist. During this exam, most doctors will recommend performing a pap smear.

What is a Pap Smear?

A pap smear is a quick, painless test your gynecologist performs to screen for abnormalities in the cervical cells. Abnormal results could be indicative of early cancer stages, or of other cervical concerns. In most cases, abnormal cells resolve on their own, so there is no need for panic if results come back abnormal. Your OBGYN will either repeat the test or order different tests in these circumstances before making a determination or diagnosis.

Why Do I Need a Pap Smear?

Since pap smears screen for cervical cancer, and cancer is easiest to treat in its earliest stages, this simple test could save your life. Early detection of cancerous cells could make the difference between a simple excision and months of chemotherapy or highly invasive surgeries such as a hysterectomy.

Why Do I Have to Get a Pap Smear Every Year?

Our bodies are constantly changing, either because of the natural aging process or because of exposure to elements, viruses, or bacteria. Some viruses, such as the HPV virus, can cause cancer if not treated early and can be sexually transmitted. Therefore, if you are sexually active, it is even more important that you go for your regular pap smear with your gynecologist. Even if you are not, it is always a good idea to monitor for any changes that may occur so that potential problems can be caught early.

Although pap smears are generally painless, some women do experience mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure. If this bothers you, consider taking an over the counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, about an hour before your OBGYN appointment.

If you are due for your annual pap smear, then contact the compassionate, skilled gynecologists at WomanCare. We provide women’s health care services in addition to prenatal care. Call (847) 221-4700 to schedule your appointment today.

Educate Yourself: Useful Links about Osteoporosis and Urinary Incontinence

Are you suffering from urinary incontinence? How does your bone mineral density relate to osteoporosis? Learn more about urinary incontinence and the risk factors associated with osteoporosis with these great resources.

• Explore this fact sheet from WomensHealth.gov for more information on osteoporosis.
• Check out this article from the National Osteoporosis Foundation to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and incidence rate of osteoporosis.
• Visit this link from the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse for more information on the different types of urinary incontinence.
• How is urinary incontinence diagnosed? Find out with this MayoClinic.com article.
• This New York Times article discusses the behavioral treatments used to treat urinary incontinence.

For more information on our services, give WomanCare a call at (847) 221-4700 today!

Urinary Incontinence: A Treatable Problem

Urinary incontinence often results from pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or changes to the structure of the urinary tract. While urinary incontinence may not be considered a crippling disease, it can be the cause of much embarrassment and frustration. Luckily, a gynecologist or OBGYN can help you put an end to urinary incontinence. 

Types of Urinary Incontinence

There are several different types of urinary incontinence, including:

• Stress incontinence: small amounts of urine leak during physical movement, exercise, or while coughing or sneezing.
• Urge incontinence: large amounts of urine leak at unexpected times, including while sleeping.
• Functional incontinence: untimely urination due to physical disability, problems in thinking or communicating, or external obstacles that prevent a person from reaching the toilet.
• Overactive bladder: urinary frequency and urgency both with and without urge incontinence.
• Overflow: leakage of small amounts of urine due to a full bladder.
• Mixed incontinence: stress and urge incontinence combined.
• Transient incontinence: temporarily leakage due to an infection, new medication, or other situation that will pass.

Diagnosis

There are several methods that your OBGYN may utilize in order to diagnose urinary incontinence. Some of these methods include a bladder stress test, urinalysis, urine culture, ultrasound, cystoscopy, and a measurement of your bladder capacity. However, most gynecologists will also ask that you keep a journal outlining your urination and leakage patterns.

Treatment Options

Once you have been diagnosed with urinary incontinence, your gynecologist will provide you with an overview of your treatment options. This includes behavioral remedies such as going to the bathroom at regular timed intervals and Kegal exercises to strengthen the muscles that hold in urine. Your gynecologist may also offer medications to control urinary incontinence related to an overactive bladder.

Just because you are suffering from urinary incontinence does not mean that you have to live with the problem. Let the gynecologists and OBGYNs at WomanCare educate you on our women’s bladder control treatment methods by contacting us at (847) 221-4700. 

A Brief Guide to Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million individuals in the United States suffer from osteoporosis—80% of which are women. Fortunately, your OBGYN or gynecologist may be able to provide a number of treatment options to help combat the effects of osteoporosis. Educate yourself on how bone mineral density relates to osteoporosis for more information. 

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and the structural deterioration of bone tissue that increases an individual’s susceptibility to bone fractures. Osteoporosis and the loss of bone mineral density may be caused by a number of factors, including:

·         The loss of estrogen during menopause.

·         Hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and Cushing’s Syndrome.

·         Low-calcium diets.

·         Family history of osteoporosis.

·         Chronic liver disease or intestinal disorders.

Risk Factors

While everyone is at risk for developing osteoporosis, there are certain factors that may increase your risk of decreasing your bone mineral density, including excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and medications such as glucocorticoids, antacids with aluminum, anti-seizure medications, and gonadotropin.

Signs and Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms of osteoporosis until the disease has reached a later stage. Some of the symptoms associated with late-stage osteoporosis include:

·         Fractures of the vertebra, wrists, or hips.

·         Neck pain.

·         Low back pain.

·         Bone pain or tenderness.

·         Stooped posture.

·         Loss of height.

Diagnosis

Your gynecologist can diagnose osteoporosis by performing a bone density scan. Also known as a Dexa scan, a bone density scan measures the bone mineral content and strength of your bones. A bone density scan can also determine the rate at which the bone mineral is being lost. Individuals who receive a low bone density score may be at future risk for bone fractures.

Whether you’re interested in a bone density scan, bioidentical hormones, or prenatal care, WomanCare is here to help. Give us a call at (847) 221-4700 for more information on our services and wellness plans.