Oral contraceptive pills (also known as “the pill”) are a widely popular and effective form of birth control. Millions of women in the U.S. rely on birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control states that oral contraception pills are the second most common form of birth control for women in the U.S. age 15-49. The most common reason for taking birth control pills is to prevent pregnancy; however, women can also take birth control pills for other purposes, such as reducing menstrual cramps, regulating menstruation and reducing migraines.  Contraceptive ..read more

This blog has been updated to reflect the most recent FDA findings and changes in our practice in regard to the Essure procedure. The Essure procedure is a permanent birth control method developed by an American company called Conceptus. Essure is their main product. During the procedure, tiny flexible coils made out of polyester fibers, nickel-titanium and stainless steel are passed by a small tube called a catheter from the vagina through the cervix and uterus and into the Fallopian tubes (Fallopian tubes are two very thin tubes that lead from the ovaries into the uterus). Once in place, the ..read more

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-evolving situation. With this virus being the main topic of conversation, there is a lot of information circulating that may or not be true. One recent topic of discussion surrounding the virus and its treatment is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen). But is there any real evidence to back up these claims? Here is all of the information you need about COVID-19 and anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, and their effects on COVID-19 symptoms. Is there evidence that Ibuprofen makes COVID-19 symptoms worse? At presen ..read more

You’ve made it through menopause (meaning you haven’t had your period in at least one year). You’re done with the mood swings and the hot flushes, the fatigue and the cramping. And now, after decades of dealing with regular and irregular uterine bleeding, you’re settling into the latest phase of your body’s development, hopefully with a minimum of fuss. So what does it mean if you start experiencing abnormal bleeding after menopause, and should you be concerned? Menopause can be a time of irregular bleeding as the production of estrogen (the main female sex hormone) shifts on its way to your ..read more

The COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact on all of our lives. If you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, it’s especially important to know the facts about how COVID-19 can affect you during pregnancy.  The good news is that there is no current evidence that pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness than the general population. However, there are some extra precautions to take if you are pregnant to be sure you and your baby stay as healthy as possible during this time. The current health recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Or ..read more

The current global outbreak of COVID-19, commonly called coronavirus, is an issue of great concern for the general population, especially those who are pregnant, elderly or those who have serious chronic medical conditions. After the 2015 outbreak of the Zika virus, which can be transmissible from mother to fetus and cause microcephaly and other fetal brain defects, it is reasonable to wonder what additional risks coronavirus may pose to pregnant women. Here is what you need to know about the COVID-19 coronavirus and pregnancy.  What Are the Risks of COVID-19 for Pregnant Women? Because this ..read more

Talcum powder is a powdered form of the mineral talc, valued for its ability to absorb moisture and reduce friction. This makes it a common ingredient in many household cosmetic and hygiene products like baby powder, adult face and body powder, and deodorizing powders. While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel considers talc safe enough for human use, it has faced controversy and concerns over its safety in recent years. What are the Concerns Regarding Talcum Powder? In 2019, Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest manufacturers of baby powder, faced a series of over 14,000 lawsuits ..read more

Feeling nauseous and even throwing up are common symptoms during pregnancy. In fact, The American Pregnancy Association states that more than 50% of women experience nausea during pregnancy. However, there are several differences between normal, expected morning sickness and a much more serious condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Here is an in-depth examination of the signs and symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy and what you should do if you suspect you’re suffering from this condition. Morning Sickness Morning sickness is a hallmark of the first trimester of pregnancy f ..read more

Multiple risk factors can influence a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer during her lifetime. While many of these risk factors are controllable, such as being overweight after menopause, being physically inactive and drinking alcohol, other risk factors, like age, are beyond a woman’s control. This is not to say that every woman will develop breast cancer as she advances in age. However, the risk of breast cancer does increase with age. Breast cancer can strike women of any age – from the very young to the elderly – but you are far from helpless in your defense against this disease. U ..read more

Expectant mothers have been advised for years that sleeping on the left side of their body during pregnancy is best for the baby. Sleeping on the back, called the supine position, was particularly discouraged. Failure to follow this recommendation came with warnings of increased risk of stillbirth, underweight newborns, and gestational hypertension in the mother. However, recent research has cast doubt on the validity of these warnings. A large prospective study of over 8,000 pregnant women indicates that there is actually no correlation between sleep position and stillbirth or the other adve ..read more