Routine Gynecologic Care

Female condoms, also known as internal condoms, are an alternative form of birth control that operate in a similar manner to regular condoms and offer roughly the same protection from sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

What sets a female condom apart from the type worn by men is the fact that they go inside the vagina rather than being placed on the penis. They come in the form of pouches made out of a soft plastic such as latex ornitrile. When properly placed to cover the inside of the vagina, they form a barrier that stops sperm from making its way to an egg and causing pregnancy. Unlike many other forms of birth control, an internal condom can also prevent several types of sexually transmitted diseases.

Are Female Condoms Effective?

When a female condom is used correctly every time you have sex, the effectiveness of this birth control method is 95 percent. However, in reality, they are only around 79 percent effective because some people do not use them properly. This means that around 21 out of every 100 women who use them as their main form of birth control can become pregnant every year.

To maximize their efficacy, they need to be worn during your entire sexual interaction from start to finish. You must ensure the condom has been placed correctly before any skin-to-skin genital contact takes place.

How Do You Use a Female Condom?

Much like a traditional condom, female condoms may be tricky to place the first time you use them, but the process should become smoother with practice. Here is a look at the steps involved in proper usage.

1. Check the package to confirm that the condom has not expired, and then open it up carefully to avoid damaging it.
2. Although female condoms typically come lubricated, you may add more if you feel it is necessary.
3. There are a few good positions that can facilitate insertion, such as lying down, squatting, or standing with one foot resting on a chair. Relaxing can help make it easier to insert.
4. Squeeze the sides of the inside ring at the closed end of the female condom together and then slide it into the vagina like a tampon. You want to ensure that the inner ring has gone as far as possible into your vagina up to your cervix. It should expand naturally, but you may not be able to feel it.
5. Remove your finger and allow the thin outer ring of the condom to hang roughly an inch outside of your vagina.
6. During penetration, hold the condom open to make sure it does not slip to one side. Although it may move around slightly during sex, your partner’s penis should be surrounded completely by the condom at all times.
7. To remove a female condom, gently twist its outer ring and then pull it out of your vagina and throw it away.

Warnings for Female Condom Use

Keep in mind that female condoms are not reusable, so you will need to insert a new one each time you have sex. Store them in a cool, dry place, and check each individual condom for defects or tears before using it.

You should not use a male condom at the same time as a female condom as this may lead to tearing. In addition, condoms should never be flushed because they may clog your toilet.

The Benefits of Female Condoms

Here is a look at some of the main benefits of female condoms.

They Can Prevent Pregnancy and STDs

One of the most obvious benefits of female condoms is their ability to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, taking away many common worries related to sexual intercourse. In fact, traditional and female condoms are the only birth control methods that can help to prevent infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

They Are Hypoallergenic

Traditional male condoms are usually made out of latex, which poses a problem to people who have sensitivities or allergies to latex. Internal female condoms are often made out of a soft plastic known as nitrile, which means they will not irritate genital skin and are suitable for those with allergies. Patients with latex allergy should confirm that their product is latex free.

They May Be More Comfortable

Female condoms do not fit snugly around a penis the way a traditional condom does, and they may be more comfortable for your partner. Moreover, because female condoms can be inserted ahead of time, they can be more convenient as you do not need to interrupt foreplay to place them.

Discuss Your Family Planning Needs With the Contraceptive Care Team

Female condoms are just one of several ways you can prevent pregnancy and reduce your chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. To learn more about the various options for contraception, schedule an appointment with the women’s health-care team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness. Our doctors can help you determine the most suitable approach for your personal health history and lifestyle.

If you are experiencing issues or have questions related to women’s health, you may be wondering if you should see a gynecologist or an OB-GYN. Some people believe that the two titles are different ways of referring to the same type of doctor, but there is actually an important distinction to be aware of.

Here is a look at the difference between a gynecologist and an OB-GYN so you can determine the right professional for your needs.

What Is the Difference Between an OB-GYN and a Gynecologist?

In the US, physicians who train to be OB-GYNs typically train in the fields of both obstetrics and gynecology.While both are focused on providing care related to female health, they serve different roles. Obstetrics refers to care provided to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately after delivery. Gynecology generally refers to care for women who are not pregnant.

What Is a Gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a doctor who can handle various aspects of overall female health. This may include issues related to menstruation, screening for female health conditions and sexually transmitted diseases, and other aspects of sexual health. They may help with conditions affecting the reproductive system, such as the ovaries, vagina, fallopian tubes, cervix, or uterus, and they can also perform screenings such as Pap smears, pelvic exams, and breast exams.

They can do procedures such as tubal ligations and hysterectomies, and they can administer shots that offer protection against the human papilloma virus. They can also provide patients with various forms of birth control.

What Is an OB-GYN?

As you might have guessed, the latter half of the term “OB-GYN” indicates that the doctor is a gynecologist. However, “OB” designates them as an obstetrician as well. Obstetricians are trained in providing prenatal care and can work with women who are pregnant, attempting to become pregnant, and postpartum. They can help women through every stage of childbirth, from prenatal care to delivery and throughout their recovery.

Although there are some medical professionals who are only obstetricians and can only provide services related to pregnancy and childbirth, many physicians choose to specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology in order to provide more comprehensive care to their patients. These are the doctors known as OB-GYNs.

After graduating from medical school, aspiring OB-GYNs must undergo residency training programs that address health at every stage of pregnancy, from prior to conception to recovery, and they learn about issues surrounding prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling, and other genetics-related issues. They may undergo rotations related to reproductive endocrinology, gynecological surgery, infertility, and ultrasonography.

Which Doctor Should I See?

If you are pregnant or believe you may be, an obstetrician or OB-GYN is the right doctor to see as they have the training and equipment needed to address complications that may arise during pregnancy and can help you to ensure a healthy pregnancy. If you already have a gynecologist you trust, you can ask them to refer you to a suitable OB-GYN when you become pregnant.

An OB-GYN can handle pregnancy complications, such as signs of fetal distress, preeclampsia, placenta issues, and ectopic pregnancies. They are trained to make deliveries via Cesarean section as well as vaginal births.

For all other health-care concerns related to women’s health, a gynecologist is a good choice. They can perform routine visits, such as annual checkups and pelvic exams. They can also help you with problems related to menstruation, such as irregular periods or painful menstrual cycles.

For sexually active women who would like STI screening or a birth control, a gynecologist can help. They can provide advice on matters related to sexual practices, protection against diseases, and contraceptives. If you are experiencing pain during sex or dryness, for example, they can diagnosis and treat it. They can also help with vaginal infections, pelvic organ prolapse, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and related conditions.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of menopause, a gynecologist is also the right professional to visit. For women who are in their 40s or 50s who are dealing with symptoms such as hot flashes or mood swings, it may be the result of menopause. A gynecologist can help you to manage your symptoms.

Although many people believe that they should always choose an OB-GYN because they offer more comprehensive care than a gynecologist, a gynecologist is a great choice for women’s health care when you are not pregnant. In fact, some patients may find it easier to get an appointment with their gynecologist since busy OB-GYN practices tend to prioritize their pregnant patients.

Reach Out to Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Reach out to Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to make an appointment to discuss your female health-care needs. Our team of highly trained gynecologists are prepared to help women manage health conditions and conduct wellness screenings through all stages of their life.

Throughout your menstrual cycle, you are going to experience changes in your body. While many women are familiar with premenstrual symptoms such as bloating and cramps, there is another time of the month when you might notice pain and other symptoms of ovulation. Ovulation pain is also known as mittelschmerz, and it comes from the German terms for “middle” and “pain”. Here’s everything you need to know about this common occurrence.

When Does Ovulation Happen?

Ovulation is the part of your menstrual cycle when an ovary releases an egg. It typically occurs about halfway between your periods, which for many women is roughly 14 days into their cycle. However, this can vary so you may ovulate earlier or later than the 14-day point.

Why Does Ovulation Cause Pain?

An egg develops in your ovary, and as it grows it is surrounded by follicular fluid. When ovulation occurs, your ovary will release the egg with fluid and some blood. Ovulation pain may result from the follicle enlarging within your ovary right before ovulation begins.

In some cases, the pain could be due to a ruptured follicle. The egg will burst out of the follicle when it is ready, and this can cause some bleeding or fluid to emerge that may irritate the lining of your abdomen and lead to pain. Although it might sound alarming, it is a very normal part of your menstrual cycle.

What Does Ovulation Pain Feel Like?

Ovulation pain is a very individual experience, but for many women, it manifests as cramps or a twinging. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. It may also be accompanied by other ovulation symptoms such as discharge or light vaginal bleeding. Ovulation pain can feel similar to the pain you experience before your period, but it happens around two weeks beforehand.

You may notice ovulation pain in your pelvis or lower abdomen region. Although you may feel it in the middle of your body, many women report sensations on the side of their body where the ovary is releasing an egg that month. For most women, the ovaries take turns ovulating, with each one releasing an egg every other month. Therefore, if the ovary on your right side is releasing the egg this month, you will feel the pain on your right side; it will likely switch to the left side during your next cycle.

How Common Is Ovulation Pain?

Although it does not get quite as much attention as premenstrual syndrome, ovulation pain is extremely common, affecting more than 40% of women who are ovulating during their reproductive years.

Among women who report ovulation pain, most of them experience it every month. Nevertheless, many women will never experience pain at ovulation. There is nothing unusual about ovulation pain and, in most cases, it is nothing to be alarmed about.

How Is Ovulation Pain Treated?

Most women will not need any treatment for ovulation pain, which tends to go away on its own within about a day. However, if your pain is interfering with your daily activities, you can take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, use a heating pad, or take a hot bath for relief.

However, if your ovulation pain is severe, you might consider talking to your gynecologist about taking birth control pills. Because hormonal birth control pills prevent ovulation from occurring, you will not experience ovulation pain each month. Of course, this is not a good solution for anyone who intends to get pregnant in the near future.

When Should I Be Concerned About Ovulation Pain?

If your ovulation pain is manageable and it occurs around the time of the month that you would expect to be ovulating based on when you get your period, there is usually nothing to worry about.

However, if you experience severe pain, make an appointment with your gynecologist to rule out a more serious condition, such as endometriosis, an ovarian cyst, a sexually transmitted disease, or some type of abdominal problem. Your doctor might perform a pelvic or abdominal exam to rule these conditions out. In some cases, an ultrasound may also be needed.

If possible, keep a record of the times during your menstrual cycle you experience the pain, where you feel it, and how long it lasts to help your doctor get a better picture of your symptoms.

Make an Appointment With the Women’s Healthcare Team at Raleigh Gynecology Wellness

It is important to talk to a doctor if you have any concerns about ovulation, fertility, or your menstrual cycle. At Raleigh Gynecology Wellness, highly trained physicians and nurses are devoted to helping women of all ages manage and treat a variety of gynecological issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

If you are the parent of a teenage girl, you might be wondering when she should start seeing a gynecologist. Here is a look at the factors that go into determining the right age to start seeing these medical professionals and what you and your daughter can expect from your first visit.

Recommended Ages For When Should A Girl Start Seeing A Gynecologist

According to the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology and the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, young women should start getting routine Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer at 21, regardless of their level of sexual activity.

However, many girls need to see a gynecologist well before then. In fact, with the average age of the onset of menstruation for girls in the U.S. being 12 years and 9 months, it may be appropriate for your daughter to see a gynecologist as young as 13. One of the top reasons that girls first visit gynecologists are issues related to her period or lack thereof.

If your daughterl does not start to show secondary sexual characteristics such as pubic hair and breasts by 13, it may be a good idea to see a physician to ensure her development is on track. If she does have signs of development such as pubic hair and breast development but has not had her first menstruation by 15, it is important to get further evaluation. Your daughter’s pediatrician can help determine whether seeing a gynecologist would be helpful.

An irregular period is not necessarily a reason to visit a gynecologist on its own as it is common for periods to be irregular when a girl first starts menstruating. However, for girls who continue to have irregular cycles several years after their first period, seeing a gynecologist may help to determine why. Women who have excessive menstrual pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or their period is so heavy that they need to change their tampons or pads every hour, should also see a gynecologist.

In addition, if a specific issue develops, such as a yeast infection or other female health care concern, a gynecologist is the right doctor to visit.

Regardless of their age, girls should always visit a gynecologist once they become sexually active. Ideally, they will see a gynecologist beforehand to discuss birth control.

The First Visit

Coming to see a gynecologist does not always mean that a pelvic exam is needed. The first visit may include a general physical exam, including taking your daughter’s weight, height, and blood pressure. There may also be a brief external genital exam. However, if your daughter is going to a gynecologist because of a specific issue, she may need a pelvic or internal exam

Girls need to understand early on that they have a doctor who can help them with reproductive health issues. Establishing a good rapport with a health-care professional before your daughterneeds to deal with more delicate matters such as sexually related issues can help her to become comfortable getting the help she needs in the future.

Privacy

Let your daughter know ahead of her appointment that she will have a chance to talk to the doctor by herself during part of the visit, which will be a good time for her to discuss private topics with her doctor. Remind her that anything she talks with the doctor about will be kept between them. As long as your daughter is not doing anything that could hurt herself or someone else, what she discusses with the doctor is strictly confidential.

Many times, gynecologists will address risky behavior, such as unprotected sex, smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse. They might also talk about puberty, hygiene, contraception, mental health, and sexually transmitted diseases depending on your daughter’s age and concerns.

Another topic that may come up is the human papillomavirus, or HPV vaccine. Many girls are given this series of injections around 11 or 12 to help prevent the sexually transmitted infection HPV, which is associated with most cervical cancers. Many people choose to get this vaccine before they become sexually active. Your doctor can discuss the specifics and let you know the recommended course of action in your daughter’s case.

Reach Out To Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Your daughter’s first visit to a gynecologist can be nerve-wracking for both of you. At Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness, we understand the emotions associated with this significant milestone and pride ourselves on offering a comfortable environment to patients of all ages. Get in touch today to find out how we can help your daughter establish a positive relationship with her health-care provider to help manage her health now and in the future.