Routine Gynecologic Care

Raleigh Gynecology · January 2, 2023 ·

There will come a time when every woman needs to visit a gynecologist. Even if you are not sexually active, visiting a gynecologist is a vital part of maintaining health throughout your life. The prospect of your first visit to a gynecologist can be extremely daunting, and it is not unusual to be uncomfortable with the idea of having a doctor examine your vagina and discuss sensitive topics related to your health.

For many women, knowing what to expect can take some of the intimidation out of the process. Here is a look at what you need to know ahead of your first appointment.

Know Why You Are Going

When you go to your first appointment, you need to have a clear idea of the reason for your visit. Many girls will go to the gynecologist for the first time between ages 13 and 15 as this is the age recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Younger women may not have anything specific that they need to discuss at this point, but it is still a good idea to think of any questions you want to ask beforehand.

However, many women do not see a gynecologist until they are ready to obtain birth control. If this is the purpose of your visit, it is a good idea to research the options and learn more about the types of birth control you are considering so that you can come up with questions ahead of time. In addition, preparation can help you feel calmer about the visit.

Know What Happens in a Pelvic Exam

For many women, a pelvic exam is the most intimidating part of the process. Keep in mind, however, that if you are under the age of 21, you may not need to undergo a pelvic exam or a Pap test unless you are sexually active, have health concerns such as painful periods or abnormal bleeding, or are requesting sexually transmitted infection testing. Once you reach age 21, however, a yearly pelvic exam and a Pap test is recommended.

In a pelvic exam, your doctor will examine your vulva and all of the parts that you can see on the outside of your body. Then, they will insert a device known as a speculum to hold your vagina open so they can get a better look at its walls and your cervix. During this time, they will use a flat, gentle scraping device or soft brush to obtain samples for your Pap test, if applicable. This test checks for abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cervical cancer. Although this may sound worrying, keep in mind that it is rare and treatable in many cases. This part of the exam doesn’t usually last longer than a minute and is not uncomfortable for most women.

They will also check your uterus and ovaries with their fingers or with a sonogram device. This is also a relatively quick check. Your doctor may also perform a breast exam. Although young women generally have a low risk of breast cancer, your doctor may take the opportunity to show you how you can examine your own breasts to identify any changes.

Know Your Family’s Medical History

At your first gynecologist visit, your doctor will want to know about any medical conditions that you have, past surgeries, and medications that you are taking. If you have a complicated health history, you may wish to jot this information down before your appointment.

They will also ask about your family’s medical history, particularly anything in your mother’s health history related to blood clots and cancers affecting women. For example, if you have a family history of blood clots, your doctor may wish to steer you away from hormonal birth control pills that contain high amounts of estrogen toward other options that do not pose as much of a risk of blood clots.

Know That You Are in Control

It may be comforting to know that you have more control over the appointment than you might think. For example, if you have a preference when it comes to having a male or female gynecologist, you can request whichever doctor you believe you would be more comfortable with. There may be some limitations due to your insurance company or your parents may want you to see a doctor they already have a good relationship with, but you can still have some control over your care provider.

In addition, you should let the doctor know in advance that it will be your first visit. If you’re nervous, you may ask to make it more comfortable by bringing in headphones to listen to music, having a nurse come in and hold your hand, or bringing a close friend or parent with you for extra support if you get your doctor’s approval first. If you believe it would be helpful to see what the doctor is doing, you can ask your doctor to hold a mirror up so you can be more aware of what is going on.

Contact the Women’s Healthcare Team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

At Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness, we understand the emotions that accompany your first visit to the gynecologist. Nevertheless, this appointment is an important step toward a lifetime of wellness. Our team of practitioners strives to make the process as comfortable as possible, and we are happy to answer all your questions. Contact us today to set up your first appointment.

Raleigh Gynecology · December 12, 2022 ·

IUDs are one of the most effective types of contraceptives available to women, boasting more than 99% efficacy when it comes to preventing pregnancy. There is nothing to remember like there is with contraceptive pills or condoms; IUDs provide long-term protection, and they have very few side effects.

While the insertion process is relatively painless, you will need to take some precautions in the beginning before you can enjoy protection from pregnancy. One of the big questions many women have when getting an IUD inserted is how it might impact sex and how long they should wait to have sex after getting the device.

How Soon After IUD Insertion Can You Have Sex?

Technically speaking, you may engage in sexual activity as soon after having an IUD inserted as you want. The only exception would be for those who have had an IUD inserted shortly after giving birth as the women in this category must wait until their doctor clears them for sexual activity at a post-partum checkup.

However, it is important to keep in mind that you may experience some side effects from the insertion procedure itself, such as spotting and cramping, and you may therefore not feel up to having sex. As long as you feel fine, however, there is no physical reason that you should not be able to engage in sexual activity.

It is also important to take into account the type of IUD you had inserted and how soon it will begin offering protection against pregnancy.

Copper IUDs such as ParaGard start protecting you from pregnancy right away. However, it is a little more complicated when it comes to hormonal IUDs. They only offer immediate protection from pregnancy if they are inserted in the first seven days of your period. If they are not inserted during that time, you should use an alternative form of contraception before relying solely on the IUD.

At your insertion appointment, your doctor will provide instructions on how long you need to wait in your particular case. If you have any doubt, it is advisable to use an alternative form of contraception.

Will Sex Be Painful After IUD Insertion?

You may feel some cramping and back pain within the first few hours or days following your IUD insertion. For most women, this pain goes away fairly quickly, after which point you should be unable to feel the device at all. Whether you are conducting your daily activities or enjoying any type of sexual activity, you should not experience any discomfort or pain.

Many women wonder if their partner will be able to feel the IUD. Because it is inserted into the uterus rather than the vagina, your partner should not feel the device itself as your cervix will block access to it. However, the IUD does contain strings that hang down into the vaginal canal to facilitate its eventual removal. Although these strings may be felt by your partner, they should not be uncomfortable, and your partner is likely to become less aware of them over time.. In some cases, the strings may be too long, so if you do find them bothersome, you can ask your doctor to trim them during your next appointment.

Can an IUD Be Dislodged by Sexual Activity?

An IUD is placed in the uterus and not the vagina, so it should stay in place even during rough or deep penetrative sex. The strings of an IUD are generally quite slippery due to vaginal secretion, so it is difficult to pull them out of place, even intentionally. This is why your doctor has to use a special tool to remove it rather than their fingers. Sex toys are also unlikely to latch onto the strings of an IUD and dislodge it.

Nevertheless, it is possible for IUDs to be expelled from the uterus. However, this is more likely if you have heavy periods or experience severe menstrual cramps. Most of these expulsions will occur within the first few months of having an IUD placed. There are also some reports of IUDs being dislodged due to use of a menstrual cup, so you may want to use an alternative form of protection during your periods.

Should I Bleed After Sex With an IUD?

Some women may experience irregular spotting or bleeding in the first few months following IUD insertion. This may occur after sexual activity, but it is typically due to IUD side effects rather than sexual activity. However, if you frequently experience bleeding following sexual activity, particularly if your IUD insertion was not recent, it is important to call your doctor to determine the cause.

Schedule an Appointment With the Women’s Health-Care Team

To learn more about how IUDs offer protection for pregnancy or if you have post-insertion questions or concerns about your device, schedule an appointment with the women’s health-care professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today.

Raleigh Gynecology · November 28, 2022 ·

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.

Check the package to confirm that the condom has not expired, and then open it up carefully to avoid damaging it.
Although female condoms typically come lubricated, you may add more if you feel it is necessary.
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.
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.
Remove your finger and allow the thin outer ring of the condom to hang roughly an inch outside of your vagina.
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.
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.

Raleigh Gynecology · November 21, 2022 ·

One of the most effective forms of birth control available today is Nexplanon®. This is a type of birth control implant that is inserted in the skin of your arm, where it releases hormones that prevent pregnancy.

Many women choose it because it provides protection for as long as three years, making it a good option for those who might be prone to forgetting to take daily birth control pills. Read on to learn more about whether Nexplanon® may be an effective birth control option for you.

How Does Nexplanon® Prevent Pregnancy?

Nexplanon® is an implant that is in the form of a small and thin rod that is roughly the size of a matchstick. Your doctor inserts it under the skin in your upper arm. Once in place, it releases the hormone progestin, which can prevent you from getting pregnant in two ways. First, it thickens your cervical mucus, preventing sperm from swimming through it to reach your egg. Second, it also stops eggs from leaving the ovaries, meaning there will not be an egg for any sperm that gets through to fertilize.

How Effective Is It?

Nexplanon® is more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. On average, less than one out of every 100 women who use it will become pregnant. The main reason for its strong efficacy is the fact that it is essentially foolproof. Because it is placed inside your arm, you cannot use it incorrectly or forget to use it.

How Long Does Nexplanon® Offer Protection?

Nexplanon® can last for as long as three years, which means it is a “set it and forget it” approach. However, if you decide to get pregnant in the meantime or wish to change your form of contraception, your doctor simply removes the implant, and you should be able to get pregnant.

If your implant is inserted within the first five days of your menstrual cycle, you will be protected from getting pregnant immediately. If you get it at any other time in your cycle, however, you will need to use a different type of birth control during the first week. After that time, your implant will begin to offer protection that can last for up to three years. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice on when it should take effect.

Does Nexplanon® Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Although Nexplanon® is a very effective way to prevent pregnancy, it is important to understand that it does not provide any degree of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. You will still need to use condoms each time you have sex to avoid spreading or contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

How Is the Implant Inserted?

Once your doctor determines that Nexplanon® is a suitable method of birth control for you, you will be given a shot that numbs a small area of your arm. Then, an inserter tool is used to slide the birth control implant under your skin. This process takes only a few minutes. You may feel some stinging or a small pinch when you receive the numbing shot, but you should not be able to feel anything while the implant is being inserted.

Once the pain medication has worn off, you may notice some aching in your arm where the implant was inserted, but it tends to go away quickly. Although you may experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the implant site, they should subside in a week or two.

Does It Have Any Side Effects?

Although some people experience side effects from the hormones in Nexplanon®, many women use it without any problems. The most common side effect is spotting in the form of brown discharge or light bleeding, particularly during the first six to twelve months. For some, it can also cause long-term spotting or irregular periods. However, for most, it will make their period significantly lighter or go away altogether. Once your body gets used to the implant, these side effects will usually go away.

Some of the less common side effects include weight gain, headaches, nausea, breast pain, infections at the implant site, and ovarian cysts.

Doctors recommend giving your body a few months to adjust to the hormones in Nexplanon®. However, if you are unhappy with it after a few months, discuss your concerns with your doctor, who can help you determine if a different method of birth control may be more appropriate for you.

What Happens After Nexplanon® Is Removed?

Having your birth control implant removed spurs a change in hormones, which always carries the possibility of creating temporary side effects. Your body should eventually return to the way it was before you had the implant. This means that if the implant caused your period to stop, it will eventually come back, although it may take a few months for it to return to your usual cycle.

Keep in mind that you can get pregnant immediately after the implant has been removed from your body, so if you do not wish to become pregnant, you need to use another method of birth control.

Reach Out to the Women’s Health-Care Team

If you are sexually active and wish to avoid pregnancy, contact the women’s health-care team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness. We can help you determine which method of contraception best meets your needs and suits your lifestyle.

Raleigh Gynecology · November 14, 2022 ·

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.