While not all C-sections are planned, in some cases, a doctor will recommend this procedure ahead of a patient’s anticipated delivery date. Knowing in advance that you’ll be having a C-section can be an advantage, as it will give you time to prepare for a smooth recovery while you care for your baby.

Here are some ways you can get your home and yourself ready for your return after a scheduled C-section delivery.

Consider Meal Prep

Having precooked meals on hand is always a good idea when bringing home a new baby, but it can be especially convenient during C-section recovery. Leading up to your delivery, consider batch prepping a few dishes to freeze or scheduling meal deliveries. If you have all the baby supplies you need, let your family and friends know that you would like food delivery service gift cards so you can spend more time with your baby and less time cooking!

Assess Your Sleep Arrangements

You may find it uncomfortable to get in and out of a bed that’s too high or too low in the first few days home from the hospital. Placing a small step stool near your bed may be helpful. Many new parents also choose to share a room with their baby so they can respond to the baby’s needs quickly. Designate a location for your baby’s bassinet or crib before the delivery so you don’t have to worry about it upon arriving home.

Please keep in mind that your bed is not a safe place for a baby to sleep.  Babies who sleep with a parent in bed have a higher risk of sudden infant death.  Learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleeping recommendations here AAP’s safe sleeping guidelines.

Place Everything Within Easy Reach

Bending over drawers and cabinets will likely be uncomfortable after your surgery, and you’ll also be advised to lift nothing heavier than your baby as you recover. It is suggested to have all of your postpartum recovery essentials and baby care items within easy reach.

Prepare your bathroom with pads or mesh underwear for postpartum bleeding and a peri bottle for easy cleaning. You might also choose to set up a small tote basket or wheeled cart equipped with your baby care items, such as diapers, wipes, diaper cream, nipple cream, sterilized bottles, formula, and your breast pump.

Make Feeding Comfortable

Breastfeeding can take some getting used to, especially while you’re healing from surgery. To make the process as comfortable as possible for you and your little one, you may find it helpful to have props on hand, such as a breastfeeding pillow or extra couch pillows. This will allow you to get into positions that may be less likely to irritate your incision, such as side-lying or a football hold.

Gather Pain Relievers & Other Meds

Having the right medications on hand can help you manage post-op side effects. You’ll probably begin receiving stool softeners in the hospital to fight constipation, which is common after C-sections, but plan to have some at home, too. Eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water will also help. Additionally, choosing foods high in protein has been found to reduce pain and speed healing.  Consider protein shakes as well.  Your doctor can recommend the right pain relievers to address your discomfort levels, as managing pain effectively will help you get through the earliest days of parenthood.

Ask for Help

Bringing home a new baby is one of the most exciting times in any parent’s life, but it’s certainly not without its challenges. Asking friends, neighbors, and family members for help in advance can provide invaluable peace of mind. Whether it’s creating a meal train, having someone walk the dog, run errands, or simply hold the baby while you get a quick nap — don’t be afraid to take others up on their offer to lend support.

Staff at Covington Women’s Health Specialists know that giving birth is life-changing. That’s why we’re here to support you through every step. To schedule a prenatal visit, call our office at 770-385-8954 or request an appointment online.

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the uterus.  Although the ovaries and tubes are connected to the uterus, the hysterectomy procedure means removal of only the uterus.  There are several reasons why you might require this surgery, as removal of the uterus is used to treat a number of different female health conditions.

While our providers can discuss your medical options with you based on your specific symptoms or concerns, the following points can help you prepare for a hysterectomy consultation.  And it is important to know that if a hysterectomy is recommended or an option for treatment, this means only your uterus will be removed.  Removal of the ovaries (called oophorectomy), may be offered, but is a separate procedure.  Removal of the tubes (called salpingectomy) is commonly done during a hysterectomy because this reduces the risk of ovarian cancer later in life if one or both ovaries are left in place after a hysterectomy is done.

After a hysterectomy, there is no longer a possibility for pregnancy. For this reason, other alternatives may be explored if you wish to have children.

Why Are Hysterectomies Performed?

Some hysterectomies are required such as those done to treat cancers.  But most hysterectomies are requested by patients to treat bothersome or dangerous symptoms such as heavy periods which can cause anemia.  When it is a patient’s choice whether to have the uterus removed or not, it is known as an “elective hysterectomy.”

The most common reason to have an elective hysterectomy is to treat the problems caused by uterine fibroids.  These are noncancerous growths that can cause uncomfortable symptoms like long, heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, and sometimes frequent urination.

There are other conditions that cause heavy periods and a hysterectomy to stop the bleeding may be an option.  Dangerously heavy periods can occur even if the Pap smear, ultrasound and other testing is normal, so each patient must be evaluated individually and options for treatment determined for that patient.  Heavy periods that cause anemia should not be ignored because the heart has to work harder in anemic people and over time, this extra work can damage the heart permanently.

Hysterectomy is also sometimes offered as a treatment option for patients with chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis that doesn’t respond to other treatments.   Additionally, sagging (called prolapse) of the uterus may be another reason hysterectomy is recommended.

There are several types of hysterectomy, including:

• Total hysterectomy, in which the uterus and cervix are removed.
• Partial hysterectomy, in which the upper part of the uterus is removed but the cervix remains in place; this is also called supracervical hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy.
• Radical hysterectomy, in which the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and other surrounding tissue such as the ligaments that hold the uterus in place; this is only performed to treat cancers.

Hysterectomies can be performed through a number of methods, including:

• Total Vaginal, during which the uterus is removed through the vagina without any incisions in the abdomen.
• Laparoscopy, during which small abdominal incisions are made, a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the abdomen, and several small tools which the surgeon holds and uses are inserted to remove the uterus which is typically removed through the vagina.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopy, during which small abdominal incisions are made, but the camera (endoscope which is inserted into the abdomen) and the small tools used to remove the uterus are held by a robotic device which the surgeon controls using a computer console; the uterus is typically removed through the vagina.
• Abdominal or open hysterectomy, during which the uterus is removed through an abdominal incision; the bigger the uterus, the longer the incision typically is.

The best type and route for a person’s hysterectomy can only be decided after evaluation of that person by the surgeon who will perform the procedure.  But in general, depends on the reason for the hysterectomy, the size of the uterus, the presence of scar tissue such as from past surgeries and the size and health of the patient.

Are Hysterectomies Safe?

Having any surgical procedure comes with certain risks.  Hysterectomy has a low complication rate, so it is generally safe and has excellent success rates.  But it is major surgery, it requires general anesthesia and sometimes a stay in the hospital.  You can think of having surgery like driving your car, even when you are doing everything the way you should, something can still happen that keeps you from getting home safely, but because nothing bad usually happens, you keep driving your car!  More than half a million hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. every year, and most people who have the procedure are satisfied with their choice of having a hysterectomy.

Although vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies are less invasive than open hysterectomies performed through a large incision, all hysterectomies carry certain risks which in part depend on a person’s body characteristics and should be discussed with your surgeon.  But in general, the risks associated with hysterectomy are similar to other surgeries and include blood clot formation in the arms or legs, infection, excessive bleeding, adverse reactions to medications such as anesthesia, and medical problems like pneumonia.

The surgeons at Covington Women’s Health Specialists perform hysterectomies exclusively in a hospital, the safest place for a hysterectomy to be done.

Choosing the Right Provider

Choosing the right provider can help you feel confident in your healthcare decisions.  You should not be “rushed” into having any surgery, especially not a hysterectomy.  If you are experiencing gynecologic problems, the evaluation of your symptoms should be thorough and your diagnosis and treatment options explained to you.

As mentioned above, hysterectomy is only required if cancer is diagnosed.  Be wary if hysterectomy is the only treatment offered to you.  For most reasons to have an elective hysterectomy, other treatment options are usually available.  The other treatment options may not be as effective as hysterectomy for treating your condition, but the treatment you accept is your choice.

It is helpful to know that if you are seeing a surgeon with Covington Women’s Health Specialists, you are working with a team that is not only experienced in performing the procedure, but also in offering non-surgical treatment options when appropriate.  Our gynecologists utilize the latest technology to ensure optimal surgical outcomes.  Our surgeons are able to perform all types of hysterectomies to meet your needs.

Covington Women’s Health Specialists leverages advances in medical technology to treat a wide range of gynecological conditions with minimally invasive procedures, including robotic, laparoscopic as well as open surgeries. Our team is also dedicated to finding the right solution for each patient’s individual condition and lifestyle needs, from common gynecological issues to menopause symptoms. We will discuss each option for medical and surgical treatment with you as well as the risks they may present so you can make an informed choice.

To learn more about hysterectomies, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. You can reach out online or call us at (770) 385-8954.

Endometriosis causes a host of uncomfortable symptoms, from painful periods to excessive bleeding. While there are surgeries available to treat it, many women prefer to try lifestyle modifications for symptom control first, particularly if they are trying to become pregnant. As some of our patients have found relief through dietary changes, here’s an overview of what might help.

How Does Nutrition Play a Role in Endometriosis?

In endometriosis, cells similar to those found in the endometrium (uterine lining) develop elsewhere in the body. In most cases, they form on nearby organs like the ovaries. The cells attempt to shed during menstruation, but the blood has nowhere to escape. Trapped blood leads to inflammation of surrounding tissues, leading to issues such as pain and sometimes scar tissue. Since inflammation is believed to play a role in symptom severity, foods that fight inflammation may help to curb symptoms.

Besides anti-inflammatory foods, there are key nutrients that could also improve endometriosis symptoms. For instance, fiber may help the body remove the excess estrogen that intensifies cramping and pain. It can also help to prevent constipation, which may provide helpful relief, considering the other digestive issues that can arise with endometriosis.

Certain vitamins and minerals could also help to relax the muscles and alleviate symptoms. Magnesium, for example, is a natural muscle relaxer that could ease cramping, while zinc helps the body regulate cycles and balance hormones to further control symptoms.

What Are Some Good Foods for Endometriosis?

Many of the dietary approaches for reducing endometriosis symptoms align with basic principles for eating well. For instance, women who eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids tend to have less intense endometriosis symptoms. These healthy fats have natural anti-inflammatory properties that could also boost health in other ways, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. Examples include avocado, olives, nuts, olive oil, and salmon as well as other fatty fish.

To promote digestion and reduce the gastrointestinal distress that can come with endometriosis, adults should aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day. One simple way to get more fiber is to add a whole grain to each meal. Whole wheat crackers, whole grain bread, brown rice, oat bran, and other high-grain cereals are good sources. Fruit and vegetables also contain fiber, as do beans and legumes.

The good news about eating to ease endometriosis is that there’s overlap of many nutrients that can help alleviate symptoms. For instance, while nuts are rich in omega-3s, they also contain magnesium. Legumes such as black beans and edamame also have magnesium, as well as fiber. Leafy greens such as arugula, spinach, kale, and dark lettuce are also both fiber-rich and packed with magnesium.

For hormone-regulating zinc, animal-based products are the best sources. Poultry and shellfish are good options to consider, but it’s best to limit red meat, as there’s some evidence to suggest it could aggravate symptoms. For vegetarians and vegans, zinc supplements may be worth considering.

Whether you’re experiencing uncomfortable endometriosis symptoms, you have another health concern to discuss, or you’re simply due for an annual exam, turn to the team at Covington Women’s Health Specialists for all of your women’s health needs. Our caring practitioners offer a wide range of services, including gynecology and obstetrics. Request an appointment online or by calling 770-385-8954.

Though a stroll through the feminine product aisle at your favorite drugstore (or a quick internet search of “feminine hygiene”) will bombard you with flowery products claiming to be just the thing to keep your delicate areas clean, are they really necessary?

Our short answer is no, but there are several reasons why. The biggest one is that in most cases, a wide range of vaginal scents are normal and healthy. The vagina and the area around it (groin skin, vulva, etc.) contain important bacteria that are a part of our healthy microbiome, as well as special sweat glands. These all produce a natural odor that may become stronger at times, such as during heavy exercise, during your menstrual period, pregnancy, or after sex.

But if you rely on heavily scented feminine washes to freshen up, those chemicals and perfumes can make you prone to problems like urinary and yeast infections, or may otherwise exacerbate the problem you’re trying to solve.

Though you do want to keep your nether regions clean, there are great ways to do so without harmfully disrupting the ongoing cleansing process your vagina does marvelously all by itself.

Let It Breathe

Air flow and avoiding dampness are two ways to keep your vagina fresh without touching a bar of soap. Contrary to popular style trends, Lycra and spandex undergarments, yoga pants, or even leggings can trap organisms and produce more odor. More breathable cotton undergarments — or nothing at all, particularly at night while sleeping — will give everything down there a breath of fresh air.

Also be sure to remove wet or damp undergarments, workout wear, or a bathing suit as soon as possible. And avoid wearing panty liners or pads unless absolutely necessary, as these trap more moisture next to the skin and can increase odor.

Keep It On the Outside

Cleaning your vagina should be a gentle process for the outer area you can easily reach. Inserting douches, other feminine hygiene products, or soapy even soapy fingers, can cause an overproduction of harmful bacteria which could actually increase strong odor. If you already have an infection, douches can push these germs further up inside to your uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease are all possible results of douching.

Trust that your body is cleaning things exactly as needed all on its own, without the introduction of a foreign fluid.

A Simple Splash May Be Safest

The truth is, in many cases plain old water usually does the best job of keeping your vulva clean. Water is non-acidic, and doesn’t contain ingredients that could disrupt the pH balance inside your body or kill off the good bacteria that maintains vaginal harmony. Though using a gentle soap during your regular bathing is fine, if you’re self-conscious about your smell, try a splash of cool water and then gently dry things off.

When to See a Doctor

“In general, odors that indicate a problem should be easy to identify,” assures Covington Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Kerry Dewberry. “They’re the ones that make your face scrunch up or remind you of something dead. And if there’s a serious underlying cause, you’ll often be experiencing other symptoms, as well.”

Irritation, itching, burning, or pain could indicate bacterial vaginitis, a yeast infection, or possibly  trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection. There’s a small chance that abnormal vaginal order could also indicate vaginal or cervical cancer, but your regular annual OBGYN exams will be one of the ways you’re already monitoring for that.

Whatever the cause, if you’ve got an alarming odor or any other source of concern, don’t hesitate to reach out to us online. We also welcome your direct calls and questions at (770) 385-8954.

Condoms are a great go-to to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections and guard against pregnancy — if you use them perfectly every single time you have sex. But if starting a family isn’t one of your current goals, there are several different types of birth control that will last longer than a lovemaking session.

Tried and True: The IUD

As the name suggests, the Intrauterine Device (or IUD) is a small device implanted in your uterus. There, the T-shaped piece of plastic alters the way that sperm and eggs move through your body for as long as it remains in place, blocking a pregnancy from happening.

Originally conceived in 1909, the IUD was a controversial development, as birth control was considered a taboo topic. It gained public popularity during the 1960s and 70s, and today over a hundred million women rely on its effectiveness.

Now there are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal. Kyleena, Skyla, Mirena, and Liletta are hormonal IUDs, all of which work by releasing the hormone levonorgestrel. Copper — or Paragard — IUDs are wrapped with a copper wire that creates an environment that is toxic to sperm, rendering them ineffective. Though both types work similarly, copper IUDs have a longer lifetime than their hormonal counterparts, lasting 10-12 years rather than three to seven.

The process of getting an IUD — and removing it when the time comes — can be more painful than other options, but is very similar to a Pap smear or cervical biopsy. There are few risks, and side effects after the procedure are usually limited to mild spotting and cramping.

Longer-term side effects from hormonal IUDs can include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, and potential formation of ovarian cysts. Copper IUDs may cause heavier bleeding and cramping pain during your period. However, many patients with IUDs find these symptoms improve over time.

A Modern Advance: Arm Implants

Approved by the FDA in 1990, the progestin implant is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for three years. A thin plastic rod is inserted into your arm with a needle, and once in place it then steadily releases the hormone progestin into your body. This keeps eggs from leaving your ovaries, and also inhibits sperm from reaching the egg in the first place.

Though many patients are unaware of this method, the progestin implant allows for a good deal of freedom and is highly effective. The few drawbacks to take into account are that the procedure can be more costly, and the implants can increase irregular bleeding.

More Surgical Solutions

If the idea of implanting anything in your body makes you uncomfortable, but you want long-term protection, there are surgical options available. Tubal ligation (“getting your tubes tied”) permanently closes fallopian tubes and prevents eggs from entering the uterus. A vasectomy is the male version: a surgical procedure that incises the small tubes within the scrotum, so that sperm can’t leave the body.

Your choice of birth control can help prevent ovarian cancer later in life!  Tubal ligation can be done by removing the entire tube, and this reduces ovarian cancer later in life for all women including high-risk women who have a family history of ovarian and breast cancers or who have a gene which puts them at risk for these cancers.  For some high-risk women, removal of both the ovaries and tubes is recommended, so it you have a high-risk gene, your care must be individualized.

Before considering surgical options be certain you truly don’t want to become a parent. Reversing either of these procedures is costly and, in many cases, doesn’t actually work.

In addition to the above methods, the birth control pill, patch, and vaginal ring remain alternate options. There are pros and cons for each individual, so talk to a reproductive specialist at Covington Women’s Health Specialists to find the right fit for your lifestyle.

Oral contraceptives reduce the risk ovarian cancer all women including women who have a gene which puts them at risk for these cancers.  The pill can also reduce a woman’s risk of uterine cancer as well as having other non-contraceptive benefits.  If you are considering using oral contraceptives, please have an examination by a physician.  The popularity of on-line birth control availability omits an important step in safeguarding your health.  The providers at Covington Women’s Health Specialists provide comprehensive Gynecologic care and will be able to answer all your questions.

We provide care for each stage of your gynecological health, from puberty to menopause and everything in between. Call for an appointment at (770) 385-8954, or request one online.