Covington Women’s Health Specialists Awarded Best of Newton 2023

We are proud to announce that Covington Women’s Health Specialists was voted the Best Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2023 Best of Newton Award for the seventh year in a row! 

Every year, Newton County residents get the opportunity to nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses to Covington News. From the best jewelry store, grocery store, and gynecology office, of course!

“We would like to thank our staff for providing tender, loving care to our patients,” Dr. Cathy T. Larrimore said. “Without them, we couldn’t give patients the quality gynecological and obstetrical care that they deserve.”

After three years of the pandemic and countless COVID and in-office visit policy changes, we are still going strong! Thank you for sticking with us during the ride. We couldn’t do it without you.

Thank you to everyone who voted for Covington Women’s Health Specialists for the Best Obstetrics & Gynecology. We are honored to serve you and our community!

What to Know About Long-Term Birth Control

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.

How to Ring in the New Year With Better Sex (And How Your Gynecologist Can Help)

Losing weight, quitting bad habits, spending more time with loved ones, and finally cleaning out the garage may be among your new year’s resolutions for 2023. But where’s your sex life included on that list?

Having healthy sex benefits both your body and your brain. It boosts your immune system, reduces the risk of some diseases, and increases your mental vigor, besides just feeling awesome. If you’re looking to improve things with your sexual partner(s) in the new year, we have some advice.

Talk About It (And Not Just Dirtily)

Conversing together about sex increases sexual health in many ways. If you articulate what you like and don’t like, along with your personal history, your sex can improve both physically and mentally — even if doing so feels awkward at first.

Been with your partner for a long time? Keep in mind that new interests may have arisen, and old favorites may have grown stale. And if a new partner has entered your life, talking about sex together beforehand will establish trust and help ensure you’re both satisfied.

Since your gynecologist already knows both you and your body well, they can make some conversation-starter suggestions that feel right to you — wherever you are on your sexual journey.

Experiment and Play

Most of us know that play is important for children, but it also has benefits for adults. Playing elevates our mood and creativity, sharpens our minds, and creates a stronger sense of connection with others.

Which is probably why they call them sex toys for a reason. Vibrators, dildos, beads, rings, and other impact or sensation devices can all provide a sense of play, as well as physical and mental stimulation when used safely and correctly.

Not sure how to incorporate a sex toy or game into your bedroom? Start by doing some research into what’s out there and might be of interest. Close friends can also be a good source of advice. And though your gynecologist may not be the first person you think of to ask, the conversation with them may be much more comfortable and informative than one held in a busy retail shop or with an online chatbot.

Know Your Body

Familiarity with your sexual parts and how they appear to your partner can increase your knowledge and your confidence. Use a hand-held mirror and take a good look at everything down there, gently exploring with clean hands to identify and appreciate everything as it is today. Take note of whatever questions you have, and bring them to your gynecologist, especially if you notice any unusual lumps, bumps, sores, or discharge, which could be an indication of an STI or other condition.

Knowing your body and what makes it feel spectacular will also help your partner do the same. Masturbation and exploratory self-touch (including your chest, stomach, arms and legs) will be your best guide in this department. Doing so regularly (even if you have a steady partner) can help increase your sex drive, while releasing tension, improving sleep, and relieving menstrual cramps.

Sexual health is an important part of both gynecological and overall wellness, and at Covington Women’s Health Specialists we’re here to support you in all of these departments. Bring your sex questions to our caring team by arranging an appointment online or calling for one at 770-385-8954.

What Your OB-GYN Wants You to Know About Changes to Your Body During Pregnancy

The body changes in tremendous ways throughout pregnancy. Some you may already know to expect, such as nausea during the first trimester and stretch marks as your body and skin expand to make room for your growing baby. Several other adjustments may come as a surprise however.

Here are a few developments that are completely normal for expecting mothers.

Bodily Changes to Expect During Pregnancy

Fatigue

Several factors contribute to exhaustion during pregnancy. For starters, you can blame hormone changes, since increased progesterone can cause tiredness. Your body is also busy making more nutrients for your baby, which can make you feel fatigued. Tiredness may taper off during the second trimester, only to return in the third, when many expecting mothers experience sleep challenges caused by discomfort.

Heartburn

Indigestion can develop during pregnancy, both due to hormonal changes and the fact that your baby may start pressing against your stomach. More frequent yet smaller meals can help, as can staying upright during and after eating.

Constipation

Another gastrointestinal (GI) symptom associated with pregnancy is constipation. Digestion slows down during pregnancy, so your body has more time to absorb nutrients, but it can cause uncomfortable symptoms like painful stools and hemorrhoids. Eat a fiber-rich diet, drink plenty of water, and continue to stay active to address this unpleasant issue.

Lightheadedness

A dizzy or lightheaded feeling can occur during pregnancy for several reasons. For one, your blood pressure is lower. For another, the expanding uterus can put more pressure on major veins. Some pregnant women also experience low blood sugar and low iron levels. As your pregnancy progresses, stand up slowly, eat frequent meals, and avoid getting overheated to reduce dizzy spells. If dizziness persists, be sure to contact our office promptly.

Frequent Urination

Increased hormone levels will send you to the restroom more often during pregnancy. Although frustrating, this is a normal symptom. Empty your bladder as needed to prevent complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Varicose Veins

Since the expanding uterus and added weight can put more pressure on your veins, those in your legs, genital area, and rectum may become enlarged. Varicose veins are typically a harmless symptom. But if the vein feels warm to the touch, hard, or painful, seek immediate help, as these signs could indicate a more serious issue.

Vaginal Changes

Many women experience different vaginal symptoms throughout pregnancy, including increased discharge and changes in sensitivity. Spotting can also occur. If you’re concerned about any of these sometimes-surprising changes, don’t hesitate to call us.

Breast Changes

As the body prepares to produce milk, breasts may feel tender and swollen. Small bumps can also form around your nipples, and you may begin to leak colostrum — a yellowish, nutrient-dense, early form of breast milk — as you approach delivery.

If you’re uncertain about any pregnancy symptom you’re experiencing, we want to hear from you. Our caring providers are here to support you through every step of your pregnancy journey, from your very first visit to postpartum care. Find out more about our comprehensive maternity care online or schedule an appointment by calling 770-385-8954.

2023 Update to Our In-Office Guidelines

As we welcome the New Year, we are also welcoming and re-welcoming three in-office visit policies:

Mask Mandate

Starting Monday, December 19, we will reinforce the CDC‘s mask requirement, which is also enforced at Piedmont Newton Hospital. Please read our in-office visit guidelines for more information.

No-Show and Cancellation Policy

Effective Sunday, January 1, 2023, Covington Women’s Health Specialists, a Piedmont Healthcare-affiliated practice, will begin to implement their mandated no-show and cancellation policy.

We require that patients provide a 24-hour’ notice for cancellations or rescheduled appointments.

If you are late, we will try to accommodate you as much as possible. Please either call our office or contact your physician through MyChart.

Missing an appointment without notifying our office or canceling an appointment on the day of will result in a:

  • $25 late-cancellation fee for office visits
  • $50 late-cancellation fee for procedures

This will be charged directly to the patient, not their insurance company.

Missed appointments due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or a medical emergency, may be considered an exception. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by a practice manager.

To cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact our office directly during business hours. You can also cancel or reschedule appointments through MyChart.

Occasionally, our healthcare providers have to perform unplanned services or spend unexpected additional time with patients. We know that your time is valuable and try our best to be prompt with all appointments.

This cancellation policy ensures that our practice continues giving high-quality, patient-centered care. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Visitor’s Policy

Pregnant Patients Can Bring a Support Person

Starting Monday, November 14, 2022, expecting patients can have a support person accompany them to any OB-GYN appointment, not just for ultrasounds.

The patient’s support person must be 18 years of age or older. Examples include a spouse, partner, family member, or friend.

Babies Can Join Their Mothers for Postpartum Appointments

Starting Monday, November 14, 2022, patients can bring their babies to postpartum appointments, as long as they are inside a carrier, such as a car seat.

Babies cannot be held or strapped onto the patients, as providers need to be able to comfortably access the patients.

We encourage patients to continue protecting themselves from COVID-19, in addition to the flu and respiratory syncytial virus.

If you have any questions about our Guidelines for Our In-Office Visits, feel free to give our office a call. Schedule a consultation today by calling (770) 385-8954, or filling out an appointment request form online.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. We would like to wish our patients a happy and healthy New Year! See you soon.

Covington Women’s Health Specialists Closed for the Holidays

Season’s Greetings!

We will be closed on the following dates to celebrate the holidays:

  • Friday, December 23rd

  • Monday, December 26th

  • Tuesday, December 27th

  • Friday, December 30th

  • Monday, January 2nd

We will be open on Wednesday, December 28th, and Thursday, December 29th.

Appointments for the rest of the year will be determined by the level of urgency. For any non-emergencies, appointments can wait until after the holidays.

If you feel the need to speak to a nurse, please call our office phone number during business hours.

An on-call provider is available when our offices are closed through our answering service if you have a concern that is not life-threatening.

If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.

No-Show and Cancellation Policy

Effective Sunday, January 1, 2023, Covington Women’s Health Specialists, a Piedmont Healthcare-affiliated practice, will begin to implement their mandated no-show and cancellation policy.

We require that patients provide a 24-hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduled appointments.

If you are late, we will try to accommodate you as much as possible. Please either call our office or contact your physician through MyChart.

Missing an appointment without notifying our office or canceling an appointment on the day of will result in a:

  • $25 late-cancellation fee for office visits
  • $50 late-cancellation fee for procedures

This will be charged directly to the patient, not their insurance company.

Missed appointments due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or a medical emergency, may be considered as an exception. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by a practice manager.

To cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact our office directly during business hours. You can also cancel or reschedule appointments through MyChart.

Occasionally, our healthcare providers have to perform unplanned services or spend unexpected additional time with patients. We know that your time is valuable and try our best to be prompt with all appointments.

This cancellation policy ensures that our practice continues giving high-quality, patient-centered care. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

How Can We Balance Taking Care of Our Mental and Physical Health in Our Schedules?

Striking a balance between managing our responsibilities and practicing self-care can seem like an impossible feat. If you feel like simply tending to your work and family life is overwhelming in itself, you’re not alone. While traditional gender roles are fading, women are tasked with most of the childcare and household chores.  Living with COVID-19 has been identified as a setback to household chore sharing!  Women feel more stressed out than men.

Prioritizing mental and physical wellness might seem like adding more items to an ever-growing to-do list. But striking a balance in which you meet your basic physical and mental needs could actually help everything else fall into place more easily. Here’s what you should know about caring for yourself with a busy schedule.

Stress Factors for Women

Women and men have many of the same stressors. There are family roles to play, personal and professional roles to fulfill, financial responsibilities and social demands to keep up with. But there are some specific stressors which apply specifically to women. For example, women tend to be primary caregivers not only for children but also aging parents. And menstrual cycles or menopause symptoms may also add discomfort that compounds stress.

In the midst of all these factors, mental and physical wellness often take a backseat. And the issue tends to be worse for mothers: a 2019 study showed that 66% of women with children feel overwhelmed, compared to 53% of fathers. Yet, men are more likely to make time for self-care activities.

Regardless of whether or not you have children (or plan to), your mental and physical needs matter. Engaging in basic self-care also helps control stress, improve energy, and keep you healthy overall. Fortunately, you don’t need to overhaul your routine to incorporate mental and physical wellness into your day-to-day life.

Realistic Ways to Balance Your Mental & Physical Needs

Get Creative with Exercise

The current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services call for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week for adults. That sounds like a lot, but amounts to roughly 20 minutes a day for seven days, or 30 minutes a day for five.

When your schedule is packed and you’re already running on empty, setting the alarm earlier to hit the gym may not be realistic, but there are still simple ways to squeeze in physical activity. If you can’t get time away from your children, try activities with them like tag, dancing in your living room, stroller walks, or family bike rides to get your blood flowing. If you’re always at your desk, consider an under-desk pedal exerciser or treadmill desk. These devices vary in price, but your health is an investment worth making.

Prioritize Your Mental Health

There are many ways in which mental and physical wellness are linked, and both need to be tended to in a balanced way. But incorporating mental health habits can be challenging, because efforts are often less tangible than those associated with physical health.

So, what fills your cup? For some women, it may be reading a book. For others, it could be listening to a podcast and drawing a bath. Others may enjoy talking to a friend or doing something creative. If you’re not sure what helps you feel mentally rejuvenated, it’s probably because you haven’t had enough time to explore the possibilities lately.

Your mental health care plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Exercising mental self-care can begin in small ways, including just taking a few minutes each day to pause and reflect. Try to spend 10 to 15 minutes doing simple stretches, sitting outside without your phone, or doing a guided meditation. Eventually, you’ll identify and find time for more involved self-care activities. For now, these grounding exercises may be enough to deliver health-boosting benefits like reducing cortisol and lowering blood pressure.

Preventive women’s wellness is another important element of your overall physical and mental health — and a time when you can prioritize both. If you’re due for an exam, make an appointment with one of our caring providers by calling (770) 385-8954 or schedule your visit online.

Abnormal Pap Test Result? Read This First

You’ve gotten through your Pap test, and you are glad that it is over with! But if you’ve received news that your Pap smear results are abnormal — what to do? First of all, don’t panic. This happens to as many as 1 in 5 women.  Remember the Pap test is a screening test looking for abnormal cervical cells that could eventually become cervical cancer.  Paps prevent cervical cancer by finding abnormalities before it turns into cancer.  But it can also pick up infections.

Here’s a closer look at what your results could mean, and what may happen next

The Pap test has two parts.  First, the cervical cells are looked at to determine if they are normal or abnormal, to see what part of the cervix they came from and to make sure there are enough cells to look at.  Second, for some people, a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) is done.

The cervix is shaped like a doughnut, cells from the center (doughnut hole) and the outside surface of the cervix are needed.  The cells might look completely normal, but if there are not enough cells or if cells from the center are not seen, the Pap will be classified as abnormal, and will have to be repeated in 3 – 4 months.

If a vaginal infection such as yeast or a parasite is found, medication can be prescribed electronically to your pharmacy. And your sexual partner may need to be treated, too.

If abnormal or unusual cells are discovered on your Pap, you might have an area on your cervix where there are abnormal cells caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).  Returning to the office for additional testing will be needed to look for that abnormal area on the cervix.

But even if HPV has caused abnormal cells to grow, in some cases, these changes in your cervical cells can return to normal without any medical intervention.  To keep your cervix healthy, lifestyle changes are recommended.  Don’t smoke cigarettes, take a women’s vitamin which contains folic acid and exercise regularly. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables as these contain nutrients that support our immune systems to help keep HPV spreading and damage to a minimum.

What if my Pap requires follow up testing?

The cervix will be examined under magnification and biopsies will be done.  This is called a colposcopy.  This is an in-office procedure which usually only takes about five to 10 minutes, and post-procedure symptoms are very minimal. You may experience slight cramping that over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate, and you may notice a dark discharge for several days.

A cervical biopsy can show if “precancerous” or cancerous cells are present.  A “pre-cancerous condition” is not cancer yet, but it could turn into cancer left unidentified, unmonitored, and therefore unaddressed.  Having the additional testing will help determine if you need treatment to prevent the development of cancer.

We understand that while hearing that you’ve gotten a positive Pap test may not feel like the best news in the world, the reality is that it’s very beneficial to detect abnormalities very early on with regular Pap screenings. These cellular changes happen over the course of as long as several years. However, with a Pap test, your provider can often prevent you from getting cancer altogether, because the abnormal cells can be treated well before they progress to a harmful stage.

Treatment of a “pre-cancerous” condition

About 40% of women who receive a biopsy after a positive Pap test require no additional treatment, other than follow-up Pap test within a certain period of time.  If it is determined that you’d benefit from further treatment, removal or ablation of the abnormal cervical tissue is the next step.  The most common treatment is to remove the abnormal portion of the cervix by loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), but treatment will be tailored to you.

Even if you’re told that you need further treatment after a positive Pap test, try not to panic. The procedures we use are minimally invasive, and our team is committed to helping you take a proactive approach to your reproductive health. To schedule a Pap smear or follow-up appointment with our team, call (770) 385-8954 or request an appointment online.

Updated In-Office Visit Guidelines 2022

Pregnant Patients Can Bring a Support Person

Starting Monday, November 14, 2022, expecting patients can have a support person accompany them to any OB-GYN appointment, not just for ultrasounds.

The patient’s support person must be 18 years of age or older. Examples include a spouse, partner, family member, or friend.

Babies Can Join Their Mothers for Postpartum Appointments

Starting Monday, November 14, 2022, patients can bring their babies to postpartum appointments, as long as they are inside a carrier, such as a carseat.

Babies cannot be held or strapped onto the patients, as providers need to be able to comfortably access the patients.

We encourage patients to continue protecting themselves from COVID-19, in addition to the flu and respiratory syncytial virus.

If you have any questions about our Guidelines for Our In-Office Visits, feel free to give our office a call. Schedule a consultation today by calling (770) 385-8954, or fill out an appointment request form online.