Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within or on the uterus, and their classification depends entirely on where in the uterine structure they grow. Submucosal, subserosal, and intramural fibroids each occupy a different layer of the uterus, and that location determines the symptoms a patient experiences, how those symptoms progress, and which treatment approach is most appropriate. Understanding the differences between these three types gives patients the clarity they nee Read more
Pap Smear vs. HPV Test: What’s the Difference and Do You Need Both?
If you have ever sat in an exam room and heard your provider mention both a Pap Smear and an HPV test, you may have wondered what the difference actually is and whether you really need both. They are collected the same way, done during the same visit, and both involve your cervix. But they are not the same test and they do not look for the same thing. A Pap Smear checks for abnormal cervical cells. An HPV test checks for the virus that can cause those cells to change. Understanding the di Read more
Myomectomy Recovery: What the First Six Weeks Look Like
A myomectomy removes uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, and recovery unfolds differently depending on the surgical approach used and each patient's individual health profile. Most patients are discharged within one to three days for open procedures, or the same day for minimally invasive ones, but the real work of healing extends well beyond leaving the hospital. Knowing what to expect across the first six weeks helps patients prepare, set realistic expectations, and recognize whe Read more
Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes, and What to Do Next
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus, and they are one of the most common gynecologic conditions affecting women of reproductive age. Many women have fibroids without knowing it, while others experience symptoms that interfere with daily life, menstrual health, and reproductive goals. Understanding what fibroids are, what causes them, and when to seek evaluation gives patients the information they need to make confident decisions about their care. What Read more
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy: The Complete List
Knowing which foods to avoid during pregnancy protects both you and your developing baby from preventable infections and harmful exposures. Pregnancy changes how your immune system responds to bacteria and parasites, making you more vulnerable to foodborne illness. The primary risks come from Listeria, Salmonella, Toxoplasma and mercury, all of which can reach the fetus through the placenta. This guide covers the specific foods and beverages to skip, safer alternatives you can enjoy and p Read more
Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms, Types, and When to Worry
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries, and most are harmless. Roughly 7% of women worldwide develop an ovarian cyst at some point during their lives, with many never realizing one is present. These growths often form as a normal part of ovulation and disappear within a few menstrual cycles without any medical treatment. Still, some ovarian cysts grow large enough to cause pelvic discomfort, bloating or changes in your menstrual cycle. Knowing the differ Read more
Pelvic Floor Issues During Pregnancy: How to Prevent Them
Your pelvic floor during pregnancy supports the growing weight of your baby, placenta and amniotic fluid for 40 weeks. That sustained pressure, combined with hormonal changes that soften the muscles and ligaments in the pelvis, puts these muscles under more strain than at any other point in your life. Stress urinary incontinence affects roughly 54 percent of pregnant women, and up to 1 in 3 women report pelvic floor symptoms after delivery. The good news is that most pregnancy pelvic floo Read more
Pregnancy Weight Gain: How Much Is Normal by Trimester?
The recommended amount of pregnancy weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). ACOG and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) provide weight gain ranges rather than a single target number because every pregnancy is different. Your OBGYN calculates your BMI at your first prenatal visit and monitors your weight at every appointment after that. These check-ins help track both your health and your baby's growth so your care team can adjust your plan if your gain falls outside the Read more
3D Mammogram vs. 2D Mammogram: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
For most women, 3D mammography is worth it. Research consistently shows that 3D mammograms detect significantly more cancers than standard 2D imaging and reduce the rate of unnecessary callbacks. The core difference is in how each technology reads breast tissue: a 2D mammogram stacks all tissue into a single flat image, while 3D mammography (also called tomosynthesis) separates that tissue into thin, scrollable slices that radiologists can examine layer by layer. This post breaks down how ea Read more
Preeclampsia: Warning Signs Every Pregnant Woman Should Know
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher that develops after 20 weeks of gestation, affecting 5 to 8 percent of all pregnancies in the United States. Some women experience no symptoms at all, which is why blood pressure monitoring at every prenatal visit is one of the most important parts of routine care. When caught early through consistent monitoring with an OBGYN, preeclampsia is manageable. The risk comes from cases that go un Read more
