August is National Immunization Month
Each August, National Immunization Month reminds that vaccinations are not just for kids. Vaccinations can help prevent dangerous and deadly diseases, and back-to-school physicals offer an opportunity to ensure your family is up-to-date on immunizations.
Read moreSexual Problems
A woman’s sexuality is a very personal subject. Questions about STIs, libido, and painful sex may be difficult to ask, but Clinic Sofia caregivers give you a safe environment to discuss problems, testing, and preventative healthcare.
Read moreAsk Sofia: What Does a Normal/Abnormal Pap Smear Mean?
Pap smears swab the cells in your cervix. Many women have normal results, but what does it mean if yours is abnormal?
Read moreSexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
There are many different types of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Symptoms of an STI can include itching, vaginal discharge, spotting, redness, swollen lymph nodes or severe pain.
Read moreTreating painful sex
According to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, about one-third of women report having pain during sex, which can include discomfort in the vaginal or pelvic muscles, external genitals, bladders or tailbone, however, only about 25 percent will actually talk to their doctor about this issue.
Read moreAsk Sofia: Low Libido and Vaginal Dryness
At some point, most women have faced a health issue that they don’t feel comfortable discussing with friends or even doctors. They might be embarrassed or just unsure if it’s something that can even be treated. Read on for information that can help you feel confident to discuss issues with your caregiver.
Read moreWhat Exactly is Endometriosis?
While some women have symptom-free endometriosis, where the tissue lining the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, most women struggle with pain – painful periods, pain in the low back, pain during or after sex and/or pain during bowel movements or urination. The pain is caused by the tissue growing outside of the uterus but still acting as it would normally, breaking down and bleeding during your monthly cycle yet lacking a way to leave the body; the endometrial tissue can eventually create cysts or scar tissue.
Read moreAsk Sofia: How Do I Know if I Have Vaginitis?
Vaginitis is a broad term that refers to an infection or inflammation of the vagina. If you’re experiencing itching, burning during urination, discharge with unusual odor or discomfort during sex, you may have vaginitis. Yeast infections, for example, are one type of vaginitis. The causes of vaginitis vary, including an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, a viral infection, reduced estrogen levels after menopause, irritation from lotions or clothing, sexual contact or another type of infection.
Read moreAsk Sofia: How Do I Know if I Have Fibroids?
“I’ve heard of fibroids and am wondering if I have them…how do I know if I have fibroids?” Benign lumps that grow on the uterus, fibroids can be as small as a seed or as large as a grapefruit. As many as 20 percent of women experience fibroids – typically between the ages of 30 to 50 – which may be caused by hormonal or genetic factors.
Read moreWhat is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when an organ such as the bladder, uterus or small bowel drops or prolapses and then pushes against the walls of the vagina. It can feel like you’re sitting on something, a persistent pressure on the vagina, a feeling of fullness in the lower belly or you may notice sudden incontinence.
Read moreUnderstanding UTIs
While most women experience at least one urinary tract infection or UTI by the time they turn 30, some women, in particular, struggle with frequent infections of the bladder, kidneys and urethra. Painful UTI symptoms can include burning with urination, a tender belly, a constant feeling of having to urinate despite little urine being produced, back pain, fever or chills, and cloudy urine.
Read moreWhat is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
A big name for small cysts on the ovaries, polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS affects as many as one in every 15 women and can make getting pregnant more difficult. While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, an imbalance of hormones often starting in the teenage years, can lead to excess hair growth, acne, trouble losing weight, and long or infrequent periods.
Read moreAsk Sofia: Why is My Period So Heavy?
If you are among the 10 million women who suffer from heavy periods, your cycle can be a source of struggle and irritation. Abnormally heavy bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is most common among adolescents getting their period for the first time and women approaching menopause.
Read moreUterine Fibroids
Be aware of the symptoms and problems that can arise from uterine fibroids.
Read moreAll About HPV
Do you understand HPV? If the answer is “maybe” or “no,” you’re not alone: There is a lot of misinformation on the subject of HPV or human papillomarvirus, a common infection that can lead to cervical cancer, among other issues.
Read moreA Closer Look at Pelvic Pain
Whether due to endometriosis, fibroids, a urinary tract infection, adhesions, irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic pain can be internal or external, mild or intense pain below the belly button. Pelvic pain can include menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse or urination as well as chronic pain that affects everything from relationships to work, activities […]
Read moreCoping with Yeast Infections
While 75 percent of women will have at least one yeast infection, according to WebMD, five percent of women are plagued with persistent and recurring yeast infections.
Read moreUnderstanding Prolapse
Whether you have heard of it or not, pelvic organ prolapse is a condition which affects as many as half of all women who have given birth.
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