Pregnancy brings a long list of changes to your body, and some of them show up in unexpected places. Your mouth is one of them. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive, swollen, and prone to bleeding. This condition is so common that it has its own name: pregnancy gingivitis. It affects…
A colposcopy is a simple, in-office procedure that lets your provider get a closer look at your cervix. It is usually recommended after an abnormal Pap smear or a positive HPV (human papillomavirus) test result. While hearing that you need follow-up testing can feel stressful, a colposcopy is a routine diagnostic step that helps your…
Anti-Mullerian hormone, or AMH, is a protein produced by the small follicles in your ovaries. An AMH blood test measures the level of this hormone to give your provider a snapshot of your ovarian reserve, which is the estimated number of eggs you have remaining. This test has become a common part of fertility evaluations,…
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a group of mental health conditions that can develop during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth. They go well beyond the “baby blues,” which most new parents experience for a week or two after delivery. PMADs affect up to one in five women and can…
Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are two of the most common vaginal conditions, and symptoms can feel surprisingly similar. Both may cause discharge changes, irritation, and discomfort. But they are caused by different things and require different treatments. Using the wrong medication can cause symptoms to linger or make irritation worse, which is why it…
The second trimester of pregnancy covers weeks 13 through 27 and is often considered the most comfortable. Early symptoms like nausea and fatigue tend to ease, and many women notice a return of energy and appetite. At the same time, your baby is growing rapidly, your body is adjusting to support that growth, and your…
A Pap smear and a pelvic exam are two different things, even though they often happen at the same visit. A Pap smear is a screening test that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. A pelvic exam is a physical evaluation of your reproductive organs, including the vulva,…
Hormone therapy is a medical treatment that uses hormones to relieve symptoms caused by dropping estrogen and progesterone levels during perimenopause and menopause. It is one of the most effective options for managing hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes, but it is not the right fit for every woman. Whether hormone therapy…
Fertility basics that matter at every age Fertility depends on several mechanisms working together: ovulation, healthy eggs, open fallopian tubes, and a uterus that can support implantation. Sperm health is a major part of the picture, so it helps to think of fertility as shared. A typical cycle includes hormones that help an egg mature…
If you are trying to conceive, it is easy to be affected by stress. You may be tracking ovulation, watching for pregnancy symptoms, and wondering if stress is making conception more difficult. Many people notice their periods change during stressful times in their lives, which can lead to a common question: Can stress actually affect…