OB-GYN Associates

Understanding Menopause

Menopause happens to every woman, but not everyone fully understands the process. Arming yourself with knowledge about this transitional time in your life can help inform your decisions about symptoms and treatments.

In this video, an OB-GYN explains the science behind menopause. She also gives a helpful overview of what symptoms you can expect during your transitional perimenopausal period and after you’ve completed the transition, or become postmenopausal.

It’s important to have a supportive and knowledgeable OB-GYN by your side during your body’s transition through menopause. At northern Alabama’s premier gynecological office, we are here to help you every step of the way. Call OB-GYN Associates at (888) 805-2439 to speak with our friendly staff or to set up an appointment.

Visit These Sites To Learn What Your OB-GYN Has To Offer To Your Health

With annual visits to your OB-GYN, you can stay in excellent health from your teenage years through menopause. Find the lifelong care you need with the caring staff of OB-GYN Associates by calling us at (888) 805-2439. We have two locations in Northern Alabama to serve you.

• WebMD.com explains the basic facts about when a hysterectomy is appropriate.
• Find out how robotics is improving gynecological surgery with this article from MedPageToday.com.
• Check out this webpage for a testimonial of da Vinci Robotic Surgery and its success.
• Forbes Magazine debunks some common myths about the Gardasil vaccine.
• Learn about your risk for HPV with this information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A Look at da Vinci Robotic Surgery

The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques in gynecology has been increasing as technology continues to improve. One type of technology that has greatly improved surgical success and patient safety is surgical robotics by da Vinci. The da Vinci hysterectomy offers several benefits to the patient and is appropriate for a wide range of patients in need of a hysterectomy.

How the surgery works

The da Vinci system features robotic tools that are controlled by the surgeon through a real-time, high-definition screen that displays images from endoscopic cameras at the surgical site. The surgeon has a view of the surgical area that is not possible in traditional surgery, and the robotic tools utilize delicate movements beyond the ability of the most skilled human hands. Only a few small incisions are required for this advanced surgery, which is an excellent benefit over traditional laparoscopic surgery. With incisions of this nature, patients will experience benefits like those below.

• Less pain: Fewer tissues surrounding the uterus are disturbed during da Vinci surgery than during open surgery, so there is a shorter recovery period. Since there is a lower impact on the body with surgery, pain is minimized and patients can return to work much faster.
• Fewer complications: Less blood loss will occur in surgery, and this reduces any potential complications. The rate of infection is also lower with da Vinci surgery; the combination of these two factors results in shorter hospital stays.
• Improved surgical success: The da Vinci surgical system was designed to overcome the challenges of traditional surgery while enhancing the surgeon’s control and dexterity during a hysterectomy. The surgical tools are so precise that they can accurately remove the skin from a grape; greater precision increases the likelihood of success.

Find out if da Vinci Robotic Surgery is right for you by visiting OB-GYN Associates in Northern Alabama. Call us at (888) 805-2439 or check out our website for more information.

What Is the Gardasil Vaccine?

One of the most major threats to women’s health, cervical cancer, has been mitigated within recent years because of improvements in medical care, including the Gardasil vaccine. This revolutionary medication protects women against four different types of HPV, a sexually transmitted disease that can contribute to cervical cancer.

When to get the vaccine:

Gardasil is administered through three injections given over a six-month period. After these three shots, the vaccine will be effective for years of protection against HPV, which is among the most commonly spread STDs. The Gardasil shots can be given to women from the ages of nine to 26, and it is recommended that the vaccine be used before the start of sexual activity.

What patients should know about Gardasil:

Although the vaccine does have a high success rate in HPV and cervical cancer prevention, safe sex practices should still be used. Gardasil offers no contraceptive protection and it does not protect against other STDs. You should continue to see your OB-GYN for annual pelvic exams including pap tests to ensure that you are in good health even after you have received the vaccine.

The Gardasil vaccine has been in use for several years, and it is associated with only minimal side effects seen almost immediately after the injection. As the use of the vaccine continues, the FDA and the CDC reevaluate its safety, and it has been approved for use by both organizations. When the vaccine is administered, you may need to stay in the doctor’s office for 15-20 minutes so that you can report any dizziness, fainting, or discomfort after the shot. There may be some soreness or swelling at the injection site, but this will fade in just a few days.

If you want to get the Gardasil vaccine or discuss the vaccine for your child, visit OB-GYN Associates in Alabama. We have two locations for your convenience and both are dedicated to comprehensive women’s care for patients of all ages. Call us at (888) 805-2439 or visit our website to schedule a consultation at the location nearest you.

Download This Helpful BioClock App!

If you are trying to get pregnant, it is important to know when you are ovulating so that you can maximize your chances of conceiving.

Keep a handy ovulation calendar to track your cycle directly on your phone with the BioClock Fertility & Pregnancy Calculator app from iTunes. This app features an easy-to-read calendar that can help you plan your pregnancy and track important dates throughout each trimester up to your due date.

For more help increasing the likelihood of successful conception and having a healthy pregnancy, visit OB-GYN Associates at one of our two Northern Alabama locations. Schedule a consultation with us on our website or call us at (888) 805-2439.