FAQ
When should I have my first pap smear or send my daughter for one?
Pap smears should begin at the age of 21.
What are some alternative forms of birth control other than oral contraception?
Intrauterine Devices (Mirena, Skyla, Liletta), Nexplanon and NuvaRing are some alternatives for birth control.
What are my treatment options for menopause?
Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in compounded bio-identical hormones in the form of transdermal cream is an option. Transdermal administration of hormones is the safest because it avoids passing through the liver. Some women may need a little testosterone and/or DHEA. Hormones in the form of pellets is another option.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Typically a menopausal woman will experience hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, moodiness, fluctuation in blood hormone levels and sometimes difficulty concentrating or focusing.
How long should I discontinue birth control before trying to conceive?
Stop birth control 2-3 months prior to trying to conceive and start prenatal vitamins. In addition we recommend you get healthy! Stop smoking and stop the use of caffeine, alcohol or other harmful drug. We are happy to see you for a preconceptual visit.
What is the average expected weight gain in pregnancy?
The average weight gain is 25-35 pounds. Women that start off overweight should gain less. We advise everyone to limit the intake of sugar.
When can I expect ultrasounds during normal pregnancy?
Ultrasounds will be done at the pregnancy confirmation visit, about 8 weeks following the first day of your last menstrual period and after 20 weeks to check for abnormalities, this may include gender. Most insurances will cover two ultrasounds, all others have to preapproved for medical necessity. If you prefer to know the gender of your baby sooner, we can scan between 16 and 19 weeks. This ultrasound is not covered by insurance and is available for $75 when paid prior to the visit.
What can I take for allergies during pregnancy?
Claritin, Zyrtec, Mucinex, Benadryl and over the counter saline nasal spray. None of these should contain the “D”. If there is no relief, a prescription may be necessary.
What medications can I take while pregnant?
We recommend Tylenol for headaches. Imodium AD and Pepto-Bismol are safe to take for diarrhea. You can take Miralax or Colace (Sodium Docusate) 100 mg, 2 pills with a glass of water for constipation. If you experience heartburn, we recommend Tums, Maalox/Mylanta, Rolaids, Prilosec or Zantac.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
Feeling overwhelmed and fatigued, experiencing excessive guilt, worry, tearfulness, insomnia, anxiety and fear. If symptoms last longer than 5 days, the patient should call for an appointment. We want you to enjoy your baby and motherhood. We are your primary care providers during postpartum time.
Are there treatment options for PMS and mood swings?
We recommend the following: decrease stress, take Vitamin B, decrease caffeine intake, exercise, increase rest, watch carbohydrate intake. If symptoms persist, there are medications we can prescribe. Sometimes low dose birth control pills will help, or certain antidepressants.
What are possible causes of an abnormal pap smear?
Vaginal or cervical infection or inflammation – with #1 cause: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are many strands of HPV, low risk and high risk. Strand 16 is the #1 cause of cervical cancer. Strand 18 is the #2 cause. We use one of the best labs in the country for our Pap smears and the high risk HPV is detected on this test.
How do I get my prescriptions?
We send most everything electronically, so you will not receive a paper form and the prescription will be sent before you can get to the pharmacy.
How can I tell if my antidepressant is working for me?
New DNA testing is developing to check if your body is metabolizing a particular medication or if another one would be better. Some insurances are starting to cover these tests.
What if I have vaginitis?
Over-the-counter remedies are often resistant to the organisms causing vaginitis, so you may not have full resolution of your symptoms. It is hard to diagnose the cause over the phone, so we cannot just call “something” in for you. We are happy to work you in on the same day or next day. We may be able to apply something in office for quick relief of symptoms.
What if I have a urinary tract infection?
The best way to tell is to do a quick urine “dip stick” here in our office. We can schedule appointments the same day or next day. You can get a prescription at the same time if positive. In more complicated cases a culture will tell us sensitivities and now we even do DNA testing.
