All posts in Women’s Health

In the new reality, you have probably been spending more time working from home—maybe even pulling longer work hours. Whether you work from home or a shared office, you should keep in mind the following ergonomic workspace tips and tools to help you achieve good body posture.

Body Awareness

• Be conscious of what your body is telling you. It doesn’t matter if you’re working from a desk, on the dining table, or propped up in bed: the basic rule is that your body should not feel discomfort.
• Check on your posture every 15 minutes, as this is the time window in which we start slouching into postures more hurtful to our spine and arms.
• Move around, preferably by getting up and walking around, every 30 to 40 minutes. Even if you are in a comfortable position, you should not keep the same posture for more than an hour. During these breaks, stretch a little to relieve your muscles and avoid tensing up.
• When you are looking down on your laptop screen, avoid tilting your head. Instead, look down with your eyes or prop your screen up to eye level.
• If you need to be on the phone while working, start using a headset. Avoid holding up the phone between your ear and shoulder, use the speaker whenever possible, and remember to hold your phone with your dominant hand.

Tools and Devices

• Though a laptop stand is ideal, if you cannot have one to bring your screen up to eye level, use a pile of books or a wooden crate—they can be just as good!
• You may spend hours holding a mouse or using a laptop touch pad, which can put tension on the palm of your hand, your fingers, and even your arm. Try using a mouse that fits comfortably under your hand and is fast to respond.
• Though wireless keyboards are more convenient, you may want to consider one that can do both. This would give you the flexibility to change posture, move further away from your screen, or hold the keyboard a different way. If you are working exclusively on a desk, think of adding padding to the front end of your keyboard to relieve pressure on your wrists.

Standing Desks

• Studies suggest that use of a standing desk creates an ergonomic workplace that reduces the risk of shoulder and back pain, as well as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If you are considering a standing desk, your budget is better off with some DIY ideas, such as the IKEA option.
• It is optimal for standing desks to be height adjustable, so purchasing an inexpensive IKEA side table to prop up on your regular desk would bring the screen up to eye level. Additionally, a shelving unit can act as a keyboard stand that will be right at your fingertips! To learn more, check out this articleon how to build an IKEA standup desk for $22.

Although it might be surprising, the American Academic of Pediatrics (AAP) has evidence that common allergies, such as peanuts, can be prevented with the early introduction of foods to an infant’s diet. The two known factors are nutrition can play a role in preventing or minimizing allergies and that children can be predisposed to allergies based on family history. 

As such, the AAP suggests that there is no reason to not introduce common allergens in a child’s diet early on, as you would introduce any other food and nutritional source. Early peanut introduction into an infant’s diet, in infant-safe forms after other solid foods are introduced, is also suggested and for further information you can consult the guidelines developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is endorsed by the AAP. 

Common allergens found in eight major groups of food­­ are responsible for approximately 90% of all food allergies. 

• cow milk
• eggs
• fish
• crustacean shellfish
• tree nuts
• peanuts
• wheat
• soybean

General guidelines prompt parents and caretakers to slowly introduce the eight major food groups to the infant’s diet when he/she has already tolerated solid food. The first taste should be at home, and you can gradually increase the intake over a span of three to five days if no reactions occurs.  

In addition to the suggestion of introducing foods that are known to have common allergens, the AAP is currently researching the correlation between the prevention of food allergies through the introduction of allergenic foods in the infant’s diet and maternal diet, breastfeeding, and hydrolyzed formulas. So far, the major finding that concerns most mothers is that restricting your diet during pregnancy or when breastfeeding does not seem to be related to preventing allergies in infants. Similarly, according to research, the use of hydrolyzed formula does not prevent allergies, even in infants and children who are at high risk for allergic disease.

Despite the new research findings, and the new dietary suggestions, it is always advisable to consult with your child’s doctor (pediatrician or allergist) about the symptoms of allergies and whether or not your child ought to be tested. 

This is especially important if your child has already had an allergic reaction to a food, has a known food allergy, or a positive blood test to foods. If your child has a sibling that has exhibited a peanut allergy, be careful on how you introduce allergens into the diet, as well as if your infant has persistent eczema that does not improve with treatment. 

If your infant has moderate to severe eczema which is being treated with prescription medication or an egg allergy, then they are at high risk for other food allergies and testing for peanut allergy should be prioritized, and the introduction of any foods containing peanuts in their diet should be closely monitored, even though this introduction can start taking place as early as four to six months of age. 

What is it? 
Endometrial ablation is a procedure, not a surgery, that removes the lining of the uterus to reduce or stop menstrual flow completely. Most types of endometrial ablation take place in your doctor’s office, using topical anesthesia. Some types of endometrial ablation may require total anesthesia, in which case they are performed in the hospital. It does not require an incision to be made, as your healthcare provider inserts small tools through your vagina to reach your uterine lining. 

There are different methods for this, some of which include: 

• Use of an electric current that travels through a wire loop 
• Heated fluids that are pumped into the uterus to destroy the lining
• Radio waves, which are sent into the uterus through an electrical mesh your provider expands
• Application of very cold temperature using a probe to freeze the lining 
• Microwaves sent in the uterus through a thin probe 

Why is it done and who needs it?

The main reason for endometrial ablation is experiencing excessive blood loss during menstruation—to the extent where you need to change your tampon or pad every hour. Another reason can be abnormally long periods that last more than eight days or experiencing bleeding in between periods. 

Typically, when your menstrual bleeding needs to be reduced doctors will usually either prescribe medications or an IUD. If these options don’t have the expected results, endometrial ablation is considered as an option. 

Risks 

Although complications in endometrial ablation procedures are rare, they may include pain, bleeding, or even infection. Possible injuries to nearby organs are also possible, either because of the hear or cold used, or because of the surgical instruments. 

Another possible complication is a higher risk pregnancy. Even though pregnancies can occur if you have undergone endometrial ablation, you want to closely monitor your pregnancy, especially as it may lead to an ectopic pregnancy or even miscarriage. 

In Preparation

It cannot be performed if you are pregnant or if you have IUD in place. Perhaps more rare but significant is that you will be tested for cancer through a small sample of your endometrium. 

The endometrial ablation works best if the uterine lining is thin, so you might either be prescribed medication for that, or your doctor might perform a procedure where they scrape off the extra tissue—known as dilation and curettage. 

Particularly important is to discuss anesthesia options with your doctor beforehand, as some methods require general anesthesia, while others can be performed with sedation or numbing shots. 

After the Procedure

The results of the procedure may take a few months to become visible, and they differ among women: some may experience lighter periods, while others may notice their period stopping completely. 

You may experience different reactions right after the procedure, which include menstrual-like cramps that can be soothed with over-the-counter medication, vaginal discharge that will most likely be present the first few days after the procedure, as well as frequent urination within the first 24 hours. 

Many women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives. There can be many reasons for this, including physical conditions that can be treated, structural issues in the reproductive organs, and even psychological concerns. It is quite a common problem, and its medical term is dyspareunia. The pain can either be intermittent or persistent and may happen before, during, and even after intercourse.

Some of the symptoms of dyspareunia include pain at the time of penetration, and this can also be when inserting a tampon, deeper pain experienced during thrusting, a sensation of burning, and even pain that last for a long time after intercourse, usually throbbing.

Though the symptoms might be similar between women, the cause of this discomfort and pain is most often diagnosed depending on the type and timing of the pain.

Entry Pain

This occurs at the time of penetration and may be the result of the following reasons.

1. Lack of lubrication: This is either due to limited foreplay or due to decreased estrogen levels (usually after menopause or childbirth). Certain medications are also known to cause problems in arousal.
2. Inflammation or infection: If your genital area or urinary tract is inflamed, or even infected, this can cause painful intercourse. Another factor may be chronic skin conditions, such as eczema.
3. Injury or irritation: If you have had an accident that affected your pelvic area or a surgical procedure in your genital area, this may be affecting how you experience intercourse.
4. Structural abnormalities: In cases of problems presented at birth, such as a not-fully formed vagina or the development of a hymen that blocks the vaginal opening, you will most likely experience pain during sex.
5. Vaginismus: Sometimes the vaginal muscles involuntarily spasm, which can result in painful penetration.

Deep Pain

This is most likely to be experienced with deep penetration or thrusting. It is possible that certain positions worsen this kind of pain.

1. Certain medical conditions: If you know you are experiencing a medical condition or you have this kind of pain during intercourse, the following can be pain-causing factors: endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine prolapse, retroverted uterus, uterine fibroids, cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and ovarian cysts.

2. Surgeries and other medical treatments: If you have had pelvic surgery, including hysterectomy, there might be scarring in the area that causes pain. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can also contribute to this.

Emotional Pain

It is widely known that emotions are deeply connected with sexual activity, and they can have a direct effect on how individuals experience intercourse and/or heavily affect the emotional component of sex.

1. Stress: One of the most common psychologically charged situations many individuals experience. A common response of female bodies to stress is the tightening of pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to painful intercourse.
2. Psychological issues: Though not causing as direct a response as stress, issues of anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and possible fear of intimacy heavily contribute to a low level of arousal, resulting in limited natural lubrication, discomfort, and pain.
3. History of sexual abuse: If you have experienced sexual abuse, this most definitely can play a role in the emotional, and possibly physical, pain you may be experiencing during sex.

If you are experiencing pain during sex you should consult your doctor as the causes vary, and each person should receive treatment tailored to their needs.

Surely you have heard about the benefits of exercising and the “rest and relaxation” many medical professionals prescribe. So how are the two connected? What is the benefit of trying to fit physical exercise in a full schedule?

Exercise can actually help lower your stress levels—and you don’t need to be a professional athlete for that to happen! The so-called “runner’s high” that people experience after lengthy exercise can also be achieved by simple, less vigorous exercises, including walking, swimming, yoga, and cycling.

When we get moving, our body starts producing endorphins. These are chemicals made primarily in the hypothalamus and pituitary glands that relieve stress and pain. Though natural levels of endorphins vary from person to person, movement and exercise activate our brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters and start battling stress. Focusing on a single task for a specific period of time, and a task that activates your feel-good chemicals at that, will result in you having more energy, being more optimistic, and it will also relax you.

Long-term benefits of exercising:

• boost your mood, happiness, and self-confidence
• improve your sleep
• work out daily tensions
• enhance your ability to focus on one task at a time
• decrease the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety

If you have a full and busy schedule, it can be difficult to carve out time for exercise. However, it doesn’t take much for your endorphins to get kicked into gear. Pencil in a bit of time on a regular basis and focus on an exercise that works for you and your schedule. You will notice that the more you devote your attention to your body’s movements and physical activity, the more you let go of daily stress, anxiety, and irritation.

Ideally adults should aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week. Essentially, this means around 30 minutes per day, five days a week. Exercise is possible without a gym membership, as walking and biking are some great ways to get moving. If you are stuck inside due to colder winter weather, consider trying yoga or aerobic videos. Investing in an elliptical or treadmill may also be a good idea for those in cold-weather climates. Tracking and monitoring your progress is key to reaching goals—so consider buying a planner/calendar or finding a phone app system that works for you.

So why not take the chance with the new calendar year to try out a new habit? Start slow, regularly devote some time to exercise and start noticing how your stress is becoming less while your optimism and concentration strengthens.

What is it?

An Extraperitoneal C-Section (ECS) is a surgical procedure of delivering a baby through an incision in the lower uterine segment. In ECS, the uterus is approached through the paravesical space and the peritoneal cavity is not entered. The main advantage of this procedure is that it is less invasive, as it helps prevent the spread of infection from the uterus into the peritoneal cavity. Since it is less common than the traditional C-Section, Extraperitoneal C-Section surgery requires focused training and specialization.

What are the benefits?

In addition to lessening the spread of infection to the peritoneal cavity and being less invasive on tissue, ECS resembles a natural birth experience. A few hours after the operation, the mother can get up and walk independently, and the use of a urinary catheter is not necessary. She can shower the same day and eat normally, as the ECS procedure comes with reduced post-operative pain.

ECS is also a good alternative to transperitoneal delivery or cesarean hysterectomy if there is a case of a uterine infection—whether that is proven or presumed.

ECS, overall, presents a lower risk of complications than the traditional C-Section and has the added advantage of reduced postoperative pain. As a result, both the time of recovery and the cost of the procedure are relatively low; many mothers can be discharged in less than 24 hours and because of the short stay in the hospital and the reduced use of analgesics they are not faced with a huge birth cost.

What are the risks?

Studies have concluded that there are no significant risks associated with ECS. Although it is a procedure meant to reduce the risk of infection, we should remain aware that post-operative infections may still occur—even if we have a large number of antibiotics available at our disposal. The studies done to compare ECS to traditional C-Section methods showcase that there is no significant difference in morbidity and mortality rates between the two, but they do seem to be suggesting that ECS is a lengthier procedure—despite the reduced post-operative time.

How common is it and what makes someone a good candidate?

Not all OBGYNs are trained to perform ECS; though it is a procedure that presents a rational basis to prevent infections and has benefits in anatomic training, it still requires extreme specialization to be carried through. As such, if there is evidence of an intrauterine infection or if one is presumed, this makes ECS a good solution. Similarly, it is viable in cases of labor over 24 hours, ruptured membranes over 24 hours, as well as six or more vaginal examinations.

We are proud to provide our patients with the very best in treatment methods to help ensure a new generation of Western New York babies is brought into this world safely. For women who may require a cesarean section, your OBGYN will help you determine if an extraperitoneal cesarean is right for you.

If you have questions about Extraperitoneal Cesarean Surgery available from our practice, and whether it may be appropriate for you, contact us today.