Hey, parents! With most teens having sex by the age of 17, it is in your family’s best interest to have open conversations about sex and talk about birth control well in advance. Teen boys and girls are very capable of understanding different forms of contraception and its importance in preventing pregnancy. You can also […]
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Please be advised that this blog is a purely informational public platform and in no way constitutes medical advice from the physicians and nurses at West Des Moines OBGYN.
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The symptoms preceding menopause run the gamut, from hot flashes to hair loss to vaginal dryness. But every woman is different! Some women struggle with the symptoms of this hormonal shift, while others have little difficulty managing symptoms. Know the signs that you’re starting menopause so you can address the symptoms with proactive treatment. By […]
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If you’re considering the permanent birth control of getting your tubes tied, you will want to know what you should and shouldn’t do after the procedure so you can get back to your normal activities. Tubal ligation is a form of sterilization that blocks or cuts the fallopian tubes. It leaves the ovaries intact, which […]
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Depression is a common condition affecting 1 in 6 adults. More than two-thirds of those affected will be women, and we know that Postpartum Depression affects about 10 percent of moms. But later in life, depression seems to be more common. Many people ask their care team, “Can menopause cause depression?” The answer is a […]
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Autoimmune disorders and diseases affect millions of women. More than 23 million Americans have one of 80 known types of autoimmune diseases, which can lead to disability and even death. Autoimmune disease makes the body believe it is under attack from germs, even when it isn’t. Women of childbearing age can have high-risk pregnancies when […]
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Questions arise during pregnancy, and one of the most common is whether it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. If you are interested in sex and your doctor clears you for the activity, you can continue to have intimate relations while you are pregnant. Having sex while pregnant is normal and will not cause […]
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Have you been trying to get pregnant with no success? Fertility tests are likely your next step. You can do some ovulation tracking and fertility testing at home, but obstetricians perform the most effective testing and diagnosis. West Des Moines OBGYN Associates recommends preconception care for anyone trying to start a family. However, if you […]
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As if diabetics don’t have enough to manage, diabetic women can also experience menstrual irregularities and blood sugar issues during their cycles or menopause. As of 2019, nearly 1 in 10 women have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes means the body doesn’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels. The […]
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When a woman has heavy or long periods, it can be exhausting, resulting in losing family time and work time. It can also be the source of health issues, such as anemia. Sometimes, when medications aren’t effective, excessive menstrual bleeding can be reduced through a procedure called endometrial ablation. The goal of endometrial ablation is […]
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At one time, cervical cancer was one of the most common causes of cancer death for women in the U.S. In 2023, the American Cancer Society predicts that nearly 14,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 4,000 will die from the cancer. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and that comes with […]