February 2022

Fibroids are non-cancerous muscular tumors that grow in the uterus during child-bearing years. They range in sizes from small ones – undetectable by the human eye to large ones that can form a bulge in the lower abdomen. Most of the time, gynecologists detect fibroids in McDonough during a prenatal ultrasound or your routine pelvic exam. There is often a lack of symptoms in most women, and in any case, they may include painful menstrual cramps, frequent urination, pelvic pain or pressure, heavy menstrual bleeding, and constipation. Fortunately, minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization may relieve the symptoms.

Symptoms for uterine fibroids

Most women with fibroids can hardly tell because of the absence of symptoms. However, women with fibroid symptoms may experience:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Constipation
• Pain or pressure in the pelvic area
• Periods that last more than seven days
• Frequent urination

The symptoms you have can be influenced by different factors including the size, number, and location of fibroids. Fibroids can develop within the uterine wall muscles (intramural), in the uterus

(submucosal), or outside the uterus (subserosal).

What causes fibroids?

Specialists are yet to establish a particular cause for fibroids, but according to doctors, these abnormal growths originate from a stem cell in the myometrium. One cell divides multiple times, creating a rigid mass of rubbery tissue known as fibroids. Their growth pattern varies as some get bigger rapidly and others slowly. Some stagnate in one size, and others undergo a growth spurt where they enlarge and shrink. Most of the time, fibroids that develop during pregnancy usually shrink or disappear after childbirth. Here are some of the factors linked to uterine growth.

•  Hormones. During the menstrual cycle, the body produces estrogen and progesterone hormones which facilitate the thickening of the uterine walls. These hormones also promote the development of tumors since fibroids have more hormone receptors than other muscle cells. During menopause, the decline in hormone production causes the fibroids to shrink or disappear.
• Genetic changes. The genes in uterine fibroids differ from those in the normal uterine muscle cells.
• Extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix makes cells stick together and also makes them fibrous. It is also responsible for cell changes due to its stores’ growth factors.
• Naturally occurring substances in the body, such as insulin-like growth factors, are linked to the growth of fibroids.

Treatment of uterine fibroids

There is no single treatment approach that is best for fibroids. There are multiple approaches, and the one your doctor recommends depends on the severity of your symptoms and your preference. For example, if you experience mild symptoms that you can tolerate or no signs at all, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting. They tend to grow slowly and shrink during menopause due to the decline in reproductive hormone production. Medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery are other treatment methods used to treat fibroids. Your doctor may help you understand the one that is best for you.

While uterine fibroids are usually harmless, they cause discomfort and can result in complications such as anemia, and sometimes interfere with fertility. Book a session with your doctor at Ideal Gynecology LLC for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids to improve your quality of life.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue that usually lines the uterus inside grows outside the uterus. It can cause pain, infertility, and other problems. While there is no cure for endometriosis, treatments can help relieve symptoms. Endometriosis can cause lower back pain and painful sex. If that wasn’t bad enough, the condition is estimated to affect over 176 million worldwide. If you have been looking for a way to manage your endometriosis pain, an Upper East Side endometriosis specialist can provide a solution.

Luckily, many with endometriosis can benefit from various treatments, and we look at some of them below.

• Surgery For Endometriosis

An expert can perform a few different types of surgery for endometriosis. The most common is laparoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure. This type of surgery uses small incisions and a camera to help the doctor see inside your body. Other types of surgery include open surgery and robotic surgery. Your doctor will discuss the best kind for you based on your symptoms and the size and location of your endometriosis. Some of the factors that they may consider are:

• The size of your endometriosis
• The site of your endometriosis
• Your age
• Your overall health

• Hormonal Treatments

There are a few different hormonal treatments that you can use to treat endometriosis. The most common is birth control pills, which work by suppressing the hormones that cause your menstrual cycle. These help to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. Other hormonal treatments include progesterone injections, implants, and progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs). The hormonal therapy that is right for you will depend on your symptoms, age, and whether or not you are trying to get pregnant. Some of the things that your doctor will consider when determining the proper hormonal treatment for you include:

• Your age
• The type and severity of your endometriosis symptoms
• Whether or not you are trying to get pregnant

• Alternative and Complementary Treatments

You can use a few alternative and complementary treatments to treat endometriosis. Some of the most common include: 

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Meditation
• Hot or cold packs
• Acupressure
• Supplements (such as vitamin E)
• Herbal remedies (such as chaste berry 
• Massage therapy 
• Biofeedback training
• Yoga/Pilates
• Dietary changes

You can use these treatments alone or in combination with other therapies. The alternative and complementary treatments that are right for you will depend on your symptoms and preferences.

• Medication For Endometriosis

There are a few different medications you can use to treat endometriosis. The most common is pain medication, which can help reduce the pain caused by the condition. Other drugs include hormonal treatments and surgery. Your doctor will discuss the best type of medication for you based on your symptoms and preferences. When prescribing medicines, your doctor will consider your condition’s severity, age, and whether or not you want to conceive.

In summary, endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue that usually lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. No cure exists, but you can benefit from treatments that make it less severe. They include medications, surgery, hormonal therapies, and alternative and complementary treatments.

Seasonal allergies can be lethal, and these days there is a lot of misinformation around what causes allergies and how to avoid them. The best way for you to get ahead of your allergy is to conduct plenty of research, including discussing with Pompeyo C Chavez, MD, so that you understand what fact is and what is fiction when it comes to seasonal allergies. Some of the most used phrases concerning seasonal allergies include:

You can develop allergies as an adult.

This one is a fact. Anyone can develop an allergy at any age. Adults are not exempt from developing new allergies. This condition occurs when your body mistakenly identifies certain substances in the environment as harmful. As you age, your immune system becomes weaker, which also weakens our hyper allergenic reactions. Most adults who experience an allergy will have already gone through the experience during their early life and cannot remember. These childhood allergies may often stay dormant throughout a patient’s teenage years, only to emerge later on in adulthood.  So if you are feeling the sniffles, but assume it could not possibly be allergies, think again.

Eating local honey helps relieve allergy symptoms.

Unfortunately, this one is fiction. There has been a lot of buzz around this idea because bees collect pollen from local plants and use it to create their honey, and it could help build up your immunity to those local allergens. Believe it or not, flower pollen is one of the minor common allergens. What triggers most people’s seasonal allergies are pollens from trees, grass, and weeds, not in your local honey. Even though honey tastes nice and can help you feel better by raising your dopamine levels, your best bet for allergic reactions is over-the-counter medications.

Using nasal spray frequently can be detrimental to your health.

This one is a profound truth. Although nasal decongestant sprays can be effective, they are not appropriate for long-term care for allergy symptoms. These treatments can cause serious harm if patients do not use them properly. These sprays contain chemicals that shrink the enlarged blood vessels, causing congestion. After more than a few days of use, those blood vessels can become dependent on the drugs causing you to need to use more and more of it to get the same results. This condition is called the rebound phenomenon, and over time, it can lead to chronic sinusitis. Alternatively, try some other remedies like oral histamines or decongestants. If you opt for a nasal spray, use nasal corticosteroids rather than decongestants because they effectively relieve symptoms and do not carry the same risk.

It is best to be proactive and keep a consistent treatment plan to manage your symptoms when it comes to seasonal allergies. If you have questions about what is best for you, be sure to consult the offices of PREMIER FAMILY PHYSICIANS to learn more about allergies and the best way to treat yours.

Multiple vertebrae make up the spinal canal and between each bone is an opening called the spinal space. The spinal canal protects the spinal cord and nerve roots from any mechanical damage and the opening where the spinal cord spaces. However, the space can become narrow along any part of the spine due to various reasons, such as osteoarthritis, which causes spine degeneration. The commonly affected areas include the neck and lower back region. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis in Huntington may experience back pain, leg weakness, and loss of sensation in the leg or foot.

What causes lumbar spinal stenosis?

The spinal space can become narrow due to wear and tear that occurs as you advance in age. Although some people are born with a smaller spinal space, most of the time, the narrowing is a result of something. Here are some of the causes of spinal stenosis.

• Herniated discs

The vertebral column contains small discs which act as shock absorbers and offer support to the spine. These discs have a tough outer covering called the annulus, covering the inner soft materials or nucleus. However, the membrane can develop a weak spot, and the disc can push through into the spinal space. The spinal space is limited, and the presence of the disc there narrows the canal even more. Most patients with a herniated disc have no symptoms, but if the disc presses on a nerve, it produces pain, among other symptoms like numbness and muscle weakness.

• Bone overgrowth

Age-related problems such as osteoarthritis cause wear and tear damage to bones in your body. They can also affect your spine area. Bone degeneration prompts bone spur formation, which may occur in the spinal canal. Other conditions like Paget’s disease are also associated with bone spurs formation along the spine.

• Abnormal growths

Although this hardly occurs, tumors can grow inside the spinal cord, narrowing the space. Imaging tests such as Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging help your doctor identify the tumors.

• Thickened ligaments

Ligaments are rigid structures that hold the vertebrae in place. They may thicken and become stiff as you grow older. Because of their increased volume, they occupy more space, including the spinal canal. 

What is the treatment for spinal stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis has no cure, but specialists use different treatment methods to manage symptoms. The type of treatment approach your doctor uses depends on the extremity of your symptoms and other factors like your overall well-being. Your doctor can use various treatment methods, including:

Medications

• Over-the-counter pain relievers. These include drugs such as ibuprofen which your doctor may recommend to offer pain relief temporarily.
• Antidepressants can be an option if the pain is constant and severe. Examples of these drugs include amitriptyline.

Physical therapy

Alongside medication, physical therapy can be used to reduce pain and prevent muscle weakness. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that help strengthen your muscle improve your balance and your spine’s flexibility.

Sometimes surgery is an option for patients who don’t find relief with other conservative treatments. If you want to learn more about lumbar spinal stenosis, schedule for consultation with your doctor at George Kakoulides, MD.

Botox injections are known for minimizing fine lines and facial wrinkles. However, doctors use these injections to address other problems such as chronic migraine, hyperhidrosis, eye twitching, bladder dysfunction, and painful neck contractions (cervical dystonia). Botox injections contain a toxin produced by a microbe that causes botulism which temporarily prevents muscle movements. Today, dentists use Ardsley Botox for patients with bruxism, high lip lines, bruxism, temporomandibular joint disorder, and ill-fitting dentures due to shifting jaw muscles.

How to prepare for a Botox injection

An initial consultation with your doctor is an integral part of the preparations. Discussing with your specialist allows you to understand what issues Botox injections can and cannot address. It is always a great way to clear any uncertainties and gain more insight into what treatment entails. During a consultation, your doctor may ask you several questions, including whether you have had Botox injections in recent months and if you are currently taking allergy medications and muscle relaxants. Although Botox injections are usually safe when placed precisely, pregnant and breastfeeding moms are not good candidates.

Pre instructions for Botox

• Do take any alcoholic products at least 24 hours before treatment, as doing so increases your risk of bruising.
• Discontinue the use of fish oil supplements, vitamin E, and anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen since they have blood-thinning properties and can cause bruising and swelling. Discuss with your doctor if your medical condition does not allow you to stop using these medications.
• Notify your specialist if you have a history of cold sores. If this is the case, your doctor may require that you take antiviral medication before treatment.

Are there any risks?

Treatment is relatively safe when working with a certified and skilled doctor. Even so, some side effects or complications may result after Botox injections. They include:

• Pain and swelling at the treated area
• Bruising
• Crooked smile
• Headache

What to expect during a Botox procedure

Although most patients tolerate the discomfort during treatment, some prefer numbing, especially those whose palms are soles are treated for hidrosis. The doctor may use topical anesthesia or ice to desensitize the treatment area. Treatment can be performed in your doctor’s office, where a thin needle is used to inject small amounts of the toxin into your muscles. You may need several injections depending on your problem or the extent of the treated area. You may feel a sudden, sharp sting and some pressure as the doctor inserts the needle.

Post instructions for Botox

• Avoid massaging or rubbing the injection site as this may cause the toxin to spread into other areas.
• Do not engage in strenuous activities like weight lifting for at least 24 hours.
• Sometimes the doctor may ask you to maintain an upright position at least four hours after treatment.

How long do the results last?

Most patients experience relief from symptoms at least one to three days after treatment. The results are temporary and usually last for three to six months, and subsequent treatments may be needed to maintain the effects.

If you want to learn how to benefit from Botox injections, consult with your specialist today at Ardsley Dental Spa. 

Memorial City is a neighborhood located in the Memorial Area of Houston. It is a very recent district, but it still has good medical facilities. You will find great birth control specialists in the town. Memorial City birth control offers long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). LARCs are implanted devices that prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (releasing an egg from the ovaries) or making it too hard for sperm to reach the egg for fertilization. LARCs are almost as effective at preventing pregnancy as sterilization. 

There are several types of LARCs available, and they include:

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Implanted devices (such as the implant)
• Injectable contraceptives (such as Depo-Provera)

Every kind of LARC has its benefits and drawbacks. It would be best if you spoke to your health care provider about the best option for you. 

The following are some of the benefits of using LARCs:

• Effectiveness

LARCs are the most effective reversible contraceptives available. They are more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Their high success rate is attributed to their durability.

• Durability

LARCs can remain in the body for a long time without being affected by the environment, which means they are effective for several years, unlike birth control methods that depend on regular contraceptives such as birth control pills. Their effectiveness is enhanced when a health care provider wholly covers them during administration.

• Convenience

LARCs have no daily requirement to remain effective, which means you don’t have to think about contraceptives during the week. It is an excellent option for women who forget to take their birth control pills. You can even use it as an emergency contraceptive if you missed taking your regular contraceptives and had unprotected sex.

• Duration of Effectiveness

LARCs can be used for several years to come. It can be an excellent option for women who plan long-term or want a permanent method of contraception. Long-term usage of LARCs makes you very unlikely to get pregnant as they can last up to 12 years.

• Ease of Use

LARCs are very easy to use and require no maintenance, unlike birth control pills that need to be taken daily at the same time. No frequent follow-up visits or clinic appointments are necessary. Their ease of use makes them a preferred contraceptive method for many women.

Most women can use LARCs without any problems. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before getting one:

• You should not use LARCs if you have an irregular menstrual cycle as they might be less effective.
• If you have a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) history, you should not use LARCs.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to copper, you should not use an IUD.
• If you are at high risk for contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you should not use implantable contraceptives.

The bottom line is that LARCs are highly effective contraceptives that offer many benefits to women. They are convenient, easy to use, and have a long duration of effect. If you are looking for a reliable contraceptive method, LARCs should be your top choice. Speak to your health care provider today to find out more about these amazing devices.