Dr. Lori Gore-Green Blog | Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

The Flu and Pregnancy

November 14, 2018 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

When you’re pregnant, you want everything to proceed smoothly, with no hiccups or hurdles. Getting sick, then, is likely not at the top of your agenda. However, life tends to provide a number of expected twists and tumbles that can upend your plans. Catching the flu while you’re pregnant can seem terrible, but there are plenty of things to take into consideration as you heal and prepare for your baby’s arrival.

Immune System

While pregnant, the body’s immune system is weakened. There is a higher likelihood that a flue in a pregnant woman will develop into the more serious condition of pneumonia. Pneumonia can cause respiratory tract issues as well as dehydration; the combination of accelerated effects, if untreated, can result in contractions and premature labor. Ensuring you get plenty of rest, drink clear fluids, and maintain your energy can help you stay healthy and fight off an infection.

Medical Treatment

Though you may be wary about getting a vaccine while pregnant, it is completely safe to receive a flu shot while you are pregnant. You should do this at the start of flu season if applicable or at the earliest point in your pregnancy. Getting a flu shot will benefit you as well as your unborn baby; because of the way antibodies permeate the human body, your baby will be vaccinated against the flue for around 6 months after birth.

In addition to receiving the flu shot while pregnant, breastfeeding mothers will also experience no negative symptoms should they need the vaccine. Flu shots are the most effective and fast-acting method of preventing you from becoming ill.

In addition to vaccines, another treatment option is antiviral medicine that may be prescribed by your doctor. Antiviral medications can make symptoms milder, allow you to heal faster, and prevent severe developments like pneumonia.

If you are allowed to take OTC medication like Tylenol or Robitussin, you should consult with your doctor regarding the amounts and limitations of these pills. Some medications shouldn’t be taken at certain points during your pregnancy, so consult with your doctor to identify the most effective way to prevent any negative interactions or side effects from occurring.

Unviable Options

Though the nasal spray was once a valued option for the treatment of some communicable illnesses, the spray for the flu is not a suitable choice for a pregnant patient. For this reason (among others), the nasal spray has largely been made obsolete in treatment centers. Because the nasal spray entailed injecting what was essentially a live virus into the body; this is not safe for the patient or the unborn baby, so traditional vaccines or oral medication are preferred.

Being sick while pregnant can be distressing. However, catching the flu at this time does not mean you or your child need to suffer. There are treatment options available, both preventative and reactive, to support your immune system and ease your symptoms. Be careful of your interactions with others if you are sick, and take good care of yourself as best you can; with proper self-care and the aid of your doctor, a speedy recovery will be imminent.

5 Health Screenings for Women

August 26, 2018 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Maintaining your health as a woman can be difficult. Because of the health risks associated with the sex, you should be proactive in your doctor visits and ensure you are scheduled to receive all necessary examinations. While this may take a chunk out of your wallet and prove disruptive to your free time, taking these preemptive measures can save you from hefty medical bills and painful conditions. Below are a few of the necessary health screenings adult women should regularly get.

Bone Density

By age 65, women should start getting screened for osteoporosis and bone cancer. Determining the state of your bones, from their density to their ability to fracture, can help you take measures to strengthen your bones with supplements and avoid further injury. Regular screenings can help track the strength of your bones over time, and these will vary in frequency due to the severity of your bones’ conditions.

Skin Examination

As skin cancer has become more common, especially the deadliest form of melanoma, frequently assessing your own skin for abnormalities has become a popular preventative practice. Typically, individuals can check their skin themselves, but it does not hurt to seek a professional opinion. The increasing fascination with tanning had led to significant spikes in the cancerous skin condition, so taking note of your own skin and alerting a doctor upon noticing something strange is a wise procedure.

Thyroid Test

To determine whether or not you have a hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, you should strongly consider getting tested roughly once a year, especially after the age of 60. Detecting a thyroid that is working improperly can help diagnose a serious condition like the ones listed above, and with the right diagnosis, treatment will be possible. If left untreated or undiagnosed, however, thyroid conditions can lead to life-threatening challenges like goiters, infections, and mental decline.

Mammogram

There are ways you can conduct your own breast cancer assessment at home, but for a clear, accurate diagnosis, seeing your specialized doctor will help ensure the results are correct. In order to detect breast cancer screenings in a facilities entail x-rays that document the interior of the tissue. It is advised that most patients begin getting annual screenings after at 45, but beyond age 55, they may opt for a biannual visit. If you have family history of the disease or other relevant concerns, you should talk to your doctor to begin screening earlier.

Pap Smear

Common regarded as one of the most uncomfortable screenings, a pap smear is incredibly necessary when assessing the health and composition of the sexual organs. Pap smears are used to observe the nature of cells found on the cervix in assessing the probability of developing cancer. It can also be used to allow a doctor to gain more insight into any potential abnormalities about the system and address them appropriately.

At age 21, you should begin getting a pap smear every three years, and by the time you are 30, you can instead choose to get the test every five years.

Monitoring and managing your health is important. While there may be some unavoidable hurdles to completing all the necessary screenings and tests, you should strive to participate in as many as you can. Maintaining your wellness and taking preventative measures will help improve your quality of life and help you prepare for the future.

Can You Safely Have Enjoyable Sex During Your Pregnancy?

April 30, 2018 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

You probably already know that sex during pregnancy is typically safe. Myths surrounding pregnancy sex have died down over the last several decades, but there are still several things to note before carrying on with your pre-pregnancy intercourse habits.

There are only two major reasons why you shouldn’t have sex during pregnancy

First, we just want to establish that no, your baby cannot be poked by a penis during sex. Your baby won’t be able to feel you having sex and can’t be harmed by normal intercourse. There are only two reasons to avoid sex during pregnancy:

You don’t want to or don’t feel like having sex.
Your doctor has advised against intercourse during your pregnancy due to a medical reason, such as placenta previa or history of preterm labor.

How to enjoy sex during pregnancy: You might need to switch positions

Your favorite positions maybe become uncomfortable for you and your partner. You can alleviate this problem by changing positions. Many couples opt to use a spooning position because it’s more comfortable for the woman to lay on her side. Some couples find it easier and more enjoyable for the pregnant woman to remain on top during intercourse. If you’re having trouble getting comfortable during sex, do a little research about sex positions that work best for pregnant women – you’ll be surprised at the number of options you still have.

How to have safe sex during pregnancy

Do not have unprotected sex with new partners

Infections like Chlamydia and HIV can be transmitted to your baby and cause serious harm. Additionally, the Zika virus can be sexually transmitted. It’s always a good idea to use protection no matter who you engage in intercourse with, but it’s crucial to do so if you choose to have sex with someone new during pregnancy.

Get to all of your prenatal appointments

Your doctor will check you multiple times for STDs during your prenatal visits because many STDs are life-threatening if passed on to your baby during birth. go to all of your appointments and if you have the slightest suspicion you might have contracted an STD, inform your doctor immediately so that you can receive treatment before your baby is born.

When in doubt, talk to your doctor

If you have any concerns or lingering fears about sex during pregnancy, ask your doctor about whatever is bothering you. Don’t be embarrassed to bring up questions about sex – your doctor probably answers dozens of similar questions every day and will be more than happy to put your fears to rest.

7 Interesting Ways To Improve A Woman’s Mental Health

April 1, 2018 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

It’s important to realize that due to the different way in which female brains work, some things can affect a woman’s mental health in interesting ways. Below, you will find seven exciting things that can affect a woman’s psychological health, how it affects it, and why.

Eat Your Veggies

Eating your vegetables and fruits every day can do more for you than promote a healthy weight. The University of Sydney released a study demonstrating that consuming 3-4 daily servings of fruits and vegetables can reduce psychological stress, depression, and anxiety in women.

Decorate With Flowers

While fake flowers are quite lovely and possess incredible longevity, freshly cut flowers will provide aromatherapy for you and will also improve your mental health in many ways. A Harvard study showed that placing freshly cut flowers in your home can chase away anxiety, increase your energy levels, and improve your mood and enthusiasm.

A Warm Shower

If you suffer from stress or insomnia, taking a warm shower for 10 minutes before bedtime can help you sleep better. The sound and feel of the shower are relaxing to your senses. Additionally, your warm body entering a cold room causes a drop in your body temperature, telling your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Bake And Cook More

Although considered more of a chore by most people, cooking and baking are quite therapeutic in many ways. Cooking and baking provide a small project with a short time frame that can cause a person’s mind and thinking to focus on just the tasks at hand, help to reduce stress and anxiety. Completing these small, meaningful projects every day can also help you develop a feeling of accomplishment.

Puppy Love Is Real

Many people have already realized that petting or interacting with a dog can make them feel better, but they aren’t sure why. Researchers have determined that engaging with dogs and puppies increases your serotonin levels. This increased serotonin promotes reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.

Blanket Anxiety

Anxiety can keep you awake at night and prevent restful sleep. A study revealed that wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket can help reduce stress and promote a restful sleep since the weight mimics a hug which signals a feeling of safety and comfort.

Always Carry Earplugs

If you’re someone who becomes annoyed by certain noises, it would be beneficial for you to carry around a spare set of earplugs. Use them anytime you encounter an annoying noise. Those with high noise annoyance were found to be twice as likely to develop depression and anxiety, according to a German survey.

3 Restorative Vaginal Health Resolutions for 2018

February 28, 2018 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Now that the new year is underway, have you made the commitment to stick to the vaginal health resolutions you created for yourself?

That may seem like a strange question to ask, but it’s important to keep in mind that demonstrating safe hygienic habits, as far as your vagina is concerned, can have a great impact on your overall health. In a quest to take better care of one’s vagina, many engage in somewhat unsafe or risky habits, which could produce some challenging outcomes. For instance, the practice of bleaching, “vaginal facials,” or even waxing has been called into question, as well as seemingly benign actions that might affect one’s pH levels.

With that in mind, there are a number of actions you might elect to do in order to improve your vaginal health. Of course, prior to proceeding with any practice that may affect your health, you’ll need to consult a healthcare professional. With that in mind, read on to learn some of the resolutions you may consider making in the upcoming year:

Vaginal Fitness: Exercising your pelvic floor is important. You bowl, uterus (womb) vagina, and bladder are secured in place by the pelvic floor. Essentially, the ‘wear and tear’ of aging often causes the pelvic floor to weaken. Many women opt to ‘tone’ their pelvic floor after noticing slackening of the pelvic strength due to childbirth, constipation, obesity, and/or pregnancy. The benefits of squeezing in a work out can be numerous, as it can improve bowel and bladder control, reduce incontinence post-childbirth, and increase sensitivity during sex.

How to do this, you may ask? It’s simple. Standing or sitting, position yourself with your knees slightly apart, and clench your pelvic from as if you’re attempting to stifle the passage of urine. Perform ten contractions slowly, and hold for about ten seconds. Also known as kegels, you can perform them each day or up to four times a day.

Don’t Douch: Many women swear by douching, as it rids the vagina of some unpleasant smells, however, it’s important to know that using perfumed soaps or hygiene products is unnecessary. The vagina is already equipped to self-clean, using natural secrets. Good bacteria resides there, and when it is disturbed, many find that this leads to inflammation, vaginosis, irritation, or thrush. Also, it can impact your pH levels. For this reason, choose unperfumed soaps when sudsing up your vaginal area.

Stay Untrimmed: For most, a full pubic mound is a matter of preference, with many opting to keep that area clear of hair. However, did you know that pubic hair can act as a natural barrier to bacteria and viruses, protecting against pathogenic bacteria and dust, and it helps to manage the moisture in the area? Shaving can boost the risk of venereal disease, and it can inflame the residual hair follicles. It’s still absolutely possible to keep tidy, even without shaving.

A few other things you may want to do in the upcoming year is to be sure that you aren’t embarrassed about flatulence (it happens to everyone with a vagina); regularly check your tampon to avoid TSS; don’t ignore abnormal symptoms; seeking a physician’s assistance with extreme period pain; get screen for cervical cancer; use condoms for protection; and learn to love your vagina and treat it with care.

Each vagina and its parts are unique, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes. No matter what, it’s important to avoid risk and visit your doctor whenever you fear an abnormality.

7 Smart Suggestions For Maintaining A Happy, Healthy Vagina

October 7, 2017 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Every person with a vagina wants to know more about the health, care, and function of their private part.

Whether yeast infections, UTIs, odor, discharge, or irritation may be the topic de jour, it’s important to know that there are takeaways from wise advisors and experts you might consider when you’re going through your day-to-day.

Keep your vagina happy by considering some of the following suggestions:

Gyno Visit: See your gynecologist! Visit with your doctor for your exams, but also check in to discuss fertility, STDs, birth control, discomfort, discharge, or anything else.

Use Condoms: Sex may be more enjoyable without a condom, but the disks of rubber protect against pregnancy and STDs. More than that, condoms help to maintain the vagina’s pH level and can ward off the numerous infections that threaten to take up residence. Of course, using a condom isn’t enough, you have to be sure to change condoms between specific sex acts.

Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt differs from traditional yogurt in that it has a thick texture, and it has fewer carbohydrates and sugar. It also has a great deal of protein. The yogurt’s cultures boost the production of good bacteria and help to stave off yeast infections. Greek yogurts should be consumed when taking antibiotics, which depletes lactobacilli.

Cotton Underwear or Bust: Cotton underwear promotes breathability. Additionally, cotton does a fantastic job of absorbing moisture, more so than any other fabric. In fact, cotton is the ideal fabric to be near your vagina, that if you aren’t going to wear cotton, you may want to consider not wearing any underwear at all.

Exercise: You’ve likely heard of Kegels, but you sure be sure to do them. By doing the exercise, you may strengthen your pelvic floor, gain bladder control, and improve your orgasms.

Lube Up: Lube can improve vaginal dryness, which can be caused by hormonal birth control, antihistamines, antidepressants, and other medications. The use of lube will reduce the threat of abrasions, and will make more enjoyable.

Be Careful With Soap: Some soaps simply aren’t as vagina-friendly as you might expect. Scented soaps, in particular, should be kept away from your vagina. Rinsing with warm water is fine, but if you are going to use, use the unscented, frill-less soap.

Please visit drlorigoregreen.org to learn more!

How Colder Weather Can Affect Your Vagina

August 28, 2017 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

The winter is coming. How will it affect your vagina?

Sunshine and warmth during summer months appear to be ideal for the skin and the body, and in many ways it is. Vitamin D is great for your skin, and beach days frequently go hand-in-hand with relaxation.

The glory of summer holds true even when the season can introduce discomfort during sleeping hours, your heart can beat more than normal, and sun exposure can be dangerous. No matter, winter comes every year, and it’s important to know how the cold and climate change can impact your body and vagina:

Your chance of developing a yeast infection dips because you’re less sweaty. Also, putting away swim suits and staying away from pools play a part because pools frequently introduce harmful chemicals to the vagina.
While it’s important to stay warm during cold months, wearing an abundance of clothes, particularly tight clothing can put you at risk of a yeast infection, because your vagina won’t be able to breathe. Wear breathable layers.
Even when it’s cold and dry outside, know that your vagina is self-lubricating. You don’t have to worry about the impact of chill and frigidity.
Because it’s cold outside, sexually active individuals are more likely to have sex. The coziness of the bed encourages more to engage in intercourse. With that in mind, it’s important to utilize protection and urinate after sex to offset of the chance of developing a UTI.
Lack of sun can be detrimental to your vagina. Your entire body, including your vagina, benefits from Vitamin D. The deprivation of Vitamin D can increase the risk of certain infections, including vaginosis. When able, get outside and enjoy some sun.
Influenza and flu season can be harmful to your vagina. But also, cold medicines and antibiotics can be damaging, destroying the vagina’s natural flora. Be sure to consider your doctor’s opinions and eat foods that are healthy and improving your vaginal health.
Be aware that a bubble bath, though lovely, can strip your vagina of its vaginal flora, which protects you from vaginal infections. If you’re going to take a bubble bath, you may want to steer clear of the scented products.

Boost Vaginal Health During the Summer With These 6 Tips

June 29, 2017 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Women often feel uncomfortable talking about their gynecological health, even to their gynecologists. They may be too embarrassed to bring up any questions or concerns they have, even though most women only meet with a gynecologist once a year for their annual exam.

Summer is an especially important time of year to be conscious of your health in general, as it is easy to become overheated or unhygienic on humid days. Don’t overlook your vaginal health this summer when keeping your overall health in mind- in addition to staying hydrated, eating healthy, exercising, and getting a healthy amount of sun, be sure to follow these six tips to boost your vaginal health- and, most importantly, if you still have questions or concerns about your vaginal health, be sure to bring them up with your gynecologist. It’s their job to look out for you gynecological health, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about!

Change pads and tampons frequently

It can be tempting, on a trip to the beach, to go most of the day without changing your tampon. It is especially important, however, to remember to change pads and tampons every few hours when you’re on your period. Not doing so could result in increased bacterial growth and infections and, in very rare and extreme cases, the life-threatening complication known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Wear cotton underwear

You may not put a lot of thought into the fabric of the underwear you buy (color and design are probably more important considerations), but your vagina favors loose cotton underwear that absorbs moisture to allow for open air flow and minimize odors.

Keep it clean, but be careful!

It may sound like contradictory advice, but you want to keep your private area clean while also avoiding heavily scented soaps or body washes. Warm water is all it takes to keep your vagina feeling fresh, but if you feel more comfortable lathering up, go for a mild, unscented soap. Scented soaps and body washes are just fine for other parts of your body, but they are irritating and drying to the sensitive skin around the vulva and can throw off pH balance.

Practice safe sex

You’ve heard this before, and you probably know how important it is to practice safe sex, yet many women will forget everything they learned in sex ed when they’re at the moment. It is important always to use a condom, as they not only protect against pregnancy and STDs, but also keep the vagina’s pH level balanced so that good bacteria can thrive and protect against yeast infections, UTIs, and bacterial vaginosis. Also be sure to change the condom and clean off between different sex acts.

Wear loose, breathable clothing

In the summer, it is especially important to wear loose, breathable fabrics to wick away moisture and sweat. Wearing looser clothing is not only more comfortable on hot, sticky days, but it is essential for your vaginal health to allow for more ventilation and reduce odors.

Exercise

Exercise is important for both your physical and mental health, and it even benefits vaginal health. Don’t forget your pelvic muscles when you’re doing your full-body workout. Strengthening those muscles with Kegel exercises can help you to avoid problems like urinary incontinence and also make your body stronger for sex.

Following these tips are a great start to boosting your vaginal health this summer, but never forget to consult your gynecologist as your most valuable resource.

9 Tips For Pregnant Women Encountering Mental Health Difficulties

May 1, 2017 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Behavioral symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, uniquely impact pregnant women, who experience the complication and the effects of postpartum depression before they even give birth. For this reason, conversations about mental health and pregnancy should be held early and often.

Some women go through their entire pregnancy without experiencing morning sickness, swollen feet, and troubled sleeping. However, many don’t escape pregnancy without experiencing pre-baby anxiety. The stress and the “what ifs” can be overwhelming. Lancet Psychiatry published a report in 2015, which stated that two-thirds of mothers with severe depression experienced mood shifts during their pregnancy ahead of postpartum depression. Maternal depression isn’t the same for all women. Approximately 20 percent of mothers experience depression or anxiety after giving birth. Those findings also linked postpartum depression biological triggers and dramatic dips in hormone levels.

There are nine things every pregnant should know about maternal depression and the importance of focusing on mental health during pregnancy:

Document Your Emotional Responses

Pregnant women should take their feelings seriously, and track them. If you notice that you’re feeling sad more often than not, or you feel extremely worried, relay that information to your therapist, doctor, or midwife.

Depression is Blameless

Perinatal mood disorder can be a challenge, and often pregnant women want to blame themselves or their partners for these emotional obstacles, but it’s no one’s fault. There are a number of factors that contribute to pregnancy-related mood shifts.

You’re Not The Only One

Too many women believe they’re the only ones struggling with mental health symptoms, which are some the most common complications of childbirth. The stigma surrounding maternal depression often means that women are too embarrassed to seek out health. Convinced that they should be overjoyed with the prospect of motherhood, sometimes fail to tell others when that they’re struggling.

Seek Treatment Sooner

Therapy can help to ease stress and manage mood disorders. Choosing to deal with one’s mood disorders sooner will ultimately improve your piece of mind, and it will enhance the bonding between you and your child.

Treatment Will Benefit the Baby

Depression and anxiety never simply affect one person, and this is particularly true depressive episodes are affecting a pregnant person. It’s challenging to be a mother, so seeking treatment means that your child won’t have to deal with the emotion and sadness that might could put both you or your child at risk.

Treatments Work

Frank conversations with your primary care physician and your therapist can alleviate anxiety and perinatal depression. It can also help to create a sense of balance and offer an understanding of what balance may look like for a woman in her new life.

You’ll See Progress

If you’re as serious about your mental health as you are about your impending motherhood, you’ll find that you feel better after just a few session. Of course, everyone is different. Even if it takes a bit longer for your mood to improve, know that progress is on the horizon. Take medication appropriately and stay committed to your sessions.

Support Groups, Also

While some women choose isolation, others find strength in knowing that others are going through the same thing. Support groups are incredible because offer a supportive network of like-minded individuals who also need to know that everything in their lives will be okay.

Find Support Online

The internet is great for things outside of news, online shopping, and cyber stalking exes, it’s also a great resource for individuals seeking out others for support.

Online, you’ll find countless resources for mental health and pregnancy wellness. Some things you’ll want to do are to hydrate, do abdominal exercises, eat a well-balanced diet, educate yourself on mental health, take your vitamins and supplements, and rest appropriately.

Contraception Fails: Plan B One-Step Users Weighing 165+ May Require Plan ‘C’

July 12, 2016 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

When your initial choice of contraception fails, Plan B is expected to be work…however, a ‘plan c’ may need to be devised for women weighing 165 pounds or more.

New research suggests that the most popular emergency contraceptive, which is a morning-after pill that uses the hormone levonorgestrel that prevents ovulation, is less effective for women weighing more than 165 pounds. However, one should bear in mind that the average weight of the American woman is 162 pounds during her 20s. During her 30s, the American woman weighs about 169 pounds.

Likewise, European-made Norlevo, a morning-after pill, loses effectiveness for those weighing 165 pounds. Furthermore, it’s isn’t at all effective for women weigh more than 175 pounds. Despite the fact Norlevo is chemically identical to the U.S.-made Plan B, the Food and Drug Administration has insisted the data was inconclusive, warranting no warning here in the U.S.

Alison Edelman, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Oregon Health and Science University, lead a new study that analyzed the effectiveness of levonorgestrel-based contraceptive among women with a BMI within the normal range, comparing that to the BMI of women considered obese. It was discovered that it would take twice the dosage of Plan B to increase an obese woman’s hormone level of women weighing less than 160 pounds. However, taking two pills for the purposes of emergency contraception isn’t recommended yet, according to Elizabeth Dawes Gay of Women’s Health Magazine. The ovulation-inhibiting hormone could be doubled, but more test would need to be done before learning what how those hormones may affect a woman’s ovaries.

Plan B is emergency contraception that’s generally effective and safe, and it’s a backup plan that helps to prevent pregnancy with 72 hours following birth control failure, preventing 7 out of 8 potential pregnancies. Side effects of the pill are tiredness; a headache; dizziness; breast tenderness; vomiting; lower abdominal pain/cramps; and lighter, heavier, later or early periods. The FDA-approved emergency contraception is accessible over the counter, and should not be considered if you’re already pregnantΩ and shouldn’t be used as birth control.

« Previous Page