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

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.

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.

4 Reasons to Get Your Flu Shot Today

December 11, 2015 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Pregnant Women : Protect Yourself, Protect Your Newborn

The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends an annual flu vaccine for anyone 6 months of age or older. This includes pregnant women, if there are no contraindications (however, if you are pregnant, make sure to consult with your physician prior to receiving a flu shot). It’s important to note that pregnant women cannot use the FluMist live nasal flu vaccine and must receive the inactivated influenza vaccine. Even with these standards in place, in addition to the vaccine protecting pregnant women against the flu, there’s an added value of protecting their newborn infants for up to the first six months of life. This is great to keep in mind since infants are too young to receive the vaccine themselves.

Collect Your Paycheck

If someone gave you the choice of getting compensated for your work or staying home, feeling ill and not getting paid or using up vacation days, it’s unlikely that you would choose the latter. Every year, the flu season costs millions of lost work days and billions of dollars. And even though the general public is advised to get the flu vaccine when it first becomes available (generally in mid-August), most people wait until the temperatures drop. Although the vaccine doesn’t always cover every strain of the actual virus, it will undoubtedly provide more protection than not getting vaccinated. And the 2015-2016 vaccine has even been updated with 2 new strains.

Protect Loved Ones and Those at Risk

Every year, thousands of children under five years of age are hospitalized owing to the flu. Young children and those with health problems such as asthma or diabetes are at an even higher risk, because they have a greater chance of developing complications. With this in mind, unless you or your family members are contraindicated for receiving the vaccine, you owe it to others who are at a higher risk, to get vaccinated and prevent the infection of others.

Inexpensive and Accessible

We are lucky in that we now live in a time when the flu vaccine has never been easier to obtain. Waiting in endless lines and making follow up appointments are a thing of the past. Now the flu vaccine is available at many pharmacies and large retailers like; Target, CVS or Walgreens. Throughout the country, the majority of pharmacists are licensed to immunize, which means that they can administer the vaccine with little waiting. Furthermore, most pharmacies and clinics accept insurance for the vaccine which translates to little or no copay for you. And even if you don’t have insurance, find out if your local health clinic or retail pharmacy offers free vaccines. If not, however, the average vaccine costs roughly thirty dollars.

Dr. Lori Gore-Green Selected for Prestigious Doctor of the Day Program

August 20, 2015 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

The Oklahoma Osteopathic Association or OOA sponsored the Doctor of the Day Program throughout the month of March at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This year, marks 41 years of commending outstanding osteopathic physicians at the State Capitol’s First Aid Station during the legislative session. The Doctor of the Day Program gives Osteopathic Physicians an opportunity to bring Osteopathic Medicine to the policy makers, as well as see their House and Senate members at work. During the Doctor of the Day program, physicians provide the crucial service of providing healthcare to various members of the legislature, as well as to legislative employees. The nominated physician will be available at the State Capitol Building from 9a.m. to 4p.m., but will also make time to advocate for important issues to physicians. Physicians are supported by a nurse, as well as a medical student from the OSU Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. The Oklahoma D.O.s have made this program a success!

On March 18, 2015, Dr. Lori Gore-Green, DO had the pleasure of serving as a 2015 Doctor of the Day and meeting with various House and Senate members, including Senator Mike Mazzei and Representative Pam Peterson.

The mission of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association or OOA is to advocate for the osteopathic profession and to promote the health and well-being of all Oklahomans. This medical association was founded in 1900 and acted as an affiliate of the American Osteopathic Association.

Since its initially founding at the turn of the century, the OOA continues to popularize the stated causes, and objectives of the osteopathic profession as a whole throughout Oklahoma.This state organization is composed of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine. The OOA, as a collective, believes that the individual is best served with the focused support of an Association. Nearly all of Oklahoma’s medical professionals who specialize in Osteopathic medicine are also members of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association.

Endometriosis : Is Your Pregnancy at Risk?

June 16, 2015 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Findings of a recently released study of 15,000 women suggest that women with endometriosis had a greater chance of suffering from serious complications throughout the duration of their pregnancy as compared to women without the condition. These complications also increased the chance of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and premature birth.

Endometriosis is a medical condition wherein the uterine lining or the “endometrium” grows in other places like the fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina or pelvis. Over time, this lining builds up and can cause cysts, heavy periods, severe cramping and possibly infertility. Approximately 5 million women in the US alone have this condition, though the true number is unknown, as it may go undetected.

However, there are certain symptoms that some patients with the condition tend to share.

Pain, both acute and chronic tend to be a marker of endometriosis, for some. Painful menstrual cramps that worsen over time are a commonly shared symptom of the affliction as is chronic pain of the lower back and pelvis.Pain during or after sexual intercourse that is often described as a “deep pain” is often a common symptom of endometriosis. Intestinal pain can be a symptom, as can painful bowel movements. Stomach and digestive problems resulting in diarrhea, constipation, bloating and/or nausea – particularly during menstrual periods can be a symptom of the condition. Painful urination – particularly during menstrual periods is another symptom of endometriosis. In rare cases, blood found in stool or urine can indicate the condition. Bleeding and spotting in-between periods can also be a symptom, as can infertility. If you are someone you know suffers from any of these symptoms, see a doctor as it may be a symptom of another endometriosis or another condition.

The findings of the recently published longitudinal study on endometriosis, though important, are not wholly surprising as endometriosis is associated with both structural and functional changes in the endometrium and the uterus. Researchers discovered that this condition increased the odds of a miscarriage by 76 percent, the risk of premature birth by 26 percent and the incidence of needing a caesarean section by 40 percent. The chances of sustaining an ectopic pregnancy (this is where the fetus develops outside of the womb) nearly tripled.
This study was based in Scotland and a longitudinal study conducted from 1981 to 2010 with a mix of women who had and did not have endometriosis. Although infertility is a known side effect of endometriosis, this newly collected data will hopefully return the focus to antenatal care particularly for pregnant patients with endometriosis.

The Most Alarming Health Trends for Women

May 7, 2015 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research culled data from the last twenty years showing certain trends (or health hazards) of which women should make themselves aware. Knowledge is power, and it is certainly the strongest arm in the battle against harmful risks to health.

As always, women should learn about the dangers, statistics, methods of protection against sexually transmitted infections. Women (and men, for that matter) are increasingly infected with diseases like Chlamydia with numbers rising 40% incidence over the last ten years. Today, it is estimated that more than one million people are infected. At least one half of women (and upward of three-fourths) infected show few to no symptoms, increasing the risk of transmission to sexual partners and children through childbirth. As is the case with many diseases, Chlamydia left untreated may result in greater problems of infertility and pelvic and cervical infections. Fortunately, Chlamydia and similar infections can be treated early with a course of antibiotics.

Women will also benefit from asking themselves how they feel, and if they are satisfied with their lives. Recently general feelings of well-being and happiness come back low, and suicide in on the rise. Women are slowly feeling more stressed and anxious leading to severe, untreated cases of depression. Many symptoms are ignored as insignificant, and may even go unnoticed as part and parcel of life’s experience. Whether stresses are attributed to personal hardships or universal complaints (such as a declining economy, and weaker job prospects) women should take their mental health and bodily cues more seriously. (Caucasian women, specifically, showed a greater-than-average tendency to commit suicide after prolonged periods of sadness and anxiety.)

As is a trend on the national scale, fewer and fewer women report daily exercise routines, as more face problems of physical health such as obesity and diabetes. Less than half of the country actively participates in some form of regular exercise—running, swimming, yoga. The Institute’s report showed six out of every ten women are overweight, with one in ten already suffering from diabetes. Being overweight puts women at a greater risk of a number of health problems including heart disease and stroke. (Black and Native American women showed the highest incidence for diabetes.)

Good health is crucial to a sense of well-being and fulfilment. Precautions against health risks must not wait until after negative effects begin to show. Just as a contagion can spread from one woman to another, good health and well-being are communicable too.

Rural Areas Suffer Drop in OB/GYN Recruitment

March 12, 2015 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Traveling for healthcare services may be common for patients living in remote areas, but the difficulties accessing quality OB/GYN services has a direct link with an increased death rate among new mothers and their babies.

The face of the healthcare industry has been steadily changing over the last 30 years. As world-class tertiary hospitals pay doctors bigger salaries and buy out surrounding practices to stay afloat, the number of rural hospitals providing specialized services has dropped significantly. This is particularly the case with quality OB/GYN care — between 1985 and 2000, rural hospitals providing these services dropped by 23%, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down.

It has become notoriously difficult to recruit obstetricians and gynecologists to rural and remote areas. Smaller pay is only one of the barriers facing OB/GYN doctors considering the move — the lifestyle change is another. Getting accustomed to a small-town life isn’t necessarily easy for doctors who have grown up and studied in a suburban or urban environment.

Some hospitals are incentivizing the deal by offering new doctors things like student loan forgiveness, extra vacation time, and shortened work weeks. Mercy Medical Center, which serves the northern Iowa and southern Minnesota areas, is even offering a guaranteed income loan for the first year, which will then be forgiven after three years of service.

Only time will tell whether this trend really takes off. In the meantime, small rural hospitals are doing their best to partner up with clinicians in different specialities so they can continue to offer the right combination of skills to their patients. This works for about two-thirds of pregnancies who only need the kind of support offered in a rural clinic, but the other third require a more advanced care setting with emergency services.

The 6 Preventative Screening Tests That Are Critical For Women’s Health

February 27, 2015 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Getting preventative screening tests is one of the most important ways that you can take charge of your health and make sure that you’re continuing to make healthy choices. Certain personalized factors may increase your chances of getting a condition, so always check with your doctor to see if you should get tested more often.

Here are 6 of the most important preventative screening tests for women’s health:

Blood Pressure Test: Blood pressure is important to track because high rates of blood pressure can dramatically increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. At the same time, high blood pressure does not normally have obvious symptoms associated with it, so make sure to get checked at least once every two years to keep an eye on this important number.

Mammography: Mammography imaging of your breasts is critical to detecting abnormalities and tumors. There are different recommendations out there, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now recommends that women get themselves checked out each year starting at the age of 40.

Blood Glucose Tests: Over 23 million Americans have type 2 diabetes with another 86 million estimated to have prediabetes. Untreated, this disease can cause serious medical issues, including heart disease and stroke. It’s recommended that you get a blood glucose test every three years, starting at the age of 45, and more frequently if you have an increased risk.

Lipid Panel: It’s a good idea to get a fasting lipoprotein profile (lipid panel) every four to six years once you’re 20 years old to keep an eye on your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If your doctor determines that you have an increased risk for stroke or heart disease, then you’ll want to get yourself checked more regularly.

Pap and HPV Tests: The Pap test (also known as a Pap smear) and the HPV test are both used to screen women for cervical cancer. The USPSTF recommends starting these tests at the age of 21 and getting screened once every three years.

Colonoscopy: Most colorectal cancers can be prevented by getting regular colonoscopies every 10 years or so. They aren’t fun, but they’ll help your doctor detect any small polyps so they can be removed before they turn into a cancerous issue down the road. Start scheduling your regular colonoscopy appointment once you turn 50 years old.

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