Blog Archive

Uterine Fibroids: what they are, when they need to be treated, and options Jan 4th, 2022

There are a lot of urban medical myths that are passed down from one generation of medical students to the next. Allegedly, a patient once listed “Fireballs of the Eucharist” as the reason for her visit with a gynecologist. There is an inner (very immature) child in me that thinks...

Peri-Menopause Nov 8th, 2021

What is perimenopause? A recent article in "Menopause Magazine" (yes, that's a thing) concluded "Women in the Late Reproductive Stage (LRS) experience symptoms strikingly similar to those often associated with the menopause.  Women do not expect these changes until the age of 50 years or later and are surprised by...

I am so confused, when do I need a pelvic exam??? Oct 25th, 2021

There is so much confusion and misinformation when it comes to pelvic exams: what they entail, what they can and cannot diagnose, and how often they are necessary.  When I was in residency (before computers or Snapchat or memes--yes, I am old), we were encouraged to do A LOT of...

Ovarian Cancer Screening Sep 29th, 2021

Spoiler alert: There is no screening for ovarian cancer. It is understandable that one would expect screening to exist. Ovarian cancer is deadly, killing over 14,000 women a year in the US. There should be a screening protocol, something analogous to mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopy for colon cancer....

Where did my sex drive go? Sep 27th, 2021

“Dr. McNally told me to leave my husband.” While reviewing the notes in a patient's chart, I was startled to see that she had said this to another provider. Noooooo, I did not say that!  Allow me to explain. My patient had complained that her libido wasn't what it used...

Why your yeast infection is not going away. Sep 13th, 2021

I think it is a good thing that women do not need to see a doctor for every ailment, that they can self-diagnose and treat with over-the-counter medications. But sometimes, self-diagnosis leads to the wrong treatment and worsening symptoms. Case in point: chronic yeast infections. Yes, there are definitely women...

Is it Endometriosis? Aug 30th, 2021

It's a common scenario: A young woman goes to the Emergency Room with pelvic pain. She's told that it must be an ovarian cyst or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (a condition often caused by an untreated STI), but she's monogamous and has no risk factors or fever. She's treated with antibiotics...

OUTTA' CONTROL PERIODS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM Mar 18th, 2021

“Annuale’s not for everyone. Do not take if you are using MAIO Inhibitors or if your occupation requires you to operate heavy machinery. Do not take Annuale if you ever plan to become pregnant, as it may turn your baby into a firemonster. In the days around your period, you...

When Sex Hurts Mar 7th, 2021

Painful sex (the unintentional kind) can make life and relationships less satisfying. Sex is not a necessity–it is not like oxygen, food, or shelter–but it is important to many women. If you are experiencing painful sex then you should schedule a gynecology consultation today" “Dyspareunia” is the medical term for painful sex,...