Living HIV positive can change your life in many ways, but with proper management, leading a healthy life is entirely possible. In fact, having HIV doesn’t even prevent you from having children, though there are some considerations to keep in mind.

One crucial aspect that demands attention is the intersection of HIV and conception. Here’s what you should know about navigating the path to parenthood while living with HIV.

How HIV Affects the Reproductive System

Research shows that HIV can produce abnormalities in a woman’s reproductive system, including in the cells and tissues of their fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix.  Absence of menstrual periods also appears to be higher in women who are HIV positive. Because conception relies on the ovaries’ ability to release an egg for fertilization, missing periods can be a barrier to becoming pregnant. HIV can also affect male infertility, including semen volume, sperm motility, concentration, and morphology.

Since HIV-positive individuals may experience difficulties getting pregnant through traditional intercourse, fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be options to consider. Treatments may also involve sperm washing to reduce HIV levels prior to insemination.

What to Expect When You’re Pregnant with HIV

People who are HIV positive and pregnant will have their viral load and CD4 counts tested throughout their pregnancy. A high viral load and low CD4 count increases your risk of becoming sick and passing HIV to your baby. It’s therefore critical that you continue to take your HIV medicine exactly as your provider directs you.

HIV can also be passed to a baby during and after pregnancy through the placenta, a broken amniotic sac, or by breastfeeding. Our team can discuss prevention strategies you can take to significantly reduce the risk of passing the virus to your baby, which may include:

• Taking HIV drugs to keep your viral load low
• Delivering via C-section (if your HIV levels are high) to reduce the risk of transmission during birth
• Avoiding breastfeeding
• Administering anti-HIV drugs to your baby after birth

With these guidelines, the risk of passing HIV to a baby drops to just one percent.

Plan Ahead for Pregnancy

Research shows the risk for passing along HIV is lowest when you start HIV treatment before pregnancy or as early as possible while pregnant. If you know you are HIV positive, it’s therefore a good idea to discuss plans to become pregnant with your provider before trying to conceive. During this appointment, we may also cover other details, including how medications could affect your baby, whether any changes to your treatment regimen may be needed, and what to do if pregnancy symptoms like nausea and vomiting make it difficult to continue taking medication.

Until directed otherwise by your doctor, the main thing to know is that it’s critical that you never stop taking your HIV medication.

Here at Covington Women’s Health Specialists, our doctors are committed to providing the best level of prenatal care for all patients who are expecting or planning to become pregnant. To set up an appointment with one of our specialists, call 770-385-8954 or request an appointment online.

Women’s bodies undergo a remarkable journey of change and resilience, yet the importance of gynecological health is often undervalued. We are concerned with rising obesity rates.  Studies have found that excess weight has a negative effect on female health. The experts at Covington Women’s Health Specialists are breaking down how obesity affects the well-being of a woman and offer support to meet healthy weight goals.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat, leading to an increased risk of various health problems. It is typically defined by a high body mass index (BMI), a screening tool that accesses if an individual’s weight is significantly higher than what is considered healthy for their height. There are many tools online to help you determine your Body Mass Index (BMI).

Causes of Obesity

Women’s bodies go through many changes during their lives. Excessive body fat is associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and gynecological issues such as infertility and uterine cancer. We will discuss this more below.

Obesity can stem from various reasons, some of which are within our control, and others that are not. There may be several reasons that contribute to this, such as:

• Diet choices
• Lifestyle habits
• Genetic factors
• Underlying diseases or conditions
• Medication use
• Age-related changes
• Lack of adequate sleep
• Smoking cessation
• Pregnancy
• Socioeconomic factors

How Does Obesity Cause Gynecological Problems?

Being obese can cause various gynecological health problems. Some of these issues include abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, spontaneous abortion, fibroids, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. Obesity is also a known risk factor for certain cancers, specifically endometrial cancers. The excess fat on our bodies produces estrogen. Too much estrogen can cause disruptions in women’s menstrual cycles and later in life this can cause uterine cancer.

Obesity contributes to the following gynecological issues:

• Early Puberty: Childhood obesity has been connected to early onset puberty. Studies found a link between this and ovarian hyper-androgynism, PCOS, and cardiovascular issues later in life.
• Infertility: Obese women may take longer to conceive and have an increased risk of ovulatory disorders. PCOS symptoms can worsen because of obesity-induced insulin resistance.
• Issues with Fertility Treatment & Assisted Reproduction Technology: Obese women with ovulatory problems may respond poorly to ovulation induction treatments.
• Early Pregnancy Loss: Overweight and obese women have a higher risk of miscarriage in both natural and fertility treatment-induced pregnancies.
• Contraception: Obese women face increased pregnancy risks, such as pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, macrosomia, induction of labor, and Cesarean section. Additionally, overweight or obese women are more likely to experience maternal deaths.
• Benign Gynecological Problems: Obesity, which is often connected to PCOS, can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Even without PCOS, it is associated with long and irregular cycles, as well as benign problems like endometrial polyps and fibroids.
• Gynecological Cancers: Being obese increases the chances of endometrial cancer in women after menopause.

By making lifestyle changes and discussing a personalized health plan with your gynecologist, you can avoid or reduce the impact of these conditions.

Making long-term lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits for your overall gynecological health can be challenging. Our team at Covington Women’s Health Specialists is passionate about helping you achieve your health goals. Our medical staff is dedicated to providing compassionate care that is tailored to your specific needs. Request an appointment online or by calling 770-385-8590.

While not all C-sections are planned, in some cases, a doctor will recommend this procedure ahead of a patient’s anticipated delivery date. Knowing in advance that you’ll be having a C-section can be an advantage, as it will give you time to prepare for a smooth recovery while you care for your baby.

Here are some ways you can get your home and yourself ready for your return after a scheduled C-section delivery.

Consider Meal Prep

Having precooked meals on hand is always a good idea when bringing home a new baby, but it can be especially convenient during C-section recovery. Leading up to your delivery, consider batch prepping a few dishes to freeze or scheduling meal deliveries. If you have all the baby supplies you need, let your family and friends know that you would like food delivery service gift cards so you can spend more time with your baby and less time cooking!

Assess Your Sleep Arrangements

You may find it uncomfortable to get in and out of a bed that’s too high or too low in the first few days home from the hospital. Placing a small step stool near your bed may be helpful. Many new parents also choose to share a room with their baby so they can respond to the baby’s needs quickly. Designate a location for your baby’s bassinet or crib before the delivery so you don’t have to worry about it upon arriving home.

Please keep in mind that your bed is not a safe place for a baby to sleep.  Babies who sleep with a parent in bed have a higher risk of sudden infant death.  Learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleeping recommendations here AAP’s safe sleeping guidelines.

Place Everything Within Easy Reach

Bending over drawers and cabinets will likely be uncomfortable after your surgery, and you’ll also be advised to lift nothing heavier than your baby as you recover. It is suggested to have all of your postpartum recovery essentials and baby care items within easy reach.

Prepare your bathroom with pads or mesh underwear for postpartum bleeding and a peri bottle for easy cleaning. You might also choose to set up a small tote basket or wheeled cart equipped with your baby care items, such as diapers, wipes, diaper cream, nipple cream, sterilized bottles, formula, and your breast pump.

Make Feeding Comfortable

Breastfeeding can take some getting used to, especially while you’re healing from surgery. To make the process as comfortable as possible for you and your little one, you may find it helpful to have props on hand, such as a breastfeeding pillow or extra couch pillows. This will allow you to get into positions that may be less likely to irritate your incision, such as side-lying or a football hold.

Gather Pain Relievers & Other Meds

Having the right medications on hand can help you manage post-op side effects. You’ll probably begin receiving stool softeners in the hospital to fight constipation, which is common after C-sections, but plan to have some at home, too. Eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water will also help. Additionally, choosing foods high in protein has been found to reduce pain and speed healing.  Consider protein shakes as well.  Your doctor can recommend the right pain relievers to address your discomfort levels, as managing pain effectively will help you get through the earliest days of parenthood.

Ask for Help

Bringing home a new baby is one of the most exciting times in any parent’s life, but it’s certainly not without its challenges. Asking friends, neighbors, and family members for help in advance can provide invaluable peace of mind. Whether it’s creating a meal train, having someone walk the dog, run errands, or simply hold the baby while you get a quick nap — don’t be afraid to take others up on their offer to lend support.

Staff at Covington Women’s Health Specialists know that giving birth is life-changing. That’s why we’re here to support you through every step. To schedule a prenatal visit, call our office at 770-385-8954 or request an appointment online.

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the uterus.  Although the ovaries and tubes are connected to the uterus, the hysterectomy procedure means removal of only the uterus.  There are several reasons why you might require this surgery, as removal of the uterus is used to treat a number of different female health conditions.

While our providers can discuss your medical options with you based on your specific symptoms or concerns, the following points can help you prepare for a hysterectomy consultation.  And it is important to know that if a hysterectomy is recommended or an option for treatment, this means only your uterus will be removed.  Removal of the ovaries (called oophorectomy), may be offered, but is a separate procedure.  Removal of the tubes (called salpingectomy) is commonly done during a hysterectomy because this reduces the risk of ovarian cancer later in life if one or both ovaries are left in place after a hysterectomy is done.

After a hysterectomy, there is no longer a possibility for pregnancy. For this reason, other alternatives may be explored if you wish to have children.

Why Are Hysterectomies Performed?

Some hysterectomies are required such as those done to treat cancers.  But most hysterectomies are requested by patients to treat bothersome or dangerous symptoms such as heavy periods which can cause anemia.  When it is a patient’s choice whether to have the uterus removed or not, it is known as an “elective hysterectomy.”

The most common reason to have an elective hysterectomy is to treat the problems caused by uterine fibroids.  These are noncancerous growths that can cause uncomfortable symptoms like long, heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, and sometimes frequent urination.

There are other conditions that cause heavy periods and a hysterectomy to stop the bleeding may be an option.  Dangerously heavy periods can occur even if the Pap smear, ultrasound and other testing is normal, so each patient must be evaluated individually and options for treatment determined for that patient.  Heavy periods that cause anemia should not be ignored because the heart has to work harder in anemic people and over time, this extra work can damage the heart permanently.

Hysterectomy is also sometimes offered as a treatment option for patients with chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis that doesn’t respond to other treatments.   Additionally, sagging (called prolapse) of the uterus may be another reason hysterectomy is recommended.

There are several types of hysterectomy, including:

• Total hysterectomy, in which the uterus and cervix are removed.
• Partial hysterectomy, in which the upper part of the uterus is removed but the cervix remains in place; this is also called supracervical hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy.
• Radical hysterectomy, in which the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and other surrounding tissue such as the ligaments that hold the uterus in place; this is only performed to treat cancers.

Hysterectomies can be performed through a number of methods, including:

• Total Vaginal, during which the uterus is removed through the vagina without any incisions in the abdomen.
• Laparoscopy, during which small abdominal incisions are made, a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the abdomen, and several small tools which the surgeon holds and uses are inserted to remove the uterus which is typically removed through the vagina.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopy, during which small abdominal incisions are made, but the camera (endoscope which is inserted into the abdomen) and the small tools used to remove the uterus are held by a robotic device which the surgeon controls using a computer console; the uterus is typically removed through the vagina.
• Abdominal or open hysterectomy, during which the uterus is removed through an abdominal incision; the bigger the uterus, the longer the incision typically is.

The best type and route for a person’s hysterectomy can only be decided after evaluation of that person by the surgeon who will perform the procedure.  But in general, depends on the reason for the hysterectomy, the size of the uterus, the presence of scar tissue such as from past surgeries and the size and health of the patient.

Are Hysterectomies Safe?

Having any surgical procedure comes with certain risks.  Hysterectomy has a low complication rate, so it is generally safe and has excellent success rates.  But it is major surgery, it requires general anesthesia and sometimes a stay in the hospital.  You can think of having surgery like driving your car, even when you are doing everything the way you should, something can still happen that keeps you from getting home safely, but because nothing bad usually happens, you keep driving your car!  More than half a million hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. every year, and most people who have the procedure are satisfied with their choice of having a hysterectomy.

Although vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies are less invasive than open hysterectomies performed through a large incision, all hysterectomies carry certain risks which in part depend on a person’s body characteristics and should be discussed with your surgeon.  But in general, the risks associated with hysterectomy are similar to other surgeries and include blood clot formation in the arms or legs, infection, excessive bleeding, adverse reactions to medications such as anesthesia, and medical problems like pneumonia.

The surgeons at Covington Women’s Health Specialists perform hysterectomies exclusively in a hospital, the safest place for a hysterectomy to be done.

Choosing the Right Provider

Choosing the right provider can help you feel confident in your healthcare decisions.  You should not be “rushed” into having any surgery, especially not a hysterectomy.  If you are experiencing gynecologic problems, the evaluation of your symptoms should be thorough and your diagnosis and treatment options explained to you.

As mentioned above, hysterectomy is only required if cancer is diagnosed.  Be wary if hysterectomy is the only treatment offered to you.  For most reasons to have an elective hysterectomy, other treatment options are usually available.  The other treatment options may not be as effective as hysterectomy for treating your condition, but the treatment you accept is your choice.

It is helpful to know that if you are seeing a surgeon with Covington Women’s Health Specialists, you are working with a team that is not only experienced in performing the procedure, but also in offering non-surgical treatment options when appropriate.  Our gynecologists utilize the latest technology to ensure optimal surgical outcomes.  Our surgeons are able to perform all types of hysterectomies to meet your needs.

Covington Women’s Health Specialists leverages advances in medical technology to treat a wide range of gynecological conditions with minimally invasive procedures, including robotic, laparoscopic as well as open surgeries. Our team is also dedicated to finding the right solution for each patient’s individual condition and lifestyle needs, from common gynecological issues to menopause symptoms. We will discuss each option for medical and surgical treatment with you as well as the risks they may present so you can make an informed choice.

To learn more about hysterectomies, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. You can reach out online or call us at (770) 385-8954.

Endometriosis causes a host of uncomfortable symptoms, from painful periods to excessive bleeding. While there are surgeries available to treat it, many women prefer to try lifestyle modifications for symptom control first, particularly if they are trying to become pregnant. As some of our patients have found relief through dietary changes, here’s an overview of what might help.

How Does Nutrition Play a Role in Endometriosis?

In endometriosis, cells similar to those found in the endometrium (uterine lining) develop elsewhere in the body. In most cases, they form on nearby organs like the ovaries. The cells attempt to shed during menstruation, but the blood has nowhere to escape. Trapped blood leads to inflammation of surrounding tissues, leading to issues such as pain and sometimes scar tissue. Since inflammation is believed to play a role in symptom severity, foods that fight inflammation may help to curb symptoms.

Besides anti-inflammatory foods, there are key nutrients that could also improve endometriosis symptoms. For instance, fiber may help the body remove the excess estrogen that intensifies cramping and pain. It can also help to prevent constipation, which may provide helpful relief, considering the other digestive issues that can arise with endometriosis.

Certain vitamins and minerals could also help to relax the muscles and alleviate symptoms. Magnesium, for example, is a natural muscle relaxer that could ease cramping, while zinc helps the body regulate cycles and balance hormones to further control symptoms.

What Are Some Good Foods for Endometriosis?

Many of the dietary approaches for reducing endometriosis symptoms align with basic principles for eating well. For instance, women who eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids tend to have less intense endometriosis symptoms. These healthy fats have natural anti-inflammatory properties that could also boost health in other ways, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. Examples include avocado, olives, nuts, olive oil, and salmon as well as other fatty fish.

To promote digestion and reduce the gastrointestinal distress that can come with endometriosis, adults should aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day. One simple way to get more fiber is to add a whole grain to each meal. Whole wheat crackers, whole grain bread, brown rice, oat bran, and other high-grain cereals are good sources. Fruit and vegetables also contain fiber, as do beans and legumes.

The good news about eating to ease endometriosis is that there’s overlap of many nutrients that can help alleviate symptoms. For instance, while nuts are rich in omega-3s, they also contain magnesium. Legumes such as black beans and edamame also have magnesium, as well as fiber. Leafy greens such as arugula, spinach, kale, and dark lettuce are also both fiber-rich and packed with magnesium.

For hormone-regulating zinc, animal-based products are the best sources. Poultry and shellfish are good options to consider, but it’s best to limit red meat, as there’s some evidence to suggest it could aggravate symptoms. For vegetarians and vegans, zinc supplements may be worth considering.

Whether you’re experiencing uncomfortable endometriosis symptoms, you have another health concern to discuss, or you’re simply due for an annual exam, turn to the team at Covington Women’s Health Specialists for all of your women’s health needs. Our caring practitioners offer a wide range of services, including gynecology and obstetrics. Request an appointment online or by calling 770-385-8954.