Desert West Ob/Gyn

Understanding Your Osteoporosis Risk

Osteoporosis weakens the bones, making them prone to fracture. This serious condition has a variety of risk factors, some of which manifest in your teen years.

This video discusses some of the risk factors for osteoporosis. Women with low body weights, infrequent periods, and hormonal imbalances are particularly at risk. Smoking, steroid medication, and a family history of osteoporosis also raise your risk for developing this condition. However, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent osteoporosis later in life, so talk to your gynecologist to find out more.

At Desert West Ob/Gyn, we are dedicated to helping women of all ages enjoy a healthy life in Arrowhead, Anthem, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield, and beyond. Contact us at (602) 457-6459 for more information about our services, including obstetrics, gynecology, preventive, and well-woman care. Visit us on the web to learn more about important women’s health issues.

How Can Your Ob-Gyn Help You Cope with PCOS?

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, a medical disorder that affects your health as well as your fertility. This condition affects as many as five million women across the United States, starting as young as 11 years of age. Although there is no cure for PCOS, your ob/gyn can help you understand your condition and offer treatments based on your goals for health, wellness, and pregnancy.

If You Want to Manage Your Health

Because PCOS can have serious health implications, it’s important to manage your condition with the help of your physician. Women with PCOS are more likely to become overweight and are at risk for diabetes and heart problems. Your ob/gyn will help you develop a healthy lifestyle to regulate your weight and blood glucose for better long-term health. The use of birth control pills is often prescribed to prevent pregnancy and balance female hormone levels to regulate your menstrual cycles and curb unwanted hair growth.

If You Want to Become Pregnant

Pregnancy can be difficult to achieve for women with PCOS. You may not ovulate normally or on a regular schedule. Talk to your ob/gyn if you plan to become pregnant and have PCOS. Fertility medications and surgical options such as ovarian drilling can increase your chances of successful ovulation and pregnancy.

If You Are Pregnant

PCOS carries health risks for you and your baby while you are pregnant. Your ob/gyn will work with you to manage your health during this time. Medications such as Metformin may be recommended to prevent health problems while you are pregnant such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and premature birth.

At Desert West Ob/Gyn, you will find the knowledgeable staff and cutting-edge treatment options you need to stay healthy throughout your life. Please call (602) 457-6459 to find the location nearest you for obstetrics, gynecology, and women’s wellness services in Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Anthem, Goodyear, Surprise, Avondale, Litchfield Park, and more cities across the Valley. Visit us online to learn more about your health as a woman and the role your gynecologist plays.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, chiropractic care provides a wide spectrum of benefits for women who want to manage mild discomfort or other symptoms of pregnancy. In fact, chiropractic care can help relieve nausea, back or neck pain, joint discomfort, and headaches. Regular adjustments are not only safe during pregnancy but have also been linked to reducing the amount of time women spend in labor. Finally, chiropractic care can relieve the added stress on your spine that may accompany weight gain and maintain pelvic balance as your belly grows and your posture changes.

If you are considering chiropractic care to treat your pregnancy symptoms, contact Desert West Ob/Gyn for more information and a referral.  We are proud to offer chiropractic services at our Anthem location and well-woman care to patients in Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Anthem, Goodyear, Surprise, Avondale, Litchfield Park and beyond. If you are preparing for birth, call (602) 457-6459 today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced obstetricians or gynecologists. 

How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy when You Have Diabetes

Many years ago, even experts believed that disorders such as diabetes held serious risks for both mother and child during pregnancy. Fortunately, developments in modern medicine have made it possible for diabetic women to successfully overcome this diagnosis and give birth to healthy babies. Talk to your obstetrician about how you can manage your diabetes symptoms, and properly prepare for the birth of your child by reviewing these tips for a healthy pregnancy.

Early Monitoring

The American Diabetes Association advises that the key to a healthy pregnancy for diabetic women is keeping blood sugar levels in the target range both before and during pregnancy. If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, high blood glucose levels during the first trimester can increase your baby’s risk of birth defects during this highly sensitive time of organ formation. Doctors recommend that diabetics make sure to get their blood sugar levels under control at least three to six months before becoming pregnant.

Proper Maintenance

All women’s bodies naturally change as their pregnancies develop and their babies continue to grow. Pregnancy requires extra work to control your diabetes, and your blood glucose levels may fluctuate. Especially during your final months of pregnancy, your body’s need for insulin may increase, and doctors generally recommend insulin as their first choice for blood glucose control. Be sure to regularly check your blood sugar levels at home and talk to your ob-gyn team about making any necessary changes to your treatment plan.    

Superior Care

For the best care, work with an ob-gyn who has experience treating diabetic women. Diabetes requires careful planning of meals, exercise, and insulin injections, pumps, or supplements to manage your blood glucose levels. To keep you and your baby healthy, be sure to find a compassionate doctor whom you feel comfortable with.

Desert West Ob/Gyn has been committed to providing personal, compassionate, and high-quality medical care for Phoenix clients since 1973. If you live in Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Anthem, Goodyear, Surprise, Avondale, Litchfield Park, or the surrounding area, call (602) 457-6459 today to find out more about our gynecological services, infertility treatment options, and preventative care strategies.

Stopping Cervical Cancer

Did you know that taking just a few proactive steps can prevent cervical cancer? As this video explains, preventative care can help women stay in the best health possible while reducing the risk of cancer.

Cervical cancer is caused by a very common virus called HPV. HPV affects about 80% of the population and can be transmitted simply by touching another person. As one woman explains, women must ask their doctors for an extra test beyond just a pap smear to determine if they have HPV. Even more importantly, however, you can prevent this virus from ever being contracted by simply having an HPV vaccine.

If you need to have an HPV vaccine or an HPV test, Desert West Ob/Gyn is here for you. If you live in Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Anthem, Goodyear, Surprise, Avondale, Litchfield Park or the surrounding area, you can set up an appointment with one of our experienced physicians by calling (602) 457-6459.