Blog Archive
An estimated one in three women experience heavy periods. Abnormally heavy periods are more than an inconvenience. They can impact your ability to carry out your regular activities and can cause health issues like iron deficiency. Losing too much iron through heavy periods each month can leave you feeling tired...
Before you officially reach menopause — 12 months without a period — you transition through perimenopause, a time when hormone levels fluctuate dramatically. Perimenopause can bring a host of unpleasant symptoms, and if you aren’t aware you’ve entered this phase of your life, you may wonder just what is going...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
Though it’s true that high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause most cases of cervical cancer, having HPV doesn’t mean that you will develop cancer. If you have HPV, it’s important to work closely with a women’s health specialist to monitor for any abnormal changes to cervical cells. The team...
Most women will develop fibroids in their lifetime, and for the estimated 26 million women who currently have them, problems getting or sustaining a pregnancy can occur. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms and remain unaware of their presence. Sometimes, fibroids are found through testing after experiencing fertility problems....
There’s no doubt about it, Pap smear tests save lives. These quick women’s health exams check for abnormal changes to cervical cells. When done regularly, Pap smears prevent cervical cancer. Receiving an abnormal Pap result can trigger immediate anxiety, but it’s important to know that most abnormal results are not...
Heavy periods, medically known as menorrhagia, are a concern that goes beyond inconvenience; they can significantly impact daily activities and overall well-being. Though it might feel isolating, understanding the nature, causes, and potential treatments is the first step toward reclaiming control. Ideal Gynecology, LLC stands beside every woman on this...
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that affects nearly 80 million Americans. Despite being highly prevalent, a great deal of misinformation surrounds HPV, including how it behaves over time and its long-term health implications. Here at Ideal Gynecology, we believe that the right information is the first step...
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form in or on a woman's ovaries. Though often harmless, they can sometimes cause severe pain or other health issues. Understanding the prevention and treatment options for ovarian cysts is vital for every woman's reproductive health. At Ideal Gynecology, board-certified gynecologist Lillian Schapiro,...
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that commonly affects women of reproductive age. It's characterized by enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges, and it can profoundly impact different aspects of a woman's life—from fertility to physical appearance and overall health. At Ideal Gynecology, board-certified gynecologist Lillian...
Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, associated with a multitude of changes, including a reduction in bone density. This happens because estrogen levels decline. Estrogen has a major role in maintaining bone density. At Ideal Gynecology, board-certified gynecologist Lillian Schapiro, MD, FACOG, and our team of women’s health...
Navigating the world of contraceptives can be a challenge, with so many options offering varying levels of protection. Among these, the intrauterine device (IUD) is a standout for its high effectiveness, long-lasting protection, and potential health benefits, such as alleviating heavy periods. At Ideal Gynecology, board-certified gynecologist Lillian Schapiro, MD,...
Women living with abnormally heavy periods know how much it can impact their life. From affecting work productivity to interfering with leading an active lifestyle and social plans, heavy periods are more than just an annoyance. You may be surprised to learn that the culprit behind your discomfort could be uterine...
Getting a Pap smear can be an anxiety-inducing experience for many women. However, regular Pap smears are an essential part of maintaining good reproductive health and detecting potential health problems early on. Dr. Lillian Schapiro and the rest of the women’s health team, including Tiffany Morgan, WHNP, and Olivia Taylor,...
Menopause is a natural and inevitable transition for every woman, but the symptoms that come along with it can be challenging to manage. When bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings strike, they can significantly disrupt the way you feel and function from day-to-day. If you don’t...
Every woman’s flow is different, and though some women have a heavier flow than others, an excessively heavy period isn’t normal. If you’re having heavy or painful periods, don’t try to tough it out. It’s often a sign of an underlying issue, such as endometriosis. Dr. Lillian Schapiro and the...
Women have more options than ever when it comes to birth control. That's why it's critical to find a birth control method, whether hormonal or nonhormonal, that works for you, your body, and your lifestyle. A women’s health specialist is your best resource for your questions and concerns about choosing...
Schedule a visit with a gynecology specialist if you suspect that you may have an endometrial polyp. Although these growths are common and usually harmless, they can sometimes cause problems. Board-certified OB/GYN Lillian Schapiro, MD, FACOG, and the team of women’s health specialists here at Ideal Gynecology in Atlanta, Georgia,...
Many women have harmless growths that develop within the lining of the uterine wall. Most of the time, these growths cause no noticeable symptoms. In fact, most women are completely unaware of it when these growths develop. In some cases, however, non-cancerous growths such as uterine polyps and uterine fibroids grow large, or many...
The uterine lining (endometrium) prepares for a baby with each menstrual cycle. If fertilization does not occur, the body sheds the endometrium during the cycle. Even though menstrual periods are not the same for every woman, extremely heavy periods, periods that last too long, skip several months in a row,...
Endometrial ablation is a treatment option commonly used to relieve heavy menstrual bleeding. The procedure involves removing the uterine lining (endometrium). Each month the uterine lining thickens in preparation for pregnancy. When pregnancy doesn’t occur, the lining sheds during your period. Women with heavy menstrual bleeding often have a uterine...
If you’re one of the more than 10 million women who experience heavy periods, you’re well aware of how much having an abnormally heavy flow can interfere with your daily life. If you’re struggling with heavy menses, the good news is, there is something you can do about it. The team of...
It’s normal to feel alarmed after discovering that you have uterine polyps, but it should bring you some comfort to know that most polyps are harmless. They’re sometimes found when you get an ultrasound for something else. Board-certified gynecologist Lillian Schapiro, MD, FACOG, and our women’s health team here at Ideal Gynecology are...
All sexually active individuals are at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Although having sex with new partners frequently may increase your risk of STDs, anyone can get them. Board-certified gynecologist Lillian Schapiro, MD, FACOG, and our team here at Ideal Gynecology are here to give informed, non-judgmental support for any...
Amid the excitement and preparation of planning a pregnancy, it’s important to keep fertility in mind, and watch for signs of fertility trouble. If you find that you haven’t gotten pregnant after trying for some time, the next best step is to schedule a visit with a gynecologist. Here at...
Painful periods, known medically as dysmenorrhea, affect millions of women and can have a major impact on your daily life. For some women, the pain is severe enough that it leads to missed work and school days, canceled social plans, and problems taking care of your regular responsibilities. If period...
Deaths from cervical cancer have declined significantly, thanks in part to Pap tests, which can detect cervical cancer at the earliest stages and even detect abnormal cervical cells before they have a chance to become cancer. Receiving an abnormal Pap result can cause a lot of fear and anxiety, but...
Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive alternative to a hysterectomy for treating heavy menstrual periods. The procedure is designed to leave your uterus intact and instead remove just the endometrium (uterus lining), which is responsible for heavy periods. At Ideal Gynecology, board-certified OB/GYN Lillian Schapiro, MD, offers Minerva endometrial ablation...
Pregnancy is the most common reason women use birth control, but there are several reasons to use contraceptives that have nothing to do with a need to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Board-certified OB/GYN Lillian Schapiro, and our team of board-certified nurse practitioners at Ideal Gynecology in Atlanta and McDonough, Georgia,...
If you've been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, it’s normal to have some questions. You may wonder why you developed fibroids and whether they will go away on their own. Uterine fibroids can change size over time and sometimes resolve on their own. Board-certified gynecologist Lillian Schapiro, MD, and our team...
Scheduling regular visits with your gynecologist for well-woman checks, which include a Pap smear, helps to track your health and maintain wellness. Staying on top of your wellbeing with screenings that check for potential problems is a part of preventive healthcare. A Pap smear screens for abnormal changes to your...
A fertility evaluation is key to discovering problems underlying your struggle to get pregnant. A fertility specialist performs a fertility evaluation to gain insight and answers toward diagnosing infertility and recommending a treatment plan. Various underlying issues can make it difficult to get pregnant. However, most fertility issues can be...
Heavy menstrual periods can be distressing. Women who experience heavy menses often report an interruption in their daily activities. Heavy periods can cause you to cancel plans, miss out on things you enjoy, and get in the way of productivity. Women’s health professionals are your best resources when you have...
Birth control is a safe, effective way to prevent pregnancy when you’re not ready to have children. Around 64% use some form of contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. There isn’t a single approach to pregnancy prevention that’s right for every woman. When it comes to choosing the right contraceptive, the ideal...
Monthly period pains, heavy periods, and uncomfortable cramping are all signs of a more serious condition. There is hope. An endometrial ablation is a common procedure performed on women who require relief from abnormal bleeding, painful periods, and other severe symptoms of menstrual pain. Dr. Lillian Schapiro and Dr. Kristan...
Uterine fibroids are common for many women, regardless of age. Fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus. Fibroids are also known as leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas. They are generally not associated with cancer and do not typically pose a life-threatening risk. Fibroids come in many shapes and sizes. They can...
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, can disrupt a woman’s hormonal levels, menstrual cycles, fertility, and other hormonal changes. Though the exact cause of PCOS is not known, doctors do know women with PCOS have higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. Higher testosterone levels cause a hormonal imbalance, causing the...
Abnormal bleeding occurs when you bleed outside of your monthly period. Heavy bleeding or bleeding that occurs at random times and with a heavy flow may require a doctor’s attention. It could mean complications with pregnancy, a possible pregnancy, problems with ovulation, or certain types of cancers. Dr. Lillian Schapiro...
If you’ve ever experienced an abnormal Pap smear, you’ve probably felt the nerves and uncertainty associated with what your results mean. Pap smears are recommended every three years to ensure you are not at risk for cervical or other cancers. Dr. Lillian Schapiro and Dr. Kristan Adams at Ideal Gynecology...
Choosing a form of birth control is a big decision. There are lots of factors to consider. Before you choose your preferred method of birth control, it’s important to discuss your options with a doctor. Dr. Lillian Schapiro and Dr. Kristan Adams at Ideal Gynecology can provide personalized recommendations depending...
In an ideal world, the transition from your reproductive years into your non-reproductive years is smooth as your ovaries shut down and you can enjoy life without your monthly cycle. For many women, however, menopause is fraught with many unwelcome side effects, from poor sexual health to incontinence. At Ideal...
About one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, sending them into a different world where sacrifices are made for the greater good. For example, women who are hormone-receptor positive (two out of three women with breast cancer are) often turn to hormone therapy,...