Many women spend years wondering whether what they experience during their period is normal, but never feel comfortable enough to ask. Understanding the difference between normal and abnormal menstrual bleeding is not just reassuring, it is medically important. Changes in your cycle can be early signals of conditions that are far easier to treat when caught early.

What Is a Normal Menstrual Cycle?

A normal menstrual cycle typically ranges from 21 to 35 days in length, measured from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Periods normally last between two and seven days, and average blood loss per cycle is between 30 and 80 milliliters. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, cycle length, flow heaviness, and symptom patterns can vary widely between women and still be considered normal, as long as they are consistent for that individual.

Normal menstrual characteristics include:

• Cycle length between 21 and 35 days
• Bleeding that lasts two to seven days
• Flow that ranges from light to moderately heavy
• Some cramping particularly in the first one to two days
• Small blood clots no larger than a quarter
• Gradual changes in flow from lighter to heavier and back to lighter

What Is Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding is any bleeding pattern that falls outside the normal range or significantly disrupts your quality of life. It is one of the most common reasons women visit a gynecologist and has many potential causes, most of which are very treatable.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding, medically known as menorrhagia, is defined as blood loss exceeding 80 milliliters per cycle or bleeding that lasts longer than seven days. In practical terms this means:

• Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours
• Needing to use both a pad and tampon simultaneously
• Passing blood clots larger than a quarter
• Bleeding that significantly interferes with daily activities
• Symptoms of anemia including fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath

Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that heavy menstrual bleeding affects approximately one in five women of reproductive age and is one of the leading causes of iron deficiency anemia in women worldwide.

Irregular Bleeding

Irregular bleeding refers to cycles that vary significantly in length or timing from month to month, or bleeding that occurs outside of the expected menstrual window. This includes:

• Cycles consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
• Periods that are unpredictable and difficult to anticipate
• Spotting between periods on a recurring basis
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse

Absent Periods

The absence of menstruation, known as amenorrhea, is abnormal outside of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. Missing three or more consecutive periods warrants medical evaluation. Common causes include significant weight loss or gain, excessive exercise, thyroid disorders, PCOS, elevated prolactin levels, and premature ovarian insufficiency.

Postmenopausal Bleeding

Any vaginal bleeding that occurs more than 12 months after the final menstrual period is considered abnormal and requires prompt medical evaluation. Research published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that while most postmenopausal bleeding has benign causes such as vaginal atrophy or endometrial polyps, approximately 10 percent of cases are associated with endometrial cancer, making early evaluation essential.

What Causes Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding can have many causes including:

• Hormonal imbalances including thyroid disorders, elevated prolactin, and estrogen dominance
• Structural issues including uterine fibroids, polyps, or a uterine septum
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Endometriosis or adenomyosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Bleeding disorders including von Willebrand disease, which research suggests may be present in up to 20 percent of women with heavy menstrual bleeding
• Certain medications including blood thinners and hormonal contraceptives
• In rare cases endometrial or cervical cancer

How Is Abnormal Bleeding Diagnosed?

Your gynecologist will typically begin with a detailed menstrual history, physical exam, and blood tests to check hormone levels, thyroid function, and blood counts. Additional testing may include:

• Pelvic ultrasound to evaluate uterine structure and ovaries
• Sonohysterography using saline solution to better visualize the uterine cavity
• Hysteroscopy to directly examine the inside of the uterus
• Endometrial biopsy to rule out abnormal cell changes in women over 45 or with risk factors

When to See a Doctor

You should schedule an appointment with your women’s health provider if you are soaking through a pad or tampon every hour, passing large clots, bleeding between periods regularly, missing periods for three or more consecutive months, experiencing bleeding after sex, or noticing any bleeding after menopause. Do not wait and watch if something feels wrong. Abnormal bleeding is your body’s way of communicating that something needs attention.

Your cycle is one of the most informative health reports your body produces every month. Learning to read it is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Mirza, A., Abdul-Kadir, R., Breymann, C., et al. (2018). Impact and management of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in women’s health. Expert Review of Hematology, 11(8), 629-640. PubMed Link [1, 2]

James, A. H., Kouides, P. A., Abdul-Kadir, R., et al. (2009). Von Willebrand disease and other inherited bleeding disorders in women with heavy menstrual bleeding. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 201(1), 12-16. AJOG Full Text

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2012). Diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive-aged women. Practice Bulletin No. 128. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 120(1), 197-206. ACOG Practice Bulletin on ResearchGate [1, 2]

Clarke, M. A., Long, B. J., Del Mar, A. M., et al. (2018). Association of Endometrial Cancer Risk With Postmenopausal Bleeding in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 178(9), 1210-1222. PubMed Link

The post What’s Normal vs. Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding appeared first on IvanaMd.

For too long, women have been taught to minimize their symptoms, dismiss their instincts, and accept inadequate answers about their own bodies. Research consistently shows that women are more likely than men to have their pain undertreated, their symptoms misattributed to anxiety, and their concerns dismissed in clinical settings. Knowing how to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system is not just empowering, it is medically essential.

Why Self-Advocacy in Women’s Health Matters

The consequences of women not being heard in healthcare are real and measurable. A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that women wait an average of 65 minutes longer than men in emergency settings before receiving pain medication, even when presenting with similar symptoms. Research published in the European Heart Journal also found that women experiencing heart attacks were significantly more likely than men to have their symptoms attributed to anxiety or stress, leading to delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes.

In reproductive health specifically, conditions like endometriosis take an average of seven to ten years to diagnose according to research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, largely because women’s pain is normalized and dismissed. PCOS, fibroids, and adenomyosis face similar diagnostic delays. These are not minor inconveniences. They are systemic failures that self-advocacy can help counteract.

Know Your Body and Your Baseline

The foundation of effective self-advocacy is self-knowledge. When you understand what is normal for your body, you are far better positioned to identify and communicate when something has changed. Practical steps include:

• Tracking your menstrual cycle consistently using an app or journal, noting flow, pain, mood, and physical symptoms
• Knowing your family health history including gynecological conditions, hormonal disorders, and reproductive health challenges in first-degree relatives
• Keeping a symptom diary when something feels off, noting timing, severity, triggers, and what improves or worsens the symptom
• Understanding your baseline vital signs, weight, and hormonal test results so you can identify meaningful changes over time

How to Communicate Effectively with Your Provider

Many women leave appointments feeling unheard or unclear about their diagnosis and next steps. Improving how you communicate in medical settings can dramatically change the quality of care you receive:

• Be specific about your symptoms rather than general. Instead of saying you feel tired, describe the severity, duration, and impact on your daily functioning
• Use a pain scale and be honest about how much your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, work, relationships, and mental health
• Write down your questions before your appointment and bring the list with you so you do not forget in the moment
• Ask for explanations in plain language and do not leave until you understand what your provider is telling you
• Request copies of your test results and keep your own records over time

When to Seek a Second Opinion

Seeking a second opinion is not disrespectful to your provider. It is a medically recognized and important part of informed healthcare decision-making. You should consider a second opinion if:

• Your symptoms are being persistently dismissed without adequate investigation
• You have been told everything is normal but continue to feel that something is wrong
• You have received a significant diagnosis and want to confirm the recommended treatment plan
• You have not received a clear diagnosis after multiple appointments
• You are being recommended for surgery and want to explore all options first

Research published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that when patients sought second opinions at major medical centers, the diagnosis was changed or significantly refined in 21 percent of cases, with treatment plans altered in the majority of those. A second opinion can save your health and in some cases your life.

Understanding Your Rights as a Patient

Every woman has the right to informed consent, which means you have the right to receive complete information about any diagnosis, treatment, or procedure before agreeing to it. You also have the right to refuse treatment, ask questions, request referrals to specialists, access your medical records, and have your cultural, personal, and religious preferences respected in your care. Knowing these rights puts you in a position of partnership with your provider rather than passive recipient of care.

Building a Healthcare Team That Listens

Not every provider will be the right fit, and finding one who listens, respects your concerns, and treats you as a partner in your own care is worth the effort. When evaluating a healthcare relationship consider whether your provider:

• Takes your symptoms seriously without minimizing or normalizing them
• Explains your diagnosis and treatment options clearly and thoroughly
• Welcomes your questions and does not make you feel rushed
• Involves you in decision-making rather than dictating a plan
• Follows up on unresolved concerns across appointments

If you consistently feel dismissed, unheard, or rushed, it is appropriate and reasonable to find a new provider. Your comfort and trust in your healthcare relationship directly affects the quality of care you receive.

Advocating for Preventive Care

Self-advocacy is not only about responding to symptoms. It is also about proactively accessing the preventive care that protects your long-term health. Women should advocate for:

• Annual well-woman exams including pelvic examination and breast assessment
• Regular Pap smears according to current screening guidelines, beginning at age 21
• STD screening based on sexual activity and risk factors
• Hormonal panels if experiencing symptoms of imbalance
• Thyroid screening, particularly if experiencing fatigue, weight changes, or menstrual irregularities
• Mental health screening as part of routine women’s healthcare
• Bone density screening beginning at menopause or earlier if risk factors are present

The Role of Community and Peer Support

Self-advocacy does not have to happen in isolation. Women who connect with others navigating similar health challenges are better informed, more confident in medical settings, and more likely to pursue the care they need. Online communities, patient advocacy organizations, and support groups for conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and infertility provide both practical information and emotional support that strengthens individual advocacy efforts.

Your voice in the healthcare system matters. Your symptoms are real. Your concerns deserve answers. And you deserve a provider who treats your health with the urgency, respect, and thoroughness it deserves.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). ACOG Committee Opinion No. 755: Well-Woman Visit. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 132(4), e181-e186. ACOG/PubMed Link

Harrilal-Maharaj, K. (2025). Gender bias and diagnostic delays in young women: A narrative review. 17(12), e100004. https://www.cureus.com/articles/447720-gender-bias-and-diagnostic-delays-in-young-women-a-narrative-review#!/

Chen, E. H., Shofer, F. S., Dean, A. J., et al. (2008). Gender disparity in analgesic treatment of emergency department patients with acute abdominal pain. Academic Emergency Medicine, 15(5), 414–418. Wiley Online Library Link

The post Empowering Women to Advocate for Their Health appeared first on IvanaMd.

When most women think about gut health, they think about digestion, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. But your gut microbiome—the trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive tract—does much more than help with digestion.

Research increasingly shows that the gut microbiome interacts with the immune system, metabolism, inflammation, and the way certain hormones are processed in the body. Scientists are still learning how these connections affect women’s reproductive health, but the relationship between gut health and hormonal health is an important area of research.

The Estrobolome: How Gut Bacteria Interact With Estrogen

One area researchers are particularly interested in is the estrobolome, a collection of gut bacteria involved in estrogen metabolism.

Certain gut bacteria produce an enzyme called β-glucuronidase, which can influence how estrogen is processed in the intestines. Estrogen is metabolized by the liver and excreted into the digestive tract, where gut bacteria can influence whether some of it is eliminated or returned to circulation.

Changes in the gut microbiome may therefore affect estrogen metabolism.

However, this does not mean that an unhealthy gut automatically causes “estrogen dominance.” The relationship is much more complex and is influenced by many factors, including genetics, diet, medications, body composition, and overall health.

Researchers are investigating possible connections between the gut microbiome and conditions such as:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Metabolic disorders
• Certain hormone-sensitive cancers

Much of this research is still developing, so gut health should be viewed as one part of overall health rather than a single explanation for hormonal conditions.

Gut Health, Inflammation, and Reproductive Health

Your gut microbiome plays an important role in regulating immune activity and maintaining the intestinal barrier.

When the balance of gut microorganisms is altered, sometimes referred to as dysbiosis, researchers have observed associations with inflammation and metabolic changes. These changes are being studied in relation to reproductive conditions, particularly PCOS and endometriosis.

For example, studies have found differences in gut microbiome composition in some women with PCOS compared with women without PCOS. However, researchers are still determining whether these microbiome changes contribute to the development of PCOS, result from the condition, or are influenced by related factors such as diet and metabolism.

This distinction is important.

Gut health may be associated with hormonal and reproductive health, but there is currently not enough evidence to say that gut problems directly cause hormonal disorders.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Your digestive system and brain communicate continuously through what researchers call the gut-brain axis.

This communication involves the nervous system, immune system, hormones, and chemical signals produced by microorganisms in the gut.

The gut also plays an important role in the production and regulation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in many processes throughout the body. Importantly, serotonin produced in the digestive system is different from serotonin activity within the brain, so it would be inaccurate to assume that more gut serotonin automatically means better mood.

Research does suggest that the gut microbiome, stress, and brain function influence one another.

This may help explain why digestive symptoms and psychological symptoms can sometimes occur together, particularly in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Could Your Gut Health Affect Your Period?

Digestive symptoms around your menstrual period are relatively common. Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle can influence bowel function, fluid retention, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

You may notice:

• Bloating before or during your period
• Changes in bowel movements around menstruation
• Increased abdominal discomfort
• Digestive symptoms that fluctuate throughout your cycle

These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have a “gut hormone imbalance.”

However, if digestive symptoms are persistent, severe, or consistently occur alongside significant menstrual or pelvic symptoms, it is worth discussing them with your healthcare provider.

What About PCOS and the Gut Microbiome?

PCOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition. Research has found differences in gut microbiome composition among some women with PCOS, and researchers are investigating whether these changes may be connected with insulin resistance, inflammation, and androgen levels.

At this point, however, probiotics, supplements, or dietary changes should not be considered a replacement for established PCOS treatment.

If you have irregular periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, difficulty with ovulation, or other symptoms associated with PCOS, a healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate testing and treatment.

Supporting a Healthy Gut

You do not need an expensive “hormone detox” or complicated supplement routine to support your gut.

Start with habits that are beneficial for your overall health.

Eat More Fiber

Dietary fiber helps support healthy bowel function and provides fuel for many beneficial gut microorganisms.

Good sources include:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Beans and lentils
• Whole grains
• Nuts and seeds

Increasing fiber gradually can help reduce digestive discomfort, particularly if your current intake is low.

Include a Variety of Plant Foods

Different microorganisms thrive on different types of dietary fibers. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can provide your gut microbiome with a broader range of nutrients.

Rather than focusing on one “superfood,” aim for variety over time.

Include Fermented Foods if You Tolerate Them

Foods such as yogurt with live cultures, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods may contain beneficial microorganisms.

However, fermented foods are not a guaranteed treatment for hormonal problems, and not everyone tolerates them equally well.

Stay Active

Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular, metabolic, and digestive health. It can also be beneficial for women managing conditions such as PCOS.

Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management

Your gut and nervous system communicate in both directions. Stress can affect gastrointestinal function, while ongoing digestive symptoms can contribute to stress and reduced quality of life.

Adequate sleep, regular physical activity, relaxation techniques, and a balanced diet can support both overall and digestive health.

Do You Need a Probiotic Supplement?

Not necessarily.

Probiotics are not one-size-fits-all. Different probiotic strains can have different effects, and evidence for using probiotics specifically to “balance hormones” remains limited.

If you are considering a probiotic supplement, talk with your healthcare provider first—especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, are pregnant, or have a weakened immune system.

In many cases, focusing on a varied, fiber-rich diet and other healthy lifestyle habits is a more practical starting point.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Digestive symptoms should not automatically be attributed to hormonal imbalance or an unhealthy gut.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms such as:

• Ongoing abdominal or pelvic pain
• Persistent bloating or changes in bowel habits
• Blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe or worsening menstrual pain
• Very heavy or irregular periods
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Symptoms that interfere with your daily activities

If you have both digestive and reproductive symptoms, your healthcare provider can help determine whether they are related or whether separate conditions may be contributing to them.

Your Gut Is Part of Your Overall Health

The relationship between the gut microbiome and women’s hormonal health is promising, but science is still uncovering exactly how these systems interact.

What we do know is that taking care of your gut supports your overall health—and healthy habits such as eating a fiber-rich diet, staying active, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress can benefit your digestive, metabolic, and reproductive health.

Rather than chasing a quick “hormone reset,” focus on sustainable habits and seek medical advice when symptoms persist.

Your body is interconnected. Understanding those connections can help you make better-informed decisions about your health.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Plottel, C. S., & Blaser, M. J. (2011). Microbiome and malignancy. Cell Host & Microbe, 10(4), 324–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2011.10.003

Makki, K., Deehan, E. C., Walter, J., & Bäckhed, F. (2018). The impact of dietary fiber on gut microbiota in host health and disease. Cell Host & Microbe, 23(6), 705–715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2018.05.012

Valdes, A. M., Walter, J., Segal, E., & Spector, T. D. (2018). Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health. BMJ, 361, k2179. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k2179

Yano, J. M., Yu, K., Donaldson, G. P., et al. (2015). Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis. Cell, 161(2), 264–276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.047

Cryan, J. F., O’Riordan, K. J., Cowan, C. S. M., et al. (2019). The microbiota-gut-brain axis. Physiological Reviews, 99(4), 1877–2013. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00018.2018

The post How Gut Health May Influence Women’s Hormonal Health appeared first on IvanaMd.

You have probably heard about the gut microbiome, but the vaginal microbiome is equally important and far less understood by most women. This community of microorganisms living in the vagina plays a critical role in protecting your reproductive health, preventing infections, and even influencing pregnancy outcomes. Understanding it is one of the most important steps you can take toward informed, proactive women’s healthcare.

What Is the Vaginal Microbiome?

The vaginal microbiome is the collection of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that naturally inhabit the vaginal environment. Unlike the gut microbiome which thrives on diversity, a healthy vaginal microbiome is characterized by low diversity and dominance of one genus of bacteria called Lactobacillus. These beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, maintaining the vaginal pH between 3.8 and 4.5 and creating an environment that is inhospitable to harmful pathogens.

Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzed the vaginal microbiomes of over 400 women and identified five distinct community types, four of which were dominated by different Lactobacillus species. The fifth, characterized by low Lactobacillus levels and high bacterial diversity, was associated with significantly higher rates of infection and inflammation.

Why the Vaginal Microbiome Matters

The vaginal microbiome is your body’s first line of defense against vaginal and reproductive infections. A healthy Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome protects against:

• Bacterial vaginosis, the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age
• Yeast infections caused by Candida overgrowth
• Sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV
• Urinary tract infections
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

A landmark study published in PLOS ONE found that women with low Lactobacillus levels and disrupted vaginal microbiomes were significantly more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, even after controlling for sexual behavior and other risk factors.

The Vaginal Microbiome and Reproductive Health

The implications of vaginal microbiome health extend well beyond infection prevention. Research has increasingly linked vaginal microbiome composition to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. A study published in Nature Medicine found that women with Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiomes had significantly better outcomes in IVF treatment, including higher rates of embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy, compared to women with diverse or dysbiotic vaginal flora.

The same study found that a disrupted vaginal microbiome during pregnancy was associated with:

• Increased risk of preterm birth
• Higher rates of premature rupture of membranes
• Greater likelihood of miscarriage in early pregnancy

These findings highlight the vaginal microbiome as a critical but underappreciated factor in reproductive medicine.

What Disrupts the Vaginal Microbiome?

Many common habits and biological changes can disturb the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome:

• Douching, which is one of the most damaging things you can do to vaginal flora
• Antibiotic use, which kills beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria alongside harmful pathogens
• Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
• Unprotected sex, since semen alters vaginal pH and introduces new bacteria
• Smoking, which research has shown to be independently associated with reduced Lactobacillus levels
• High sugar diets which promote Candida overgrowth
• Prolonged use of synthetic underwear or tight clothing that creates a warm moist environment
• Scented soaps, washes, or feminine hygiene products used inside the vagina

Signs Your Vaginal Microbiome May Be Disrupted

• Unusual vaginal discharge that is gray, yellow, or watery
• A fishy or unpleasant vaginal odor
• Itching, burning, or irritation inside or around the vagina
• Recurrent yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Frequent urinary tract infections

How to Support a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome

The good news is that supporting your vaginal microbiome does not require complicated interventions. Evidence-based strategies include:

• Never douching, as the vagina is self-cleaning and douching disrupts the natural bacterial environment
• Washing only the external vulvar area with warm water or a gentle unscented soap
• Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight synthetic fabrics
• Using condoms to minimize pH disruption and reduce introduction of foreign bacteria
• Eating a balanced diet low in refined sugar and rich in probiotic foods including yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables
• Taking an oral probiotic containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, which a review in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found to be the most effective strains for restoring and maintaining vaginal flora
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use and supporting microbiome recovery with probiotics after any antibiotic course
• Speaking with your provider about vaginal estrogen if you are in perimenopause or menopause, as declining estrogen significantly reduces Lactobacillus colonization

The Role of Hormones in Vaginal Microbiome Health

Estrogen plays a direct role in supporting the vaginal microbiome by promoting glycogen production in vaginal cells. Lactobacillus bacteria feed on this glycogen and use it to produce lactic acid, maintaining the acidic pH that protects vaginal health. When estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, glycogen production drops, Lactobacillus populations decrease, and the vaginal environment becomes more vulnerable to infection and inflammation. This is one of the reasons why vaginal health often changes significantly around menopause and why hormone support may be an important part of long-term vaginal microbiome management.

When to See a Doctor

You should speak with a women’s health provider if you are experiencing recurrent vaginal infections, persistent unusual discharge or odor, discomfort that is not resolving with over-the-counter treatments, or symptoms that keep returning after treatment. A vaginal culture and pH test can identify specific disruptions in your microbiome and guide targeted treatment.

Understanding your vaginal microbiome puts you in a far stronger position to protect your health, prevent infections, and support your reproductive wellbeing at every stage of life.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077.

 4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Fettweis, J. M., Serrano, M. G., Brooks, J. P., et al. (2019). The vaginal microbiome and preterm birth. Nature Medicine, 25(6), 1012-1021. PubMed Link

Kyrgiou, M., Mitra, A., & Moscicki, A. B. (2017). Does the vaginal microbiota play a role in the development of cervical cancer? Translational Research, 179, 168–182. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27477083/ 

Ravel, J., Gajer, P., Abdo, Z., et al. (2011). Vaginal microbiome of reproductive-age women. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(Suppl 1), 4680-4687. PubMed Link

Moreno, I., Codoñer, F. M., Vilella, F., et al. (2016). Evidence that the endometrial microbiota has an effect on implantation success or failure of women undergoing IVF. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 215(6), 746-e1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27717732/ 

The post Understanding the Vaginal Microbiome appeared first on IvanaMd.

Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the most common yet least talked about conditions affecting women. Many women silently live with the discomfort and pressure of prolapse for years without knowing that effective treatments exist.

What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor weaken and can no longer support the pelvic organs. As a result one or more organs including the bladder, uterus, or rectum descend and press into or protrude through the vaginal wall. Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology estimates that approximately 50 percent of women who have given birth have some degree of prolapse, though not all experience symptoms.

What Causes It?

The most common causes and risk factors include:

• Vaginal childbirth, particularly with prolonged pushing, large babies, or multiple deliveries
• Menopause and the decline in estrogen that weakens pelvic tissues
• Chronic constipation and straining
• Obesity, which places sustained pressure on the pelvic floor
• Aging and natural loss of muscle tone
• Genetic predisposition to connective tissue weakness

What Are the Symptoms?

• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
• A visible bulge at the vaginal opening
• Difficulty with urination or bowel movements
• Lower back pain that worsens throughout the day
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• A feeling that something is falling out of the vagina

Treatment Options

Non-surgical options include:

• Pelvic floor physical therapy, which is the first-line treatment recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Pessary devices, which are removable silicone inserts that physically support prolapsed organs
• Vaginal estrogen therapy to restore tissue strength during and after menopause
• Lifestyle changes including weight management, treating constipation, and avoiding heavy lifting

For moderate to severe prolapse that does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical repair is highly effective. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that both surgical and pessary treatments significantly improved quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

When to See a Doctor

See a women’s health provider if you notice pelvic pressure or a bulge, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, pain during sex, or symptoms interfering with your daily life. Prolapse does not resolve on its own and tends to worsen without treatment. Early evaluation always leads to better outcomes.

You do not have to live with the discomfort of pelvic organ prolapse. Effective, personalized solutions are available.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Urogynecologic Society. (2019). Pelvic Organ Prolapse: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 214. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 134(5), e126-e142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31651832/

Hagen, S., Stark, D., Glazener, C., et al. (2011). Conservative prevention and management of pelvic organ prolapse in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD003882. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22161382/

Olsen, A. L., Smith, V. J., Bergstrom, J. O., et al. (1997). Epidemiology of surgically managed pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 89(4), 501-506. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9083302/

Haylen, B. T., de Ridder, D., Freeman, R. M., et al. (2010). An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction. International Urogynecology Journal, 21(1), 5-26. springer.com

The post Pelvic Prolapse – Causes and Solutions appeared first on IvanaMd.