That path to parenthood isn’t always easy. Roughly 1 in 8 couples struggle to conceive. That number rises to 1 in 5 couples when the woman is over 30. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while without success, it may be time to consider a fertility evaluation. Board-certified...
There are numerous birth control methods available to help you avoid unplanned pregnancies. Some birth control choices may be better depending on your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. A growing number of women prefer long-acting reversible birth control. OB/GYN Dr. Kiran Patel and board-certified family medicine physician Dr. Leela Patel want...
Uterine bleeding that is excessively heavy, lasts for too long, or occurs irregularly or between periods is considered abnormal. Many women experience some abnormal bleeding occasionally. Perhaps your period happens to last 10 days once in a while, or the bleeding is sometimes heavy. Occasional changes in uterine bleeding usually...
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common. Most are mild and easily resolved. However, sometimes UTIs can go undetected and cause problems. Knowing the subtle signs of a UTI can help you take action early on. The team of Patel & Patel in South Charleston, Virginia, wants patients to be aware of early signs...
Guidelines that change frequently can leave you feeling bewildered and uncertain. Staying current with the guidelines is the best way to know when to schedule important women’s health screenings, like pap tests. Most women are used to scheduling their annual pap tests. However, leading medical organizations no longer recommend yearly...
Sexually active individuals are vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). While having sex with new partners may increase your risk of STDs, anyone can get them. The team at Patel & Patel MD, Inc., in South Charleston, West Virginia, provides knowledgeable, compassionate, and nonjudgmental support for all of your STD...
Nearly one of every two adults in the US has high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. In many cases, high blood pressure is preventable. If you develop high blood pressure, you must speak with a health care provider about ways to manage it. Family medicine primary care physician Leela...
You’re right to feel alarmed if you notice any bleeding after intercourse. Even if you only see slight spotting, it’s still a good idea to have it checked out. Most of the time bleeding after sex isn’t due to anything serious; however, abnormal bleeding could be a sign of an underlying issue....
Ovarian cysts are sacs in or on the surface of the ovary. Most are harmless, but in some cases they can grow large or cause an obstruction. If you’ve recently found out that you have ovarian cysts, it’s natural to wonder how ovarian cysts may impact your health. You’re in...
Living well with diabetes means knowing how it impacts different aspects of your health so that you can make the right lifestyle adjustments and form a strong partnership with a health care provider. Board-certified OB/GYN Kiran Patel, MD, women’s health specialist Leela Patel, MD, and our clinical team strive to provide the...
Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual periods that are unusually heavy or long. Many women experience heavy flow days, but unusually heavy periods are something to pay attention to. With unusually heavy periods, the flow is so heavy that it’s more than a minor nuisance. It can cause you...
Birth control provides women the freedom and comfort to live their lives without the stress and concern of unintended pregnancies. There are various methods of contraception, including intrauterine devices (IUDs). Your lifestyle, health, and when you intend to have children are all factors to consider when choosing the birth control that’s right...
Heavy periods are not only distressing, they can interfere with your day to day life in a major way. Women with unusually heavy periods commonly report missing school days and work days, and having to avoid social engagements. Unfortunately, many women deal with heavy periods for a long time before...
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that occurs when tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) develops outside of the womb. While endometriosis can develop anywhere in the body, it commonly occurs in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. Pelvic pain, painful periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding are common...
Routine gynecologic care, including your Pap smear is part of staying well. January is cervical health awareness month, an excellent opportunity to increase awareness about screening to prevent cervical cancer and help detect it early, when it’s easier to treat. Board-certified OB/GYN Kiran Patel, MD, and family medicine physician Leela...
Contraception is an essential part of health care and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for all women. Birth control is a safe and effective way to prevent unplanned pregnancies and gives you the power to decide when you’re ready to have children. When you start considering birth control options, you’ll...
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are about 100 different types of HPV and 14 of those increase your risk of cervical cancer. Our team of specialists at Patel & Patel...
A fertility evaluation conducted by a fertility specialist provides the information and answers couples and individuals need in the process of diagnosing and treating infertility. A wide variety of issues can cause problems with conception. Fortunately, most issues can be treated with fertility therapy. Board-certified OB/GYN, Kiran Patel, MD, and...
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are very common, affecting one in five women at some point in their lifetime. Owing to their anatomy, women are more likely to develop a UTI than men. Under normal circumstances urine moves through the urinary system free of bacteria. In some cases bacteria enter the...
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...
A Pap smear is an effective way to screen women for cervical cancer. Women should start Pap screening at the age of 21. Previously, the recommendation was to schedule a Pap smear annually. Today, Pap smears have improved, and so has our understanding of how long it takes for cervical...
You shouldn’t wait to tell your current or potential partner about your sexually transmitted disease (STD) status. Even though STDs are common, many people have a tough time talking about them. One of the challenges of dating is figuring out how and when to discuss things like your sexual history,...
Women have described the changes their body underwent during pregnancy as surprising, weird, and amazing. Regardless of which end of the spectrum you find yourself on, one thing is certain, your body will undergo some interesting changes throughout your pregnancy. Board-certified OBGYN Kiran Patel, MD, together with board-certified family medicine...
Infertility affects an estimated one in eight couples. There are many causes of infertility, and various factors that increase your infertility risk. Some risk factors are modifiable, meaning you can take steps to lower the risk. Other risk factors are outside of your control. If you’re struggling to conceive, it’s...
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common. More than 8 million people visit their doctor each year for UTI symptoms. Most UTIs aren’t serious, but sometimes a UTI can lead to complications, such as kidney and bladder infections. While UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics, there are some at-home remedies that...
Your monthly period can cause discomfort and downright inconvenience, but there are some changes to your monthly flow that you shouldn’t ignore. Bleeding between periods is one of them. Doctors call it intermenstrual bleeding and if you notice it happening, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare...
In December 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna. As the vaccine becomes available across the United States many women have questions about receiving the vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding. Because pregnant and breastfeeding women are typically...
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. This waxy substance isn’t a villain, however. Your body needs cholesterol to function properly. The goal is to maintain a healthy balance of cholesterol levels to keep your heart healthy and...
When it comes to contraceptives, women have more options than ever before — the pill, the patch, the shot, and the ring to name a few. But one contraceptive has been growing in popularity year after year — and for good reason. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) provide highly effective, long-term birth...
Around the world, every day, about one million sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are acquired. And in America, more than 20 million new cases of STDs are reported each year, many of which don’t come with obvious symptoms. STD testing is the only way to know for sure if you’re among...