OB/GYN Blog | Chattanooga, TN | Innovative Women's Health Specialists

Traveling Pregnant? 9 Things You Need to Know!

By Shevonda Sherrow • 15 Jul, 2019

If you are considering traveling pregnant, you may be nervous about going too far from home. The truth is, the second trimester could be the perfect time to vacation or visit other destinations. This is a time when morning sickness may subside and you still have quite a bit of energy. Talk to your physician before you go and enjoy this magical time before you give birth. Use the following tips for traveling while pregnant, and make yourself as safe and comfortable as possible: 01. Choose destinations wisely. Choose domestic destinations when vacationing during a pregnancy. Many airlines prohibit international travel after the second trimester, so make sure you have a note from your doctor when you must get to your destination during this time. Bring a copy of your medical records in case of emergencies. Make sure you have all vaccines needed and that they are safe to receive in pregnancy. 02. Think before you book. The Second trimester is the best stage for traveling, as you are likely over morning sicknes

Tips for Healthy Aging

By Shevonda Sherrow • 25 Jun, 2019

Many people fear growing older, wondering about changes in bodily functions and gray hair. However, the aging process brings positive changes and can be enjoyable if you understand the changes going on in your body and maintain total body wellness. To provide additional reassurances of a happier journey through aging, we have provided some tips to help you maintain your health no matter what your age. THINK IT THROUGH. Engaging in stress-relieving or stress-management practices can boost your optimism and strengthen your satisfaction with the life you are living. You might find using yoga or meditation will give your brain a boost in happiness and strengthen your mind. ACT ON ACTIVITY. Although you might feel like your body is wearing down, there is still so much potential left inside! It doesn’t have to be as drastic as running a marathon, but doing aerobics, walking, or other blood-pumping activities several times a week can improve your circulation, maintain heart health, and strengthen and tone muscles

7 Popular Birth Control Alternatives for Modern Women

By Shevonda Sherrow • 25 Jun, 2019

When it comes to preventing pregnancy, most people think of birth control pills and condoms as their only options. While you certainly can rely on these measures, there are plenty of other birth control alternatives you can use instead. Listed below are seven popular contraceptive options that are perfect for women who want to avoid getting pregnant without relying on traditional methods. sleek modern looking woman IUD An IUD, or intrauterine device, is placed inside the woman’s uterus. IUD’s can remain effective for 5 to 10 years depending on the brand. IUDs make it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg, and they’re very effective. IUD’s are effective in preventing pregnancy from 99.9% to 98.9%. An IUD is a long-lasting and low-maintenance option that can also make menstrual periods lighter and shorter.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) including HPV : Facts that you should know

By Shevonda Sherrow • 25 Jun, 2019

Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) affect over 20 million Americans, with all ages and genders being susceptible. These infections are spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, and awareness is key to reducing the likelihood of spreading a disease to your partner or becoming infected yourself. Getting the facts about STI’s and talking to your healthcare provider is important to maintaining sexual health. Here we will outline some of the more common STI’s and how to treat or eliminate them. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) including HPV : Facts that you should know HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) This is the most common sexually transmitted infection; 79 million Americans have contracted the infection. HPV is a virus that can be spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact; sexual intercourse is not required for infection to occur, although is most commonly spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Anyone sexually active can become infected, and symptoms are often rarely noticed or even exp

Menstrual Cycle: What Every Young Woman Needs to Know

By Shevonda Sherrow • 25 Jun, 2019

There are a number of ways women reference their menstrual cycle this day in age and each woman has their own individual feelings about it too. Even with the wealth of information out there about this particular time in your life a lot of women actually don’t know much about their reproductive cycle or what is happening in their body. The fact of the matter is, and as corny as it sounds, it really is a miraculous time in a young girl’s life. This is going touch on some of the basic info about your menstrual cycle but also cover some more in-depth issues and information you may not know. PUBERTY AGE Most girls will start their periods between the ages of 10 and 16. This is the stage of puberty when your body starts preparing itself to become pregnant (and yes, you can get pregnant before your first menstrual cycle). Even though this is the common age of young girls to start having their period it is not the “rule”. It is different for every girl and can fall far outside of the norm. Some young woman, especia

Spring Cleaning -Women’s Health for Spring and Summer

By Shevonda Sherrow • 25 Jun, 2019

Although our good friend Phil predicted six more weeks of winter, it won’t be long before we feel the effects of spring. Gentle breezes, more daylight, and warm rays of sun are few reasons to be excited about the weather changes occurring. But did you know, a woman’s body experiences changes during seasonal changes as well? Learn how to you can take care of your body’s needs and avoid fads that might complicate a positive adjustment to seasonal changes. SKIN CARE As the seasons change, air temperature and moisture levels can impact your skin. Too much humidity can create an excess of oil and sweat causing blocked pores and acne. If the air is too dry, the skin will dry and become sensitive,cracked, or irritated. Maintaining the balance of moisture absorption in your skin can be helped with the right skin care regimen, such as cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizers. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home can also work to balance the air quality. BREATHING ISSUES Speaking of air quality, spring pro

Importance of Visiting an OB/GYN Before Age 21

By Shevonda Sherrow • 25 Jun, 2019

Many females are familiar with the routine yearly visit to their gynecologist, but for most, the annual exam did not begin until their mid-twenties. There are numerous reasons for encouraging women to keep their yearly gynecological exam, but these do not just apply to older women. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that female teens and young adults who have not yet reached their 21st birthday should follow a routine exam schedule as there are plenty of benefits from early attention to gynecological health. For mothers of teenage girls, it is helpful to know why these visits are necessary. There are five primary reasons for females between the ages of 13-21 to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN). Although the first visit may simply involve a talk covering family history, menstrual history, sexual activities, and what to expect during exams, future appointments will proactively address health, periods, sexuality and relationships, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted d

Social Media….Mirror, Mirror on the wall…

By Shevonda Sherrow • 25 Jun, 2019

One of the breakout songs of 2015 highlighted the important of our image in society. When the Chainsmokers released “Let’s Take a Selfie,” a seemingly innocent craze suddenly identified just how much of our lives are consumed by what we look like, who we are with, how well we are doing, and how much we are liked. Sure, it’s fun to snap photos with friends and capture crazy memories, but how much of our duck lips and #selfies are identifying reality. Be honest, why don’t we see more #diaperchange selfies. Perhaps because they aren’t the cool image people want to see or perhaps because they aren’t the ticket to being liked and popular. OMG. Maybe if I pull out the selfie stick we can get better rating on this post. #NOT This isn’t about me; it’s about you and what is dictating your drive for the “perfect body image”. It’s no secret that our society promotes thinner is better. Blondes have more fun. Skimpy equals sexy. Buff and tan is the way to go. Designer clothes get you places. Even the car you drive- accord

10 Concerns about HPV

By Shevonda Sherrow • 25 Jun, 2019

According the CDC, approximately 14 million new infections of the human papillomavirus (HPV) will occur each year within the US, and there are already about 79 million Americans currently infected. HPV is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection here in the United States, and increased awareness of the infection as well as increased promotion of the HPV vaccine are counteractive measures being taken by healthcare providers all over the country.The idea of being infected can bring fear and worry, but understanding HPV, the vaccine, and associated risk factors will guide you through the decisions necessary to maintain the best possible health for your body. The risks are not simply for females; males contract and transmit HPV also. It is important to consider provider guidance for decisions about sexual health, but let us share ten facts about HPV that might answer some of your questions. 1. HPV is not a sign of sexual indiscretion or infidelity. HPV is a very common virus, passed from one person

Adenomyosis: What You Need to Know

By Shevonda Sherrow • 25 Jun, 2019

Having an OB/GYN provider that you are comfortable with is the first step in ensuring your reproductive health. Being able to engage in conversations that might seem uncomfortable with a caring and supportive physician makes it easier to discuss the changes you are experiencing in your body. Starting with puberty, the female body experiences many changes over the course of time, and some of the monthly experiences with ovulation or your menstrual cycle can bring concerning side effects or discomforts. Not knowing if the changes are normal might be alarming, but often women are embarrassed to talk about what they are experiencing. By being honest and open with your OB/GYN about the details of pains, discomfort, discharges, or flow of your cycle, your provider is able to help diagnosis conditions that are abnormal and causing harm to your uterus, cervix and reproductive organs. One such condition is adenomyosis. Who is affected? Often occurring in women over the age of 35 and who have had a least one child,