Hormone Replacement Therapy
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) consists of using two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Menopause is a naturally occurring event in the lives of all women. One third of your life will...
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones lose mass, becoming thin and weak. Some bone loss is to be expected as part of the aging process, but with osteoporosis the bone loss is so severe that it causes bones to become porous, brittle, and likely to break. The...
What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?
More than 60 viruses make up what is known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). These viruses can cause warts anywhere on the human body. The HPV types that attack the genital tract are sexually transmitted.
Monthly Breast Exam
Ninety percent of breast lumps are found by the women performing self breast exams. By examining your breasts monthly, you will become familiar with your breasts and more likely to notice any changes. You are looking for any change in your breast. You can...
Am I in Labor?
How exciting! The day you have been preparing for is finally approaching. Soon your baby will be born. You are probably feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. You may also be tired and irritable as the baby gets larger. Your due date is based on the first...
What do I Need to do Now that I’m Expecting?
Pre-register with hospital We deliver at Christ Hospital located at 2139 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219, (513)585-2000. Consider a birth plan If you have a birth plan, please share it with your provider. If desired, there are several options to provide pain...
How Can I Tell if I’m in False Labor?
How Can I Tell if I am in False Labor? False labor can occur about the time you would be expecting labor to begin. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between false labor and true labor without a doctor checking your cervix for changes. One good way to...
Everything You Need To Know About Breastfeeding
What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding? When possible, we recommend breastfeeding your baby. Mother?s milk contains all the essential nutrients needed during the first 4 to 6 months of life, in an easily digestible form. Breast milk also contains antibodies to protect...
Vaginal Infections
What Are Vaginal Infections? Vaginal infections are the most common gynecologic disorder. Many of the agents that cause vaginal infections are normally found in the vagina in small numbers. The normal vaginal flora generally keeps the agents from overgrowing. Whenever...
Thyroid Disorders
What Is the Thyroid? The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that regulates the body's metabolism and organ function. The gland is located across the base of the neck below the Adam's apple and in front of the windpipe. The thyroid produces hormones that affect nearly...
HIV and AIDS
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the most severe form of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). AIDS was first reported in 1981 and is now a worldwide epidemic. HIV progressively destroys the cells of the immune system thereby damaging the body's ability to...
Human Papilloma Virus and Condyloma (Venereal Warts)
HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, may well be the STD of the new millennium. The virus has been studied for a relatively short time but already 80 different genotypes have been identified in the US. Approximately 20 to 30 are known to infect the genital area. Even though...
Pubic Lice, Crabs
What Are Pubic Lice or Crabs? Public lice, or crabs, is the common name for Pediculosis. Pediculosis is a tiny crab-like parasite that is usually found in the pubic hair of infected men and women, and occasionally in the hair of the chest, armpits, eyelashes and...
Molluscum Contagiosum
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral infection of the skin caused by the pox virus. Molluscum contagiosum most often affects young children who pass it to each other through saliva while in adults the virus is sexually transmitted....
Hepatitis
What Is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses or other factors, including alcohol abuse, certain medications or physical trauma. Some cases of hepatitis are not a serious threat to health, but the disease can become chronic...
Syphilis
What Is Syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by small spiral-shaped bacteria called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis once caused devastating epidemics, but it can now be easily diagnosed by a blood test and effectively treated with antibiotics....
Genital Herpes
What Is Genital Herpes? Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection that is most often acquired through sexual contact. The viruses that cause genital herpes are related to the group of viruses that include chicken pox and mononucleosis. Herpes Simplex Virus 1...
Gonorrhea
What Is Gonorrhea? Gonorrhea is a curable sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is spread through sexual intercourse, whether it is vaginal, oral or anal. Gonorrhea can also be passed to a newborn during delivery....
Chlamydia
What Is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the US, affecting 3-5 million women and men a year. It has been referred to as a "silent epidemic" because the infection has no symptoms in 2/3 of all infected women and half of...
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
HIV and AIDS are the most feared of all the sexually transmitted diseases and generally the first to come to mind. The other STDs are more prevalent, though. In order to prevent any STD it is important to know how they are spread, the common symptoms and how they are...
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as PCOS, is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. Affecting up to 10% of the population PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility and is associated with long-term health risks of heart...
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease? Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, also known as PID, is not a single illness. It is a broad term covering a variety of infections of the internal reproductive organs including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, ligaments supporting...
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
What Is a LEEP Procedure? LEEP is a procedure to treat abnormal cells, also called dysplasia, on your cervix. Cells on your cervix are constantly growing and changing. Sometimes these cells grow and change abnormally. These abnormal cells are usually first noticed on...
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is a procedure which allows your physician to look directly at your reproductive organs using an instrument called a laparoscope. This diagnostic procedure allows your doctor to see problems that could not be seen with a pelvic exam, x-rays, or...
Colposcopy
What is a colposcopy? A colposcopy is an outpatient procedure to view the cervix and the vagina through a high-powered microscope called a colposcope. The colposcope looks like a pair of binoculars attached to a stand. It does not enter the vagina. Direct examination...
Pap Test
What Is a Pap Test? The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a screening test for cervical cancer. The test can detect changes in the cells on the cervix. These changes may be cancerous, pre-cancerous, or caused by inflammation. Why Is a Pap Smear Needed Every 3-5 Years? Even...
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
What Is Premenstrual Syndrome? Premenstrual Syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS, is a term used to describe the symptoms many women experience one to two weeks before the beginning of their period. Physical symptoms, accompanied by mood swings and depression, are...
Everything you Need to Know about Labor & Delivery
When will I know I'm in labor? It can be difficult to know exactly when you are in labor, especially if this is your first pregnancy. If you are unsure if labor is beginning, please do not hesitate to call. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and erratic...
Optional Testing During Pregnancy
There are various options, both non-invasion and invasive, for Down Syndrome screening. Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder, also known as Trisomy 21, which causes lifelong mental and physical delays in development and increases the risk of other diseases. DS is...
What are Common Symptoms of Pregnancy?
Nausea/Vomiting ? feeling nauseous during the first three months of pregnancy is very common. For some women, it can last longer, while others may not experience it at all. Try to eat 5-6 smaller meals a day in order to keep your stomach full at all times. Try bland...
What is Umbilical Cord Blood Banking and Should I do it?
Your baby is born with a lifesaving gift: cord blood stem cells. After a baby is born and the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut, some blood remains in the blood vessels of the placenta and the attached portion of the umbilical cord. This cord blood and cord...
Can I Change My Cat’s Litter Box during Pregnancy?
Cat feces may contain a parasite that can cause a serious infection. This infection can lead to birth defects. The chance of becoming infected is small, but it is best to be cautious. You should not change the kitty litter if at all possible. If you have to change the...
What Nutritional Needs do I Have while Pregnant?
Eating right during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. The amount of weight gained during pregnancy can affect the immediate and future health of a woman and her infant. Excessive weight gain puts patients at risk for...
What are My Exercise Guidelines while Pregnant?
Regular exercise is important during pregnancy to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Walking, swimming, bicycle riding, and prenantal exercise classes are all recommended. You may continue normal sports activity, although it is not the time to take up a new sport. The...
What are Some Common Discomforts during Pregnancy?
Diarrhea - If diarrhea occurs, increase your fluids by at least 6 to 8 glasses a day. Avoid milk or milk products until the diarrhea has resolved. Follow the BRATT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, tea, or toast. If you obtain no relief in 24 hours of the BRATT diet,...
What Foods Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?
Raw Meat ? Avoid uncooked seafood and undercooked beef or poultry Deli meat ? This is safe if it is toasted or heated to kill bacteria Unpasteurized anything ? cheeses, milk, juices, ciders ? soft cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe. Smoked seafood ?...
Molar Pregnancy
A molar pregnancy is also called gestational trophoblastic disease, or a hydatiform mole. It is a rare condition where a fertilized egg degenerates into a growth of abnormal placental tissue. The incidence of molar pregnancy is 1 in 1500-2000 pregnancies. Symptoms and...
Can I have Intercourse while Pregnant?
Intercourse can be a normal activity during pregnancy. Unless there is a specific problem with the pregnancy, such as bleeding, or preterm contractions, sexual intercourse is safe during pregnancy. It may be necessary to experiment with position and depth of...
What About Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs during Pregnancy?
Is Smoking Harmful During Pregnancy? When a woman smokes, blood vessels constrict, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the baby. In addition, the fetus is exposed to carbon dioxide, tar, and nicotine. Women who smoke during pregnancy have a...
Can I Color My Hair while Pregnant?
According to hair styling experts, chemicals used to color hair are not dangerous to use during pregnancy. It is safe to get your hair colored, highlighted or permed in a well-ventilated room. , However, because of the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, the...
Is it Safe to Travel while Pregnant?
Travel by any mode of transportation is considered safe up to the seventh month of pregnancy. If traveling by car, it is advisable to stop every 1 to 2 hours to stretch and move your legs. Eat healthy snacks and take along lots of water to drink in the car. Always use...
Bleeding During Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is always a concern for the expectant mother. There are many causes of vaginal bleeding and often the bleeding will resolve without intervention. Since the bleeding may pose a risk to you or the fetus you should always alert your...
Heavy Bleeding
You're suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding; your doctor calls it menorrhagia. You don't really care what it's called, as long as it can be resolved. Today, an exciting new breakthrough offers you a treatment that is at once quick, simple, safe and complete. The...
Fibrocystic Breast Changes
**The information contained here is for educational purposes or to answer questions you may have about fibrocystic breast changes. If you discover a lump in your breast, or have a discharge from a nipple, you should contact your physician. What Is Fibrocystic Breast...
Fibroids
Fibroids are tumors consisting of an overgrowth of muscle and connective tissue. Fibroids may grow into the uterine cavity or may be confined within the uterine wall. Under most circumstances, they are benign. Twenty-five to fifty percent of women have fibroids and...
Endometriosis
What Is Endometriosis? Endometriosis strikes 10 to 20% of American women. It is a common cause of pelvic pain. In endometriosis, endometrial tissue (tissue from the lining of the uterus) is found outside the uterus. This tissue builds up and breaks down with the...
Are Hot Tubs and Tanning Unsafe during Pregnancy?
Are Hot Tubs Safe? We do not recommend any water hot enough to raise the core body temperature of a pregnant woman, since a marked increase in maternal temperature may adversely affect the baby. Even with tub baths, the water should not be hot enough to cause your...
Gestational Diabetes
What Is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes is diabetes, or glucose intolerance, that occurs during the second half of pregnancy. It occurs in approximately 3% of all pregnant women. With the birth of the baby, blood sugars usually return to normal levels. Your...
4-D Ultrasounds
What is four-Dimensional Ultrasound? We are pleased to be the first practice in Greater Cincinnati to offer our patients the latest technological advance in prenatal imaging ? four-dimensional ultrasound. This innovative technology shows your developing baby in...
Miscarriage
Approximately 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Most miscarriages take place in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, although miscarriage can happen any time before 20 weeks.Most miscarriages cannot be prevented. This is nature?s way of ending a pregnancy...