MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'gyn'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:05:55 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181950&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FR43K41BPmKM%2Faesculap-unveils-cinch-organ-retractor-for-laparascopic-surgery.html Aesculap has released the Cinch Organ Retractor for laparoscopic surgery, a device specially designed by Dr. Carlos Galvani from the University of Arizona to retract organs during reduced and single-port surgery. More from the company: The Aesculap Cinch Organ Retractor contains mostly reusable components that can be easily manipulated to improve surgical exposure, while the silicone band allows for a wide range of retractor placement. The Aesculap Cinch Organ Retractor does not block trocar access during a procedure, and clip application and removal is easy and safe. Advantages of the Cinch Organ Retractor: The Cinch Organ Retractor does not block any trocar access during the procedure, since the application forceps can be withdrawn after the clip has been applied. The Cinch Organ Retr... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181950 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:29:51 +0100 5181950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169550&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-perils-of-fetal-sex-selection-terminating-pregnancies-based-on-babys-gender%2F2011.08.26 What would you do if you discovered early in your pregnancy that you were pregnant with a girl when you wanted a boy? Would you terminate the pregnancy? With the advent of a new DNA test that can determine the sex of a fetus at 7 weeks gestation with a simple blood or urine test, fetal sex selection is now possible. However, before you proceed to pop the cork on your bottle of champagne, a word of precaution is warranted. The Chinese and India dilemmas present a global warning regarding the perils of fetal sex selection. Boys now outnumber girls in China and India and competition is fierce regarding finding a wife or a mate. According to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), by the year 2020, there will be between 30 to 40 million more boys than girls in China and the statistics i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169550 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:00:03 +0100 5169550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139738&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fresearch-shows-that-a-pregnant-womans-diet-might-influence-babys-palate%2F2011.08.17 Attention, pregnant women!  The foods you eat now might influence your babies’ palates after they are born.  New research published in the journal Pediatrics, shows that the fetus actually drinks amniotic fluid in the womb.  The amniotic fluid is flavored by the foods the mother has recently eaten and flavors can be transmitted to the amniotic fluid and mother’s milk. It makes sense that as the baby is developing, memories are being created by a sense of taste.  Could what a mother eats influence food preferences and odor preferences for life?  Researchers fed babies cereal flavored with carrot juice vs. water.  They showed that babies who experienced daily carrots in amniotic fluid or mother’s milk ate more carrot-flavored cereal and made less negative faces when e... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139738 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0100 5139738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125820&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FvBnewgNI6JA%2Fsquair-evacuates-surgical-smoke-to-reduce-or-aroma-of-roasted-human.html Via MedCity News we learn of an interesting new device from Nascent Surgical out of Eden Prairie, Minnesota that effectively evacuates almost all the smoke arising from coagulation or use of Bovies and similar electrosurgical devices. The SQUAIR, as the device is called, is placed around the incision site, with the line of the incision running down the opening of the device.  Once surgery has begun and the vacuum-like unit is hooked up, the SQUAIR sucks up any smoke coming off the patient without any attention given to it by the clinicians. Here’s a video introducing and demonstrating the operation of the SQUAIR: Product page: SQUAIR Surgical Smoke Capture System … More from MedCity News… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125820 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:25:26 +0100 5125820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118742&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FF9flVFJvahw%2Fballoon-catheter-for-bartholin-gland-cyst-treatment.html Cook Medical has launched the Word catheter, a silicone balloon catheter for the treatment of cysts of the Bartholin’s gland. It can be used after surgical drainage of the cyst, to keep the drainage lumen open so the cyst can fully heal without closing again (reducing recurrence) and without risking further infection. The silicone balloon is inserted into the cyst and inflated to hold the catheter in place, where it can stay for up to 28 days. Press release: Cook Medical Launches Word Catheter to Treat Cysts of the Bartholin Gland… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118742 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:43:05 +0100 5118742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103344&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstrokes-are-quite-common-in-pregnant-women-how-can-they-be-prevented%2F2011.08.05 According to CDC, there has been a 54 percent increase in the number of pregnant women who’ve had strokes in 1995 to 1996 and in 2005 to 2006. While this may surprise some researchers, it certainly would not surprise clinicians who take care of pregnant women who have risk factors such as obesity, chronic hypertension or a lack of prenatal care. Ten percent of strokes occur in the first trimester, 40 percent during the second trimester and more than fifty percent occur during the post partum period and after the patient has been discharged home. Hypertension was the cause of one-third of stroke victims during pregnancy and fifty percent in the post partum period. Hypertension accounted for one-third of stroke cases during pregnancy and fifty percent in the post partum period. Many stroke... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103344 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:00:21 +0100 5103344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077689&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-case-for-mammograms-friends-and-family-might-be-a-greater-influence-than-doctors%2F2011.07.28 Most women in their 40′s believe they should have annual mammograms, regardless of what screening regimen their doctor might recommend. So say researchers in Massachusetts who surveyed women (primarily white, highly educated) ages 39-49 presenting for annual checkups. They gave the women a fact sheet about the new USPSTF guidelines on mammogram screening in their age group, and asked them to read one of two articles either supporting or opposing the guidelines. The researchers then asked women about their beliefs, concerns and attitudes about breast cancer and mammogram screening. Here’s what they found - Women overwhelmingly want annual mammograms – Close to 90% of women surveyed felt they should have annual mammograms, regardless of what their doctor might recommend. Women... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077689 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:00:16 +0100 5077689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050785&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FcxZMPWN_nU8%2Fmaquet-releases-yuno-otn-advanced-surgical-table.html MAQUET has released a new versatile surgical table that’s future proof, capable of handling patients up to 1,000 pounds.  The unit is mobile and the company believes it can be used in all types of surgeries. The table features metal-free carbon-fiber structural components for radiotranslucency and easily adjustable components for quick and easy OR prep. Features from the product page: State-of-the-art technology: The YUNO OTN’s intelligent modular design makes it ideal for all operations in orthopedics, traumatology and neurosurgery. Its precise settings, impressive stability and exceptional radiotranslucency help surgeons work as accurately as possible. Excellent radiotranslucency: because of the table’s intelligent design and carbon fiber components, you no longer need to re-p... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050785 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:26:28 +0100 5050785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050787&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fq1QzTo3h4ws%2Ffloshield-laparoscopic-visualization-system-cleared-for-sale-in-europe.html Columbus, Ohio-based Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. has announced CE marking of its FloShield device, which keeps laparoscope lenses clean during procedures. Typically, the surgeon’s view is frequently obstructed by fog and debris buildup on the laparoscope lens, but the FloShield uses a constant stream of air across the lens to prevent this obstruction from occurring. The disposable device received FDA 510(k) approval three years ago, and is compatible with all 0, 30, and 45 degree 5 and 10mm laparoscopes. From the press release: The FloShield system provides for an uninterrupted clear view during laparoscopic procedures.  FloShield uses airflow from the insufflator to defog and deflect debris from the lens of the laparoscope without removing the scope from the abdominal cavity for c... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050787 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:33:17 +0100 5050787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028532&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FCyreUE_Uwgo%2Fnhs-approves-bd-focalpoint-for-automated-cervical-cancer-screening.html The United Kingdom National Health Service Cancer Screening Programmes (NHSCSP) has approved the use of automated technology that reduces the amount of cervical cancer screening samples needed to be examined by humans by 25%. The BD FocalPoint from Source BioScience can automatically analyze samples, giving a “no further review necessary” signal in cases that are all clear, with the remainder then being examined by a human being. 3.6 Million of these tests are being undertaken across England and Wales during one year, so use of this technology could lead to a significant reduction in laboratory workload and costs. The decision to approve the system was taken following recommendations from the Health Technology Assessment “MAVARIC” trial, published in March 2011, demonstrati... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028532 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:17:02 +0100 5028532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028336&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=36531&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FJeffreyMD%2F%7E3%2FOOUP2O7Ei_E%2F The following post originally appeared on Medscape’s The Differential on January 12, 2011. ***** Knowing I had recently completed a rotation in OB/GYN, a friend asked me how they (medical schools) make male medical students understand what their pregnant patients feel like. It was an interesting question. And it got me thinking about understanding what our patients go through – no matter their age, or sex, or condition. As medical students, there is not much discussion about how our patients feel. Sure, there are classes about human suffering. But these classes deal with generalities. Each patient experiences their condition in their own unique way. To draw upon the obstetrical cases, telling a woman that she is pregnant can be met with a variety of responses that range from fear ... JeffreyMD.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028336 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:28:24 +0100 5028336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008197&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-to-do-if-your-doctors-appointment-isnt-soon-enough%2F2011.07.07 A friend of mine had a hard time getting in to see her doctor for an urgent visit last week. Reeling from an unexpected and sudden family upset, she was depressed and anxious, unable to sleep or function, and her therapist was advising an antidepressant.  She called her family doc, who works at a large hospital-based multispecialty group, and told the woman at the call center that she wanted to see the doctor on an urgent matter. She was given an appointment 6 weeks in the future. Summoning her courage, my friend told the woman her story – and that she was really worried about herself and did not think she could wait that long. “Sorry, that is the best I can do” was the reply. Increasingly upset, my friend told the woman that if she had to wait that long, she just might kill hersel... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008197 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:00:32 +0100 5008197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975978&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F8WSGwRkGoO4%2Fscholly-fiberoptic-introduces-new-einstein-vision-3d-hd-robotic-laporoscopy-system.html Schölly Fiberoptic, traditionally an OEM manufacturer out of Denzlingen, Germany, has unveiled a new 3D laparoscopy system, the Einstein Vision. The system provides surgeons a high definition 3D look into the abdominal cavity via a joystick (or remote) operated robotic endoscope. The technology was just demonstrated for the first time at the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery Congress in Turin, Italy. Features from the product page: Fingertip high-precision control of 3D endoscope positioning by remote control or joystick Easy to maneuver camera into all required positions with patented arm technology Integrated camera-holding robotic arm Stable images allow comfortable viewing for a long time No change in cost per procedure from today’s laparoscopic surgeries... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975978 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:06:03 +0100 4975978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934404&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FuC3gfTzZPI4%2Fethicon%25e2%2580%2599s-enseal-g2-super-jaw-provides-improved-compression-and-heat-delivery.html Ethicon Endo-Surgery has announced the upcoming launch of its new ENSEAL G2 Super Jaw tissue sealer, which uses the company’s I-BLADE technology to allow for more uniform compression along the entire length of the device’s blade.  The company also claims the new sealer’s superior temperature control and less thermal spread make the device easier on tissues. From the press release: ENSEAL® G2 Super Jaw is gentle on tissue because it is designed to control temperature at the device-tissue interface. A polymer compound within the jaw uses Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) technology to modulate energy flow. It maintains a constant temperature of approximately 100 degrees Celsius, minimizing tissue sticking, charring and smoke. In addition, ENSEAL® G2 Super Jaw’s offset ele... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934404 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:18:33 +0100 4934404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921421&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fannual-ovarian-cancer-screening-does-more-harm-than-good%2F2011.06.10 In a large multicenter study enrolling over 70,000 women, annual screening with transvaginal pelvic ultrasound and ca125 blood testing did not reduce deaths from ovarian cancer, and in fact led to an increase in complications due to screening. Investigators in the NCI-sponsored Prostate, Lung and Ovarian Cancer (PLCO) Screening trial randomly assigned over 78,000 women age 55-64 years of age to either annual screening with transvaginal pelvic sonograms for 4 years plus CA125 testing for 6 years or usual care at 10 study sites across the US., and followed the groups for up to 13 years. Over that time period, ovarian cancer rates in the screened group were 5.7 per 10,000 person-years vs 4.7 per 10,000 persons-years in the usual care group, with 3.1 deaths vs 2.6 deaths per 10,000 person year... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921421 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:00:39 +0100 4921421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911483&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fegg-freezing-%25e2%2580%2593-not-as-successful-as-you-might-think%2F2011.06.08 NPR is running a typical media hype story on oocyte preservation (egg freezing), featuring the standard happy family photo with their “miracle” baby born after thawing and fertilizing a cryopreserved egg. It’s a heartwarming story and a pretty photo, but far from a complete picture of what women need to know about this still experimental fertility preserving procedure. Nowhere does the article tell women the actual success rates of occyte cryo-preservation. So before you run out to freeze your eggs, know this – the chance of having a pregnancy after egg freezing is less than a 50/50 shot – at most about 39%, according to the latest data.  That’s about the same odds you’d have if you just wait till 40 to try to get pregnant on your own. In addition, while somewhere between 1... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911483 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:53 +0100 4911483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902416&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fbookjpg.jpg Of the 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year, approximately 12.3 percent of them will be premature and 3.56 percent will occur before 34 weeks. Premature birth is one of the leading causes of severe handicaps and has an annual cost of approximately $26 billion dollars. Although risk factors for preterm labor have been identified, there is still no cure. As stated in a previous blog post, when the cervix becomes weak (a condition called cervical insufficiency), the patient is at risk for second trimester miscarriages and preterm labor. Also, if a patient has a previous history of premature birth then she needs her cervix measured in a future pregnancy.  If her cervix is short and measures between 16 mm and 25 mm before 23 weeks, she is at risk for premature labor and delivery. The re... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902416 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:00:23 +0100 4902416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862544&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcontraception-i-pocketcards-med-student-cheat-sheets-for-iphone%2F2011.05.25 “A baby crying is the best birth control.” – Anonymous Despite a world full of crying babies, access to effective and timely contraception remains a pressing women’s health issue. All students in the health professions learn the basics of contraception.  Most health care professionals will prescribe contraception at some point in their training or clinical practice.  Some clinicians make contraception and family planning the primary focus of their practice. Contraception i-pocketcards is a resource for each of these health care providers – from the medical student working his first gynecologic clinic to the experienced ED doctor wondering which emergency contraceptive method to use in her patient with a history of DVT. Reviewed on the iPod Touch.  Also available on the iPhone... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862544 Wed, 25 May 2011 19:00:32 +0100 4862544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4847955&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsurgeons-who-refuse-to-treat-obese-women-liability-containment-or-discrimination%2F2011.05.20 In a nation with 93 million obese people, a few ob-gyn doctors in South Florida now refuse to see otherwise healthy women solely because they are overweight. Fifteen obstetrics-gynecology practices out of 105 polled by the Sun Sentinel said they have set weight cut-offs for new patients starting at 200 pounds or based on measures of obesity — and turn down women who are heavier. Some of the doctors said the main reason was their exam tables or other equipment can’t handle people over a certain weight. But at least six said they were trying to avoid obese patients because they have a higher risk of complications. Source: visiontoamerica.org/719/report-doctors-refusing-to-treat-overweight-patients/ While I have not specifically “refused to treat” obese patients, I have in a few cas... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4847955 Fri, 20 May 2011 22:00:14 +0100 4847955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841648&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FHDAK-yDk2xI%2Fbarcos-new-breast-tomosynthesis-monitor.html Barco has just received the first ever FDA approval for a computer monitor to be used for viewing breast tomosynthesis imagery.  Tomosynthesis involves sequential movie-like playback of images of the breast taken from different angles, so the monitor has to properly render each frame quickly and with precision. From the product page: RapidFrame ™: RapidFrame technology counteracts motion blur when scrolling through a stack of images due to a high pixel refresh rate. Per Pixel Uniformity™: PPU measures and adjusts the luminance of each pixel, making every pixel permanently DICOM compliant. SmoothGray™: SmoothGray generates ultra-precise representations of grayscale images and eliminates quantization artifacts, reducing the overall noise in the images. DuraLight Nova™: the DuraLig... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841648 Wed, 18 May 2011 19:40:38 +0100 4841648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813290&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F350by403.jpg If a pregnant woman finds herself scratching and itching during the third trimester, these symptoms should not be ignored. Each year, approximately 0.1 to 15% of pregnant women are affected by a liver disorder called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy or (ICP). ICP patients tend to develop symptoms of itchiness of their hands and feet that becomes progressively worse and then spreads all over their body. The itchiness usually worsens at night and if untreated can cause jaundice and several life-threatening complications to the unborn fetus. When a pregnant woman complaints of itchiness (pruritus) all over her body, the first order of business is to determine whether a rash is present. If a rash is absent, ICP should be suspected. The liver is the largest gland in the body and in additio... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813290 Tue, 10 May 2011 21:00:28 +0100 4813290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723805&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Folympian-impregnated-with-the-wrong-embryo%2F2011.04.17 Olympic winner and motivational speaker, Jim Stovall once said “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” In September 2009, I wrote about a blog about Carolyn Savage, a 40 year old woman with a poor obstetrical history. Savage married her college sweetheart and had an uncomplicated first pregnancy. However, her second child was born prematurely. She had 4 subsequent miscarriages and ten years later she became pregnant through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Because the Savages wanted a large family, they tried IVF again. Unfortunately, Savage was impregnated with the wrong embryo. To their credit, everyone rose to the highest level of integrity. The infertility clinic informed the Savage family as soon as the mistake was discovered and then gave them the option o... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723805 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:00:26 +0100 4723805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600633&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2011%2F03%2F11%2Fmisleading-meaningful-use-marketing%2F In one of my recent discussions with a reader of EMR and HIPAA, they said they loved this site because I don’t have any agenda. Then, they quickly clarified, your only agenda is to have transparency in the process. Your agenda is to bring to light all the information related to a certain topic so that doctors can make an informed decision. I think this reader hit it right on the head. I really don’t have an agenda. I’m generally pro-EHR, but I understand doctors misgivings on why they’re concerned about doing it. Although, I am completely fanatical about having transparency and good information (both good and bad) about the EMR and EHR process. That’s why I get all worked up when EMR advertising or EMR sales people provide misleading information. In fact, I ha... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600633 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:42:35 +0100 4600633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4445800&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsex-during-pregnancy-is-safe%2F2011.02.07 The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has published a new primer designed to help physicians when they counsel pregnant women. They note that sex during pregnancy is normal and is generally considered safe. The authors point out that there are very few proven contraindications and risks regarding intercourse in normal pregnancy. Pregnant women and their partners are often afraid to have sex. Men may think they are “invading” the home of the fetus and could actually harm the baby. In fact, the fetus is quite safe, ensconced in the uterus (womb) and the cervix (opening of the uterus) is closed in normal pregnancy. The penis has no contact with the fetus or the uterus during normal intercourse, no matter what the position. When is intercourse considered risky? Only f... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4445800 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:00:00 +0100 4445800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405774&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-every-pregnant-woman-needs-to-do-a-background-check%2F2011.01.27 The journey to a healthy pregnancy and delivery begins with the selection of a healthcare provider, and the challenge is to find the right one. This is the person who will be in charge of your pregnancy up until the time of the delivery, so it certainly is not a casual date. For the next 280 days your life and the life of your unborn child will be in this person’s hands. A background check is therefore in order. One of the best ways to find the right healthcare provider is by word-of-mouth referral from neighbors, friends, or family members however please don’t stop there. Labor and delivery nurses are also a great source of referral because they have seen physicians and midwives under their most vulnerable and challenging moments. Don’t feel intimidated about checking a provide... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405774 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:00:38 +0100 4405774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399738&cid=t_224270_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fa2v1MPzxI3E%2F January is National Cervical Cancer Screening Month. That’s something to celebrate, right? I speculum (I mean, speculate) that some of you have been putting off that annual exam for a while. But before you head over to your gyno and put your feet up (in stirrups), here’s a little primer/reminder on how and why getting into that unflattering annual position is so important. Much to the chagrin of most women, the speculum instrument is likely to be stuck in a gynecological time warp for some time. However, the good ol’ pap smear technique sure has come a long way. The odd and slightly gross name for this standard test comes from both Georgios Nicholas Papanikolaou – the Greek doctor who invented it in the late 1920s – and the test procedure: Back then the doc would take a swab ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399738 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:41:48 +0100 4399738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389183&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-poetry-of-labor%2F2011.01.23 Art imitates life, and there’s nothing more hilarious than art imitating a woman in labor. I “stumbled” upon this incredible video and was in awe. Thea Monyee and her husband, GaKnew Rowel, are talented young poets who share their parenting experience at a Def Poetry session in Los Angeles. What amazed me is the accuracy and clarity of Thea as she describes the laboring experience. Her comments regarding the labor-inducing medication Pitocin are both hilarious and laser-sharp and her description of the epidural placement were reminiscent of my days as an OB/GYN resident. Oh, would I get annoyed with the anesthesiology residents who couldn’t place the catheter correctly into a patient’s back on the first try. Thea and her husband are a delight to watch. Have you had a similar... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389183 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:00:57 +0100 4389183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337938&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcontraceptive-failures-a-reality-check%2F2011.01.12 The media has been buzzing over recent reports of pregnancies occurring in women using Implanon, a single rod progestin-only contraceptive inserted under the skin of the upper arm and lasting for up to three years. The headlines make it sound horrifying: “Hundreds Become Pregnant Despite Contraceptive Implanon” and “British Pregnancy Scare in UK Implicates Implanon.” I love how terminology can make something so common sound so frightening. Actually, what happened was that 584 pregnancies occurred in Britain among about 1.3 million women using Implanon, for a failure rate of .04 percent. In other words, the method had an efficacy of over 99 percent. That’s a pretty effective contraceptive if you ask me. But it should have been better than that As good as it may seem, this failur... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337938 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:00:45 +0100 4337938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331011&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcesarean-section-6-ways-to-prevent-complications%2F2011.01.11 Although I’ve been a proponent for the prevention of medical errors for years and wrote a book to address those issues, I think my obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) colleagues are finally catching on. Dr. Patrick Duff of the University of Florida’s OB/GYN department wrote an article in the December issue of the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology that caught my attention. In his article, “A Simple Checklist for Preventing Major Complications Associated with Cesarean Delivery,” Duff outlines steps that OB/GYNs should take in order to reduce complications during and after a cesarean section. Duff patterns his list after Dr. Atul Gawande’s book, “The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get it Right,” which has set the standard regarding reducing complications after su... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331011 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:00:15 +0100 4331011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4258865&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhrt-no-wonder-women-are-confused%2F2010.12.14 Confused about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? I can’t imagine why… *This blog post was originally published at tbtam* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4258865 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:00:57 +0100 4258865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237894&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-often-should-bone-density-testing-be-done%2F2010.12.07 Not as often as you think, even though Medicare may be willing to pay for it every two years. Via Science Daily: Now a new study led by Margaret L. Gourlay, MD, MPH of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine finds that women aged 67 years and older with normal bone mineral density scores may not need screening again for 10 years. “If a woman’s bone density at age 67 is very good, then she doesn’t need to be re-screened in two years or three years, because we’re not likely to see much change,” Gourlay said. “Our study found it would take about 16 years for 10 percent of women in the highest bone density ranges to develop osteoporosis. That was longer than we expected, and it’s great news for this group of women,” Gourlay said. The researchers sug... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237894 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:00:11 +0100 4237894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4219746&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Foocyte-preservation-egg-freezing-readily-available-yet-still-experimental%2F2010.12.01 Oocyte preservation, or egg freezing as it’s popularly called, is now being offered by over half of U.S. fertility clinics, and half of those not offering it now plan to do so in the future. This according to a national survey conducted in mid 2009 and reported this week in Fertility and Sterility. Over two-thirds of the 143 centers offering oocyte cryopreservation will do it electively, as opposed to those that offer it only to women undergoing cancer treatments that threaten their natural fertility. Go West, But Be Prepared To Pay Centers located in the Western part of the U.S. are more likely to offer elective egg freezing than those in the East. Not surprisingly, centers that only accept out of pocket (as opposed to insurance) payments were more likely to offer the procedure, ref... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4219746 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:00:59 +0100 4219746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190156&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhormonal-contraception-and-an-under-appreciated-effect%2F2010.11.21 Ask any third-year medical student how hormonal contraception prevents pregnancy, and they’ll probably tell you it prevents ovulation. What they won’t tell you is that this effect is variable and dose-dependent, and if we depended on it alone, hormonal contraception would be much less effective. That’s because of the very important, and in my opinion, much under-appreciated effect of hormonal contraception on cervical mucus. A Cervical Mucus Primer Fertile cervical mucus – which forms under the influence of rising estrogen levels in the first half of the menstrual cycle and is maximal around ovulation –- is thin, watery, clear and easy for sperm to traverse. Non-fertile mucus — which forms after ovulation and also in pregnancy under the influence of progesterone –- is... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190156 Sun, 21 Nov 2010 22:00:24 +0100 4190156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522616&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fvagina-monologue-10-things-we-shove-into-our-vaginas%2F Let’s face it. We women – and our partners and gynos – jam a lot of stuff up into our lady orifice. Some of these devices hurt (curse you, speculum!), others don’t (hello, vibrator!); many are liberating (contraception), others completely life-changing. (Can you imagine how your poor grandmother survived without tampons?) Here’s our top 10 list of weird shit we shove into our vaginas (well, penises aren’t really weird, but you get our meaning), proving just how strong, tolerant, resilient, and awe-inspiring we women are: 1. Speculum – High time for a re-design; this thing’s f.ing uncomfortable. (photo: Thinkstock) 2. IUD (Intrauterine Device) – T-shaped? Copper? Crazy! (photo: WebMD) 3. Tampons – Thank you for these, dear inventor, Dr. Earle Ha... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522616 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:23:03 +0100 3522616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378414&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Ffinally-a-man-who-really-knows-women%2F Meet Edward J. Gill, MD. By day, he’s Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Director of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, and Program Director of fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. Which is a long-winded way of saying that he’s really smart. By night, he practices yoga, swims, cooks, and builds furniture in his wood shop. Luckily for us, Dr. Gill will contribute regular posts to Blisstree and answer questions related to all of our “lady problems”. Seriously, why do men become gynecologists? (Sorry, but we’ve seen “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle,” and just had to ask.) That certainly comes up once in a while. In medical school, after ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378414 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:30:42 +0100 3378414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231442&cid=t_224270_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2FNtSnC_Go22M%2Fdesigner-obstetrics-cesarean-section-on.html Should women be able to request a cesarean section to deliver their baby just because they can? Cesarean Section on demand is defined as a primary or first cesarean section at the request of the mother in the absence of any medical or obstetrical indication. A cesarean section is usually done for maternal or fetal reasons in accordance with accepted medical practice and guidelines set forth by the American College of OB/GYN (ACOG). An electively requested cesarean section in an uncomplicated pregnancy has traditionally been considered inappropriate and not done by most obstetricians. However, in recent years this belief has been challenged and more obstetricians are honoring their patients decisions. ACOG, in their committee opinion No. 394, December 2007, outlines the most recent guidel... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231442 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:36:49 +0100 3231442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2152809&cid=t_224270_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F02%2F02%2Fcchit-certification-thoughts%2F I just came upon a blog post on the TempDev blog that talks about the expansion of CCHIT certification into a number of new specialty categories. It’s really interesting to look at the list of new categories: Behavioral Health Clinical Research Dermatology Oncology Advanced Interoperability Advanced Quality (in reference to Quality Measures) Advanced Clinical Decision Support Long Term Care OB/GYN As noted by Ben, these are in addition to the HIE and PHR categories added for 2009. Well, I never back away from a discussion about CCHIT. I just wonder why the Senate hasn’t called me up to a hearing to talk about CCHIT certification. Of course, my friend Al Borges would do much better than I, but I digress. After reading through Ben’s post about the expansion of CCHIT I had... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2152809 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:35:07 +0100 2152809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090330&cid=t_224270_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F08%2Freminiscences%2F Ok, I’m back online. This rotation is nearly over, which is a good thing, because honestly I’m more depressed, miserable, and angry than I’ve been in residency so far (except maybe on trauma; and that was made more tolerable by having friends around, residents and nurses I knew and trusted). Now I’m trying to figure out what to say when I get back “home,” because several of the residents were teasing me that I’m so optimistic, but the peds rotation would destroy me. They were mostly right; I’m just hoping it’s not permanent; and I don’t want to admit it to them. There were three rotations of second year that I knew would be absolutely horrible; one down (almost), two to go. Anyway, I’ve been remembering the things that made ... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090330 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:57:15 +0100 2090330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1744475&cid=t_224270_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F08%2F29%2Fnbocc-runwalk-for-her-september-21-2008%2F On Sunday, September 21, 2008, the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NBOCC) will conduct its annual 5K Run/3K Walk for Her. This walk is dedicated to those who have lost the battle to breast or ovarian cancer, and celebrates those who continue to fight. The event will start at 8:00 A.M. EDT and [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1744475 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:21:14 +0100 1744475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1727804&cid=t_224270_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F07%2F29%2Fnon-platinum-topotecan-drug-combination-therapy-provides-no-survival-advantage-over-topotecan-monotherapy%2F “In women with recurrent ovarian cancer, treatment with topotecan along with etoposide or gemcitabine offers no survival advantage over topotecan monotherapy, German and Austrian researchers report in the July 1st issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.” “In women with recurrent ovarian cancer, treatment with topotecan along with etoposide or gemcitabine offers no survival advantage over [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1727804 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:33:33 +0100 1727804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1325122&cid=t_224270_145_f&fid=35710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstoryofhealing.com%2F2008%2F03%2F25%2Ftop-3-thoughtful-reads-today-plus-an-overdue-rant%2F 1. Panda Bear, M.D.’s Defending the Pie. A clarifying thought on medical quackery, “dis-ease”, and what one should be conscious of as a potential patient. Sure, anybody can see somebody with a cold or some other minor complaint and the odds are good that nothing they do, provided they don’t get too jiggy with it, will do much harm. But let’s suppose that you have never rotated on a medical service or done your share of critical care. Suppose you have never worked in an emergency department or spent a few sloppy months on the labor and delivery floor. Imagine, if you can, seeing a provider for your family’s medical care who is treating your kids but has never had a lick of formal pediatric training or so little that she has never seen the really bad pediatric disease... the story of healing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1325122 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:16:27 +0100 1325122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1057277&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F192035365%2F In two common infections of the vagina, bacterial vaginosis (and sometimes in trichomonas vaginalis) your doctor may do a “whiff” test, where he or she takes some discharge, drops some potassium hydroxide on it (a base, KOH) and smells it for a fishy, foul odor. The base causes some foul-smelling amines to be released: cadaverine and putrescine. What great names. Interestingly, some women will complain of foul odor after intercourse, and the reaction is the same: semen is basic, and when it mixes with the discharge, you get the same release of cadaverine and putrescine. Cool (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1057277 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:01:32 +0100 1057277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015722&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F182024373%2F If you ever had any interest in knowing what Violet the Vulva looked like from my standardized patient encounter last month, look no further. Tyra Banks and guest doctor provide said puppet, and an educational lesson to boot! (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015722 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:45:50 +0100 1015722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=998581&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F178381591%2F This is a post about immigration from an obstetric point of view. I’ve seen (and delivered) a number of 1st generation immigrants over the past several weeks, and come to understand the immigration debate from a totally new point of view: governments, laws, and artificial borders versus the human spirit. I have no idea if these women I saw were here legally or not–I know that any woman in active labor must be cared for by EMTALA law, but most of the women I saw had some degree of previous prenatal care, even if it was late. I probably used to know the policy and laws of insurance and everything, but my brain had to delete those to make room for the plethora of OB-Gyn facts I’ve been cramming in there recently. I was most amazed by a woman at 39 weeks who arrived in this c... over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=998581 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:01:54 +0100 998581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=993116&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F177694741%2F Bonus perk to OB and L&D, besides the happy-happy joy-joy stuff and everyone’s in a good mood and telling a patient “Congratulations” gains you instant rapport with them: some of the best ice to chew on can be found in the L&D and post-partum floors. As an avid ice cruncher, good ice makes all the difference. Still first place ice in my heart: my grandmother’s old nursing home (but this will likely always be number one, as me getting my grandmother ice was one way I felt like I could make her feel better). (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=993116 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:12:43 +0100 993116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=982516&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F175399251%2F I was just working with Dr. Druzin yesterday in our perinatal diagnostic center, observing amniocenteses and interpreting fetal strips with him, and today I see him quoted in the WSJ Health Blog about fetal heart tracings. Pretty cool. (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=982516 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:59:37 +0100 982516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=976314&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F174483637%2F Before my week on Labor and Delivery (affectionately known as “L&D”), thoughts danced through my head about what I’d be blogging about. Joyous, momentous, wondrous times delivering new humans into the world, tears falling from everyone’s eyes; laughter and hugs and happiness and rainbows and unicorns. But no no, dear readers, no rainbows radiated from any of my patients’ vaginas. In fact, I felt very little happiness at all. I’ve come to realize that there’s one particular emotion that beats out happiness, joy, excitement, and all that sweetness. And that would be fear. Now I will be the first to admit that my first observed delivery (the “see one” in the see-one-do-one-teach-one methodology) was crazy happy. It went smoothly, I ha... over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=976314 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:06:53 +0100 976314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=947271&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F169164671%2F Lesson 573: Just because your patient is named “Betsy” or “Kelly” does not mean she speaks English. You will look less stupid if you ask first, instead of rapidly explaining her pap smear and ultrasound results in English for two minutes, only for her to finally get up the courage to interrupt you. That is all. (Also, “discharge” in Spanish is “secreción” or “reflujo.”) (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=947271 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 23:56:49 +0100 947271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=944504&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F168536269%2F According to my patient Virginia: Write a book about sex for older people! I’m comfortable talking about it, but most of us aren’t, but we should be–we have so many questions! (Of course right after I post about patients not wanting to see a male student, Virginia was incredibly warm and welcoming, totally open to talking about everything.) (Of course right after Virginia I was politely asked to leave by the next patient.) (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=944504 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 17:20:30 +0100 944504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=944506&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F168474162%2F I’m sure my male classmates will back me up on this one: I swear, every time I knock on a door, open it and say hello, I get a little look of awkwardness and discomfort from my patients. It’s a mix of surprise, disappointment and disapproval. Only once has a patient said, “Wow, great, a male in the field, you don’t really see that very often anymore!” Maybe I’m over calling it, and some of it is just made up in my head, a product of my own insecurity with the exam–but I swear it’s there at least half of the time. In some ways, it makes me try harder, which I guess is a good thing. I try to be even more respectful and caring; I try to make even more outward shows of compassion than I do already. Empathize, use normalizing statements (”I ... over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=944506 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:04:07 +0100 944506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=942960&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F168276947%2F Margaret Cho has this great bit about her experience with hematuria, and finally it is somewhat relevant enough to post! (I have no idea who she saw that employs a “vagina washer,” but maybe that’s how it works in the private OB-Gyn world. Who knows.) (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=942960 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 05:28:38 +0100 942960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=938691&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F167626797%2F A friend just told me about a co-worker who smoked throughout her pregnancy but when offered an epidural during labor she initially declined, citing that “she didn’t want to hurt the baby.” (She later accepted the epidural.) Her child did well without complications, weighing a healthy 8 pounds. (Let’s just hope the child is a miracle baby, and doesn’t develop asthma from mom’s continued smoking.) (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=938691 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:45:24 +0100 938691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=935220&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F167143406%2F Nice mnemonic for the phases of puberty / sexual development in girls: Boobs, pubes, grow and flow. (In medical lingo that’s thelarche, adrenarche, growth spurt, and menarche.) (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=935220 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:16:50 +0100 935220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=931065&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F165747094%2F A psychologist in New Mexico has found variation in strippers’ incomes based on their menstrual cycle: lower average incomes while menstruating, and higher average incomes while ovulating. Women on birth control pills had no variation in their incomes. This of course led my OB-Gyn resident to suggest an IUD–they’ll earn more money but won’t get pregnant! (Source: over my med body!) over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=931065 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:13:42 +0100 931065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=926180&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F165066969%2F During my OB-Gyn rotation, I’ve been working with the great staff of our local Planned Parenthood, and let me just say: Planned Parenthood rocks. I will admit, fully ignorant of Planned Parenthood beforehand, I thought I’d be doing abortion evaluations. Planned Parenthood equals abortions. That was the extent of my knowledge. I spoke with friends–well-educated, public health-type friends, and that was their same response. “So, did you do any abortions today?” I was so far, far off base it’s not even funny.* In fact, it may sound ironic, but I’m pretty confident when I say this: No matter what your feelings are about the subject, there would be more abortions performed in this country if Planned Parenthood didn’t exist. Let me explain. The pat... over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=926180 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 06:09:05 +0100 926180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=925314&cid=t_224270_145_f&fid=35710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fksdescartin.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F10%2F03%2Fdesperation-of-sorts-sensitivity-respect-please%2F These messages came through my email for the past day. Yes, we do have a sense of humor. Though another’s (like the writers of Desperate Housewives, perhaps?) insecurities should not be on another’s (like the Filipinos, for one?) expense. Anyhow, I thought I should just post it for all the reactions, non-reactions and overreactions out there. What follows is a segment of Desperate Housewives Season Premiere: What the network thought was funny for the show is not at all funny for the subject of their humor line: If you are interested to sign the petition, you may click on the photo-document above or here. (Source: the story of healing) the story of healing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=925314 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:55:43 +0100 925314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=911809&cid=t_224270_93_f&fid=34691&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fovermymedbody%2F%7E3%2F162564836%2F The dreaded standardized patient pelvic exam was much less dreaded this time around. In contrast to Boobies, written three and a half years ago (seems much longer than that), the breast, genital, and rectal exams are no longer cause for alarm for me. They’re no longer mysterious, frightening territories full of stigma and social awkwardness, amazingly. Six weeks of OB-Gyn started with a refresher on the female pelvic exam–which was greatly appreciated–and the nervousness I’d previously felt with prior genital exams just wasn’t there. I kept searching for it internally, waiting, expecting at some point to become shaky, laughing as to reveal my discomfort, but it never really happened. Maybe it was that the “patient educator” was a nurse practitioner... over my med body! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=911809 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:48:24 +0100 911809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523290&cid=t_224270_117_f&fid=35760&url=http%3A%2F%2Frdoctor.com%2Fsymptoms_disease%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dview%26id%3D284%26Itemid%3D9 Have you recently followed the discussions about HPV vaccination (http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine.htm)?Cervical cancer quiz (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/cervical_cancer.htm) Cervical cancer quiz for wireless device (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/cervical_cancer.wml) Just remember that you put your at higher risk for cervical cancer if you have many sexual partners and start sex early in life. All of that puts you at risk of being infected with sexually transmitted diseases. The infectious diseases cause inflammation, which, in turn, pushes the cervical cells to change. Also, substances in the tobacco smoke and hormones (from birth control pills and or from being pregnant many times) promote the cancerous changes in the cells. Having HPV on top of that is the... RDoctor Medical Syndication blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523290 Fri, 09 Mar 2007 04:13:59 +0100 2523290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523329&cid=t_224270_117_f&fid=35760&url=http%3A%2F%2Frdoctor.com%2Fsymptoms_disease%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dview%26id%3D235%26Itemid%3D9 A woman asked me on the forum: What do I think about her problem. Also, a small bump(like an ingrown hair- but no hair) has formed on the inside lip of my vagina. Well there are plenty of things that could be over there. It is hard to guess out without looking at that. However, one thing, which I would keep in mind, is Bartholin’s cyst. Let's look what is this. Bartholin’s Gland Cyst Quiz (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/bartholins_cyst_abscess.htm)Bartholin’s Gland Cyst Quiz -Wireless (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/bartholins_cyst_abscess.wml) (Source: RDoctor Medical Syndication) RDoctor Medical Syndication blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523329 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 04:43:21 +0100 2523329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523364&cid=t_224270_117_f&fid=35760&url=http%3A%2F%2Frdoctor.com%2Fsymptoms_disease%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dview%26id%3D192%26Itemid%3D9 Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal disorders.It affects an individual's mental capability since the moment of birth.However, stimulation and encouragement can significantly help in the life of a person with Down syndrome.To check your knowledge, take the Down syndrome quiz (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/Down_syndrome.htm).Wireless Down Syndrome Quiz (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/Down_syndrome.wml) (Source: RDoctor Medical Syndication) RDoctor Medical Syndication blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523364 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 08:17:59 +0100 2523364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523367&cid=t_224270_117_f&fid=35760&url=http%3A%2F%2Frdoctor.com%2Fsymptoms_disease%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dview%26id%3D184%26Itemid%3D9 Because you know that high blood pressure during pregnancy means a lot of troubles to you and your future baby, you should try to avoid it.High blood pressure in pregnancy may progress to preeclampsia and eventually to eclampsia. Both preeclampsia and eclampsia make a lot of harm to mother as well as to fetus. Many systems are deranged, including Cardiovascular, Hematological, Renal, Hepatic, Central nervous system. Trackback (http://rdoctor.com/medical_link/wp-trackback.php?p=33) Quiz: Preeclampsia and eclampsia (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/Eclampsia.htm)WIreless quiz: Eclampsia (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/Eclampsia.wml) (Source: RDoctor Medical Syndication) RDoctor Medical Syndication blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523367 Wed, 13 Sep 2006 03:06:18 +0100 2523367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523369&cid=t_224270_117_f&fid=35760&url=http%3A%2F%2Frdoctor.com%2Fsymptoms_disease%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dview%26id%3D176%26Itemid%3D9 As a female you sooner or later might start to worry about female-specific disease, because you watch your health carefully.There are several health maladies that may happen to women.Some of them - gender specific cancers. Quiz: http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/UterineCancer.htm (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/UterineCancer.htm)Wireless quiz: http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/Uterinecancer.wml (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/Uterinecancer.wml) (Source: RDoctor Medical Syndication) RDoctor Medical Syndication blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523369 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 04:37:43 +0100 2523369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523384&cid=t_224270_117_f&fid=35760&url=http%3A%2F%2Frdoctor.com%2Fsymptoms_disease%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dview%26id%3D144%26Itemid%3D9 Take the quiz What do you know about Fetal Alcohol effects? http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/FetalAlcohol.htm (http://rdoctor.com/Quiz/FetalAlcohol.htm) Trackback (http://rdoctor.com/medical_link/wp-trackback.php?p=23) (Source: RDoctor Medical Syndication) RDoctor Medical Syndication blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523384 Tue, 29 Aug 2006 01:06:19 +0100 2523384