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Is Endometriosis a Contributing Factor Making it Difficult for Couples to Conceive?

March 6, 2013 in Baby/Infant, Fertility, Women with 0 Comments

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that the lining of the uterus is composed of, also known as “endometrium,” is found within a woman’s body in locations outside of the uterus. This disease affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, and the percentage rises to 30% of women with infertility.

How would a woman know if she had endometriosis? Pelvic pain symptoms (painful periods and painful deep intercourse, for example,) which affect a woman’s quality of life, may increase suspicion for the presence of endometriosis, but laparoscopic day surgery with tissue biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of any stage of endometriosis.

Endometriosis can adversely affect fertility at many levels. Not only can endometriosis distort the pelvic anatomy and make egg pick-up by the fallopian tube more difficult, but this disease can also adversely affect egg quality, egg numbers, fertilization rates, embryo development and implantation rates. While women in the general population have been reported to have a 15-20% chance of pregnancy per month, those with endometriosis may have a 2-10% chance of pregnancy per month. The time to pregnancy is increased in women with endometriosis who are trying to conceive with natural cycles.

Fertility treatment options are available for couples with endometriosis-associated infertility. These can range from ovulation induction medications (for example, clomiphene citrate, letrozole, gonadotropins) in conjunction with timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI), laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Success rates vary depending on the degree of endometriosis and the various other fertility factors. It is important for women with endometriosis to discuss their fertility potential with a fertility specialist in order to optimize the chances for a successful pregnancy.

Shahryar K. Kavoussi, M.D., M.P.H.
Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Specialist

3 Things to Know about Cord Blood Donation

February 20, 2013 in Children, Community, Women, Women: Ages & Stages with 2 Comments

TCBBAnniversaryValentine’s Day is a day to express your love. Valentine’s Day was extremely special for the labor and delivery unit at St. David’s Medical Center since it marks the first anniversary of our partnership with Texas Cord Blood Bank. Over the past 365 days, due to the generosity of our patients, we have collected 1, 161 units of cord blood that can potentially be used to save someone’s life!

Top 3 Things to Know about Cord Blood Donation:

  1. Cord blood donation is free and does not interrupt the normal birth process. Privately banking your cord blood can cost thousands of dollars, which many families don’t have at the time of birth.
  2. By donating your baby’s cord blood, you can help treat life-threatening diseases such as leukemia, aplastic anemia or genetic blood disorders. Blood is drawn from the umbilical cord and placenta after the baby is delivered and does not cause any discomfort to mom or baby.
  3. Cord blood is found to be a rich source of stems sells and is currently being used as an alternative to bone marrow in treating the life-threatening diseases listed above.

Celebrate with us today as the work of St. David’s Medical Center and our amazing patients goes on to positively affect the lives of others!

-Meghan Frazier

The 8 Most Common Cardiac Symptoms Reported by Women

February 8, 2013 in Community, Heart, Women with 0 Comments

(by Dr. Joseph Szczytowski)

via Flickr

via Flickr

February 1st was National Wear Red Day. The Red Dress Campaign started in 2002 to raise heart attack awareness in women. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and women may experience different cardiac symptoms than men. The focus of the Red Dress campaign is to share the specific symptoms women report.  A study completed by the National Institute of Health titled “Women’s Early Warning Symptoms of AMI” reported the following information from women who experienced Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI):

Out of 515 women, 95% reported new or different symptoms a month or more before their cardiac incident.

The symptoms reported before having a heart attack include:

  • Unusual Fatigue – 70%
  • Sleep Disturbance – 48%
  • Shortness of Breath – 42%
  • Indigestion – 39%
  • Anxiety – 35%

The symptoms reported during a heart attack include:

  • Shortness of Breath – 58%
  • Weakness – 55%
  • Unusual Fatigue – 43%
  • Cold Sweat – 39%
  • Dizziness – 39%

Less than 30% of the women in this study reported chest pain prior, and 43% never had chest pain.

Be aware of your body and seek immediate medical assistance for all medical emergencies including AMI. Time matters.

Resolution #2 – EXERCISE to Reduce Your Risk of BREAST CANCER

January 30, 2013 in Breast Health, Cancer Care, Exercise, Weight Loss, Women with 0 Comments

via flickr

via flickr

Losing weight and exercising more are very popular New Year`s resolutions. It is commonly known that exercise has cardiovascular benefits, but there is another great reason to hop on that treadmill in 2013. Research has shown that women who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight can decrease their risk of breast cancer. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that women who exercised 30 minutes per day (10-19 hours per week) experienced greater health benefits, with a 30% reduced risk of developing breast cancer, than inactive women who gained a significant amount of weight, particularly after menopause.

Regular exercise is crucial to reap these health benefits, but staying on track all year can be daunting. There are many ways you can become more active.

  • Try to incorporate simple changes such as taking the stairs or selecting a parking spot requiring you to walk further.
  • Other exercise options include: team sports, classes, joining a gym, investing in home exercise equipment, or aerobic activities, like walking, running and dancing. Before exercising, always begin with a warm-up that includes adequate stretching.

Follow this with 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity, and end your session with a cool down combined with more stretching. If you have a medical condition, you should speak with your healthcare provider prior to participating in any vigorous activity.

Stay healthy in 2013! Get moving and reduce your risk of developing breast cancer!

-Brenda Baumann, RN

(Resource: Cancer, online edition, June 21, 2012)

10 Facts About Cervical Cancer You Should Know

January 28, 2013 in Cancer Care, Lifestyle Tips, Women with 0 Comments

(via Blanca Duncan, MD)

  1. via flickr

    via flickr

    More than 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year and about 4000 will die as a result.

  2. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer world-wide.
  3. Cervical cancer is highly preventable. In the United States the death rate attributed to cervical cancer is declining secondary to wide spread use of preventive strategies.
  4. Cervical cancer is typically a slowly developing cancer. There are tests available that diagnose precancerous changes and those at risk of developing cervical cancer. These tests include the cervical pap smear and human papilloma virus.
  5. Infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is closely linked to the development of cervical cancer.
  6. There is a vaccine that decreases your risk of infection with Human Papilloma Virus.
  7. There are lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your risk of developing cervical cancer:
    1. Limit number of sexual partners
    2. Practice safe sex
    3. Exercise regularly
    4. Eat a healthy diet
    5. Don’t smoke
  8. Other factors associated with increased risk of developing cervical cancer include:
    1. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
    2. Weakened immune system
    3. Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during your mother’s pregnancy
  9. Screening for cervical cancer should begin at age 21. Your provider will help you determine types of tests and interval of testing that is appropriate for you.
  10. In summary:
    1. Minimize risk factors for developing cervical cancer.
    2. Screening for cancer of the cervix is important.
    3. Talk to your health care provider about screening for cervical cancer.

Exercise in Pregnancy Can Improve Fitness and Obstetric Outcomes

January 10, 2013 in Baby/Infant, Exercise, Lifestyle Tips, Women with 0 Comments

(Bradley Price, MD, and OB-GYN at St. David’s Medical Center, recently co-authored an article on a recent study, “Exercise in Pregnancy: Effect on Fitness and Obstetric Outcomes— A Randomized Trial” in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, The Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine.)

The article highlighted a recent study to assess the benefits and risks of aerobic exercise during pregnancy, using a fitness regimen based on the 2002 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines. Inactive women were randomized at 12-14 weeks gestation to a group which remained sedentary, or to a group which performed moderate aerobic exercise for 45-60 minutes, 4 days per week, for 36 weeks.

The results were that active women displayed improved aerobic fitness and muscular strength, experienced less premature labor, less incidence of gestational diabetes, delivered comparable size infants with significantly fewer Caesarean deliveries and recovered faster postpartum. Active women did not display gestational hypertension or experience injuries related to the exercise regimen. It was also determined that previously sedentary women who began exercising at 12-14 weeks showed improved fitness and delivery outcomes.

Dr. Price will be speaking further about this subject at an upcoming free community seminar:
Get Fit Pregnancy!
Wednesday, January 23
6:00-8:00 p.m.
St. David’s Medical Center, Medical Office Building, Fifth floor

A free pregnancy fitness consult will be offered to attendees as well. To register or learn more about this seminar please call 512.478.3627 or download the event flyer.

8 Steps to Manage Breast Pain

November 13, 2012 in Breast Health, Women with 0 Comments

  1. Wear a properly fitted supportive bra, even while sleeping. Be sure to wear a sports bra during exercise.

    via flickr

  2. Limit your salt intake to reduce fluid retention and swelling.
  3. Eliminate, or at least limit, caffeine. Remember that caffeine can also be found in chocolate and some over-the-counter medications.
  4. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin and follow dosage instructions and labels.
  5. Get enough key nutrients through your diet, especially calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, B, C and E.
  6. Drink water to help flush excess fluid from your body.
  7. Experiment with relaxation therapy, which can control anxiety associated with more severe breast pain.
  8. Consider evening primrose oil, a supplement that appears to alter fatty acid balance.

Most breast discomfort is not cancer, but please report unrelieved and/or focal pain to your physician. Pain confined to one very specific area is considered focal pain.

- Brenda

8 Breast Changes That Should Not Be Ignored: What is Your Normal?

October 30, 2012 in Breast Health, Cancer Care, Women with 0 Comments

via Flickr

You should always be aware of any changes in your breasts or underarm areas. If you notice any of the following changes, see your health care provider.

  1. Lumps, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
  2. Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
  3. Change in the size or shape of the breast
  4. Dimpling or puckering of the skin
  5. Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
  6. Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
  7. Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
  8. New pain in one spot that does not go away

For more information about breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call the breast care helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).

- Brenda 

Resource:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636)
http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastSelfAwareness.html

Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Prevention

October 22, 2012 in Breast Health, Cancer Care, Diet, Women with 0 Comments

During the month of October it’s hard to watch a television show or go shopping around town without seeing the pink ribbon that is the International symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness. Texas Oncology’s Dr. Beth Hellerstedt spoke at the Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar on Oct. 16th and spoke to the importance of genetic testing in breast cancer prevention. Mutations in genes associated with hereditary cancer dramatically increase the risk for cancer development and there are specific medical management options to test for these mutations. Most insurers provide coverage for genetic testing as well. Along with regular exams and self-examination, this is another option to consider to combat breast cancer.

On Thursday, Oct. 25th Tarie Beldin will host a cooking class regarding the the myths of cooking and cancer. It’s often so hard to know what to believe when it comes to nutrition and preventing cancer. Tarie will try and dissect some of those myths. You can still register by calling 512-478-3627. We hope to see you there!

Holly Krivokapich
Health and Wellness Coordinator
St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

October 12, 2012 in Breast Health, Cancer Care, Women with 0 Comments

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