OB/GYN Patient Education and Resources
We understand that some issues facing our patients can be confusing and even scary. That’s why we would like to provide as much information as we can regarding our OB/GYN clinic, the procedures and treatments we recommend as well as answer any concerns you may have. Stay informed about your health by reading the patient resources below. Any specific questions regarding your health should be directed to your physician.
Message from the Nurse Navigator.
Happy May!
This month, we celebrate Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Month. They have contributed significantly to many facets of American culture and society, including science and medicine, literature and art, sports and recreation, government and politics, and activism and law.
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May is Stroke Awareness Month. It aims to raise awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of stroke and raise funds for stroke research.
F A C T #1:stroke kills brain cells. Stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die.
F A C T #2: types of stroke: Ischemic caused by a clot, Hemorrhagic caused by a rupture and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or “warning stroke” caused by a temporary blockage.
F A C T #3: about one in four stroke survivors is at risk for another stroke. Fortunately, up to 80 percent of second clot-related strokes may be preventable.
F A C T #4: prevention is key. Had a stroke? Work with your doctor to identify the cause and create a plan to prevent another. This may include managing high blood pressure, making healthy lifestyle choices and taking medications as recommended by your doctor. After an ischemic stroke or TIA, most patients will be prescribed an antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy.
F A C T #5: time lost is brain lost
Now that you know prevention, here’s how you spot one. Learn the FAST warning signs:
F Face Drooping
A Arm Weakness
S Speech Difficulty
T Time to Call 911
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May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. High blood pressure—or hypertension—is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Half of Americans have high blood pressure, and many don’t know they have it. Have yours checked and talk to a healthcare provider about what your numbers mean for you. We monitor pregnant patients closely during and after their delivery for high blood pressure.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Throughout the month, NAMI actively participates in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Read More Here
Also in the month of May, we celebrate two weeks of fun, with teachers’ and nurses’ appreciation weeks.
Nurse Appreciation Week, also known as National Nurses Week, is an annual celebration that takes place from May 6th to May 12th. It honors the contributions and sacrifices of nurses worldwide, recognizing their vital role in healthcare. The week commemorates the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
U.S. Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 6 to May 10, 2024, and Teacher Appreciation Day is May 7, 2024. In 1953, Elenor Roosevelt said, “The teachers are, of course, among the most important people in our nation. Day in and day out they are at work preparing the future citizens of the U.S. Next to parents they are the most important people in our communities.”
Thank a teacher and a nurse this week!
Have a thankful May! And of course, Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!
Having Your Baby with The Women’s Medical Center
Giving birth with us
Congratulations! We’re excited to be a part of this experience with you. We have proudly delivered babies on the Westbank since 1962, and our family here looks forward to helping you expand yours.
Obstetrics
We are experienced in managing both high risk pregnancies and respecting parents’ wishes to have as much or as little intervention as they desire. We can discuss your goals and hopes and any possible challenges to helping your family have the best delivery possible. We are pleased to deliver babies at West Jefferson Medical Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about our Common Procedures
Colposcopy
Expect to have some black or brown discharge for a few days. You may return to your regular activities immediately unless your doctor told you otherwise. Please call if you have not heard from us in a week or so for your results.
LEEP Procedure
Expect bloody, black or yellow discharge for as much as 6 weeks after the procedure. You may return to all your normal activities, except nothing should go into the vagina for these 6 weeks. You should not have sex, douche or use tampons. If you have severe pain or bleeding heavier than a period, please call the office.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception
We offer in clinic placement of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control implants. The IUD is a small, T-shaped, plastic device that is inserted into and left inside the uterus. You can expect light bleeding and cramping for a few days. You may return to all your normal activities immediately. If you have excessive pain or fever, please call the office. You may have irregular bleeding for several weeks afterward. The implant is inserted underneath the skin on the inside of your upper arm and only takes a few minutes. You may have some mild bruising at the insertion site. Like the IUD, the implant can cause irregular bleeding for several weeks.
Laparoscopy
Expect some gas pains in your abdomen or possibly your shoulder for a few days. Walking, changing positions and avoiding or treating constipation may help. You may bathe or shower normally and return to normal activities as soon as you feel ready, generally in 1-2 weeks. If you have Band-Aids or dressings, remove them in 24-48 hours. If there are strips of tape, leave them on until you come to the office. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting, or if your pain is not improving.
Hysterectomy
You may have some light bleeding or discharge for a few weeks. Avoid any lifting or inserting anything into the vagina until your doctor tells you otherwise, or at least 6 weeks. You may bathe or shower normally as soon as you feel able and drive when you are not taking narcotic pain medication and can bend and straighten your body. If you have incisions in your abdomen, keep them clean and dry. They do not need to be covered. If there are tape strips, leave them on. Other bandages can be removed 24-48 hours after surgery. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting, bleeding like a period, or your if pain is not improving.
Vaginal Delivery
Expect bleeding off and on for as much as 6 weeks. You may bathe or shower normally as soon as you feel able. You should not have sex or put anything into the vagina until your 6-week checkup. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting, or if your pain is not improving.
Cesarean Section
Expect bleeding off and on for as many as 6 weeks. You may bathe or shower normally as soon as you feel able. You should not have sex or put anything into the vagina until your 6-week checkup. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting or if your pain is not improving. Keep your incision clean and dry. It does not need to be covered. If there are tape strips, leave them on. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting or if your pain is not improving. Treat or avoid constipation, as this is a common cause of extra pain that can be avoided.
Additional Information & Services
Recommended Vaccinations
We are excited to offer recommended vaccines here in the clinic and have skilled nurses available to administer them before or after your already scheduled appointments. We offer our pregnant patients the Tdap vaccine (whooping cough) and the RSV vaccine according to medical guidelines. We also offer all our patients the flu vaccine during each flu season, and we can offer the HPV vaccine to those wanting to be vaccinated.
Contraception & Family Planning
We offer every major method of birth control including non-hormonal IUD (ParaGard), hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, Liletta), oral contraceptive (birth control pills), birth control patch (Xulane), Depo Provera injections, subdermal implant (Nexplanon), vaginal ring (NuvaRing), and surgical options (tubal ligation). If you are prescribed Depo Provera as contraception, our nurses are able to administer it to you in clinic after you have picked it up from your pharmacy.
Effectiveness of Birth Control Methods
Preconception
Choosing to attempt pregnancy may be more complicated than expected. We can discuss any concerns that you may have prior to pregnancy including family, medical or genetic problems and birth defects. If you are struggling with fertility or miscarriages, we can offer evaluation and treatment and referral to specialists when needed.
Breastfeeding
We are committed to helping all our new families meet their breastfeeding goals. One of the best ways to start education is during pregnancy. We would love to answer your questions, and can also direct you to the following resources:
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Information
Louisiana has the unfortunate distinction of leading the country in almost every STI. One of the most important ways we can manage this is to provide as many women as possible with non-judgmental, effective and confidential screening and treatment. We offer STI testing, and our nurses can administer some necessary injectable treatments in clinic. Below are some resources about prevention and treatment of some common STIs.
Menopause
Many treatments are available for treating hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction, mood and sleep disturbances. We can discuss hormonal and non- hormonal options. Only a gynecologist can help you make a personal decision about your overall health considering your specific symptoms and priorities. Our nurses are able to administer some prescribed injectable hormone treatments in clinic.
Osteoporosis
We offer Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing in house, which is a screening test for bone health and can help guide treatment needs for osteopenia (low bone density) or osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones that can easily fracture). Knowing your risk of fracture and prompt treatment can help prevent them in case of a fall or accident. Our nurses can administer some prescribed injectable treatments in clinic.
Fibroids, Heavy Periods and Endometriosis
We offer a full evaluation including in-house ultrasound and tests confirmed by an in-house laboratory. After discussing all your options, we can suggest medical and surgical treatment including minimally invasive surgery, endometrial ablation and medical treatments (hormonal and non- hormonal).
Ultrasounds
We also offer in-office obstetric and gynecologic ultrasounds. During pregnancy, we perform all routine ultrasounds in addition to any special needs throughout the pregnancy, such as a biophysical profile (BPP), which evaluates fetal wellbeing. Our gynecologic ultrasounds are done as needed for pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis, or any other concerns you may have related to your reproductive health. We have skilled and experienced ultrasound technicians who work closely with the providers to make sure your individual needs are met.
Mammography
We are pleased to offer the latest innovation in breast cancer screening – 3D mammography. Three-dimensional mammography is a low-dosage scan that produces a substantially clearer image for a more precise evaluation. This new technology has drastically increased the rate of positive cancer detections while decreasing the number of false detections.