Causes and symptoms of gynecomastia or male breasts

Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs in men, through which they develop enlargement in their breast tissues. This can affect one of the breasts or both of the breasts and is caused due to ann unbalance in the hormones of the person, oestrogen, and testosterone. This can develop in newborns or boys going through puberty and also in adult males as a result of hormonal imbalance.

This problem sometimes goes away with time but in case it persists, medication can be given or Gynecomastia Surgery can be performed. If left untreated, this condition may cause pain and sometimes in more serious cases may cause nipple discharge.

Causes of Gynecomastia or Male Breasts

Every individual, male or female has both male and female hormones. It is triggered by an imbalance in the level of these hormones. When, the level of oestrogen which is a female hormone increases in relation to the male hormone, androgens or testosterones. Several factors can contribute to this hormonal imbalance. It can be due to the development of certain conditions that reduce the effect of or decrease the secretion of the male hormones or on the other hand, the increased effect or production of female hormones.

Some of the causes are given below.

1.    HORMONES- Both the hormones, testosterone and oestrogen control the sexual characteristics in both males and females. It is believed that oestrogen is a female hormone and is secreted only in women. However, it is also found in males, although in lower quantities.

o   Gynecomastia in infants- Because of the presence of their mother's oestrogen, a large number of male infants have enlarged breasts when they are born. Within two to three weeks after their birth, the swollen breast tissue becomes normal as the female hormones go away.

o   Gynecomastia during puberty- During puberty gynecomastia is caused by hormone changes and this is very commonly occurring gynecomastia. In most boys going through puberty, without treatment, the swollen breast tissue goes away within six months up to two years.

o   Gynecomastia in men- For men between the ages of 50 and 80, gynecomastia becomes prevalent again. One in four men in this age group is definitely affected by this condition.

2.    MEDICATIONS- Anti-androgens, that are used for treating prostate cancer and prostate enlargement. Gynecomastia can easily develop in HIV postive male because the medications can cause the disorder. Other medications that can cause gynecomastia include antibiotics, anti-anxiety medications, anti-depressents, ulcer medications, heart medications and cancer treatments.

3.    DRUGS AND ALCOHOL- Some drugs such as amphetamines, meth, marijuana, heroin and methadone can cause gynecomastia. Also, alcohol is believed to be trigger.

4.    HEALTH CODITIONS- Some health conditions can cause hormonal imbalances in men and hence, lead them to develop gynecomastia. These health condititons include hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver failure, malnutrition or starvation, hypogondanism, tumours and also, due to aging.

Symptoms

These symptoms may develop in one or both of the breasts.

1.    When a man develops gynecomastia they can identify it as a rubbery mass sitting firmly underneath the nipple area. It may or may not be tender and is usually, an inch and half across the nipple.

2.    Sometimes, this is the only symptom by which gynecomastia can be identified, but in more severe cases, there may be some fluid discharge from the nipple.

3.    In some cases, it can also be painful.

What goes into Mommy Makeover

While having children is one of the ultimate gifts, the physical changes it brings to the body sometimes can’t be reversed no matter the amount of diets or exercise you put your body through. Women’s bodies undergo a big amount of changes as a result of a pregnancy and it can be hard to get the pre-baby body back. In addition to pregnancy causing extra deposits of fat in the abdominal area, it also stretches the skin and the underlying stomach muscles, leaving the area with stretch marks and loose, overhanging skin. After pregnancy, the breasts can also be affected due to breastfeeding and hormonal changes, the result leads to breast sagging.  This surgical procedure is a combination of cosmetic surgical operations that is specially designed for mothers who wish to restore and improve their bodies after the physical changes a pregnancy often brings.

With a Mommy Makeover, all of these problems can be addressed at once by tightening the abdominal muscles and eliminating the excess fat as well as lifting the breasts to achieve their pre-pregnancy position. A typical Mommy Makeover includes breast augmentation, a tummy tuck and sometimes a liposuction.

The first part of a Mommy Makeover is a tummy tuck. It is the most ideal procedure for woman whose stomach muscles and skin have been stretched by pregnancy on the midsection of the body. After one or more pregnancies, these effects can be significant and troubling for any mom. The solution for many moms in San Antonio is a tummy tuck.

During pregnancy when the fetus grows inside the uterus, it ultimately presses on the abdominal muscle wall, pulling apart the "six-pack" muscles and often causing permanent separation. When this happens, only surgery can bring these muscles back together and restore the abdomen. During the tummy tuck procedure, the muscles that have been stretched will be reconnected and tighten. Excess fat will also be removed and stretched skin cut away. A tummy tuck can also remove the stretch marks below the belly button.

The second part will involve breast augmentation surgery and/or a breast lift. A number of breast enhancement procedures can be combined to address breast droop after pregnancy. The goal is to restore fullness to your breasts and to raise and reshape.

A traditional breast lift can be performed to eliminate excess skin and tighten the breast area, creating a firmer bust line. Excess skin will be trimmed and supporting tissue will be tightened to help you achieve an uplifted, youthful breast contour. After surgery, your breasts will be higher on the chest and firmer to the touch. During the procedure, the nipple and areola can be repositioned or resized to further enhance the appearance of your breast.

 Breast enlargement with implants can add volume and new contour to the breasts. Breast enlargement not only revitalizes your bust after the effects of pregnancy, but it can also take your makeover one step further by creating a whole new body image. Breast augmentation typically requires two small incisions. The incisions can be around the nipple, near the underarm or beneath the breast to allow insertion of the implant. The implants can be placed above or below the chest muscles.

During a pregnancy when your body weight is constantly changing, stubborn fat deposits can appear on different parts of the body. The location varies from woman to woman. Some are bothered by fat in the thighs, while others tend to accumulate fat in the arms or anywhere in the upper body. Some women may choose to go through a liposuction to finish up their Mommy Makeover. Liposuction is one of the cosmetic enhancement procedures that is most commonly performed all over the world. It is used to remove excess fat deposits from any area of the body. Combined with other procedures, it can be an essential component in your journey to achieve total body rejuvenation after pregnancy.

A mommy makeover may be completed in a single day or it can be done in a series performed weeks or months apart.  A combined procedure of breast and body contouring can involve more downtime than just a single procedure. Some help at home will be needed for about one week after surgery, while complete recovery requires several weeks. As any other cosmetic procedures, it may take about six months to a year to appreciate the final results of your mommy makeover.

The cost of a Mommy Makeover can range depending upon your special requests and factors as geographic location and individual physician practices. Since every surgery is personalized, the best way to get the most accurate price is to speak with a plastic surgeon. If you are in the San Antonio, Texas area, consider visiting Dr. Suresh Koneru, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery.

Stem Cell Therapy For Knee Pain

What are the most common causes of knee pain?

Knee pain is not at all uncommon. Many of us experience it for many different reasons. Injury, for instance, can cause knee pain.

• ·         ACL injury

o   The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects your shinbone to your thighbone. If you are an athlete, you are familiar with ACL injuries. It happens frequently to basketball and soccer players. When the ACL is torn in your knee, it can be severe. It may require surgery to recover your knee pain.

• ·         Fracture

o   The femur (thigh bone), patella (kneecap), tibia (shine bone), and fibula come together to form your knee. Each of these has the potential to be broken. Falls and motor vehicle collisions are common ways for knee fractures to occur. However, if you have osteoarthritis, even a simple fall could cause a fracture. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you will require different treatments.

• ·         Torn meniscus

o   The cartilage of the meniscus acts as a shock absorber for the knee. This prevents your femur and tibia from rubbing together. Trauma to the meniscus can cause a tear or, as you age, you may lose your natural cartilage. Without this protection, natural movement will become painful.

• ·         Patellar tendinitis

o   Tendinitis is caused by inflammation and irritation of the tendons. This happens to athletes who do a lot of jumping.

While injuries can take an otherwise healthy knee and cause it to experience pain, sometimes there are mechanical issues causing knee pain.

• ·         Hip or foot pain

o   When your hip or foot is injured, your way of walking can be thrown off. This change in your natural gait may result in you developing knee pain.

• ·         Dislocated kneecap

o   The patella (kneecap) can slip out of place. This, of course, results in knee pain.

• ·         Loose body

o   Degradation of bone or cartilage can result in pieces breaking off. These free floating pieces can hinder knee joint movement and result in pain.

There are hundreds of different types of arthritis. They can absolutely result in knee pain.

• ·         Osteoarthritis

o   This type of arthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. The wear-and-tear on your knee causes the cartilage to degrade. Without cartilage to cushion the joint, your knee will experience significant pain.

• ·         Rheumatoid arthritis

o   This kind of arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can impact any joint in the body, including the knees.

• ·         Gout

o   When uric acid crystals build up in a joint, it is called gout. It most commonly occurs in the big toe but it can happen in the knee.

• ·         Septic arthritis

o   An infection within the knee joint. That causes swelling, pain and redness.

When do you need to see a doctor about knee pain?

While knee pain is not uncommon, it’s also not something that you simply need to bear. We all experience minor aches and pains depending on our activity. However, when your day-to-day life is disrupted due to knee pain, then you need to seek help. More specifically, contact a doctor if you:

• ·         Feel unstable like your knee is going to “give out”
• ·         Notice an obvious deformity in your leg or knee
• ·         Cannot fully extend your knee
• ·         Have noteworthy knee swelling
• ·         Cannot bear weight on your knee
• ·         Develop a fever

All of these symptoms are serious and should not be ignored. Knee pain may not be unusual but it can become incredibly serious if not treated properly.

What are some common treatments for knee pain?

If you pain is minor, then you can treat your knees yourself. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) are useful tools for self-care. Additionally, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) can help relieve knee pain.

Will my insurance cover stem cell therapy?

Unfortunately, most stem cell treatments are not covered by health insurance. While you can check into your own personal plan, more often than not, you will have to pay for stem cell treatments yourself.

Severe cases of knee pain may require surgery. Knee replacements are not uncommon. However, as regenerative medicine evolves, there are more and more options for minimally invasive options. Stem cell injections can be used to repair and regenerate lost tissue in your knees. This can help with your knee pain by correcting the root cause.

How do I decided where to get stem cell therapy for my knee pain?

When selecting a medical team to provide you stem cell treatments, it is incredibly important to do your homework. All across the globe, there are “clinics” that claim to have medical treatments for numerous ailments, including knee pain. Stem cell therapy has great potential and there are FDA approved treatments available commercially. However, many of the stories in the news refer to theoretical applications or treatments that are still in clinical trials. These predatory clinics capitalize on the media’s love for “miracle” regenerative medicine stories to prey on desperate patients out of their money. Sadly, while going through the motions of treating the patients they are swindling, these clinics can often cause more harm than good.

This is your health! Don’t entrust it to anyone who doesn’t have the technical skills and experience to properly care for you.

If you are considering stem cell therapy for your knee pain, make sure to investigate the clinic, medical group, or doctor that you are considering using. Any legitimate organization, like the Stem Cell Institute of Texas, will be glad to explain the FDA guidelines and their personal background to you. Asking questions is your right as a patient!

Top Diseases that peak during fall – winter

As summer is ending and the leaves start to change color, and cold weather starts to set across the country, certain illnesses rise to their peak and spread throughout your workplace and schools.

Due to this changes from hot to chillier weather and your kids going back to school, a gigantic number of germs spark the start of a new season of diseases that sweep the country. When the weather starts to turn into icy temperatures, colder air and darker skies, the threat of catching certain diseases is greater. The cold weather suppresses your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. The chilly days of autumn are responsible for colds, flues and allergies.

 Fall's kickoff sparks the start of flu season beginning in the autumn months and continues all the way to January and February during the brunt of winter. The flu, a respiratory illness, typically spreads from person to person mostly through coughs, sneezes and even talking. It is possible to contract the flu just by touching a surface that is already infected with the flu virus and then transmitting it to your mouth, eyes or nose. Each year up to 20 percent of the population is impacted by the flu.

Common colds can affect anyone at any time of the year, but peak cold hits during the colder and rainy months. There are over 1 billion colds reported in the United States throughout each year. An upper respiratory infection, colds are spread similarly to the flu. Colds ordinarily bring nasal congestion, scratchy throats and sneezing along with other symptoms depending on the strain.

Norovirus, is one of the most common stomach inflammation illness in the U.S and it is commonly referred to as the stomach flu. It reaches its highest strength during the fall and winter months. The stomach flu is extremely contagious and can be spread easily from person to person.

Ear infections, especially in younger kids, are more likely to occur in fall and winter rather than any other season. Changes in climate, especially as colder air starts to hit, will most likely enhance the threat of an ear infection. Symptoms of general ear pain and even nausea can be the most common symptoms.

Allergies can happen at any time of the year. Fall allergy triggers are different but they can cause just as many symptoms as in the spring and summer. Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. Though it usually starts to release pollen during the cool nights and warm days in August, it can last into September and October.  Even if it doesn't grow where you live, ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind.

Mold is another fall trigger. You may think of mold growing in your basement or bathroom -- damp areas in the house -- but mold spores also love wet spots outside. Piles of damp leaves are ideal breeding grounds for mold. Also, don’t forget dust mites. While they’re common during the humid summer months, they can get stirred into the air the first time you turn on your heat in the fall. They can trigger sneezes, wheezes, and runny noses.

Asthma is one of the most severe diseases there is of the respiratory system. Asthmatics must avoid the dust, mold and the small and humid spaces because they can provoke a severe asthma attack. Due to the cold weather, people with asthma must avoid getting a cold, flu or bronchitis. They should spend as much as possible less time outdoors during fall to avoid asthma attacks caused by weather.

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation in one or more joints of your body. Many people that suffer from arthritis swear by the pain in their joints as a predictor that rainy or cold weather is coming. If it’s cold outside, keep aching hands warm with gloves and try adding extra layers over your knees and legs to prevent the colder air from causing pain. While it's understandable to want to avoid the winter weather, people with joint pain should always stay active. The less sedentary you are, the better your physical function is going to be. Try to exercise inside and keep your body active to avoid the symptoms of arthritis. Finally, always stay safe particularly when the weather turns icy. It is important that people with arthritis protect their joints from further damage. If you’re going outside, pick solid, supportive shoes and try to walk on a surface that doesn’t look slippery or fragile.

Dehydration is not only a summer thing. People don't realize that it's just as easy to become dehydrated in the winter. Because few people recognize the signs of dehydration in the winter, it can be even more dangerous. Water is vital to both organ function and digestion any time of the year! Do not forget to keep yourself hydrated even in the chilly days of Autumn. 

Everything You Need To Know About Hip Replacement Surgery

The hip joint is the body’s largest ball-and-socket joint. It is designed to withstand repeated motion and fits together carefully to allow movement in our body. You may not think about it but our hips deal with serious stress on a daily basis. Even simply walking or running puts a lot of force on our hips. In a healthy situation, a cushion of cartilage prevents friction as the bone moves in the socket. Thankfully, our bones and cartilage are both very durable. However, the hip joint is not indestructible and can wear down or become damaged with age. If you are especially active, the muscles and the tendons in the hip can also get overused. In older individuals who develop osteoarthritis, the hip bone itself can easily be fractured during a fall. Quality of life can significantly decrease after a hip fracture. Big or small, hip pain can impact all aspects of your daily life.

Depending on what is causing your hip pain, you might start to feel discomfort in your lower body: your thigh, inside the hip joint, your groin, outside the hip joint and your buttocks. Sometimes pain from your back or groin can also be related to the hip. If you start to notice that your pain gets worse with activity, it might be caused by arthritis. Along with the pain, you could have a reduced range of motion. Sometimes, people develop a limp because of the persistent hip pain.

If you have persistent pain that is impacting your ability to live your life normally, it might be time for you to get a hip replacement. During this operation, the surgeon removes the damaged sections of your hip joint and replaces them with parts usually constructed of metal and hard plastic. This artificial joint, a prosthesis, helps you reduce your pain and improve function. Hip replacement surgery can be performed traditionally or by using a minimally-invasive technique. The main difference between the two procedures is the size of the incision.

Hip replacement surgery has been performed for over a hundred years. As well as any other surgical techniques, techniques are being improved all the time. Similarly, as any other surgery, there can be risks. Since you will not be able to move around a lot after the surgery, blood clots can be a concern. To prevent this, your doctor will give you blood thinners to help prevent blood clots from occurring.

During the standard hip replacement surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia to relax the muscles and to get the patient to a temporary deep sleep. The anesthesia will prevent the patient from feeling any pain or discomfort during the surgery, as well as preventing any awareness of the procedure. A spinal anesthetic can also be given as an alternative to help prevent pain.

After that, the doctor will make a cut along the side of the hip and move the muscles connected to the top of the thighbone to help expose the hip joint. Next, the ball portion of the joint is removed by cutting the thighbone with a saw. Then an artificial joint is attached to the thighbone using a special material that allows the remaining bone to attach to the new joint. The doctor then prepares the surface of the hip bone to attach the replacement socket part to the hip bone. The new ball part of the thighbone is inserted into the socket part of the hip. The doctor then reattaches the muscles and closes the incision.

After the surgery, you will likely have to stay in the hospital for a couple of days with a pillow between your legs to keep the new hip joint stay in place. A drainage tube will be placed in your bladder to help you go to the bathroom. Physical therapy will begin the day after the surgery and within days you can start to walk with crutches or a cane. The physical therapy will continue for weeks to months following the surgery.

For six to twelve months after hip replacement surgery, twisting the leg involved should be avoided. Also, the leg involved should not cross the midline of your body or turn it inward.  This also includes bending forward at the waist as well as squatting. Your physical therapist will provide you with different techniques and equipment needed to help you follow the guidelines and have precautions while performing your daily activities. 

Coming back home might be hard after hip replacement surgery, but there are a couple things you can do to make life much easier.  For example, you can keep stair climbing to a minimum. Before coming back home, make the necessary arrangements so you will only have to go up or down the stairs once a day. Another thing you can do is sit firm in a straight-back chair. To avoid falls, try and remove all rugs from the floor to keep it clutter free. For daily necessities like going to the bathroom, use an elevated toilet seat. With this, you will prevent bending too far at the hips.

As surgical techniques keep evolving, we now know that about 85% of the hip joint implants will last 20 years. Getting a skilled surgeon can make all the difference. The South Texas Spinal Clinic is an excellent option for anyone in San Antonio, Texas.

What Is Ultherapy

Ultherapy is the only non-invasive cosmetic procedure FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, under the chin and on the eyebrows. It is now also FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Ultherapy can help you achieve a fresher, more youthful look from your brow to your chest. This therapy harnesses the power of ultrasound to transform the brow, chin, neck and chest. Ultrasound, of course, has been used safely throughout the medical field for more than 50 years. In addition, every plastic surgeon receives extensive procedural training and has been established as safe and effective in clinical studies in over half a million treatments worldwide.

Ultherapy relies on ultrasound therapy to deliver its collagen-boosting treatment. It also incorporates traditional ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue they are treating, ensuring the treatment energy is delivered to where it will be most beneficial.

Unlike lasers, radio frequency, surgery and other technologies, Ultherapy bypasses the surface of the skin non-surgically. It delivers the right amount of ultrasound energy at the right depths and the right temperature. This energy triggers a natural response under the skin, jumpstarting the regenerative process that produces fresh, new collagen.

Ultherapy treats the deep foundational layer addressed in plastic surgery. However, it won't duplicate the results of a facelift. This type of therapy is a great alternative especially for those not ready for surgery or for patients looking to extend the effects of cosmetic surgery. It uses ultrasound, which is most commonly associated with OBGYNs but has other applications. Ultrasound has unique properties that allow it to bypass the surface of the skin to treat depths not matched by any other non-invasive cosmetic device. Ultherapy ultrasound stimulates collagen production in the skin's foundation, resulting in a clinically significant lift of tissue over two to three months. Lasers rely on light energy, which cannot reach deeper skin layers at an optimal temperature. Because of this, laser treatments typically only treat superficial skin and are not FDA-cleared to lift skin.

Before your treatment, the first thing you will want to do is schedule a one-on-one consultation with an plastic surgeon. A good candidate for this therapy has mild to moderate skin elasticity. The skin is beginning to feel and look less firm. Examples include a lowered eyebrow line, loose skin on the neck, sagging under the chin, and lines or wrinkles on the chest.

Of course, the best way to find out if you're an Ultherapy candidate is to consult with a plastic surgeon. During this session, your plastic surgeon will address your concerns, assess your skin and determine if you are a candidate for the treatment. Once you book your procedure, you won’t need to follow any special preparations or skincare regimens in advance of the treatment. To enhance your comfort, your plastic surgeon may recommend that you take an over-the-counter or prescribed medication before the treatment.

After cleansing the skin and identifying the specific areas to be treated, your plastic surgeon will apply the ultrasound gel and place the smooth treatment applicator against your skin. Next, your plastic surgeon will use Ultherapy’s ultrasound imaging to first see deep within the skin to determine optimal placement of the treatment energy, and then deliver the focused ultrasound energy beneath the skin’s surface. During the treatment delivery, you will feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited to precise depths, indicating that the collagen-building process has been initiated.

After the treatment, some patients see an initial effect right after their treatment, but the real results appear over two to three months as new collagen works to lift and tighten skin on the treated areas. Your skin might appear flushed at first. However, the redness should disappear within a few hours. Some patients experience slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch. These are mild and temporary in nature. Most patients only need one treatment. However, based on the degree of skin elasticity, the biological response to ultrasound energy and the individual's collagen-building process, some patients benefit from additional treatments. Since your skin continues to age, future touch-up treatments can help patients keep pace with the body's natural aging process.

While Ultherapy won’t duplicate the results of a facelift, it’s a clinically proven non-invasive alternative for those not ready for surgery. It  can even be an option for patients who wish to extend the effects of plastic surgery. Since the procedure stimulates your own collagen production, how long the results last really depends on you and your body. The treatment produces new collagen on the inside, but your natural aging process will dictate how long that translates into visible results on the outside.

After your treatment, there is no downtime! You can return to your normal activities immediately after your procedure without any post-treatment restrictions or requirements.

The cost of an Ultherapy treatment can range depending upon the area being treated and factors such as geographic location and individual physician practices. Since the treatment is so personalized, to get the most accurate price quote, it is best to speak with a nearby plastic surgeon. If you are in the San Antonio, Texas area, consider visiting Dr. Suresh Koneru, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery.

You’re Pregnant? Time to see your Obstetrician!

Now that you’re pregnant, you have two to take care of and you need a specialist to help you do so. The doctor you need is an obstetrician; he or she takes care of you and your baby through the pregnancy, delivery and into the post-natal care phase.

When Should you Make your First Appointment?

Most obstetricians (and other pregnancy caregivers) schedule the first prenatal appointment for about the 8th or 9th week of pregnancy. However, if you have any medical conditions that could cause complications; are showing symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea; or if you’ve had problems with previous pregnancies, you should definitely go in earlier for a checkup.

What to Expect at this Appointment

If yours is an OB-GYN, he/she already has records of the regularity of your menstrual cycles, past illnesses and other gynecological issues, and your general medical history. If you’re seeing a new doctor, you will have to provide this information, details of any previous pregnancies, personal habits that could influence your pregnancy - drinking, smoking, etc., and the first date of your last menstrual cycle to determine your due date.

Barring complications, your first appointment will be the longest and the remaining appointments will include ultrasounds, tests and other follow up procedures to monitor your health and that of the fetus.

Questions to ask your Obstetrician

Especially if this is your first pregnancy, there are gonna be a ton of questions you’ll want to ask your obstetrician, ranging from the simple and silly to the serious. Don’t be afraid to ask either. Some important questions you definitely want to address are:

• What should you expect over the course of pregnancy and delivery? What are the complications that could arise?
• Based on your family(s) medical history, which screening tests should you consider for the fetus?
• What are the different birth options?
• What is your doctor’s stand on pain relief during labour? Would using them have any side effects on you or your baby?

Choosing your Obstetrician

Your health and that of your baby is in the hands of your obstetrician, so besides their qualifications, experience and recommendations, you have to feel comfortable with them and trust them completely. If you don’t, consider finding a new doctor. If you’re looking for an obstetrician in San Antonio, expectant mothers should definitely check out the Institute for Women’s Health.

It’s that Time of Year, Ladies...Time to See Your Gynecologist

Visiting your gynecologist is one of those things in your yearly to-do list...you may not like it, but it’s definitely a must do. Considering the delicate mechanism that is the human body in general, and the major changes a woman’s body goes through as she goes from hitting puberty to pregnancy and menopause, getting yourself regularly checked out to make sure you’re in the best health is not something you should compromise on.

When should you see a Gynecologist?

Ideally, your first appointment should be scheduled for between the ages of 13 and 15 years. While most people begin regular appointments in their late teens or after they become sexually active, it is more advisable to begin early as it helps you understand the changes your body will go through and establish what is and is not normal for you personally. Barring complications or illnesses, a yearly visit to your gynecologist is usually enough.

It’s your First Visit? Here’s What Happens

Your first visit is going to have the usual questions about your medical history and that of your family...but it’s also going to feature very personal questions. Since your gynecologist is responsible for the health of your reproductive system, you need to be prepared to be completely honest about questions surrounding your menstrual cycle, physical health, sexual activity, etc.

The physical exam portion has four basic elements - a general physical exam where the doctor checks your height, weight, blood pressure, etc. This is followed by a breast exam to check for lumps and abnormalities; a pelvic exam to visually check for signs of infection or STDs and physically check the health of your cervix, uterus and ovaries; and a pap smear to check for abnormal cells indicative of cancer in the cervix.

Never hold back on questions about anything ranging from what’s happening down there to your sex life - if you’re wondering about something or something doesn’t feel right, don’t think twice about bringing it up with your doctor!

Have you Found the Right Gynecologist?

Considering the personal nature of these visits, you want your doctor to be a qualified expert but also be able to discuss things without your feeling like you’re being judged...if you don’t feel absolutely comfortable, shop around for a new one! If you’re looking for a gynecologist in San Antonio, visit the Institute for Women’s Health.

Every woman needs an OB-GYN. Have you found Yours?

Beginning when a girl hits puberty and then journeying through physical maturity, pregnancy, and menopause, the changes a woman’s body goes through are substantial; and you need a trained professional to be there through those stages - sometimes you need a gynecologist, others you need an obstetrician. And sometimes (more frequently today), the same doctor is both - an OB-GYN.

What’s the difference between a Gynecologist and an Obstetrician?

A gynecologist focusses on a woman’s reproductive care; you go to him/her for routine checkups of your reproductive system (vagina, ovaries and uterus), infections and fertility-related issues, mammograms and pap-smears, consultations on birth control ann menopause, etc. Women ideally start seeing a gynecologist from 13-15 years or once they become sexually active.

An obstetrician’s focus is on pregnant women and the fetus itself. They take care of the pre-, during, and post-natal care of the mother and baby.

The most essential difference is that gynecologists treat diseases in reproductive organs while obstetricians do not. In most cases however, training in gynecology and obstetrics go together, resulting in a combined specialization - an OB-GYN.

What can you expect in an OB-GYN appointment?

For a first appointment, the nurse/doctor will take your basic medical history and conduct a general health check for their records. This will be followed by a physical exterior and interior examination of your reproductive system for overall health, abnormalities, and indications of any diseases, infections and cancers. Any routine appointment will include these checks, along with a pap-smear, breast check and mammogram, at the required intervals.

If you’re pregnant, your appointment will vary to include sonograms, etc. to keep track of your and your baby’s health and development.

Find your OB-GYN

For such a personal (and long-term) doctor, you don’t want to just pick a name out of a book...you want someone you know is good and reliable. Take personal and professional recommendations into account while choosing. Another point to consider when choosing is whether your OB-GYN offers both services or sticks with one speciality.

OB-GYN in San Antonio

The largest OB-GYN practice in the San Antonio area, the Institute for Women’s Health is every woman’s answer to health care. With a comprehensive list of services and a staff of fully qualified professionals, they work to keep every woman in the best health through every stage of their lives.

Everything You Need to Know About Knee Replacement Surgery

In order to live a healthy and active lifestyle, good knees are essential! However, when suffer from an injury or arthritis occurs, particularly osteoarthritis, your ability to bend and flex your knees can become restricted due to damage, inflammation and pain. If not taken care of properly, the damage can progress, making life so much more difficult and painful.

Deterioration of your joint and surrounding tissue can make it quite difficult to perform basic daily activities, even while you sit or lie down. While cartilage wears down and bone rubs against bone, pain and reduced mobility follow.

Knee replacement surgery is a common solution that provides dramatic pain relief for more than 90 percent of patients. The vast majority of knee replacement procedures are used to treat osteoarthritis. The procedure which was introduced in 1968, relies on a mechanical implant to replace severely arthritic or damaged knee joints. Total knee replacement (TKR), also called total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is considered one of the safest and most effective procedures in orthopedics.

Two different types of knee replacement exist: total and partial.

Total Knee Replacement

Total Knee Replacement makes up about 90 percent of all knee replacement procedures. During TKR, a surgeon plans to repair your knee joint by covering the thighbone with a metal covering and encasing the shinbone with plastic. The prosthesis replaces the rough and irregular surfaces of the worn bone with smooth surfaces. In many cases, the surgeon can also replace the undersurface of your kneecap with a plastic surface. This further reduces pain and provides a smoother functioning joint. If this is an option you are considering, it’s important to remember that the procedure involves some removal of bone and cartilage. This is a major surgery!

After a TKR, you should expect to spend three to five days at the hospital. Doctors will recommend you begin weight-bearing therapy immediately following the operation. In addition, you will undergo some combination of physical and occupational therapy starting at the hospital.  In most cases, you will likely be able to stand and walk, at least with the assistance of a cane or walker, before you leave the hospital.

Starting in the hospital, and usually before you exit the operating room, your knee may be cradled in a passive motion machine and medical staff will monitor the flexion (bending in) and extension (extending out) limits of your knee. After discharge, it is probably you will go home for recovery and rehabilitation.

Some patients require home health care or assistance. Your doctor will most likely prescribe physical therapy at a local clinic for continued rehabilitation and the physical therapist there will then suggest exercises you can perform at home. Most patients conclude rehabilitation within eight weeks, of course it varies on the individual, eventually you should be able to move around without assistance and resume of your daily activities.

Partial Knee Replacement

If you receive a partial knee replacement, your surgeon will replace only the part of your knee that’s damaged or arthritic. The advantage to this type of procedure is that it requires a smaller incision, involves less bone and blood loss and consequently produces less pain. Patients undergoing partial knee replacement tend to experience a faster recovery time than those who have TKR. However, there are disadvantages, including the possibility that you will have to eventually undergo further surgery if arthritis develops in the parts of the knee that are not replaced.

Risks, Complications, and Considerations

Today, knee replacements are considered safe. Very few patients experience complications. The most common surgical complication is infection, which has been documented to occur in fewer than 2 percent of patients. When complications do occur, they may include: infection, blood clots, a problem with the implant, or persistent pain and damage to the blood vessels surrounding the knee as a result of the surgery. Thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks of TKR with your surgeon before making any decision about a procedure. You may also want to evaluate other considerations, such as: financial issues (the cost of surgery, follow-up care, and time off from work), hospital quality, and what to expect from your new knee.

TKR is an increasingly attractive and viable option if you happen to be dealing with chronic knee pain or unable to participate in common activities. Approximately 90 percent of the replacement joints last 10 years. In about 80 percent of cases, it functions for 20 years. This can depend heavily on your age and level of activity. Seniors, who are less likely to put their new joint under regular stress, wear the joint down less than relatively younger patients who are more active.

After a knee replacement, there’s a high probability that you will once again participate in activities such as walking, bicycling, golf, tennis and swimming. As the pain subsides and the ability to use your knee returns, your quality of life will most likely improve!

The quality and speed of your recovery depends both on your efforts in physical therapy and the skill of your surgeon. That is why it is so important to carefully select who performs your surgery. The South Texas Spinal Clinic in San Antonio has trained and certified surgeons who can perform the different types of knee replacement procedures you may need. Not to mention, they will provide the appropriate treatment for you in order to recover from these type of procedures as soon as possible.