Blog Archive

Even the most routine exams can stir up all sorts of stressful emotions, especially when your results could indicate a serious problem with your health. With Pap smears, however, abnormal results aren’t always a reason to panic.  Our women’s health experts at OB/GYN Specialists, led by Dr. Marc Wilson, are...

 You’re in your 40s, so you envision having a few more good years before you enter the throes of menopause. Why, then, are you feeling all of the hallmark symptoms? You could be experiencing perimenopause. Peri is Greek for “around” or “near,” so perimenopause marks a transitional phase before you...

Have you been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? You’re not alone. About 6% of women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy — and finding out that your pregnancy is now considered high-risk can feel scary. Fortunately, gestational diabetes is manageable and temporary. And in honor of National Diabetes Month this November, Marc...

About 13% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, making it the second-most common type of cancer in women.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s no time like the present to raise awareness, celebrate victory, and take a proactive approach toward protecting your own health....

Up to 5 million American women are living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This complex hormonal disorder can have far-reaching effects on your life — from your fertility to your physical appearance. Dealing with the symptoms of PCOS can be frustrating, but you’re not alone. September is PCOS Awareness Month,...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the No.1 sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It’s so common that nearly everyone who’s sexually active will get it at some point — and for some, their diagnosis is high-risk. Some strains of HPV are considered high-risk because they can increase your risk of cervical cancer...

Did you know that pregnant women should aim to get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week? Staying active during pregnancy offers numerous benefits for both you and your baby — but being pregnant means taking extra precautions. When the summer heat rolls in, you need to reevaluate your exercise...

You’ve probably heard the old saying that when you’re pregnant, you’re “eating for two.” And while that doesn’t mean you should be eating double the calories, it does mean the food you eat is responsible for nourishing both you and your growing baby. Pregnancy is an exciting time — but...

After seeing that positive pregnancy test, one of the most exciting things about being pregnant is seeing your growing baby. Many women and their partners look forward to that first prenatal ultrasound — but it’s normal to have questions about what to expect, especially if this is your first pregnancy....

Miscarriage is early pregnancy loss that happens before week 20. Up to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and although it’s fairly common, it’s a devastating experience for any couple. If your partner has experienced a miscarriage, you might feel helpless or unsure of what to do next. It's...

A healthy diet is essential to your overall well-being at every age. And when it comes to fertility, the food you eat plays a big role, too. There’s no “magic” food that guarantees fertility, but incorporating certain foods into your diet can increase your chances of getting pregnant. Marc Wilson,...

Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of cancer death among American women. Advancements in preventive care have significantly lowered these numbers, but getting screened is still an essential part of every woman’s routine health care. Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if it’s identified early. There are several ways...

Sleep is an essential restorative process for both your body and your mind. The average adult needs about 7-9 hours of sleep each night, but research data estimate that more than one-third of American adults aren’t getting enough sleep. Significantly, sleep loss does more than make you tired and cranky...

A normal menstrual period lasts anywhere from 2-7 days. And once your period tapers off, you probably don’t expect to see any bleeding until your next period starts in about a month. Bleeding or spotting between periods isn’t normal, but that doesn’t mean it never happens. In fact, it’s actually...

Being pregnant is exciting — but it’s no secret that the physical changes pregnancy brings can cause anxiety for many women. You’re not alone if you’re worried about gaining weight and trying to shed it once your baby is here. Nearly every woman gains weight during pregnancy. Gaining weight is...

Hormones are chemicals that transmit messages and influence nearly every function in your body, from metabolism and digestion to mood and sex drive. Humans have more than 50 different hormones, and hormone levels are constantly in flux. It’s normal for your hormone levels to rise and fall over each day and...

Infertility is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Struggling to get pregnant takes a mental, emotional, and physical toll on couples, and at OB/GYN Specialists, we believe there’s a better way. Daniel McDonald, MD, Marc Wilson, MD, and our team take a personalized approach to fertility care. Because we understand how...

Have you noticed a dull ache in your pelvis that’s not going away? Are you sidelined by intense cramps before and during your period? Do sharp pangs of pain make focusing on your daily life impossible? You’re not alone. About 15% of women of childbearing age suffer chronic pelvic pain at some point, and...

Miscarriage is the spontaneous early loss of a pregnancy. About 1 in 5 known pregnancies end in miscarriage, making it a common — but often devastating — experience for women who are trying to grow their families. Suffering a miscarriage can leave you with sadness and grief. These feelings are normal, but...

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States. Fortunately, Pap smears are an effective way to identify signs of cervical cancer when it’s in the early stages and most treatable. A Pap smear is a quick, in-office screening that can be done alongside your annual gynecological exam....

Pregnancy is a time of dramatic change. A fetus begins as a small cluster of cells, grows into a newborn baby in just nine months, and in the meantime, transforms your family and your life. Whether you’re pregnant now or you’re thinking about the future, it’s normal to have questions...

Pap smears are routine screenings to check for cervical cancer, the fourth-most common type of cancer in women. Most women should get Pap smears every three years or so, because it’s the best way to detect cervical cancer as early as possible — when it’s most treatable. In a Pap smear, your...

More than 10% of women have endometriosis, making it one of the most common gynecological conditions among women during their reproductive years. Endometriosis develops when the tissue that naturally lines your uterus starts growing outside it. Not every woman with endometriosis has noticeable symptoms. But for many, the condition causes...

Barring certain health issues or treatments, women go through menopause in their 40s or 50s. It’s the natural end of the female reproductive cycle, and it marks a significant change in female hormone production. During your reproductive years, hormones regulate your menstrual cycle. Your hormones fluctuate over the course of...

Prenatal genetic testing gives expectant parents information about their unborn child’s DNA and any risk of certain genetic disorders. Genetic disorders include chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) like Down syndrome, as well as inherited conditions like sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis. Genetic disorders can significantly impact a fetus’s health and development,...

Nearly 3.75 million babies are born each year in the United States. Most pregnancies and births are considered routine, but about 8% of American women experience pregnancies that are classified as high risk. A high-risk pregnancy requires extra care to ensure both mom and baby are as healthy as possible....

Almost every woman has experienced pelvic pain in her lifetime. It’s extremely common, but all of the possible causes mean that finding a diagnosis and effective treatment isn’t always easy. At OB/GYN Specialists in Denton, Texas, Daniel McDonald, MD, and Marc Wilson, MD, are dedicated to providing quality care for...

Family planning is an important element of every woman’s health care plan. Choosing if and when you want to get pregnant gives you options — and today, women have more options than ever before when it comes to contraception.  Fertility awareness is a natural method of family planning, and it’s...

Have you scheduled your next well-woman exam? When you have a busy schedule, making an annual gynecologist appointment might just seem like another thing on your long to-do list — but the truth is that regular well-woman exams are one of the best ways to maintain your health. As a...

Hot flashes and night sweats are some of the most common — and intense — symptoms of menopause. More than two-thirds of women get them during perimenopause and menopause. If you’ve ever had a hot flash, you know what it feels like. Your face, neck, and chest suddenly flush. You...

Now more than ever, women are in charge of their own health. Maybe you wanted to finish school, advance in your career, or find the right person to settle down with before you started your family. You can choose when and if you want to get pregnant, but getting pregnant...

Pap smears (or Pap tests) are an important part of every woman’s health care routine. These simple, in-office screenings are the best way to check for cervical cancer — but when should you be scheduling Pap smears? And how often do you really need them? Detecting early signs of cervical...

Your uterus has a lining of tissue called the endometrium. This tissue thickens every month to prepare your body for pregnancy. If you don’t get pregnant, it sheds and bleeds during your menstrual period. Healthy endometrial tissue grows inside your uterus, but about 11% of women have a condition called...

Family planning is an important consideration if you’re a sexually active woman. It puts you in control over your reproductive health and gives you the power to decide if and when you want to get pregnant. These days, you have a lot of options when it comes to family planning....

Are you nervously awaiting menopause? Wondering if your symptoms mean you’ve entered this transitional time? Are you sure you’re aware of the telltale symptoms? Menopause is a natural process that happens when your female hormone levels decline and you’re no longer able to get pregnant. The average age of onset...

Most women experience bleeding between periods at some point. It’s usually light bleeding that doesn’t require a tampon or pad, and it’s also called spotting. You might notice spotting in the middle of your cycle, either in your underwear or while using the restroom. Many different factors — from hormonal...

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are very common. In fact, about 50% of sexually active individuals contract an STI by the time they’re 25 years old. As the terms imply, STIs and STDs are contracted through sexual contact. The only way to ensure you won’t get...

About 10% of women have endometriosis during their reproductive years. Endometriosis is a condition that develops when the tissue that lines your uterus, called the endometrium, grows elsewhere in your pelvic region. Endometrial tissue growing outside your uterus thickens and sheds like healthy tissue, but rather than exiting your body...

Pregnancy creates dramatic changes throughout your body. It’s an exciting time, but it’s normal to have questions about what to expect. And if you’re one of the 15 million American women who have diabetes, you might have even more questions. Having a preexisting condition like diabetes means that you’ll need...

The average menstrual period lasts 2-7 days. The first day of bleeding marks the first day of a new menstrual cycle, which generally lasts 21-35 days. Almost every woman experiences monthly menstrual cycles in her childbearing years, so she has about 450 periods in her lifetime. You can have varying...

About 3 in 4 women experience pain with sex at some point in their lives. Sometimes, pain is minor and disappears quickly. But when painful intercourse is a consistent problem, it can disrupt your life — from your self-esteem to your relationship with your significant other. Daniel McDonald, MD, Marc...

Up to 25% of clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage — that’s nearly 1 in 4. Although miscarriage is common, it can still come with a stigma. People are often hesitant to talk about miscarriage, which can leave you feeling like you’re going through it alone. Experiencing a miscarriage is...

Hot flashes can leave you drenched in sweat at any time of the day or night. They’re a common symptom of menopause, with about 8 in 10 women experiencing them, but they don’t just affect women in their 40s and 50s. Hot flashes are a hallmark of menopause, but they...

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can happen to anyone, but women are more likely to suffer these painful infections than men, due in part to anatomy. Bacteria in your bladder or urethra commonly cause UTIs, but infection can develop anywhere in your urinary system, including the kidneys or ureters.  UTIs often...

Hot flashes. Mood swings. Weight gain. Low libido. Pain with sex. Are these among the first symptoms that come to mind when you think of menopause? Chances are good that the answer is yes. Menopause is a physical change that your body endures at the end of your reproductive years....

Natural family planning is a popular option for women who want to be in control of their bodies. It’s a natural method of preventing pregnancy that doesn’t involve taking medication or using devices. Instead, it involves listening to your body to learn when you’re most fertile, and avoiding sexual intercourse...

If you’re a woman between the ages of 15 and 55, chances are high that you have a monthly period. Your period is controlled by hormones, and it’s a part of your menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is the process your body goes through to prepare for pregnancy. Your ovaries...

Being pregnant is a transformative experience for many women, and having a baby is life-changing. But it’s no secret that pregnancy takes a toll on your body. If you have a preexisting condition, the changes that come with pregnancy can be even more significant. Diabetes is a very common metabolic...

If you have problems with fertility, you actually aren’t alone. Over 5 million people who are of child-bearing age, that’s one in 10 couples, have trouble conceiving. When it comes to fertility, the advice that we’re given is often fairly unhelpful.  At OB/GYN Specialists, we want to make sure that...

Periods are often unpleasant, but abnormal bleeding can greatly interfere with your schedule, comfort, and enjoyment of life. If you’re experiencing frequent abnormal uterine bleeding, visit to your OB/GYN to find out if something is wrong.  Abnormal bleeding can be caused by a number of factors, and a specialist can...

Weight gain isn’t just an issue associated with the food you eat or how much you exercise. It can also be affected by your hormones — and vice versa. If you’ve noticed that you’re experiencing hormonal changes and/or weight fluctuations, it might help you to discuss these issues with your...

Common practice used to be that once you had a child delivered through a cesarean section, all subsequent children needed to be delivered that way. However, advances in medicine and surgical techniques have made it possible for up to 90% of women who’ve had a baby with a C-section to...

When a woman becomes pregnant and is looking forward to the birth of her child, she expects a normal pregnancy with no complications. This is ideal, and in many cases, it’s exactly what happens. But in some cases (estimates are around 8%), the woman and her child are facing a...

Pain in your lower belly and pelvis results from problems with your reproductive or urinary systems. Pain differs from person to person and can range from mild to severe. If you have endometriosis, for example, your pain may feel more or less intense than someone else with the same condition....

Getting regular Pap smears is an important preventative health measure for women 65 and under. Your Pap smear, which you get every 3-5 years depending on your age, detects abnormal or potentially precancerous cells. Our doctors at OB/GYN Specialists support and treat women who’ve received an abnormal result on their...

Just because menopause is a natural part of a woman's cycle of life doesn't mean it’s always an easy transition. From hot flashes and sleep problems to irritability and mood swings, it can be a challenge both physically and emotionally. Often hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help. Here at OB/GYN...

About 50% of women report having a urinary tract infection (UTI) at least once in their lives, underscoring the common nature of a UTI. UTIs are painful and inconvenient, and they can lead to serious health issues if untreated. There are many signs and symptoms of UTIs, but a simple,...

Finding out you have a uterine fibroid can sound alarming. Especially when all you hear your doctor say is the word “tumor.” In about 99% of cases, fibroid tumors are benign. Not to mention, they're very common. You can experience several fibroids throughout your life, and never have a problem....

Endometriosis affects up to 11% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44. Having endometriosis can make it more difficult to get pregnant. Not only do women with endometriosis find it hard to conceive, but they may be more likely to suffer from a miscarriage. Between 30% and...

Though some women sail through menopause with nary a bump in the road, others are saddled with ongoing side effects that can have a serious quality-of-life impact. If you find yourself more toward the latter, there’s a solution that will help make your transition a little less tumultuous — hormone...

Because January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, our team at OB/GYN Specialists reminds you about the importance of a routine Pap test. This simple, noninvasive screening is your first line of defense against cervical cancer and other reproductive health issues. Basics of a Pap test A Pap test is...

There are many reasons your provider here at OB/GYN Specialists may recommend a hysterectomy. A few of them include: Fibroid tumors Endometriosis Cancerous tumors Uterine prolapse Abnormal uterine bleeding Chronic pelvic pain Regardless of the reason, you may well have some concerns about having surgery. One solution that may be...

The term “high-risk pregnancy" sounds scary. It refers to a pregnancy in which either you or your baby are at risk of complications. The good news is that you can take steps to promote a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of negative outcomes in the process. Our experts discuss...