It may not be possible to prevent all yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) but a few simple tips can help lower your risk of developing either one. Differences Between a Yeast Infection and a UTI Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast, a fungus called Candida. It’s normal to have a small amount of yeast in …

Maybe you’ve never heard of pelvic floor disorders – or perhaps you suspect you might have one but you aren’t sure what to do about it.  Pelvic floor disorders are caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles from childbirth, menopause or simply aging. The connective tissues surrounding the pelvis can no longer easily support the organs in the pelvic area, causing …

Deciding when to see a gynecologist is an important healthcare question for women and girls. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends scheduling a first gynecological appointment, or wellness exam, between the ages of 13 and 15. Routine wellness exams with an OB/GYN provider are recommended for adult women. Knowing what to expect during an appointment and which …

Have you ever been so mortified by a medical concern you felt too uncomfortable to discuss it with your healthcare provider? You’re not alone. It’s an all-too-common occurrence, but when it comes to provider visits, you can prioritize your health by being an open book. How Do I See a Provider About Something Embarrassing? An itchy backside, urinary incontinence or hemorrhoids, excessive or painful gas, sexual …

If you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant, prenatal care should be at the top of your to do list, right along with baby names and picking out a crib. With the right prenatal care, both you and your baby’s health will be a priority through all nine months of pregnancy – and beyond. What are prenatal tests? Prenatal tests …

Heart disease and stroke, recognized as the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States, claim the lives of more than 877,500 Americans annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response to this alarming reality, the St. Elizabeth Healthcare CardioVascular Mobile Health Unit is taking proactive steps by bringing cardiovascular screenings and educational …

Health and fitness goals often top our New Year’s Resolutions lists. They’re a great reboot after the hustle, bustle and extra fun of the holidays. But can your primary care physician help with your New Year’s Resolutions? The experts at St. Elizabeth Physicians say yes – in a variety of ways.  Step 1: Make an Appointment First, our team of experts encourages …

Perimenopause vs. menopause — what is the difference? It’s easy to confuse the two conditions because the same thing causes them — your body’s decreased production of estrogen and progesterone due to the depletion of eggs in the ovaries — and many of the symptoms are identical. Symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are commonly reported. What is …

Many of us have experienced the “pee a little when you sneeze” phenomenon. Urinary incontinence isn’t something you have to live with – and it isn’t a normal part of pregnancy and post-partum life. Pregnancy and Leaking Urine: Why does it happen? More than 46 percent of pregnant women have trouble with leaking urine. Following pregnancy, one in three women …

You’ve dreamed of bringing your bundle of joy home. Now that it’s happened, your body and brain are doing things you never expected. Is something wrong with you? Probably not. You’re probably experiencing typical postpartum symptoms. But since they’re unpleasant, most people don’t want to talk about them. Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression Before labor, the only postpartum symptom you …