Blog Archive
Every birth story is unique. No matter how it happens, one thing is always true: Bringing a child into the world is a profound and life-changing experience. About 32% of all births in the United States are Cesarean sections (C-sections). And for some mothers who have had C-sections in the...
Bringing a child into the world is an extraordinary journey — and it’s also a deeply personal one. The decision to start a family means striking a balance between career aspirations, financial stability, and personal relationships, so many women don’t consider pregnancy until later in life. In fact, changing societal...
About 10% of women have ovarian cysts. These small, fluid-filled sacs grow on your ovaries — and since they usually don’t cause symptoms, you might have them without even knowing it. Most ovarian cysts pose no serious threat, but complications are possible, and it’s important to educate yourself about the...
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise, and it’s crucial for sexually active adults to stay informed. Whether you’re navigating the dating scene or you’re in a committed relationship, awareness and knowledge about STDs are crucial for your well-being. At Solace Women's Care, Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC,...
Receiving abnormal Pap results can be unnerving, but it’s important to understand that “abnormal” doesn’t necessarily mean “cancerous.” In fact, most abnormal results are due to minor infections or changes that can easily be monitored or treated. At Solace Women's Care, Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our dedicated...
Pregnancy is a dramatic transformation — and for some women, that transformation necessitates a little extra care. Up to 8% of expecting mothers have high-risk pregnancies, which means they have complications that could threaten their health, their baby’s, or both. The good news is that proactive prenatal care helps you...
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to raise awareness, celebrate success, and most importantly, take a proactive approach to your own breast health. Around 240,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. It can happen to anyone — and the importance of early detection can’t...
Regular menstrual cycles are often considered a sign of good reproductive health. But when it comes to periods, what’s considered “regular”? And could irregular periods be a sign of an underlying condition? Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different. In general, your periods are considered regular if your cycles are 24-38...
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey — mentally, emotionally, and physically. And it’s no secret that some of the physical changes to accommodate a developing baby can be uncomfortable or even painful. It’s important to address any discomfort you experience, but it’s equally important to choose the right treatment method. Many...
You’re probably well aware of menopause. It’s the time in every woman’s life when her periods stop and she can no longer get pregnant. But did you know that changes in your menstrual cycles can happen long before menopause officially begins? Before you enter menopause, your body goes through perimenopause. It...
Taking care of your health should always be a top priority — and one of the best ways to do that is by being proactive about preventive screenings. Pap smears are high on that list. A Pap smear is a simple test designed to detect early signs of cervical cancer,...
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy. It affects up to 10% of pregnant women — and if you’re diagnosed with it, it’s important to take extra steps to protect your health and your baby’s. Gestational diabetes puts your pregnancy at higher risk, because it...
Your cervix is the lower part of your uterus. It’s a muscular canal that connects your uterus and your vagina. Most of the time, it’s firm and tight — but your cervix goes through dramatic changes during pregnancy. As your due date approaches, your cervix needs to soften and open...
About 75% of women experience pain with sex at some point. It’s an extremely common problem, and unfortunately, many women suffer in silence and never bring it up with their doctors. Attempting to “grin and bear” painful intercourse might seem better than having an awkward conversation with your gynecologist, but...
On any given day, about 1 in 5 Americans has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs are extremely common, and they’re also an important public health concern. Most STIs are preventable and treatable. Unfortunately, many people are embarrassed to talk about them with their sexual partners and their doctors, making...
Over 90% of women experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS develops with hormonal fluctuation during the second half of your menstrual cycle, and it causes physical and behavioral changes like bloating, fatigue, and irritability. PMS is bad enough. But for some women, symptoms are severe enough to interfere with...
Uterine fibroids are muscular growths that form inside your uterus. They range in size, shape, and location, and they’re very common. In fact, up to 80% of women get fibroids during their lives. Fibroids are almost always benign (noncancerous), and they don’t cause noticeable symptoms for most women. Unfortunately, one...
What comes to mind when you think of menopause? If it’s something negative, like mood swings, hot flashes, or weight gain, you’re not alone. Menopause is a natural biological process, but the symptoms it brings make most women dread it. While it’s true that menopause is a transition that can...
Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are some of the most popular contraceptives available today. These long-acting contraceptives fit into your uterus and prevent pregnancy for years, without the need for daily pills, weekly skin patches, or regular injections. Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team at Solace Women's Care...
More than 9 in 10 women experience tearing during their first vaginal birth. Vaginal tears are extremely common, and it’s normal to have questions about what it means and what to do if it happens to you. Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team at Solace Women's Care are here to help. We...
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the country. It’s so common that more than 80% of sexually active Americans contract it in their lifetimes, and many may never know they have it. While most cases of HPV go away eventually, the virus carries serious risks. HPV is...
Sex is an important part of any romantic relationship. But unfortunately, pain with sex is very common. Nearly 75% of women suffer painful intercourse at some point in their lives — and when sex is painful, the resulting intimacy issues can take a toll on even the best relationships. Painful intercourse has...
A nutritious diet is the best way to fuel your body. Healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are packed with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need to enjoy your best health. And when you’re pregnant, it’s especially important to make sure you’re getting all of...
Most women’s bodies follow a monthly menstrual cycle throughout their reproductive years. While few look forward to their menstrual periods, up to 1 in 4 women suffers from a menstrual disorder. Menstrual disorders include conditions like heavy periods, severe cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These conditions...
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that develops somewhere in your urinary tract, including your urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. UTIs are common, and more than half of all women get at least one during their lives. Unfortunately, UTIs are often quite painful. You might suffer bladder or pelvic...
Every heartbeat pumps oxygen-rich blood from your heart throughout your body. Your blood delivers essential nutrients to your organs, muscles, and other tissues, and then depleted blood returns to your heart and lungs to be replenished. As blood flows, it creates pressure against the walls of your veins and arteries....
Contraceptives put you in control of your reproductive health. Birth control allows you to choose if and when you want to have a baby, and these days, you have more options than ever before. Oral pills have long been the most common method of birth control. Skin patches, implants, injections,...
Most moms-to-be know uterine contractions during labor and delivery are painful. But it can be disheartening to hear that the pain doesn’t necessarily end once you welcome your new baby into the world. Postpartum pain is something every new mom faces. Every birth experience is different, and every mother’s recovery...
About 1 in 10 women has endometriosis during her reproductive years. Endometriosis develops when the lining of your uterus (endometrium) begins to grow elsewhere in your body. Endometriosis patches commonly affect other reproductive organs, causing severe menstrual period symptoms, chronic pelvic pain, and even infertility. Symptoms can vary from woman...
Pelvic exams are an important part of every woman’s preventive health care. During a pelvic exam, your doctor examines your genitals and your reproductive organs to evaluate your gynecologic health. Most women should get pelvic exams annually as part of their well-woman visits, but when should those visits begin? If...
Menopause officially starts one year after you have your last menstrual period. The average American woman enters menopause at age 51 — but even before menopause begins, your hormone levels start changing. Estrogen and progesterone are the two main female hormones. They influence reproduction and certain female characteristics, and these...
A hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus. It’s the second-most common surgical procedure for women in the United States, and about 600,000 hysterectomies are done each year. Hysterectomy might be best known as a form of permanent birth control. The surgery removes part or all of your uterus, so...
You’ve reached menopause when it has been a full year since your last menstrual period. It’s a biological process that marks the end of your fertile years, but the symptoms that come with it can take a toll. The average age of menopause onset is 51. Women may start noticing...
Most women get monthly menstrual periods throughout their childbearing years, and few look forward to it. Irritability, bloating, cramps, and more all make periods unpleasant, but are your symptoms a sign of something more serious? Menstrual symptoms vary, so it’s not always easy to know what’s “normal” when it comes...
More than 3.7 million babies are born every year in the United States. While most women have routine pregnancies, up to 8% of pregnancies are considered high risk. There are numerous factors that could constitute a high-risk pregnancy. Your doctor may identify your pregnancy as high risk if you or...
A fulfilling sex life builds your self-esteem and strengthens your relationship with your partner. Sexual health is an important part of your overall well-being, but nearly half of all women are dealing with sexual dysfunction and intimacy issues in their daily lives. Sexual problems like low libido and painful intercourse...
Contraception puts you in control over when — and if — you decide to get pregnant. From daily pills to long-acting implants, you have lots of different birth control options, and every option has its benefits. Finding the right birth control method for you depends on your health, lifestyle, and...
Your health is your greatest asset. As a woman, your health care needs are unique — and they change as you move through life. It’s easy to take your health for granted when you’re feeling good, but it’s important to make time for routine checkups. Teens and young women have...
Your birth plan is personal. From where you plan to deliver to whom you want in the room with you, there’s a lot to consider when you’re anticipating your baby’s birth. One of the biggest decisions is how you plan to deliver your baby. Vaginal birth is natural, and it’s...
Choosing baby names and decorating the nursery are some of the most fun things on your pregnancy to-do list, but when it comes to your health and your baby’s, few things are more important than regular prenatal care. Caring for yourself and your growing baby are important throughout pregnancy, and...
Chlamydia is the most common of the sexually transmitted infections (STI) that are required to be reported to governmental authorities in the United States. While anyone can get the infection, it predominantly affects young women under the age of 25. It spreads through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral...
It’s no secret that pregnancy brings many changes to your lifestyle and your habits. When you’re pregnant, you might find those simple things — like the changing seasons — require adjustments that you weren’t prepared for. Being pregnant in the winter months can bring a welcome break from the hot...
You have two ovaries, one on each side of your uterus. Your ovaries create and store eggs, and during ovulation — the time in your menstrual cycle where you can get pregnant — one of your ovaries releases an egg to be fertilized. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often...
Intimacy is defined as physical and emotional closeness. When used to describe a relationship between partners, intimacy often refers to sex. Intimacy and sex are important elements of a healthy romantic relationship, and experiencing issues that hinder them can quickly take a toll on your relationship and your self-esteem. Intimacy...
About 1 in 3 babies is born via cesarean section in the United States. Also called a C-section, a cesarean section is a type of surgery where a baby is born through an incision in the mother’s abdomen. Many women assume that C-sections are impersonal, and they hope for a...
Your cervix is located at the lower end of your uterus, connecting it to your vagina. It’s made primarily of fibrous tissue, and like any other body part, it can suffer damage or injury — from sexual intercourse, infection, and more. Cervical pain may feel like vague pelvic discomfort, making...
From hysterectomy to cancer treatment, gynecology surgery plays a vital role in female reproductive health. However, traditional surgical methods often mean large abdominal incisions, long hospital stays, and slow recoveries. Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized gynecologic care. Minimally invasive surgery, including robotic, laparoscopic, and hysteroscopic techniques, uses the latest in...
Are you experiencing vaginal itching, pain, or other discomfort? It could be a vaginal infection. Medication, contraception, sexual activity, and more can make your vagina feel uncomfortable or cause changes in the smell and appearance of discharge, signaling a vaginal infection, sometimes called vaginitis. Most often, infections are triggered by...
Ovulation is the point in your menstrual cycle when you can get pregnant. It occurs in the middle of your cycle, when an egg is released from your ovaries. The time between ovulation and your next period is 10-14 days, on average. The most obvious early sign of pregnancy is...
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes your uterus. Some hysterectomies, called total hysterectomies, remove your uterus and your cervix. This type of surgery is common to treat a number of conditions affecting the female reproductive system. If you suffer fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, or a related condition,...
Most women have menstrual periods that last 2-7 days, with menstrual cycles that last 21-35 days in total. But when bleeding lasts longer or is heavy, it can start impacting your quality of life. Heavy periods can make you miss out on life, whether it’s exercising, going out with friends,...
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), three out of four women have experienced painful sex at some point in their lives. Some deal with the pain long term and some only have short-term issues. Either way, though, painful intercourse isn’t uncommon at all. Dr. Farly Sejour...
You’ve just found out you’re pregnant with twins. Double congratulations! Think of the close bond between twins and all the fun your twins will have as they grow up with a built-in playmate. Being pregnant with twins can be exciting and unnerving at the same time. Your body is likely...
A lot happens during your first prenatal appointment. From a medical perspective, it’s an opportunity to get a thorough examination and tests to determine your health and the health of your baby. However, it’s also a chance for you to receive important prenatal education and counseling about your concerns. Making...
Uterine fibroids are a common medical problem for many women, especially as they get older. In fact, one study found as many as 70 percent to 80 percent of women will develop at least one fibroid by age 50, and many women will wind up developing multiple fibroids. Most fibroids...
HPV is the most common type of sexually transmitted disease in the United States, infecting about 79 million people. HPV affects both men and women, and it can be present in both adults and teens. In fact, HPV tends to be especially common among people in their teens and 20s....
It can be a big change going to see a gynecologist for the first time. These appointments should begin for most teens between 13-15 years of age, and help create a solid foundation for their reproductive health for the rest of their lives. Dr. Farly Sejour understands the anxiety, embarrassment,...
Menstrual cramps can slow you down and turn any good day into a not-so-good one. However, the pain of endometriosis can be severe and keep you away from work, family life, and other activities you enjoy. Dr. Farly Sejour at Solace Women’s Care in Conroe, Texas, wants to give you...
There’s a lot of stigma around women’s sexual desire and satisfaction, particularly for older women who are going through the effects of menopause. And as a result, many women are hesitant to discuss these topics. Here at Solace Women’s Care, we believe in pushing past that stigma so that we...
You may have heard the saying, “Turn that frown upside down.” Here at Renew Aesthetic Medicine and Wellness, we take it a step further. Through the use of dermal fillers and Botox®, we can help make those wrinkles and frown lines disappear, giving you even more reasons to smile. Using...
So many types of birth control are available that choosing one can be overwhelming. But birth control is essential if you’re not ready to have children. Plus, some kinds of birth control can offer health benefits besides preventing unwanted pregnancy. You’ll want to consider multiple factors when choosing the best...
You’re ready to get pregnant — congratulations! You’ve prepared your body with good nutrition, exercise, and quitting substances to create the perfect home for your baby to grow and develop for the next nine months. Some conditions that your baby may develop aren’t within your control, however, but result from...
Although cervical cancer is easiest to treat (and has the best outcomes) when caught early, the disease often presents no symptoms at all in these early, most treatable stages. By the time you start experiencing symptoms, it has often progressed. For this reason, routine screening is a critical component of...
The reasons for having a hysterectomy may not have changed much in the past couple of decades, but the way hysterectomy procedures are performed certainly has. In the not-too-distant past, a traditional "open" approach was your only option for having a hysterectomy. The open approach uses a large incision in your...
Getting your period every month may not sound like a big deal. But for women who have heavy menstrual bleeding (also called menorrhagia), the monthly cycle can become a nightmare. Heavy menstrual bleeding can make it difficult to take part in a lot of activities other women take for granted....
Changing Your Workout Routine While You’re PregnantYou’re pregnant! Congratulations! It doesn’t matter if this is your first or fifth baby; it’s always exciting as you consider the new life forming inside of your body. Many changes are in store for you, some wanted and some unwanted.One change you will need...
My Periods Are So HeavyIf you experience a heavy or painful period, Solace Women’s Care can help pinpoint the root cause and rule out more serious possibilities for why it is happening. It can be scary when you seem to have such a heavy flow, and not know why. Some serious...
Why Are UTIs Common When You’re Pregnant?If you are pregnant, congratulations! You are about to enter into one of the most exciting times of your life! You're about to unite with that snuggly baby that's been forming in your womb, and it's the most wonderful feeling for expectant parents.However, if...
Happy Father’s Day From Solace Women’s CareInvolving Your Dad-To-Be In Your Pregnancy Every Step Of The Way, Especially With High Risk Pregnancies. If you’re pregnant, congratulations! You’ve entered one of the most exciting times of your life. The knowledge that a precious baby is forming inside your body is nothing short...
Let Mother’s Day Remind You To Get Your Woman’s Physical ExamIt’s important to schedule an annual women’s physical exam, and there’s no better time to do it than around Mother’s Day. Your annual exam is a great preventative care tool you can utilize to ensure you’re around to enjoy many more days...
Hope Restored For Your Intimacy“The natural flights of the human mind are not from pleasure to pleasure, but from hope to hope.” –Samuel JohnsonSexual intimacy is a gift. If sexual intimacy is no longer pleasurable for you, and more of a pain, you may be suffering from multiple levels of pain.Pain of Loss...
Ten Things To Consider Before Choosing EssureEssure is one option available to our patients at Solace Women’s Care. It is a birth control method you can receive as a nonsurgical procedure. It is 99% effective and approved by the FDA. Your doctor will place a tiny insert into your fallopian tubes...