Navigating Pregnancy Care with a Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners are the perfect guides for pregnancy care. See what Genevieve Hofmann says about what NPs have to offer.
Women’s Health Blog
Health information, news, tips and updates from University of Colorado OB-GYN & Family Planning.
Blogs cover all topics of gynecologic conditions and treatments across the ages: from birth-related abnormalities to teen health and menopause (and all the in-between).
Lochia, or Postpartum Bleeding: What Do You Need to Know?
Experiencing some postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is normal. Dr. Tonick reviews postpartum bleeding symptoms that may require medical attention.
Call the Midwife: Understanding a Midwife’s Role in Pregnancy Care
Certified nurse midwives encourage each individual woman to participate in decisions and be a partner in their prenatal care & delivery so they can leave the hospital a healthy mom, with a healthy baby, and a satisfying birth experience. Both OB-GYNs and midwives provide personalized advice to help pregnant women understand what’s in store for … Continued
Why Is It so Hard to Get My Prescription Drugs, and Why Do They Cost so Much?
Dr. Nanette Santoro addresses some common questions about the price of prescription drugs and what steps patients can take to lower those costs.
Managing Endometriosis Symptoms with Home and Alternative Remedies
Pelvic pain specialist Dr. Amy Markese shares tips for taking an active role in managing endometriosis symptoms & pain with home & alternative treatments.
Continuity of Care: The Importance of Pediatric & Teen Gynecology
Dr. Alaniz explains how continuity of care with a specialized physician makes a world of a difference in gynecologic care – childhood through adulthood.
Predicting Successful Vaginal Delivery Following C-Section
Assuming your care team thinks a vaginal delivery after C-section (VBAC) is a viable option, you may want to estimate your chances for being successful.
Googling OBGYN Near Me?
Peace of mind is worth a lot. Finding an OBGYN with the expertise you need and who provides quality, compassionate care you can trust may be worth a drive.
Less Paps + More HPV Vaccination = Less Cancer
Medical professionals interpreting modern research are finding that annual Pap screenings may produce unnecessary anxiety and cost for women without reducing cervical cancer risk.
Pap Smear Guidelines for Women Over Age 30
Progress has brought about recent guideline changes concerning Pap smear testing for women age 30 or older, making it possible to go five years between tests.
Pellets Are for Rabbits, Not Menopause Symptoms
Producers of bioidentical hormones claim these "natural" hormone pellets can cure everything from menopause symptoms to diabetes. Sound too good to be true? These unregulated treatments promise life-changing outcomes, but in actuality deliver very little, and may even put users at risk.
Whose Mammogram Screening Guidelines Should You Follow?
Mammogram screening guidelines can be confusing and even contradictory. Dr. Liss tackles this important topic, sharing the advice she gives to her patients.
Is a Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy Right for You?
Dr. Bastow discusses the minimally invasive approach to hysterectomies, and why this technique should be the new norm. Minimally invasive surgeries improve outcomes while minimizing pain and recovery time.
The Benefits of Having Surgery at a Teaching Hospital
Dr. Conageski discusses the reasons that surgery patients benefit from the presence of resident physicians - doctors completing specialty post-graduate study - in the operating room.
Why Evidence Based Medicine Matters
Evidence based medicine is a science-based approach to healthcare. Well-founded research should be the guiding force behind every doctor’s medical decisions, but that’s not always the case.
What You Need to Know About Zika Virus and Your Pregnancy
The Zika virus is not an immediate danger to most American women, including Colorado women, and does not warrant hitting pause in your efforts to conceive. But you should arm yourself with information about the virus to avoid harm to you and your future baby.
Postpartum Depression FAQ
Postpartum depression (PPD) can be scary, confusing and overwhelming, but hope and help are available. Dr. Diane Christopher answers some of the most commonly asked questions regarding PPD.
Contraception for Military Women: Options for Managing Periods & Preventing Pregnancy
The minor inconvenience of menstrual periods for civilian women can be a major hassle for women soldiers deployed to the field for months, or even years, at a time.
Home Ovulation Kits – Where’s the Value?
Recent years have seen a proliferation of apps, devices & test kits that tell women when they are fertile and promise to help them conceive. Do these devices live up to their claims?
The PregPrep Complete Conception Kit – DIY and Save Your Money!
Dr. Santoro discusses how to get pregnant with a DIY kit that includes supplements & vitamins that you already should be taking. And, save money for the nursery!
Natural Childbirth: Should You Do It?
Dr. Holmes discusses the growing number of patients curious about natural childbirth or giving birth with the least medical intervention possible, particularly anesthesia and pain medication.
Treat Heavy Bleeding & Get Your Life Back
Many of the women who experience abnormally heavy bleeding during their periods think that they have to just live with it. That’s just not the case. Treatment options like endometrial ablation or birth control can provide relief.
Will Smoking Pot Harm My Unborn Child?
Potential harmful effects of marijuana on pregnancy and an unborn child are currently underfunded, leaving many women looking for answers.
Vaccination Nation: The Argument for Vaccination has Science on its Side
As Americans, we see few dreaded infectious diseases anymore. Dr. Santoro explains why widespread vaccination for common infectious diseases is the safe, socially responsible and smart decision.
Is Your Surgeon Good Enough for You?
Going under the knife is a big decision for any patient. But almost as important is assessing and selecting the best surgeon, which can be challenging. Ask these questions to find out if your surgeon should operate on you.
Facebook Bragging About Weight Loss After Pregnancy
In this video, Dr. Jaime Arruda discusses safe postpartum weight loss. Although some women post weight loss photos on Facebook quickly after giving birth, everyone gains & loses weight differently during & after pregnancy.
HPV Vaccine: Why Women Aren’t Preventing Cervical Cancer
Dr. Chesney Thompson says the HPV vaccine is available, safe and the numbers are very compelling for its efficaciousness. Yet in 2012, only a third of teenage girls had taken the required three doses. Why the resistance?
Morcellation Risks in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy & Fibroid Removal
In this video, Dr. Arruda explains the risk of power morcellation spreading cancer during laparoscopic hysterectomy or fibroid removal and how women should evaluate that risk.
Four Core Symptoms of Menopause
In this video, Dr. Santoro discusses the core symptoms of menopause: hot flashes & night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty with sleep, and adverse moods.
Highlights From the 14th World Congress on Menopause
Dr. Santoro reports on the latest on hormone delivery, weight gain, ovarian aging, early menopause, hot flashes and ovarian cancer that affect fertility.
Predatory Methods & Menopause
Beware the inflated promises made by the bioidentical hormone industry in treating menopause transition: if it sounds too good to be true—it probably is.
Extreme Flu Danger for Pregnant Women: Get Your Flu Shot
A flu season that is hospitalizing an inordinately high number of pregnant women, plus pregnant Colorado women avoiding the flu vaccine equals trouble for mother and child.
Bioridiculous: Evaluating Dietary Supplements & Menopause Treatments
It’s time to take stock of exactly what you are putting into your body and why. Are you taking something ‘natural’ as an alternative to mainstream medicine, but suffering as a result?
When Periods Cause Problems: Help for Girls and Parents
Too many girls miss too much school because of their periods, and girls and their parents need to know that there are safe and effective ways to treat their problem periods.
The Sensitive Side of Pediatric Gynecology
When a girl goes to a gynecologist, it can be an emotional visit for her and her family, which is why pediatric gynecologists take special care to make everyone involved feel comfortable.
Contraception: There’s an App for That
Cell phone apps help adolescents and young women who know they need to take the pill, don’t want to get pregnant, and are invested in doing what they can to keep that from happening.
Think Twice About Inducing Labor
In most cases of labor induction it's the uncomfortable patient ready to deliver who pushes the doctor to induce. But this may not be the best choice for mother or baby.
HIV/AIDS Testing Protects You, Your Baby and Your Partner
HIV/AIDS Awareness Days bring awareness to infection testing as a routine pregnancy test for your health and your baby and a good thing to keep in mind.
Are You Thinking About Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding has many benefits for a child, yet it's often difficult for a mother to breastfeed for the recommended period of time. Here are some tips on overcoming breastfeeding problems.
Sense of Search: Medical Information on the Web
Many people search the Internet for medical information during pregnancy. Dr. Erickson cites her sources & how to tell if a medical website is trustworthy.
Pregnant? Get Your Flu Shot!
In the United States, it’s called a shot. In the United Kingdom, it’s called a jab. In either place, when it is flu season and you are pregnant, it’s called a good idea.
Your Life Should Not Be Ruled by Your Periods
By Dr. Steve Rotholz – There may be times in your life where your menstrual cycle (your “period”) may be abnormal. It might be too heavy, too light, too often, not often enough, or painful. But you are not alone!
Exercise During Pregnancy
Many forms of exercise are acceptable throughout pregnancy. However, you may need to consider some adjustments to your routine – reducing routines while keeping well hydrated.
Maternal Physiology 101
Your body adapts to pregnancy, changing to support the growth of a baby. Some of the most dramatic changes occur to the organs and cardiovascular system.
Newborn Screening
Newborn screening tests identify apparently healthy children born with rare but devastating genetic disorders which, if addressed early, can be managed so the child can lead a normal life.
Causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
About 10 million women suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding. There are many different causes for abnormal uterine bleeding, including fibroids and polyps. Learn different treatment options available to women.
Back Down to Sleep – Part Two
The Back to Sleep Campaign recommends that babies should always sleep on their backs. Here is their full list of recommendations, which they call the Safe Sleep Top Ten.
Back Down To Sleep – Part One
The best sleep for your baby is a safe sleep, and a safe sleep position is one that reduces your baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS.
Wash Your Hands, Please!
Once your baby comes home, people will want to touch, hold and play with them. To keep everyone healthy, they will need to wash their hands a lot. Even you.
Choosing a Health Care Provider for Your Baby
When choosing a health care provider for your baby, medical practitioners licensed to provide care to children include pediatricians & family practitioners.
What to do Before Getting Pregnant
Thinking about trying to become pregnant? Ensure your health is the best it can be through diet & exercise, quit smoking and start a daily prenatal vitamin.
The Estrogen Puzzle: Revisiting the Women’s Health Initiative
Few studies have inspired more controversy than the Women’s Health Initiative’s principal research findings, which will be 10 years old as of July 2012.
Help! Menopause Just Stole My Brain!
Menopause left me with a short-term memory deficit that has since improved, but my memory has not gone back to what it once was.
Memory and Menopause: Help! Menopause Just Stole My Brain!
By Dr. Nanette Santoro – Most menopausal women will experience slight memory loss, symptoms that are completely normal and seen in both men and women in association with aging.
Dem Bones
After menopause, in many women, the loss of estrogen leads to a slight excess of resorption over formation, but both processes are still ongoing. The net effect, over time, is bone loss and eventually osteopenia or osteoporosis.