Blog Archive

Bacteria have a bad reputation because we often discuss the harmful forms of the microscopic substance, but we all have billions of them in our bodies, along with fungi, viruses, and other microbes that make up our microbiomes. These are located throughout the body but are largely concentrated in the...

Endometriosis is a common disease affecting up to 11% of American women and while this illness can be chronic and painful, it can be treated. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, so this is a great time to help you better understand the impact this condition has on your reproductive health,...

February is National Heart Month, and because over 600,000 people die from heart disease in America annually, it’s important to know what you need to do to keep it healthy.  Your heart is the center of your circulatory system, where arteries, veins, and blood vessels get oxygenated blood that distributes...

Cancer is a condition that everyone dreads. This overabundance of abnormal cells can form tumors in just about every part of your body. Each year there are 1.9 million new cases of cancer and almost half a million people die from some type of cancer. For many women, this means...

Research shows a steady increase in Americans struggling with STDs, with an overall 11% rise between 2016 and 2020. Treatment-resistant diseases on the rise include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, leading to increased infection among newborns.  To further complicate matters, some STDs are becoming resistant to treatment, so finding new ways...

All pregnancies can lead to complications, and if you have a high-risk pregnancy, all of these remarkable changes may come with problems that threaten your health and the health of your unborn child. Luckily, there are ways you can mitigate possible problems even during a high-risk pregnancy. If you live...

Puberty occurs between adolescence and adulthood when our hormones cause our reproductive systems and sexual characteristics to develop. For girls growing into women, it’s often the time for an initial gynecological appointment. Your daughter’s first visit can seem overwhelming and even scary, so we want to demystify the experience and...

Hormones coordinate and regulate many functions throughout our bodies including metabolism, growth, sexual maturity, and reproduction. Hormones like progesterone and estrogen are essential for a woman’s journey through puberty to adulthood and eventually menopause. During menopause, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms due to dropping hormone levels. Luckily, hormone replacement therapy...

America has one of the highest rates of STDs in industrialized countries with 20 million new cases annually. If you think you have one, you’re not alone but there are things you can do to manage the condition and keep it from coming back.  If you live in Las Vegas, Nevada...

Across the globe, a million people get a new sexually transmitted infection (STI) daily, many of which are asymptomatic (have no symptoms). Annually, there are 374 million new sexually transmitted infections, some of which can spread from a pregnant mother to their child.  With 500 million people infected, one of...

Your menstrual cycle is caused by the shedding of the uterine lining. Menstrual cycles vary from person to person, but typically they happen every 24 and 38 days and last up to eight days. Bleeding outside of this timeframe may be cause for concern. If you’re dealing with bleeding that...

Our bodies develop throughout our lives. Hormones are instrumental to many of these changes, from childhood to adulthood. Moreover, these complex chemicals regulate so much of our bodies, including mood, blood pressure, sleep, and metabolism. When your hormone levels are out of balance, it can affect many parts of your...

Sex is a natural act and has many health benefits. Sexual intercourse can reduce stress and blood pressure, lower your risk of a heart attack, improve self-esteem, and relieve pain.  Unfortunately, problems like dyspareunia (painful sex) can make enjoying the experience more difficult. And while it is a common gynecological...

Often, we think of hormones when referring to adolescence and the transition into adulthood. But the function of hormones covers a wide range of systems throughout the body, including appetite, sleep, body fat distribution, hair growth, and bone growth.  In women, estrogen, progesterone, and trace amounts of testosterone play a...

Menopause is a process every woman goes through during life, and once you do, your body undergoes a series of changes. Most commonly, you start going through perimenopause in your 40s and after a year without having a period, you enter menopause. During menopause, many processes slow down or stop, including...

If you’re dealing with bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, painful sex, frequent urination, and lower back pain, you may have a reproductive health concern. Often we can treat these with medications and other procedures, but if the symptoms are bad enough to require surgery, there are minimally invasive ways to...

Starting a family is always a big step. Both your pregnancy and the first few months after birth represent a massive change in your life. And with the birth rate rising to 3.66 million births compared to 3.61 million the previous year, you would certainly not be alone. But having that first...

Your sexual health is an important part of your overall well-being, which is why it’s important to be aware of the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Left untreated, these can go on to become sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In 2018 alone, there were 26 million new cases of STDs in the...

Puberty is an awkward phase in life that includes a number of hormonal, emotional, and physical changes as children become adults. And while both sexes undergo a lot of changes over these years, girls experience changes such as menstruation sooner as their bodies reach reproductive years. To support your teen...

Your immune system is critical to defending your body against a variety of pathogens like viruses and bacteria. This system consists of a large network of organs, cells, and proteins that identifies foreign substances and mobilizes to eliminate them. Diseases and conditions that affect your immune system lower your defenses,...

Our bodies are filled with essential microorganisms that help us fight infections and stay healthy. We have over 3.3 million bacterial genes in our digestive tract alone. Healthy bacteria are important in many parts of the body, especially the vagina. However, infections like bacterial vaginosis can develop from the overabundance of one type of...

As women age, their reproductive cycle and hormone production slow down, setting the stage for a process called menopause. Your hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone slowly reduce during your 30s and 40s, setting the stage for perimenopause. During this time you experience fewer and fewer periods until they stop entirely.  Changes...

When you’re healthy, your body produces specific amounts of hormones to regulate your internal systems and functioning. Too much or too little of any of these chemicals can lead to a hormone imbalance, which can cause several serious conditions.  Women with hormonal imbalances and other hormone-related ailments can find help from Dr. Staci...

While it’s certainly true that every day is somebody’s birthday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) records more births in the months of July, August, and September than any other time of the year. This means that if you’re expecting this summer, you’re not alone. Being pregnant in the summer...

Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, refers to a thinning of the vaginal walls which can cause dryness, irritation, and increased infection risk. The symptoms are often mild, but can lead to some unpleasant complications.  A drop in hormones causes many women to experience vaginal atrophy after menopause. This...

Your first baby is a life-changing experience. With around 385,000 babies born each day worldwide, you are not alone: there are plenty of other mothers bringing a life into the world for the first time.  Even after months of carrying your child and preparing for their arrival, there are a...

Hormones are important chemicals in the body that help coordinate and regulate many functions including metabolism, mood, growth, and sexuality. These chemicals are secreted from glands and organs in your endocrine system, so when your body creates too much or too little of a hormone it can create a hormonal...

Whether you’re having a baby for the first time or not, you probably have some idea of what you think it’s going to be like. However, no two pregnancies are the same, so even an experienced mother can have different circumstances during different pregnancies.  From your first pregnancy to your...

Staying healthy is important for everyone, but in many cases there are health concerns that are unique to women. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 15.6% of women in the United States are in fair to poor health. Women are more likely to deal with conditions like urinary...

If you’re pregnant, proper prenatal is vital for the health of your baby. Part of that prenatal care is managing the risk of high-risk pregnancy. Of the 3,747,540 U.S. births we had in 2019 alone, 8.31% of births were low birth weight and 10.23% were preterm.  Generally, around 8% of...

A painful condition that can affect several areas outside of your uterus in severe cases, endometriosis is something an estimated one in 10 women are likely to experience during their reproductive years. This painful malady is the result of tissue similar to the endometrial lining (tissue that normally grows inside...

Hormonal imbalances can be responsible for a number of different problems, with 80% of women experiencing issues caused by it in many cases without even knowing. If you’ve recently found yourself dealing with symptoms like weight gain, unexplained weight loss, muscle weakness, increased thirst or hunger, or decreased sex drive,...

Menopause is the natural result of your reproductive cycle ending. Annually, 1.3 million women enter into this time in their lives after they’ve gone a year without having a period. Once menopause is done (postmenopause), your body will have far fewer hormones to manage the many functions in the body,...

Pregnancy and childbirth are natural and life-changing processes. While they can be painful, they’re generally safe for most women. In 2019 alone, the U.S. saw over 3.7 million children born, most commonly in women ages 15-44 (with first-time births averaging around age 27) with a low rate of low birth...

Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths in the uterus made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. Up to 80% of women get fibroids by the time they reach 50, in many cases starting around 35 or later. But whether you get symptoms from fibroids can depend on many things, and...

As of 2019, cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have reached 2.5 million. And data from 2020 indicates the numbers are only getting higher. Worse, the highest increase in syphilis cases, which quadrupled in 2015-2019, were newborns from women who had the disease when they...

You know what your period is like. You know what discomfort to expect, how to treat it, when your flow starts and how to manage things every month. But bleeding that happens outside of that can be the reason for concern. Intermenstrual bleeding or spotting is known as abnormal uterine...

A vaginal discharge, the fluid secreted from vaginal and cervical glands, is a normal and natural part of your everyday life. It happens daily to remove old cells and debris in order to keep the vaginal and reproductive tract clean and healthy. The amount of discharge varies from person to...

If you’re in your 40’s or 50’s and you’re experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, or sleep problems, it’s quite likely you’re starting to go through menopause. This means your body is going to stop experiencing menstrual cycles and it will slow down the production of hormones like estrogen....

As a woman of any age, there are many things that can lead to vaginal burning, itching, rawness, and other forms of discomfort. Things like various products that irritate the genitals, sexually transmitted diseases, or other infections can contribute to vaginal discomfort. But if you’re experiencing some common symptoms along...

The period between 13-18 where your child’s body is going through puberty is an important time in their development. During their teenage years (or adolescence) their bodies will change in many fundamental ways, mentally and physically. And as the body’s reproductive systems mature, teens will need to have regular exams...

Pap smears, or Pap tests, are an effective way to help detect cervical cancer. And it has helped in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer for the past 40 years, leading to a steady reduction of cervical cancer deaths. Getting the test is an essential part of a woman’s...

Hormones are chemicals produced in the endocrine glands (pituitary glands, pineal glands, testes, ovaries, etc) that get directly in the blood and carry messages to different parts of the body through the organs and tissues. They play a role in your body's growth, metabolism, sexual and reproductive functions, cognition, and...

Any form of sexual contact can put you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. There are over 30 types of STDs and over 20 million people are impacted every year. Most forms of STDs are easy to contract. Many of them can have consequences that impact not just the person...

Due to COVID-19, there's been a reduction of in-person doctor visits. According to a survey on reproductive health 33% of women have canceled or delayed visits to health care providers for fear of getting infected. The good news, OB/GYN practices are working on ways to help women, without sacrificing their...

According to the CDC, nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur each year in the United States alone. Half of whom are teenagers or young adults between 15-24. Millions of people have STIs and many struggle with how to talk about them with their partners. If you need help dealing...

Menopause is a natural part of the reproductive cycle for women. The end of a woman’s menstrual cycle usually happens between the ages of 45-55, and it's diagnosed after a woman has gone a full year without a period.  With menopause comes several biological changes in the body that can...

As of 2018, there were almost four million births in the United States alone.  Sometimes, it's easy for women to know they're pregnant. That said, there are signs that go unnoticed. So while nausea and a missed period are important to look out for, it’s also good to know the...

Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by bacterial overgrowth. It typically happens when activities, like sexual intercourse, change the balance of bacteria in the vagina.  Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal condition in women between 15 to 44. Unfortunately, this condition can cause complications during sex...

Menopause, when your menstrual cycle stops and your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, happens naturally, usually after age 45. Your body undergoes a number of changes in the leadup to menopause. Many of these changes are uncomfortable and can disrupt your sleep. Night sweats, excess sweating at night, are...

You may be wondering if you should get tested for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but how do you know for sure that it’s necessary? Below are some of the situations in which getting tested would be important to your well-being.  Here at New Beginnings OB-GYN in Las Vegas, Nevada,...

So you find out you're pregnant. What now? Prenatal care is crucial for the healthy development of your baby. Getting prenatal care as soon as possible can reduce the risk of potential problems, such as low birth weight, and help you have a happy, healthy pregnancy. The doctors at New...

Experiencing pain during sex can be distressing. More than just negatively impacting your sexual pleasure, it can cause problems in your relationship. In addition, you might feel stress not knowing if it’s a temporary problem or a sign of an underlying illness. At New Beginnings OB-GYN in Las Vegas, we...

At New Beginnings OB-GYN, we use a Pap smear — or Pap test — to monitor your cervical health. Your cervix is above your vagina at the very bottom of your uterus. When we do this test, we’re looking for specific changes in your cervical cells that could turn into...

According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 79 million Americans — both men and women — have HPV, making it one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some people never have symptoms, so they don’t know they have it. Because of this, it’s quickly spread. As a woman, it’s...

Hot flashes and night sweats aren’t just uncomfortable, they can wake you up and prevent you from getting a full night of restorative rest. Insomnia is one reason many women find that menopause doesn’t have just physical symptoms, but mental and emotional ones, too. Although menopause is a normal, healthy...

It doesn’t matter if this is your first pregnancy or fourth, hearing those scary words “high risk” from your obstetrician can be nerve-wracking. For most women in the United States, pregnancy follows a routine schedule of events.  For 6%-8% of women, though, they find themselves facing a high-risk pregnancy. The...

Adolescence can be a tough time, with puberty and the stresses of school and social life to contend with. It’s not always easy to talk to your parents or teachers about your menstrual cycle and female health concerns, but when is the right time to visit your gynecologist? According to...

So maybe your doctor gave you an antibiotic and all of a sudden, you’ve started itching, well, “down there.” Maybe sex has become irritating or even painful. Maybe you’ve started leaking when you sneeze, cough, or even laugh out loud. Many women would rather ignore these symptoms or believe that...

There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion out there about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For one thing, you might think your symptoms would be obvious if you’ve picked up an STD, or you may think STDs happen only to young people or to those who engage in risky sexual behavior....

Hormone levels are carefully balanced to support the smooth functioning of your body and mind, but menopause can cause some serious disruption to this equilibrium. Low levels of crucial hormones can cause several significant side effects that can affect your day-to-day life, such as: Vaginal dryness and itching Osteoporosis Pain...

If you’re facing a hysterectomy, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half a million women have a hysterectomy every year. In fact, about a third of all women will have their uterus removed by the time they are 60 years old. If...

You may have only recently heard about robotic surgery, but it has actually been approved for gynecological procedures by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2005. More than a decade later, robotic technology continues to improve the way gynecological procedures are performed. At New Beginnings OB-GYN in Las Vegas,...

The pregnancy process is one of the most miraculous things a woman can experience in her life. But what do you do if you realize you’re bleeding? Is it normal? Is it serious? In this blog, the team at New Beginnings OB-GYN will discuss pregnancy and what you should know...

Menopause is a unique experience for every woman. Some women breeze through without so much as a single hot flash, while others find themselves suffering symptoms that are difficult to manage. While individual experiences vary, most women have to contend with a variety of uncomfortable symptoms as their body experiences...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, it’s a common disease -- most people have known someone fighting against it. This month, you’re likely to see a sea of pink while you’re out and about as people show their support and raise awareness about the disease. Maybe you know some...

For many women, the HPV vaccine wasn’t around when they were young enough to receive it, but even for those who were, the vaccine doesn’t protect you from all forms of the virus. There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding HPV, so here’s what every woman needs to know.What is HPV?The...

Imagine going through a procedure where the surgeon can see everything in 3D, magnified 40 times more than normal. Imagine less pain and a quicker recovery.This is exactly what robotic-assisted surgery can offer for many gynecological conditions.In fact, it’s not unknown for patients to undergo complicated surgery, and less than...

Unfortunately, warm weather is a trigger for hot flashes for many women. Even more unfortunate is that it’s hard to escape hot weather in the summer, especially in Las Vegas where the average high temperature is over 100 degrees. About 80% of women going through menopause experience hot flashes, and...

Every pregnancy has its ups and downs: One day you’re glowing and full of energy and the next, you can hardly look at your meal without feeling nauseous. This rollercoaster ride is perfectly natural as your body accommodates the growing life inside you. But your ride can be a little...

Some women get their period every month like clockwork, and they know exactly how long it will last and how heavy their flow will be. Even if your cycle is predictable but veers from its normal schedule once in a while, it’s still considered a normal period. For others, their...

Making a smart decision about contraception is a responsible step for your reproductive health. When used correctly, many contraceptives are extremely effective. Before you settle on a form of birth control, think about your lifestyle, reproductive goals, and current health, and learn about the possible drawbacks for each method. After...