Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. You can help prevent cervical cancer by having routine screening tests and follow-up treatments if needed. Watch this short video from @ACOG to learn how screening is done and what the results can mean.
Irregular periods can be a frustrating and concerning experience for many women. It’s not uncommon to experience changes in the menstrual cycle. In this blog post, we’ll explore the topic of irregular periods, including possible causes and when to seek medical advice.
If you are looking for a birth control option that is both highly effective and long-lasting, then long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) may be the perfect solution for you. At Essex County OB/GYN & Associates, we offer a range of LARC options, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. 8 out of 10 people will contract HPV in their lifetime. For many people, the immune system will clear the body of HPV before it causes disease. However, over time, persistent HPV infections can cause genital warts and changes in cells that can lead to different types of cancers, including cervical, penile, vulvar, vaginal, anal and oropharyngeal. Fortunately, there is a vaccine available that can protect against several strains of HPV.
A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a simple screening test that checks for abnormal cells in a woman’s cervix. The test is typically performed during a pelvic exam and involves collecting cells from the cervix using a small brush or spatula. These cells are then examined under a microscope to look for any abnormalities.
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control available. The likelihood of pregnancy with a copper IUD is < 1% and with a levonorgestrel IUD is < 0.2%. Once an IUD is inserted, it is effective until it is removed - no more worrying about missing a pill, patch, or injection dose! If you are interested in learning more about how an IUD works, then this blog will give you the information you need.
Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause. It typically starts about five years prior to the final menstrual flow and lasts anywhere from two to ten years. Women may experience many different symptoms during this time, including hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, weight gain, sleep disturbances, night sweats, fatigue, decreased libido, and sometimes worsening anxiety or depression.
Keeping fit and active in pregnancy is essential for your and your baby’s health.
But it’s understandable if you have questions about exercise during pregnancy, especially if you are a first-time parent.
We explain why it’s safe — and advisable — to exercise during pregnancy and offer some suggested activities to keep you fit and healthy.
If you have further questions please ask your health care provider. Additional information regarding vaccine administration and safety can be accessed at the ACOG and CDC websites below.
In our efforts to make your visit more comfortable and to minimize your wait time, our office has implemented a late arrival policy. If a patient is more than 15 minutes late for an appointment, the appointment may need to be rescheduled. This is to ensure that the patients who arrive on time do not wait longer than necessary. Patients arriving late may be given the option to wait for another appointment time on the same day only if one is available. We will do our best to accommodate late‐comers, but are committed to providing timely care to our other patients.
At ECOBGYN, we are committed to the care and well-being of our patients. We put our patients first and affirm the unique worth of each individual. Exceptional healthcare is built on a foundation of inclusion, compassion and respect for our patients and for each other. If everyone within ECOBGYN and patients reflect these standards, it will ensure compassionate, high-quality and patient-focused healthcare at all times. We are trying to meet the needs of our patients while also following safety guidelines. We would like patients to know you matter; your words matter; and your behaviors matter. We ask when you do access care, to be kind; be patient; and be understanding.
All ECOBGYN offices follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for all COVID-19 and Flu practices including masking and other infection control, testing, isolation, quarantine, and vaccination.
At Essex County OB/GYN our patients have the ability to speak with their provider without having to leave home. When you need care, your ECOBGYN team may determine that a telemedicine (video or phone) visit is the safest and most appropriate method based on your medical history and current health issue. Please ensure you are signed up for Lahey MyChart to allow for video-based visits.
This is the fastest and easiest way to reach your doctor or provider for routine questions, to follow up on labs or to leave a message. Please note: The portal (email) system should not be used for urgent medical needs. Portal messages sent after 5 p.m. on Friday will not be read or responded to until Monday during business hours.