Single Post Influenza and Pregnancy Influenza or the “flu” is an infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It’s not the same as a cold. The flu is caused by a different group of viruses. Symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer. You can catch the flu all year-round, but it is especially common in winter and as we are coming into the colder months, it is imperative to be mindful especially during pregnancy. The flu is serious for pregnant women, and those who get the flu are at higher risk of hospitalisation and complications such as premature labour and delivery. So how does the flu impact on women during pregnancy? After you have been infected with the flu virus, you will usually start feeling the symptoms between one and three days later. Symptoms can include: fever chills cough sore throat headaches muscle aches severe tiredness loss of appetite. If you develop flu-like symptoms your GP can assess you to make sure that you and your baby are otherwise well. If your GP suspects that you have the flu, they may prescribe antiviral medications. These should be commenced in the first two days of the illness to have the greatest benefit. GPs do not routinely test everyone with flu-like symptoms. However, because you are pregnant your doctor may decide to test you for the virus by collecting a nose and throat swab. Women who are near term (more than 38 weeks’ gestation) or those with pregnancy complications may need to be admitted to hospital. Similar procedures that we have advised for COVID-19 are to be adhered to for the flu as well. To avoid influenza, pregnant women should also be advised to take sensible precautions including: avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms, if possible washing hands with soap and running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser after contact with symptomatic people or their secretions encourage symptomatic people in the household to keep at least 1 metre away and follow cough etiquette and good hand hygiene avoid large, crowded gatherings during the influenza season. Influenza vaccination during pregnancy should be routine: safety is well established for both mother and baby, and maternal antibody continues to protect the newborn in the critical first few months of life. If you have questions or concerns regarding the flu or COVID19 during pregnancy, please feel free to contact our friendly staff on 1300 523 937.

Colposcopy is a medical diagnostic procedure to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix as well as the vagina and vulva. Many pre-malignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have discernible characteristics that can be detected through the examination. Colposcopy is a way to get a close-up look at your cervix. It’s a quick and easy way to find cell changes in your cervix that may turn into cancer. Dr Samina uses a colposcope, which looks like a pair of binoculars with a bright light. It allows her to get a greatly magnified view of the surface of the vagina and cervix. If an area needs further investigation, Dr Samina can remove a tiny piece of tissue and send it away for a biopsy. You might need a colposcopy if you have: The procedure can help diagnose conditions such as: Dr Samina has a colposcope in all her rooms so the procedure can be performed on the day of your appointment. To know more contact one of our friendly receptionists at her rooms, who can guide you further on 1300 523 937.

Endometrioses is a condition that affects over 175 million women worldwide. March is Endometrioses month, so Dr Samina is going to tell you a little more about this condition and its symptoms. Endometriosis is an often-painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. The endometrium is the name for the cells that line your uterus. These cells respond to the hormones released from the ovary. When pregnancy does not occur each month, the tissue comes away from the body with bleeding – this is known as the menstrual period. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond pelvic organs. The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Although many women can experience cramping during their period, and those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that’s far worse than usual. Pain also may increase over time. The two main symptoms that endometriosis causes are: The disgnosis can be determined by an ultrasound, but in most cases a laproscopy is needed. A laproscopy is a surgical procedure where Dr Samina uses a small telescope inserted through your belly button to look at the organs on the inside of your pelvis. Dr Samina will take pictures and often take samples of the endometriosis to confirm the disease. The treatment of endometriosis often involves both medication (tablets and injections) and surgery (laparoscopy to remove the endometriosis). Most women who have endometriosis will require both of these treatments at different stages of their lives. The choice of treatments depends on how bad the pain is, where the pain is, and if you are trying to get pregnant. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should go and see your GP, who can refer you to Dr Samina who can review your symptoms and establish treatments and help for you or contact one of our friendly receptionists who can advise you accordingly.

Pregnancy and Mental Health Pregnancy and Mental Health Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in pregnancy and affects approximately 15% of all expectant mothers. It is expected that your emotions are heightened during pregnancy. There are many external and internal factors which can cause an increase in your emotional state during pregnancy, and it does not mean you are “moody” or “crazy”. Pregnancy emotions are a normal part of development. Changing emotions are, for many women, one of the most common side effects during pregnancy. It can be frustrating and exhausting to shift from one emotion to another and be unable to explain what emotion you are feeling and why. During pregnancy, women experience an increase in the production of hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, depending on how far along they are in their pregnancy. This increase in hormones can have an impact on your emotions and your brain’s ability to monitor those emotions. This is quite common and should not be a cause of concern unless you find yourself in a state of intense emotional instability and distress. Pregnancy changes your body in all sorts of ways. Morning sickness, backache, headache, leg cramps, varicose veins, itchiness, constipation, haemorrhoids, indigestion, and vaginal discharge are some of the realities of pregnancy. And not surprisingly, they can affect how you feel about being pregnant. These are all common worries and you may feel some or all these things during your pregnancy. But if these feelings of sadness, worry or anxiety start to affect your life, it may be something more serious, like perinatal depression or anxiety. According to PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia), up to one in ten women experience depression during their pregnancy. It is important to treat mental health concerns during pregnancy. Mothers who are depressed, anxious, or have another issue might not get the medical care they need. They might not take care of themselves, or they may use drugs and alcohol during the pregnancy. All these things can harm a growing baby. If you have a mental health issue, talk with your doctor so you can get the help you need during and after your pregnancy. How Can I Get Help? If you feel anxious or depressed, talk to a doctor, counsellor, or therapist, and get help right away. The sooner treatment starts, the sooner you will feel better. For more information, please visit: https://www.panda.org.au https://birthline.org.au/services

So, you are thinking of having a baby? So, you are thinking of having a baby? So, you are thinking about getting pregnant and have a baby! That’s great news and can be an exciting and apprehensive time as well. Trying to conceive can be a time filled with hope, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Many women spend years using some form of birth control trying to avoid pregnancy, but when the time comes and they are ready to fall pregnant, it doesn’t happen as easily as expected. Fertility can vary widely from one couple to the next and while some couples fall pregnant quickly and easily it can take a little bit longer for others. The average time it will take to fall pregnant is about four months and for 85%of women within 12 months. There are various reasons for this, but the important thing is not to be alarmed if it doesn’t happen in the first month or two. This is quite normal. Most women will usually begin to ovulate normally and have menstrual periods a month or two after they stop using the pill or most forms of birth control. However, for others it may take longer. In most instances this is just the normal delays in the process of conception. There is a common misconception that there are problems conceiving post contraception, or even possible negative side effects. The truth of the matter is that your body needs a bit of time to adjust and in most cases, pregnancy will happen when your body is ready to conceive. An important factor is making sure you take care of yourself both mentally and physically during this time. A well-balanced diet and exercise can contribute to your conception success as well as reducing alcohol intake and ceasing smoking. You may want to talk to your GP about lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking, or get a referral to see Dr Samina if you have very irregular periods, have been trying for a year or longer or if you are in your mid-30’s or older and have been trying to fall pregnant for six months without success.

Men’s Health Month – Male Infertility Men’s Health Month – Male Infertility This blog post is focused on Men, as November is Men’s Health Month. Did you know that about 1 in 100 couples cannot fall pregnant due to male infertility and about 10 – 15% of males have low sperm or no sperm at all? Male fertility problems include poor quality sperm, low sperm count or blockages in the tubes of the reproductive system. Infertility is defined clinically in women and men who cannot achieve pregnancy after 1 year of having intercourse without using birth control. Many factors and medical conditions can contribute to infertility. Overall, one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by unknown factors The major causes of male infertility are: Obstructions to the passage of sperm (varicocele) Problems with sperm (such as low sperm count) Functional problems (such as impotence) Hormonal problems Lifestyle factors Age related problems Infertility can have multiple causes and may depend on genetics, general health, fitness, diseases, and dietary contaminants. These are all treatable causes, and in most cases, there are medical and non-medical treatments. Additionally, there are things you can do at home. A healthy lifestyle and diet, cessation of smoking, reduction of alcohol and adequate sleep are important lifestyle factors and can help improve fertility. If you think that you are experiencing any of these issues or problems, please see your GP.

Women’s Health Checks – Why is this important? Women’s Health Checks – Why is this important? Regular health checks and screenings, in combination with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, can assist in the prevention of disease or illness. Health checks can include things such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, as well as your typical specific women’s health checks like cervical screening, breast checks / mammograms. It’s important to have general health check-ups even if you feel healthy. This is because many diseases and conditions can take a long time to develop and regular health check-ups can help to identify early signs. As we get older, it is even more important to have a general check up with your GP every year. Our lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, alcohol consumption and smoking) all play a factor in long term health and chronic disease management. Seeing your doctor can help pick up the early signs of disease or illness such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Women’s health specific screening such as pap smears (every 5 years from the age of 24) and breast checks undertaken on a routine basis can help detect certain cancers early. Your doctor will also talk to you about your family medical history and this gives them the opportunity to develop plans for your health and wellbeing including mental health. To have your health checked, make an appointment with your GP! For all gynaecological issues, please contact our rooms on 1300 523 937.

How to choose your Gynaecologist? How to choose your Gynaecologist? Gynaecologists are doctors who have specialist training in women’s health. They specifically look after women who are experiencing issues with their reproductive system. Seeing the right gynaecologist will depend on what type of gynaecological problem you have and what your gynaecologist specialises in. Get A Referral A referral from GP is a good starting point. Another option and great way to tell whether a gynaecologist is worth seeing is if the people you trust — like your female friends and relatives can vouch for them. When you ask for recommendations, find out about important factors like the doctor’s skills, experience, and bedside manner. Also checking their ratings online can help. You will also see a list of patient comments and starred ratings. One or two negative reviews among many good ones is probably nothing to worry about, but dozens of poor write-ups should be a big red flag. Research the Gynaecologist’s Credentials Experience and appropriate credentials are important factors to consider. Some acronyms following a doctor’s name and physician degree often depict an elected professional designation that is obtained by those that have achieved excellence in the field of gynaecology. Consider the Gynaecologist’s Experience When you are dealing with the sensitive area of the female reproductive system, appropriate experience matters. Fellowship training in one of several subspecialty areas is valuable. These subspecialty areas may include urogynaecology, fertility and gynaecological oncology. Communication Find a Gynaecologist who shows an interest in getting to know you, who will consider your treatment preferences, and who will respect your decision-making process. You want to make sure that your questions will be answered in a way that you understand. Comfortability This is the doctor who will be performing your gynaecologic exam and who will ask you highly personal questions about your reproductive health. You need to be completely comfortable with this person for the relationship to work. Gender may be an issue when it comes to choosing a gynaecologist. Some women do prefer being seen by a doctor of the same gender. Some cultural or religious backgrounds will direct a woman to a female doctor. If you would prefer to be cared for by a female gynaecologist, factor that into your choice. As a female, finding the right gynaecologist is important for your health and therefore needs to be experienced and that you trust. Getting recommendations and doing your research will help find the right gynaecologist for you! For a quick appointment or a chat with our friendly staff about choosing Dr Samina as your gynaecologist contact our friendly staff at any one of our consulting rooms on 1300 523 937.

Understanding Miscarriage The term miscarriage refers to the loss of a baby in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately, miscarriages are a common complication of pregnancy, with most miscarriages occurring within the first trimester or first three months of pregnancy. Experiencing a miscarriage can be devastating, and we hope that this blog post will provide some support and understanding navigating all the available information on what you can expect during and after a miscarriage. A miscarriage usually occurs because the pregnancy is not developing properly. The development of a baby from a female and a male cell is a complicated process. If something goes wrong with the process, the pregnancy will stop developing. Miscarriages are more common in older women than younger women, largely because chromosomal abnormalities are more common with increasing age. EARLY MISCARRIAGE If you lose your baby in the first 12 weeks of being pregnant, this is called an early miscarriage. Most miscarriages are early miscarriages and sadly 1 in 5 women will experience an early miscarriage with no obvious cause. Early miscarriages can sometimes happen before a woman has missed her period or is even aware that she is pregnant (3, 4) LATE & RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE If you lose your baby after 12 weeks but before 24 weeks of being pregnant, this is called a late miscarriage. Late miscarriages are sometimes called second or third trimester pregnancy losses. They are much less common than early miscarriages, occurring in around 1-2 out of every 100 pregnancies. WHAT IS A RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE? When a woman has three or more miscarriages in a row, this is called recurrent miscarriage. Around 1 out of every 100 couples trying to conceive suffer with recurrent miscarriage. For some women who suffer from late or recurrent miscarriage, there is no specific cause found. However, other times, there is a reason identified for why a late or recurrent miscarriage has occurred. There are numerous factors which may make you more likely to suffer from late and/or recurrent miscarriage, such as parental age. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE MY RISK OF FUTURE MISCARRIAGES? If you have had a late miscarriage, or been diagnosed with recurrent miscarriage, you might have lots of questions about what can be done to reduce your risk of having further miscarriages. The first step will likely involve a series of tests to determine if a cause can be found for your miscarriage. If these tests reveal a possible cause, the second step will involve exploring treatment options with an Obstetrician or Gynaecologist. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR FUTURE PREGNANCIES? If you have been affected by late or recurrent miscarriage, it is understandable to be concerned about what this means for your future pregnancies. When you next conceive, you and your partner should be seen by an Obstetrician / Gynaecologist. Your doctor will be able to offer individualised support for your circumstance and discuss the likelihood of you having a successful pregnancy. If a cause has been found for your miscarriage, treatment options to improve your chance of carrying to term will be discussed. The good news is that most couples who have suffered from late or recurrent miscarriage will have a successful pregnancy at their next attempt. Women who receive regular supportive care from a doctor from the beginning of their pregnancy have an increased likelihood of successfully carrying a baby to term. Reassuringly, for couples with no identifiable cause for recurrent miscarriage, around 75% will have a successful pregnancy with early supportive medical care. If you need some help or advice on miscarriage, please contact your local GP or get a referral to see Dr Samina.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Pelvic Organ Prolapse Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder, or rectum) become weak or loose. This allows one or more of the pelvic organs to drop or press into or out of the vagina. Many women are embarrassed to talk to their doctor about their symptoms or think that their symptoms are normal. But pelvic organ prolapse is treatable. The pelvic muscles and tissues support the pelvic organs like a hammock. The pelvic organs include the bladder, uterus and cervix, vagina, and rectum, which is part of the bowel. A prolapse happens when the pelvis muscles and tissues can no longer support these organs because the muscles and tissues are weak or damaged. This causes one or more pelvic organs to drop or press into or out of the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse is a type of pelvic floor disorder. The most common pelvic floor disorders are: Urinary incontinence (leaking of urine) Faecal incontinence (leaking of stool) Pelvic organ prolapse (weakening of the muscles and tissues supporting the organs in the pelvis) The pressure from prolapse can cause a bulge in the vagina that can sometimes be felt or seen. Women with pelvic organ prolapse may feel uncomfortable pressure during physical activity or sex. Other symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include: Seeing or feeling a bulge or “something coming out” of the vagina A feeling of pressure, discomfort, aching, or fullness in the pelvis Pelvic pressure that gets worse with standing or coughing or as the day goes on Leaking urine (incontinence) or problems having a bowel movement Problems inserting tampons Some women say that their symptoms are worse at certain times of the day, during physical activity, or after standing for a long time. The pressure from prolapse can cause a bulge in the vagina that can sometimes be felt or seen. Women with pelvic organ prolapse may feel uncomfortable pressure during physical activity or sex. Treatment options include: Medications such as oestrogen Physiotherapy such as pelvic floor exercises Surgery, depending upon your type of prolapse Conservative management via pessaries Behavioural changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, better dietary habits If you are experiencing any concerns or issues pertaining to your pelvic floor or a prolapse, please contact Dr Samina to see how we can help you. For a quick appointment or a chat with our friendly staff about choosing Dr Samina as your gynaecologist contact our friendly staff at any one of our consulting rooms: