svetlana.shakhova

Dear Doctor, My partner and I are planning to start a family soon, and I’ve been thinking about how to prepare for pregnancy. I’ve heard that being in good physical shape can make a difference, but I’m unsure where to start. Should I be focusing on losing weight, building muscle, or just staying active? I’m […]

Should Teens Get The HPV Vaccine?  Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a very common viral infection that can cause certain types of cancers and genital warts. The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool for preventing the spread of this virus, as well as potentially life-threatening cancers and other health complications that can come with it.  […]

Should You Start a Fertility Diet? Trying for a baby can be an exciting journey, but many are surprised by the effort it can take to conceive. From tracking ovulation to staying active and managing stress, optimizing fertility involves focusing on your overall health—including your diet and nutrition. If you’re facing infertility challenges, adopting a […]

How to Balance Hormones After Holiday Stress The holidays are a time to be with family, reflect on your year, prepare for the new one, and appreciate the people around you. For many women, however, it’s incredibly stressful with demanding work and home schedules and competing priorities. It’s no wonder that a study conducted by […]

Dear Doctor, I’ve been vegan for a few years now, and tofu is a big part of my diet since it’s a great source of protein. Now that I’m pregnant, I’m wondering if it’s safe to keep eating tofu during pregnancy. I’ve read conflicting advice about soy and pregnancy hormones, and I want to make […]

10 Signs That You May Be Pregnant Before a Missed Period Did you know pregnancy symptoms can start appearing before you miss a period? For many women, there are pregnancy signs before a missed period, but they’re easy to overlook. These symptoms are often very subtle and easily confused as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), stress or […]

Thinking About Fertility Testing? Here is What You Need to Know Fertility testing is a proactive strategy that provides insights into your reproductive health. Whether you’re actively trying to start a family now or are considering having one in the future, fertility testing helps you plan for the future.  In this post, we’ll look at […]

Dear Doctor, I am scheduled for laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, and I am eager to start my journey toward pregnancy.  I’m curious about what to expect next. Could you help me understand how long after endometriosis surgery I can get pregnant? I’d also love to know more about any other lifestyle changes that can help […]

Does Endometriosis Cause Infertility? Endometriosis affects millions of women and can pose challenges, especially during reproductive years. If you’re living with endometriosis or suspect you might have it, you may wonder how it could impact your ability to conceive. While studies show a link between endometriosis and infertility—affecting up to 50% of women facing infertility—remember […]

The best gifts for new moms New babies are a lot of work and need a lot of supplies, as do new moms. The first three months, especially (the so-called “fourth trimester”), are a whirlwind of emotions, adjusting and very little sleep. A gift doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant; you can give them […]

What to do if you get a cold sore while pregnant Cold sores are a fact of life for many pregnant people and nothing to be ashamed of, though you may be worried if there are safe and effective treatment options. Dealing with a cold sore is never easy, and we know your first priority […]

Why you need Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) self-care As we approach the colder months, the shorter days and longer nights can naturally shift the mood in more ways than just the ‘winter blues.’ For many women, winter can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that recurs annually, worsening during the winter months. […]

Everything You Need to Know About PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that typically impacts reproductive-aged women and people with female reproductive organs. PCOS affects an estimated 8–13% of reproductive-aged women around the world, and up to 70% remain undiagnosed due to various barriers to care and education. Below, we’ll dive […]

Is it safe to follow a vegan pregnancy diet? Nutrition is such an important part of your pregnancy journey–as your baby grows, your body will need extra nutrients to support both you and the baby. If you are vegan, you may worry that you cannot follow a vegan diet during pregnancy because of the extra […]

Dear Doctor, I’m currently five months pregnant and have come down with a nasty head cold. I’m feeling congested and achy, but I’m worried about taking any medications that might harm my baby. What can I take for a cold while pregnant? Thank you, Sick and Round Hello, Sick and Round It’s that time of […]

What You Need to Know About Breast Density  With breast cancer awareness month upon us, it’s important to discuss not only the critical need for regular mammograms but also understand certain risk factors. One such factor is dense breast tissue–early studies reported a 4-6-fold increase in breast cancer risk. However, some more recent research points […]

Pregnancy Flu? Here are some safe remedies Catching the flu (influenza) isn’t healthy for anybody, but it can be even worse when pregnant. While everybody should do their best to protect themselves, if you’re pregnant (especially during the second and third trimesters), you should take extra precautions because you’re more susceptible to viral illnesses like […]

 Questions to ask a midwife Are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant and thinking about your care team? Have you considered working with a midwife? Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) like those at Genesis are healthcare professionals who primarily work with pregnant women, providing prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postnatal care. There are many […]

Endometrial Biopsy 101: Everything you need to know Sometimes, your healthcare provider may need to look more closely at uterine tissue for a definitive diagnosis or help manage certain treatments. In an endometrial biopsy, your provider removes a small piece of tissue from the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, to study and look for […]

PCOS Pain: Why is PCOS so painful? Symptom management is a crucial aspect of living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder that affects as much as 10% of reproductive-aged women. Each person will experience PCOS differently, but often irregular periods, issues with fertility, face and body acne and unwanted hair growth are […]

Midwifery may be one of the oldest medical professions in the world—researchers uncovered traces of the practice as far back as the Paleolithic era (40,000 B.C.E.). Cultures worldwide have practiced some form of midwifery, assisting and supporting childbirth, for centuries. But what does a midwife do, exactly? We sat down with one of our Certified […]

Understanding Endometriosis Pain Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to endometrium grows outside the uterus, most commonly to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and stomach. The condition affects nearly one in ten reproductive-aged women, and there is no cure. Most symptoms are associated with the reproductive system, such as heavy or abnormal periods, […]

Dear Doctor, I have a question about my birth control and antibiotics. I’ve been on oral contraceptives for a couple of years now with no issues, but I was recently prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, and I have some concerns. I’ve heard that birth control on antibiotics may be less effective, and I’m worried […]

Dear Doctor, During my recent annual exam at my OB/GYN they asked me to come back for an “endometrial biopsy.” I have always had normal results and was never asked to return for any sort of follow-up appointment, and I am worried. What is an endometrial biopsy? Why do I need to have one? How […]