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Women's Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley Blog View all posts
Top 3 Risk Factors for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Top 3 Risk Factors for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse affects about 1 in 4 women in their 40s, and the numbers get worse with each decade, so you want to understand whether you're at risk. Here’s a look at the top three factors.
Nov 6th, 2023

Irregular Periods? It Could Be PCOS
Your periods are all over the place — they’re too frequent or you’re skipping some — and you want to know why. A good place to start is polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects up to 15% of women of reproductive age.
Oct 1st, 2023
What Are My Long-Term Birth Control Options?

What Are My Long-Term Birth Control Options?
Having kids is not in your immediate or foreseeable future, so you want a birth control option that will go the distance. The good news is that there are several long-term options, and we review them here.
Sep 1st, 2023
3 Things We Want You to Know About Uterine Fibroids

3 Things We Want You to Know About Uterine Fibroids
With so many different health care concerns, it’s hard to figure out what you should be worried about. Here, we discuss whether uterine fibroids fit this bill, and the good news is that it isn’t often.
Sep 1st, 2023
3 Common Causes of Pelvic Pain (Outside Your Period)

3 Common Causes of Pelvic Pain (Outside Your Period)
Each month, your period comes, as do the cramps, causing some discomfort for a few days, all of which is perfectly normal. Extreme pelvic pain during your period or pain outside your periods, however, isn’t normal.
Aug 1st, 2023
How Endometriosis Can Affect Pregnancy

How Endometriosis Can Affect Pregnancy

You’re pregnant and you have endometriosis, and you wonder whether one condition will affect the other. The answer is, probably yes, and it’s a two-way street. Here’s what we want you to know.
Jul 17th, 2023
Essure Removal: 3 Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Essure Removal: 3 Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Whatever has brought you to us for an Essure removal, we want you to know that you’re in very good hands. While we can expertly do our part, there are a few things you can do on your end to ease recovery.
Jul 1st, 2023
Why You Should Never Ignore Chronic Pelvic Pain

Why You Should Never Ignore Chronic Pelvic Pain
Pain of any kind is your body’s way of trying to get your attention, and it’s one symptom you shouldn’t ignore. This is certainly true of ongoing pelvic pain, which typically stems from a problem that we can solve.
Apr 1st, 2023
What Is Barrier Birth Control?

What Is Barrier Birth Control?
Someday you might want to have a family, but now is not the time. This leaves you to find ways to prevent pregnancy, and we’re going to look at one more closely — barrier birth control.
Mar 1st, 2023
The 3 Ways We Can Perform a Hysterectomy

The 3 Ways We Can Perform a Hysterectomy
You understand that a hysterectomy may be your best solution for resolving your gynecological issue, but you want to know more about this common procedure. Here, we look at three different approaches.
Mar 1st, 2023
Should I Lose Weight Before Trying to Conceive?

Should I Lose Weight Before Trying to Conceive?
You want to do everything you can to increase your chances of conception and a successful pregnancy, and you’re wondering if weight loss is a good idea. The answer depends on your starting point.
Feb 2nd, 2023
Can Hormonal Birth Control Options Affect My Emotions?

Can Hormonal Birth Control Options Affect My Emotions?
The ease and efficacy of hormonal birth control options are appealing, but you’re worried that your emotional health may be affected. In short, it’s possible, but the link is complex, as hormones are shown to both worsen and improve moods.
Feb 1st, 2023
Why Who Removes Your Essure® Matters

Why Who Removes Your Essure® Matters
Your Essure® device is causing problems and you want to have it removed. While the insertion procedure was relatively simple, the same can’t be said of removing Essure, which is why you should go to an expert in Essure removal.
Dec 1st, 2022
What's Causing My Pelvic Pain?

What's Causing My Pelvic Pain?
Women are no strangers to pelvic pain as many experience the symptom each month with their menstrual cycles. If this pain seems severe or you’re experiencing pain unrelated to your periods, it could signal another problem.
Dec 1st, 2022
What’s Causing My Heavy Periods?

What’s Causing My Heavy Periods?
Periods aren’t exactly pleasant under the best of circumstances, but when they’re heavy and uncomfortable, they can have a serious impact on your quality of life. Here, we look at some of the more common causes of heavy bleeding.
Nov 1st, 2022
When a Hysterectomy Might Be Your Best Solution

When a Hysterectomy Might Be Your Best Solution
Undergoing a surgery to remove one (or more) or your reproductive organs is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. There are times, however, when a hysterectomy may prove to be the best path forward for your health.
Oct 12th, 2022
3 Reasons Women Struggle With Urinary Incontinence

3 Reasons Women Struggle With Urinary Incontinence
Did you know that women are twice as likely as men to develop urinary incontinence? There are several reasons why the fairer sex is more prone to developing this unfortunate condition, and we review three of them here.
Sep 14th, 2022
5 Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

5 Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Since the advent of minimally invasive surgery for certain gynecologic conditions, the road to good health has been greatly improved. Here, we explore five important benefits that come with minimally invasive surgery.
Sep 13th, 2022
The Link Between Uterine Fibroids and Pelvic Pain

The Link Between Uterine Fibroids and Pelvic Pain
Uterine fibroids affect up to 80% of women by the time they reach the age of 50, but, thankfully, most don’t experience symptoms. For those women who do experience side effects, pelvic pain can rank among them.
Aug 1st, 2022
Five Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Five Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
About 11% of women in their reproductive years have endometriosis, and the symptoms can range from a mild nuisance to serious quality-of-life concerns. Here’s a look at five of the more common side effects of endometriosis.
Jul 12th, 2022
How to Manage a High-Risk Pregnancy

How to Manage a High-Risk Pregnancy
Your pregnancy is considered high risk and you want to know what steps you can take to work around the risk for a successful outcome. Here, we outline a few rules of thumb you should follow.
Jul 10th, 2022
All About Endometrial Ablation

All About Endometrial Ablation
Your menstrual cycles have gotten to the point where they’re casting a long shadow over your life. Here, we take a look at how endometrial ablation can put a stop to the problem, once and for all.
Jun 1st, 2022
Am I a Good Candidate for Tubal Ligation?

Am I a Good Candidate for Tubal Ligation?
You’re absolutely sure you don't want to get pregnant or you have a medical condition that makes pregnancy ill-advised. These are two reasons why 600,000 tubal ligations are performed each year in the United States.
Jun 1st, 2022
Is Leaking Urine Normal?

Is Leaking Urine Normal?
You sneeze, laugh too hard, or cough—and urine leaks out. This type of urinary leakage is, unfortunately, fairly common among women, but we consider it anything but normal. Here’s why it happens and how we can help.
May 1st, 2022
When to Have EssureⓇ Removed

When to Have EssureⓇ Removed
You wanted a long-term solution for preventing pregnancy and you opted for Essure®. This implant was discontinued at the end of 2018 as some women developed complications. Here’s why they had Essure removed.
May 1st, 2022
How Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Treated?

How Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Treated?
One in five people in the United States has a sexually transmitted infection at any given time and, in women, these infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Here’s how we can resolve both issues.
Apr 1st, 2022
Five Barrier Birth Control Methods to Consider

Five Barrier Birth Control Methods to Consider
You’re not keen on the idea of using hormones to prevent pregnancy, so you'd like to explore your options in barrier methods. Luckily, there are several to choose from, and we review five barrier options here.
Apr 1st, 2022
How to Develop a Birth Plan

How to Develop a Birth Plan
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you're adding to a growing family, having a birth plan in place can help ease your mind and facilitate your labor and delivery when the time comes.
Mar 6th, 2022
What You Should Know When Considering a Hysterectomy

What You Should Know When Considering a Hysterectomy
Removing reproductive organs is likely not your first choice, but there can come a time when they represent more of a liability than an asset. Here’s a look at what you should know about life after a hysterectomy.
Mar 1st, 2022
When to Seek Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

When to Seek Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
Up to 75% of women develop uterine fibroids, and most don’t experience any symptoms or require treatment. There are times, however, when fibroids can become problematic, and we review the signs here.
Feb 3rd, 2022
How Can My Weight Put My Pregnancy at Risk?

How Can My Weight Put My Pregnancy at Risk?
You want your pregnancy to go as smoothly as possible for you and your baby. If, however, you’re carrying too much weight, or too little, complications can arise, and we review those here.
Feb 1st, 2022
Can I Still Have a Baby if I Have Endometriosis?

Can I Still Have a Baby if I Have Endometriosis?
You want to start building the family of your dreams, but you wonder whether your endometriosis will have any effect on this endeavor. The answer is both yes and no, and we explore this question further here.
Jan 1st, 2022
How to Retrain Your Bladder to Stop Leaking

How to Retrain Your Bladder to Stop Leaking
There are certain areas of your life over which you want to have complete control, and your bladder most certainly is one of them. If you’re experiencing urinary leakage, bladder retraining can help you take back control.
Dec 1st, 2021
Stop the Side Effects of Essure®: Have It Removed

Stop the Side Effects of Essure®: Have It Removed
You were excited about making your birth control hassle-free with the Essure®, but this benefit was quickly erased by the problematic side effects of the device. The best way to remedy those side effects may be through removal.
Dec 1st, 2021
Signs of Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Signs of Vaginal Vault Prolapse
Women are no strangers to pelvic organ prolapse, especially as age and childbirth weaken their support systems. While several pelvic organs can prolapse, we take a closer look at one type of prolapse here — vaginal prolapse.
Nov 1st, 2021
Pros and Cons of a Hysterectomy

Pros and Cons of a Hysterectomy
There are situations in which your uterus has become more of a liability than an asset, and a hysterectomy may be your best treatment option for improving your health and your quality of life. Let’s take a look.
Nov 1st, 2021
Five Ways to Manage a High-Risk Pregnancy

Five Ways to Manage a High-Risk Pregnancy
You’ve been told that your pregnancy is considered high risk and, as you absorb the news, your mind begins to race. Here, we outline five steps you can take to manage your high-risk pregnancy.
Oct 6th, 2021
Which STDs Cause Pelvic Pain?

Which STDs Cause Pelvic Pain?
There are many reasons why you may be experiencing pelvic pain, including an untreated sexually transmitted disease. This symptom is largely associated with two infections, in particular, which we review here.
Oct 1st, 2021
The Benefits of Barrier Birth Control Methods

The Benefits of Barrier Birth Control Methods
You’re not ready for a family, and you’re researching ways to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. To help with your decision, we’ve pulled together some of the benefits of a barrier approach to birth control.
Sep 1st, 2021
How Is Uterine Prolapse Treated?

How Is Uterine Prolapse Treated?
You’ve developed problems with incontinence or you’re experiencing discomfort in your pelvis. These are two possible results of uterine prolapse, and neither are side effects you want to live with. We can help.
Sep 1st, 2021
Is Having a Baby After 40 Risky?

Is Having a Baby After 40 Risky?
You’ve waited to have children, and now you’re wondering whether it’s still possible to safely do so after the age of 40. The answer is, of course, but there are some things you should consider for your health and your baby’s health.
Aug 9th, 2021
Five Types of Urinary Incontinence in Women

Five Types of Urinary Incontinence in Women
When it comes to serious quality-of-life issues, urinary incontinence certainly holds a place on the list. Thankfully, there’s much we can do to solve the problem, but the first step is identifying the type of incontinence.
Aug 9th, 2021

What to Consider If You’re of Advanced Maternal Age
You’ve put off getting pregnant until you were ready, and now you’re excited to move forward. And that’s when you’re met with the words, “of advanced maternal age.” Here, we explore what this categorization signals.
May 18th, 2021

Understanding Adenomyosis
Millions of women experience painful periods and abnormal bleeding for a wide variety of reasons. If you’re struggling with your menstrual cycles, here’s a closer look at one potential culprit — adenomyosis.
May 18th, 2021

Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
While the thought of surgery of any kind can be worrisome, there are two words that can soften the blow — minimally invasive. Here’s a look at how this approach to surgery reduces your risks and your recovery.
Apr 21st, 2021

Should I Have My Essure Coils Removed?
More than two years ago, the maker of Essure® coils discontinued its sales and pulled the product from the market, leaving women who have the implants wondering about next steps. Here’s what you should know.
Apr 16th, 2021

5 Common Causes of Abnormal Bleeding
In a perfect world, your periods come and go each month without incident. Unfortunately, millions of women experience abnormal bleeding, which can be caused by a wide range of issues. We review the top five here.
Mar 28th, 2021

Menopause and Urinary Incontinence
Of the many unwelcome changes that come with menopause, urinary incontinence certainly leads the charge. If you’re among the 50% of postmenopausal women with this embarrassing condition, we can help.
Mar 21st, 2021

What You Should Know About Cervical Incompetence
While uncommon, cervical incompetence can lead to a potentially devastating outcome during a pregnancy. Learn more about this condition and how we can protect you and your unborn child.
Feb 16th, 2021

Who Is a Candidate for Endometrial Ablation?
You struggle with heavy, painful periods each month, and you’ve had enough. This is one scenario in which an endometrial ablation can provide much-needed relief. Find out if it’s a possible solution for you.
Feb 16th, 2021

Six Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse may be more common than you think, as researchers estimate it affects up to 50% of women. Here’s a look at the many types of pelvic organ prolapse and what we can do to resolve the issue.
Jan 18th, 2021

Understanding Hormonal Birth Control
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to family planning, and each takes one of three approaches: barrier, natural, and hormonal. In the following, we explore how hormonal birth control works.
Dec 13th, 2020

Safety Tips for a High-Risk Pregnancy
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your third, if it’s considered high risk, you want to do everything in your power to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Here are a few tips to help safeguard the health of you and your baby.
Oct 15th, 2020

Can Pelvic Organ Prolapse Be Prevented?
In a perfect world, your pelvic floor holds your pelvic organs in place and everything functions smoothly. When this floor weakens, however, it can lead to prolapse — a problem that can be prevented with targeted exercises and lifestyle changes.
Oct 15th, 2020

Should You Consider a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is an irreversible procedure, which means the decision to undergo it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Still, there are many instances when a hysterectomy is the best decision for your health and your quality of life.
Sep 15th, 2020

Is Urinary Incontinence Normal?
**Spoiler alert! ** Urinary incontinence isn’t normal, but it is extremely common, especially among women. Thankfully, there are many ways we can approach the problem and improve your quality of life.
Sep 8th, 2020

How Family Planning Can Benefit You
Family planning is viewed as one of the greatest health achievements of the 20th century as it allows women and their partners to create the family of their dreams on their own terms. To explore the many benefits of family planning, read on.
Aug 10th, 2020

Most Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
Women are hardly strangers to pelvic pain, but ongoing discomfort that affects your everyday life is another matter altogether and hardly normal. Here’s a look at the common causes of pelvic pain and what we can do about them.
Aug 4th, 2020