Women's Health Care of Tampa

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What is a Colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a diagnostic medical procedure that examines the cervix, vulva, and vagina. It is done when a pap smear detects atypical cells or if abnormal areas are seen on the cervix, vagina, or vulva by your medical provider. Such abnormal cells are usually harmless but have the possibility to develop into cancer. A colposcopy further investigates by examining the cervix, vulva, and vagina using magnification to determine the presence, absence and/or severity of the abnormal growths. Our medical providers at Women’s Health Care will only recommend a colposcopy if it is determined necessary.

While the thought of having a colposcopy may seem daunting, the procedure itself is rather simple. During your visit at Women’s Health Care, your medical provider will be sure to put you at ease by going over the procedure and answering all questions. Colposcopy is performed similar to a routine pelvic examination on an exam table. The healthcare provider will use an instrument called a speculum to separate the vagina and look at your cervix using a colposcope. A solution called acetic acid is then used to highlight any abnormal areas making them easier to visualize.

During colposcopy, your health care provider may remove a small piece of abnormal tissue (a biopsy) from the cervix or vagina. This tissue will be sent to a laboratory and examined by a pathologist. If biopsies are done, a yellow-brown solution may be applied to your cervix; this acts as a liquid bandage. Minimal bleeding and cramping may be experienced. Most women are able to return to work or school immediately after having a colposcopy.

In most cases, the colposcopist will be able to tell you immediately if there were any abnormal areas of concern. If biopsies were taken, you might have to wait 1-2 weeks for the results of the pathology report. The results will indicate if any abnormal cells are present and if treatment is warranted. Not all women getting colposcopy will require treatment; most women will need a follow-up test such as a repeat pap smear and/or colposcopy within 1 year.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

With the everchanging news in regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it can be overwhelming to distinguish what information is most pertinent. The two most important aspects to know are how to protect yourself and what to do if you get ill. 

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. Avoiding being exposed to the Coronavirus is the best way to prevent illness. This is done by avoiding close contact with others as the main way the virus is spread is through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. The most vital thing you can do is follow the state mandated stay-at-home orders. Also, make sure you are washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Do this especially after touching high contact surfaces specifically in public places. Avoid touching your face. Cover coughs and sneezes into a tissue or inside of your elbow. If you have to go out in public for necessities stay 6 feet away from others. And it is now recommended for you to wear a cloth face cover in public as long as you don’t have difficulty breathing. Remember the virus can be transmitted by those who do not show any symptoms yet. 

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you develop any of these symptoms it is important to call first prior to coming to the office so we can assess your symptoms and determine the best course of action. Many people will have mild symptoms and can recover at home. It will be important to distance yourself from the other people and pets in your home by preferably staying in your own room and using your own bathroom. Do not share household items.Continue to practice good hand washing and cover your face with a cloth cover if need to be in a common area. Monitor your symptoms and present to an emergency room if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, new onset confusion or blue color in your face. You will need to consult with your healthcare provider before being cleared to discontinue isolation.

In regards to pregnancy, there is not enough research thus far to know how, if at all, the virus effects the pregnancy or fetus or if it can be transmitted during delivery. We do know that other respiratory viruses such as influenza can cause serious illness in pregnant women so we advise if you are pregnant to make sure you’re following all of the above recommendations. Since there is so much unknown with COVID-19 and pregnancy it would even be advisable to have another member of the household be the one to go out in public for essentials to further limit potential exposure. In the limited studies done on breastfeeding COVID-19 positive mothers there has been no evidence of transmission of the virus through breastmilk, however at this time we cannot say confidently it could not happen. 

For more detailed information you can also visit CDC.gov

The Benefits and Risks of Newborn Circumcision

Male circumcision is an elective procedure that consists of the surgical removal of the foreskin (pre-puce) from the penis. It is one of the oldest & most common surgical procedures in the world and has been adopted by many different cultures all over the world for various medical and non-medical reasons. The American Academy of Pediatrics found “the health benefits of newborn circumcision outweigh the risks; but the benefits are not great enough to recommend universal newborn circumcisions.” Here at Women’s Health Care, we have highly competent and experienced practitioners that can perform your newborn son’s circumcision.

BENEFITS: Decreased UTI in first 6 months of life; decreased transmission of STD’s including HIV; decreased penile cancer; decreased HPV transmission/cervical cancer and prevents phimosis/balanitis. Also; there is good evidence that does not appear to adversely affect sexual function or sensitivity.

RISKS: Pain (minimized w/ local anesthesia);bleeding; infection; injury to glans/penis; poor cosmetic outcome. These complications are rare & minor and can be easily & rapidly addressed.

The circumcisions are performed on healthy newborns > 2500gm; term & no medical contraindications. We can perform the procedure in the hospital or up to 30 days of life on an outpatient basis in our office and administer local anesthesia, which is safe and effective in reducing the procedural pain. A sucrose solution is also given, which soothes the infant and a post-care instruction sheet is reviewed with parents.

The decision to have your newborn circumcised is very personal & should be made after consideration of the risks & benefits; cultural & religious; and personal preference. Women’s Health Care is available to counsel in a non-biased manner, assist you in making an informed decision and provide this procedure to our patients who choose to have their newborn sons circumcised.

What’s the Big Deal about Breastfeeding?

by Hshkeni Richemond BSN, MSN

The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous. So much so that it is impossible to list all the benefits here. But let’s start with the obvious, it’s free! It is amazing what women’s bodies, are capable of doing. Breastfeeding is one of those amazing processes. So, let us begin with an understanding what is going on in the breast.

Women produce milk in order to feed their infants. This process begins before you know it, about four months into pregnancy. However, most women will not see this milk until after the birth of their baby. After birth, the woman’s body undergoes a hormonal shift that signals the breast to produce milk. The baby is then placed on the breast to feed. While you are bonding with and feeding your baby, this action signals your brain to release milk.

So here’s a little background on what to expect when breastfeeding for the first time. Seeing breastmilk for the first time can be surprising. The first milk that comes out the breast is actually yellowish in color, thick, and small in quantity. Do not let the small amount fool you, it is enough for your baby’s little stomach. This first milk that your breast produces is called colostrum and this is the milk you will see for the first few days of breastfeeding. This colostrum then transforms into a thinner, whiter fluid that we all know as breastmilk. The more breastfeeding or breast pumping you do, the more milk you produce. It’s a simple phenomenon of supply and demand. There is no recommended schedule for feeding, just that you feed your baby when he or she desires and at least 8 times in a 24-hour period. Additionally, the benefits of breastfeeding are optimal when you feed your baby breastmilk, exclusively, for at least the first six months of his or her life.

The hype of breastmilk is due largely in part to the benefits for not only your baby, but for yourself as well. Yes, breastfeeding also benefits you! To begin with the benefits for your baby, breastfeeding has the potential to help your baby fight infections, especially respiratory tract infections and ear infections. Breastmilk is packed with proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to give your baby the best start in life. Breastfed infants have a lower risk of long term problems such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity. So if such problems affect your family, this may be motivation to stick with breastfeeding.

There are also numerous benefits for you, but here are just a few amazing, and enticing ones. Breastfeeding mothers tend to lose their weight gained during pregnancy at a faster rate than mothers who do not breastfeed; breastmilk has properties that help protect the breast tissue from infections; lastly, breastfeeding releases hormones that help your uterus return to its original size and consequently reduces your risk for excessive bleeding after you give birth.

Many women wonder if breastfeeding is for them, if they will produce enough breastmilk, if the process will hurt, or if they will have the time to breastfeed. It is completely normal to have all these concerns and questions. To begin with, there are very few exceptions to breastfeeding. If you are concerned about the safety of breastfeeding, speak to your midwife to determine if this will the best option for you and your baby. If you have any other breastfeeding concerns, no questions are off limits. This is an opportunity to discuss your worries with your midwife. Lastly, I encourage each mother to take a course on breastfeeding before delivery and if you are breastfeeding, take some time to visit a breastfeeding support group.

Resource: Wellstart International. (2013). Lactation Management Self-Study Modules, Level I, Fourth Edition, Shelburne, Vermont: Wellstart International.