Denton County Living Well Magazine March/April 2018 | Page 47

bone density if it is something that ap-
plies to you.
(7) Many women battle with depres-
sion, and this is something your OB/
GYN can discuss with you as you talk
through the severity of your symptoms
and how often they occur.
The Menstrual Cycle
(8) Problems with menstrual periods
are another issue you can always dis-
cuss with your OB/GYN. Your doctor
can educate you about what your first
period will be like if you haven’t had
one yet, ways to improve heavy or ir-
regular periods, and changes to look
for during your monthly period that
may be abnormal.
(9)
Your OB/GYN can also provide
you with remedies for painful periods.
(10)
Your physician is also a great
resource for discussing premenstrual
syndrome (PMS) symptoms. These
symptoms vary among women, and
you can talk with your doctor about
solutions that work best for you.
Sexual Relationships
(11) The topic of sex can be openly
discussed with your OB/GYN. Your
physician can explain what happens
during intercourse, what may be caus-
ing pain during intercourse, and how
hormonal changes can affect discom-
fort during sexual activity.
(12) Your OB/GYN can also discuss
the ways to have safe and healthy sex-
ual relationships with your significant
other.
(16) When you are ready to get
pregnant, it’s important to discuss with
your physician what steps to take to
ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy.
(17) Your OB/GYN can also con-
duct an official medical test to deter-
mine if you are pregnant.
Menopause
(13) Preventing sexually transmitted and Post-Menopause
infections (STIs) is very important. You
should discuss with your doctor what
steps you can take to lower your risk of
becoming infected with an STI or with
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
(14) Your OB/GYN can also admin-
ister a test for STIs and HIV if you are
sexually active and would like to be
tested.
Preventing Pregnancy
and Getting Pregnant
(15) Seeing an OB/GYN gives you
the opportunity to discuss birth con-
trol options with your physician. OB/
GYNs can help you determine which
is the best method for you and your
body, whether it be a pill, a patch, an
implant, an intrauterine device (IUD),
or another option.
(18) An OB/GYN physician can
also help you with the challenges you
are experiencing during the meno-
pausal and perimenopausal stages
of your life. Vaginal dryness, hot
flashes, and irregular bleeding are
all issues that should be discussed
with your physician. There are a vari-
ety of treatment options available to
ease these common problems.
As you can see, there are plenty of
reasons to make seeing an OB/GYN
in 2018 a top priority on your list
of resolutions for a healthier 2018.
Make sure you get your annual exam
scheduled with your OB/GYN. If you
do not have one, Dr. Kristen Carmi-
chael at the Medical & Surgical Clin-
ic of Irving is accepting new patients
and is happy to welcome you into
her office.
Dr. Kristen Carmichael is an OB/GYN with the Medical & Surgical Clinic
of Irving. After completing her undergraduate degree at Southern Methodist
University in Dallas, TX, she went on to attend medical school at the University of
Texas in Houston. She has been in private practice since 2004. She is a member
of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Medical
Association, the Texas Medical Association, and many other organizations. Dr.
Carmichael has been awarded the Best OB/GYN in Las Colinas, Coppell, and
Irving and has been recognized as a Mom-Approved Doctor by DFW Child. She
loves helping her patients achieve their best health and is most satisfied when they
feel educated, engaged and empowered in their healthcare.
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH/APRIL 2018
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