Category Archives: Obstetrics & Gynecology

Top 10 Questions Women Ask Their Primary Care Doctor

I gave this presentation not too long ago at the Massachusetts Health Council’s Women’s Health Care Conference.  As I prepared this talk, I had a hard time narrowing my topics.  I could easily have addressed at least 20 questions I … Continue reading

Posted in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Primary Care | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Not Just Menopause – There’s Perimenopause, too

If you’re a woman in your 40s, chances are you have either begun experiencing or have at least heard about the symptoms of perimenopause. But what exactly is the difference between perimenopause and menopause? Perimenopause is the transitional phase that … Continue reading

Posted in Obstetrics & Gynecology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A “Regular Cycle:” It’s All Relative

Talking about irregular periods first requires establishing what is and is not “regular.” When asked how long a woman’s menstrual cycle should be, most people would answer 28 days. But that’s just an average – very few women have 28 … Continue reading

Posted in Obstetrics & Gynecology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Should I be worried about Breast Pain?

Breast pain, or mastalgia, is very common. In fact, some research indicates that nearly 70% of women will experience breast pain at some point in their lives.  Breast pain can occur at all ages and stages of life, from the teenage … Continue reading

Posted in Obstetrics & Gynecology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Pap Test Guidelines

New guidelines released just one month ago from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – and supported by The American Cancer Society – indicate that most women only need a Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, every … Continue reading

Posted in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Primary Care | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Harvard Vanguard’s Donor Insemination Program

At Harvard Vanguard, we are very proud to offer a unique donor insemination program for single women and lesbians interested in becoming parents.  What makes it unique?  Several things: Personal, intimate care in a safe and respectful environment High-quality care … Continue reading

Posted in Obstetrics & Gynecology | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What is Urinary Stress Incontinence?

Urinary stress incontinence is defined as unintentional urine leakage caused by some kind of physical activity or movement, such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, exercising, or heavy lifting.  These movements place pressure or stress on the bladder and cause urine to … Continue reading

Posted in Obstetrics & Gynecology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Centering Prenatal Appointments

Harvard Vanguard is pleased to offer Centering Prenatal Appointments, based on the nationally-recognized model, CenteringPregnancy®.  Each of the 8 appointments begins with your regular, private prenatal check-up, and then you meet with other pregnant women for a 60-90 minute discussion … Continue reading

Posted in Obstetrics & Gynecology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are psychiatric medications safe in pregnancy?

When a woman considers pregnancy, she naturally has a whole host of questions to answer and decisions to make.  For women who have experienced mental illness, however, pregnancy brings up another important decision:  should I continue my medication? While the … Continue reading

Posted in Behavioral Health, Obstetrics & Gynecology | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

When the happiest time of your life…isn’t: Postpartum depression

Pregnancy can be an exciting time, and the birth of a baby is often thrilling and joyful.  This time in your life can also be stressful, involving many life changes.  Hormonal changes and planning and caring for a new baby … Continue reading

Posted in Behavioral Health, Obstetrics & Gynecology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments