We’ve all probably seen the fuzzy black and white photos that pregnant couples get when they’re expecting. Those keepsake photos are called sonograms. They are created when a pregnant mother gets an ultrasound from her doctor.

 

Ultrasounds are commonly used to help monitor the health of your fetus during pregnancy and detect any abnormalities. But what is an ultrasound exactly? And how many ultrasounds do you need throughout the course of your pregnancy? Do you get one at every pregnancy check-up or only at certain follow-up visits?

 

Keep reading to learn more about ultrasounds and how many ultrasounds you should have during pregnancy.

 

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a type of body scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the body’s internal organs and of a developing baby. Ultrasounds are used during pregnancies to capture an image of the fetus inside the mother’s womb. They are a routine part of prenatal care.

 

Since the human eye cannot see inside the womb, ultrasounds are essential to monitoring the health and development of the fetus. They can help assign your due date, determine your baby’s gestational age, identify any health problems or birth defects, monitor fetal health and development, and identify the sex of the baby.

 

You may have heard the terms “ultrasound” and “sonogram” used interchangeably before. What is the difference? Ultrasound refers to the procedure where the doctor performs the body scan, whereas sonogram refers to the printed picture that results from the procedure.

 

Are ultrasounds safe for pregnant women?

Ultrasounds are commonly used during pregnancies. They have been determined to be very safe for pregnant women and the fetus.

 

Ultrasounds are very safe to have because they utilize sound waves to generate the sonogram image. They do not use radiation or X-rays. Ultrasounds are so safe that they do not require any special preparation or personal protective equipment before use.

 

How many ultrasounds are necessary during pregnancy?

While ultrasounds are completely safe for the mother and fetus, there is no medical reason to have more ultrasounds than necessary.

 

In general practice, it is expected that pregnant women receive a minimum of two standard ultrasounds throughout their pregnancy.

 

The first ultrasound is typically given in the first trimester to confirm the baby’s heartbeat, verify that the pregnancy is in the uterus and is not an ectopic pregnancy, and to predict the baby’s due date. A doctor may use a pregnancy ultrasound in combination with a pregnancy test to confirm a viable pregnancy.

 

The second pregnancy ultrasound is typically given in the second trimester, between 18 and 22 weeks, to monitor the fetus’ growth, assess the position of the umbilical cord and the placenta, do an anatomy scan, count the baby’s fingers and toes, and determine the sex of the baby.

 

If you have medical concerns or you have a high-risk pregnancy that requires more frequent monitoring, then you can expect to have additional ultrasounds during your pregnancy.

 

Therefore, different women may receive different numbers of ultrasounds throughout their pregnancy journey. There is no exact number that is right for everyone’s medical needs.

 

What are the types of ultrasound?

There are several types of ultrasounds that are used for different purposes and at different times during pregnancy. All of these types of ultrasound scans are safe for pregnant women and are used to monitor your baby’s growth and health.

 

A transvaginal ultrasound is an ultrasound that is performed through the vagina. A small wand, or transducer, is placed in the vagina up to the cervix and uses ultrasound technology to create an image of the inside of the uterus. A transvaginal ultrasound is often used for the first early ultrasound.

 

A pregnancy ultrasound done later in the second trimester is often performed with an exterior transducer placed on the outside of the pregnant woman’s belly. This is the ultrasound that most of us probably think of when we think of pregnancy ultrasounds.

 

A nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound is an optional ultrasound given around 10-13 weeks. This optional ultrasound can be used to identify congenital disabilities and down syndrome. A mother may choose to have this ultrasound to alleviate any concerns she may have about the baby’s health. A doctor may recommend this ultrasound if there is a family history of congenital disabilities.

 

Who performs an ultrasound during pregnancy?

Obstetricians or ob/GYNs typically perform ultrasounds for pregnant women. Some obstetrics providers may also have an ultrasound technician on staff to assist with the procedure. All procedures should be performed by a trained medical doctor.

 

Visit your Ob/GYN for an ultrasound today

Are you pregnant or planning to be pregnant? Then you are in need of obstetrics services!

 

At Great City Medical, our board-certified ob/GYN Dr. Yelena Tsyba provides top-quality ultrasound exams and ob/GYN services to pregnant women in NYC. If you think you might be pregnant, Dr. Tsyba can provide your first-trimester ultrasound so you can monitor your baby’s development during early pregnancy and beyond. And get images of your baby to keep as a beautiful keepsake!

 

Call our offices to make your appointment for an NYC ultrasound today!

If you are looking for a women’s health doctor, then good for you for taking care of your health! You have come to the right place. Great City Medical specializes in women’s health and provides ob/GYN services in NYC.

 

But if you are confused or nervous—don’t worry! You are not alone.

 

Women’s health care can be confusing. You’ve probably heard of a gynecologist, an obstetrician, or an ob/GYN. But what do each of these doctors do? What health issues do each of them help with? Which type of doctor is right for your medical needs? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and more!

 

What is a gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in caring for women’s reproductive health. This can broadly encompass many sexual health issues, including screening for sexually transmitted diseases, screening for cancers and other diseases of the reproductive organs, prescribing birth control, monitoring menstruation health, and more.

 

Gynecologists can care for patients from the age they get their first period or become sexually active through menopause. They help with women’s health issues through all ages.

 

While gynecologists specialize in many areas of the reproductive system, they do not specialize in pregnancy care and do not treat pregnant women.

 

What does a gynecologist do?

A gynecologist performs a gynecological exam or a physical exam that checks your overall reproductive health and wellness. Young women need to receive this exam annually starting from ages 18 to 21 or whenever they become sexually active. However, some irregularities like an odd menstrual cycle or severe pelvic pain can warrant a GYN exam sooner.

During an exam, gynecologists can help with a wide variety of women’s health needs. Gynecology includes but is not limited to:

• Annual exams
• Pelvic exams
• Pap smears
• Cancer screenings (ovarian, cervical, uterine, breast)
• Breast exams
• STD testing
• Contraception
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Menstruations’ care
• Infertility consultation
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Endometriosis
• PCOS
• Prolapse of pelvic organs
• Gynecological surgeries, including hysterectomy, tubal ligation, and labiaplasty
• Any other medical conditions related to the female reproductive system, which includes the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or vagina
• Reproductive health education

 

What is an obstetrician?

While often confused with a gynecologist, an obstetrician has very different responsibilities and can help with different health needs. An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy care, including everything from prenatal care to postpartum care.

 

They will help you have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby so that you and your family can feel your best. They help the process be safer and more predictable for you and the baby.

 

You only need to see an obstetrics specialist if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. They do not provide standard gynecology care services.

 

What does an obstetrician do?

An obstetrician is a pregnancy specialist. Your obstetrician will be with you throughout every step of your pregnancy journey. An obstetrician’s duties can include but are not limited to:

• Family planning
• Prenatal care
• Fertility treatments
• Routine pregnancy check-ups
• Ultrasounds
• Genetic screening
• Monitoring for signs of fetal distress
• Fetal medicine
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Labor care
• Delivering a baby
• Childbirth through cesarean section (C-section)
• Premature baby and NICU care
• Post-natal care
• Postpartum depression care

 

What is an ob/GYN?

While it might sound like alphabet soup, and ob/GYN is simply an obestetrician-gynecologist, or a medical doctor who specializes in both fields.

 

Many women may prefer to visit an ob/GYN as their regular women’s health care provider because they can be with them throughout every step of their reproductive health journey and birthing process. The majority of women chose to see the same ob/GYN for many years once they find a doctor they like. This allows them to build a close, trusted relationship with their doctor.

 

Why do you need to see an ob/GYN?

Whether you decide to go with a gynecologist or ob/GYN, it is important to regularly visit a women’s health care professional. If you are planning to get pregnant or are already pregnant, than you should have a gynecologist and an obstetrician, or an ob/GYN.

 

These medical professionals can help improve your quality of life, provide life-saving care, and answer any questions you have about your reproductive health or pregnancy.

 

If you are feeling at all uncomfortable about visiting your gyno or ob/GYN for the first time, you’re welcome to bring a female family member or friend, or request a nurse chaperone to accompany you during your appointment. You never have to be alone with the doctor if you don’t wish to be.

 

Great City Medical ob/GYN services

Whether you’re looking for a standard annual gynecologist exam or surgical procedures, we can perform all our services at our state-of-the-art medical center and provide you with the quality gynecologic care you deserve.

 

Our women’s reproductive health specialists provide excellent medical care and help you take care of your overall health and wellbeing. Our Dr. Yelena Tsyba is a board-certified ob/GYN who can provide all of the services listed above.

Make an ob/GYN appointment today!

If you are looking for the best ob/GYN in the NYC area, you’ve come to the right place! Caring for women’s health is our specialty at Great City Medical. If you have any reproductive health concerns, our Dr. Yelena Tsyba is a board-certified provider who is happy to help.

 

NYC Obstetrics

NYC Gynecologist Exam

PCOS is a common and frustrating women’s health concern. Symptoms can be very general or confusing, so checking for this condition can be difficult. While it can be hard to diagnose, it is estimated to affect 1 in every 10 women of childbearing age and can even affect young women as early as their first period.

 

So, if you are suffering from symptoms of PCOS, know that you are not alone!

 

Speak with your healthcare provider at Great City Medical if you are concerned you might have PCOS. But first, to help answer some of the health questions you may have, here is some information about PCOS and how it is diagnosed and treated.

 

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in females caused by an imbalance of sex hormones. The disorder causes many small sacs of fluid, called cysts, to form on the ovaries. The cysts can be filled with immature eggs, preventing them from being released during ovulation in a regular menstrual cycle.

 

Therefore, common symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, long-lasting menstrual cycles, and infertility. Other common symptoms include unwanted hair growth including facial hair (also known as hirsutism), male pattern baldness or hair loss, acne, obesity, painful periods, abdominal bloating, and high levels of androgen (also known as “male hormones” but women also have them).

 

PCOS can be diagnosed at any age. Signs of PCOS can be apparent around a person’s first menstrual period, or they can first appear later in life.

 

Can a gynecologist check for PCOS?

Yes, a gynecologist can help you determine if you have PCOS. If you are concerned you might have PCOS or if you have any questions about the disorder, you can ask your ob/GYN at your next visit.

 

Unfortunately, there is not just a single test for the diagnosis of PCOS. A diagnosis can sometimes take many tests and may also require a referral to an endocrinologist (a hormone specialist). That said, talking to your obstetrics and gynecology provider is a great place to start.

 

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

To evaluate you for PCOS, your healthcare provider may start by asking you questions about your medical history. They’ll want to know more about your menstrual cycles, any symptoms you’ve experienced, if you’ve had any weight gain, any medications you are taking, any diagnosed medical conditions, and any family history of hormonal disorders.

 

Next, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam. The physical exam includes checking for signs of excess body hair growth or acne, and measuring metrics like your blood pressure and body mass index. A physical exam also includes a pelvic exam, where the doctor will apply pressure to the interior and exterior of the pelvic area to check your reproductive organs for any masses, growths, or abnormalities. If further physical examination is required, a transvaginal ultrasound can be used to examine the interior of the uterus, endometrium, and ovaries for any ovarian cysts or other signs of PCOS.

 

Blood tests are also commonly used to diagnose PCOS. Blood tests are used to check hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, androgen) and insulin resistance (glucose or blood sugar levels).

 

For PCOS to be diagnosed, your doctor must detect three conditions:

• Menstrual cycle irregularies
• High levels of androgens
• Growths or enlargement of the ovaries

 

What are other complications of PCOS?

PCOS can increase your risk for other related health conditions, including thyroid problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, metabolic disorders, infertility, and more.

 

Obesity does not directly cause PCOS, but it has been shown to worsen the symptoms of PCOS, such as insulin sensitivity. Therefore, lifestyle changes and weight loss may help reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.

 

PCOS can manifest in many ways and affect your overall health and wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to speak with a doctor to receive a diagnosis and medical treatment for PCOS so that you can take control of your overall health.

 

How is PCOS treated?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for PCOS. However, there are many solutions to treat the symptoms of PCOS and lessen the severity of the disorder. The appropriate treatment for PCOS depends on which symptoms are your primary concern.

 

If regulating your period is a primary concern, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control pills or progestin therapy.

 

If infertility is your primary concern, your doctor may prescribe medicines such as Clomiphene, Letrozole, Metformin, or Gonadotropins to help you ovulate and become pregnant. In Vitro fertilization (IVF) can also be effective for some patients with PCOS.

 

If unwanted hair growth and acne are your primary concerns, hormonal birth control pills, acne medications, or androgen-blocking medications or creams can be effective. While often temporary, hair removal treatments can also help with these symptoms.

Other effective treatments also include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising more often, getting high-quality sleep, and losing weight.

 

Later in life, menopause has been shown to help balance hormone levels and reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.

 

Things to consider with PCOS and hormonal birth control

If you are currently taking hormonal birth control, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills), it can be hard to accurately measure your body’s natural hormone levels. Hormonal birth control can also cause light or infrequent periods. This can make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose PCOS accurately.

 

Therefore, you may be required to stop taking any hormonal birth control for several months if you think you might have PCOS. That way your doctor can routinely and accurately monitor your hormone levels and menstrual period cycle.

 

Of course, birth control pills are a common treatment for PCOS symptoms, so your doctor may ultimately re-prescribe this medication if you are ultimately diagnosed.

 

Make an appointment with your ob/GYN today

We take women’s health issues like PCOS seriously at Great City Medical. We understand that PCOS symptoms and diagnosis can be a long, frustrating journey.

But don’t worry—our trained medical professionals are here to help you get the answers you need so that you can look and feel your best.

Call our New York City gynecologist offices today to make an appointment to speak with our health professionals.

When you hear someone who is dealing with a significant health issue, they’ll likely never tell you that they’re glad they put off their gynecologist exams. Instead, they’ll probably tell you they’re glad they caught something early, or that they were able to have that pap smear or breast exam or even an annual gynecological exam when they did. That’s because good health isn’t just about reacting to the latest symptoms you’re experiencing—it’s also about finding out what’s going on with your body even if everything appears to be going well.

 

Why are gynecologist exams important? They do more than offer one check for cervical cancer or check the health of your ovaries. They do more than just one screen for breast cancer or check for abnormalities. They monitor the progress of your whole body. What they do is give you the potential to exercise preventative care, or catch a disease early, or give you a leg up on your medical history that people in your family may have never had. They give you the potential to live your life feeling free of any issues, or, if you do have an issue, to catch it early and take a proactive approach to treating it.

 

Dealing with a Family History Full of Potential Issues

 

One of the first reasons gynecologist exams are important? Simple. You may have a family history that suggests you’re liable to run into a host of issues. Having gynecologist exams check for these issues, screen for cancers with hereditary traits, and ultimately gauge your overall health is not only going to make you healthier, but is going to give you peace of mind between visits. It’s also going to give you more confidence in your body and what’s going on underneath the surface.

 

There may be a wide range of issues that bring you into a gynecologist’s office. Pelvic pain. Irregularities in the menstrual cycle. HPV worries. The need for a mammogram. But a commitment to women’s health means knowing your family history for issues beyond what many associate with the gynecologist’s office. Make sure you take your full history into account when talking to your gynecologist, such as a family history of high blood pressure. Doing so will help you give an OB/GYN a full picture of your health—and your health risks.

 

Taking Appropriate Exams for Your Level of Sexual Activity

Your reproductive health could very well hinge on the actions you take with your gynecologist, especially as it relates to your levels of sexual activity. Getting tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), for example, will not not only give you a clear treatment plan to take care of yourself, but it also impacts the health of others in your life. Chlamydia, gonorrhea—these issues can be devastating for your life, which is why screening tests are so important. And though exams like cervical cancer screening are vital for keeping an eye on life’s various risk factors, you shouldn’t forget the critical role gynecologists can play in a wide range of issues related to your reproductive health.

 

Screenings for Cancer

Catching cancer early—or simply screening for cancer to give yourself peace of mind—can be the best way forward for your long-term health. For starters, many cancers are treatable if you catch them early—and the earlier you catch them, the more treatable they will likely be. Gynecological health is about more than having an OB/GYN give you a physical exam or respond to issues like vaginal discharge. It can also be about identifying the most serious risks in your life and coming up with a plan of attack if you do find yourself struggling with a serious disease.

 

Cervical cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer—these all pose risks to women. And while other issues like cysts can also be serious, early detection for cancer can quite literally be a life-saver. The best way to ensure you have maximum peace of mind is not to avoid these issues, by to tackle them head-on with an OB/GYN you can trust. Have your regular checkup, consult with your doctor, and make sure that you keep the lines of communication open.

 

Critical Exams for Women Getting On in Age

We all age—it’s a fact of life. But as you reach certain age milestones, you may be more at risk for future health problems that you need to watch out for. For example, bone density and osteoporosis issues should be at the forefront of your mind as you get older. Gynecological exams can help you identify these issues, take the appropriate treatment, and get on with your life, putting as much health and vitality into your years as possible.

 

There is a lot of time after menopause, after all. Your wellness—your quality of life—doesn’t need to have an expiration date on it, at least not as far as your ability to seek out the right treatment is concerned. Make sure you stay on top of your health care as you age. Continue to seek out the appropriate exams from an OB/GYN, and don’t simply respond to symptoms. Remain proactive with your health care, continue to get your regular pelvic exam, and always consult with your OB/GYN for the appropriate issues. Staying on top of these issues won’t only give you more peace of mind, but will improve your quality of life—something that pays dividends every day between your appointments.

 

OB/GYN exams can sometimes be intimidating, but the better you are at staying on top of them, the more you’ll see that they’re not scary—they’re good health care. The more proactive you are in seeking out a good OB/GYN and having the appropriate exams, the more your body will thank you. And that’s peace of mind that only comes when you’ve gotten a clean bill of health from a respected professional.

 

Schedule your next NYC gynecologist exam now!

Seeing a gynecologist can be a decision that’s fraught with all sorts of anxieties and uncertainties. You know that issues like women’s health or testing for sexually transmitted infections are vitally important, but you may have run into a life issue that’s thrown a wrench into things—such as switching your OB/GYN or worrying about how long it’s been since you last had a breast exam.

 

Fortunately, the process doesn’t have to be difficult—especially if you know the reasons to see your gynecologist in the first place. But what are those reasons, and how can they be a part of what you do to get in to see your gynecologist as soon as possible? Here’s why you’ll want to set up an appointment.

 

Reason #1: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Many people wait until they notice symptoms before they go in to see a gynecologist. But if you’ve ever heard that old phrase—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—then you know how imperative it can be to see your gynecologist for regular checkups. Don’t wait until there’s an issue with your menstrual cycle like irregular periods, or whether you might have an STI, to schedule to come in. Instead, think about all of the great services they can provide you to give you confidence in your health.

 

Keep in mind that there’s no issue too small that you can’t bring it up with a professional gynecologist. Don’t wait until a checkup to bring up issues like vaginal discharge, for example, or incontinence. Your gynecologist is there specifically to help you with these issues, and by seeking out their care, you’re demonstrating that you’re committed to your own health care.

 

Reason #2: Gynecologists Can Help in More Ways Than You Might Think

For many people, going to a gynecologist is something that they regard as only for serious matters. But when you review just how many things gynecologists can help you with, you’ll see that they can potentially improve your life in many ways—not just for major, life-changing health issues or fertility planning. Let’s take a look at some of the services you might seek out when you go to a gynecologist:

 

• • Fertility and infertility consultations. Planning on having a child in the next few years? Or even longer-term than that? Now’s the time to consult with your gynecologist about your plans, including basic checkups on your fertility wellness and screening for potentially threatening issues like cervical cancer or problems caused by the contraception you’re taking.

 

• • Screening for breast cancer. Catching breast cancer early is a critical issue for any woman. It’s becoming increasingly treatable in many cases—but you do yourself a favor if you try to catch it as early as possible. Regular screening for breast cancer with a gynecologist is one of the best ways to de-mystify this process and stay on the lookout, increasing your chances of treating the disease if it ever becomes an issue.

 

• • Vaginal issues. Dryness, discharge, other health concerns—it’s not always a pleasant topic to talk about, but it can lead to serious discomfort. It deserves your full concern and attention, especially when treating it effectively with your gynecologist could improve the quality of your daily life in immeasurable ways.

 

• • Screening for sexually transmitted diseases. No one wants to risk an STI or STD, but if the issue comes up, you need to know—not only for your own health, but for the health of others. Knowing whether you’re positive for certain STDs or STIs: Can give you a treatment plan and put you on the path to leading a normal life again.

 

• • UTI treatments. A UTI can be a distressing and uncomfortable experience, and seeing a gynecolgoist right away can ensure that you not only get the best possible treatment, but that you aren’t misdiagnosing it as something else. Once you have your UTI under control, you can get back to living a full and comfortable life.

 

• Other issues.  including checking for thyroid problems or cervix issues, or engaging with your gynecologist for family planning during your regular visits, can also be important to bring up. For example, you may come in for a checkup without any specific symptoms, but still have questions to ask of your gynecologist that could impact your future decisions. This is another reason to visit with your gynecologist and engage them fully while you’re in there for your appointment—you never know when one question and answer might change your life for the better.

 

It’s good for your overall health, of course, if you regularly seek out services like these. But it’s also important to know that visiting a gynecologist is also about what you don’t know. Fibroids, endometriosis, or abnormalities—there may be issues that you weren’t aware of that are causing the troubles you’ve been having. Seeking uot a care provider and fully engaging them is the best way to give yourself a path back toward health.

 

Reason #3: Minimizing Your Risk Factors

There are risks for everything in life. In some cases, you might take care of yourself and find that something can still go wrong. In consulting with your care provider, make sure you get tested and screened for all age-appropriate issues that you should be aware of. This will help you minimize your risk factors and live a more healthy lifestyle, especially if you take your gynecologist’s advice for maintaining your physical health.

 

Urinary tract infections, menstruation issues, breast health, perimenopause, dealing with what you think might be growths—there is a lot that seeing a gynecologist can help you with.

 

Schedule your next NYC gynecologist exam now!