On average, every day in Wyoming, one person is diagnosed with breast cancer. One day, that person was Lisa Wagner. Lisa is the wife of Dr. Bert Wagner, one of our wonderful providers at Cheyenne OBGYN. Dr. Wagner has served gynecology patients in southeast Wyoming for almost 30 years, and thus has helped many women through their breast cancer journeys, including Lisa.

This year, Dr. and Lisa Wagner are serving as honorary chairs for the 2020 Pink Ribbon Run and Fun. This race is put on by the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative as a fundraiser to support Wyoming residents with breast cancer.

The Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative (WBCI) works to support breast cancer programs within Wyoming, focusing on breast health education. The initiative also assists financially with breast cancer screenings, survivor services, and patient navigation. Since its establishment in 2016, WBCI has granted over $350,000 into projects and breast cancer screening and early detection programs available all across Wyoming.

The WBCI uses several events throughout the year to both raise awareness as well as meet their financial goals for supporting breast cancer programs. One of these is the Wyoming Pink Ribbon Run & Fun. While WBCI typically hosts a run that is held outdoors with teams all decked out in matching tees, COVID-19 has changed the plan just a little bit this year. The run has gone virtual!

Our team at Cheyenne OBGYN will be participating in the Run and Fun this year – we’ve named our team ‘Simply the Breast’. We’d love for you to join us and support the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative! Visit wyomingbreastcancer.org for more information.

“It is truly unbearable. Imagine throwing up, chills, fever, and lying on your bathroom floor in pain. It is real, and it is awful. Childbirth was easier.” —Crystal

“I suffered greatly from endo and didn’t find out until it was almost too late. Now I am watching my 15-year-old do the same. I tried to tell her primary care practitioner, but they didn’t listen. Four days ago, she begged me to help just rip it all out… Our whole family was rocked by this illness. I need guidance…my baby needs help.” ―Nicole

“Women and girls should not have to live with pain for years like I have. I have been through countless procedures and medications to control it. I have had a baby and the pain came back stronger than before having a baby. I finally want someone to listen to me and not try to put me on more drugs.” —Amy

These are just a few quotes from women across America, provided by the Endometriosis Association. Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that affects about 10% of all women. Women with endometriosis often experience extremely painful periods, infertility, pain following sexual intercourse, lower back pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and cramps. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and it’s time to speak up about it.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometrium is a tissue that lines the inside of a woman’s uterus. Endometriosis occurs when this tissue grows outside of the uterus and onto the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other tissue in the pelvic region. The endometrium tissue still grows, thickens, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle as it would within the uterus, but because it has no way of exiting the body, it becomes trapped and can cause excruciating pain.

Endometriosis Causes and Symptoms

Women with endometriosis may experience any or all of the following symptoms:

• Painful periods
• Painful intercourse
• Painful bowel movements or urination
• Infertility
• Excessive bleeding – during or in-between periods

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, although doctors have several theories. One theory is retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows back through the fallopian tubes instead of leaving the body. This blood contains endometrial cells which can attach to other organs and tissues outside of the uterus where they continue to grow.

Other theories state that hormones, such as estrogen, can transform either embryonic cells or peritoneal cells (found on the inner side of the abdomen) into endometrial cells during puberty.

Menstrual blood may also find its way into the pelvic area through a surgical scar from a C-section or hysterectomy. Endometrial cells can attach themselves to the incision and elsewhere in the pelvic region.

Another theory places the blame on a faulty immune system. Problems in the immune system could mean that the body is unable to recognize and destroy endometrial-like tissue growing outside of the uterus.

Endometriosis affects all types of women, regardless of age, race, or medical history. However, you may be at an increased risk of endometriosis if you started your period at an early age, have short menstrual cycles, heavy periods that last longer than seven days, or have a relative with endometriosis.

Endometriosis and Infertility

Many women with endometriosis also struggle with infertility. Nearly 40% of women with endometriosis have trouble getting pregnant because the endometriosis can block the fallopian tubes and prevent the egg and sperm from meeting. It can also damage sperm and eggs.

Although endometriosis can make a pregnancy more difficult, it is not impossible. Many women with mild to moderate endometriosis can have children, although doctors sometimes recommend having children sooner rather than later, since symptoms may worsen over time.

Endometriosis Treatment Options

While there currently is no cure for endometriosis, there are ways to treat the symptoms. Your treatment options will vary based on the severity of symptoms you experience.  Every woman is different and what is recommended for one may not be recommended for you. You should, of course, consult your gynecologist and inform them of any changes in your symptoms.

Women can try over-the-counter pain relievers to combat pain, or hormone therapy to help slow the development of endometrial tissue growth. Sometimes different forms of birth control are also recommended, as they also work to manage the production of hormones.

If more conservative treatment options are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery. A laparoscopic surgery can remove endometrial tissue, which can help reduce pain. In some cases, a hysterectomy is performed to remove the uterus and ovaries.

 

For more information on endometriosis, we encourage you to speak to one of our doctors at Cheyenne OBGYN. Resources about endometriosis can also be found on our website here. During the month of March, we’re encouraging Endometriosis Awareness. It is a common disorder that affects millions of women around the world, including our patients in Cheyenne, Wyoming. If you suspect that either you, a friend, or a family member may be suffering from endometriosis, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions and learn more about it.

Visiting a gynecologist for the first time is a big step in a young woman’s development. As a parent, you may wonder when the appropriate time is to schedule your daughter’s first GYN appointment.

The gynecologists at Cheyenne OBGYN typically recommend young girls have their first appointment between ages 13 and 15. Usually, a pelvic exam is not needed at this time, but it allows your daughter to begin forming a relationship with her doctor and therefore be more comfortable sharing personal information in the future.

During her first visit, your teen will meet her gynecologist for the first time. Her Cheyenne OBGYN doctor will ask questions about family health history, her menstrual period, and sexual activity. The doctor may also ask if she has received the HPV vaccination. The vaccine is the most effective method at preventing human papillomavirus and works best when administered before sexual activity. Many children receive the vaccine between the ages of 11-13 and can receive it from their pediatrician. If they have not, this vaccine can be provided at Cheyenne OBGYN.

Your daughter’s first pelvic exam will likely not take place until she is 21, which is the age doctors recommend begin screenings for cervical cancer with a pap test. For over 60 years, this test has been the most reliable in detecting cervical cancer.

If you or your daughter have questions about when to see a gynecologist or about an upcoming visit, please call our doctors at Cheyenne OBGYN. We have been serving women in and around Cheyenne, Wyoming since 1979.  Call to schedule an appointment at 307-634-5216.

So, you’re trying to get pregnant – congratulations! As you probably know, there are many things that women who could become pregnant should do to keep themselves healthy. One vitamin that is crucial to a healthy pregnancy is folic acid.

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps your body to produce new cells. It is an important vitamin that helps to prevent birth defects in your baby.

What foods have folic acid?

Folic acid is found in enriched grain products such as pastas, rice, and breads. It’s also found in veggies such as beans, peas, broccoli, beets, asparagus, and spinach. However, this is often not enough for women who could become pregnant. Talk to your Cheyenne OBGYN doctor about dietary supplements. Your doctor may recommend a folic acid supplement in addition to your prenatal vitamins.

What are the benefits of folic acid?

For those who aren’t pregnant, folic acid is crucial for cell development throughout all parts of the body. For women who could become/are pregnant, folic acid plays a large role in the prevention of birth defects, specifically in your baby’s brain and spine. These are called neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs can cause serious problems for babies, including death. About 3,000 American babies are born each year with NTD. Folic acid is a great way to reduce the risk of your baby being born with an NTD.

When should I take folic acid?

Folic acid is crucial in the first trimester of pregnancy, and so all women who are of child-bearing age are recommended to take folic acid supplements if there is a chance that they could become pregnant, even if they are not trying to. Take your doctor-recommended supplements before conception and for at least 3 months after. The recommended amount is a supplement with 400 mcg of folic acid each day.

Pregnancy can be exciting but also confusing and scary! There is a lot of information out there on what to do and when to do it. We always recommend that you talk to your doctor about what is best for your body and your pregnancy, since no two pregnancies are alike. You can also find more information from reputable resources on our website here.

What you eat: It’s no secret that the holidays can be a difficult time for those of us trying to watch what we eat and maintain a healthy lifestyle. With an endless supply of festive treats, delicious drinks and celebrations to attend, the temptations are all around! If you’re trying to be mindful of your food intake while also partaking in the holiday fun, we’ve gathered a few tricks to help you out. Substitute ingredients in your recipes with something healthier, such as applesauce for oil. Be mindful of your alcohol intake and opt for a smaller glass or mix in club soda to reduce calories!

Stress management: It’s easy to feel stressed out by the holidays, with pressure to plan the perfect day for your children, hosting extended family, traveling far distances, preparing meals, and finding just the right gift for everyone. Not to mention decorating and sending out Christmas cards! But here’s a tip: if it stresses you out, don’t do it. Having the most perfectly decorated front yard is not worth your mental health. Think about what you can cut out or make easier on yourself to keep you happier. Simply choose the things that make you happiest and that you enjoy participating in. After all, this time of year is intended to be joyful.

Exercise: While the early sunsets and cold weather make it difficult to feel motivated to work out, exercise can do amazing things for your physical and mental health. Exercise releases chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine which will make you feel happier! Even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise can do wonders for your overall health.

Hormones: Women are no strangers to hormonal changes! Whether you’re experiencing PMS, post-partum, menopausal, or living with a hormonal teenager, hormones can make an already stressful time of year even worse. When you find yourself feeling emotional, be careful to avoid tempting and temporary relievers such as alcohol, drugs, or indulgent eating. Instead, take time to yourself, go for a walk, light a candle, or take a bath. These activities can also help to relieve stress.

If your hormones can make the holidays a particularly difficult time, there are options! We treat women with menopausal symptoms and pre-menstrual symptoms as well as women and men with hormonal imbalance. Ask your doctor at Cheyenne OBGYN if you have any questions about hormonal treatment therapy.

Find more tips at https://www.womenshealth.gov/blog/holiday-health-tips