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Women's Healthcare Associates

WHA Blog

Reproductive health information, explained clearly

Questions about your health don’t always come up during an appointment. They show up later—when something feels off, when you’re weighing a decision or when you just want to understand what’s normal.

The WHA blog is here for that in-between space. You’ll find articles written and reviewed by our clinicians, covering gynecology, pregnancy and overall health. The goal is simple: give you information that’s accurate, understandable and actually useful.

While helpful, these articles are not a substitute for medical care from a licensed professional. Read our medical disclaimer and website terms of use.

 

All Gynecology Pregnancy Wellness
Common pregnancy cravings & possible causes
WHA Staff Oct 25, 2012

Common pregnancy cravings & possible causes

It is very common for women to experience food cravings while they are pregnant. Food cravings range in intensity, frequency and type. They typically occur during the first trimester, are often less severe by the fourth month and can be sudden and sometimes unusual. Sweets, salty snacks and spicy foods are among the most common…
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What is Menopause?
WHA Staff Sep 27, 2012

What is Menopause?

As my patients get into their 40s and start noticing changes in their menstrual cycles, they often start thinking about menopause. Their older sisters, coworkers and friends may be lamenting hot flashes and night sweats. They may hear stories about their mother’s transition to menopause. “What will happen to my body?” “How will I change?”…
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Seeing Double: The Medical Facts About Twin Pregnancies
WHA Staff Sep 6, 2012

Seeing Double: The Medical Facts About Twin Pregnancies

Getting pregnant with twins is simultaneously a double blessing and double trouble. While twin pregnancies most often result in a healthy if not harried mom and two delightful babies, they can also be riskier than singleton pregnancies. Twin or triplet pregnancies occur in approximately 3% of births, and that number may be increasing. While assisted…
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Options for Permanent Birth Control
WHA Staff Aug 9, 2012

Options for Permanent Birth Control

With our series on birth control nearly complete, we have discussed hormonal, non-hormonal, and long-acting reversible methods. Permanent contraception, or sterilization, prevents pregnancy by stopping either the flow of sperm or preventing the egg from moving down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, but it is a…
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Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: IUDs and Implants
WHA Staff Aug 2, 2012

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: IUDs and Implants

So far we have discussed hormonal options for birth control, which release estrogen and/or progestin to prevent pregnancy and non-hormonal methods, which physically or chemically prevent sperm from reaching a woman’s egg. Today’s topic is a category that has gained in popularity over recent years: long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Long-acting reversible methods of birth control are available…
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Non-Hormonal Birth Control: More Options
WHA Staff Jul 26, 2012

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: More Options

Last week we discussed hormonal options for birth control, which release estrogen and/or progestin to prevent pregnancy. Non-hormonal methods physically or chemically prevent sperm from reaching a woman’s egg. Some of these methods also protect against sexually transmitted infections. Male and Female Condoms Condoms are a portable method of birth control that exist for both men…
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Five Things You Should Know: Understanding Your Risk of Heart Disease
WHA Staff Jun 21, 2012

Five Things You Should Know: Understanding Your Risk of Heart Disease

You may wonder why a practice focused on obstetrics and gynecology spends so much time discussing heart health. Not only is heart disease the leading cause of death among women, but some of the risk factors for heart disease play a role in other women’s diseases, as well, and can contribute to serious complications in pregnancy….
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Portland Urogynecology: Surgical Options for Treating Stress Urinary Incontinence
WHA Staff May 31, 2012

Portland Urogynecology: Surgical Options for Treating Stress Urinary Incontinence

If you leak urine with coughing, lifting, laughing, sneezing or any other physical activity, you have stress urinary incontinence. The severity can range from mildly irritating to socially debilitating. If non-surgical treatments, including pelvic floor muscle strengthening (kegel exercises) or lifestyle changes (weight loss is particularly effective) have not been helpful, don’t give up hope. There…
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More on the Challenges of Breastfeeding: Dealing With Breast Pain
Jody M. Lindwall, CNM, MSN Aug 17, 2011

More on the Challenges of Breastfeeding: Dealing With Breast Pain

Several months ago I posted about sore nipples, one of the most common complaints of breastfeeding mothers. Another relatively common complaint is breast pain. Breast pain can involve the entire breast or it can be localized to one area. The three primary causes of breast pain are engorgement, plugged ducts and mastitis. Breast Engorgement Engorgement refers…
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Information you can come back to

There’s no single starting point when it comes to women’s health. Some people are looking for answers about a symptom. Others are preparing for a visit, or trying to make sense of a diagnosis.

Our blog brings together perspectives from WHA providers to help you sort through those moments. The content is grounded in clinical experience, but written for real life—so it’s easier to connect what you’re reading to what you’re feeling.

By exploring our blog, you can:

  • Get a clearer understanding of symptoms and conditions
  • Learn what your options may look like
  • Find information that reflects different life stages
  • Feel more prepared going into a visit

Whether you’re here with a specific question or just trying to get oriented, this is a place to start.

FAQs

What topics are covered in the WHA blog?

You’ll find articles on gynecology, pregnancy, postpartum care, reproductive health and general wellness, all developed with input from WHA providers.

Is this medical advice?

No. This content is for general education and isn’t a substitute for care from your provider.

Who writes the articles?

Content is created in collaboration with WHA clinicians and reflects their experience caring for patients across different stages of life.

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Schedule an Appointment

If you’re pregnant and want to begin care at WHA–or need to schedule an appointment during your pregnancy, call us! Find a provider and location here.

Please have your insurance information handy before you begin scheduling.

This will allow our teams to check whether your plan may require a referral for the care you need or to prepare benefits information to share with you at your visit. If you do not enter insurance information when scheduling, you may be asked to pay a $200-$500 deposit before receiving service.

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