Blog Archive

Less than 1% of births in the United States occur at home each year, about 35,000 in total, of which one quarter are unplanned or accidental. Most families opt for hospital delivery. Since there are costs and inconveniences associated with giving birth in a hospital, it’s reasonable to wonder if...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with over 40 million infections each year. Despite the large number of infections, HPV is generally harmless, usually passing without issue within approximately two years.  HPV has over 100 different strains, most of which are handled...

While women often experience pelvic pain as part of the menstrual cycle, the duration is usually short. However, long-lasting, persistent pain is less common and more concerning. When it lasts longer than six months without any sign of improvement, it is considered chronic pelvic pain. This type of pain can...

When you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your body produces an excessive amount of male hormones, causing a hormonal imbalance that can affect you in several ways. At our practice, Alexandra Pellicena, MD, FACOG in Houston, Texas, we understand how PCOS can change certain functions in your body, and we’re...

While menopause is the most recognized hormone event that women experience, it’s not the only reason why estrogen levels may drift away from optimal balance. No matter the reason for your imbalance, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often the most effective way to reduce the impact of your symptoms.  HRT...

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be a unique problem for women, since many infections produce no immediate symptoms. By the time you’re aware of the signs of an infection, the disease may have moderately progressed. STD testing — at appropriate times — can keep you healthy and happy.  Any discussion...

While osteoporosis can affect anyone, women suffer from the disease much more often. By the age of 65, almost 5 times more women than men show signs of the disease. Minor stresses that were once no issue can now lead to bone breaks. Osteoporosis can cause vertebrae in the back...

If you’re like many people, talking about your sex life and family planning is deeply personal, so discussing birth control can be embarrassing. At the same time, while sharing information with trusted friends could make the conversation more comfortable, what works for a friend still may not be the best...

Plenty of misinformation has spread about vaccines in general and COVID-19 vaccines are at the top of the news cycle in early 2021. There has never been an effort to create effective vaccines in such a short span of time before, so some people could be wary about safeguards being...

You can think of hormones as your body’s messenger service. Hormones fall under the purview of your endocrine system, produced by glands throughout the body, and they deliver chemical messages that transmit your brain’s instructions. Sometimes, however, your hormones shift out of balance. Most commonly, women undergo these hormonal changes...

Sometimes, gynecologic care involves surgical procedures. If you need surgery, you might be worried about dealing with a long recovery period or significant scarring that could last for years a long time after your procedure. Shorter recovery periods and reduced scarring are just two of the reasons Alexandra Pellicena, MD,...

Are you interested in a birth control method that lasts for years but can still be reversed at any time? Consider the flexibility and effectiveness of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like the intrauterine device (IUD).  IUDs, both hormonal and non-hormonal, can prevent unwanted pregnancy for multiple years, leaving you free...

If your monthly periods are a regular time of trial — with heavy bleeding, nauseating cramps, or overwhelming fatigue impeding your ability to live your life the way you want to — you should know that you’re not alone. And there could be an underlying medical reason for your symptoms....

In 2020, people around the world have put important medical decisions on hold as they work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Until vaccines and more effective treatments become available, keeping social distance and wearing a face mask remain the best way to decrease the spread of the virus,...

Since early 2020, we all have been working diligently to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, the disease COVID-19 is extremely contagious and appears largely to be spread through respiratory droplets. One of the best tools available to limit COVID-19 spread is social...

People have been coping with the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to every part of their lives. In addition to maintaining a safe social distance, wearing a face mask, practicing increased hygiene and hand-washing, you need to consider how to safely handle the risk of COVID-19 transmission in...

Pregnancy is special in many ways: It’s a time of joy and anticipation, it’s a time of bonding and growth, and it’s a time when you have to take extra measures to keep yourself and your developing baby strong and healthy.  Under normal circumstances, this means the usual — eating...