Genetic Counseling at Brunswick Hills OBGYN

Brunswick Hills OBGYN strives to provide women with the highest quality of care throughout all stages of life, offering both maternity and general-wellness resources. The New Jersey obstetrics and gynecology practice also offers a vast selection of specialty services and patient resources facilitated by its physicians and team of advanced-care nurses. In addition to providing such prenatal support as childbirth classes and sonography, Brunswick Hills OBGYN also offers genetic counseling.

Prenatal genetic counseling allows couples to determine the likelihood of passing a medical condition on to their child. While genetic counseling may offer additional guidance or peace of mind to couples during the family-planning process, it is especially valuable for expectant mothers whose routine prenatal tests have returned abnormal results. Physicians also recommend genetic counseling when a pregnant woman is over 35 years old, as well as when the results of an amniocentesis test indicate a chromosomal defect. Additionally, couples should consider genetic counseling if any of their children or close relatives have an inherited medical condition.

During genetic counseling, medical professionals work closely with couples to form a comprehensive family medical history, identifying instances of both physical and mental genetic disorders. After noting potential risks for such diseases as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, the counselor combines knowledge of each condition with information about each individual’s family medical history. By synthesizing this information, including inheritance patterns and recurrence risks, genetic counselors offer a comprehensive review of genetic risk factors and options to address them.

What Could an Abnormal Pap Test Mean?

Located in East Brunswick and Hillsborough, New Jersey, Brunswick Hills OBGYN specializes in the health of women’s reproductive systems. Every year, Brunswick Hills OBGYN patients are advised to undergo a gynecological examination, which includes a Pap smear.

A Pap test involves taking some cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope to screen for cervical cancer. When results show dysplasia or abnormal cells, it is not necessarily an indication of cancer. In fact, an abnormal result is usually not a sign of cancer but rather points to an infection or inflammatory response in the body.

Something as simple as recently having intercourse could cause an abnormal Pap smear. Changes in cervical cells can also occur if the patient has a yeast infection, trichomoniasis, or herpes. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) can additionally lead to cell changes, and those with certain types of HPV are at a higher risk of cervical cancer than others.

After an abnormal Pap smear, the physician may recommend a colposcopy, which involves looking at the cervix with a magnifying tool. If abnormal areas are spotted, a biopsy may be performed to make a diagnosis. An HPV test may also be obtained. After appropriate treatments are administered to remove all of the abnormal cells, the patient will likely need a follow-up Pap test in six months.

For more information about Pap tests, visit BHillsOBGYN.com.

Types of IUDs

A group practice with locations in East Brunswick and Hillsborough, New Jersey, Brunswick Hills OBGYN provides compassionate care to women of all ages. For those in their childbearing years, the trusted doctors and advance practice nurses at Brunswick Hills OBGYN offer the full range of birth control options, including intrauterine devices (IUDs).

An IUD is a plastic device that is inserted into the uterus. Shaped like a T, an IUD has a string on the end that protrudes from the opening of the cervix. The manner in which an IUD prevents pregnancy depends on which of the two types on the market that the patient chooses.

The copper IUD is wrapped in wire made of copper, which prompts the fallopian tubes and uterus to produce chemicals that are toxic to sperm. This type of IUD, sold by the brand name Paragard, can be worn for a maximum of 10 years and does not alter hormone levels in the body.

Hormonal IUDs, most often sold under the brand names Mirena and Skyla, use hormones that make the cervical mucus thicker, which prevents sperm from making their way into the uterus. These hormones also alter the thickness of the uterine lining so that if conception does occur, the embryo does not have a hospitable place to implant. The Mirena IUD can stay in place for up to five years, and the Skyla IUD should be replaced after three years.

For more information about IUDs or other forms of contraception, visit bhillsobgyn.com.

The Difference between an OB and GYN Sonogram

Located in New Jersey, Brunswick Hills OBGYN provides expert health care for women. Brunswick Hills OBGYN offers a variety of services, including obstetrical and gynecological sonograms.

The most familiar form of sonogram is the obstetrical sonogram, which is used to examine the fetus in a pregnant woman. Also commonly referred to as an ultrasound scan, the OB sonogram provides a visual of a fetus, helps medical professionals determine if there are any congenital abnormalities, and alerts both the patient and doctor if more than one fetus is present. In addition, this form of sonogram is used to track the growth of a fetus to ensure all necessary precautions are taken to protect the fetus and the mother throughout a pregnancy.

A gynecological sonogram focuses more on the organs in a female’s pelvic region. When assessing a patient’s health, a doctor can use a GYN sonogram to identify signs of ovarian cysts, uterine masses, and uterine fibroids. Utilizing transvaginal ultrasound, the doctor inserts a transducer into the vagina. This allows the medical professional to evaluate the ovaries and muscular walls of the uterus as well as other areas that are essential to maintaining one’s pelvic health.

To learn more about sonograms, visit www.bhillsobgyn.com.

Perimenopause and Hot Flashes

With locations in East Brunswick and Hillsborough, New Jersey, Brunswick Hills OBGYN treats women in all phases of their reproductive lives. The physicians and advance practice nurses at Brunswick Hills OBGYN frequently see patients who are in perimenopause, helping them manage symptoms such as hot flashes.

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, which is marked by the cessation of menstrual periods. During perimenopause, hormones can shift for months or years as ovarian function declines. The majority of women going through perimenopause will experience hot flashes, although the frequency and intensity can vary from person to person. Also called vasomotor symptoms, hot flashes come on suddenly and usually last a few minutes. The feeling of warmth occurs from the inside out, spreading to the upper body and face. Perspiration, rapid heartbeat, and facial flushing may also occur. As the hot flash subsides, the patient may experience chills as the body’s temperature normalizes.

Although hot flashes likely cannot be avoided entirely during perimenopause, patients can take steps to lessen their severity. Staying cool is paramount, and this can include dressing in layers, using fans, and sipping cold beverages rather than hot ones. Exercising and maintaining a normal weight can also help. Slow, deep breathing exercises have also been shown to offer relief during hot flashes.

Medical treatment may be recommended if hot flashes are frequent and severe enough to interfere with daily life. Hormone replacement therapy can help prevent hot flashes and other bothersome menopausal symptoms, but this type of treatment does carry risks. Patients may also find relief with antidepressants or other prescription medications.

The medical staff of Brunswick Hills OBGYN, consisting of doctors and advanced practice nurses, are well versed in treating symptoms of perimenopause and other gynecological problems. To learn more about the practice and services offered, please visit http://www.bhillsobgyn.com.