​Q. What is a mammogram?
A. A mammogram is a type of x-ray that checks for signs of breast cancer. This important test scans breast tissue to look for masses that could be cancerous.
 
Q. Why do I need to get a mammogram?
A. It is important that women get mammograms regularly, or as recommended by their Atlanta women’s OBGYN, to check for breast cancer. Early detection is a key factor in successfully treating this disease, making regular mammograms important.
 
Q. How often do I need to get them?
A. Typically, your Atlanta women’s OBGYN will recommend you start getting annual mammograms between the ages of 45 and 55. Once you turn 55 you can usually move to getting them every two years. However, if breast cancer runs in your family, let your Atlanta women’s OBGYN know. They may have you start having mammograms earlier and more frequently.
 
Q. What happens during a mammogram?
A. Not knowing what to expect before you have a mammogram can make the test a little nerve wracking. However, it’s nothing to stress out over. When you arrive, you’ll be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and given a gown. Once you enter the room, a technician will start the test. This involves your breast being squeezed between two plates. This spreads out your breast tissue so they can look for abnormalities. Once both sides are done, so are you. You can get redressed and get back to your day.
 
Q. Do I need to do anything to prepare?
A. There isn’t much you have to do to prepare for your mammogram. You can take medications as normal and eat like you normally do. However, you should not wear lotion and don’t put on deodorant or antiperspirant that day. These can impact the readings. Your Atlanta women’s OBGYN will be answer any questions you have about preparing for your mammogram.
Atlanta, GA women who haven’t had a mammogram, and are at the age where they should, honor Breast Cancer Awareness month by making an appointment. We hope you’ll consider meeting the staff at Georgia OBGYN. Our team of Atlanta women’s OBGYN has served the community for over 30 years and is happy to discuss any questions you have. Contact our office today to make your appointment.   

​1.Annual exams are key to preventing illness. Women should be sure to go see their gynecologist or OBGYN at least once a year for an annual exam. These wellness exams play an important role in the early detection of disease and can help prevent problems from developing. They do this by checking women’s vitals, performing tests such as Pap Smears, pelvic exams, and breast exams. These physicians also provide a listening ear for any problems women are experiencing.
 
2.Fertility counseling and pregnancy care. Women’s obstetrics and gynecology work together to care for women from conceiving a child to delivering it. Your gynecologist can provide fertility counseling and services to help women who are struggling to conceive have a child. Or, if it’s not an option they can discuss your options with you. Once you become pregnancy, your gynecologist will pass your care off to an obstetrician who will care for you throughout your pregnancy.
 
3.Sexual health services. Sexual health is important for women as well. You may go to your women’s obstetrics and gynecology center for STD and STI testing, birth control counseling, and questions regarding your sexual healthy. This can be both a part of your annual visit, or an appointment you make if you are concerned you’ve been exposed to an STD or STI.
 
4.Surgical care. Both women’s obstetrics and gynecology professionals can also provide some surgical care to keep women healthy. A gynecologist is able to perform a variety of procedures, from simple in office tasks like placing IUDs to ones that require hospitalization such as a hysterectomy. Your obstetrician is able to perform surgical procedures to help you deliver your baby safely. If necessary, they will perform a C-section to help your child arrive in the world. They also provide after care and won’t release you back to your gynecologist until you are healed.
 
Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA women use women’s obstetrics and gynecologist services for many reasons. If you are searching for an obstetrician or gynecologist, or someone who practices in both areas, contact Georgia OBGYN. As the closest office to Northside Hospital, our staff is able to easily provide all the services women need to stay healthy. Contact our office today to learn more, or to schedule an appointment. 

​All women are at risk of developing breast cancer. But, typically, the older you are the higher your risk becomes. However, there are certain factors that can put you at increased risk. Women with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk. Other risk factors include genetic mutations, having dense breasts, your reproductive history, and being exposed to radiation.
What you can do to decrease your risk

• Genetic testing
• Preventive procedures
• Lifestyle change
• Perform breast self-exams each month  at home

Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA women cannot totally prevent themselves from developing breast cancer. But, they can take steps to reduce their risk or detect signs early. Regular visits to your women’s OBGYN, such as one of the team members at Georgia OBGYN, includes breast exams and, as you get older, mammograms at nearby Northside Hospital. This October, which is breast cancer awareness month, is the perfect time to make an appointment with your OBGYN if it’s been a while since you’ve been in. 

1.Do they take your insurance? Though this one isn’t so much about finding a doctor you are comfortable with, it is an important question to ask and provides you with a solid foundation to start your search. To get a list of providers that are in your insurance carrier’s area, contact them or visit their website.

2.Do they come recommended? A good indication of the best gynecologist is one that comes highly recommended. You can ask your primary care physician for recommendations as well as family and friends. You can also visit your potential gynecologist’s website to read reviews from current patients as well.

3.Do they have the training needed for your needs? If you have other health issues such as diabetes or even anxiety, the best gynecologist for you is a doctor who is equipped to handle that as well. Ask them if they have experience with patients with your health issues. If they don’t, they may be able to recommend you to someone who does.

4.Do they stay in one place or move a lot? Finding the best gynecologist for you is no small task. Once you find them, you want to make sure you can stay with them for a long time. Look at your potential physician’s history. Do they stay in one place or have they moved frequently? Take that into consideration when choosing your new doctor.
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5.Do you feel comfortable with them? The best gynecologist is one you feel comfortable with. Going to the gynecologist can be a stressful experience for some. These doctors handle sensitive questions and information. Finding a doctor in an office that you feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics with is important.  

Early detection is critical to successfully treating breast cancer
1.Stand in front of a mirror and visually inspect your breasts while your arms are loose at your sides. Look for any changes between last month or dimpling of your skin.
2.Raise your arms above your head. Inspect your breast for changes just like you did while your arms were at your sides. It is important to note that most women do not have two perfectly symmetrical breasts so you should look for changes between each month. Contact your women’s clinic if you notice any skin dimpling or increase or decrease in size.
3.Hop into the shower. This step is easier when your skin is wet. Using your fingers, move around your breast in a circular patter from the outside to the center. Make sure you check your entire breast, including your armpit area. As you press your skin, feel for any lumps or hardened knots.
4.Lay down on your bed with a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head.
5.Use your left hand to repeat the steps you did in the shower. Laying down spreads out the breast tissue. Once you are done with the right side, repeat with the other.
6.Squeeze your nipples to check for any discharge and lumps.
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​Gynecology is medical field that specializes in keeping women healthy from Atlanta, GA and beyond. These medical physicians do this by focusing specifically on the health of women’s reproductive organs and sexual health. And though visiting this type of doctor is a regular occurrence for women throughout their lives, it can still be a little nerve wracking.
 
Knowing what to expect for your visit, as well as tips to help you prepare for your next appointment, can help put your mind at ease.
 
1.Find a physician you feel comfortable with. One of the first things to do is find a gynecology physician you feel comfortable with. This means if you’d feel more comfortable with a female doctor, choose one.
2.Ask what to expect. If it is your first time going to a gynecologist, or your first time with this particular doctor, feel free to inquire about what you can expect at your appointment. The staff should be able to walk you through what they will do and answer any questions you have. Knowing what will happen can help put your mind at ease before your appointment.
3.Write down questions in the weeks before your appointment. Most gynecology appointments are made well in advance. This can give you time to gather your thoughts before you go in to your appointment. Maybe you have questions about birth control, or want to inquire whether something is normal or not. In the weeks leading up to your gynecology appointment, keep a list of questions. That way you can feel confident you’ll get all your answers at your appointment.
4.No need to do extra grooming. Many women feel self conscious and before their appointment will make sure to shave and maybe even do some grooming of their pubic hair. There’s no need to stress yourself out before your appointment. Your gynecologist has seen it all and is really focuses on looking for issues and answering your questions.
5.Find a doctor you can build a relationship with. Making annual visits to your gynecology physician can become a little less stressful if you have the same physician for many years. This allows you to build up a sense of familiarity with them that can make these appointments a little less stressful.