Blog Archive

If you’re considering getting pregnant and you’re in your 40s, you can certainly get pregnant, but you may face an increased risk of problems.  If you’re looking to have a child in your mid-40s, you can find help with Dr. Christopher Quinsey and our dedicated medical team in Lake Mary,...

Sugar is a sweetener with a complicated reputation. In the form of glucose, it’s essential to fueling your body and keeping you functioning, but too much of it can lead to illnesses that can be fatal.  Diabetes is a group of diseases due to too much sugar in the blood....

If you’re a woman of childbearing age, you’re very familiar with your menstrual cycle. During a normal cycle that doesn’t result in pregnancy, your body sheds blood and tissue lining your uterus. Every woman experiences different amounts of blood flow on a monthly basis.  Some months have a heavier flow...

Your menstrual cycle is something you deal with from the moment it starts during puberty until you reach menopause in your 40s or 50s, and the clockwork assortment of routine stages and symptoms that come with it.  Irregularities in women’s periods are not uncommon, and hormonal changes and stress can...

When you’re pregnant, the 40 weeks of gestation are filled with changes that affect mother and child. Medical imaging helps us keep an eye on things during this time, and ultrasound is an important part of that process.  To help you better understand, let’s have a look at what ultrasounds...

The hormonal changes women undergo to reach adulthood means the full development of the reproductive system, which through menstruation, intercourse, and pregnancy is essential in starting a family. The uterus is vital to that process. But uterine fibroids can develop and affect your fertility. If you live in the Lake...

One of the most disheartening experiences you can have when trying to start a family is being unable to get pregnant, and there are a number of factors that can affect your chances.  One condition that 190 million women of reproductive age struggle with globally is endometriosis, which can lead...

You rely on your bones to do just about everything when it comes to moving around and protecting vital organs, as well as creating red and white blood cells and platelets. But as you get older, particularly after menopause, your bones can weaken. This transition out of your reproductive years...

When you’re pregnant, your body spends the better part of a year going through a number of changes to accommodate new life including in your hormones, mood, weight, senses, skin, and circulation. To compensate for many of these changes, you have to rethink how you take care of yourself and...

From the time you become sexually active, you need to consider options for contraception if you don’t want children right away, or ever. Around two-thirds of American women ages 15-44 use some form of birth control, with younger women less likely to use it (62%) than older women (72-74%).  An...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

A number of health conditions can affect how well your uterus works and can cause pain and other symptoms, including uterine fibroids. These growths can be completely harmless, or they can lead to heavy bleeding, pain, and many other unpleasant symptoms.  There are several ways we help you manage these...

If you’re sexually active but don’t want children right now, contraception is an important part of your life. Nearly all sexually active American women of childbearing age use contraception at some point in their lives. Nearly two thirds of them currently using it are ages 15-44.  You have many choices...

From the moment your menstrual cycle starts during puberty, you can expect to experience your monthly period around 450 times over the course of your lifetime.  Mild irregularities, like how heavy or light your flow is or spotting between periods may surprise you from time to time but may be...

As you no doubt know, your uterus is a vital part of your reproductive system, playing a role in menstruation, fertility, and pregnancy. It consists of three layers, including the inner layer (also called the uterine lining) where the blood you shed during your menstrual cycle comes from.  From the...

You rely on your bones for everything you do when it comes to physical movement, so dealing with conditions and illnesses that affect it is pretty common, including fractures, arthritis, sprains, tears, and osteoporosis.  The latter ailment is an illness whereby your bones become weaker and more prone to fractures and...

Sexual maturity for women means the development of hormones like estrogen and progesterone through your teens, and your ovaries make this possible. With these almond-shaped organs, your body develops, grows, and starts the process of menstruation vital to pregnancy and childbirth.  Since your ovaries are vital for childbirth, conditions like ovarian cysts can create...

Your body possesses a number of complex systems that work together to keep things functioning properly, and few are as important to performing multiple tasks as your endocrine system.  It is responsible for secreting hormones, which your body uses for a variety of different things, including regulating blood pressure, mood, sleep,...

If you’re pregnant, a common condition you could face is the separation of your large abdominal muscles. Known as diastasis recti, this condition typically affects women over 35, those giving birth to multiple babies, or those who deliver a high birth-weight baby. A hallmark of diastasis recti is a bulge...

From the moment your body starts changing from puberty into adulthood, it is preparing for the possibility of childbirth. And when you reach a point that you’re ready to have children, problems like infertility can complicate things and reduce your chances of bringing new life into the world.  In America, 1 in...

Pregnancy and eventually giving birth is all about change. Your body changes, your hormones change, and giving birth gives you a new life that changes things even more.  Once you’re home with your bundle of joy, your body starts changing again, and when you start showing interest in having sex,...

Having kids is a big decision. If you’re looking to bring your first child into the world, you’ll join over 3.5 million women who give birth annually. And like those women, you’ll have a lot of decisions to make about getting ready for the pregnancy and the experience of life with a...

Cancer results from the proliferation of mutated cells in the body, creating tumors and spreading to other parts of the body and leading to serious complications if not caught in time.  There are many different types of cancer that affect and kill millions. In 2020, over 1.8 million people were...

While both sexes deal with many health challenges over a lifetime, women have to navigate specific issues due to differences in anatomy, reproductive function, and body chemistry.  As a woman, you’re more likely to suffer from depression, are more sensitive to pain, and are more affected by alcohol, which has...

Womanhood brings the maturity of your reproductive system, the drive to become sexually active, and the urge to procreate during the course of your puberty. And your uterus plays a major role in all of these things. This pear-shaped organ can also suffer from numerous conditions that can affect your...

Health is an important facet of everyone’s life, but women often face unique health challenges that can lead to unpleasant complications.  Data from the National Health Survey indicates that 13% of women over 18 are in fair to poor health. Additionally, less than half perform the basic amount of physical...

The organs that comprise your endocrine system are responsible for a number of different functions, including regulating your: Metabolism Energy levels Hormones involved in your development and reproduction Injury and stress response Glands and organs in this system include your pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thymus, parathyroid gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland,...

If you don’t want to have children — or at least not yet — you need to find the right type of birth control for your lifestyle.  Nearly 47 million women ages 15-49, about 65% of adult women in that age group, use contraceptives. And of women 15-49, 10.4% are...

During your reproductive years, menstrual bleeding is a normal and natural part of life, starting in your teens and lasting until you reach menopause. How much bleeding may vary from cycle to cycle, but you generally know what to expect and how to manage it.  Abnormal bleeding (when bleeding occurs between...

If you’re having problems trying to get to sleep, you’re far from alone. Up to 35% of people deal with insomnia briefly, up to 20% deal with it for under three months, and 10% deal with it routinely for over three months.  Insomnia affects people of all ages but is...

Pelvic pain is a reality for many women, and it can happen for a number of reasons. Research shows that 15% of American women of childbearing age and up to 32% of women worldwide deal with some sort of pelvic pain. Some of those women deal with pain severe enough to affect...

Your ovaries are vital to both your reproductive system and to your overall health. These small almond-shaped organs are responsible for producing two important hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which start your development into womanhood and maintain important functions in your body as an adult.  They also produce eggs for fertilization to start...

If you want to have children, you already know that the process begins with sex and the sperm fertilizing an egg. But getting pregnant is not as simple as just having sex. For women, the ovulation cycle is vital, which can mean trying to conceive at the right time of...

Millions of women want to have children and start families, but those dealing with infertility find it makes childbirth difficult or seem impossible.  Each year, 6.7 million people (1 in 8 couples trying to conceive) deal with infertility, and the chances of having these issues increase as you get older. ...

If you’re sexually active but not yet ready for a family, you’re far from alone. Roughly 64% of American women ages 15-49 were using some form of contraception as recently as 2017.  Common methods include female sterilization, birth control pills, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), and condoms. Most of these cause...

When it comes to your menstrual cycle, you likely have an idea of what to expect regarding discomfort, changes in mood, or menstrual flow. Some months vary, so changes, including heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), from time to time may not seem unusual.  But when does it go from occasional heavy bleeding...

Planning for your pregnancy means managing a lot of things, including the way you want to give birth, the child birthing itself, and recovering during maternity leave.  For an increasing number of women, that means giving birth by cesarean section. Low risk C-section deliveries reached 25.9% as recently as last...

As your reproductive cycle slows down, you eventually join millions of women in starting menopause. An estimated 6,000 American women reach menopause daily, which comes up to over 2 million annually.  Additionally, 20% of the female workforce, averaging around 27 million women between 45 and 64 years old, deal with...

Childbirth is one of the most primal and natural functions, but deciding to have a baby is not an easy decision. Bringing a child into the world is both a major choice and a big responsibility, so you need the right doctor for the job.  When you’re searching for medical...

With about 65% of women ages 15-49 using contraception now and nearly all women using some form of contraception in their lifetime, birth control is a very important facet of a woman’s life. With so many options, it can be hard to find the right one to fit your specific...

Your first trimester of pregnancy is a roller coaster for you and your body. In addition to the overwhelming joy and fear you may be feeling during the start of your pregnancy, you may also experience a number of physical symptoms that can have you wondering: Is this normal? At...

Welcome to your second trimester of pregnancy! The second trimester weeks range from week 13 to the end of week 26. This is such an exciting time for a new mother, as you’ll begin to notice significant changes in your body – and in your baby. Let’s start at the...

You’re pregnant - congratulations! As you course through a range of emotions, you’ll likely wonder what will start happening to your body now that you’re sharing it with someone else. In this three-part series, we’ll explore each trimester and expand on some commonly asked questions about each stage of pregnancy....

In order to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle well into old age, people need to take care of their bodies. As women age, their reproductive systems continue producing hormones that can become harmful to their health over time. This forces women to face important questions such as “what is...

A healthy heart works constantly to keep you alive, and it requires care in order to stay strong. “Heart healthy diet,” “heart healthy exercises,” or, “leading a heart healthy lifestyle” – what seem like trendy buzzwords in passing, are in actuality, life-saving bits of information that could one day save...

Most women are taught that period pain is normal. While that is true to an extent, that statement is subjective and often leaves women to downplay possible symptoms of endometriosis. Severe period pain is not normal. In fact, chronically severe period pain can be indicative of something far more sinister....

The American Pregnancy Association states that up to 85% of women experience some sort of morning sickness during their pregnancy. While nausea and vomiting are common, too much could mean that there is a more serious issue. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that causes extreme morning sickness that could cause...

Search for an OBGYN can be a little daunting. It’s an important decision that can have a great impact on your health or the health of your baby. There are plenty of options to choose from and it may be difficult to narrow the field. Here are five tips to help you...

The decision to breastfeed is a personal matter, but the decision may draw strong opinions from your family and friends. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) strongly recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of your baby’s life. However, the decision to breastfeed is...

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that physicians support a more individualized approach to labor management. This means that more in-depth birth plans will presumptively be more common place among expecting mothers. Birth plans can be short and sweet or more detailed. However you want to plan out your pregnancy, it’s...

Being pregnant can be very stressful. Adding COVID-19 to the list can be overwhelming. It’s natural to be worried and curious about how the coronavirus might affect your pregnancy. We are here to provide you with the necessary information to keep you “in the know” during this uncertain time. How...

During pregnancy, your life will change in ways you may have never thought of before. You must consider the well-being your baby, along with your own. Your body will go through visible physical changes, but you may overlook the mental stresses that come with pregnancy. As a trusted OB/GYN practice in the...

There has been some discussion amongst medical professionals, whether there is a direct correlation between breast density and breast cancer. One should consider everything when it comes to personal health. It is crucial to find and prevent any underlying health issues from becoming life-threatening. However, at this time, evidence is leaning...

Painful sex is more common than you may think and has many different causes. In fact, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), 3 out of 4 women will experience painful sex in their lifetime. Depending on the cause, it could be a temporary problem or a long...

People today are juggling many responsibilities. Work, family obligations and other factors make it seem like you have no extra time to focus on your health. It’s easy to neglect your health – especially when you are feeling okay.   However, women have unique health needs that should be monitored routinely. ...

Many women find themselves wondering how they should sleep while pregnant. Sleep gets tricky during the third trimester, which is also known as the most sleep challenged stage of pregnancy. As expectant mothers already have a tough time trying to keep up with demanding schedules, most mothers have a hard...

As women grow older, they find their digestive health patterns change. Eating and drinking the proper supply of nutrients can help the body grow, replace worn-out tissue and provide energy. If your body isn’t receiving the nutrients it needs, it can lead to health problems over time.   Understanding your digestive health will...

Most women’s menstrual cycle is 28 days. Normally, the length of a period is 3 to 8 days, averaging 5 days. What is the menstrual cycle? The monthly cycle causes a series of changes in a woman’s body as it prepares for the possibility of fertilization. During this time of the month,...

Nearly 50 million Americans are estimated to travel by airline this holiday season. While it may be instinctive to think that you shouldn’t be flying while pregnant, it can be perfectly safe as long as you follow some simple steps and understand your restrictions. The key is preparation. We will...

Survivor. Survivor is a word that is commonly used to attribute to a person that once had cancer. Not everyone who once had cancer identifies with that word, but there is something inherent about the word survivor that lends itself to support and admiration. That’s why survivorship has become a way...

Mutations may sound scary or something out of a comic book, but they are more common than you think. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one in five healthy adults may carry a disease-related genetic mutation. While many mutations aren’t harmful, some are linked to various forms...

According to the American Cancer Society, over 13,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019. For over 4,000, the disease will be terminal.   Cervical Cancer is the 4th most common type of cancer in women, however it is also the most treatable if caught in time. Due to its slow...

Going to the gynecologist (OBGYN) as an adult is a routine part of staying healthy, but when it is your first visit it can be unnerving unless you know what to expect. These feelings are very common when trying something new. To overcome them, it helps to understand what happens...

According to the American Psychological Association, two out of four new mothers experience what is commonly referred to as the “baby blues” after delivering a baby. Up to 15% of those women will develop a more severe and longer lasting depression called postpartum depression (PPD). If you are feeling intense bouts...

Regardless of how many children you have had, expecting mothers’ minds are often filled with pressing questions. Will my baby sleep through the night? Will they have difficulty nursing? How big will my baby be? Most of these questions won’t be answered until after the baby’s born. For now, I...

Be sure to check out this month’s issue of Lake Mary Life to read Dr. Quinsey’s featured article, or find it online here.