Every year, there are thousands of women in need of an OBGYN but are unable to afford one due to poor or nonexistent health insurance. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or experience issues related to reproductive health are all encouraged to maintain an open line of communication with their doctors so that check-ups may be regularly scheduled. If you or someone you know experiences any of these issues, contact an OBGYN today.

Infertility
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that up to 11% of couples experience secondary infertility. Secondary infertility is where a couple had successfully conceived a first child, but are unable to do so again after one year. Women who are having difficulty conceiving a child are urged to try so for up to one year before seeking medical aid. Some of the causes of infertility in women could include genetics, diet, menstrual history, or other factors. A recent survey found that smoking as few as five cigarettes per day could be listed as one of the causes of infertility in women and men alike. Infertility is often treated with medicine, surgery, intra0uterine insemination, assisted reproductive technology, or a combination of methods.

Early Menopause
The average age for menopause is 51; this number hasn’t changed in centuries, despite an increasing life expectancy. Although 51 is the mean, there are cases where women will begin menopause as early as age 30. Studies have found that women who suffer from depression and financial hardship may be at an increased risk for early menopause. As many as nine out of ten women will experience perimenopause, an altered menstrual period that can last for up to 4 years. For women concerned with early menopause solutions include a hormone replacement therapy called bioidentical hormone therapy. Women treated with bioidentical hormone therapy may eventually stave off the symptoms of menopause; once a woman has experienced 12 consecutive months without her period, she can be classified as being in menopause and should cease treatment.