All articles tagged with #ob gyn
Secretary Kennedy appointed two obstetricians-gynecologists, Adam Urato and Kimberly Biss, to the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); their maternal-fetal medicine expertise and leadership help strengthen the panel as ACIP was reconstituted in 2025 to restore public trust in vaccines.
Vulva balms are gaining popularity in the health and beauty space, but doctors are divided on their necessity and safety. Some OB-GYNs caution against using these products, citing potential for irritation, allergic reactions, and interference with the body's natural processes. Others acknowledge potential benefits for individuals experiencing dryness or discomfort, but emphasize the importance of using products with natural ingredients and consulting a doctor if experiencing symptoms. Overall, doctors advise against unnecessary interference with the vulva and recommend caution when considering the use of vulva balms.
A lawsuit against two Chicago hospitals accuses OB-GYN Fabio Ortega of sexually abusing over 300 women, mostly Latina and Spanish speakers, with the hospitals allegedly ignoring complaints. The suit, filed on behalf of one woman, describes alleged experiences dating back to 1989, including unnecessary pelvic exams and intrusive questions. The hospitals are accused of concealing complaints and giving Ortega a platform to abuse more patients. Ortega pleaded guilty in 2021 to abusing two patients and served three years in prison. The lawsuit alleges that hospitals ignored complaints because patients were Latina and did not speak English.
A lawsuit against two Chicago hospitals accuses OB-GYN Fabio Ortega of sexually abusing over 300 women, most of them Latina and Spanish speakers, with allegations that the hospitals ignored complaints. The suit, filed on behalf of one woman, describes instances of unnecessary pelvic exams and intrusive questions about patients' sex lives. The hospitals are accused of concealing complaints and giving Ortega a platform to abuse more patients. Ortega pleaded guilty in 2021 to abusing two patients and served three years in prison. The lawsuit also alleges that hospitals ignored complaints because the patients were Latina and did not speak English.
Halle Berry's doctor misdiagnosed her perimenopause symptoms as herpes, highlighting the importance of understanding the signs of hormonal changes in women, which can begin as early as the late 30s or early 40s, and last for 7 to 10 years before menopause.
An OB-GYN's viral advice on advocating for yourself at the doctor emphasizes the importance of speaking up if you feel your symptoms are not being taken seriously, providing specific questions to ask in such situations, and encouraging individuals to assertively seek further information and options for addressing their concerns.
Vaginal health gummies are a trending health craze promoted by celebrities and influencers, claiming to improve vaginal pH balance, taste, odor, and freshness. However, experts warn that the vagina is self-cleaning and does not require additional products to function properly. While some gummies contain probiotics that may help maintain vaginal health, experts emphasize that natural probiotic-rich foods and proper hygiene practices are sufficient for vaginal health. It's important to consult a doctor if experiencing unusual vaginal symptoms, rather than relying on over-the-counter supplements.
Columbia University has announced a series of changes in response to its failure to protect patients who were sexually assaulted by OB-GYN Robert Hadden. The university will conduct an external investigation into systemic failures, notify nearly 6,500 former Hadden patients about his crimes, and establish a $100 million survivors' settlement fund for those who do not want to go through the court system. The announcement comes ahead of a deadline for survivors to file suit against the university, and Columbia has previously settled civil suits with 226 patients for $236.5 million.
A guide has been provided to help women navigate their OB-GYN visits and understand what is normal and what is not. Experts recommend building trust with the doctor, asking questions about the exam, and having a friend or family member present if desired. If a woman feels uncomfortable during the visit, she is encouraged to speak up and ask the doctor to stop. Sexual misconduct in medicine is difficult to quantify, but guidelines define inappropriate behavior, such as making inappropriate comments, flirting, or performing intimate exams without a valid medical reason. If a woman believes her OB-GYN has acted inappropriately, she is advised to talk to someone she trusts and seek support from patient advocates or organizations like the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Experts emphasize that sex should not be painful, and experiencing discomfort or pain during intercourse is often an indicator of an underlying health issue. Pain during sex, known as dyspareunia, is common among women, with nearly 3 out of 4 experiencing it at some point. Various conditions can contribute to painful sex, including vaginismus, infections, menopause, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, and fibroids. It is important to communicate openly with both your doctor and partner about any pain experienced during sex, as it can have a significant impact on relationships. Seeking medical help from a healthcare provider who specializes in sexual health is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
OB-GYN residents in states with restrictive abortion laws are finding it difficult to receive the necessary training to become competent physicians. To meet program requirements, some residents are traveling out of state to receive abortion training. Oregon Health and Sciences University is accepting OB-GYN residents from restrictive states for a month-long rotation in abortion procedures and surgeries, along with patient counseling. The Ryan Residency Training Program is partnering with 15 of its programs in supportive states to host and train OB-GYN residents from states in which abortion is restricted. Abortion bans are also affecting the number of persons entering the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
Senators Tammy Baldwin and Patty Murray are introducing the Reproductive Health Care Training Act, which establishes a grant program to provide $25 million each year for the next five years to fund medical students who leave their states to learn abortion care and programs that train them. The bill aims to address the shortage of OB-GYNs who can provide abortion care in states with near-total bans on abortion, such as Wisconsin. The American Association of Pro-Life OB-GYNs argues that medical training should focus on routine care for issues that make pregnancy complicated and unsafe.