Uterine fibroids, also known as Leiomyomas, are solid, non-cancerous tumors that vary in size and location, made of smooth muscle cells inside the muscle that makes up the uterus. It is estimated that up to 70% of women have fibroids by the time they enter menopause.

The prevalence of fibroids is 2-3 times higher in black women compared to white women, a fact still not completely understood but that may involve many factors aside from race itself such as systematic racism and environmental exposure among other factors. We do know that for some women with fibroids, there is a genetic aspect going back generations. Additional risk factors have been studied including the role of diet, obesity, smoking, alcohol, and more.

Many women with fibroids do not have any symptoms and live their entire lives without knowing they even have them. For women who are symptomatic, however, the most common symptoms are heavy menstrual periods, pelvic pressure and pelvic pain

Fibroids and fertility

While fibroids are harmless, they can sometimes affect fertility depending on their location within the uterus. They may also impact a pregnancy. Some women experience constipation and urinary issues due to larger fibroids pressing down on the bowel or putting pressure on the bladder.

 While we are sometimes able to feel fibroids on the uterus during a physical exam in the office, the size and location of fibroids is determined by imaging using a pelvic ultrasound or MRI.

Preventing fibroid tumors

Unfortunately, there is nothing to prevent fibroids. However, if you have them, there are various treatment options to discuss with your care provider.

• Therapies using medications:  Hormonal and non-hormonal medications are available for those who suffer from heavy bleeding due to fibroids. Other medications may slow the growth of fibroids or decrease their size.
• Interventional therapies: The options available are uterine artery embolization, radiofrequency ablation, and focused ultrasound, which are treatments that are non-surgical and help reduce the size of the fibroids.
• Surgical management: There are surgical options available that include removing each fibroid from the uterus. This is called a myomectomy. We can also remove the entire uterus, known as a hysterectomy. Both surgeries can be performed with minimally invasive laparoscopy.

Minimally invasive laparoscopy involves making small incisions on the abdomen and performing the surgery using a camera. This technique allows you to go home the same day with a shorter recovery time compared to open abdominal surgeries.  

Women who have fibroids inside the cavity of the uterus are candidates for hysteroscopic removal of fibroids. Hysteroscopy is a technique in which an instrument with a camera is placed into the uterus through the vagina allowing us to perform surgery of the uterine cavity.

Talk to your gynecologist

It is important to talk with your gynecologist regarding all treatment options to find the best management option for you. Every patient is on a different life journey with different needs. You need a treatment option tailored specifically for you.

The post Understanding Uterine Fibroids appeared first on UCR Health.

Did you know that breastfeeding can help protect babies from short and long-term illnesses? It’s just one of the reasons UCR Health has partnered with UC Health Milk Bank. This project was sparked by a group of medical students from the UCR School of Medicine. By bringing the importance of breastfeeding to our community, we hope to make an even more positive impact. Dr. Brenda Ross, a maternal-fetal specialist and OB-GYN at UCR Health Inland Empire Women’s Health Center, offers insight into the benefits of breastfeeding and its role in improving community health.

What benefits of breastfeeding contribute to the ‘big picture vision’ that you would like to communicate to potential donors? 

Dr. Ross: "I think the bigger picture is that increasing awareness of breast milk depots will lead to more donations, which in turn helps milk banks provide for babies in need. As an obstetrician-gynecologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist, I've always known that breastfeeding enhances bonding time between mom and baby. I want moms to understand that breastfeeding can also offer other benefits, such as increasing their metabolic rate, which can assist with weight management.  

Preterm babies have an increased risk for various complications, such as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a condition that can result in bowel surgery. Providing breast milk significantly reduces the risk of NEC, which has lasting implications for a child's health."

Now that we have officially opened our UCR Health Milk Depot, in partnership with the UC Health Milk Bank at UCSD, how does this help open doors to Milk Banks? 

Dr. Ross: "UCSD plays a crucial role since they have a breast milk bank. There are only two breast milk banks in the entire western United States—one in San Jose, and for a long time, that was the only one. In recent years, UCSD opened its breast milk bank, which provides more options for facilities throughout the state to receive donor breast milk from two locations. 

The primary focus is helping the women of the Inland Empire understand the value of breastfeeding. In the past, as formula became wildly available, many women moved away from breastfeeding largely because it was seen as inconvenient. Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable and can tether a mother to the home, to some extent. If you’re not breastfeeding, it’s easier to go out to work. There has been a big movement to help breastfeeding moms integrate more easily into the workforce by creating lactation rooms and providing mobile breast pumps, but it still hasn't been very easy."

How might this process look for a specific individual? 

Dr. Ross: "It helps by fostering an understanding of the value of parenting, the role of mothers, and the importance of optimizing how we feed, nourish, and better prepare our children for the world.  

For instance, Black women are more likely to deliver prematurely. By knowing that we haven’t been able to stem that tide, that we don’t know what’s driving that force, we make sure that the babies are better fed which means they have a lower risk of complications. Unfortunately, we can’t always prevent preterm labor, but we can optimize how we take care of preterm babies, giving them a better outcome in life. That starts with breastfeeding. I think sending that message out to the public and helping women to understand that the only way we get there is a team effort. Not every woman produces enough breast milk to feed her own child, but for women who are overproducing, we can collect that extra breast milk and make it available to babies in need."

Additional resources: 

• University of California Milk Bank: https://health.universityofcalifornia.edu/patient-care/milk-bank 
• The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee: https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/ 
• Inland Empire Breastfeeding Coalition: https://www.iebreastfeeding.org/ 
• UCR Health Inland Empire Women’s Health Center: https://www.ucrhealth.org/location/ucr-health-inland-empire-womens-health-center/ 

The post Breastfeeding Is Still Important: How Aware Are You? appeared first on UCR Health.

Celebrating women. Celebrating you.

Every May beginning on Mother’s Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) leads National Women’s Health Week (NWHW). This year, NWHW takes place May 12 – 18 and plans to highlight women’s health issues and priorities while also encouraging women of all ages to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Women have a unique set of healthcare challenges and are at higher risk of developing certain conditions and diseases than men. These conditions can include anxiety and depression, migraines, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Among the leading causes of death for women are heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. All of these can be treated and even prevented if identified early.

It’s our goal at UCR Health to empower women to make their health a priority.

What should you do?

Use this month as a reminder to: 

• Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider for a full-body checkup 
• Schedule an OB/GYN well-woman exam
• Learn how to better manage stress 
• Start prioritizing the important things in life like love and laughter 

It’s also important to stay on top of your annual screenings. Cervical cancer screening should start at age 21, mammograms should be performed every year for women age 40 or older, and regular colonoscopies should be scheduled starting at age 45. 

Talk to your UCR Health primary care provider for more information 

If you don't have a primary care provider, find one by visiting https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

The post Women’s Health Awareness Month appeared first on UCR Health.

What are the risks?

Infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV is very common and usually clears up by itself. However, if the infection doesn’t go away and becomes chronic. A chronic infection, especially when caused by certain high-risk HPV types, can eventually cause cancer such as cervical cancer.

The American Cancer Society also cites sexual history, smoking, a weakened immune system, multiple pregnancies, a diet low in fruits and vegetables and more can also raise the risk of cervical cancer.

Can cervical cancer be prevented?

The two most important things you can do to prevent cervical cancer are to get the HPV vaccine if you are eligible, and to be screened regularly.

Screening is having tests to find conditions that may lead to cancers and can find pre-cancers before they can turn into invasive cancer. The Pap test (or Pap smear) and the human papillomavirus (HPV) test are specific tests used during screening for cervical cancer. These tests are done the same way. A health professional uses a special tool to gently scrape or brush the cervix to remove cells for testing. If a pre-cancer is found it can be treated, hopefully keeping it from turning into cancer.

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if you are experiencing increased vaginal discharge and irregular bleeding as these could be signs of cervical cancer. 

To speak with a UCR Health physician, please visit http://www.ucrhealth.org/womens-health-lp/ or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

The post Cervical Cancer: Know Your Risk appeared first on UCR Health.

A mother's body is incredible as it continues to provide nutrients and food for the baby in breast milk even after birth. Did you know that more than 80 percent of babies in the United States start out breastfeeding? The best way to ensure your baby is getting all the proper minerals, proteins, and antibodies they need during their first year of life is by breastfeeding. Many mothers who prolong breastfeeding with their children can improve their bond, physical health, and mental health. Dr. Brenda Ross, a maternal-fetal medicine physician at UCR Health Inland Empire Women's Health Center, shares some more information on breastfeeding!

What are the major impacts of breastfeeding?

New moms who are not accustomed to motherhood may struggle with the responsibilities of nurturing the baby which affects their mental health. Moms may also experience a disconnect between themselves and their children and baby blues or in more severe cases postpartum depression. Breastfeeding can help ease the symptoms and help moms form that motherly bond with their child, which helps improve the mother's mental well-being in addition to helping with the baby's growth and development. Breast milk contains lots of nutrients, vitamins, and antibodies that protect the child from allergens, infections, diseases, and many more.

Pregnancy and birth take a toll on the body so many moms may experience not only postpartum depression but also postpartum health problems like urine incontinence and Type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding can help with the recovery process after birth because of the hormones that are being released and this helps decrease the risk of prolonging or even having postpartum health problems.

When should moms avoid breastfeeding?

Breast milk may contain all the nutrients and minerals that are beneficial to the baby but breast milk may also contain other agents that are instead harmful to the baby like in instances when the mother has diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B or C, etc. Infections and diseases can be passed to your child through breast milk. It is safe for mothers who are taking certain medications and drugs to be breastfeeding but always confirm with your pediatrician, obstetrician, or pharmacist for more information.

What are human milk banks?

Mothers who are unable to produce enough breast milk for their children or are unable to breastfeed may look into milk banks. Milk banks are services that collect breast milk from mothers who are willing to donate and then process, screen, and distribute the milk to babies who are sick and whose mothers are unable to produce breast milk for them.

Always remember to talk to your primary healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your child. You can also contact us at 1-844-827-8000 or submit an online appointment request to meet with a UCR Health physician.

Additional resources:

• University of California Health Milk Bank: https://health.universityofcalifornia.edu/patient-care/milk-bank
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
• All Things Breastfeeding Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-breastfeeding-podcast
• Physician Guide To Breastfeeding https://physicianguidetobreastfeeding.org/

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

The post National Breastfeeding Month appeared first on UCR Health.

What is Endometriosis? How Common is it?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown. According to Dr. Stuparich, this disease affects anywhere between 6% - 10% of patients.

What are Some Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis can cause painful periods, pain with sex, bladder pain, and pain with bowel movements. Patients may also have a hard time conceiving a pregnancy (infertility).

What are My Treatment Options? 

Treatment is highly individualized and depends on the patient’s goals of care and individual medical history. Non-opioid pain medications and hormone therapy may help control symptoms but do not eliminate the disease. Minimally invasive surgery to remove/excise endometriosis (sometimes called “excision surgery”) is the only treatment option that can diagnose the disease and physically remove it from the body. Patients can be sent home on the same day, though this can vary between patients and how advanced the disease is. It is best to speak to a physician with expertise in treating this complex condition about the best individual plan for you.

If you would like to speak to a UCR Health physician with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, please contact us at 1-844-827-8000 or click here to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

The post Endometriosis Awareness Month appeared first on UCR Health.

5 Tips to Avoid Infection During Pregnancy

1. Get Vaccinated! - As antibodies pass from mother to baby it is important that you have the necessary vaccinations complete. Some vaccines such as the flu shot and Tdap vaccine can even be given during pregnancy allowing for better protection from the flu for both mom and baby!
2. Avoid Unpasteurized Milk/Dairy - Unpasteurized (raw) milk has not been heated to high temperatures allowing for bacteria to be killed. Therefore, it is much easier to ingest bacteria and develop an infection by consuming unpasteurized milk and foods made from it.
3. Fully Cook Your Meat - Undercooked or processed meats such as deli meat, hot dogs and raw fish can also contain bacteria. It is important to fully cook your meat until there is no pink inside before eating it.
4. Limit Contact with Young Children - As a mother this can be difficult, but avoid contact with urine and saliva from babies and children. One of the most common prenatal infections, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), is present in high amount in children. Refrain from kissing, sharing food, and wiping tears of young children. 
5. Go to All of Your Prenatal Checkups! - Your doctor will likely test for the common prenatal infections during your visits. Once diagnosed, most prenatal infections are preventable and can be treated before the baby is even born. 

To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a UCR Health OB/GYN, click here or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

The post International Prenatal Infection Prevention Awareness Month appeared first on UCR Health.

Birth defects happen for various reasons and not all can be prevented. However, people can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by adopting healthy habits before becoming pregnant. Birth defects can be found before the birth of the child, at birth, or anytime after (usually up to a year). 

Be sure to see your healthcare provider regularly and start prenatal care as soon as you think you might be pregnant. To schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment with a UCR Health physician, give us a call at 1844-827-8000 or click here. You can also visit www.cdc.gov/birthdefects to learn more about the steps you can take to prevent birth defects.

The post National Birth Defects Prevention Month appeared first on UCR Health.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells arise in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. Most cases of this cancer are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Signs and Symptoms?

Contact your doctor if you are experiencing increased vaginal discharge and irregular bleeding as these could be signs of cervical cancer. 

Prevention Against Cervical Cancer

Important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is getting vaccinated against HPV and regularly conducting screening (pap smear and HPV test). 

To speak with a UCR Health physician, please visit https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

The post Cervical Health Awareness Month appeared first on UCR Health.

Dr. Ross believes in the patient philosophy of providing patient-centered care that optimizes outcomes by making sure the patient fully understands the findings and treatment plan.

"My personal interests include spending time with my family, cooking, gardening, photography, bike riding, and listening to music."

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ross, please visit: https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

The post December 2022 Physician Highlight – Brenda Ross, MD appeared first on UCR Health.