Blog Archive

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant without success, it’s natural to wonder if you or your partner might have a fertility problem. But it’s not always easy to know when to seek treatment.  DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, and the Desert Star Institute for Family Planning team are committed...

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common — a lot more common than many people realize. What's more, according to the latest data from the CDC, rates of STDs have been increasing, sometimes dramatically. Every year, millions of Americans are infected with STDs, and while treatment for most STDs is relatively...

Raising a family can certainly be a joyful experience. Still, it’s not for everyone — and it’s a challenging responsibility that should only be undertaken when you know you’re ready. Family planning helps individuals and couples map their futures based on their unique goals. At Desert Star Institute for Family...

Uterine fibroids are muscle tumors that form in your uterine walls, and while that might sound scary, they’re fairly common. According to statistics from the Office on Women’s Health, as many as 8 out of 10 women will have at least one fibroid at some point, and in many cases,...

If you're dealing with the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it's easy to feel like you're all alone. But in fact, PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder affecting women during their child-bearing years, affecting about 5 million women in the United States. Of course, knowing you have plenty...

Miscarriages aren't uncommon — in fact, roughly one-quarter of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, including about 10% of pregnancies confirmed by a doctor. While many women worry having a miscarriage means they'll have difficulty with future pregnancies, most miscarriages are one-time events, with no impact on a woman's ability to...

More than 2.5 million sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diagnosed every year in the United States, according to the CDC, and data show those rates of infection are on the rise. Fortunately, most STDs can be treated with medication. The key is seeking medical treatment as soon as possible. At...

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are an increasingly popular birth control method for women in the United States, particularly among younger women. Once implanted, the IUD “works” on its own, eliminating the need to remember to take a pill, use a messy gel, or visit the doctor for frequent injections.  Slim and...

Seeing a doctor when you don’t feel well seems like second nature. After all, when you’re sick, you want a medical professional to do all they can to help you feel better as quickly as possible. What’s less obvious is why you should see a doctor when you feel perfectly...

Contraceptives have come a long way over the past 50+ years, and today, women have lots of choices when it comes to selecting a birth control method. The Nexplanon® birth control implant is an increasingly popular option, providing an effective form of contraception that keeps working for up to five...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a large family of over 200 viruses (or virus strains), many extremely common and completely harmless. HPV is so common that most sexually active people will become infected with at least one strain at some point during their lives. Usually, HPV infections clear up independently with...

Seeing the doctor when you’re sick is a no-brainer. When you feel fine, it can be tempting to avoid the doctor altogether. But skipping your annual exam can cause more problems in the future. Having a yearly physical is one of the wisest decisions you can make for your future...

Feminizing hormone therapy can be a transformative experience for people undergoing gender transition, helping people assigned male at birth feel more “in tune” with their authentic identities. But while the result can be very positive, therapy does involve significant changes, and knowing what to expect can help make your journey...

  Roughly a third of Americans use condoms during sex, helping prevent unplanned pregnancies. Aside from convenience and widespread availability, condoms offer another key advantage: They help prevent transmitting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs or STIs).  Because condoms are a barrier method of contraception, many people wonder if using condoms regularly...

Every year, millions of women become pregnant — and about one-quarter of those pregnancies end in miscarriage. Although having a miscarriage can be a devastating experience, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) notes that, following miscarriage, most women go on to have successful pregnancies. For women who have...

Abortion is a safe, effective way to take control of your health, your life, and your future. It’s also a lot more common than people realize. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, about a quarter of all women will have an abortion before age 45.  When considering abortion, knowing...

 Pelvic exams play an essential role in women’s healthcare, which often means getting a Pap smear, too. Taking just a few moments to perform, the Pap smear is the leading screening tool for cervical cancer, the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women.  Getting an abnormal result on...

Contraception has come a long way since the first birth control pill received FDA approval in 1960. Today, there are more options than ever to help women take control of their health, lives, and futures. Knowing all your options ensures that your birth control method is the best for your...

Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases has proven very effective in decreasing the rates of many infections. But in recent years, the rates of some infections have risen — sometimes dramatically.  Rates of three of the most common STDs — chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis — have all increased in...

About 1.6% of American adults identify as transgender or nonbinary, according to data from the Pew Research Center. That’s just over 4 million individuals who identify with a gender different from the one they were given at birth. While not every transgender or nonbinary person uses hormone therapy, for many, therapy...

Miscarriages are incredibly common — as many as 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, most in the early weeks of pregnancy. But just because they’re not uncommon, that doesn’t mean they don’t require prompt, appropriate medical care.  Miscarriages require medical treatment to ensure you’re healthy. Knowing the early signs of miscarriage helps...

At first blush, picking a birth control option seems simple and straightforward. However, once you start considering all of your options, it can become a tad overwhelming. As an OB/GYN and women’s health and reproductive rights advocate, DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, works tirelessly to help people in her care...

People with vaginas know—from the time that you realize what it is and what it does, you have a love-hate relationship with it. Vaginal discomfort can cause a lot of distress for people.  The vagina is a carefully crafted ecosystem with a healthy mixture of bacteria (some harmful, some good)...

Today's hot topic is: Why does it hurt when you pee? This is a common concern that women have when meeting with their gynecologist or primary care provider. Painful urination can be very bothersome and get in the way of a woman’s daily life, so it can be helpful to...