Blog Archive

Most women know the familiar achiness and cramping that comes with their monthly periods, so pelvic discomfort isn’t alarming.  However, when mild cramps cross the line and transition into outright pelvic pain, it’s time to get to the bottom of it. Our experienced gynecologist and obstetrician at Serrano OBGyn, Dr....

More than a million women enter menopause each year in the United States, and millions more are in perimenopause, a time when hormonal production begins to decline. While both perimenopause and menopause are natural occurrences in a woman’s life, that doesn’t mean they’re pleasant — and for some women, associated...

Few people look forward to their period. Even a light or moderate flow can derail your day and make you feel downright miserable. However, it becomes a greater challenge when you live with menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding. Approximately 33% of menstruating women seek treatment for menorrhagia. But a heavier...

Being pregnant is a time of excitement, expectation, and change as you go through the trimesters to prepare for the new life being added to your family.  With nearly four million babies born in the last year, you’re certainly not alone, whether it’s your first child or a brother or...

Dyspareunia is the term for recurring pain in the genitals or within the pelvic area before, during, or after sex. The pain can be felt externally, on the vulva, or internally in the vagina, uterus, or pelvis. Many cases are due to underlying medical conditions or infections, which are usually...

When we refer to the millions of women affected by pelvic organ prolapse, it’s no exaggeration. In fact, it might be an understatement if you consider that about 40% of women will experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse. And this number is only increasing as the general population ages....

Perhaps you and your partner have decided it’s time to have a baby. Congratulations!  If you’ve been using any type of contraception, your biggest question may center on how you should transition stopping it in order to conceive. Most women’s biggest concern is ensuring that it’s safe to try to...

Menopause is a natural phase that marks the natural end of your fertility. It is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. However, the months leading up to that milestone — officially known as perimenopause — can last for years.  Although perimenopause and menopause are natural, it doesn’t...

Choosing to start a family is a magical time worth celebrating and looking forward to. Whether you’re actively trying to have a baby or simply considering taking this significant step, preparing for pregnancy is crucial in ensuring you have a healthy transition into parenthood.  At Serrano OBGyn in San Antonio,...

In 1960, women lived an average lifespan of around 73 years. Fast forward to today, women typically live into their 80s. As a result, you can expect to spend more time in the post-reproductive phase of your life. This makes it crucial to support your health as you age so...

You’ve heard the stories from other women, and now you’re in the thick of it yourself — menopause is no joke. This natural transition from your childbearing years to infertility feels anything but “natural” as you struggle with your body’s sudden drop in estrogen. Fortunately, we can help. Dr. Christopher...

Uterine fibroids are far more common than many women realize. The Office on Women’s Health says as many as 80% of women will have at least one fibroid during their lifetimes, although many of those fibroids won’t cause any noticeable symptoms. At Serrano Ob/Gyn Associates, Christopher V. Serrano, MD, uses...

Over 8% of expectant moms are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Having gestational diabetes dramatically increases the risks of health problems for both the mom-to-be and the developing baby, so preventing it is essential. At Serrano OBGyn in San Antonio, Texas, Christopher V. Serrano, MD, offers state-of-the-art pregnancy care...

Medical researchers have determined that a screening mammogram is the best method to identify signs of breast cancer early so there are better chances of defeating it. Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the team at Serrano OB/GYN in San Antonio, Texas, recommends that all women talk with them about the best...

The benefits of exercise for your physical health are well documented, and many people enjoy mental health benefits as well. However, if you’re pregnant, you may have been told it isn’t safe to exercise. We’re here to set the record straight and guide you on what you can do safely. ...

For some women their monthly period comes and goes without much fuss. Many women, however, experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms, cramps being among the most common. You don’t have to suffer through another month of painful cramps that interfere with your daily activities. There are steps you can take...

Over a million women begin menopause every year in the United States, with symptoms that can be both annoying and confusing. Sure, most of us know that menopause can cause hot flashes, but other symptoms are less well-known — and much easier to overlook as a result. Fatigue is one...

Roughly 11% of American women age 15-44 are affected by endometriosis, a painful condition that happens when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. While endometriosis can be successfully treated, many women are unaware of how the condition develops over time and whether it can improve without medical care. At Serrano OB/Gyn in San Antonio,...

If you are having a baby for the first time, you are far from alone. In 2016, 1.2 million women gave birth to their first child. Bringing your new member of the family home is a joy and the start of a new life as a mother, but it can also bring...

Menopause, a natural part of aging, involves the loss of period for at least 12 months. Most women enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 50. During menopause, one of the most notable effects is a reduction in estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to a number of changes...

Period cramps are among the first indications that the lining of your uterus is about to shed during your monthly cycle. One of the main symptoms of periods and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), cramps are triggered by hormones: They happen when prostaglandins stimulate muscle contractions in your uterus.  Most standard period...

Approximately 11% of women in the United States who are in their reproductive years face fertility issues. Many challenges can lead to infertility in women. Ovarian cysts can cause infertility, but it isn’t at the head of the list. If you’re struggling to build a family and you’re worried that...

About 1.3 million women enter menopause every year, according to the National Institutes of Health, yet many women still aren’t sure what to expect. In fact, most “news” about menopause focuses on hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness, and other symptoms associated with perimenopause, the months and years leading up to...

Whether you know what a fibroid is or not, chances are you have them or will have them. According to the Office on Women’s Health, as many as 80 percent of women will develop one in their lifetimes. Anyone can develop fibroids, but they are more common in older women, those...

Miscarriage of a pregnancy affects your body in several ways. In addition to the physical and potentially strong emotional stress of pregnancy loss, your body and reproductive system need some time to get back to normal after being pregnant. At Serrano OBGyn Associates, Dr. Christopher V. Serrano supports you throughout...

Endometriosis typically causes chronic pelvic pain and severe menstrual symptoms and affects more than 11% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44. It can negatively affect your sex life while also interfering with fertility. Endometriosis forms scar tissue that can damage organs and cause pain if left untreated. In some...

Everyone knows they need vitamins to stay healthy, and many of the vitamins we need come right from the foods we eat. But when you're pregnant, your health needs change. While you may not technically be eating for two, your vitamin needs absolutely change, because the vitamins you eat need...

When you’re pregnant, there’s always a risk of complications for you and your unborn baby. When things go as planned, it’s wonderful. But when they don’t, it can be scary. Women in the San Antonio, Texas, area trust OB/GYN practitioner Christopher Serrano, MD at Serrano Ob/Gyn Associates, with their high-risk pregnancies. He provides...

The goal for every expectant mother is to have a healthy pregnancy. Some women experience health problems like gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This can even happen in women who are in good health before pregnancy. Prenatal care plays a key role in reducing the risk for health complications during pregnancy...

Expectant mothers are always keen on doing everything within their power to have a healthy pregnancy. As their bodies experience a range of changes, some of the major ones may involve the foods you eat. Everyone has heard about pregnant mothers craving pickles and ice cream, or other odd food combinations,...

It doesn’t really matter if you have a solid sex life, right? Wrong. Sex has numerous health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart problems, and less pain — it even counts as exercise.  But all too often, your hormones get in the way of a normal,...

The female reproductive system is a complex environment with amazing capabilities. But such an intricate system is vulnerable to a long list of complications. Some of these problems present themselves with clarity, and others keep you guessing, like ovarian cysts. That’s why you need a qualified specialist who can evaluate your...

Women have been giving birth since the dawn of time, so it seems like we’d have worked out the kinks by now. But there are still some conditions that can complicate a pregnancy and delivery that we can’t predict or prevent. Preeclampsia — high blood pressure during pregnancy — is...

Every year, two to ten out of every hundred pregnant people in the United states are diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD). It’s not completely clear what causes gestational diabetes in women who have not shown any sign of blood sugar issues. However, there are certain risk factors both for getting...

Natural as it may be, menstruation can cause a range of bothersome symptoms. Although lifestyle changes and simple care steps, such as heating pads, rest, and over-the-counter medications, bring sufficient relief for some, abnormal symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.  At Serrano OBGyn in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Christopher Serrano can work...

Endometriosis can be an incredibly difficult reproductive condition to deal with as it causes side effects that range from infertility to painful sex. In fact, one study found that more than 45% of women with endometriosis reported painful sex as one of the primary symptoms. Here at Serrano Ob/Gyn Associates,...

It can be worrisome to learn that your gynecologist has discovered cysts on your ovaries during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. This is especially if your menstrual cycle is regular and you don’t have any concerning symptoms like pelvic pressure or pain.   But actually, that’s the first myth about...

Pregnancy is an exciting, albeit stressful, time for many women. One of the most common things we see in pregnant women is the desire to remain fit during pregnancy. This can be tough for many reasons, but it’s a very achievable goal when armed with the proper tips and information....

The most natural way to ease your transition through menopause is hormone replacement therapy. Reducing stress by taking care of hormonal imbalances lessens your discomfort and helps keep depression and anxiety at bay. The team at Serrano OBGYN in San Antonio, Texas understand the discomfort and frustrations that can occur...

The menopause cycle marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life. It’s caused by a decline in estrogen production in the ovaries that eventually comes to a virtual halt. Throughout this decline, women typically experience a collection of symptoms, alone and in combination, that may range from mild to severe,...

From the moment you pass through puberty, you begin decades of periods. At best, your periods pose a minor nuisance, and, at worst, they hijack your life for several days each month. Each woman experiences her menstrual cycles differently, and these cycles, and their effects on her life, tend to...

Before getting proper treatment for endometriosis, you must get an accurate diagnosis. But, to get that diagnosis, you need to be able to recognize your symptoms. Unfortunately, you may not even realize anything is wrong if your symptoms seem normal for you.  Dr. Christopher Serrano, Dr. Alberto Serrano, and the...

You look forward to a future free from your monthly periods, but when that future arrives, you realize the trade-off may not be so great after all. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss — these are just some of the side effects of transitioning through menopause. Dr. Christopher Serrano and...

You receive the news that you’re carrying twins or triplets, and you immediately start considering the logistics of life with more than one bundle of joy. As you plan for your larger-than-expected family, we’ll be here guiding you through your pregnancy, which can be quite different from carrying a single...

Ovarian cysts are relatively common, affecting up to 18% of premenopausal and postmenopausal women. While most ovarian cysts exist without symptoms and disappear or shrink on their own, some can cause pain or other complications.  An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms inside or on an ovary during...

Missing your period can be concerning, whether you’re sexually active or not. Many different things can lead to missing or irregular periods, and it can take some time to narrow down exactly what’s wrong. That said, there are some common culprits behind this issue, so you have a place to...

Menopause is notorious for causing hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, but there’s another issue with which menopausal women struggle: bladder control. Though it isn’t as easy to openly discuss bladder control problems, it doesn’t make the condition any less frustrating. Bladder control issues are common, and it’s something...

The symptoms of menopause can be difficult to tolerate when you’re at home. However, when you’re at work, taking off one too many layers might get people talking. The doctors at Serrano OBGyn want to give you a few strategies to help minimize menopause symptoms at work. Before we discuss...

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...

Menorrhagia is heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged bleeding that lasts more than seven days and can impair everyday activities.  Many women experience heavy menstrual bleeding at some point in their lives. However, menorrhagia is different. Blood loss may be so great that you’re forced to restrict daily activities to prevent...

Having heavy periods is no fun. Excessive menstrual bleeding can interfere with your comfort and your quality of life, especially when you must constantly change tampons or pads to prevent embarrassing accidents. It’s normal to have occasional days of heavy menstrual bleeding. However, if you experience heavy periods on a...

Chronic pelvic pain is discomfort in your pelvic area that persists for at least six months. The pain can be dull, sharp, mild, or severe. It can come and go or plague you all the time. It’s estimated that chronic pelvic pain affects nearly 15% of women of childbearing age...

The transition through menopause is good news for many women who are more than happy to say goodbye to their monthly menstrual cycles. For 75% of women, however, that good news is short-lived, as they go on to struggle with hot flashes and night sweats, often for many years. At...

If you’re ever going to hear the words “tumor” and “good news” in the same sentence, chances are your doctor is referring to fibroid tumors. These non-cancerous tumors made of muscle cells and connective tissue are found in a woman’s uterus. While they are not cancer and don’t have the...

Your ovaries are two almond-shaped organs that sit on either side of your uterus. The ovaries are responsible for your eggs’ development each month and then their release during ovulation. Small fluid-filled sacs can form on your ovaries; these are ovarian cysts. In most cases, ovarian cysts are nothing to...

Menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life. However, unless your menopause results from an event such as hysterectomy or cancer treatments, it’s a gradual process that occurs over a period of months or even years. In fact, the definition of the start of menopause is the absence of...

Endometriosis, a condition impacting hundreds of thousands of women around the world, is one of the most common causes of infertility. The condition is also under-diagnosed, and you might be given an incorrect diagnosis before your reproductive problems are correctly identified. At Serrano OB/Gyn, Christopher V. Serrano, MD has the...

Everyone who menstruates will go through menopause at some point. Also known as the end of a woman’s fertility, menopause occurs around age 50, unless a medical procedure such as a hysterectomy brings it on sooner. And while it’s natural and not a disease, menopause can bring challenges that go...

Eat this; don’t eat that. Stay active, just don’t push yourself too hard. Don’t stress about the weight gain — but don’t gain too much weight, either.  If you’re expecting a baby, chances are you’ve been inundated with all sorts of advice from well-meaning family, friends, and even perfect strangers...

Pregnancy puts your body through a lot of stress – and your baby will experience a lot of stress through the development process, as well. If you feel ready to start trying to conceive, take steps to prepare your body. If you're physically ready for your pregnancy, outcomes for both...

For most women, having a period every month is simply a fact of life. That’s why, after 40-something years of monthly cycles, losing that cycle is strange and often emotional. Add to that the slew of physical symptoms that occurs as women lose their periods, and you’ll begin to understand...

Do you suffer from heavy periods that soak through tampons or sanitary pads and continue for hours and last for more than a week? Those are unusually heavy periods, which plague 1 in 5 women in the United States. It’s tempting to ignore heavy periods and just go with the...

Only 6-8% of all pregnancies are high-risk. Although most women experience normal pregnancies, learning more about common complications during pregnancy can help you make smart choices for your health and your baby’s health. Every pregnancy is different. Some pregnancies start out low-risk and complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia develop...