Monday, September 16, 2013

Boca Raton Adolescent Gynecology Services

Our care of young female patients is performed in a positive, healing environment, using an interdisciplinary team approach in our Boca Raton office.  We recognize that gynecologic problems encountered in the teen and adolescent populations are unique to this age group and require different physician skills than those utilized with adults. 

Our knowledgeable, caring physicians are fully accustomed to working with teens and adolescents, and we continually combine state of the art diagnostics with treatment options specifically designed to meet the unique needs of young patients.


For more information on our teen and Adolescent Gynecology services or to schedule an appointment at our Boca Raton office, please call 561.300.5858 or check our Facebook Page.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Home Pregnancy Tests


Taking a home pregnancy test can be nerve-racking, especially if you're not sure whether you can trust the results. It’s important to be aware of the possible pitfalls of taking a home pregnancy test.
Many home pregnancy tests claim to be accurate as early as the first day of a missed period — or even before. For the most reliable results, however, you should wait until one week after a missed period. Many home pregnancy tests can reliably detect the HCG hormone in your urine one week after a missed period. Days earlier, however, some home pregnancy tests might not be as precise.
If it's important to confirm your pregnancy right away, ask your health care provider about a blood test to detect HCG. The blood test can be done in Dr. Shey’s office and is more sensitive than is the urine test.
Many home pregnancy tests claim to be 99 percent accurate on the day you miss your period. Although research suggests that some home pregnancy tests don't consistently spot pregnancy this early, home pregnancy tests are considered reliable when used according to package instructions one week after a missed period.
Could a positive pregnancy result be wrong?
It's possible to get a positive result from a home pregnancy test when you're not actually pregnant. This is known as a false-positive. There are several reasons why a false-positive might, including taking a pregnancy test too soon after taking a fertility drug that contains HCG. Or an ectopic pregnancy or menopause also might contribute to misleading test results.
Could a negative pregnancy result be wrong?
It's possible to get a negative result from a home pregnancy test when you're actually pregnant. This is known as a false-negative — and it's much more likely to occur than is a false-positive. You might get a false-negative if you take the test too early, check the results too soon or drink too much fluid before taking a home pregnancy test. For the most accurate results, take the test first thing in the morning — when your urine is the most concentrated.
If your home pregnancy test is positive, or you've taken a few home pregnancy tests and gotten mixed results you should make an appointment with your health care provider. If your home pregnancy test is negative and if your period doesn't begin, repeat the test in a few days or one week — especially if you took the test before or shortly after a missed period.
If you continue to get negative test results, but your period doesn't begin or you still think you might be pregnant then you should check with your health care provider. Many factors can lead to missed periods, including illness, strenuous exercise, weight loss, stress and hormonal imbalances. If you're not pregnant, your health care provider can help you get your menstrual cycle back on track.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Before Buying Baby Gear: Must-Haves



With all the itty-bitty furniture and newfangled baby gear there is to buy, it’s tempting to grab a shopping cart (or a registry gun) and go wild. But first, pause to take your baby’s safety  and your wallet  into consideration. The one thing you don’t need when you have a newborn, after all, is a case of baby-related buyer’s remorse. Here’s what to know about each baby-gear essential before you buy.
Car seat. You might be drawn to a convertible car seat, which can hold a baby as tiny as three pounds and last well into toddler-hood. But a bulky convertible seat will be tricky to maneuver in and out of the car while the baby is sleeping. Plus most convertible seats don’t have wheeled frames, so you’ll have to move the baby to a stroller if you’re going more than a few feet. An infant seat, on the other hand, simply pops in and out of a car base with the click of a button. (Infant seats can also be installed quickly and safely with a seat belt, if you often travel by cab.) Look for one with an easy-to-grip handle and a substantial sunshade, and test-drive it with a stroller frame if you plan on using one. Steer clear of used car seats, which can be compromised if they’re installed in a car that’s been in an accident.
Stroller. Strollers see a lot of wear and tear, so unless you’re certain you’re getting a barely used model, spring for a new one. Shop for a stroller in person and have everyone who’ll be spending a lot of time behind it — Mommy and Daddy, at the least — take it for a spin. If the handles don’t adjust, make sure they’re at a comfortable height for whoever will be using it most. Consider the amount of storage space it contains (bigger is better) and whether it will be easy to access once the stroller has a tiny occupant. If you’ll be spending a lot of time on bumpy sidewalks, look for a model with air tires, which offer a smoother ride than plastic wheels. Apartment dwellers should try collapsing and carrying a few strollers; lightweight umbrella strollers with carrying straps, like the Bumbleride Flite, are the easiest to carry up and down stairs. A substantial sunshade is a good perk, but if you fall in love with a stroller that has a wimpy shade, there are several tie-on shades available, such as the Protect-a-Bub.
Crib. Vintage cribs might be charming, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) strongly cautions against using any crib that’s more than ten years old. Even newer models can be dangerous, with more than 11 million recalled since 2007. (Check the CPSC’s Web site before you buy or borrow from a friend.) Cribs should have fixed sides (drop-side cribs are no longer sold in the US) with slats that are no farther than two and three-eighths inches apart. Look for a brand that carries a seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) so you know it has been tested for quality and safety. A money-saving tip: A model that converts to a toddler bed offers a gentle transition from the crib, and it will last through several birthdays.
Mattress and bedding. The most important factor to consider when shopping for a crib mattress is how firm it is, as soft sleeping surfaces can raise the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To test firmness, press your hand in the center of a mattress, then pull it away and check for a hand print; if you can see the outline of your hand, pick a different model. Once you have your mattress, you’ll need something to cover it with: All-in-one bedding sets are virtually useless, since the only bedding your baby needs is a fitted sheet. Crib bumpers, a staple in many sets, are discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which considers them a SIDS risk. And blankets are also a no-no in cribs. Stock up on fitted sheets and buy a crib skirt separately, if you’d like one.
Carrier. You might wait on this purchase till after your baby is born so you can determine which style your papoose prefers — plus your baby’s size might affect your decision. If possible, borrow a few different carriers from friends before you buy to see which one works best for you and your little one. Take each for at least a walk around the block with your sweetie inside, so you’ll know how the carrier feels when you’re on the go. Keep in mind that a carrier that straps around your waist, like the Baby Ktan, will be easier on your back than a model with straps that crisscross your back or a sling, which puts most of your wee one’s weight on one of your shoulders. If you opt for a sling, review the CPSC’s guidelines for wearing them to make sure your baby bundle stays safe.
Swing, seat, or activity center. These are also purchases you can probably save for post-pregnancy. Yes, the swing worked like a charm on your best friend’s baby, but for every little one that finds swinging soothing there’s another that starts sobbing. The same is true for bouncers and play saucers. To find out what your wee one prefers, let her give it a whirl first. If you can, bring your baby to visit a friend who has a little one who’s a few months older. You can catch up with a fellow mama  and your tot can test-drive some gear. If you do end up opting for a swing, look for a model that plugs into an outlet, like the Graco Duo 2-in-1 Swing with Plug (unless you enjoy late-night battery runs).
One final tip: Before making a purchase, new or secondhand — don’t forget to check the CPSC to make sure the product hasn’t been recalled.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

New website coming soon!

We are happy to announce that our new website is currently under construction.  Please check our Google Plus page, Facebook Page or Twitter profile for updates on the launch!