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A. Michael Coppa, MD Blog View all posts
Risks and Benefits of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Risks and Benefits of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
You needed a cesarean section to deliver your last baby. Does that mean you have to undergo a C-section every time you give birth? You’ve heard about vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Is it safe for you and your new baby?
Feb 25th, 2025
How Menopause Affects Your Mental Health

How Menopause Affects Your Mental Health
The emotional changes of menopause can catch many women off guard. Sudden mood swings, heightened anxiety, or low mood often are often rooted in hormonal shifts. Partnering with an OB/GYN can help!
Feb 1st, 2025
Who Should Have a Pap Test and How Often

Who Should Have a Pap Test and How Often

A Pap test is a routine screening that detects cervical cancer in its earliest stages. Read on to learn who benefits from the test and how often they should be scheduled to protect your cervical health.
Jan 1st, 2025
6 Ways PCOS Can Impact Your Appearance

6 Ways PCOS Can Impact Your Appearance
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common but quite complicated endocrine disorder. People who have PCOS have a wide variety of symptoms, some that are merely annoying, and some that can disrupt your life.
Dec 5th, 2024

5 Important Facts About Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera® is a birth control option that offers long-lasting protection with no daily maintenance. If you’re considering this birth control shot, here are five key facts to help you make the right decision for your health and your lifestyle.
Aug 6th, 2024
How to Prevent Vaginal Atrophy After Menopause

How to Prevent Vaginal Atrophy After Menopause
Vaginal atrophy is common after menopause, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Discover how to safeguard your sexual health with strategies that alleviate symptoms and help you maintain better vaginal wellness.
Jun 5th, 2024

5 Treatable Causes of Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is unavoidable if you’re menstruating, but heavy, irregular, or otherwise unusual bleeding can be cause for concern. Fortunately, treatment can help manage your symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.
May 15th, 2024

Myths and Facts About Secondary Infertility
Are you trying to get pregnant again? If you’ve already had a baby, it’s easy to assume that conception will happen naturally, but that’s not always the case. Learn the truth about secondary infertility so you can get the care you need.
Apr 8th, 2024
Can I Drink Caffeine If I'm Trying to Get Pregnant?

Can I Drink Caffeine If I'm Trying to Get Pregnant?
Trying to get pregnant can make you start to think about your health and your habits — including that daily cup of coffee or tea. And if you’re wondering whether caffeine can affect your fertility, here’s what you should know.
Mar 7th, 2024
Start Doing These Things Now If You Want to Get Pregnant Quickly

Start Doing These Things Now If You Want to Get Pregnant Quickly
Are you trying to get pregnant? The decision to grow your family is an exciting one. It’s normal to be anxious about when you’ll see that positive test, and there are steps you can take to increase your chances. Find out what to start doing now.
Feb 1st, 2024
How to Manage Night Sweats for More Restful Sleep

How to Manage Night Sweats for More Restful Sleep
Night sweats can quickly sabotage your quality of sleep, but thankfully, you have options to manage them. Continue reading to learn more about the at-home strategies you can implement as well as the medications and therapies that can help.
Dec 14th, 2023
How Does Stress Affect Fertility?

How Does Stress Affect Fertility?
Stress is part of life. But chronic stress can have a serious impact on your health, and that includes your fertility. If you’re struggling to get pregnant, stress could be part of the problem. Here’s what you need to know.
Nov 13th, 2023
When to Choose a Non-Hormonal Birth Control Method

When to Choose a Non-Hormonal Birth Control Method
Hormonal birth control (like the pill) is common, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to contraception. It’s time to learn about non-hormonal birth control and how you might benefit from choosing a hormone-free option.
Oct 10th, 2023
 5 Vaginal Changes To Discuss with Your Gynecologist

 5 Vaginal Changes To Discuss with Your Gynecologist
Proactive care is key to maintaining your health. Along with routine exams, it’s important to recognize when something’s not right and bring up those concerns with your gynecologist. Here are a few common vaginal changes you shouldn’t ignore.
Sep 1st, 2023
What Factors Make a Pregnancy High Risk?

What Factors Make a Pregnancy High Risk?
All pregnancies come with some risk, but certain factors could make complications more likely. Learn about a few of the most common factors for a high-risk pregnancy, and find out how prenatal care helps protect your and your baby’s health.
Aug 1st, 2023
Is An Ovarian Cyst Cause for Concern?

Is An Ovarian Cyst Cause for Concern?
Ovarian cysts are common, and most of the time, they don’t cause problems. Even so, you should learn to recognize when an ovarian cyst may be cause for concern. Learn the signs and start getting the care you need.
Jul 13th, 2023

Here's How to Know if You're in Menopause
Menopause happens to every woman of a certain age. But the symptoms — and when they appear — vary widely from woman to woman, and it’s not always easy to identify the cause. Here’s how to know if your symptoms mean you’re in menopause.
Jun 1st, 2023
3 Benefits of Robotic Surgery

3 Benefits of Robotic Surgery
Do you need gynecologic surgery? A robotic procedure might be right for you. This cutting-edge technology offers enhanced precision and better outcomes than traditional methods. Here’s what you need to know.
May 1st, 2023
You Don't Have to Suffer with Endometriosis Pain; We Can Help

You Don't Have to Suffer with Endometriosis Pain; We Can Help
Is endometriosis pain interfering with your life? It’s time to find a treatment plan that really works. From lifestyle changes to medication options, personalized endometriosis treatment can relieve your symptoms so you can start feeling better.
Apr 1st, 2023
Why Are Pregnant Women Over 35 Considered High-Risk?

Why Are Pregnant Women Over 35 Considered High-Risk?
Finding out you’re pregnant is exciting. But if you’re over 35, you might be surprised to learn that your pregnancy is considered high-risk. Learn why that is and what steps you can take to promote a healthy pregnancy.
Feb 7th, 2023
At-Home Strategies to Ensure You Have a Healthy Pregnancy

At-Home Strategies to Ensure You Have a Healthy Pregnancy
Going to the doctor for prenatal care is important, but there are lots of ways to care for yourself and your baby at home, too. From taking prenatal vitamins to getting enough sleep, here’s how to ensure your healthiest possible pregnancy.
Jan 18th, 2023
Carrying Multiples? Follow These Essential Tips

Carrying Multiples? Follow These Essential Tips
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but finding out you’re expecting more than one baby can quickly feel overwhelming. If you’re carrying multiples, here’s what to do to take care of yourself and prepare for your babies’ arrival.
Nov 1st, 2022
3 Things You Should Know If You're Pregnant and Diabetic

3 Things You Should Know If You're Pregnant and Diabetic
Diabetes can have a serious impact on your health, especially if you’re pregnant. Find out how high blood sugar during pregnancy affects you and your baby, and learn how proactive prenatal care can help you both stay healthier.
Oct 6th, 2022
What No One Told You About the Placenta

What No One Told You About the Placenta
The placenta is an organ that grows during pregnancy. It connects you and your baby, but did you know it acts as your baby’s lungs, kidneys, immune system, and more? Here’s why it’s so important and what you need to know about it.
Sep 1st, 2022
It's Not All Bad: 5 Positive Parts of Menopause

It's Not All Bad: 5 Positive Parts of Menopause
Are you dreading menopause? You’re not alone. It’s a transition that brings a lot of changes for women, but it’s not all bad. Learn more about some of the positive things you can expect in menopause and life beyond it.
Aug 1st, 2022
5 Lesser Known Causes of Infertility

5 Lesser Known Causes of Infertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of female infertility. But if that’s not your diagnosis, you might feel like there’s nowhere to turn. Learn about some of the lesser-known causes of infertility here.
Jul 6th, 2022
When To Consider Robotic Surgery for Ovarian Cysts

When To Consider Robotic Surgery for Ovarian Cysts
Almost every woman has ovarian cysts during her reproductive years, and sometimes, they can be very painful. If you suffer recurring or painful cysts, treatment can help. Learn when it might be time to consider surgery for ovarian cysts.
Jun 5th, 2022
5 Major Benefits of Effective Birth Control

5 Major Benefits of Effective Birth Control
Birth control allows you to choose if and when you want to get pregnant, but its benefits go far beyond family planning. Learn more about how birth control works and how it could help you enjoy better health.
May 15th, 2022
Managing Your High-Risk Pregnancy

Managing Your High-Risk Pregnancy
High-risk pregnancy means you or your baby are more likely to experience health complications before or during birth. Navigating a high-risk pregnancy can feel scary, but comprehensive prenatal care makes it easier to manage your health.
Mar 8th, 2022
Lifestyle Adjustments for Menopause

Lifestyle Adjustments for Menopause
Menopause is a natural process, but the symptoms may make you feel unlike yourself. The good news is that a few simple lifestyle adjustments can minimize your symptoms and boost your overall health. Get our tips for navigating menopause here.
Feb 7th, 2022
Tips for Surviving a Winter Pregnancy

Tips for Surviving a Winter Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings countless changes to your body, your habits, and your life. It’s an exciting time, but each new season means lots of new questions for moms-to-be. Get our best tips for surviving the winter season while pregnant.
Dec 6th, 2021
Want to Work Out While Pregnant? Here's What You Should Know

Want to Work Out While Pregnant? Here's What You Should Know
It’s no secret that being pregnant changes your body. But if your pregnancy is low-risk, exercising can help you feel like yourself again. Learn more about pregnancy-safe exercises and what you should know before you break a sweat.
Nov 2nd, 2021
Myths and Facts About Prenatal Care

Myths and Facts About Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is specialized medical care for pregnant women. But when it comes to pregnancy, there are a lot of misconceptions. So if you’re trying to get pregnant or you’re currently expecting, now is the time to sort fact from fiction.
Oct 5th, 2021
Pregnancy Timeline: Here's What You Can Expect

Pregnancy Timeline: Here's What You Can Expect
From conception to birth, pregnancy is a dramatic transformation. It’s overwhelming and exciting for many new moms-to-be, and there’s a lot to learn. Find out more about your pregnancy timeline and what to expect in each trimester.
Sep 7th, 2021
5 Conditions That Cause Vaginal Bleeding

5 Conditions That Cause Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding during your menstrual period is normal, but many women notice bleeding between periods too. Learn what could be causing spotting between periods and find out when to make an appointment with your doctor.
Aug 4th, 2021

How to Prepare for Birthing Multiples
Being pregnant with multiples, like twins or triplets, is exciting, but it also means your pregnancy is high-risk. Learn what carrying multiple babies means for your health during pregnancy and what you can do to prepare for your babies’ birth.
Jul 26th, 2021

Is Depo-Provera® Right for Me?
Depo-Provera®, or the birth control shot, is a flexible option for women of all ages. It’s up to 99% effective, and all you need is one injection every three months. Learn more about Depo-Provera, and find out if it might be a good choice for you.
Jun 15th, 2021

Little Known Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness and itching are common symptoms of menopause. But if you’re not menopausal, what’s causing your discomfort? Learn more about what causes vaginal dryness in women of all ages and what you can do to find relief.
May 3rd, 2021

How to Get Your Menopause Symptoms Under Control
Every woman goes through menopause, and many of them struggle with a host of negative symptoms. If hot flashes, mood swings, and more are interfering with your life, it’s time to learn about your treatment options.
Apr 1st, 2021

The Care You Can Expect During Your Pregnancy
Prenatal care is essential if you’re pregnant. But what do your prenatal appointments include, and how do they set you and your baby up for a healthy labor and delivery? Learn more about all the elements of good prenatal care.
Mar 3rd, 2021

Choosing the Right Birth Control for You
Women have more choices than ever when it comes to contraception. Popular options include the pill, patch, and intrauterine device (IUD), but choosing the best birth control for you is personal. Learn about your options.
Feb 4th, 2021

The Importance of Routine Gynecological Exams
Routine health care is proactive. It’s the best way to detect changes in your body before they cause complications. Find out how routine gynecological exams can reduce your risk of pelvic pain, cervical cancer, and other health issues.
Jan 4th, 2021

What Causes Infertility?
If you’re struggling with infertility, you’re not alone. Many couples face infertility, but the good news is that some of the problems affecting female reproductive health are treatable. Learn more about the most common causes of infertility here.
Dec 1st, 2020

What To Do About Night Sweats
Menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings are unpleasant enough during the day, but when night sweats start affecting your sleep, it’s time to do something. Find out how lifestyle changes and hormone therapy help stop night sweats.
Nov 3rd, 2020

Birth Control Shots: Benefits of Depo-Provera®
Women have lots of options when it comes to family planning, but choosing the right birth control for you is a personal decision. If you’re looking for a simple, effective contraception method, it’s time to learn more about Depo-Provera® shots.
Oct 1st, 2020

Symptoms to Discuss With Your Doctor During Pregnancy
Pregnancy triggers dramatic changes in your body. While some symptoms (like fatigue) are normal, others (like cramping, vaginal bleeding, and headache) could be signs of something more serious. Find out what symptoms to bring up with your doctor.
Sep 22nd, 2020

Here's Why You Should Never Ignore Vaginal Dryness
Although vaginal dryness is common, many women are embarrassed to discuss it with their doctor. It can make sex uncomfortable, and side effects don’t stop there. Burning, itching, and general discomfort are reasons enough to seek treatment.
Aug 13th, 2020

Which Form of Birth Control Is Right for Me?
Birth control is an important element of your health care plan. If you’re sexually active, it gives you control over when and how you get pregnant. Learn more about your options for hormonal birth control and find a method that’s right for you.
Jul 20th, 2020

Myths and Facts About Pregnancy Every Woman Should Know
Every woman wants a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. But if you start reading up on what you should and shouldn’t do to get there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are answers to some of the top pregnancy misconceptions.
Jun 15th, 2020

Don't Let Menopause Affect Your Sex Life
Low libido and vaginal discomfort are two of the most common symptoms of menopause. They can make sex unenjoyable, but you don’t have to settle for a lackluster sex life. Learn about the link between menopause and sex, and what you can do about it.
May 7th, 2020

How to Exercise Safely If You’re Pregnant
Pregnancy may make you feel tired and uncomfortable. But exercise — whether it’s walking, swimming, or something else — can minimize your symptoms and help you feel more like yourself. Here’s how to exercise safely during pregnancy.
Apr 18th, 2020

What You Should Know About Endometriosis and Infertility
Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility in women. It causes severe menstrual pain, but it can also hinder egg fertilization and implantation if you’re trying for a baby. Learn about endometriosis, infertility, and treatment options here.
Mar 20th, 2020

When’s the Right Time to Try for Another Baby?
Should you add another member to your family? It’s a tough decision. From choosing the age gap between your kids to adjusting to life as a larger family, there’s a lot to consider. Find out what should go into your decision.
Feb 21st, 2020
Almost all women of childbearing age have fibroids at one time or another. They’re generally harmless growths located in the

Can Fibroids Affect Your Chances of Getting Pregnant?
Almost all women of childbearing age have fibroids at one time or another. They’re generally harmless growths located in the uterus, but sometimes they can affect your chances of getting pregnant. Here’s what you need to know.
Dec 31st, 2019
Michael Coppa, MD, has more than 25 years of experience supporting women’s health. Here, he offers advice on the best ways fo

How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer
If you're concerned about developing breast cancer, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. While factors like age and genetics may be beyond your control, read on to learn more about what you can do.
Oct 10th, 2019

Weight Gain During Pregnancy: How Much Is Healthy?
Gaining a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy — not too much and not too little — is best for you and your baby. But how much is healthy? Learn about how much you should gain, and why.
Aug 1st, 2019
Dr. A. Michael Coppa has practiced as an OB/GYN in Cranston and Smithfield, Rhode Island, for more than 25 years.

8 Tips for Choosing the Best Obstetrician for You
When dealing with pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive matters, you need a high quality OB/GYN. But, finding a physician you can trust isn’t always easy. Read on to find out how you can choose a great obstetrician.
Jul 18th, 2019
obgyn, uterus, fibroids, surgery, bleeding, period, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

What Happens if Endometriosis is Left Untreated?
Do you have endometriosis? Learn how different treatment options can offer you relief from painful symptoms. More importantly, make sure you’re aware of what can happen if you don’t treat this common condition.
Jun 5th, 2019

Can Pelvic Organ Prolapse be Prevented?
Pelvic floor prolapse affects women of any age, but it’s more common in older women who’ve experienced vaginal childbirth. Support for the pelvic organs fails, and these organs then press into the vagina causing pressure or pain.
May 27th, 2019

At What Age am I Considered a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Even if you’re in the best of health, your age still plays a significant role in your pregnancy. But when should you start to worry about conceiving? And how does your age make a pregnancy high-risk? We’re here to clear up the confusion.
Apr 1st, 2019
Don't suffer with vaginal dryness

What Causes Vaginal Dryness and Treatment Options
You may have never experienced this type of problem, but one day, vaginal dryness begins disrupting your life. What’s causing it and what can you do about it? Learn the reasons for your troublesome symptoms along with effective treatment options.
Feb 1st, 2019
menopause, A. Michael Coppa, MD

10 Tips to Managing Your Menopause Symptoms at Work
Irritability, hot flashes, and other symptoms of menopause can disrupt your life at home and on the job. Dr. Coppa offers the following tips to help you manage your work life in spite of menopause discomfort.
Dec 18th, 2018