Blog Archive

 Around 10% of women have polycystic ovary syndrome, which is commonly called PCOS. Dr. A Michael Coppa and his staff offer gynecology care,  including PCOS treatment, and have found that good, solid information available about this complex and mysterious syndrome is lacking. In this post, we describe six ways PCOS...

More than half of all women will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their life. That risk increases significantly after menopause. Leading gynecologist A. Michael Coppa, M.D., with offices in Cranston, Providence, and Smithfield, Rhode Island, has extensive experience in treating post-menopausal UTIs. In this blog,...

When most people think of menopause, they think of it as a time in life when your periods end, and the risk of unintended pregnancy evaporates. But menopause is much more complex than that, with effects that can be far-reaching and, often, uncomfortable. Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help....

Did you recently go on bed rest? It’s not an uncommon prescription for women with high-risk pregnancies, and while it might seem daunting, it’s an important step in making sure you and your baby stay as healthy and safe as possible. It’s normal to have questions about what bed rest...

Depo-Provera®, or the birth control shot, is a highly effective contraceptive method that’s been helping women prevent pregnancy for decades. This injectable form of birth control contains the hormone progestin, and if you’re interested in trying it, it offers several benefits, as well as some considerations to keep in mind....

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it’s no secret that it can take a toll on your body. And if you have a preexisting condition like diabetes, managing it can be particularly challenging when you’re expecting. Whether you have Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, proactively managing your condition...

It’s no secret that menopause marks a new phase of life. But for many women, the changes this new phase brings are far from pleasant.  Vaginal atrophy is a condition characterized by thinner, dryer, and inflamed vaginal walls — and it affects at least half of women after menopause. Vaginal...

On average, girls get their first menstrual period at age 12. Once you start, you can expect monthly periods until you reach menopause. Most women have about 450 periods in their lifetimes. Your uterus naturally sheds its lining during your menstrual periods, and vaginal bleeding is a normal part of...

The decision to get pregnant is an exciting one, no matter if it’s your first baby or you’re already a parent. But what does it mean when you have a baby (or babies) and you suddenly can’t conceive after a year of trying? Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive...

For some 94% of Americans, caffeine is a staple of daily life. Whether it’s coffee, tea, or an energy drink, it can provide the boost you need to start the day or power through that afternoon slump. But if you're trying to conceive, you might have heard that pregnant women...

Are you planning to grow your family this year? Embarking on the journey to parenthood is exciting, and if you’re eager to get started, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of getting pregnant sooner. As an experienced OB/GYN in Rhode Island, A. Michael Coppa, MD, offers...

If you're trying to start a family but finding that conception isn't as immediate as you expected, you might wonder why we don’t make a infertility diagnosis until you’ve had one year of unprotected intercourse. Read on as  board-certified OB/GYN A. Michael Coppa, MD, explains why it takes a whole...

Menopause 一 the end of your fertility marked by 12 consecutive months without a period 一 is a natural phase for women in their 40s or 50s. The transition into menopause is called perimenopause, and it’s notorious for the symptoms it causes.  You’ve certainly heard about hot flashes and mood...

For many couples, starting a family is a cherished dream. But unfortunately, the journey to parenthood can be a challenging one. In fact, up to 1 in 5 American women struggles with infertility. There are many possible causes of infertility — and one factor that you shouldn’t overlook is stress....

When it comes to birth control, oral pills are the best-known and most popular — with about 21% of women relying on the pill to prevent pregnancy. But birth control pills, along with injections, skin patches, and some intrauterine devices (IUDs) contain hormones. Hormonal birth control is effective, but it...

Every woman should have an annual wellness visit. These appointments provide essential preventive care, from physical exams to screenings, to help you maintain your best health. But along with routine well-woman exams, you should stay in tune with your health throughout the year.  Your body and your vagina go through...

Pregnancy is transformative. It’s an amazing experience, but it’s no secret that your body goes through dramatic changes during those nine months. All pregnancies carry some risk, but for some women, those risks are more complex. About 50,000 American women experience high-risk pregnancies each year. A high-risk pregnancy is one in which you or...

Ovarian cysts are small sacs that develop on your ovaries and fill with fluid. About 10% of women experience ovarian cysts in their lifetimes, and most of the time, they’re completely harmless. But it’s possible for ovarian cysts to cause discomfort and raise concerns about potential complications. If you’re worried...

Menopause is a natural transition that every woman experiences at a certain age. It marks the end of your fertile years and the beginning of a new stage in life, and it also comes with lots of physical and emotional changes. Recognizing the signs of menopause can help you understand...

No one likes the thought of surgery. But sometimes, it’s the best option to treat your symptoms and protect your health — and these days, you have better options than ever before. The medical field has advanced rapidly in recent years, especially in the area of surgery. Board-certified OB/GYN A. Michael...

Endometriosis is a gynecologic condition that occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus starts growing outside it. It affects about 11% of women of reproductive age, and it has the power to significantly impact your quality of life. Not all women with endometriosis experience pain, but it’s...

About 17% of women ages 18-50 experience vaginal dryness. After menopause, that number jumps to over 50%. Although vaginal dryness is a common issue, it's one that you shouldn’t have to deal with alone. Vaginal dryness is uncomfortable, and some women also experience vaginal itching or pain with sexual intercourse....

Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, but for those over 35, being pregnant can come with certain health risks.  If you’re adding to your family later in life, you should understand why your pregnancy might be considered high-risk, so you can get the right care — for yourself...

Regular prenatal care is essential for moms-to-be. It’s the best way to ensure you and your baby stay healthy from conception to delivery, and most women have 10-15 prenatal visits over the course of pregnancy. But there’s a lot of time between your prenatal appointments — especially at first — and it can leave...

Prenatal appointments provide specialized care for expecting mothers and their growing babies. Most women have their first prenatal visit within the first eight weeks of pregnancy, then have regular checkups until their babies are born. All in all, the average woman has 10-15 prenatal care visits over the course of a single...

Are you pregnant with twins, triplets, or higher order multiples? Congratulations! Welcoming new babies into the world is exciting. But when you’re carrying multiples, we know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Multiples make up about 3% of pregnancies, and expecting more than one baby comes with different risks. As a...

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition in which your blood sugar is too high. It affects 15 million American women, and it’s linked to health issues like nerve damage, heart disease, and pregnancy complications. If you have diabetes and you’re planning to try for a baby, take steps now —...

The placenta is a unique organ that grows in your uterus when you’re pregnant. It’s the only transient organ that humans have, and it serves a vital role in your baby’s development. There’s a lot that medical experts don’t understand about the placenta and how it works, but it’s clear...

Hot flashes and night sweats. Mood swings and irritability. Painful intercourse and low libido. All of these and more are common symptoms of menopause, the biological transition that women endure in their 40s or 50s. Most women dread the onset of menopause. With all the negative symptoms, it’s easy to...

At first glance, getting pregnant might seem simple. But it’s a complex process that must happen in exactly the right way, and when it doesn’t, infertility is often the result. Doctors generally diagnose infertility after you’ve been trying for at least one year to get pregnant (or after six months if you’re...

Ovarian cysts are small sacs that grow on your ovaries and fill with fluid. They’re extremely common, and almost every woman gets at least one in her lifetime. Generally speaking, ovarian cysts are a normal part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Your ovaries transform throughout your menstrual cycle, and cysts...

Around 65% of sexually active American women use birth control. From oral pills to injections, contraception gives you the ability to decide if and when you want to grow your family. The average couple wants 2-3 children, so you may choose birth control to avoid pregnancy during many of your...

Most girls get their first period around age 12 and go on to have monthly periods until menopause starts around age 51. If you’re doing the math, that equates to 400-500 periods over the course of a woman’s lifetime. Periods are normal, but unfortunately, menstrual cycle education is often lacking for girls and...

More than 3.6 million babies are born in the United States every year. Although the majority of women experience routine pregnancies and births, between 6-8% of those pregnancies are high-risk. A high-risk pregnancy means that you or your baby have certain health issues that increase your risk of complications during...

Every woman goes through menopause, usually in her 40s or 50s. It’s a transition that means you’re no longer able to get pregnant, and it brings with it a host of unpleasant symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain. You’re in menopause when it’s been a full year...

So you and your partner have decided to try for a baby. Congratulations! Trying to get pregnant is exciting, but it’s normal to have questions, too.  Maybe you’re wondering if tracking your cycle is really necessary, or maybe you’re curious about how to make sure you have the best chances...

When you’re pregnant, every new season is exciting. Pregnancy brings many changes in your habits and your lifestyle, and you might be surprised how changing temperatures affect your day-to-day life. A winter pregnancy means you won’t be dealing with hot summer temperatures while pregnant, but it can bring up a...

Regular exercise is essential for optimal wellness. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most adults get 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week. But if you’re pregnant, you might wonder if exercising is such a good idea. Maybe you’re nauseous...

Prenatal care is specialized medical attention for pregnant women. While each woman's needs are different, prenatal care generally includes monthly appointments to track your health and your baby’s growth during pregnancy. Regular prenatal care is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Your...

Pregnancy is a dramatic transformation. In just nine months, a tiny group of cells grows into a newborn baby. It’s one of the most life-changing experiences you’ll go through, and having lots of questions is normal. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. A....

Most women have menstrual periods every month from their teenage years until menopause.  The average period lasts two to seven days, and one menstrual cycle lasts anywhere from 21-35 days. It’s normal for your menstrual cycle to vary, but did you know that your period says a lot about your...

Finding out you’re pregnant is exciting and perhaps a little nerve-wracking. But finding out that you’re expecting multiples (like twins or triplets) can be downright shocking. Twins make up about three in every 1,000 births in the United States. For triplets, that number drops to about one in every 4,000...

Nearly two-thirds of women ages of 15-49 use birth control. Used properly, birth control gives you the ability to choose when and if you get pregnant, and it’s a key element of your reproductive health care. There are many options when it comes to birth control. From daily pills to...

Your vaginal walls naturally have a thin layer of mucus. This mucus lubricates your vagina to keep it comfortable and reduce friction during sexual intercourse. But vaginal dryness is a common problem that develops when there’s not enough moisture down there. Vaginal dryness can cause itching, discomfort, and pain with...

Menopause is a natural biological process that every woman experiences. But the symptoms — from mood swings and insomnia to hot flashes and weight gain — can make this time of your life downright unpleasant. Menopause symptoms are triggered by changing hormone levels. Estrogen and progesterone levels begin declining as...

Good prenatal care is one of the best ways to set yourself and your baby up for success. Starting with your first appointment, it encompasses your baby’s growth and development, but it also promotes your own health, helping you prepare for labor, delivery, and becoming a mother. A. Michael Coppa, MD,...

From pills to skin patches and intrauterine devices to injections, there are lots of options when it comes to birth control. The two main types are hormonal and barrier methods, and each option has its benefits. All the options might seem overwhelming, but the right birth control method for you...

Did you know that you should have a comprehensive well-woman exam each year? It’s true. Even if you’re generally healthy and feeling good, you should check in annually with your doctor. Routine exams might seem like just another item to add to your long to-do list, but these appointments are...

Did you know that about one in 10 couples has fertility problems? Deciding it’s time to start a family and then finding out that you’re facing infertility can be devastating. But you’re not alone, and treatment can significantly improve your chances of conceiving. Infertility is generally diagnosed when you’ve been...

Do you fall asleep only to awaken a short time later soaked in sweat? If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you could be experiencing night sweats, a common symptom of hormonal fluctuation. And if you’re waking up in the night drenched in sweat, chances are good that you’re suffering hot...

For many women, the oral birth control pill is the first thing that comes to mind when they consider their contraception options. But these days, there are a lot more birth control options from which to choose. Each type of birth control has its benefits, and you need to consider...

Your body goes through a dramatic transformation during pregnancy. Regular prenatal appointments are essential to keep you and your growing baby healthy, and your appointments are the perfect time to discuss symptoms and questions you might have. Some symptoms, like fatigue and morning sickness, are normal. But when do your...

Hormonal changes — whether from menopause, childbirth, or something else — can trigger vaginal dryness. Decreased vaginal moisture often makes sexual intercourse uncomfortable, but the symptoms don’t stop there.  Vaginal dryness is a common problem, yet up to 90% of women living with vaginal discomfort don’t seek treatment. You might...

Two-thirds of sexually active American women use some form of birth control. As a woman, birth control, also called contraception, is a key component of your health care plan because it gives you the ability to control whether you get pregnant. The two main types of contraception are hormonal and...

Pregnancy is an exciting time. It’s also one of dramatic changes, both physically and mentally. When you start reading a pregnancy guide, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by what you should and shouldn’t do to have a healthy pregnancy.  It seems like everyone has their own tips and tricks to...

At some point in their 40s or 50s, women experience menopause, the natural end of their menstrual cycle. Throughout your reproductive years, your menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones. You can get pregnant, and you have a period every month when you aren’t.  But your hormone levels decline as you...

Pregnancy changes a lot about your body. It’s common to suffer aches, weight gain, and fatigue as you support a growing baby. While exercise might be the last thing on your mind when you’re feeling drained, it can boost energy and help you feel more like yourself. It’s generally safe...

About 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have endometriosis, and up to half of all women who experience infertility have it. Endometriosis develops when your uterine lining — called the endometrium — grows outside the uterus. The endometrium naturally grows inside your uterus and sheds during...

The decision to have your first child is life-changing. And once you’re holding your newborn, you settle into a routine and get comfortable as a family of three. Then, eventually, you might start thinking about when you should start trying for another baby. Ask family and friends, and you’ll find...

About 80% of women will have had a fibroid by the time they turn 50. They’re common growths that develop in the uterus, and they’re generally painless. But sometimes fibroids can interfere with fertility and make it more difficult to get pregnant.  At our comprehensive OB/GYN clinics in Cranston, Providence,...

Menopause is a natural part of life that every woman goes through. The average age range of menopause, which is when you stop having your menstrual cycle, is 48 to 55. Officially, menopause starts when you stop menstruating for a full year. The time leading up to menopause, when your...

Some women find that they sleep like babies for the entire nine months of pregnancy, but others struggle to get the sleep they need to feel rested. If you need help getting your pregnancy ZZZs, here are eight tips for better sleep from Dr. A. Michael Coppa, an OB/GYN with...

There's no way to prevent breast cancer entirely, and factors like age and genetics may be beyond your control. But if you're concerned about your risk of developing breast cancer, you can take steps to minimize your risk. Michael Coppa, MD, has more than 25 years of experience supporting women’s...

Getting your monthly period can be challenging enough. But, when you can’t even predict when you’re going to get it or when you do get it, it’s very heavy, it is even more challenging. Irregular and heavy periods are symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common condition...

During pregnancy, there are lots of steps you can take to help keep yourself and your baby healthy and to lower your risk of pregnancy complications. One of these steps is to gain the right amount of weight. But how much weight gain is right for you and your baby?...

An obstetrician is a specialized physician with advanced training in pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive matters. These doctors are also known as OB/GYNs and go through specialized programs that focus on:  Prenatal health Pregnancy Labor and childbirth Health problems after childbirth Genetics and genetic counseling Dr. A. Michael Coppa has...

Endometriosis is a painful gynecological condition that affects about 1 in 10 women of childbearing years. While there is no known cause of endometriosis, some factors raise a woman’s risk of developing it. Risk factors include having a family member with the disease, having started your period before age 11,...

As many as one in five women in the US experience disorders related to problems with the pelvic floor, a system of muscle and tissue that supports the organs of the pelvis. Though one of the least common of these disorders, pelvic floor prolapse can have a serious impact on...

If someone tells you your pregnancy is high-risk, that means there could be potential health concerns for you or your baby. Several different things can play a role in whether or not your pregnancy is high-risk. For some women, it’s having a pre-existing condition like diabetes, hypertension, or lupus. For...

It's only natural to start thinking about everything from names to nursery decor after learning you're pregnant. In all the excitement, however, don't forget another big decision — selecting an obstetrician. At his offices located in Cranston and Smithfield, Rhode Island, Dr. A. Michael Coppa brings over 25 years of...

Vaginal dryness can occur at any age, during any stage of your life, but it’s most common in older women during menopause. This unpleasant condition can interfere with your sex life and your self-confidence. For more than 25 years, at his practice’s locations in Cranston and Smithfield, Rhode Island, Dr....

The world of birth control offers up a wide array of options that suit almost every goal. If yours is to find a way to prevent pregnancy, without having to think about it, an intrauterine device, or IUD, is just the ticket. Here at our practice, Dr. A. Michael Coppa...

While some women sail through the transition to menopause without so much as a hot flash, there are many who must manage uncomfortable, sometimes debilitating, symptoms of menopause and still stay on task at work. It’s important to first understand that you’re not alone. Dr. Coppa not only can help...

Whether it’s your first child or you’re adding to a growing family, you want your pregnancy to go as smoothly as possible. Of course, not everything is risk-free, which is certainly true when it comes to bringing a child into the world. That said, you can take certain steps to...