Vaginal pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the inside of your vagina is. It runs on a scale from 0 to 14, where lower numbers are more acidic and higher numbers are more basic. A healthy vagina is normally a bit acidic, usually somewhere between 3.8 and 5.0. That acidity is not…
Douching means rinsing the inside of your vagina with a mix of water and other fluids, often something scented or sold as a “cleansing” product. Many people do it because they think it will wash away odor or make them feel fresher. The truth is that your vagina does not need to be cleaned on…
Anxiety and depression during pregnancy are among the most common complications of the perinatal period. Research estimates that approximately one in seven women experience a perinatal mood disorder during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. Despite how common these conditions are, they often go unrecognized and untreated. Many women assume that feeling…
We have some happy news to share! This summer, three new providers are joining the Bloom OB/GYN team, and we could are excited to introduce them to you. Growing our practice means more than adding names to a schedule. It means we can see you sooner, spend the time your care deserves, and keep building…
If you are in your 40s and noticing that things feel “off” but you cannot quite pinpoint why, you are not imagining it. Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, and it can begin as early as 10 years before your periods stop for good. During this time, your estrogen and progesterone levels…
Noninvasive prenatal testing, commonly called NIPT, is a screening blood test performed during pregnancy that analyzes small fragments of DNA circulating in a pregnant person’s blood. This cell-free DNA comes from the placenta and reflects the genetic makeup of the developing baby. NIPT is used to estimate the risk that a fetus may have certain…
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast used to detect cancer early, often before you can feel a lump or notice any changes. Screening mammograms are one of the most effective tools we have for catching breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. With updated national guidelines now in place, the…
Vaginal dryness is one of the most common symptoms women experience during and after menopause, but it’s also one of the least talked about. As estrogen levels drop, the tissue lining the vagina becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This condition is known as vaginal atrophy, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It can cause…
A high-risk pregnancy is one that carries a higher chance of complications for the parent, the baby, or both. The term is used in obstetric care to guide decisions about monitoring, testing, and specialist involvement. It does not mean that something has gone wrong, and it does not mean a healthy outcome is unlikely. Most…
Sexually transmitted infection or STI testing is a routine part of sexual health care that helps protect both you and your partner by identifying infections early, before they lead to complications that are much harder to treat later. Whether you are starting a new relationship, have not been tested in a while or just want…
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These growths can develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other areas in the pelvis, triggering inflammation, scarring and pain, especially around your menstrual cycle. An estimated 10% of women of reproductive age are affected, yet many…
Start with Your Top Priorities Choosing birth control can feel overwhelming. There are many options, and the best choice depends on your health, lifestyle, and preferred cycle type. Some people want the strongest pregnancy prevention possible. Others prefer hormone-free options. Some want lighter periods or less cramping. Many want something simple and easy to maintain.…