Health Quarterly July 2022 Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Health Quarterly July 2022

A Special Supplement to the

2 HEALTH QUARTERLY July

Hearing Loss; The Invisible Problem Article Submitted By:

Central Illinois Hearing

Hearing loss is one of the most common health problems in this country (along with arthritis and hypertension). But hearing loss is probably the most undetected and the most untreated problem in adults.

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trauma inflicted on the ear.

Invisible. You can’t detect hearing loss by looking into someone’s ears. Only a hearing examination can determine if a hearing loss exists.

Because of these characteristics, it’s understandable that Unfortunately, the someone in the early person with the hearing stages of hearing loss problem is the last one to often believes there is no know. As a result, he or problem, despite what she may put off getting family and friends say help for several years, and that person may even when family, friends and co-workers complain put off for several years seeking help and can Understanding 4 lead to family stress, common characteristics isolation, hypertension of hearing loss may and may lead to an explain why hearing loss increase in dementia. goes undetected.

When they finally decide Gradual. Hearing loss to do something about develops so slowly that it, the response is almost you are not aware of any change from year to year. always; “I wish I would have done something A loss of one decibel a about it sooner”. year is not noticeablethat a change of .001 If you think you know percent of your hearing! someone who has an But 10 or 20 years of undetected hearing gradual loss can lead to a loss, please ask him or significant-yet unnoticed her to read this article.

-hearing problem.

Partial. Adults usually The first step is not to get hearing aids, but develop hearing loss for simply to have a hearing sounds in the speech evaluation. Check with clarity range but still have normal hearing for your insurance plan the loudness of speech for coverage of hearing and for many of the exams and hearing sounds around them. aids. Most insurance That’s why someone plans now realize that with early onset hearing untreated hearing loss loss may say “I can hear can lead to other more people talking …I just costly co-morbidities can’t understand what and is a cost-effective they are saying”. alternative. More Painless. Usually importantly, do it for there is no sensation or yourself! You deserve the pain that alerts you to a quality of life without change in hearing loss unless there is disease of restrictions

July 2022 HEALTH QUARTERLY 3

Choosing the Right Healthcare Options

Article Submitted By:

Culbertson Memorial Hospital With so many options to receive fast, immediate care, choosing the right provider when you need it can seem confusing. You may often find yourself wondering, “Should I go to urgent care for this? Do I need immediate care? Or should I schedule an appointment?”

In recognition of Trauma Awareness Month, the providers at Culbertson Memorial Hospital urge you to make safe choices to reduce the number of serious injuries and illnesses in our communities. However, should you find yourself wondering where you need to go for healthcare, this helpful guide can help determine the most appropriate provider to get the care you need when you need it.

When to visit the ED Open 24 hours, the emergency department can often seem like the most convenient place to receive after-hours care. However, visiting the ED for minor injuries or illnesses can result in long waits for you and other patients. Unless you’ve been instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional, ED visits should only be reserved for any of the following illnesses, injuries, or conditions: Severe breathing problems or shortness of breath, including choking Persistent pain or pressure in the chest, left arm, or left jaw Severe burns and cuts (i.e., cuts that won’t close or stop bleeding) Seizures Severe allergic reactions

Stroke symptoms, including pain slurred speech, sudden When to visit your numbness or weakness in primary care provider any part of the body, facial Your primary care provider drooping, or sudden loss of is your best option for nonbalance or vision life-threatening illnesses or Sudden confusion or ongoing medical conditions. dizziness No one in healthcare knows you better — your primary Loss of consciousness care provider has your file Traumatic injuries or readily available and knows possible broken bones your medical history. In Vaginal bleeding if pregnant addition to minor illnesses, or bleeding through more contact your primary care than one pad per hour provider for any of the for several hours in a row following: accompanied by symptoms Annual health screenings of lightheadedness or Anxiety, depression, and dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, or chest mood disorders

Chronic illnesses or conditions Immunizations Male and female exams Newborn, infant, and adolescent care Physicals Preventative care and wellness checks When to visit urgent care Of course, sickness and injuries usually don’t revolve around your primary care provider’s schedule. When you need immediate care for minor illnesses and injuries

after hours, urgent care is strains your best option. Urgent care Minor burns providers can diagnose and treat non-life-threatening Minor eye infections conditions when your primary care provider’s office Stomach pain is closed, including any of UTIs and STDs the following: Vomiting and diarrhea Abrasions THE PRIMARY CARE Allergies PROVIDERS AT THE Colds and flu CULBERTSON CLINICS ARE HERE TO HELP KEEP Earaches YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Fevers SAFE, HEALTHY, AND Insect bites, rashes, and HAPPY. LEARN MORE minor abscesses ABOUT OUR CLINICS Minor back pain OR SCHEDULE AN Minor breaks, sprains, and APPOINTMENT TODAY!

4 HEALTH QUARTERLY July

What To Do About Wellness After 50

Factors That Can Adversely Affect Mood No one is immune to the occasional bad mood. A bad mood can make a difficult day feel even more so, and multiple-person households can become uncomfortable places to be if one person’s mood is less than welcoming.

Reaching one’s fiftieth birthday in optimal health is an accomplishment to be proud of. The hard work required to be healthy in midlife includes adhering to a nutritious diet and exercising regularly. Once individuals cross the threshold and enter their 50s, they can look to some additional strategies to maintain their physical and mental well-being for decades to come. · Get a pet. Many people 50 and older qualify as “empty nesters,” a term applied to adults whose children have grown up and moved out of their homes. Some empty nesters experience a phenomenon known as “empty nest syndrome,” which the Mayo Clinic notes can be marked by feelings of sadness or loss.

Pets can help people over 50 with no children at home overcome feelings linked to empty nest syndrome. In 2018, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 86 percent of pet owners felt their pets make them feel loved while 73 percent said their pets provided a sense

of purpose. Pets also can ensure individuals over 50 stay physically active and provide opportunities to connect with other people. · Prioritize learning.

Whether it’s taking music lessons, going back to school or mastering a new hobby, learning has a profound effect on aging brains. For example, a 2013 study published in the journal Psychological Science found that memory function is improved by engagement in demanding everyday tasks. That study reported that people who learned new skills experienced greater memory improvement than people who only socialized or participated in activities that were not as cognitively engaging. · Make an effort to improve balance.

Various factors contribute to a decline in balance as adults age. For example, a decline in muscle mass that begins when people are in their 30s is a normal part of aging. Over time, that natural decline affects strength and agility.

Balance exercises can be a valuable component of a

fitness regimen that help individuals reduce their risk for falling as they advance through their 50s and into their 60s and 70s.

That’s a significant benefit, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one out of every three adults age 65 and older experiences a fall each year, and as many as 30 percent of those falls lead to serious injury. · Embrace your inner socialite. Socialization is important for people of all ages, including individuals 50 and over. A 2017 study from researchers at Michigan State found that valuing friendships was a strong predictor of health and happiness among older adults. Opportunities to socialize with friends may increase as people navigate their 50s and children move out or become more independent.

Individuals can take advantage of opportunities to socialize whenever possible.

Various strategies can help people maintain mental and physical wellness as they make their way through their 50s and beyond.

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Bad moods can be easy to shrug off, and that may not inspire people to wonder why their generally upbeat outlooks can suddenly take a turn for the worse. Each person is different, so what triggers a mood swing in some individuals may not necessarily do so in others.

However, various factors can adversely affect mood.

Taking steps to avoid or minimize such factors can reduce the number of days when you feel as though you woke up on the wrong side of the bed. · Lack of physical activity: A 2019 study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression. That link is likely connected to the release of endorphins triggered by exercise.

Endorphins are hormones that studies have shown contribute to a general feeling of well-being, which explains why a lack of physical activity can adversely affect mood. · Chronic stress: Chronic stress has long been linked to a host of health problems.

According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic stress puts individuals at increased risk for heart disease and weight gain but also issues that affect mood, including anxiety and depression. Individuals

who find themselves routinely confronting bad moods may be dealing with chronic stress. Identifying the source of that stress and speaking with a health care professional about how to reduce and manage it may lead to improvements in mood. · Hunger: A 2018 study from researchers at the University of Guelph in Ontario found evidence that a change in glucose levels can have a lasting effect on mood. The study, published in the journal Psychopharmacology, found that rats injected with a glucose metabolism blocker experienced stress and depressed mood due to the resultant hypoglycemia. The study lends credence to the notion that many people have about feeling moody when they don’t eat. · Weather: Seasonal

Affective Disorder is a type of depression that adversely affects certain individuals’ moods during winter, when hours of sunlight are fewer than during spring, summer and fall and when temperatures outside can sometimes be so cold as to keep people indoors for extended periods of time. In addition, a 2013 study published in the journal Social Indicators Research found that individuals report greater life satisfaction on exceptionally sunny days than they did on days with ordinary weather.

Bad moods come and go for most people.

Identifying common triggers for bad moods can help individuals prepare for potential mood swings and navigate them in healthy ways.

Introducing Jacksonville’s Only Professional Hearing Aid Center.

Central Illinois Hearing led by our Doctors of Audiology, and Dr David Groesch has been providing exceptional hearing healthcare services in your community for over 10 years.

We provide diagnostic hearing evaluations, service of all makes of hearing aids and provide state of the art hearing aids to meet any challenging communication needs.

Most insurance plans accepted including State of Illinois and teacher’s retirement United Health Care Plans.

1515 W Walnut #4, Jacksonville

Call us at 217-953-0066 or visit us at centralillinoishearing.com.

Central Illinois Hearing: Better Health Through Better Communication.

July 2022 HEALTH QUARTERLY 5

Lung cancer affects the lives of millions of people across the globe every year.

The World Cancer Research Fund reports that there were more than 2.2 million new cases of lung cancer in 2020, making it the second most common form of cancer worldwide.

Lung cancer incidence rates may be alarming, but many instances of lung cancer are preventable. Prevention begins with recognition of risk factors that can be changed.

Tobacco smoke The American Cancer Society notes that smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. In fact, four out of every five lung cancer deaths are believed to result from smoking. The ACS also points out that smoking low-tar or “light” cigarettes increases lung cancer risk as much as regular cigarettes.

One common misconception around smoking is that cigar smoking and pipe smoking are not as risky as smoking cigarettes. However, the ACS reports that smoking tobacco in cigars or by using a pipe is nearly as likely to cause lung cancer as smoking cigarettes.

Secondhand smoke Even being in the vicinity

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

of someone who smokes can increase your risk for lung cancer. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that while the cancer-causing agents in tobacco smoke are delivered in smaller amounts in secondhand smoke, they are still present, thus increasing even non-smokers’ risk for lung cancer.

Radon exposure The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that emits no odor and cannot be seen or tasted. However, home radon test kits are inexpensive and simple to use, and homeowners can even contact professionals to have the soil around their homes tested for radon.

Occupational exposure Exposure to various toxins in the workplace can increase risk for lung cancer, and that risk increases even more for workers who also smoke. Exposure to arsenic, nickel and chromium on a job site can increase lung cancer risk. Such exposure can be prevented by wearing appropriate gear on a job site

and adhering to all safety protocols.

Vitamin supplements Individuals are urged to

speak with their physicians before taking beta carotene supplements. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that substantial evidence now

exists linking beta carotene supplements with an elevated risk for lung cancer, especially among smokers who smoke one or more

packs of cigarettes per day.

Lung cancer statistics may be sobering, but many of the risk factors for lung cancer can be avoided.

8 HEALTH QUARTERLY July

The Hows and Whys of Bad Breath

Anyone who bites into a big chunk of garlic bread knows that less-than-fresh breath is a likely outcome of such an indulgence. But for some people, halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath, is something they regularly confront regardless of what they eat.

Functional dentist Dr. Steven Lin indicates around 50 million people suffer from chronic bad breath. Halitosis often is a highly preventable condition, provided an individual can discover the root of the issue, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

It’s important to note that while halitosis may be an oral condition, it also may be indicative of other health problems. That’s why it is vital to determine what’s behind bad breath. · Poor oral hygiene:

Bacteria reside in the mouth on the teeth, tongue, and other tissues. Failing to floss and brush regularly may lead to increased bacteria growth, resulting in bad breath.

Poor oral hygiene may lead to gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which also can exacerbate bad breath. · Dry mouth: When dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs, salivary glands cannot make enough saliva to keep the mouth moist, states Harvard Health. Saliva helps flush away bacteria and food particles. Without saliva to wash them away, bacteria and debris can start to break down, leading to odor. Certain medications may cause dry mouth.

Chewing sugar-free gum and using dry mouth aids can help moisten the mouth.

· Food: Certain foods are linked to bad breath.

Notably, garlic, onions and some spices are absorbed into the bloodstream and have the potential to affect breath until they leave the system. · Dirty dentures: False teeth, such as dentures and bridges, can collect bacteria, food and fungi if not properly cleaned. Improper cleaning can contribute to bad breath. · Tobacco products: Tobacco can cause unpleasant mouth odors, says the Mayo Clinic.

Smokers and oral tobacco users also are likely to have gum disease, which contributes to bad breath. · Sleeping with mouth open: Like other causes of dry mouth, sleeping with

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one’s mouth open dries out the mouth and can lead to what’s often referred to as “morning breath.” · Sinus illnesses or infections: Small stones covered in bacteria can form in the tonsils and produce odor. Infections, chronic inflammation of the nose, throat or sinuses can contribute to postnasal drip, which also causes bad breath.

Anyone with concerns about chronic bad breath should speak to his or her dentist about their condition.

If the cause cannot be traced to oral hygiene, an individual may be referred to a general physician for a physical to rule out other issues.

July 2022 HEALTH QUARTERLY 9

Fibromyalgia Treatment Options

What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Individuals inherit many things from their parents, from eye color to body shape. Though such characteristics are something everyone has, inherited diseases are less common yet far more serious.

Spinal muscular atrophy is an inherited disease that affects muscles and nerves. According to the Cleveland Clinic, SMA causes muscles to become increasingly weak. SMA mostly affects infants and young children. However, it can affect adults from time to time.

Fibromyalgia is a clinical syndrome that presents as widespread body pain. If left untreated, fibromyalgia is a potentially debilitating condition.

Middle age women are especially vulnerable to fibromyalgia, and early diagnosis is key so that treatments can begin.

Treatment is likely to be more effective if introduced early, according to a 2017 study in the journal Australian Prescriber.

The Mayo Clinic says doctors attempting to diagnose pain used to check 18 specific points on the body to determine if pain was linked to fibromyalgia. However, newer guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology no longer require a tender point exam for diagnosis.

Instead, the condition is considered present when widespread pain throughout the body lasts for at least three months.

Newly diagnosed fibromyalgia patients may have many questions

about the illness and their treatment options.

Fibromyalgia symptoms wax and wane, so Johns Hopkins Medicine says treatment strategies continually need to evolve and are tailored specifically to each patient’s needs. However, treatment strategies tend to fall into four broad categories: education; symptom management; cognitive behavior therapy; and complementary approaches.

Symptom management tends to include a variety of medications.

The Mayo Clinic Says doctors will recommend pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, which are available overthe-counter. Opioid pain relievers usually are not recommended because of side effects and risk for dependence.

Antidepressants are the most frequently used and best studied drugs for the treatment of fibromyalgia, indicates Johns Hopkins.

They are effective in

treating pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and depression. Anti-seizure drugs often are useful to reduce certain types of pain.

In addition to medications, complementary approaches include physical therapy, acupressure, massage, acupuncture, hypnosis, osteopathic manipulation, and other techniques.

Cognitive behavior therapy also may help those with fibromyalgia manage their condition by applying relaxation therapy and cognitive pain management, among other techniques.

Speaking with a mental health counselor also can give individuals additional tools for dealing with painful and stressful situations that arise due to fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia affects many people, notably women.

There is no cure, but various treatments can relieve pain and assist with other symptoms.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says SMA is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This means the affected person has two mutated genes, receiving one from each parent. Those who possess only one mutated gene are carriers of the disease, but will have no symptoms.

Types of SMA Although SMA can be evident before birth, this form, known as type 0, is extremely rare. SMA type I, also known as WerdnigHoffmann disease, is the most common form of the condition. It is evident at birth or within the first few months of life. SMA type II is called Dubowitz disease.

It occurs in children between the ages of six and 12 months. SMA type III, known as KugelbergWelander disease, typically shows up after early childhood, while type IV begins in early adulthood.

and strength. Medline indicates infants with type I will not be able to control head movements or sit unassisted. Swallowing problems that lead to difficulty feeding and poor growth also can occur.

As individuals age, they may need help getting and staying in a seated position. Standing or walking unassisted is unlikely the earlier the disease presents. Older children and adults may have milder symptoms, but may require wheelchair assistance later in life due to muscle weakness and tremors. Some affected individuals also have breathing issues.

The earlier SMA shows up, the greater impact on the person’s life expectancy. However, due to treatments, many with SMA type I and II live into their 20s and 30s. Those with type III and type IV may reach normal life expectancies. The highest risk comes to infants with type I.

Symptoms of SMA

Treatment options

Symptoms of the condition vary by type. The most notable effects are loss of muscle control, movement

Genetic testing can help identify problems with the SMN1 gene and blood tests can show high levels

of creatine kinase in the blood that might indicate deteriorating muscles.

SMA is managed and treated with assistive devices, such as orthopedic crutches and braces and medical therapies.

The Cleveland Clinic says disease-modifying therapy drugs and gene replacement therapy infusions can help with faulty or missing SMN1 genes.

Since SMA is an inherited disorder, there is no way to prevent its onset. Parents who carry the mutated gene that causes SMA can speak to genetic counselors about the risks of passing on the disease to children as well as options for lowering the risk of SMA, as there are procedures like preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Research on SMA is ongoing and researchers seek even better treatments to improve prognosis. More information is available through the Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

10 HEALTH QUARTERLY July

FAQs about an OB-GYN visit

By Jeffrey Olejnik, MD

If a woman receives abnormal results from a Pap test or HPV DNA screening, what are the next steps?

Are you curious about what happens during an OB-GYN doctor’s visit? The Women’s Health and Gynecology team at SIU Medicine believes in sharing information with women as part of their personal health tool kits. Here are some honest answers to frequently asked questions about OB-GYNs, Pap smears and related women’s health topics.

Many women who receive an abnormal test may be encouraged to repeat their Pap smear and HPV DNA screening annually to monitor the resolution of the HPV infection. Usually, three consecutive years of negative cytology and negative high-risk HPV screening can allow women to return to the usual cervical cancer screening frequency.

What is an OB-GYN? An OB-GYN is a medical doctor who specializes in obstetrics (the field of medicine focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and the care of pregnant and postpartum women) and gynecology (the field of medicine focusing on female reproductive health).

How often should women visit their OBGYN and why is this important?

“Women 21 and older should visit their OBGYN every year to share information and discuss health care,” says SIU Medicine OB-GYN Jeffrey Olejnik, MD. These visits are invaluable opportunities for any female to discuss a range of issues related to her personal and reproductive health. The discussions often go into more detail and scope than what would be talked about with a primary care doctor, whom many healthy women do not see every year.

For women over the age of 65, Medicare typically allows an OB-GYN breast and pelvic exam every two years, Dr. Olejnik says. Mammograms should still be performed every year.

Women younger than 21 usually don’t need to see a gynecologist, as their pediatrician can usually take care of most of their health

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issues. “However, if the need arises, the pediatrician may make a referral to the gynecologist for specialty care,” says Olejnik.

What happens during a typical visit?

At the OB-GYN, a woman can expect services and education about topics such as: • The different forms of birth control available • Common health concerns such as high blood pressure, overweight or obesity, heavy menstrual cycles, uterine cramping, breast issues, libido issues or pain during intercourse • What is needed for planning a healthy pregnancy • How to perform a proper breast self-examination • Ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including the HPV vaccine • Screening for sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer (e.g., Pap test) or other conditions based on personal risk and health history • Breast and pelvic

examination from the OBGYN

along with Pap smear cytology.

During a visit with the OBGYN, your doctor can also assess for other conditions or issues that may warrant a referral to other specialists, including acne or other skin disorders, enlarged thyroid, heart rhythm abnormalities, mood issues and urologic issues such as incontinence.

In women aged 30 to 65, Pap smear cytology and HPV DNA screenings are generally recommended every three to five years.

It is customary to stop performing cervical cancer screening after a hysterectomy or after age 65, unless a woman belongs to a high-risk category.

Characteristics that might make a woman considered high-risk include:

What is a Pap test? How often should a woman receive one?

A Pap test or Pap smear cytology is a cervical cancer screening tool. It is used to look at the cells of the cervix and determine if any of them look abnormal and could possibly turn into cancer.

Based on current best evidence, Pap test cytology screening is recommended starting at age 21 and then every three years until age 29. In Dr. Olejnik’s professional experience, many women in this age group also want to know if they are positive for human papilloma virus (HPV), a virus that can cause cervical cancer. For these women, HPV DNA screening is often performed or “co-tested”

• A personal history of highgrade cervix precancerous lesion or cervical cancer • A previous exposure to diethylstilbestrol (used during 1940-1971) • A weakened immune system due to HIV-positive status or another reason Routine Pap tests and cervical screenings have made a tremendous difference in the lives of American women, says Dr. Olejnik. “It is important to remember that as recently as 80 years ago, cancer of the cervix and uterus caused more deaths in women than breast, lung or ovarian cancer.” Beginning

in the 1940s, cervical cancer screenings have greatly reduced the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Why should I be concerned about HPV? According to the U.S. Office of Women’s Health, human papilloma virus is the most common type of sexually transmitted infection in the United States. More than 80% of adults will have HPV at some point during their lifetime.

Unlike some other viral infections, HPV (which is passed by skin-to-skin contact) is usually transient and can resolve on its own without treatment over several years. Most types of HPV are considered “lowrisk” and can cause benign warty lesions.

However, certain forms of HPV are responsible for cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile and oral pharyngeal cancers, and we now know that it takes many years for cervical cancer to develop after the initial HPV infection. This is why it’s still important to be screened for it on a routine basis.

However, if a Pap test result persistently suggests a high-grade cancerous lesion, diagnostic cervical biopsies should be performed. Depending upon the cervix tissue biopsy results, ongoing annual screening cytology and high-risk HPV testing may be recommended. Surgical treatment of the cervix to remove the cancerous or pre-cancerous cells may also be recommended. Usually, this can all be done during outpatient visits to the OBGYN office, without having to go to the operating room.

Do you have more questions about women’s health?

SIU Medicine drives innovative, forward-thinking research and best-practice clinical care for women from all walks of life. If you have concerns about your health or are advocating for a female loved one, contact SIU Medicine today by calling 217-545-8000 to schedule an appointment.

Jeffrey Olejnik, MD, is an obstetrician and gynecologist at SIU Medicine.

Article Submitted By: SIU WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER - JACKSONVILLE

July 2022 HEALTH QUARTERLY 11

What to expect on your first visit to an infertility specialist

By J. Ricardo Loret de Mola, MD

possible risks, benefits and expected outcomes of each option to help you and your partner make the right choice for your needs.

Are you and your partner thinking about seeing a fertility specialist? Plenty of couples are. According to 2018 Pew Research data, at least a third of Americans have used fertility treatments in order to try for a baby, or know someone who has. And according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just over 2% of all infants born in the United States each year are conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

You’ll get the chance to learn about additional fertility resources This first visit with your infertility specialist is an excellent chance to learn about all the different resources that may benefit you and your partner. At SIU Medicine, we encourage patients undergoing fertility treatment to consult with mental health counselors who can help them navigate the sometimes difficult family planning journey.

If you’ve already scheduled your first infertility appointment, it’s normal to feel a bit apprehensive.

To help you prepare for an upcoming visit, here are some things our SIU Medicine fertility providers want you to know.

Depending on your situation, you may also benefit from referrals to other specialists, such as a mental health specialist, dietitian or certified genetic counselor. Don’t hesitate to bring up any questions you have with your provider and be sure to write down the date of any future follow-up visits.

Be prepared to review your medical history with your infertility specialist At your first appointment, your infertility provider will go over your medical history and your partner’s medical history, if applicable. This helps the medical team figure out what could be causing your fertility struggles and helps your provider decide which fertility tests will be helpful moving forward. For patients in relationships, we recommend that partners come to the appointment together.

During your first appointment, your infertility specialist will likely conduct a physical examination and order some blood and urine samples to screen for things like sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Your provider may also order some initial fertility tests, which can include:

Are you looking for a Springfield infertility specialist?

• Semen analysis, to evaluate the quality and quantity of the male partner’s sperm • Uterine ultrasound, to evaluate the health and structure of the female partner’s uterus and ovaries • Evaluate the ovarian reserve of the female partner • Uterine X-ray (hysterosalpingogram) to evaluate the health and structure of the fallopian tubes • Hormonal tests to identify hormonal imbalances in a couple

These tests might be performed during your first appointment or scheduled for a later date. Your provider will discuss the results of these tests with you in detail as they become available.

Can I see a fertility specialist while I’m on my period?

Women can usually visit a fertility specialist at any point in their menstrual cycle. If you’re someone who ovulates, your fertility specialist provider may ask you to begin tracking your cycle before your

appointment, or begin tracking it after your appointment. Tracking ovulation is relatively simple and inexpensive to do at home, either by using an ovulation test kit or by monitoring basal body temperature.

time and additional testing before any specific diagnosis can be made. Infertility remains “unexplained” for nearly a third of all couples who struggle with it.

But whether your infertility is explained or unexplained, your provider can use the Your infertility specialist first visit as an opportunity to will review your fertility answer your questions about treatment options common fertility treatments, By the end of your first visit, including medication, intrauterine insemination your infertility specialist (IUI) and in some cases might be able to offer an in-vitro fertilization (IVF). explanation as to why While discussing possible you and your partner are struggling to have a baby. treatments, your provider More likely, it may take some will be sure to discuss the

If you’re from the greater Southern Illinois area and would like to meet with an infertility specialist who can help you on your path to parenthood, contact SIU Medicine at 217-5458000. Our fertility and IVF providers are dedicated to helping individuals and couples from all walks of life achieve successful pregnancy outcomes.

J. Ricardo Loret de Mola, MD, is an infertility specialist and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at SIU Medicine.

Article Submitted By: SIU WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER - JACKSONVILLE