Links to specific FAQs within sections of our website:
There are two types of physicians – MDs and DOs. MDs and DOs are alike in many ways and are both fully qualified physicians licensed to treat patients. They both complete four years of basic medical education, as well as four years of residency, and must pass the same state license exams. The specific training that a DO (doctor of osteopathy) receives also includes the study of the musculoskeletal system and how the entire body as a whole plays an essential part in maintaining wellness.
Generally speaking, you should use the phone number of the office in which you are regularly seen for your care. However, any staff member in any of our offices can assist you or direct you to the appropriate staff member.
A practitioner from our practice is always on call for after-hour emergencies. Please call any of our offices and the physician or nurse midwife on call will be paged immediately. If your call is not returned within 20 minutes, please call us again. If your call is not returned after your second attempt and your situation warrants emergency care, or if you cannot reach our answering service, please go to the Women’s Evaluation & Treatment Unit (WETU) at Baystate Medical Center.
If your call is not an emergency and can wait until regular office hours, we appreciate your consideration.
Prescription refills will only be filled during office hours.
Our midwives do so much more than deliver babies. Our six Certified Nurse Midwives provide a full range of routine gynecologic and prenatal care including delivery. Our All About Women Midwifery practice has much to offer in terms of individualized, attentive care. Read more about our midwifery practice.
Our appointment coordinators will assist you in booking your appointment, taking into consideration the type of appointment needed, preferred location, your practitioner preference, and your personal scheduling needs. We continually monitor appointment availability and often we are able to offer multiple options. If you would like to book an appointment, please contact our office.
Please visit our Contact Us page for a full listing of our contact information, including hours of operation, addresses, phone/fax numbers, and more.
Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in bladder and bowel functions. As seen in the diagram, your pelvic floor musculature is located at the base of your pelvic region, controlling your bladder, bowels, and vaginal area.
Problems can occur with pelvic floor muscles due to a number of reasons. Pregnancy, childbirth, repeated strain on the pelvic region (for example, from heavy lifting or straining during bowel movements due to constipation), excessive weight, and age all can be factors in weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles.
Problems with pelvic muscles then can lead to urinary problems, bowel problems, and pelvic prolapse. Pelvic floor muscles can also be affected by interstitial cystitis and vulvadynia.
Pelvic floor muscles – A group of muscles in the pelvis that support and help to control the vagina, uterus, bladder urethra and rectum
Bladder – A muscular organ which stores urine
Ureters – A pair of tubes, each leading from one of the kidneys, to the bladder
Urethra – A short narrow tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Voiding – Passage of urine out of the body
Cystocele – Prolapse or bulging of the bladder into the vagina
Rectocele – Prolapse or bulging of the rectum into the vagina
Enterocele – Prolapse or bulging of the small intestine into a space between the rectum and vagina
Uterine prolapse – Prolapse or descent of the uterus into the vagina
Diagrams and visual aids can be an important tool in understanding your body and your health. We invite you to peruse our “diagram library.” Each of the figures below will open in a new browser window.
Birth Control (also see specific sections below for IUD, Diaphragm)
Birth Control Methods (FDA)
Birth Control Options – from Bedsider.org
Cancer
National Cancer Institute – WCancers by Body Location/System
Cryoablation
Cerene Cryoablation: https://www.cerene.com/patients/
Diabetes
College Diabetes Network
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence information – from Alianza
Endometriosis
Endometriosis Association
Exercise for 65+
Silver Sneakers
Herpes
Genital Herpes
Herpes Handbook from Portland Press and Westover Heights Clinic
Hospitals
Baystate Medical Center: www.baystatehealth.org
HPV Vaccine (Gardasil)
Gardasil – Vaccine for HPV and Cervical Cancer
Hysterectomy
Video reviewing hysterectomy from the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons
Immunizations and Vaccines
CDC Immunization Information
Incontinence
Bladder Control FAQs from American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)
Intimate Rose (Kegel Exercise System, Dilators, and More) – Some products are available in our Springfield office!
Please contact us to find out more.
Bladder Botox for Overactive Bladder
Also see the section below on pelvic floor disorders.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial Cystitis Network – Sponsored in part by various companies.
ICHelp.org – additional online resources addressing IC concerns including costs. Sponsored in part by various companies.
IUD Birth Control
IUD Information – from ACOG
General IUD Information – from Bedsider.org
5 common myths about IUDs – from Bedsider.org
Medications
Drugs.com – drug-information database
Drug Library – from the National Library of Medicine
Menopause
Visit our menopause resources and links page.
Mindful Awareness/Mindful Based Stress Reduction
UMASS Medical School Center for Mindfulness (Shrewsbury, MA)
Self guided online video course and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course opportunities
Contact/information: [email protected], or 1-508-856-2656
Apps:
Osteoporosis
Bone Health and Osteoporosis – from the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
Calcium Rich Foods – from the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
Pelvic Prolapse & Pelvic Floor Disorders
Patient Site from American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)
www.mypelvichealth.org
Cleveland Clinic OB/GYN & Women’s Health Institute
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/ob_gyn/womens_health/urogynecology_pelvic_floor_disorders/default.aspx
ACOG prolapse and pessary patient education videos
http://www.acog.org/For_Patients/Patient_Education_Videos/Pelvic_Organ_Prolapse
Take the Floor: Voices for Pelvic Floor Disorders
http://www.voicesforpfd.org/
Intimate Rose (Kegel Exercise System, Dilators, and More)
https://www.intimaterose.com/ – Some products are available locally in our Springfield office! Please contact us to find out more.
Pregnancy/Postpartum
Cord Blood Banking – Public and Private
National Marrow Donor Program
Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation
Folic Acid to Prevent Birth Defects – from the Centers for Disease Control
High Risk Pregnancies – from the National Institutes of Health
Information on Pregnancy, Babies, Prematurity – from the March of Dimes
Twins and Triplets – from Multiples of America
The Genesis Fund – support for hildren born with physical and intellectual challenges and benetic disorders
Products
Hypoallergenic Reusable Pads
www.gladrags.com
Allergy-Free Apparel
www.cottonique.com
Intimate Rose (Kegel Exercise System, Dilators, and More)
https://www.intimaterose.com/ – Some products are available locally in our Springfield office! Please contact us to find out more.
Safety Information
Environmental Working Group offers information about product safety, etc. www.ewg.org
Seasonal Flu
Flu resource page from the Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Sexuality
HealthyWomen (HW) – Nation’s leading independent health information source for women
www.healthywomen.org
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Centers for Disease Control – STD
www.cdc.gov/STD
Skin Health
American Academy of Dermatology
www.aad.org
Smoking – Information on Quitting, Cessation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Smokefree Women information, resources, tools, support
www.women.smokefree.gov
Terrie’s Story – Real Stories and Tips (from the CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/stories/terrie.html
Support
Bereavement website for parents: www.compassionatefriends.org
Urogynecology, Incontinence, Pelvic Prolapse
Patient Site from American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)
www.mypelvichealth.org
Patient information from the International Urogynecological Association
http://www.iuga.org/?page=patientinfo
Vitamin D
American College of Nurse Midwives
