Obstetrics & Gynecology

Being pregnant is a wonderful time, full of anticipation and excitement for the arrival of a baby. Parents want to be sure they are doing the right things to keep their baby healthy before, during, and after birth.

Finding the right clinician to provide reassurance and support during your prenatal care and through labor, birth and beyond can make a big difference. At Atrius Health, we understand how important finding the right care is for every patient,

A variety of hormone-related changes are experienced by women over a lifetime, starting with puberty and the onset of periods through the effects of pregnancy and childbirth. There are multiple sources of information to prepare patients for these physical and psychological journeys integrated into both educational settings and routine healthcare. Not so much for the transition to menopause.

Many people associate menopause with old age, hot flashes, and moodiness. But there is much more to know about the path to menopause,

Yeast infections are more common than you might think – about 75% of women will have one in their lifetime. Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infection affects up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lifetimes. Many women experience at least two episodes. Yeast infections may leave you feeling uncomfortable and itchy, but they can often be easily handled with the proper treatment and prevention measures.

Dear Dr. S., where did my libido go? My partner and I have a good relationship. We have been together for 15 years, I feel safe, and I still like him! We have young kids, and we are both working from home. At night, we just collapse into bed. Where has the romance gone, and how can I get my groove back? Please help! LackingLibido

Dear LackingLibido,

Dr. Lilja Stefansson, OB/GYN at Atrius Health, answers sensitive questions with straightforward answers.

Dear Dr. Stefansson, I am trying to get pregnant, and my doctor told me to start a prenatal vitamin. I went to the pharmacy to purchase a bottle, but I ended up so overwhelmed that I left without buying anything! Please help! – PuzzledByPrenatals

Hi PuzzledByPrenatals, you are not alone!

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, uncomfortable infections that can happen in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Anyone can develop a UTI, but they are more common in women. About one in five women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, and many will have repeat infections. Although symptoms are often uncomfortable, several treatment options are available to speed recovery and prevent future infections.

Some women are at a higher risk of developing a UTI,

Dr. Lilja Stefansson, OBGYN at Atrius Health, answers sensitive questions with straightforward answers.

Dear Dr. Stefansson, my daughter is 13 years old and recently started her period. When does she need to have her first gynecology visit? – GrowingUp2Fast

Dear GrowingUp2Fast, this is an excellent question, and I wish I heard it more often! The adolescent years can be a challenging time where our kids are “not really children,

Dr. Lilja Stefansson, OBGYN at Atrius Health, answers sensitive questions with straightforward answers.

Q: Dear Dr. Stefansson – I am freaking out. The condom ripped the other night during sex. Right now is not a good time for a pregnancy. Help! – “NotReady”

A: Dear “NotReady,” oh goodness! You experienced what is called a “contraceptive failure.” This happens when the birth control you are using literally fails you in your efforts not to procreate.

So many people I know are tracking step counts, sleep cycles, nutrients and what they eat, heart rates, and more. However, most of the women I talk with have never learned that their bodies have observable, trackable signs of fertility. There is so much more than just the date of the last menstrual period. Knowing and using these signs can help women and their partners either avoid or achieve pregnancy, no added chemicals needed! Tracking these signs can also help women notice changes in their health earlier and seek care if needed.

Contraceptives have existed for thousands of years. In ancient Greece and Rome, the use of a plant called silphium (found only in a small region of Libya) was so popular as a method of birth control that over-cultivation resulted in its extinction. In ancient Egypt, a concoction of crocodile dung (ew!) and sour milk was developed, which was then placed into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. You really do not want to get pregnant to come up with that!