Blog Archive

Ovarian Cancer Basics and Early Warning Signs  There are plenty of early warning signs of ovarian cancer but identifying them can be difficult. With a deadly disease such as ovarian cancer, it is extremely crucial for both doctor and patient to discuss symptoms and causes for concern.  If you suspect...

The Many Uses of Birth Control Pills    As a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) working in women's health, I often find myself discussing the various benefits of birth control pills with my patients. While most people are aware that birth control pills are used to prevent pregnancy, they have many...

What is dense breast tissue? Breasts are made up of different types of tissue: Fibrous or connective tissue that holds the breast in place; glandular tissue, which includes lobules and ducts that produce and transport milk; and fatty tissue that fills the space between fibrous and glandular tissue and helps...

You Are Not Alone - Understanding Miscarriage: Facts and Awareness for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring the lives of those lost during pregnancy and shortly after birth. Miscarriage, which is often a taboo topic, actually affects about...

One of the most common questions we receive from our patients in early pregnancy is: “Am I allowed to eat ____ while I’m pregnant?” Most of the time the answer is ‘it depends’. Don’t stress too much, most things are fine in small quantities!    - Deli Meat: Almost every...

PA Week is an annual celebration established by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) that is held from October 6 to October 12 to recognize and honor the contributions of Physician Assistants (PAs) in the healthcare field. Physician Assistants (PAs) play a crucial role in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), contributing...

The Postpartum “Bounce Back” Debunked   The “bounce back” culture influenced by social media, celebrities, and societal pressures has led to unrealistic expectations and subsequent disappointment for new moms. And I was one of them!   As a first time mom, I jotted down my 12-week postpartum fitness and weight...

Why You Should Feel Comfortable with Your OBGYN: Insights from a Physician Assistant      When it comes to your reproductive health, feeling comfortable with your healthcare provider (Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Mid Wife) is imperative. Your relationship with your OBGYN can significantly affect your healthcare experience, from routine...

Do your Periods SUCK? Let’s find out why!   For many women, their period is accompanied by significant discomfort or pain, known as dysmenorrhea. While mild cramping is common, some experience severe pain that can disrupt daily activities. Understanding the possible causes of painful periods can help you find the...

It's that time of year again - back to school! While the students in our lives are busy getting back into the swing of academics, it's a great time for all of us to focus on our own health. Let's get organized and make a back-to-school health checklist to start...

Decreased libido? You're not alone! Here are some reasons this may occur: Stress! High stress levels can contribute to a low libido. Finding ways to manage stress through techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or regular physical activity can help improve overall well-being and potentially enhance libido. Medical Conditions: Certain medical...

First Trimester Bleeding Bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is very common. Bleeding during the first trimester can be caused by various factors, ranging from harmless to potentially concerning issues. Some common causes include: 1. Implantation Bleeding: Around the time of expected menstruation, some patients may experience light spotting...

Every May beginning on Mother’s Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) leads National Women’s Health Week (NWHW). This year, NWHW takes place May 12 – 18th. This observance aims to highlight women’s health issues and priorities and encourage women of all...

Benefits of Exercising During Pregnancy   Pregnancy is a transformative journey, both physically and emotionally. Amidst the flurry of preparations and excitement, one aspect often overlooked is the importance of exercise. While it's natural to prioritize rest and caution during this time, maintaining a regular exercise routine can bring many...

  April 21-27 is Infertility Awareness Week Infertility Awareness Week is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about infertility and its impact on individuals and families. This week aims to foster greater understanding, empathy, and support for those navigating the challenges of infertility, while also advocating for societal changes...

Benefits of Delivering a Baby in a Hospital   Bringing a new life into the world is a special moment. While there are various options for childbirth, such as home births or birth centers, delivering a baby in a hospital offers numerous benefits that cannot be found elsewhere. In this...

Navigating Fatigue During Pregnancy Pregnancy is filled with excitement and anticipation, but it also brings about a myriad of physical and emotional changes. One of the most common challenges that many expecting patients face is fatigue. While fatigue during pregnancy is entirely normal, it can be overwhelming and impact your...

If you’ve had a cesarean birth and get pregnant again, one question is going to come up - should you plan for another c-section, or should you try to give birth vaginally? This is not always an easy decision to make, and there are several factors to take into account....

The Importance of the RSV Vaccine in Pregnancy    Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with anticipation, joy, and careful considerations for the health of both the mother and the unborn child. Amidst the many decisions expectant mothers face, one topic gaining attention in the recent years is the administration...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

No, there's no need to panic if your Pap smear shows ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance). ASCUS is a very common finding in Pap smears, and it often does not indicate a serious problem. Many factors such as infections, inflammation, or even normal variations in cervical cells can...

The Safety of Long-Term Use of Oral Contraceptives   Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, have been used by women for several reasons.  They have been used for decades to prevent unintended pregnancy and treat many menstrual disorders, including pain, heavy bleeding, and to help lessen the symptoms...

Essential Vitamins and Supplements to Balance Hormones Hormones and insulin resistance can cause issues for many women, especially upon entering perimenopause. Fluctuations of key hormones and insulin levels occur, for a variety of reasons, including:  - Perimenopause/Menopause - Polycystic ovarian syndrome - Menstrual cycles - Birth control - Pregnancy - Insulin resistance - Chronic stress and...

Endometriosis is a bear. It doesn't always "follow the rules" and can be different from one affected person to another. The treatments that are helpful for one person may not do a thing for another. Endometriosis is a condition when tissue from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows...

Folate in Pregnancy: Why Folic Acid is the Supplement of Choice Pregnancy is a critical period in a woman's life, and proper nutrition is paramount for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. One essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in fetal development is folate. However,...

While TikTok can be a source of entertainment and information, it is important to be cautious about taking advice on sensitive topics like vaginal health from social media platforms, including TikTok. Here are some reasons why you should exercise caution when considering advice on this topic from TikTok or any...

Coping with Morning Sickness During the Holidays   The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and cherished moments with family. However, for some newly pregnant mothers, the festivities can be overshadowed by the challenges of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, commonly known as morning sickness. If you find...

Love, Risks, and Taylor Swift   Who hasn't heard of Taylor Swift at this point?  Who isn't a fan?  I know I am.  I thought it would be fun to talk about an uncomfortable subject with her help!  Taylor Swift's music has been a guide for many, echoing the joys...

Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy    Now that you are pregnant, your body will go through a number of changes, including your skin. The hormones of pregnancy cause a variety of different changes in your skin.  You may see changes such as a sudden glow on your face, darkening of...

Vaginal discharge is a normal and natural part of reproductive health. Yet, it's a topic that many people feel uncomfortable discussing openly.    What is Vaginal Discharge? Vaginal discharge is the fluid produced by the glands in the cervix and the walls of the vagina. It plays a crucial role...

I've been practicing as an OB/Gyn for many years now, and I am very aware that most patients are not particularly happy to come see the gynecologist for an exam. And that's ok, I completely 100% understand that it is awkward at best, and can be a downright terrifying for...

Oftentimes, women only see a gynecologist because something...isn’t right... down there. Yeast and bacterial infections are extremely common, whether you’re having sex or not. Many sexually transmitted infections are also very common.  Despite the commonality of these conditions, it is not always easy to have an open dialogue, with a...

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women   Urinary tract infections are a common issue for women and can cause discomfort, pain, and certainly inconvenience. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing an infection. Women are at a higher risk of developing UTIs, simply because of...

If you are perimenopausal or menopausal and struggling with getting a good night's sleep, you are not alone. Though many women can fall asleep just fine, staying asleep is a challenge for many women during this time of life. Women will usually develop more fragmented sleep; so you may be...

Congratulations on your new arrival! The birth of a child is one of life's greatest joys, but it can also be a challenging time for new mothers. Many women experience postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects their mood, energy levels, and overall mental health. It's important to know that PPD...

Deciphering the Post-Roe Abortion Laws by State      Roe v Wade, the landmark 1973 case that established a constitutional right to an abortion, up until the fetus can survive outside the womb, was the law of the land for nearly 50 years.  In June 2022, however, the Supreme Court overturned...

Tdap Vaccine in Pregnancy   The Tdap vaccine is an essential tool in protecting both pregnant women and their unborn children against serious illnesses. Here are several reasons why every expectant mother should get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. Protection against whooping cough Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is...

Should I be Meditating?   The health benefits of medication and mindfulness are numerous! Meditation can alleviate stress and improve your ability to heal. Starting a meditation routine doesn't have to be difficult.    What is Meditation?  Meditation is the act of refocusing your mind to bounce back from a...

Recovering From Surgery   Recovering from surgery can be difficult. Everyone experiences pain differently and recovers on a different timeline. Here are some general tips to help make your recovery easier:   Take your pain medications as prescribed. If you were given a narcotic pain medication (Percocet, Vicodin, Tramadol, etc),...

How Do I Get Pregnant?   If you're trying to conceive, you may be wondering, "How do I get pregnant?" While it may seem like a simple question, there are many factors that can impact your ability to conceive. Here are some key things to keep in mind: Understand your...

Pregnancy Cravings: What Causes Them & What Are the Most Common Cravings?   If you are currently (or have been) pregnant, then we don’t have to tell you that pregnancy cravings can be intense at times.  You might be sitting on the couch watching TV when a commercial for your favorite...

NIPT: A Comprehensive Overview There has been a significant increase in the number of patients opting for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) over the last few years, with good reason! NIPT is a simple blood test performed during pregnancy to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. In this blog post,...

Birth Control Options: A Guide to Choosing the Right Method for You Choosing the right birth control method can be a confusing and overwhelming process, but it is an important decision if you want to prevent pregnancy or control your period. With so many options available, it can be helpful...

Breast cancer screening is very important. With more than 250,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year in the U.S., it’s likely you know several people who have experienced this life-threatening disease. The purpose of screening for breast cancer is to detect the disease as early as possible. The earlier...

Planning to Breastfeed?   Are you planning to breastfeed?  You probably already know that breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that a baby needs for healthy development. Breast milk also helps to protect babies against infections, allergies, and other health problems. There are many benefits...

How to NOT put on Weight During the Holidays   The Holiday season is now in full swing, and there are so many goodies and sweet treats everywhere you look! It can be difficult to resist all the food and drink temptations around the holidays, and of course it is...

When Your Newborn Needs to go to the NICU  Most parents hope for a smooth, healthy birth, and that is usually the way it goes. According to the World Health Organization, somewhere between 90-95% of births are normal and healthy; however, when your newborn needs to go to the NICU...

Vaginal care I feel there should be more education about how we should take care of our bodies!!  Most women believe we have to use special products in and around the vagina to encourage it to smell clean and fresh. WRONG. The truth is, these products can actually make things...

What is endometrial ablation? Excessively heavy menstrual periods can be very disruptive to a woman’s everyday life, and even lead to heath problems like anemia. Endometrial ablation is a relatively common procedure that surgically ablates or “burns” the lining of the uterus – or the endometrium. By destroying the lining,...

Introducing Your Baby to Your Pets  Introducing your newborn to your fur babies is an exciting moment, but it is also one that should be well-planned. Some pets respond better than others to new arrivals, especially if your dog or cat considers you to be “their primary person,” and feelings...

You’re Pregnant!! Now What?! What to Expect During your First Few Prenatal Appointments   Your First Visit At your first prenatal visit, we will confirm the pregnancy and review important health information.  In our office, the confirmation of pregnancy is done with a urine pregnancy test or a blood test. ...

Nutrition in Pregnancy Eating a healthy, nutritious diet during pregnancy can be difficult. There is no magic formula to the perfect pregnancy diet, but a nutritious diet during pregnancy can help you handle the extra demands on your body as you progress throughout your pregnancy. Here are some tips to...

Miscarriages are very common, with about 10% to 20% of all known pregnancies ending in miscarriage. Although miscarriages are common, many people do not talk openly about their miscarriage experience, which leads to difficulty in fully understanding the physical and emotional toll of a miscarriage. If you have experienced a miscarriage,...

Let’s talk about permanent birth control (Sterilization)   Elective sterilization has become more popular as a method of contraception (birth control). Sterilization can be done at any time or at the time of a cesarean section.   Sterilization is permanent and cannot be reversed. Traditionally sterilization was done by “tying”,...

Choosing a Health Care Provider for Your Baby   Your first baby is due any day now. You memorized your provider’s phone number. You mapped the route to the hospital. You have even packed your things (maybe). But wait. . . Who is going to provide your baby’s medical care once...

Now that you’ve had your 6 week postpartum visit you might be wondering how to start being intimate with your partner again. For many women, it also might be the very last thing on your mind. Nonetheless, let’s talk about a few things to keep in mind when beginning to...

Mammogram Screening Guidelines   Mammograms are a life saving tool that helps detect breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of non-skin cancer in individuals with breasts worldwide. There are many different guidelines that can be used for when and who to screen for breast cancer. Here at Premier...

Weight Gain in Pregnancy   Common questions in pregnancy are “am I gaining enough weight” or “am I gaining too much weight”?   If you were at a normal weight before becoming pregnant, you’ll probably gain about 25-30 pounds before your baby is born. Your weight gain includes the baby’s...

As girls grow into teens, it's important that they receive appropriate medical care from a doctor who specializes in the health care of women. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommend that young women have their first visit with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) between the ages of 13 and...

Postpartum Padsicles  Once you get home with the baby, you will need to be sure you not only are taking care of your child, but also yourself. To help with that, go ahead and make some padsicles prior to delivery. A good time would be around 34 weeks.  These are...

All About Endo… Endometriosis   For many women, painful periods are a fact of life. But when the pain is so bad that you miss school or work, that’s not normal and you should see an OB/GYN for evaluation.   What is endometriosis and how common is it?   Endometriosis...

EEEEEEEE!!!! So happy for Britney Spears! I hope her AMA pregnancy goes super smoothly and she and her baby are healthy and happy! When Britney announced her pregnancy on social media this week, she brought up that she had struggled with perinatal depression with her previous pregnancies. I appreciate when...

Why am I having trouble controlling my urine?   In our office we hear so many concerns about the lack of urinary control and the irritating associated problems. When we are young and our tissues are firm and well estrogenized, the relationship between the bladder and the urethra, the pathway...

Preparing for Surgery   Preparing for a major surgery such as a hysterectomy may feel overwhelming but your surgeon can help guide you through the process. We have put together this guide to help make it easier as well.   Prior to your surgery: Take all your medications as prescribed...

Preparing for Labor & Birth   Labor precautions and how to know the difference between true and false labor Spring is approaching! The newness and fresh start of this season brings peace and warmth to the heart and soul. It reminds me of new green growth, flowers blooming, bird eggs waiting...

Ectopic pregnancies occur in 1 out of every 50 pregnancies, making them more common than we are comfortable with. They present a high-risk situation to the mother because they can cause permanent damage to her reproductive tract if the ectopic pregnancy is missed or isn’t treated soon enough.  Ectopic Pregnancies...

What exactly is an epidural?   Anesthesia administered via an epidural is administered into a space around your spinal nerves, known as the epidural space. When using an epidural for anesthesia in labor and delivery, this will create numbness from your bellybutton down through the tops of your legs.  When...

Once you are in the third trimester (28 + weeks) of your pregnancy, it is time to make sure everything is ready for your new family members arrival. From putting the crib together to finishing that last coat of paint on the walls, there is likely one thing you haven’t...

Choosing to breastfeed, formula feed, or both is one of the biggest decisions that expectant parents will make. The truth is it is difficult to prepare for breastfeeding and that it does not always go easily or as planned. Weighing the pros and cons of each method can help you...

Pain control in labor   Labor and childbirth are painful. Thankfully there are many different options for pain control during the labor and delivery process. Here are some of the most common methods to help.   Natural or unmedicated: If you choose to have an unmedicated birth that doesn’t mean...

Dental Care & Morning Sickness in Pregnancy Tips & tricks to help improve your pregnancy experience  During this time of year, many people take time to self-reflect and make new year’s resolutions. For some this may include healthy living.  How many of you were told you could floss better at...

The Importance of Health Care for the LGBTQ Community  All individuals deserve equal access to healthcare. It is especially important for members of the LGBTQ community to receive care from providers who are gender-affirming and culturally competent.  Research suggests that LGBTQ individuals face health disparities linked to social stigma, discrimination,...

Whether you are newly pregnant or planning pregnancy, you might be wondering what kind of changes you need to make with your diet and exercise!  Weight gain Now is not the time to focus on weight loss or cutting back on calories.  In fact, it is expected that women with...

The holiday season is not always a happy time for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  Whether it was a recent loss or one that occurred some time ago, feelings of grief can be heightened and may seem overwhelming during the holiday season. COVID-19 has added...

All I Want for Christmas is More than Two Minutes of Sleep Pregnant and sleep deprived?  Tips & tricks to help improve your sleep experience in pregnancy   #1 Question: “Can I sleep on my back?”   Early in pregnancy, it is perfectly fine to sleep or lay on your...

If you are looking to prevent pregnancy in the short term, long term or permanently, you may be overwhelmed with all the options available. Here are the pros and cons of the most common methods of contraception.   Contraceptive Pills, Patches and Vaginal rings There are two types, combined (estrogen...

After years of regular cyclic bleeding, many women find a degree of relief when menopause comes and they no longer need to be bothered with the monthly ritual. At the present time we generally recommend natural hormone replacement therapy for the many benefits that it offers, including control of the...

Holiday Travel Tips for Expectant Mothers  The time of year is upon us when families get together for the holidays. We get many questions around this time of year about safe travel during pregnancy. This article will answer the most commonly asked questions about travel during pregnancy and the extra...

Here are 6 things your OBGYN wants you to stop worrying about!    1. Worrying about hair "down there" We don't care if you shave, trim or wax before your appointment. It doesn't obscure anything we need to see or get in our way at all. Please, please, please don't...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month! As we move towards the end of the month, let’s review some facts about breast cancer and what we can do to screen for breast cancer and treat it.   Facts about breast cancer: 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their...

As an OB/Gyn, I have a LOT of patients who tell me that they are just not that interested in sex anymore. Most of these women don’t really understand why they are not in the mood for “it” any longer, and this is NOT just an issue that older women...

You come in for your annual exam ready for your breast exam, pelvic exam and Pap smear, only to find out that your provider won't be doing a Pap smear this year. A Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. Most people are used to having Pap smears...

Fall is here, and along with dusting off your Halloween décor and grabbing your pumpkin spice latte, it is also time to think about getting your annual flu shot.  Flu season lasts from October to May, and peaks between December and February.  Though the media is pushing everyone to get...

Family vacation planned?  Best friend’s wedding?  Girls trip?  You may be wondering if you need to cancel your upcoming travel plans because you have recently found out you are pregnant. Good news! There are certain methods one can follow to ensure safer travel.     It is advised to drink plenty...

You may hear about “vaginal rejuvenation” and wonder what all these different concepts have in common. After all, some people associate rejuvenation with improving function through medical hormonal therapy or injections, some with the use of lasers, and yet others with a variety of surgical procedures. Rejuvenation is commonly defined...

September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month, an opportunity to share there is no known safe amount, no safe time, and no safe type of alcohol during pregnancy. What is FASD? The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) describe a collection of conditions that can occur in individuals...

As the Covid-19 pandemic drags on, we understand that many patients and their loved ones have questions about how to stay safe and healthy, and especially may have concerns if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. We are here to help answer your questions.   What are the Risks of COVID-19...

I’m over age 35.  Is it too late for Pregnancy?  If you’re considering pregnancy after age 35, you’re part of a growing trend. More women are choosing to postpone motherhood and start or add to their families later in life.   It’s no secret that pregnancies later in life pose higher risks than...

How are STI’s transmitted?   Most sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted during any type of sex. When we think about STI’s we often think about vaginal or anal sex as the route of transmission, however, oral sex and other types of sex play can transmit STI’s.     How do we...

9 Benefits of Breastfeeding   The American College of OB/GYNs and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that for the first 6 months of life, a baby should be exclusively breastfed. This means that if possible, breast milk should be the only form of nutrition for your baby, no other...

What are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can vary in size from tiny to very large, and may grow inside the uterus, on the outer service, or be attached to the uterus by a stem-like structure. Who gets fibroids? If...

For years Ob/Gyn physicians were highly trained to perform detailed and careful abdominal surgeries, and a little later expertise in vaginal surgery arose. Though these surgical techniques have been greatly refined over the years, there were still significant limitations, such as the significant hospital admission and recovery time that an...

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy or “morning sickness” is one of the most common and bothersome symptoms of early pregnancy. Fortunately, there are a lot of remedies that can help you through this difficult time.    Here are some tips you can try at home:   Stick to bland foods...

Childbirth is a magical time for all mothers. As soon as your baby is born, all the maternal feelings and parental knowledge just magically appear out of nowhere, right? Wrong. For many women, this may not be the case. Some women struggle with feelings of anxiety, sadness, and insecurity about...

Having difficulty getting that motivation to be intimate? You are not alone. More than 40% of women have been reported to have sexual concerns. Low desire is the most common sexual problem reported by women followed by low arousal and orgasm difficulties. How often should I be having sex? This...

I don't want to be pregnant anytime soon, and I HATE taking a pill everyday. What are my options? Your life is crazy! Whether you're training for your next marathon, chasing around your two-year-old, or taking care of your fur babies, life can be hectic. Add on remembering to take...

You've been waiting for months to meet your new baby, but how will you know when it's "go time"? The onset of labor doesn't always follow the same set of rules for everyone. Here are some key things to know about the labor process: When will I go into labor?...

Have you or your friends begun to move into the menopause years, and found increasing problems with hot flashes, night sweats, excess moodiness and difficulty sleeping? These of course are symptoms of the natural process of aging and the development of menopause, where the ovaries simply cannot produce the youth...

Vaginal discharge is normal!   Every person with a vagina has vaginal discharge. You may be wondering what is normal. Everyone's discharge is different. Some have almost none, while others can have enough to be noticable in their underwear. The amount of discharge can also change during the menstrual cycle. ...

Congratulations! You are pregnant! This is the time in your life when many important decisions must be made. One of the most important decisions is your choice in a healthcare provider. Many women believe that an OB/GYN is the only option if they plan a hospital delivery; however, many hospital...

What is a Pap Smear?   You might be preparing for your first gynecologic visit and wondering what you have just signed up for. Or you might have had numerous Pap smears but are still uncertain exactly what it means.  A Pap smear, or a Papanicolauo test, is a screening...

It happens all the time - you're scrolling through your social media and come across another post: beaming smiles, hands on a belly and eventually you see it - a picture of an ultrasound. It's another pregnancy announcement. Your overwhelming happiness for the newly minted parents-to-be is dampened by your...

Pregnancy can be a very exciting time, but that doesn't mean that everything about being pregnant is a walk in the park. Thankfully, there are lots of tips and tricks to help manage the bothersome symptoms. Here are some of the most common that women can experience, and some ideas...

Most of my female friends and family admit to feeling a little nervous or awkward when they go to see their OB-Gyn, especially when seeing that person for the first time! I get it. After all, these are personal and sensitive topics that aren’t always the easiest to talk about....