Did you know that you should have a comprehensive well-woman exam each year? It’s true. Even if you’re generally healthy and feeling good, you should check in annually with your doctor. Routine exams might seem like just another item to add to your long to-do list, but these appointments are...
Did you know that about one in 10 couples has fertility problems? Deciding it’s time to start a family and then finding out that you’re facing infertility can be devastating. But you’re not alone, and treatment can significantly improve your chances of conceiving. Infertility is generally diagnosed when you’ve been...
Do you fall asleep only to awaken a short time later soaked in sweat? If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you could be experiencing night sweats, a common symptom of hormonal fluctuation. And if you’re waking up in the night drenched in sweat, chances are good that you’re suffering hot...
For many women, the oral birth control pill is the first thing that comes to mind when they consider their contraception options. But these days, there are a lot more birth control options from which to choose. Each type of birth control has its benefits, and you need to consider...
Your body goes through a dramatic transformation during pregnancy. Regular prenatal appointments are essential to keep you and your growing baby healthy, and your appointments are the perfect time to discuss symptoms and questions you might have. Some symptoms, like fatigue and morning sickness, are normal. But when do your...
Hormonal changes — whether from menopause, childbirth, or something else — can trigger vaginal dryness. Decreased vaginal moisture often makes sexual intercourse uncomfortable, but the symptoms don’t stop there. Vaginal dryness is a common problem, yet up to 90% of women living with vaginal discomfort don’t seek treatment. You might...
Two-thirds of sexually active American women use some form of birth control. As a woman, birth control, also called contraception, is a key component of your health care plan because it gives you the ability to control whether you get pregnant. The two main types of contraception are hormonal and...
Pregnancy is an exciting time. It’s also one of dramatic changes, both physically and mentally. When you start reading a pregnancy guide, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by what you should and shouldn’t do to have a healthy pregnancy. It seems like everyone has their own tips and tricks to...
At some point in their 40s or 50s, women experience menopause, the natural end of their menstrual cycle. Throughout your reproductive years, your menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones. You can get pregnant, and you have a period every month when you aren’t. But your hormone levels decline as you...
Pregnancy changes a lot about your body. It’s common to suffer aches, weight gain, and fatigue as you support a growing baby. While exercise might be the last thing on your mind when you’re feeling drained, it can boost energy and help you feel more like yourself. It’s generally safe...
About 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have endometriosis, and up to half of all women who experience infertility have it. Endometriosis develops when your uterine lining — called the endometrium — grows outside the uterus. The endometrium naturally grows inside your uterus and sheds during...
The decision to have your first child is life-changing. And once you’re holding your newborn, you settle into a routine and get comfortable as a family of three. Then, eventually, you might start thinking about when you should start trying for another baby. Ask family and friends, and you’ll find...
About 80% of women will have had a fibroid by the time they turn 50. They’re common growths that develop in the uterus, and they’re generally painless. But sometimes fibroids can interfere with fertility and make it more difficult to get pregnant. At our comprehensive OB/GYN clinics in Cranston, Providence,...
Menopause is a natural part of life that every woman goes through. The average age range of menopause, which is when you stop having your menstrual cycle, is 48 to 55. Officially, menopause starts when you stop menstruating for a full year. The time leading up to menopause, when your...
Some women find that they sleep like babies for the entire nine months of pregnancy, but others struggle to get the sleep they need to feel rested. If you need help getting your pregnancy ZZZs, here are eight tips for better sleep from Dr. A. Michael Coppa, an OB/GYN with...
There's no way to prevent breast cancer entirely, and factors like age and genetics may be beyond your control. But if you're concerned about your risk of developing breast cancer, you can take steps to minimize your risk. Michael Coppa, MD, has more than 25 years of experience supporting women’s...
Getting your monthly period can be challenging enough. But, when you can’t even predict when you’re going to get it or when you do get it, it’s very heavy, it is even more challenging. Irregular and heavy periods are symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common condition...
During pregnancy, there are lots of steps you can take to help keep yourself and your baby healthy and to lower your risk of pregnancy complications. One of these steps is to gain the right amount of weight. But how much weight gain is right for you and your baby?...
An obstetrician is a specialized physician with advanced training in pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive matters. These doctors are also known as OB/GYNs and go through specialized programs that focus on: Prenatal health Pregnancy Labor and childbirth Health problems after childbirth Genetics and genetic counseling Dr. A. Michael Coppa has...
Endometriosis is a painful gynecological condition that affects about 1 in 10 women of childbearing years. While there is no known cause of endometriosis, some factors raise a woman’s risk of developing it. Risk factors include having a family member with the disease, having started your period before age 11,...
As many as one in five women in the US experience disorders related to problems with the pelvic floor, a system of muscle and tissue that supports the organs of the pelvis. Though one of the least common of these disorders, pelvic floor prolapse can have a serious impact on...
If someone tells you your pregnancy is high-risk, that means there could be potential health concerns for you or your baby. Several different things can play a role in whether or not your pregnancy is high-risk. For some women, it’s having a pre-existing condition like diabetes, hypertension, or lupus. For...
It's only natural to start thinking about everything from names to nursery decor after learning you're pregnant. In all the excitement, however, don't forget another big decision — selecting an obstetrician. At his offices located in Cranston and Smithfield, Rhode Island, Dr. A. Michael Coppa brings over 25 years of...
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age, during any stage of your life, but it’s most common in older women during menopause. This unpleasant condition can interfere with your sex life and your self-confidence. For more than 25 years, at his practice’s locations in Cranston and Smithfield, Rhode Island, Dr....
The world of birth control offers up a wide array of options that suit almost every goal. If yours is to find a way to prevent pregnancy, without having to think about it, an intrauterine device, or IUD, is just the ticket. Here at our practice, Dr. A. Michael Coppa...
While some women sail through the transition to menopause without so much as a hot flash, there are many who must manage uncomfortable, sometimes debilitating, symptoms of menopause and still stay on task at work. It’s important to first understand that you’re not alone. Dr. Coppa not only can help...
Whether it’s your first child or you’re adding to a growing family, you want your pregnancy to go as smoothly as possible. Of course, not everything is risk-free, which is certainly true when it comes to bringing a child into the world. That said, you can take certain steps to...
