Blog Archive

If you’ve been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you might be worried about your ability to start a family. This condition, which affects about 10% of women, can cause frustrating side effects like irregular periods, weight gain, excess body hair — and it can make getting pregnant difficult.   The...

Every woman is different, and so are periods. While menstrual cycles generally occur every 21-35 days and last for 3-5 days, cycles as long as eight days and as short as one day can be considered normal.  It’s natural for periods to be a bit unpredictable during adolescence. As you...

When it comes to birth control, there’s no shortage of options. But many of them rely on hormones, synthetic materials, or a device inserted somewhere in your body to provide protection against pregnancy.  These methods are highly effective, but for women who prefer a more natural approach, ovulation and fertility...

If you have uterine fibroids, it’s natural to wonder if your daughter will develop them as well. In fact, one of the most common questions patients ask the team at Daniel S. Kushner, MD, is whether fibroids are hereditary.  Many factors go into whether women develop fibroids and their associated...

Ovarian cysts are a common gynecological issue. The good news is they usually resolve on their own without causing discomfort or rupturing.  That’s why at Daniel S. Kushner, MD, in White Plains and Queens, New York, Dr. Kushner and his team often recommend “watchful waiting” for ovarian cysts. If you...

Pap smears are a routine health screening for women that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix, the lowermost part of your uterus. Early detection of these cells can help in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.   Doctors recommend women age 21-65 get regular Pap tests, generally every three...

Have you ever had one of those days where you felt like you were on an emotional seesaw, swinging between highs and lows without any clear reason? You're not alone. Many factors influence your moods, but there's one culprit that often flies under the radar: PCOS.  PCOS, or polycystic ovary...

Chances are you’ve heard of gonorrhea (sometimes called “the clap”), but how much do you really know about it? Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria.  Women, in particular, should be aware of the symptoms, as they can often be subtle. However, there’s nothing subtle about the impact...

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids or are concerned you might have them, it’s natural to wonder how they’ll affect your life and whether they might resolve on their own. These noncancerous growths can trigger frustrating symptoms, including digestive problems, heavy periods, and urinary incontinence.  At his private practice in White...

With the many different birth control options available, choosing the best one for you can seem overwhelming. Board-certified OB/GYN Daniel S. Kushner, MD, and the team at his private practice in White Plains and Queens, New York, want you to be informed and confident about the method you choose.  Schedule...

If you’ve suffered from the unpleasant symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), you’re in good company. The Urology Care Foundation estimates that this uncomfortable infection accounts for over 8.1 million visits to the doctor each year. Board-certified OB/GYN Daniel Kushner, MD, specializes in treating UTIs as part of the comprehensive gynecological care offered at his private...

Millions of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis, a condition that occurs when the lining of the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside of the uterus. This can cause significant pain, cysts, heavy periods, and infertility.  At his private practice in White Plains and Queens, New York, board-certified...

Women in their reproductive years develop a functional ovarian cyst about once a month when an ovary releases an egg. But sometimes things go wrong and women develop irregular ovarian cysts, either because an egg doesn’t release (follicular cyst) or there’s a hormone imbalance (polycystic ovarian cyst).  Sometimes ovarian cysts...

Getting a Pap smear is an important preventive measure that protects your health. But if you’ve never had this essential exam, it’s natural to be a little nervous and wonder what you can expect and why it’s so important.  At his private practice in White Plains and Queens, New York,...

Occasional constipation isn’t usually cause for concern. But if constipation has become routine, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Most of the time, eating more fiber, drinking more water, and moving your body more helps.  But if you’ve been struggling with chronic constipation that hasn’t responded to dietary changes...

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in existence, and more than 43 million sexually active people have one or more types of HPV. There are over 200 strains of the virus, and about 40 of these are spread through sexual contact.  HPV infections are...

If your teen daughter has been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), she’s not alone. About one in 10 teen girls has this condition, which causes the ovaries to produce excess male hormones.  It’s important to make sure your teen gets treatment for PCOS because having this condition increases her risk of developing serious health conditions...

Sexual intercourse should be a source of pleasure, not pain. If sex brings you pain, it’s a sign that something needs attention. Pain during intercourse is never OK, so don’t wait to talk to a provider if it’s happening to you.  In women, painful sex (called dyspareunia) has many possible causes...

If you have ovarian cysts, you’re probably wondering why you have them and where they came from. The truth is, ovarian cysts are a normal part of your menstrual cycle, developing each month when an egg gets released from the follicle.  Sometimes, however, the cysts don’t go away as they...

When you’re pregnant, you’re focused on protecting your growing baby. One of the best ways to do this is by prioritizing your health — including addressing and treating any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) you may have. At his private practice in White Plains and Queens, New York, women’s health specialist...

Did you know HPV, the human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in America? There are more than 200 different strains of this virus, and over 42 million Americans have the infection — with about 13 million new cases occurring each year. Some HPV strains aren’t sexually transmitted and cause common...

At least once in their lifetime, most women experience the frequent urge to urinate, bloody urine, pain, and burning that urinary tract infections (UTIs) bring. But did you know that for at least 25% of women, these UTIs become a recurring theme? The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes more than 90% of UTIs. E. coli is naturally found...

Did you know that hysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure for women of childbearing age in the United States? By age 60, more than a third of all American women have had this gynecological surgery that removes reproductive organs. But not all hysterectomies performed are medically necessary. Removing...

Did you know that in America, over 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) get reported each year? STDs don’t discriminate, meaning every sexually active person is vulnerable. Now that you’re sexually active, it’s important to protect your health — and your partner’s health — against STDs like chlamydia and...

Every sexually active woman, regardless of age or relationship status, is at risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). One common STD is gonorrhea, which causes at least 1.6 million new cases in the United States every year. As part of his commitment to women’s health, board-certified OB/GYN Daniel S. Kushner, MD, offers...

If you’re hoping to avoid pregnancy, you might feel overwhelmed by the many birth control choices available. From pills to patches to implants, selecting the right contraceptive isn’t always easy.  At his private practice in White Plains and Queens, New York, board-certified OB/GYN Daniel S. Kushner, MD, takes time to...

If you’re one of the 10% of American women diagnosed with endometriosis, chances are good you already know that this chronic condition, in which the lining of your uterus or endometrium grows outside your womb, can trigger painful periods and other physical symptoms, including infertility.   But did you know that...

Did you know uterine fibroids affect about 35 million American women? If you’ve received a diagnosis of fibroids or are worried you may have them, you might be concerned about the negative effects they can have on your life.  At the private practice of Daniel S. Kushner, MD, in White...

Ovarian cysts are extremely common, and almost every woman of childbearing age develops at least one cyst each month as part of her normal menstrual cycle. Most of the time, ovarian cysts go away on their own without causing any symptoms.  But when the cyst doesn’t resolve or when you...

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, affecting more than 1 in 5 women over their lifetimes. The most common symptom people with a UTI experience is a burning sensation when urinating, though the infection can cause other bothersome symptoms. It’s important to learn what you can do to avoid...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes about 43 million infections in the United States each year. HPV infections are especially common in older teens and people in their early 20s. There are over 100 different types of HPV, many of which don’t cause...

Although most women have heard of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), many don’t fully understand this condition and how it affects a woman’s body. Research into PCOS is ongoing, but it’s thought that there is a genetic cause, which means you’re more likely to have it if your mother or a...

A Pap smear is a medical test that allows your doctor to get a sample of cells from your cervix, which connects your uterus and your vagina. Collecting a sample of these cells and sending it to a laboratory for analysis allows your doctor to detect any abnormalities that could...

It’s important to pay attention to your body so you know what’s normal for you and so you also notice when things are different. Endometriosis is a common condition affecting 2%-10% of women ages 25 to 40.  The symptoms of endometriosis vary but can be uncomfortable and distressing. It’s important...

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a very common technique for removing abnormal cells in the genital tract, but many people aren’t familiar with it. With such a long and complicated name, it sounds like it could be a difficult procedure. In fact, it’s fairly simple and quick, and there...

A woman’s reproductive system is complex, and it operates on a monthly cycle with distinct phases. It’s important to learn when you’re ovulating, especially if you want to avoid pregnancy or want to get pregnant. It helps to understand what’s going on with your cycle and how that affects your...

Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection in humans. Approximately 10 out of 25 women will have a UTI at least once in their life. UTIs can cause a lot of discomfort, which can worsen if you delay treatment. Effective treatments can cure UTIs, and certain...

Ovarian cysts are extremely common. Many women get one or more each month during the ovulation phase of their menstrual cycle — they often appear and then go away on their own without you knowing it. Unless multiple cysts form or a cyst gets much larger, you may not even...

Endometriosis is an often misunderstood condition that causes tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus to grow outside of the uterus. This can be a painful, serious condition with a significant impact on your health and well-being. It’s important to learn the signs and symptoms of endometriosis so...

You know you want birth control that’s easy to use and works well. Are you aware of all the birth control options that are available these days? There’s one that will work well for you and your lifestyle, and we can help you find it! Dr. Daniel S. Kushner is...

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common. It’s estimated that half of women and 1 in 10 men will have a UTI in their lifetime. They can occur in your bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra and can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms.  Daniel Kushner, MD, is a skilled and...

Most sexually active people are aware that sex can cause pregnancy and can also spread sexually transmitted diseases. Using protection such as a condom or female condom can prevent the spread of STDs and prevent unwanted pregnancies.  However, sometimes in the heat of the moment, you might not be prepared...

Many women dread the arrival of their monthly period. Between the bleeding, cramps, bloating, and muscle aches, menstruating is inconvenient and uncomfortable. However, when periods are excruciating, it can make you really miserable and could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment.  Dr. Daniel S. Kushner is...

As a woman, you know what’s normal for your body. When you start to experience strange symptoms, you may wonder what’s going on and if there’s something seriously wrong. It’s important to remain calm and make an appointment with an OB/GYN to talk about your symptoms and get a physical...

Although human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD), it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Part of the reason for this is that there are many different types of HPV, and many of them don’t cause any symptoms. However, whether you’re aware you have it or...

Choosing birth control is an important decision. You may have talked to your friends or read a few things online, but you may be overwhelmed and confused. There are a lot of myths about birth control, and it’s important that you learn the facts and get solid, trusted information when...

A well-woman exam is a routine medical appointment that’s tailored to a woman’s needs. It involves a basic health check combined with routine diagnostic tests to detect any serious health issues. This exam also gives you an opportunity to bring up issues or questions and for your doctor to provide...

Your vagina is an organ in your body that contains yeasts and bacteria that help to keep it healthy. The bacteria that thrive in your vagina allow it to have an acidic environment, which discourages infections. Sometimes, certain events can alter the functioning of your vaginal system and throw it...

Retrograde menstruation is when a woman’s menstrual flow moves in the wrong direction. Most women experience this to some extent, but if it’s severe, it can cause pain and may lead to endometriosis. If you are having abnormal bleeding or any other gynecological problems or concerns, it's important to get...

Whether you’re a sexually active individual or not, you’ve probably heard of human papillomavirus (HPV). With nearly 14 million new cases of HPV popping up each year in America alone, there’s good reason to be concerned about it.   If you’ve recently been diagnosed with HPV, which in some cases can...

Getting a Pap smear isn’t exactly something every woman looks forward to. That’s why at the offices of Daniel S. Kushner, MD, we take pride in providing our patients with comprehensive Pap tests in a comfortable environment. Sometimes called a Pap test, a Pap smear is a type of procedure...

Chlamydia is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States. It’s estimated that more than 2 million cases occur throughout the country every year. However, just because it’s common doesn’t mean that it’s well understood by the general population. If you’ve been diagnosed with chlamydia, you likely have...

Today's birth control comes in many forms, from pills to patches to barrier methods. Some forms of birth control have to be used correctly every time you engage in sexual activity, like a condom, while others, like a hormonal birth control ring, last for up to a month. Most barrier...

If you’ve ever had a UTI, you know it’s no picnic. UTIs are often extremely uncomfortable, even painful, and can lead to a host of other problems if not properly treated. For this reason, early treatment is definitely key when it comes to UTIs. Dr. Daniel S. Kushner and the...

Ovarian cysts are extremely common, but they can make life difficult when they grow too large or rupture. Many women experience ovarian cysts, but only a small number of them will require treatment or surgery.  When ovarian cysts begin causing problems, it's important to seek professional help. Dr. Daniel Kushner...

You got your pap smear like you were supposed to and hoped everything would come back negative/normal. Unfortunately, you found out your results were positive/abnormal. Don’t panic; this doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. What it does mean is that you need to undergo more tests to find out...

Incurable but manageable, endometriosis plagues an estimated 11% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44. This condition occurs when uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing painful growths where there shouldn’t be extra tissue.  Endometriosis, often called “endo,” gets its name from the endometrium, or the...

Should you consider implant birth control? This method of contraception is for you if you’re looking for an effective, low-maintenance way to prevent pregnancy. Learn more about hormonal arm implants and intrauterine devices and decide which is best for you. Dr. Daniel Kushner and our team of highly skilled specialists...

A recent study reveals sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in seniors climbed 23% from 2014 to 2017. Patients over age 60 account for the greatest rise in sexually transmitted diseases, more than twice the national average for people ages 13-59. This is partly due to a lack of communication. Gynecologist and...

The National Institutes of Health estimate that about 80% of women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50. Not every woman who has fibroids knows it, though, since they are often asymptomatic or cause symptoms that are mistaken for other issues. When they do cause symptoms, however, fibroids can certainly...

No one wants to think about sexually transmitted diseases, but without proper education regarding human papillomavirus (HPV), you may find yourself confronted with even worse topics like genital warts and even cancer. Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect yourself. Dr. Daniel Kushner provides treatment for a wide...

One in five women will have a urinary tract infection at some point during her lifetime, and nearly 20 percent of women will have more than one. Some women experience recurrent UTIs. Even if you’ve only experienced one, it’s worthwhile to learn simple steps you can take to reduce the...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. This common disorder is due to imbalanced reproductive hormones affecting the ovaries. So, if you have PCOS, your ovaries may not be able to make eggs or release them properly during your menstrual cycle. This hormonal...

If you have uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis, surgery is sometimes a necessity if you want to feel better. You may require surgical treatment when more conservative approaches, such as medication, don’t work. Sometimes, doctors must perform gynecological treatment via open or traditional surgery — meaning it’s done through...

Months with heavier menstrual bleeding are common. Many women experience wide fluctuations in the amount of menstrual blood between periods, but not all episodes of excess flow can be classed as abnormally heavy, medically called menorrhagia. This is a condition where you not only experience major bleeding, but the associated...

Birth control is a top priority for many women. And there are a variety of options to choose from these days -- so many that it may be hard to pick one. Your doctor can help narrow the selection since not all methods of birth control are right for every...