Blog | Dr. Ayalon OBGYN

Best Gynecologic Services in Tarzana CA

Published January 28, 2021 | By parham

Women go through several stages throughout their lives, each with their own unique medical concerns. From menstrual problems in adolescence to menopause, it’s important that women can visit a trusted and skilled gynecologist at any time. Dr. Roy Ayalon is an experienced and accomplished doctor, providing a large variety of gynecologic services for women of all ages. Find out more about what to expect throughout the various stages of women’s health by scheduling your appointment with our top-rated gynecologist in Tarzana CA.

When Should I Schedule My Annual Gynecology Exam? | Tarzana CA

Published December 31, 2020 | By parham

Scheduling your annual gynecology exam is an important part of every woman’s yearly health planning. With an annual exam, your doctor is able to detect any issues early and help you navigate your unique medical situation.

What to Expect During Your Exam

Women go through several stages throughout their lives, each with their own unique medical concerns. From menstrual problems in adolescence to menopause, it’s important that women can visit a trusted and skilled gynecologist at any time. Dr. Roy Ayalon is an experienced and accomplished doctor, providing a large variety of gynecologic services for women of all ages.

Dr. Ayalon provides all of his expert medical care with compassion and sensitivity. He gets to know each of his patients personally and will take the time to answer each of your questions with simple and straightforward explanations. You are guaranteed that every visit to Dr. Ayalon’s office will mean you will receive care from the same committed and trusted OB/GYN you’re used to seeing.

Schedule Your Appointment

To start your new year off well, schedule your appointment with your gynecologist in Tarzana CA today!

Best Obstetrician in Tarzana CA

Published November 27, 2020 | By parham

Finding out you are pregnant can be an exciting and scary moment for any woman. However, with the right obstetrician, you can navigate your pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy until delivery.

What to Expect

Dr. Ayalon takes his time getting to know his patients and you can be assured that you’ll receive personal, individualized care. At any time, feel free to share your thoughts, concerns, and preferences to Dr. Ayalon and he will listen, answer your questions, and adjust your care when necessary. You can rest easy knowing that your baby will be delivered safely and happily with the most advanced and personal medical care possible.

Pregnancy is a complicated process. To help you understand what’s to come, this general guideline will serve as a reference of what typically occurs in most women during their pregnancies. Counting the weeks of a pregnancy can be done several different ways, but for this guide, we’ll use the gestational age method, which counts day one of the pregnancy as the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period. Keep in mind that conception has yet to take place on day one with this method.

There is no straightforward schedule that all pregnancies are expected to follow perfectly. Your pregnancy may differ from this guide’s description and others you’ve been told about. If you experience pregnancy in a different manner, it is not necessarily a problem. If you have any concerns or questions, you should consult with our obstetrician in Tarzana CA as soon as possible.

Is STD Screening Necessary? | Tarzana CA

Published October 28, 2020 | By parham

If you are wondering if you should be tested for STDs, the answer in most cases is yes.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that spread through sexual activity. STDs may be bacterial, viral, or parasitic. Some are curable, but others can only be treated. They vary greatly in type and may not even produce noticeable symptoms. They can, however, create serious problems for women, developing babies, and breastfed infants, including infertility and death.

There are over 25 different types of STD-causing infectious organisms. STDs can be spread through all types of sex, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex. STDs can spread whether or not penetration occurs, though studies have found that they spread more easily from men to women. According to studies by the American Social Health Association, the U.S. has the highest rate of STDs in the industrialized world.

To find out more about STD screening, schedule your appointment with your gynecologist in Tarzana CA today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Postmenopause in Tarzana CA

Published September 24, 2020 | By parham

For many women, navigating postmenopause can be challenging to navigate. To help better understand what to expect, here are a few commonly asked questions:

Can I still get pregnant now that I am postmenopausal?
When you have gone without a period for a year, chances are you will not be able to get pregnant. However, you should always use a contraceptive until you have been tested to confirm you are postmenopausal. A simple blood test, measuring your follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) will determine whether or not you are postmenopausal. If you are unsure, ask Dr. Ayalon to conduct this test.

What are Hot Flashes?
Women can experience hot flashes several years before and after menopause, while some women never experience hot flashes at all. Hot flashes are characterized by intense heat, rapid heartbeat, and sweating, and each occurrence may last as long as thirty minutes. The cause of hot flashes is linked with decreased levels of estrogen in the body as a result of menopause. When the body doesn’t have as much estrogen, it affects the ability of the hypothalamus to regulate body temperature. If you are not of the age to experience menopause and have had hot flashes, this is a sign of a problem with the pituitary gland.

How can I Treat Hot Flashes?
The most common treatment of hot flashes is in the form of hormone therapy. Treatments that utilize a mixture of estrogen and progestin hormone replacement are about 80-90% effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. Hormone replacement therapy should only be used to treat hot flashes and other menopause symptoms in the short term. Long term use of hormone replacement therapy has been linked to other serious health problems like strokes, breast cancer, and uterine cancer. Hormone replacement therapy should be evaluated every year.

To learn more about what to expect postmenopause, contact your gynecologist in Tarzana CA today to schedule a consultation.

Why It is Essential to Keep Your Routine Gynecology Exam in Tarzana CA

Published August 19, 2020 | By parham

For many women, the annual gynecology exam is not the doctor’s appointment you look forward to attending. Though the exam itself can be a bit uncomfortable, visiting your gynecologist for a routine checkup ensures your overall health.

Dr. Ayalon provides all of his expert medical care with compassion and sensitivity. He gets to know each of his patients personally and will take the time to answer each of your questions with simple and straightforward explanations. You are guaranteed that every visit to Dr. Ayalon’s office will mean you will receive care from the same committed and trusted OB/GYN you’re used to seeing.

You can be confident that you will receive comprehensive and carefully performed services that ensure early prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of women’s health disorders. To learn more about what to expect during your exam, schedule your appointment with your gynecologist in Tarzana CA today!

Infertility Treatments | Tarzana

Published July 27, 2020 | By parham

Are you struggling with infertility? We have several infertility treatments that may be able to help.
For nearly 15% of all couples, infertility is a crisis, but not one that can’t be solved by medical assistance. Below are some treatments and procedures that Dr. Ayalon can suggest to increase your fertility and finally help you start a family.

Types Of Infertility Treatments

Home Treatments

Just because you have failed to become pregnant doesn’t necessarily mean you should take infertility medication. There are many techniques you can use at home to help you increase your chances of becoming pregnant. For example, stress can actually interfere with becoming pregnant. If work has been keeping you tense, try yoga, meditation, long walks, writing in a journal, or simply holding hands with your partner to lower stress.

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)

Infertility can be treated with a variety of prescription medications. Clomiphene citrate comes in pill form and helps induce ovulation. About 80% of infertile women who were treated with clomiphene citrate were able to ovulate, and half of them achieved pregnancy over multiple cycles of medication.

Hormone Injection

A low amount of estrogen in the body could mean you are having difficulty ovulating. Hormone injections work similarly to clomiphene citrate in that they stimulate ovulation by raising your estrogen levels.

Meet Your Doctor

Dr. Roy D. Ayalon., MD is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as the International Organization for Women and Development.

Learn more about Dr. Ayalon

Call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ayalon at (818) 654-9312

How To Administer A Breast Exam At Home

Published June 14, 2020 | By parham

If you aren’t maintaining your women’s health exams regularly, it’s important to know how to administer a breast exam at home. Breast cancer is a common form of cancer found primarily in women. In fact, an estimated 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Breast exams are used to detect breast cancer before it grows and gets worse. Self-examinations should begin as early as the teenage years, but by age 20, women should be performing self-breast exams on a regular basis.

Steps For Self-Examination At Home:

Self-examinations take only a few minutes and should especially be performed one week after the start of your period. The first part of a self-exam should be done in front of a mirror. Check the appearance of your breast from multiple angles and note any changes in breast size or shape. Notice if the texture of your skin looks irritated, dimpled, or retracted. The nipples should be checked for fluid discharge. They may also be turned inward or enlarged.

The second part of the exam can be done standing or lying down. You can start with your right breast by raising your right arm and placing your hand behind your head. With your left hand, feel your breast with the tips of your three middle fingers. Search for signs of lumps or masses. These should feel very firm and are usually painless. Squeeze the nipple with your finger and thumb to see if discharge appears. After this, perform the test again on the left breast, reversing the hands you used for the right side.

Examination Results & Options

If you have detected any of the symptoms described above, alert Dr. Ayalon as soon as possible for a clinical exam. If you are uncertain about a lump, Dr. Ayalon can help you determine whether or not it is a serious problem. You can contact Dr.Ayalon here.

Managing A Healthy Pregnancy During COVID-19

Published May 25, 2020 | By parham

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone. We want to make sure you and your family are ok, and that you know we continue to be a resource for your gynecological health and family-planning needs. Here’s a brief check-in for our pregnant mothers and their support systems. If you feel stressed or concerned, anxious, or worried, we understand and we are here. Below are some helpful tips for managing a healthy and happy pregnancy amidst this global pandemic.

Find a virtual pregnancy support group

Although most in-person events, classes, and groups are canceled, you can look into joining a virtual support group. It’s always a good idea to talk to other people in a similar situation as yourself – pregnant during the COVID-19 outbreak. Check-in with your regular support group and see if they would want to do it virtually through Zoom, Skype, or any other video call service.

Yoga and meditation during pregnancy

It’s important for you and your baby to keep your anxiety levels down, even during this time. One way to help feelings of anxiety is through exercise, like going for a walk or doing yoga. Make sure to talk to your health care provider before taking part in any exercise.

Another option to reduce anxiety is meditation. Meditation is a way to clear your mind through breathing exercises. These exercises will help your mind slow down and ease worries. There are many meditation apps you can choose from and download to get started.

During the time of the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s especially important to find ways to stay active virtually. There are many free yoga classes online and also meditation apps you can use your phone for.

Connect with friends and family

Many of us around the country have been ordered to stay in our homes if we are not essential workers, and to keep a safe distance from others. This can feel isolating. Thankfully, we have plenty of modern technology to keep us connected to our friends and family. Try these:

Set up FaceTime or Skype hang outs with your friends. Video calls with your family will help you feel a personal connection to others.
Plan a Zoom meeting with old coworkers or friends.
Avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking

Stressful times typically make us want to reach out for external solutions for our problems. But, while you’re pregnant and after birth, it’s important you stick to the recommendations from your doctor like: Stay away from smoking, don’t drink alcohol, and don’t use illegal or unprescribed medical drugs.

Tips On Boosting Preconception Health

Published March 6, 2020 | By parham

Healthy pregnancies begin even before you even plan to become pregnant. Here are some tips for preparing your body for future pregnancies. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our preconception health page.

Take Folic Acid:

Folic acid is a B vitamin needed to generate new cells. To prevent any birth defects in your baby, especially to the brain and spine, it is important to have high levels of folic acid in your system to help new cell generation. Brain and spine development occur very early in pregnancy, within the first 28 days, so maintaining the appropriate levels of folic acid in your system can prevent birth defects even before you are aware of your pregnancy. Women who are able to bear children should take 400-800 micrograms of folic acid each day whether they plan to become pregnant or not. Try to take a multivitamin supplement that includes this daily dose of folic acid as well as calcium, iron, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D.

Keep Vaccines Up-to-Date and Have Regular Health Screenings:

Every woman should have regular screenings, have regular pap smears, and keep their vaccinations up-to-date, and in pregnancy this is especially important, as your health will affect your baby’s health. Some diseases, including STD’s, can be transmitted to the baby during delivery, so screening for them once you find out you are pregnant can help determine whether a cesarean section may be a better delivery option to prevent transmission of any diseases. This may also determine whether your baby should be immunized at birth.

If you are not immune to rubella and chickenpox, which can cause complications during pregnancy, you should be immunized immediately and not attempt to become pregnant until a month after immunization. Make sure you get the flu shot before pregnancy along with vaccinations for Hepatitis B if you haven’t already.

Manage Health Concerns:

Before pregnancy, it is important to manage health problems like epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, obesity, depression, eating disorders, and asthma. You should always be finding ways to achieve better health like staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and making smarter food choices. If there are any specific pregnancy risks that run in your family, please discuss them with Dr. Ayalon. It is important that you can openly communicate with your doctor about any other health concerns you may have.

For more info on preconception health, call us at 818.654.9312.