Tag Archives: Dr Drai

6 Tips To Cure Vaginal Dryness Naturally – Dr. Drai

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Hi #GYNEGirls, #Preggos, & #GENTs! It’s ME Dr. Drai- America’s OBGYN. Chile I’ve outdone myself today. I just came home from outlet mall shopping…Who else LOVES outlet malls? I hear you loud and clear #GYNEGirls. While…One of the checkout gurls from Ralph Lauren remembered me from IG and asked Dr. Drai questions the whole time he was waiting in line, being cashed out, and while walking out the door. #InstagramFamous. That #GYNEGirl was SOOO excited to meet Dr. Drai in the flesh. I was flattered. The other customers weren’t too thrilled though. She asked me about ways to treat her vaginal dryness. The things #GYNEGirls ask me in PUBLIC. Well…Estrogen makes your vagina thick and allows for blood flow which gives it moisture. When estrogen decreases, the vagina becomes thin and cracks. OUCH! This can cause pain with intercourse. 60% of women will experience a dry vagina in menopause. There are other causes though….Your vagina can be dry after you have a baby, when breastfeeding, if you are taking meds like antihistamines, asthma or anti estrogen meds, got your ovaries removed, had cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy to the pelvis, use vaginal irritants like soaps and perfumes, have anxiety, and even if you smoke. Most ladies are a lil’ scared of prescription estrogen. That’s why Dr. Drai decided to write this post. Treating vaginal dryness can be difficult. Let’s get in these “Medical T’s” (TIPs) on natural ways to tackle this issue.

Tip #1 Try Lubricants– Make sure it’s water- soluble. I heart Astroglide. Avoid aloe or lavender products; they can cause irritation to the vagina.

Tip #2 Use Moisturizers– Try Replens over the counter. Apply it at night. Remember moisturizers are used for daily maintenance of the vagina NOT for sex. PLUS they last longer than lubes.

Tip #3 Apply Coconut Oil– This is one of my secrets. The oil from coconuts is a great lubricate AND it even has antibacterial properties. You CANNOT use it with condoms though.

Tip #4 Vitamin E Oil Gel Caps– You have to break the capsule first. Be careful this oil can stain your undies.

Tip #5 Eat More Soy– Soy has estrogen in it so it MAY help with your Dry Vag.

Tip #6 Have More Sex– If you don’t use it, you lose it #GYNEGirls!

There are other ways to treat vaginal dryness but they are not natural. Your DOC can prescribe estrogen to put in the vagina in a cream, ring, or pill form. You can’t take estrogen if you have breast or uterine cancer, have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, breastfeeding, or you are #Preggo. There’s a NEW drug called ospemifene. You take it once a day and it’s been shown to help with vaginal dryness and painful sex. #GYNEGirls- Listen up! Don’t be afraid to talk about your dry vagina with your DOC. Try the natural treatments first before taking estrogen. Until next time…

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Dr. Drai: 4 Health Conditions That Could Leave You Heartbroken

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HERE’S A QUESTION FOR YOU, #GYNEGIRLS: WHICH DISEASE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN WOMEN- A. BREAST CANCER OR B. HEART DISEASE?

Whether you believe it or not, the answer is B. HEART DISEASE. I know it’s a shocker because we hear more about breast cancer in the media. According to the American Heart Association, 1 in every 2 women will die from cardiovascular disease aka heart disease. So what puts you at risk? Here are 4 health conditions that can leave you heartbroken. Pay close attention! I’m trying to save lives here…

  1. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

It’s nice to be “high on life”, but make sure your blood pressure is not high too. Things that can cause high blood pressure are smoking, eating salty foods, excessive alcohol use, stress, and obesity. When your blood pressure is elevated you are more likely to have heart attacks and strokes. The goal for women under the age of 60 is to have a blood pressure less than 140/90. If you are older than 60 years old, your goal blood pressure should be less than 150/90.

  1. HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is the build-up of fat in your blood that can cause heart disease. Your cholesterol should be checked at least every 5 years. The cholesterol number that is most important for you to know is your LDL (also known as your “bad” cholesterol). Your LDL number is optimal when it’s below 100. How can you get to this goal? DIET AND EXERCISE….You can do it! If you need more help with lowering your cholesterol, your doctor can prescribe you a cholesterol lowering medication.

  1. DIABETES

If you have Diabetes, your risk of heart disease is 3 to 7 times higher than women without Diabetes. That’s why it’s important for you to closely follow-up with your doctor. You have to check your blood sugars at least 4x a day. If you are on medications- oral or insulin, PLEASE take them. AND watch that diet! Remeber Diabetes is a silent killer.  Currently, it is recommended that patients with diabetes be on a cholesterol medication to help prevent heart disease.

  1. PREMATURE MENOPAUSE

Well, #GYNEGirls, if you have not had a menstrual period in the past year, you may be experiencing menopause. Common menopausal symptoms are hot flashes, irritability, and sleep disturbances. The average age for menopause is 51, but for some women menopause can come prematurely like in their 30s or 40s. Here’s why this is important for your heart. Before menopause, your ovaries produce hormones such as estrogen that can protect your heart from heart disease. After menopause, these hormones are at very low levels and cannot protect your ticker anymore. Your doctor may prescribe you hormone replacement therapy to improve your risk.

Even if you have any of these risk factors, you can always make a change for the better. Don’t feel as if you have to make these health changes alone. Change can be a team effort! Contact your medical provider to help you on your journey to better health.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SOME LIFE CHANGES RIGHT NOW, HERE ARE A FEW TIPS YOU CAN START.

  • EXERCISE OR DO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH THE GOAL OF AT LEAST 150 MINUTES PER WEEK

  • QUIT SMOKING

  • LIMIT YOURSELF TO DRINKING A MODERATE AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL

  • HAVE A HEALTHY, WELL-BALANCED DIET: DIETICIANS CAN BE A GREAT RESOURCE TO HELP WITH THIS!

And remember, #GYNEGirls, if you want to make lasting lifelong changes, taking baby steps is key to reaching your goal. Oprah was NOT built in a day. You can do this, ladies! Here’s to heart healthy living! No more broken heart for you!

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Dr. Drai: 20 Things You May Not Know About The Penis

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From our favorite obgyn: Dr. Drai:

My new book “20 Things You May Not Know About The Penis” is finally HERE!

Consider this book the conversations we’d have if we were walking through the mall or getting our hair and nails done on a Saturday while sipping on some GOOD TEA! With chapters on whether you should spit or swallow, why jackin’ off is a great thing, and whether or not you should give the small penises any love, you know you are going to be hollerin’ all up and through that mall or salon! OMG! Can’t take you NO WHERE! However, as #AmericasOBGYN and having taken up medicine because of my genuine desire to inform #GYNEGirls, #Preggos, and #GENTs on their health, this book is about education as well.

Did you know:

  • men can do Kegels, too?
  • it is completely normal for a man to have 3-4 erections while he sleeps?
  • prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men?
  • the clitoris has twice as many nerves as the penis?

You already know how I feel about your health; it is the number one priority for me. This book addresses real issues, BUT if you are going to be talking about or dealing with the penis you have got to have some fun! Right?

You may think you know all there is to know about the penis and I’m sure you are doing a great job using that knowledge to rock your man’s world. The “Medical T” I drop in this book will take you from “PUT A CONDOM ON IT” to “PUT A RING ON IT” status (well, maybe)! It is such an honor to be considered as a little bit more than a doctor by some of you; y’all are my BOOs, otherwise I wouldn’t have written a book for you with my BEST TIPS.

“20 Things You May Not Know About The Penis” is available now online at http://www.drdrai.com/product/book. ORAL SEX Tips included…Pick up your copy TODAY and get ready to take your man to a whole new level TONIGHT! 

A portion of the proceeds from book sells goes to one of my favorite charities that advocates for victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence is REAL. Sadly, I haven’t met a patient yet who has not been a victim. A woman is beaten EVERY 9 SECONDS in the U.S. This truly breaks my heart. Remember if you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. You can also search www.domesticshelters.org to find domestic violence programs in your area OR call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). Pass this info along; you ALREADY know who needs it.

#GYNEGirls, #Preggos, and #GENTs, I really hope you LOVE this book as much as I love all of you! Until next time. Kisses…

Dr. Drai Breaks Down Your Risks For Breast Cancer

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Last month was Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Yeah… SuzyKnew! is late with this one. Not only that – a dubious milestone was achieved: the incidence of breast cancer among black women became equal to that of white women, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. Previously, breast cancer occurred at a lower rate among Black women. For more on breast cancer and black women see The Sisters Network, Inc.

Below Dr. Drai breaks down the risk factors for breast cancer. Straight – no chaser.

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Breast cancer affects more American women than any other cancer, except skin cancer. It’s also the deadliest cancer for women after lung cancer. Let’s review your risk.

RISK FACTORS

Age 40 or older – The risk for breast cancer increases as a woman ages. Most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50; the risk is especially high for women over 55.

Family history – The risk of getting breast cancer increases for a woman whose mother, sister or daughter has had the disease. The risk increases if the relative’s cancer developed before menopause or if it affected both breasts.

About 5-10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary due to genetic mutations in the BRCA 1 or 2 genes. There is a blood test available to see if you have this genetic difference. Women who have inherited one of these mutations are at risk for developing other cancers, especially ovarian cancer. There are other gene mutations that can lead to inherited breast cancers, but are much rarer.

Personal history – Women who have had breast cancer are at high risk for developing the disease again. There are also benign breast (glandular or ductal) conditions that increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

Race and ethnicity – African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer. African-American women are more likely to be diagnosed under the age of 45.

Never given birth, or birth after 30 – Estrogen levels in the breasts of these women are higher than in women who have had children, making their risk for breast cancer slightly higher. This is because estrogen increases the rate of cell division, which increases the risk of cancer developing. Higher estrogen leads to dense breasts (less fatty tissue in breasts) as well, which can make mammograms less accurate.

Long menstrual history – Women who began menstruating at an early age (before 12) and/or having a late menopause (after 55) are slightly more at risk for breast cancer, because of the level of estrogen in their bodies. Breastfeeding and loss of menstrual cycles may have a protective effect. The use of oral contraceptives and Depo-Provera also have a slightly greater risk while using the medications, but which reverses once discontinued.

Exposures – (1) Previous Chest radiation – women who had radiation therapy to the chest for other reasons as a child or young adult are at increased risk for breast cancer. (2) Women exposed to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the 1940’s to 1960’s have a slightly higher risk, as do their daughters. (3) Use of combined hormone therapy (conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate) is associated with a higher risk compared to estrogen alone. (4) Women who have more than one alcoholic drink a day on a regular basis are at higher risk. (5) Smoking tobacco increases a woman’s risk for breast cancer.

One more thing…Breast cancer affects #GENTS too, but it’s 100 times more common among women. #GYNEGirls- know your risk AND talk to your DOC. Until next time…

Dr. Drai Tells You 5 Things You Need To Know About Plan B

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Hi #GYNEGirls, #Preggos, and #GENTs! It’s me- Dr. Drai #AmericasOBGYN. Ya’ll already know that I am still busy balancing Werking as a DOC versus Werking as a media personality. Sometimes I’m TIRED.com. Ladies- you know I LOVE you right? Let me just be honest with you. You gurls have been wearing me out in the office with this one especially on Mondays. Hint Hint. Plan B is an emergency birth control that is used to stop you from getting #preggo after having not so protected sex. You would use Plan B if you just didn’t use a condom. Dr. Drai is rolling his eyes right now. You would also use Plan B if the condom breaks or slips off. This pill will also be given to you if you were raped. By now you know that Plan B is over the counter. Back in the day you had to take 2 pills but now it’s only 1 pill. Let’s talk about 6 things you need to know about Plan B.

1. You must take Plan B within 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex. It decreases your chances of pregnancy by 95% if taken within 24 hours.

2. Plan B does not cause abortions. It won’t work if you are already pregnant.

3. Plan B won’t work if you weight more than 176 pounds.

4. Nausea & vomiting is a common side effect of taking Plan B. If you vomit within 2 hours after taking it, it won’t work.

5. Taking Plan B may cause you to have irregular periods.

If Plan B doesn’t work out for you, remember you can get the Paraguard IUD (copper IUD) inserted by your DOC in your uterus within 5 days of having unprotected sex. Oh and one more thing make sure the condom always fits. Until next time…