Women’s Health with Dr. Huh

How can providers help pregnant women make informed decisions that match their values when it comes delivery options such as induction of labor or vaginal birth after C-section? Allison Shorten, Ph. D., RN, and Ann Peralta, founder of Partner to Decide, discuss how decision aids give women and their care teams clear, research-based information to guide conversations about options and preferences r...

There’s no way to anticipate the unique questions, concerns, and types of support you’ll need during pregnancy, and that’s why perinatal nurse navigators are an important part of UAB's pregnancy care team. Nurse navigators Jasmine Maye, RN, and TeShawn Hardy, RN, join Dr. Huh to explain how they engage with patients and the rest of the team. They highlight some key moments when having a perinatal...

Placenta accreta spectrum, a condition where the placenta doesn’t detach after delivery, can quickly become life-threatening. Dr. Huh talks with gynecologic oncologists Michael Straughn, M.D., and Trey Leath, M.D., about what makes this a dangerous condition; how it may affect the bladder; and why it’s most often managed with a hysterectomy. Learn why early diagnosis and referral to a tertiary cen...

Placenta accreta spectrum, which refers to a placenta that attaches too deeply, is a little-known condition with serious risks for pregnant women. Dr. Huh speaks with Akila Subramaniam, M.D., and Haller Smith, M.D., about the condition’s rising incidence, how it is diagnosed, and how team-based planning improves outcomes. Learn how early recognition helps providers prepare for safer deliveries.

Black women in Alabama are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Audra Williams, M.D., and prenatal nurse navigator Jasmine Maye discuss the clinical and socioeconomic hurdles to improving Black maternal health, as well as the programs making a positive difference.

Occasional exhaustion is normal during and after pregnancy, but it's important to watch for signs of emerging mental health conditions. In Part 2 of their discussion on perinatal mental health, Dr. Huh, Rachel Fargason, M.D., and Katie Orr, M.D., explain key warning signs, available treatments, and how loved ones can provide meaningful support. They emphasize that the best approach is often a comb...

Up to 85% of women experience postpartum mood disorders. Rachel Fargason, M.D., and Katy Ashley Orr, CRNP, join Dr. Huh to discuss perinatal mental health and explain the differences between temporary “baby blues” and more serious mental health conditions. Learn how to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, key risk factors, and when to seek support. Stay tuned for part 2, when...

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally a safe and effective way to relieve numerous symptoms and risks related to life after menopause. Gretchen Wells, M.D., a cardiologist with expertise in women’s heart health, joins Dr. Huh to give context to a study that created some reluctance among doctors and patients to utilize HRT. Learn what the Women’s Health Initiative study actually concluded...

Almost every drug and treatment advancement available to you had to be proved safe and effective by way of clinical trials — studies on human participants. Learn the fundamentals of clinical trials from Rebecca Arend, M.D., medical director of the Clinical Trials Office at the O’Neil Comprehensive Cancer Center. She discusses the the stages of clinical trials, important research concepts, and the...

Do you know the difference between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a yeast infection? What about trichomoniasis, which has similar symptoms of vaginal inflammation and discomfort? These are the most common causes of vaginitis, and they each have different treatment regimens. Learn more about the common conditions from the physicians who lead the UAB Vaginitis Clinic, Christina Munzy, M.D., and Olivia...

Menopause is a natural physiological process that can diminish quality of life for some women, usually occurring after age 40. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can address many of the symptoms of menopause. However, a series of large studies in the early 2000s pointed to increased risks for breast cancer and heart disease, and many providers and women shied away from HRT. William Hurd, M.D., an e...

Clinicians have the ability to eliminate cervical cancer thanks to improved screening and the HPV vaccine. At the same time, mortality rates in our mostly-rural state are roughly the same as they were in 1999. Isabel Scarinci, vice chair of global and rural health, introduces Operation Wipeout, a UAB-led plan that mobilizes civil society groups to encourage screening and vaccination across Alabama...

Girls and young women (0-18) may have unique gynecological issues, yet there are few pediatric and adolescent gynecologists. Blair Lacy, M.D., one of just four such subspecialists in Alabama, explains her training and the complex considerations of working with young women. She also conveys the importance of her clinic being a safe place for parents to seek specialty care and advice about sensitive...

The pelvic floor is an important muscle structure at the base of the pelvis, and when it is not functioning properly it can cause issues such as painful intercourse, incontinence, and prolapse. Jennifer Fagen, a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy, discusses how she helps patients address pelvic floor dysfunction through internal exams, education and feedback, and s...

As many as 85% of gynecologic cancer survivors face sexual health challenges. Learn from Christina Wilson, CNP, Ph. D., about the dimensions of sexual health and how UAB providers approach each case uniquely with an expanding array of treatment options for survivors. She emphasizes that this common and sensitive aspect of survivorship is important to address with your doctor. Wilson encourages pat...

Obstetrical injuries, or those that occur during labor and delivery are more common than patients may realize. Six to seven percent of women undergoing vaginal deliveries will have damage to the anal sphincter muscles, or obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Holly Richter, M.D., and Clark Powell, M.D. discuss the complex care required for these injuries and describe their research-backed OAS...

More women are choosing to delay childbirth until their late 30s and early 40s. Diedre Gunn, M.D., joins Dr. Huh to discuss the relationship between age and infertility. She describes both the challenges and opportunities for women seeking to conceive beyond the optimal age range. Learn about the circumstances under which you and your OBGYN might consider options such as IVF, use of donor eggs, or...

First trimester pregnancy losses, more commonly referred to as miscarriages, occur in around 10% of all pregnancies. Dr. Huh is joined by Shweta Patel, M.D., an obstetrician, to share little-known facts about early pregnancy loss that can help patients understand this emotional experience: Why does it happen? What are the risk factors you can and can’t control? How can a pregnancy loss be managed...

Women’s health providers often deliver unexpected or difficult news to patients who may face an emotional rollercoaster. Dr. Huh discusses this important interpersonal aspect of care with Brian Brocato, M.D., a lead physician of the UAB Comprehensive Addiction in Pregnancy Program (CAPP). The doctors discuss the art of listening and connecting patients with counseling when appropriate; encouraging...

Modern obstetrics depends on information gathered by way of ultrasound imaging (also called sonography). Most women will have 2-3 ultrasounds at specific points in their pregnancies as part of normal care. Sheri Jenkins, MD, and Niki Marsh, a sonographer, join Dr. Huh to discuss the ultrasound process and how the scans are used to provide individualized care throughout a pregnancy. Learn more abou...

Certified nurse-midwives (CNM) are advanced practice nurses who offer women continuity of care throughout adulthood, including during labor and delivery. Shelia Lopez and Anna Floyd, CNMs, join Dr. Huh to discuss the relaunch of the nurse-midwifery pathway at the UAB School of Nursing, and what it could mean for women’s health in our state. Learn more about the broad scope of care CNMs offer and h...

Obstetricians often refer to the immediate months after you have your baby as the “fourth trimester” because it is an important time to watch for common health issues. Sima Baalbaki, MD, joins Dr. Huh to discuss postpartum depression, healthy breastfeeding, and hypothyroidism, among other topics. Learn why is it important to share all symptoms with your obstetrician even if they don't seem serious...

Fourteen thousand women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year despite the effectiveness of vaccination and screening at preventing the disease. Dr. Huh is joined by Haller Smith, MD, a specialist in gynecologic oncology, to discuss strides in screening that have already reduced cervical cancer by 75%, as well as the obstacles to improving prevention even more. Dr. Smith discusses the latest...

Endometriosis affects one in 10 reproductive-age women, but it is a complex and painful disease that often takes its sufferers years to get diagnosed. Richard Burney, MD, division director for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, discusses the causes and progression of endometriosis; methods of diagnosis and treatment; and the related concern of infertility – which can be related to the dis...

Minimally invasive surgery has become the preferred approach for many gynecologic procedures, often offering precision and better recovery for patients. Dr. Huh is joined by Todd Jenkins, MD, to discuss the benefits of minimally invasive surgery (i.e., laparoscopic) versus traditional, open surgery. As they cover a range of advancements related to the surgery itself and recovery, they place specia...