Blog Archive

Pregnancy should be a happy and exciting time in your life, but if you're high-risk, it can be worrisome. High-risk pregnancies aren't uncommon, but they can be scary when you don't know what to expect for you or your baby. Although a high-risk pregnancy can cause complications, regular prenatal checkups...

Men and women worldwide acquire more than 1 million new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) every day, and most of them don't have symptoms. Most STDs are curable, but without treatment, they can lead to infertility and other lifelong problems. Abstaining from sex is the only way to prevent an STD...

Your sex life is meaningful at any age, although it often goes by the wayside when other things in your life become more important. But when you find your spark again, you want everything to be perfect. Unfortunately, with aging comes specific bodily changes that affect your love life, including...

Getting pregnant isn’t always as easy as some people think. It takes some women longer to get pregnant than they expect for various reasons, including body weight. If you're struggling to get pregnant and you're overweight, the solution may be as simple as dropping a few extra pounds. But if...

An ultrasound is one of the ways doctors check your baby as the little one is growing in the womb, but is it safe for both you and the baby? If you're pregnant for the first time, you may be wondering. Although an ultrasound seems normal in prenatal care, it's...

Many women experience some form of irregular vaginal bleeding at some point in their lives. It may not always be a reason for concern, but if unpredictable vaginal bleeding is happening more often than not, it may be time to seek treatment. If you're done having children and irregular vaginal...

Pap smears are an essential part of every woman's health. They allow us to screen for cell changes that could indicate cervical cancer. The earlier we find cervical cancer, the easier it is for us to treat it, but when should Pap smears begin? Dr. John Paul Roberts is a...

Although your breasts are attached to your chest, you may not be as familiar with them as you should be. Breast cancer is a real threat, especially if you don't know what to look for in your own body. Breast self-exams are one of the best prevention measures you can...

Most women dread that time of the month when their period arrives, but it's especially true if you have heavy periods. And it's concerning if you don't usually have heavy bleeding or you're experiencing irregular menstrual bleeding. Many issues and conditions lead to heavy periods, including infections and certain medications, ...

Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, and you hope that the baby is healthy, but what if you're at risk for complications? Your age and other factors contribute to your and the baby's health. A high-risk pregnancy is scary, especially if it's unexpected. You may be confused about...

Taking control of your health as a woman means going for regular breast and pelvic exams, which often include a Pap smear. The Pap test is an important screening tool that allows doctors to screen for cancer cells and other cervical abnormalities. Learn when to start getting Pap smears and...

Many women dread hitting menopause, as it changes many aspects of their lives, including weight and sex drive. And the changes leading up to menopause — a period known as perimenopause — can last for years until your period stops for good. The hormonal changes related to menopause can significantly...

If you've ever received the call that your Pap smear was abnormal, you know the fear and uncertainty that follows. But before you get too scared about cervical cancer, don’t worry.  At the private practice of board-certified OB/GYN John Paul Roberts, MD, we want to assure you that an abnormal...

Breast cancer accounts for more than 30% of cancer diagnoses in women every year. One out of every eight women is at significant risk for breast cancer in her lifetime. Screening for breast cancer is essential to ensuring your long-term health. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want...

You’re certainly familiar with menstrual cycles, which are how women's bodies remove the uterine lining every month if pregnancy doesn't occur. Many conditions and circumstances affect your period, including a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS affects 1 in 10 women during their childbearing years. One of the signs...

Vaccines are an essential component of preventive health care, providing your body with a defense against harmful bacteria and viruses. But you may not realize that vaccines are vital for a healthy pregnancy. Staying vaccinated during your pregnancy isn't just crucial to your health and vital to your unborn baby's...

Hormones are necessary for just about every function in the human body. Endocrine glands produce hormones and release them into the bloodstream to help with reproduction, growth, and metabolism. When your body is healthy, your hormones act as messengers, delivering special instructions to various organs and tissues to perform tasks. But...

Women need to take specific preventive measures, especially regarding reproductive health. A Pap smear is one of the routine tests you shouldn't ignore, because it can find cervical cancer early on before it's a bigger problem. A Pap smear is also the perfect opportunity to talk to board-certified OB/GYN Dr....

Breast cancer is a scary diagnosis and one you hope never to have to hear after your regular mammogram screening. But a mammogram can save your life by catching cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable. Although mammograms are lifesavers, they're not the most comfortable procedure. Learn how to cope...

Birth control is essential when you're not quite ready to start a family. Among the most popular options are oral pills and implanted devices like an IUD. But how do you choose the right one for you? If you need help deciding, Dr. John Paul Roberts and his team can...

When planning to start a family, you need the proper vitamins and nutrients for your health and the health of your unborn baby. Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins you need before and during pregnancy to keep your baby healthy and safe. Get prepared for pregnancy by...

Menopause can be an uncomfortable transition in a woman's life, often accompanied by such symptoms as hot flashes and night sweats. If you're at this stage in your life, you don't have to suffer through hot flashes night after night. At his private practice in Plano, Texas, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. John Paul...

The statistics regarding infertility are staggering. Men and women are affected equally by infertility, and up to 6.7 million American women are unable to get pregnant. Obviously, infertility isn't uncommon, but it is treatable in some cases. If you're struggling to get pregnant, board-certified OB/GYN John Paul Roberts, MD, offers...

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that leads to issues with your blood sugar, causing damage throughout your body. When you're pregnant, diabetes can cause problems for you and your baby if you don't keep it under control. If you have diabetes and are considering pregnancy, talk to Dr. John...

So you've had your first mammogram and find you have dense breast tissue — now what?  If you're unsure what your mammogram results mean, OB/GYN John Paul Roberts, MD, helps you navigate them. He offers compassionate and experienced care when you want to stay on top of your breast health. Dr. Roberts has...

If you're not ready to have a baby or are done having children, you need a reliable form of birth control. Hormonal birth control has been around for years but isn't always ideal for your health. Luckily, non-hormonal options are available to put your mind at ease and protect against...

If you’re a woman, a Pap smear is important for your reproductive health. This screening test can detect cervical cancer at an early stage so you can receive effective treatment. But when you get the call that your test is abnormal, you may, understandably, be concerned. Don’t worry. Many abnormal results are...

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious condition that affects the reproductive organs in your abdomen. This type of infection causes a number of symptoms, including issues with your menstrual cycle. But early identification and treatment of this problem saves you from future complications. If you live in the Plano, Texas, area, Dr....

If you live an active lifestyle, you shouldn’t have to change that when you’re pregnant. But as your baby and belly grow, you may have to make some modifications to stay safe and healthy. You can still exercise in later pregnancy, but there’s a safe way to go about it. OB/GYN John...

Cervical cancer affects your cervix, the lower part of your uterus, or womb. And although it sounds scary, it’s very preventable. If you take the proper steps and care for your reproductive health, you lower your risk for cervical cancer. Board-certified OB/GYN John Paul Roberts, MD, provides expert care in Plano,...

Your ability to conceive a child is known as your fertility. As a woman, you should release an egg every month in the middle of your menstrual cycle. If that egg is fertilized by a man’s sperm and attaches to your uterine wall, you become pregnant.  While this seems simple, your...

Menopause certainly isn’t something that women look forward to — especially when it comes to the wretched symptoms. Among those symptoms are hot flashes, which can strike at any time during the day or night. But there are steps you can take to control those hot flashes. John Paul Roberts,...

Diabetes affects the way your body controls sugar, or glucose, in your system. It can affect anybody at any age, but it’s especially problematic when you’re pregnant.  Whether you have diabetes before conceiving or have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, getting the proper care helps you maintain a healthy pregnancy....

Pregnancy is an exciting and somewhat scary time in your life. Not only is your baby growing inside of you, but your body is changing as well.  Since there’s no way for you to magically see inside your womb to check on your baby’s progress, prenatal care is important every...

Fighting breast cancer starts with getting a mammogram. This test looks for changes in your breast tissue that can be indicative of cancer. But what does it mean when you’re told you have dense breast tissue? Should you be concerned? Board-certified physician John Paul Roberts, MD, is an expert in...

Bleeding between your menstrual cycles could be due to a number of reasons. While some reasons are harmless, others warrant a trip to the doctor. Vaginal bleeding out of the normal realm of your period isn't something you should ignore.  At our facility in Plano, Texas, board-certified OB/GYN John Paul...

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon, you need specialized care to keep you and the baby healthy. While many pregnancies go full-term without a hitch, others are bound for a few bumps along the way.  Most conditions you might experience aren’t life-threatening, but there are a few...

Menopause is a stage in your life that you may not be not looking forward to because it’s usually marked by uncomfortable symptoms. But menopause isn’t just one stage — in fact, it’s three completely separate stages that start with perimenopause. Dr. John Paul Roberts is an expert in all...

If you’re recently pregnant, or hoping to be, there’s a lot that’s probably running through your mind. Along with the excitement and happiness, there might be thoughts that scare you as well, including the risk of complications or a difficult pregnancy. The best way to get ahead of that anxiety...

Whether you’re done having children or you prefer not to have any kids at all, there are many different avenues of birth control for you to choose from. But there are only a few options that are permanent, and tubal ligation is one of them. Because it’s a permanent procedure,...

Breast and cancer are two words you never want to hear your doctor say, but sometimes this disease comes out of nowhere. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk and detect breast cancer early, including getting regular mammograms. Dr. John Paul Roberts is our experienced OB/GYN who...

It’s no surprise that as you get older, your hormones fluctuate and change over time. As a woman, this means you have to deal with menopause, which often leads to vaginal dryness. This condition can make your everyday life very uncomfortable, especially when it comes to sexual intercourse.  But don’t...

As a woman of child-bearing age, you know every month you're going to have at least a few days of menstrual bleeding. However, if you start to bleed in between menstrual cycles, it's considered irregular in nature. Irregular bleeding is sometimes harmless, but in other cases it could be a...

Whether you’re looking to chose a method of birth control, the task of picking one is definitely overwhelming. From the pill to the birth control shot and beyond, understanding how each method works helps you figure out the best option for you. Dr. John Paul Roberts is our experienced OB/GYN...

Menstrual bleeding is a normal part of every woman’s life, and although it can be a pain, it’s usually not a cause for concern. Sometimes, though, you bleed between periods or have heavy bleeding, which is not normal in most cases. Irregular bleeding can be a sign of a bigger...

A mammogram is a diagnostic tool that helps detect the early signs of breast cancer. But how often should you get one? And is that the only thing you can do to protect yourself from breast issues? Dr. John Paul Roberts is an experienced OB/GYN who answers all your mammogram...

So you just found out you’re pregnant. You’re probably ecstatic about your positive pregnancy test, but maybe also a little overwhelmed. What do you do next? The answer is pretty simple: Make an appointment with your OB/GYN. Prenatal care is vital to your health and your baby’s health throughout your...

Whether you're trying to conceive or are already pregnant, you know life is about to change in a big way. If you find yourself pregnant during the winter months, there are a few more obstacles you might encounter, not only for your health, but also in getting to the hospital...

For most women, your period is an inconvenience, but doesn’t cause you severe pain or make you miss activities. But if you’re suffering from endometriosis, your period may be more of a pain than you’ve bargained for. Dr. John Paul Roberts is our experienced OB/GYN who can help you navigate...

Pregnancy is such an exciting time in a woman's life. If you're expecting, you probably have a million questions running through your head. You may be anxious about complications that can occur during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes. Our amazing team can help to calm your anxiety and help you...

Starting a family is an important time in any couple’s life, and when you want a baby, the sooner the better. It’s normal to take a few months of trying to actually get pregnant. However, if it’s been a year and you still haven’t conceived, you may be dealing with...

Women go through many stages of hormonal changes in their lifetimes. Starting with puberty, in pregnancy, and up through menopause, our bodies are constantly undergoing hormonal changes and sometimes imbalances. If you’re at the point in your life where menopause is imminent, you’re probably wondering what you can expect over...

As a woman, you’re used to the normal bleeding that you experience every month at the time of your menstrual cycle. Although it can be inconvenient, it’s necessary for your body to go through this on a regular basis. But sometimes bleeding happens outside of that normal window, and that...

If you're at the stage of your life where you either aren't ready for kids, or you're done having kids, you're probably looking for birth control options to best suit your needs. Having birth control that's reliable can ease your mind and prevent a surprise at any point in your...

Pap smears are something just about every woman experiences in her life, because yearly gynecological exams are so important for your reproductive health. However, anxiety might set in when you think of the possibility of results that you're not expecting. Dr. John Paul Roberts is an amazing OB/GYN who can...

For many women, being pregnant is something they’ve dreamed of for a long time. Deciding you’re ready to welcome another life into the world is a big step. There are some ways you can help prepare your mind and body months before you get pregnant. Our OB/GYN, Dr. John Paul...

Being a woman isn't always easy, and part of that is getting regular gynecologic exams and breast exams. But at what age should you begin to get mammograms to screen for breast cancer? OB/GYN Dr. John Paul Roberts can ease all your worries about when you should start getting regular...

If you’re nearing menopause or already there, you may be experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. There is hope though. Hormone replacement therapy may be able to ease some of your symptoms during this transition in your life. When you come to our office for a visit, Dr. John Paul...

The word prenatal means “before birth,” and that’s exactly what prenatal care aims to do: keep you and your infant as healthy as possible throughout your pregnancy. Especially if you’ve never navigated this journey before, your first visit provides a wonderful way to get you on the right track in...