Women OBGYN

Women OBGYN

Meet Our Staff

Christine J. Duncan, MD, FACOG, IFMCP

I am a board certified OBGYN on Long Island in private practice since 2000. In addition to managing gynecologic problems and providing obstetrical care I also have a special interest in integrative and functional medicine.

Using my education from The Institute of Functional Medicine and the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine fellowship I utilize an integrative and functional medicine approach in my practice. Combining this with my over 20 years of conventional medical training and clinical experience I can offer a unique approach to managing many female concerns. Through this patient-centered approach attention is given to the patient as a whole to provide a personalized management plan; incorporating lifestyle changes, nutrition, natural hormones, botanicals and neutraceuticals for treatment. Many conditions can be managed with this approach including menopausal symptoms, PMS, sexual dysfunction, polycystic ovarian syndrome, recurrent vaginitis, painful periods, irregular periods, and preconception care amongst other conditions. For more information on these consultations visit PERSONALIZED INTEGRATIVE/FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS CONSULTATION.

My own personal interest in physical and mental health and wellness drives my passion for providing excellent medical care and empowering women to take charge of their own health. My goal is to provide comprehensive health care and education to my patients and assist them in making wise health choices and informed medical decisions. The well being of my patient is my top priority while at the same time exhibiting compassion and understanding. Please contact me if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with an OBGYN on Long Island.

Esther Hirschhorn, MD

Raised in West Hempstead, I come to this field having personally experienced the challenges faced by modern women seeking to balance their health, family, and career.  I carried my two-year-old son across the stage to accept my MD diploma; and gave birth to my second son at LIJ after completing a full shift on the labor and delivery floor. I am passionate about women’s health and the unique dual role that women experience as mothers and professionals in society. I strive to provide compassionate, current, and personalized care to all my patients.

What Does An OBGYN Do?

At Women for Women Obstetrics and Gynecology, we take women’s health seriously.  Our team is composed of  highly qualified professionals, and we are committed to providing the best care available for everyone who walks through our doors.  To help you get a better understanding of the level of care we provide, we’d like to go a bit in depth on what the job of a Women OBGYN who works with us is.  By doing so, we hope you’ll choose to work with us in the future.

The Job Of Our Women OB-GYN 

An OB-GYN, or obstetrician-gynecologist, is a medical professional who specializes in women’s health.  Their expertise is in areas such as reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.  Our staff can also screen for cancer, treat infections, and perform surgery to help with pelvic and urinary tract issues.  

What Is Obstetrics?

Due to their vast amounts of training, the jobs of our OB-GYNs are broken out between obstetrics and gynecology.  Obstetrics focuses mainly on the process from conception through childbirth.  When you choose us as a care priority, the health of both you and your unborn child will be our top priority.  Specifically, our staff will help will:

• Conception.
• Labor.
• Childbirth.
• Postpartum care.

What Is Gynecology? 

The second side of an OB-GYN’s responsibility revolves around gynecology.  Gynecology involves the diagnosis and treatment of issues that arise in a women’s reproductive system.  Our staff is well versed in monitoring the health of one’s:

• Vagina.
• Uterus.
• Fallopian tubes.
• Ovaries.

Additionally to the reproductive system, gynecology also involves screening for issues in the breasts.

High Risk Pregnancy

The prospect of starting a family is an exciting idea for many.  While some women can go their entire pregnancy without any major issues, some women are not so lucky.  A high-risk pregnancy is a term used to classify pregnancies that require help from a specialist to ensure the optimal outcome for both the mother and unborn child.  At Women for Women Obstetrics and Gynecology, this is one of our areas of speciality.  Many different causes can lead to a pregnancy becoming high-risk, and our team will be able to help with any of the below:

• Advanced maternal age.
• High blood pressure.
• Gestational diabetes.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Kidney, heart, or lung problems. 

How Often Should You Visit An OB-GYN

Just like with any other medical professional, scheduling routine appointments with your OB-GYN will help to ensure you remain as healthy as possible.  As a general rule of thumb, women should schedule a pelvic exam once a year.  However, there are certain times when the frequency of visits should increase, such as when you’re trying to start a family or have recently become pregnant.  This frequency will vary on a patient to patient basis, and can be discussed with our staff. 

Education And Requirements

By detailing the training and education an OB-GYN must go through, we hope to help ease any nerves you may have when contemplating visiting our practice.  OB-GYNs need to receive a bachelor’s degree before going through an additional four years of medical school.  Once they have completed medical school, they also go through a four year graduate level residency period where they focus on obstetrics and gynecology before they can start practicing full time.

Diagnosis And Treatment

As we’ve previously stated, OB-GYNs can treat a variety of ailments related to women’s health.  If you find yourself dealing with any of the below, our team will be able to diagnose and treat the issue at hand:

• Excessive bleeding.
• Urinary tract issues.
• Hormonal imbalances or deficiencies.
• Infertility.
• Vaginal problems.

Contact Us

Due to the private and sometimes invasive nature of these types of visits, our team understands it can be a bit uncomfortable to see an OB-GYN.  However, we promise to always make these appointments as comfortable as possible for our patients.  If you have additional questions about the job of a women OBGYN, or would like to schedule an appointment with our team, contact us today. 

What Can An OBGYN Do For Infertility?

For millions of women, the process of becoming pregnant can be a challenge. About 10% of women in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. If you are under the age of 35 years old and have been trying to conceive for at least one year or are older than the age of 35 and have been trying for six months, talking to an OBGYN can help you learn more about your fertility, any possible issues surrounding it, and possible treatments. If you are looking for an Women OBGYN, look no further than Women for Women. Women for Women Obstetrics and Gynecology in Lake Success has a team of board-certified/board-eligible OBGYN physicians who understand the struggles of infertility and are here to help you on your road to pregnancy. 

Symptoms of Infertility in Women

Infertility causes in women can be difficult to diagnose. Many conditions can contribute to infertility and signs of infertility may be seen differently from person-to-person. However, here are some common symptoms to look out for if you think you may be experiencing infertility:

• Pain During Sex – This can be a sign of an underlying health problem that may impact a woman’s fertility. Underlying health issues may include endometriosis, infections, or fibroids.
• Heavy, Long, or Painful Periods – Women who experience these types of periods may be showing signs of endometriosis. This is a condition where tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus and is a risk factor for infertility. 
• Dark or Pale Menstrual Blood – Menstrual blood is typically bright red at the start of a person’s period and may get darker during the following days, so pale menstrual blood can be a cause of concern. Dark, old blood happening at the start of a period may be a sign of endometriosis.
• Irregular Menstrual Cycle – Although the length of a menstrual cycle is different for every individual and may change over time, having an irregular cycle and missing periods may be a factor of infertility. Irregular or missed cycles can mean that ovulation is not regular. 
• Hormone Changes – Hormone changes or issues can be tested by a doctor as they may not always be noticed. If you are experiencing unexplained weight gain, severe acne, thinning hair on top of the head, or other symptoms it could be because of fluctuations in hormone levels.
• Underlying Medical Conditions – Conditions such as PCOS, damage to the ovaries, endometriosis, cancer, and others may all affect fertility in women. 
• Obesity – Women who are obese have a lower chance of conceiving but are at a higher risk for issues throughout pregnancy than women who do not have weight issues. 
• Not Getting Pregnant – One of the main signs of infertility is not getting pregnant after trying for a certain extent of time. 

If you are experiencing these symptoms and are worried about possible infertility, it is best to talk to a doctor to properly diagnose any issues and be able to guide you in the right direction to receive the best treatment for your situation. 

What can an OBGYN do for infertility?

There are a variety of things an OBGYN can provide for you if you think you may be experiencing infertility such as prescribing certain medications or having you take a fertility test. At Women for Women, an Women OBGYN, one service provided is a personalized wellness consultation. This consultation provides an opportunity for a thorough analysis regarding your medical concerns and exploring the root of any issues and evaluating the roles of lifestyle choices, nutrition, environmental exposure, and genetic influence. Different solutions will work best for different individuals, and an OBGYN can help you find the right answer in regards to infertility. 

Contact a Women OBGYN 

If you have any concerns about infertility, there is help. Women for Women is a Women OBGYN whose trusted team of medical professionals would be more than happy to assist you. Conveniently located in Lake Success, our team of experts offers many specialty services and will work with you to overcome any issues you are having. Contact our office today for more information or to request an appointment.

Things To Discuss With Your Women OBGYN

Women need to schedule consistent appointments with a gynecologist to prevent the development of illness and maintain proper reproductive health. However, many women are unaware of what they should discuss with their gynecologists and their questions, especially if they are experiencing any discomfort or concerning issues.

Our doctors at Women4Women Obstetrics and Gynecology have assembled a list of the most important topics to discuss with your Women OBGYN, as well as vital questions to ask. 

Your Family History

One of the most important topics that affect your reproductive health is your family history, as genetic factors are extremely significant in developing various conditions. This is especially important if anyone in your family has developed breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cysts, or other similar conditions.

Symptoms

You know your body best. If you have been experiencing any discomfort, pain, rash, discoloration, discharge, or any other abnormal developments, let your gynecologist know right away. These symptoms can be indicators of illnesses or conditions that need treatment, such as Urinary Tract Infections, Yeast Infections, and several other conditions that your doctor might need to treat.

• Your Gynecological History

If you have had any gynecological conditions or tests conducted in the past, it is important to inform your doctor of these conditions and the results of any tests. This includes abnormal test results for pap smears, ultrasounds, mammograms, STDs, frequent infections, etc.

Also, inform your Women OBGYN about your menstrual cycle, including irregular periods, abnormally heavy or light flow, excessive menstrual pain, and other related issues.

Your Lifestyle

Although it may not seem like it, your lifestyle is extremely impactful on your gynecological health. Your Women OBGYN will need to know if you smoke, the frequency with which you drink alcohol, and your sexual routines.

These details can be vital in determining the tests you might need against various conditions and diseases, as well as the proper birth control methods for you if you’re seeking them.

Pre-Existing Conditions and Medications

Often, a proclivity for certain health conditions can be an indicating factor in discovering the presence or likelihood of developing other health conditions. For example, if you have had cysts or tumors in other areas of your body, it might be more likely that you could develop cysts or tumors in your breasts. This information will help your gynecologist determine which tests you might need in scanning for various conditions.

In addition, it is important to tell your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking, as they could interact with new prescriptions or even have side effects that might affect any tests for which your Women OBGYN tests you.

Questions to Ask Your Gynecologist

Asking questions is one of the most important parts of your gynecological visit. It is not uncommon for women to be unaware of how their reproductive systems work, and what should or should not be considered normal. Never feel afraid or embarrassed to ask your doctor questions about any symptoms or concerns that you have.

Here are some of the most important questions to ask:

Why do I feel pain during intimate situations?

Pain during intercourse or other intimate acts can be an indicator of underlying conditions. If you are experiencing this type of pain or discomfort, ask your doctor why that might be occurring, and they can help you find the source of your pain.

Are my period cramps supposed to hurt this much?

While a certain degree of pain with period cramps is very normal, excessive, debilitating menstrual pain can sign a health condition, such as endometriosis, menorrhagia, or other conditions. Always ask your doctor about extremely painful cramps.

How should I conduct breast self-checks?

Although your doctor will likely send you for breast examination scans, it is important to conduct self-checks as often. Ask your doctor about the proper way to self-check for any lumps or abnormalities to ensure that any issues are caught right away.

I’m ready to have kids, but I’m on birth control. How do I make the switch?

If you’re on birth control, it is important to ask your doctor how to stop your birth control method before becoming pregnant. Your birth control method will determine how to stop its effects and how soon you will be able to become pregnant. Each individual and birth control method is different, so ask your doctor right away when you decide that you are ready to have a child.

Although these topics for discussion and important questions cover a wide span of important gynecological areas, it is important to visit a Women OBGYN to receive individualized care and discover any personal issues that you may need to discuss with your physician.

Contact us at Women4Women Obstetrics and Gynecology to schedule your appointment and get started on taking control of your reproductive health today!