Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

Actinomyces species are considered part of the normal vaginal and urogenital tract flora. The percentage of Pap smears containing Actinomyces-like organisms varies but is most commonly reported as approximately 7% among women using IUDs. That number is supported by multiple sources, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America guideline and several clinical studies. The incidence can be higher or lower depending on the type of IUD; for example, copper IUDs have been associated with rates up to 20%, while levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs show lower rates around 2.9%. In women with an IUD, who are found to have this finding on their liquid-based Pap smear, what is the appropriate management? In this episode, which comes from one of our podcast family members, we will discuss this topic and it’s management in both symptomatic and symptomatic (pelvic pain) IUD wearing women. 1. McHugh KE, Sturgis CD, Procop GW, Rhoads DD. The Cytopathology of Actinomyces, Nocardia, and Their Mimickers. Diagnostic Cytopathology. 2017;45(12):1105-1115. doi:10.1002/dc.23816.2. Practice Bulletin No. 186: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2017;130(5):e251-e269. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002400.3. Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, et al. Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2024 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2024; ciae104. doi:10.1093/cid/ciae104.5. Carrara J, Hervy B, Dabi Y, et al. Added-Value of Endometrial Biopsy in the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategy for Pelvic Actinomycosis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(3):E821. doi:10.3390/jcm9030821.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects approximately 5% of couples and is an emotional burden on those affected. There is some evidence that vaginal progesterone supplementation may be considered in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss who are experiencing vaginal bleeding during the first trimester. But what about prophylactic low dose aspirin in the first trimester, or preconceptionally, for unexplained RPL? Is that evidence-based? A new publication from the SMFM’s journal Pregnancy has examined this. Listen in for details. 1. 22 November 2025: Low-dose aspirin in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Pregnancy): https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pmf2.700992. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Obstetric Practice, T. Flint Porter, Cynthia Gyanff-Bannerman, Tracy Manuck. Low-Dose Aspirin Use During Pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2018)3. Naimi AI, Perkins NJ, Sjaarda LA, et al. The Effect of Preconception-Initiated Low-Dose Aspirin on Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Detected Pregnancy, Pregnancy Loss, and Live Birth : Per Protocol Analysis of a Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2021;174(5):595-601. doi:10.7326/M20-0469.4. Lee EE, Jun JK, Lee EB.Management of Women With Antiphospholipid Antibodies or Antiphospholipid Syndrome During Pregnancy. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2021;36(4):e24. doi:10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e24.5. de Assis V, Giugni CS, Ros ST. Evaluation of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Obstet Gynecol. 2024 May 1;143(5):645-659. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005498. Epub 2024 Jan 4. PMID: 38176012.

A recent discussion tackles the controversial practice of changing surgical gloves after placental delivery during C-sections. While a November 2025 UK study supports this glove change to reduce surgical site infections, major U.S. organizations like ACOG and CDC do not recommend it. The episode dives into the discrepancy between international guidelines and U.S. practices, explores the rationale for glove changes, and emphasizes the need for further high-quality trials to validate claims. Clinicians are encouraged to consider a flexible approach based on local reviews.

Discover the intricate world of muscular dystrophy, particularly Duchenne and myotonic forms. Learn about the significance of prenatal carrier screening and its role in identifying risks. Dr. Chapa dives into the genetics and varying severity of these conditions, shedding light on manifesting carriers and their cardiac health. The episode offers insights on dystrophin's function and explores follow-up protocols for carriers, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and counseling. A deep dive into genetics that enlightens and educates!

The podcast dives into the evolving debate on anesthesia for cesarean sections. It reveals that approximately one in six women may experience pain with regional anesthesia. A recent meta-analysis suggests general anesthesia might be a valid elective option. Concerns about maternal mental health and potential developmental impacts on children are explored, highlighting links to postpartum depression. Practical factors for choosing anesthesia are also discussed, making it a comprehensive look at the challenges and considerations in delivering care.

Explore the intriguing debate surrounding lidocaine patches for post-cesarean pain relief. Discover how recent meta-analyses weigh the effectiveness of these patches against opioid use and overall patient satisfaction. Dr. Chapa dives into systematic reviews, revealing mixed outcomes and the role of patches as an adjunct to multimodal analgesia. Find out what the latest data suggests about pain improvement and their practical limitations in a clinical setting.

This discussion dives deep into the impacts of measles during pregnancy. It outlines the critical 'rule of four' for infectious periods and highlights risks like pneumonia and fetal complications. Listeners will learn about diagnostic signs, including the infamous Koplik spots, and how timing can influence outcomes. The podcast also clarifies that measles isn't a known teratogen and addresses concerns regarding breastfeeding and newborn protection. Plus, insights on vaccination timing for nonpregnant contacts make it a vital listen!

The term "hypnosis" was first described in 1843 byScottish surgeon James Braid, who published the book Neurypnology. He coined the term "hypnosis" from the Greek word for sleep to describe the trance-like state induced by focusing on a bright object. Self-hypnosis has nowbeen shown to aid in menopausal hot flash reduction! In this episode, we will review this brand new publication from JAMA Network which confirmed via a multicenter RCT that a simple daily hypnosis audio session was effective forsymptom relief. The study is the first to compare self-guided hypnosis with an active control condition (i.e. sham white noise control group). Listen in for details. 1.     Elkins G, Arring N, Morgan G, Lorenz T, Muniz V,Lafferty C, Scheffrahn K, Alldredge C, Barton D. Self-Administered Hypnosis vsSham Hypnosis for Hot Flashes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open.2025 Nov 3;8(11):e2542537. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.42537. PMID:41217756.2.     https://interestingengineering.com/health/hypnosis-lowers-menopause-hot-flashes 

Well, from time to time we cover RANDOM tidbits of information which cover RANDOM questions and/or RANDOM patient care issues that we encounter. In this episode we will cover one OB issue related to recurrent pregnancy loss, one GYN issue related to unilateral breast swelling in a patient with SLE, and one RANDOM life perspective response from a mock interview that I participated in for a residency candidate. Listen in fordetails!1.     Viviana DO; Giugni, Claudio Schenone MD; Ros, Stephanie T. MD, MSCI. Factor V and recurrent pregnancy loss: de Assis, Evaluation of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Obstetrics & Gynecology 143(5):p 645-659, May 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005498Unilateral Breast Swelling with SLE: 2.     Voizard B, Lalonde L, Sanchez LM, et al. LupusMastitis as a First Manifestation of Systemic Disease: About Two Cases With a Review of the Literature. European Journal of Radiology. 2017;92:124-131. doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.04.023.3.     Kinonen C, Gattuso P, Reddy VB. Lupus Mastitis:An Uncommon Complication of Systemic or Discoid Lupus. The American Journal of Surgical Pathology. 2010;34(6):901-6. doi:10.1097/PAS.0b013e3181da00fb.4.      Summers TA, Lehman MB, Barner R, Royer MC. Lupus Mastitis: A Clinicopathologic Review and Addition of a Case. Advances in Anatomic Pathology.2009;16(1):56-61. doi:10.1097/PAP.0b013e3181915ff7.5.     Jiménez-Antón A, Jiménez-Gallo D,Millán-Cayetano JF, Navarro-Navarro I, Linares-Barrios M. Unilateral Lupus Mastitis.Lupus. 2023;32(3):438-440. doi:10.1177/09612033221151011.STRONG COFFEE PROMO: 20% Off Strong Coffee Company https://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/CHAPANOSPINOBG

On August 15, 2025, we reviewed the data from an FDA expert panel calling on the FDA to remove the exiting Black Box warning on commercial HRT options for menopausal care. In a historic decision, this happened today. Listen in for details! 1. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/fda-chief-explains-changes-to-black-box-warnings-on-some-hormone-therapies-for-menopause/2. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-advances-womens-health-removes-misleading-fda-warnings-hormone-replacement-therapy.html