Gynecology

Routine tests like pap smears are used to check for cervical or ovarian cancer. If you receive an abnormal pap smear, additional testing will be recommended to determine if further treatment is needed.

Endometriosis is a common condition that occurs when the tissue commonly found inside the lining of the uterus begins growing in other parts of the abdomen besides the inner lining, causing you pain, cramping, and other symptoms. While there is no cure for endometriosis, treatment can ease or eliminate your symptoms. Treatment can include hormone therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery.

Hormones affect so many areas of your daily functions. If you're experiencing a hormonal imbalance, it could be affecting your period, sleep, skin, mood, appetite, libido, mental health, and more. Your gynecologist can perform an evaluation and test to determine which hormones need adjustments and can prescribe you hormone therapy to help. Your gynecologist will discuss with you both the benefits and the risks associated with hormone therapy to determine if it's right for you.

There are dozens of types of HPV, with four of those types being responsible for over 70% of cervical cancer cases and over 90% of genital warts. Gardasil is a convenient and safe vaccine available that can help safeguard you against these four types of HPV.

Incontinence is the leaking of urine. It might happen when you cough or lift something heavy. You also might not be able to make it to the bathroom in time. It's important to talk to your gynecologist if you're having incontinence issues. Incontinence can be caused by:

• Age
• Childbirth
• Weakening of your pelvic floor muscles
• Urinary tract infections

Incontinence can be more than just inconvenient. It can lead to rashes, sores, skin infections, and urinary tract infections as well as affects your confidence and social activities. Treatment can include medication, physical therapy, or surgery.

There could be a number of reasons you or your significant other are experiencing infertility. Being unable to conceive a child or bring a pregnancy to full term can be emotionally stressful, but our gynecologists may be able to help. Infertility can be found in either the female or male partner. There are three different types of infertility:

• Primary - refers to a couple's inability to conceive their first child
• Secondary - refers to an inability to conceive a pregnancy after a pregnancy has already been brought to full term
• Subinfertility - refers to an inability to conceive a child (usually trying unsuccessfully for more than 12 months) but is not biologically incapable of doing so.

Female infertility can be caused by many conditions, such as endometriosis, fallopian tube damage, uterine fibroids, or hormone imbalance. Male infertility can be caused by low sperm count, varicocele (testicle condition), or a vasectomy. Infertility can also result from age, genetic factors, or diseases. In about 15% of infertility cases, there is no identifiable cause.

Treatment for infertility is available and our gynecologists can meet with you to discuss all of the options available. Treatment options include:

• In-vitro fertilization
• Artificial fertilization
• Intrauterine insemination
• Medications

Menopause is the end of your menstrual cycle. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. You may experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and even osteoporosis. Talk to your gynecologist about managing these symptoms. Changes in your diet, weight, and daily exercise can go a long way in reducing your symptoms. Hormonal therapy treatment is also available.

During a regular exam, your gynecologist will discuss your current health, answer your questions, and perform recommended screenings. In addition to a breast exam and pelvic exam, your gynecologist may also perform a pap smear, a test to check for cervical cancer. An abnormal pap smear could indicate a number of things including infection, sexually transmitted disease, HPV (human papillomavirus), or pre-cancerous cells.

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove your uterus and, in some cases, one or both of your ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Your gynecologist may recommend a hysterectomy to treat gynecological cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, uterine prolapse, constant vaginal bleeding, or chronic pelvic pain. If you have a hysterectomy, you can no longer become pregnant, so you and your doctor will discuss all available treatment options before deciding on a hysterectomy.

A hysteroscopy is a technique that is used to look inside your uterus. Your gynecologist will insert a thin camera inside your uterus through your vagina or cervix. Hysteroscopies are often performed to remove a polyp or fibroid from inside the uterus. It may be used in conjunction with a dilatation and curettage procedure to determine if there are any abnormalities in the uterus interior lining.

There are many options of birth control available today. Consult with your gynecologists to determine which method is best for you. Choices include contraceptive patches, barrier methods (condoms and diaphragms), oral pills, and vaginal rings.