Gynecology
There are many key areas in the field of female reproductive system health, including menstruation, pregnancy, fertility, and menopause. As a woman, you may be concerned about other issues related to your sexual health, including genital problems and sexually transmitted diseases. If you are a female that is sexually active, or over the age of 18, it is important to begin seeing a womans' health specialist in order to make sure that your reproductive system stays healthy. Before that, any concerns with menstruation should be addressed with a physician. As you get older, most women become concerned with issues pertaining to avoiding or achieving pregnancy, until menopause begins around age 50.
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Dr. Darcy N. Bryan, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Riverside Community HospitalPainful menstrual cycles can be because of a number of reasons. In this video, Darcy Bryan, MD, of Riverside Community Hospital, discusses why a woman might experience pain during her cycle.
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Dr. Rodolfo E. Saenz, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Riverside Community HospitalA complete hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus only. In this video, Rodolfo Saenz, MD, an OB/GYN at Riverside Community Hospital, discusses other types of hysterectomies and what these procedures involve.
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Dr. Hugo D. Ribot, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answeredSee All 3 AnswersIdeally, the type of doctor who should perform a hysterectomy would be not only a gynecologist, but a one with the ability to perform the procedure in a minimally invasive fashion.
Depending on the patient's medical and surgical history, her diagnosis, and the indications for doing the hysterectomy, the best technique might be a:- TVH (total vaginal hysterectomy) where the entire operation is performed through the vagina, without any abdominal incisions
- TLH (total laparoscopic hysterectomy) where the entire procedure is done using tiny instruments which access the abdominal/pelvic cavity through small "Band-Aid" incisions, and the specimen is delivered through the vagina.
In addition, using various ancillary technical and pharmaceutical modifications, there are only very rare reasons why the vast majority of these hysterectomies cannot be done in a truly outpatient fashion, with the patient safely returning home the very same day as the operation. -
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Dr. J A. Heit, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Overland Park Regional Medical CenterSee All 7 AnswersHysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, can be performed through the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy), abdominally (through a traditional abdominal incision), laparoscopically (small incisions), or with robot-assisted laparoscopy. Hysterectomy can also be performed by combining the above procedures such as laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in which part of the procedure is performed using the laparoscope then completed vaginally. Hysterectomies including the vaginal, laparoscopic or robot-assisted approaches are considered minimally invasive surgeries and are associated with reduced hospital stays and quicker return to normal activities.
The choice of hysterectomy should be individualized to each patient; factors include the type of gynecologic pathology present and if any additional procedures are required. In consultation with the patient, the procedure with the lowest risk of complication and the best outcome is chosen for each individual situation. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredThe diagnosis of uterine prolapse is often suspected by symptoms suggesting that the uterus has fallen into the vaginal canal. It is confirmed when the doctor performs a pelvic examination. If the prolapse is not initially obvious, the doctor may ask you to stand or strain as if you are having a bowel movement because these maneuvers will make it more noticeable. Although not necessary for diagnosis, tests such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are sometimes done to determine the severity of the prolapse.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredIn its milder forms, uterine prolapse may produce no symptoms. As the condition becomes more severe, a woman with uterine prolapse can experience a feeling of pulling or fullness in the pelvic area, a sensation that something is coming out of the vagina, or problems during sexual intercourse. Leaking of urine may also occur, as well as problems with passing urine or having a bowel movement. If the uterus extends out of the body through the vagina, it can be painful, especially when walking, and the exposed uterus can develop sores, bleed, produce a discharge, or become infected.
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Carol Jahn , Dentist, answeredHormonal changes make the gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and this can cause bleeding. The best way to prevent this from happening is to step up your daily oral care routine. Make sure you brush for two minutes and are cleaning in between your teeth every day. If flossing is difficult, there are many other effective, easy to use products available including interproximal brushes, toothpicks, floss aids, and a Water Flosser. The healthier your mouth is, the less likely for the tissue to become sensitive and bleed in response to your hormonal fluctuations.
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Dr. Michael T. Murray, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered
Cervical dysplasia does not have any symptoms. It is discovered by a Pap smear. It is the presence of abnormal, but not yet cancerous cells. Cervical cancer, if untreated, can progress to cervical cancer, which also is asymptomatic until the late stages.
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Dr. Mark Perloe, MD , Reproductive Endocrinology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersWhile there is a strong genetic predisposition to develop this condition if others in your family have PCOS, diabets or metabolic syndrome, diet and exercise can reduce the risk.
Diets that are low in processed carbohydrates and high glycemic carbohydrates such as potatos may reduce the risk of developing PCOS. Avoid sugar and processed food with high fructose corn syrup, can help reduce the risk of weight gain and PCOS.
Exercise with at least 20-30 minutes or walking or running may reduce insulin resistance as well.
If you note irregular menstrual periods, excess acne or hair growth you should ask your physician if testing would be appropriate. -
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Dr. Anthony L. Komaroff, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredEndometritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tissue that lines the uterine cavity. This tissue is called the endometrium.
The condition is classified as acute or chronic.
Acute endometritis is often caused by a bacterial infection. It may be part of a general pelvic infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
Some cases of chronic endometritis are due to infection, but the bacteria involved tend to be different from those that cause acute infection. Examples include chlamydia and, much less often, tuberculosis. Other cases are due to inflammation that results when there is a foreign body in the uterine cavity. An example would be an intrauterine device. This form of birth control causes an inflammatory reaction in the uterus. This action probably contributes to its effectiveness as a contraceptive.
Uterine growths such as polyps and fibroids that arise in the endometrium can also cause chronic endometritis.
Chronic endometritis may cause no symptoms or result in irregular uterine bleeding. Pelvic pain may occur, but pain and fever are usually more typical of acute endometritis.
Treatment of chronic endometritis depends on the cause. If there is no identified cause or if the doctor suspects infection, then antibiotics are given. If a growth or foreign body is present, removing it will usually make the symptoms go away.