Gynecology & Urogynecology

Gynecology

Annual Exams – Every woman over fifteen who values her health should have an annual physical exam. Our annual exam procedure includes a review of your health history, a general physical exam, pelvic exam, breast exam, evaluation of other health screening tests depending on your age and state of health and a review of your current medications and immunization requirements. A Pap smear is recommended beginning at age 21.

Healthy Living – We offer advice and counseling to women on a variety of topics including diet, exercise, birth control, safe sex, normal sexual function and life planning.

Healthcare Screening – Screening tests, such as mammograms, Pap smears and bone density scans can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Some women need certain screening tests earlier, or more often, than others. We offer advice on which tests are right for you, when you should have them, and how often.

Surviving Menopause – Menopause can be a difficult and confusing time in a woman’s life. In order to smooth this transition we have a program designed to give our patients the knowledge and strategies necessary to help them cope with this life changing event.

Managing Menses – We specialize in treating problems arising from the menstrual cycle such as excessive bleeding, frequent bleeding, missed menses, pain with menses, premenstrual syndrome, mood swings, and breast tenderness. We have many options for treatment.

Pelvic Pain – The two major causes of chronic pelvic pain are endometriosis and the buildup of scar tissue after surgery, called adhesions. If left untreated, these conditions can often lead to much more serious health risks. We take seriously any patient who tells us she is suffering from this condition in order to provide as prompt and effective treatment as possible.

Contraception – We offer advice on all aspects of contraception in order to assist our patients in determining which method is right for them.

STD Screening – Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases. The United States has the highest rates of STDs in the industrialized world with more than 13 million men and women infected each year. They affect men and woman of all types of social and economic background but nearly two-thirds of STD’s occur in teenagers and young adults under 25. They often represent a serious health risk to women and their babies. Therefore, we offer discrete, confidential screening for all types of STD’s including AIDS, Herpes, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

HPV Vaccine – This vaccine is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists for females aged 9-26 years to prevent them from being infected by the genital human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a major risk factor for preinvasive and invasive cervical cancer. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that the vaccination routinely be given to girls when they are 11 or 12 years old.

Abnormal Pap Smears – An abnormal Pap smear could indicate the presence of an underlying condition that requires further diagnostic procedures and treatment. As specialists in women’s health we understand your concerns and are able to provide you with the advice and treatment necessary to resolve whatever medical problem may be present.

Colposcopy – Colposcopy is a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of abnormalities found in Pap smears. A colposcopy is a visual examination of the cervix--a relatively simple and painless procedure, usually performed in our office. The actual procedure lasts approximately ten to fifteen minutes.

Ultrasound – Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus. It is beneficial in monitoring the progress of the pregnancy and offers the expectant mother their first look at their baby.

Bone Density – Bone scans are measurements of the amount of bone in a particular site, usually the lower part of the spine, the hip, the forearm or the heel. The amount of bone measured by a scanner is often called the ‘bone density.’ We use these scans, together with other information, to assess the likelihood of fractures and whether any treatment is required.

Osteoporosis – Up to 20% of a woman's lifetime bone loss may occur in the years immediately following menopause. Although you cannot feel it happening, this bone loss can lead to postmenopausal osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones that makes them weaker and more susceptible to fractures. Fortunately, when appropriate, we can offer a variety of drug treatments depending on what is best for you.

Ovarian Cysts – Many women have ovarian cysts without having any symptoms. Sometimes, though, a cyst will cause symptoms such as pressure, fullness, or pain in the abdomen, dull ache in the lower back and thighs, pain during sexual intercourse, weight gain and other health problems. If a cyst is diagnosed we will work together with you to monitor its progress and determine the best course of treatment.

Fibroid – Uterine fibroids are benign growths of the uterine muscle occurring in 30-40% of women. Most fibroids do not cause any problems and do not require treatment. Some fibroids however can cause heavy periods which can lead to anemia and debilitation. If the fibroids grow large they can lead to 'compression syndrome' in which adjacent organs such as the bladder and the bowel may be compressed, leading to frequency of urination or constipation and bloating. Compression syndrome may also cause backache and sciatica. We offer various forms of treatment when required for this condition.

Bleeding Problems – Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be an indication of the presence of another medical problem some serious and some not so serious. Regardless of the cause any woman who suffers from such bleeding should have an exam to determine the cause.

Breast Exams – In addition to breast self exams clinical breast exams should be conducted on a regular basis by a qualified health care professional.

Urogynecology

Incontinence – We provide treatment for all types of urinary incontinence including stress, urge, functional and overflow.

Pelvic Floor Reconstruction – When the muscles on the pelvic floor become damaged or weak – often as a result of childbirth – they are unable to support the weight of some or all of the pelvic and abdominal organs. If this occurs, one or more of the organs may drop below their normal positions, causing symptoms including discomfort, pain, pressure and urinary incontinence. Depending on the requirements of the patient we offer both non-surgical and reconstructive surgery for this troublesome condition.

Sling Procedures – We are able to perform this procedure for women with severe stress incontinence caused by weak sphincter muscles.

Cystoscopy – We perform this procedure to examine the inside of your bladder for foreign bodies, stones, tumors, bleeding, and infection. Cystoscopy allows us to look at areas of your bladder and urethra that usually do not show up well on X-rays. Cystoscopy can also be used to treat some bladder problems and may eliminate the need for more extensive surgery.

Interstitial Cystitis Treatment – Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation or irritation of the bladder wall that causes pain and other symptoms. We offer a variety of treatments including oral medication, bladder instillation and self-help strategies.