| Click on a subject to view more information
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue from the lining of the uterus is found in other parts of the body especially the pelvic organs- ovaries, tubes, bowel, and bladder. Just as the lining of the uterus has breakdown and bleeds, so does this tissue which may cause pain and eventually lead to scar tissue. It usually affects those women between age 30-40 but occasionally may occur at younger ages. Endometriosis can be found to run in families. Usual symptoms include increasing pain with menses which may become pain throughout the menstrual cycle, painful sexual relations, irregular bleeding with noticeable bleeding before mense start, urinary frequency or urgency and possibly painful or bloody bowel movements. The pelvic exam shows pain around the pelvic organs or possibly a cyst on the ovary. Diagnosis and possible treatment will require a laprascopy (an outpatient surgery where a scope is placed thru the belly button). Various treatments are available and require a discussion with your gynecologist.
back to top
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Overview:
When a woman loses the production of hormone from her ovaries either surgically or naturally she undergoes significant changes. This change of life is called menopause. There is a wealth of information in the media and Internet about the do's and don'ts of menopause. Unfortunately, much of the information is contradictory and confusing. At Arnett Clinic, your gynecologist can help you sift through the data to find what approach to menopause works best for you.
Postsurgical Menopause:
Many women will have surgery including removal of the ovaries which will put their bodies into a premature menopause. Depending on their age, women in premature menopause who do not receive hormonal replacement run a risk for weakening of the skeletal frame or osteoporosis.
Traditional Menopause:
Without surgery, the average age of menopause is around fifty-one. Along with the risk of osteoporosis, many women will experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood changes. Hormone replacement therapy can alleviate these problems. However, depending on your health history, you may or may not be a good candidate for hormone replacement. Risk factors such as breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, colon cancer and osteoporosis all play a rule in the decision as to whether or not hormonal therapy is right for you. The choice of how to treat menopause, if at all, is a complex one and your physician can help
back to top
Infertility
Infertility is the inability to conceive a pregnancy after stopping birth control and attempting for 12 months. It affects approximately 10% of the population. It can occur before the first pregnancy or even after having a child. About 50% is due to female problems (abnormal uterus, blockage of tubes from a prior pelvic infection or endometriosis, or problems releasing the egg), and 50% is male problems (low or abnormal sperm). A workup with the gynecologist will included blood work to evaluate ovulation (releasing the egg), xray to determine if there is a blockage of the tubes or abnormal uterus, semen test and possibly an outpatient surgery call laparoscopy to look for adhesions or scar tissue or endometriosis.
back to top
Menopause
Menopause is the complete cessation (end) of the menstrual cycle. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 years old. Usually menopause is confirmed when the woman has not has a period for 6-12 months.
The most common signs and symptoms of approaching menopause are:
- Irregular periods
- Skipping period
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
These symptoms all occur due to declining hormone levels.
Some women choose to take hormone replacement for a few years to alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. Other women decide against hormones based on their history and personal preference.
Any vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause is considered abnormal and needs to be evaluated by a health care provider.
back to top
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of control of urination. It affects close to 1/3 of all women. There are three types of incontinence
- Urge-leaking from an irritable bladder with symptoms of urgency/frequency
- Stress- leaking from maneuvers such as exercise,cough,sneezing,etc.
- Overflow-loss of urine from poor emptying of the bladder.
Various causes of this problem include: weakness of pelvic organs from childbirth, aging, prior pelvic surgery, pelvic radiation, pelvic cancer, dementia, Alzhiemers, multiple sclerosis, and certain drugs (water pills, sedatives, antidepressants, and tranquilizers). Diagnosis requires a visit to their gynecologist to have a history, physical exam, and test of the bladder function. After this evaluation then a discussion of various options to treatment can occur.
back to top |
