Thu, 29 Mar 2012
7:58 AM - essure - Attending to Womenâ??s Health with New Procedures
Women have special medical needs that require specific
kinds of treatments and medications. The pain of menstrual cramps
cannot be dealt with by any general kind of pain medication. It
requires a specific solution that many women rely on. One of the
emerging treatments for PMS and menstrual cramps is
HerOption
. It is a treatment that does not require surgery but does
require a visit to the doctor. A more comprehensive option is a
product referred to as essure. Women, who are having severe
menstrual pains each month or want to investigate the possibility
of preventing pregnancy for the rest of their lives, should talk
to their doctors about these two procedures.
The process for prescribing and using
HerOption is very comprehensive. Before your doctor will approve
the use of this product, she first needs to determine if you are
experiencing any kind of urinary tract infection or other related
condition. Once the tests for these conditions have been
completed, the doctor can move forward with recommending the
treatment. The product known as
essure
is a little different in that it also helps to prevent
pregnancy for the remainder of the woman's life. The product
creates a barrier that can control the menstrual cycle and
prevent pregnancy permanently. It is known to be extremely safe
and extremely effective.
Neither HerOption nor essure are severely
invasive products. One of the major differences between the two
products is that the former is a regular therapy that your doctor
applies while the latter is something your doctor applies once
and it does its job indefinitely. In both cases, an office visit
is required and that would probably result in a standard co-pay.
But most women will find that both of these products are covered
by their health insurance so long as the doctor deems the
products necessary.
For women that have been trying to find
effective ways to control persistent and heavy menstrual flows,
there is the HerOption product. It is a therapy treatment applied
by your doctor without the use of surgery and without causing any
unnecessary discomfort. The essure product prevents pregnancy
permanently while not disrupting any other part of the woman's
life. Both procedures are completely safe and they are both worth
discussing the next time that a woman has an appointment to see
her doctor. These will be the products that allow a woman to live
her life comfortably and how she chooses.
Tue, 21 Feb 2012
4:42 AM - Gynecology Raleigh NC - Dealing with Feminine Health Issues
A woman's feminine
health is a very private matter. Many women don't feel
comfortable discussing their feminine health, even with their
doctors. But if you don't discuss your feminine health, you
could risk delaying treatment for serious conditions that would
be easier to treat if they were diagnosed early on. Because of
this, it's important to find a
gynecologist Raleigh NC
that you can trust. There are many doctors who specialize
in gynecology Raleigh NC, so you have lots of options available
to you. It's a good idea to find a gynecologist that you feel
comfortable talking to about your feminine health
issues.
Most women know
that they're supposed to get a pap smear once a year for their
gynecological health. But because they have put off finding a
gynecologist Raleigh NC that they like, they also put off
having their pap smear done. This is an essential step in
catching or preventing serious feminine health issues,
including various forms of cancer.
Gynecology Raleigh NC
doesn't get much press because it's such an uncomfortable
subject, but we'd all be better for it if we discussed it much
more openly. The more comfortable you are with it, the more
likely you are to take your gynecological health into your own
hands.
Sometimes, it's
the very fact that you have so much choice in the matter that
prevents you from making a decision. Some women are so
determined to get the best care that they put off choosing a
gynecologist until they've spoken with every doctor within
driving distance of the Cliff Benson Beltline. But you don't
necessarily have to find the very best doctor; just one that
you feel comfortable with. You'd be surprised at how easy it is
just to find one doctor that you feel comfortable talking to
about gynecology. And it only takes one.
Don't put off
finding a gynecologist. You should find one as soon as
possible, and you don't know what issues you might have going
on undiagnosed if you haven't found one, yet. The longer you
put it off, the greater the risk you're running of putting your
feminine health in danger. Finding a good gynecologist isn't
just for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Every woman needs a good gynecologist to make sure that she's
in good shape as a woman.
Mon, 30 Jan 2012
8:10 AM - gynecology Raleigh NC - Choosing the Right Raleigh Gynecologist
Raleigh, North Carolina has a strong population of women. From the Ramblin' Rose Women's Triathlon to the Women's Club of Raleigh, there are a number of events, organizations, and opportunities for ladies in this charming southern city. In order to take advantage of the many charms of Raleigh, it is important to keep in the best health. Routine, annual appointments at your local gynecologist can help prevent the spread of diseases or problems. Practices offering the gynecology Raleigh NC women need focus on the health of female reproductive systems. Gynecology actually literally means the science or study of women.
The services, treatments, and diagnoses of
gynecology Raleigh doctors offer are not limited to pregnancy and
its concerns, though these capable physicians can certainly
handle that. The
gynecologist Raleigh NC
women rely on offers care relating to heavy or irregular
menstrual cycles, cancers, tumors, birth control, pain
management/relief, and other issues related to feminine
health. Examinations performed by gynecologists are very
personal and intimate in nature. Many women feel
uncomfortable during the exam. More than most physicians,
the choice of a gynecologist often involves research into a
doctor's bedside manner in addition to education and
credentials.
To choose the right gynecologist, Raleigh NC
women should investigate the qualifications and services offered
by the doctors they are considering. The education and
experience of a specialist in gynecology Raleigh ladies have been
trusting for years can help give you peace of mind when those
services are needed. Making sure that a gynecologist offers
the services you believe you currently need and will need in the
future. It is also wise to check what hospitals the
gynecologist works to find out if they are convenient for
you. All certifications and training should be up to
date.
However, in addition to all that, past and
current patients should have positive experiences to relate with
the doctor you are considering. You want the gynecologist
Raleigh women feel comfortable with and confident in.
Choosing a gynecology practice that women continue to trust year
after year provides you with the best chance that your experience
with this physician will be the best it can be. One way to
find out the experiences of other patients is to search for
reviews online. Another way is to request references from
the doctor that you can call and ask questions about the care
they received.
7:59 AM - gynecology Raleigh NC - Choosing the Right Raleigh Gynecologist
Raleigh, North Carolina has a strong population of women. From the Ramblin' Rose Women's Triathlon to the Women's Club of Raleigh, there are a number of events, organizations, and opportunities for ladies in this charming southern city. In order to take advantage of the many charms of Raleigh, it is important to keep in the best health. Routine, annual appointments at your local gynecologist can help prevent the spread of diseases or problems. Practices offering the gynecology Raleigh NC women need focus on the health of female reproductive systems. Gynecology actually literally means the science or study of women.
The services, treatments, and diagnoses of
gynecology Raleigh doctors offer are not limited to pregnancy and
its concerns, though these capable physicians can certainly
handle that. The
gynecologist Raleigh NC
women rely on offers care relating to heavy or irregular
menstrual cycles, cancers, tumors, birth control, pain
management/relief, and other issues related to feminine
health. Examinations performed by gynecologists are very
personal and intimate in nature. Many women feel
uncomfortable during the exam. More than most physicians,
the choice of a gynecologist often involves research into a
doctor's bedside manner in addition to education and
credentials.
To choose the right gynecologist, Raleigh NC
women should investigate the qualifications and services offered
by the doctors they are considering. The education and
experience of a specialist in gynecology Raleigh ladies have been
trusting for years can help give you peace of mind when those
services are needed. Making sure that a gynecologist offers
the services you believe you currently need and will need in the
future. It is also wise to check what hospitals the
gynecologist works to find out if they are convenient for
you. All certifications and training should be up to
date.
However, in addition to all that, past and
current patients should have positive experiences to relate with
the doctor you are considering. You want the gynecologist
Raleigh women feel comfortable with and confident in.
Choosing a gynecology practice that women continue to trust year
after year provides you with the best chance that your experience
with this physician will be the best it can be. One way to
find out the experiences of other patients is to search for
reviews online. Another way is to request references from
the doctor that you can call and ask questions about the care
they received.
Thu, 29 Dec 2011
1:09 AM - gynecology Raleigh NC - How to Find the Best Gynecologist for You
Located within Wake County in North Carolina
is the bustling city of Raleigh. This city is home to over
275,000 people, with women having a slight advantage in the
population. As with any other large city, business is booming for
gynecology. When it comes time to finding a good
gynecologist Raleigh
NC
, there are several things a woman needs to consider:
- The doctor's reputation
- Will insurance cover a visit with that doctor
- Any medical conditions that affect your gynecological health
First, you need to take the reputation of the
gynecologist into consideration before you do anything else. With
so many doctors of
gynecology Raleigh NC
to choose from, you may think that this is easier said than
done. One way to find a doctor with a good reputation is to talk
with your female friends. Many women ask their friends who they
see for their gynecological health needs in order to find the
best doctor. If your female friends rave about a specific doctor,
chances are you will find their services more than satisfactory.
If more than one doctor is recommended to you, you could always
go see each one of them in order to make a more informed decision
about who to go see on a regular basis.
Of course, you also have to consider that you
need a gynecologist that is covered by your insurance. You may
think that every doctor in gynecology is covered by all
insurance, but that is a mistake. Chances are your insurance
covers a specific network of doctors and you will either have to
pay full price for services at a doctor outside of that network
or you will have to choose a doctor within your insurance
network. This can be a pain, especially if you have been seeing a
certain doctor for many years and then they are suddenly not
covered by your insurance.
Finally, you need to consider your other
medical needs and conditions that may affect your feminine
health. Alert your gynecologist if you have previously been
diagnosed with diabetes or any other type of insulin resistance,
as this can have a major effect on your ability to have children.
Also, when it comes to gynecology, you need to be completely
honest about all of your past medical history - including STDs.
Your doctor will find out anyway by looking at your medical
chart, but it is just better to get it out in the open with that
first visit. Full disclosure in the beginning makes for a better
doctor/patient relationship in the long run.
tags: gynecologist raleigh nc gynecology
Thu, 24 Nov 2011
5:01 AM - gynecological laparoscopic surgery - Advancements in Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopy is also known as "minimally invasive surgery", "belly-button surgery", and often incorrectly referred to as "laser surgery". Laparoscopy is a surgical technique that uses a 1 cm, or smaller, telescope attached to a video camera, usually placed through the navel, and a few customized instruments placed through one or two smaller skin cuts low on the abdomen while viewing a TV monitor. This allows the surgeon to view the inside of the body without needing to make a large incision that divides skin and muscle. There are a number of advantages to the patient with laparoscopic surgery versus an open surgical procedure. These include reduced pain due to smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time.
In gynecology,
laparoscopy may be used to diagnose female infertility, by
inspecting the outside of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian
tubes. With
laparoscopic gynecology the
uses for diagnosing female reproductive organs requires a
special type of laparoscope called a fertiloscope. A
fertiloscope is modified to make it suitable for trans-vaginal
application.
A surgeon trained
in advanced laparoscopic gynecology has the surgical skills to
perform operations that are traditionally done through a large
incision. Some of these surgeries may include:
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix)
- Removal of large ovarian cysts
- Treatment of stage 3 and 4 endometriosis
- Removal of large fibroids
- Cutting of adhesions that are a source of pain
- Treatment of Genuine Stress Urinary Incontinence
- Pelvic floor reconstruction
- Vaginal vault prolapse
- Uterine prolapse
After
laparoscopic
surgery, patients will often go home the same day or the
next. If these surgeries are performed through a large
incision, patients often have to stay two or three nights in
the hospital. In addition, the recovery time after large
abdominal incisions is approximately six weeks compared to 1-2
weeks (depending on the procedure) for laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery has the added benefits of less adhesion
(scar-tissue) formation and smaller (less than one inch)
incisions.
Also, in the
field of weight loss or bariatric surgery, laparoscopy has
become very common & successful. Sleeve gastrectomy Seattle
surgeons say is growing in popularity, thought at the moment it
is only performed in specific geographic locations, due to very
few surgeons being trained in this procedure. With sleeve
gastrectomy, the upper and outer most stretchable portion of
the stomach is removed laparsocopically, thereby considerably
decreasing the capacity of the stomach from about a quart to
about 2-4 ounces. So far, the Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure has
been incredibly successful. Because unlike other weight loss
surgery procedures it preserves all the important structural
elements of the stomach and the nerves that control stomach
function, the stomach is left much smaller, but one that is
close to a normal stomach in terms of function. It is ideal for
patients who are busy professionals, who travel a lot,
considering pregnancy, seeking weight loss in preparation for
an orthopedic procedure and are averse to having a foreign
body.
The Sleeve
Gastrectomy provides a fairly quick predictable weight loss. It
allows patients to enjoy a wider variety of foods than would be
typical for other weight loss surgeries. Among all the
operations for weight loss it is the most "pill- friendly"
operation, so patients don't have to make major changes in
their medications. Anti-inflammatory medications that are
generally not recommended after weight loss surgeries are
better tolerated with this operation than with any other
operation. Unlike the Adjustable Gastric Band this operation
does not require periodic adjustments. Patients generally go
home the same day or within 24 hrs. Weight loss is achieved by
restricting the quantity of food consumed and also by
significantly reducing appetite hormone (ghrelin) production in
the stomach. Patients generally report feeling full after
eating 2-4 oz of solid food.
Thanks to
advances in laparoscopy, there are many new types of surgeries
which are now safer and more effective than ever. Patients
seeking laparoscopic surgery can rest assured that they will
experience a faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and less
postoperative pain than when compared to conventional open
surgery.
Tue, 27 Sep 2011
7:14 AM - Laparoscopic Gynecology- What You Should Know
Laparoscopic gynecology
is a less invasive procedure that helps women get all the
different medical procedures that they need with fewer risks,
complications, and less downtime after the procedures are
completed. Laparoscopy is the process of using a thing telescope
that is lighted to go through a small incision, which then allows
doctors to operate within the area without having to make a large
incision. There is one incision made for the laparoscope as well
as an additional 2-3 incision made to provide access for the
small, specialty surgical instruments that are used in each
procedure.
When it comes to finding a top-quality
gynecologist Raleigh
patients have a lot of different options to choose from.
Even though there are hundreds of different options, the
residents of this North Carolina community can definitely find
advantages to working with a laparoscopic surgeon for any
procedures that they may need performed. When it comes to
something as sensitive as gynecology, having the right doctor can
make all the difference. You should take the time to explore your
options and find the best provide, regardless of whether you need
laparoscopic procedures or if you are just looking for someone to
prescribe birth control like
Essure
.
If you have heavy periods, you might be
looking for relief from a gynecologist, as well. If that's the
case, you should ask your doctor about
HerOption
, which is an ablative procedure that helps eliminate the
heaviness of menstrual bleeding through a simple, minimally
invasive procedure. There are so many different ways that the
right gynecologist can help you get the relief that you need,
regardless of the issues that you might be having. You just have
to take the time to find the right doctor for your needs, no
matter what those might be.
From laparoscopic procedures to birth control
and other female reproductive health issues, a gynecologist is
the person that can take care of it all. In Raleigh, there are
hundreds of different providers to choose from. However, it will
be entirely up to you to make sure that you find the right doctor
for your needs. This is a sensitive subject for many women, which
is why finding a doctor that you feel comfortable with and that
you can trust makes all the difference in the long run. Keep
these things in mind and your search for a doctor and experiences
with them will be that much better in the end.
Tue, 30 Aug 2011
5:57 AM - FEMALE URINARY INCONTINENCE - â??Gotta go, Gotta go, Gotta goâ??
Female urinary
incontinence is a common problem that affects up to 50% of
the adult female population. Many women who have bladder
leakage put up with the constant discomfort and embarrassment of
urinary leakage and avoid seeking treatment. But with the proper
medical diagnosis and evaluation, urinary incontinence problems
can be treated and significantly improved. The two most
common types of urinary incontinence are overactive bladder and
stress urinary
incontinence.
I. Overactive Bladder: The common symptoms are
bladder urgency, frequency, and nocturia (going to the bathroom
multiple times a night). Sometimes the urgency is so strong that
you have urge incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine with the
desire to urinate). The first option is simple dietary changes,
lifestyle improvements, and bladder retraining. Here are
some recommendations:
- Decrease your caffeine intake (e.g. coffee & tea): Slowly taper your caffeine intake so that you are drinking one half to one third the number of cups of coffee a day. Consider changing to decaffeinated coffee. Keep a bladder diary to record the number of times you use the bathroom on a normal caffeine diet versus caffeine-less diet. Also, consider decreasing acidic fluids (e.g. lemonade) and spicy foods. You will see a significant difference.
- Nocturia (going to the bathroom multiple times a night): A simple alternative is to decrease your fluid intake at night. After dinnertime, drink half the amount of fluids you normally drink and you'll notice that your visits to the bathroom will be less during the nighttime and you will get more continuous sleep.
- Bladder Re-training: With overactive bladder, your bladder has spontaneous involuntary bladder spasms but you can retrain your mind to suppress your bladder urgency and frequency sensations. For instance, once you feel the urgency to use the restroom; try to wait another 15 minutes before using the restroom. With much practice, one can suppress the urge sensation from 15 minutes to 30 minutes and perhaps up to one hour.
These various
overactive
bladder treatment options will help to regain control of
bladder function and improve one's daily activities. If
conservative measures fail, then your physician will recommend
medications (e.g. Detrol, Ditropan, and others) to improve one's
bladder control. These medications help relax the bladder
muscles and suppress the bladder spasms, thereby decreasing the
urge sensations. And in the severe cases of refractory
overactive bladder in which all medications and conservative
bladder retraining methods have failed, then the other options
are bladder electrical stimulation like Uroplasty and Interstim
(by Medtronics).
II. Stress Urinary Incontinence: Another type of
incontinence is stress urinary incontinence. The most common
symptoms are leakage of urine with coughing, laughing, or
sneezing. At other times, urinary leakage can occur from
walking, running, jumping, or lifting things. The recommended
first line of
urinary
incontinence treatment is conservative Kegel exercises.
Kegel exercises are pelvic floor muscle exercises that strengthen
the muscles around the bladder neck and improve the bladder
support, thereby decreasing the amount of leakage.
What happens if I have tried the Kegel
exercises for a few months and I still have leaking? The
next option is surgical treatment with a TVT (Tension-free
Vaginal Tape) sling or TOT (Transobturator Tape) sling. This
procedure is a simple outpatient surgical option, with minimal
postoperative discomfort, and a quick postoperative recovery
(less than one week). The success rate of this bladder
sling is excellent with a cure rate of approximately
90-95%.
For more information on urinary incontinence
and the various treatment options visit your local
laparoscopic gynecology
specialist.
Thu, 21 Jul 2011
6:20 AM - Essure - Younger Generations Say No to Children: Permanent Birth Control Methods Such As Essure on the Rise
The study cites many reasons given by both men and women for putting child-rearing on the back burner. First on the list of reasons women choose not to have children is career. Despite steps toward equality of genders, study after study show that women make less than men and are looked at as a liability from bosses because of the time off and distractions required to raise children. Also, even in a household where both parents work, it is often reported that the woman does a disproportionately higher amount of housework than her male partner.
Both
men and women cite economic stress as a main factor in not
having children. For those who see the stress and financial
hardship of close friends and relatives trying to get by with
young ones, it turns into a decision not to lead the same kind
of life. Still others would rather retain their freedom to
travel or live an adult lifestyle not especially suited to the
stability a child requires. In order to live a childless life,
more and more young couples are turning to
permanent birth
control methods.
There
are a few methods of permanent birth control, also known as
sterilization. An exciting advancement in permanent birth
control for women is the invention of Essure. Essure is a form
of hysteroscopic sterilization. For many gynecological surgeons
in
Raleigh Essure is the
recommended form of permanent birth control. During the
procedure Essure tubes are inserted into the fallopian tubes
through the body's natural pathways. Unlike former
sterilization methods, there is no surgical cutting, and the
fallopian tubes remain intact.
Essure is also the
only permanent birth control method with zero pregnancies in
clinical trials. The procedure is fast, taking less than 15
minutes, and can be completed without hormones or anesthesia.
In fact, women who undergo the procedure often return to work
on the same day! Side effects are often comparable to PMS
symptoms, and include cramping, nausea, or dizziness. These
symptoms, if experienced, tend to go away within hours of the
procedure.
Other
forms of permanent birth control for women include tubal
ligation. Generally when performing this minimally invasive
laparoscopic
surgery Raleigh surgeons use general anesthesia then make
small inserts near the belly button to get into the
reproductive area and destroy of the fallopian tubes. Side
effects of this procedure include a bloated abdomen and sharp
pains in the neck and shoulders due to the gas used, cramps,
discharge, and pain. Also, fallopian tube pregnancies are still
a risk with the tubal ligation method.
Thu, 23 Jun 2011
1:59 AM - abnormal uterine bleeding - Causes of Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding
According to studies, 10 to 30% of females are prone to abnormal uterine bleeding at some point in their life. Abnormal uterine or menstrual bleeding refers to any bleeding from the vagina, other than the normal menstrual period. Heavy menstrual bleeding also known as menorrhagia can fall into the category of abnormal menstrual bleeding, even though the bleeding is the part of the menstrual cycle. If you have to go through more than one tampon or pad every two hours, then your period is considered abnormally heavy.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Causes:
Abnormally
heavy periods can be attributed to a
wide range of factors. Only a doctor can properly diagnose and
prescribe treatment for these causes.
- Hormone imbalances, such as thyroid disorders have been shown to increase the risk of abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Fibroids and polyps often cause symptoms such pressure and pain in the uterine area.
- Certain types of birth control. Each female is different, and there are many forms of hormonal birth control available, all of which affect each individual differently.
- Abortion and miscarriage can lead to abnormal bleeding for weeks, and sometimes even months, after the event.
- Adenomyosis is a non-cancerous disease characterized by the uterine lining existing inside the muscular layer of the uterus.
- Cervical or uterine cancer often results in abnormal uterine bleeding.
The cause of abnormal heavy bleeding is
discovered through a combination of medical tests. These tests
include blood sample analysis, tissue biopsies, hysteroscopy, and a
pelvic ultrasound. A hysteroscopy refers to the use of a small
telescope attached to a video camera to view the inside of the
uterus.
Common Treatment Options:
- If the cause is fibroids or polyps, then removal of these causes by scraping the uterine wall is generally the first treatment option. The processes of removing fibroids and polyps are called laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.
- Changing birth control or prescriptions is a course of action for unexplained uterine bleeding.
- In the case of adenomyosis, in some cases of fibroids, and in extreme cases of cancer, the entire uterus must sometimes be removed as a last resort. This procedure is called a hysterectomy.
Tue, 24 May 2011
1:34 AM - Laparoscopic hysterectomy - Advances in Gynecology â?? New Methods for Womenâ??s Health
When it comes to women's health issues, it could
be complicated. However with recent strides in research and
development, there have been many advances as regards treatment of
women's health-related issues. As an example, when it comes to
birth control, a woman has several options. One such is
Essure
. Trusted by women, this is a permanent birth control procedure
that prevents pregnancy. The whole procedure takes just about 10
minutes. It is 99.8% effective, however, you have to be user that
you do not want children in the future since this is not a
reversible procedure.
Other gynecological problems or conditions
are being treated with cryoablation. Cryoablation uses sub-zero
temperatures to reduce or eliminate the endometrium (uterus). One
common issue related to endometrium is unusually heavy bleeding
during periods. Doctors call this condition abnormal uterine
bleeding (AUB) or menorrhagia. The good news is that
HerOption endometrial
cryoablation
offers a safe, effective and comfortable treatment of this
condition right in the doctor's office.
Every year, many women go through hysterectomies
or the surgical removal of their uterus. Within the US, this is the
second most common, major, gynecological operation performed on
women, and for the most common reason, fibroids. There are
different types of hysterectomy - total hysterectomy, subtotal
hysterectormy, supracervical hysterectomy etc.
Laparoscopic
hysterectomy
is a relatively new surgical procedure that allows the uterus
to be detached from inside the body by laparoscopic instruments
while the doctor is viewing the uterus, tubes and ovaries through a
camera attached to a telescope. One advantage is that the incisions
are smaller and much less uncomfortable compared to abdominal
hysterectomy.
As women age, the muscles and ligaments
supporting a woman's pelvic organs naturally weaken and sometimes
the pelvic organs can slip out of place which is medically referred
to as prolapse. The normal support is lost. Most of the symptoms
are diagnosed during the routine physical examinations of women.
Also not many women actually are aware of this condition or medical
implications. This condition, called,
pelvic organ
prolapse
, can worsen over time and may need surgery to fix it. There
are different types of pelvic organ prolapses. Some women develop
vaginal prolapsed, usually after menopause, childbirth or a
hysterectomy. Others may develop bladder prolapse, rectal prolapse,
uterine prolapse, small bowel prolapse. With so many treatment
options available, women no longer need to worry about their health
issues.
Wed, 20 Apr 2011
2:58 AM - Raleigh Gynecologist - When to see your doctor about pelvic pain
All
women feel some pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen from time
to time, for instance, before or during menstruation. In
most cases the pain is familiar, however when the circumstances
change it may be difficult to identify the cause(s) of the pain.
Noting certain features about your discomfort however may help
you and your doctor come to a likely diagnosis.
Common
causes of pelvic pain can include a urinary disorder such as a
bladder or kidney infection, a bowel problem, or a condition
involving the reproductive system - uterus, Fallopian tubes or
ovaries.
In
Raleigh Gynecologists regularly
treat pain related to the urinary system which can indicate such
conditions as cystitis (inflammation of the bladder),
inflammation of the kidneys (pyelonephritis), kidney
stones, or uncommonly tumors.
Usually
kidney stones are associated with severe pain. The possibility of
infection is often increased by the presence of blood in the
urine or could even signal
a bladder or kidney tumor. The presence of blood
in the urine always requires further investigation and should be
reported to your doctor immediately. You should also take note of
the duration of the pain. That could also help doctors in finding
the correct diagnosis.
Sometimes
uterine fibroids
are the cause of pelvic pain, in addition to heavy or irregular
uterine bleeding. Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are
noncancerous tumors of the uterus (less than 1% are cancerous).
Fibroids are the most common solid pelvic tumor in women. They
are usually detected in women in their 30's and 40's. After
menopause, fibroids may shrink due to lack of estrogen.
Surgery
for uterine fibroids may involve removal of the fibroids
(myomectomy) or removal of the uterus (
hysterectomy).
If myomectomy is chosen, the surgery may be performed
by laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or through an open
abdominal incision. Removal of a submucosal fibroid is performed
using advanced hysteroscopy. Usually, a small wire acts as a
scalpel to shave pieces of the fibroid until it is completely
removed. Intramural fibroids may be removed using the laparoscope
or hysteroscope.
In
Raleigh
Advanced
laparoscopy allows removal of subserosal fibroids while
minimizing the size of abdominal incisions. If the surgery is
performed laparoscopically or hysteroscopically the patient will
usually go home the day of surgery. If a larger abdominal
incision is made, patients will often stay overnight. There is a
recurrence risk with myomectomy unlike hysterectomy.
Acute
and sudden pains are always worrying but chronic pain can also
have serious implications and a doctor should be consulted. Your
doctor will ask you a few routine questions about periods,
passing of urine and bowel movements. They might also ask about
other symptoms including episodes of nausea, vomiting, or fever.
If appropriate, they may also ask questions concerning your
personal life - family, friends, work - and your sex life.
Most
likely, after the Q&A your doctor will need to examine you.
This will involve feeling your abdomen and, in addition, an
internal examination (vaginal, rectal or sometimes both) may be
necessary. Further investigations or treatment will be based upon
the description of the pain and the findings of the doctor's
examination.
Your
doctor may deem it necessary to acquire a urine
sample to test for any signs of infection.
If
a kidney problem is suspected than an ultrasound scan
of the kidneys and bladder will be arranged. It is important to
ask your doctor questions and be completely truthful during his
or her examination. This can help in determining the cause of
your pelvic pain and is essential to finding the appropriate
treatment.
Mon, 21 Mar 2011
5:23 AM - gynecological laparoscopic surgeon - Alternative to Abdominal Hysterectomy?
Many women are faced with the decision to undergo a hysterectomy. Suffering from heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis, or other types of discomfort can lead a gynecologist to suggest traditional abdominal surgery. What many women don't know is that there are less invasive options which may be considered.
600,000
hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. annually. While upwards
of 80% are abdominal surgeries, they could be done as
laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomies, doctors say. A
laparoscopic
hysterectomy
is
much less invasive, meaning that the recovery time is much less
than traditional more major surgeries.
A
traditional abdominal hysterectomy involves a large incision
through the abdominal wall. Much anesthesia and pain medication
is needed, and the recovery time is approximately 6 weeks.
Some
Hysterectomy
Raleigh
patients
may also look to vaginal or laparoscopic-assisted vaginal
hysterectomy (LAVH). Only certain types of women can undergo this
type of surgery, but it is also less invasive than the
traditional abdominal surgery. Recovery time is approximately 2
weeks.
In
Raleigh
laparoscopic hysterectomy
,
or total laparoscopic hysterectomy as it is often referred, is
becoming more and more popular. This type of surgery is done by a
specialized and highly trained
gynecological
laparoscopic surgeon
and
involves only small "keyhole" incisions in the abdomen. There is
minimal pain and recovery time is often less than 2
weeks.
Aside
from the quicker and less painful recovery, the advantage of
laparoscopic hysterectomy is that nearly all women are
candidates. One factor to consider, however, is the cost.
Because it takes a much more skilled surgeon, there are less
garden-variety gynecologists available to perform the surgery.
That is why it is important to find the right surgeon - one who
is experienced in several types of laparoscopic and
gynecological surgery and is open and honest with you about all
the options available.
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