Taking Care of Women’s Health Since 1997
Abnormal Bleeding & Painful Periods
Abnormal bleeding
The average menstrual cycle typically spans from 21 to 35 days, lasting 3 to 7 days. If you have any of the following conditions, it is time to visit your Gynecologist:
- Bleeding occurs between periods.
- Bleeding after engaging in sexual intercourse.
- Utilizing more than one tampon or pad per hour during menstruation.
- Menstrual periods that extend beyond seven days.
- Menstrual cycles last longer than 35 days.
- Menstrual cycles lasting less than 21 days.
- Significant variations in the menstrual cycle characterize irregular periods.
- Absence of menstruation for a duration of 3 to 6 months.
- Bleeding after reaching menopause.
Abnormal bleeding may coincide with other issues like painful intercourse. It can also manifest without apparent problems.
Abnormal Bleeding Causes
- Bleeding disorders
- Endometrial cancer
- Ovulation problems
- Copper intrauterine devices (IUD)
- Birth control pills
- Hormone imbalance
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): enlarged ovaries with cysts
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: infection in the upper reproductive organs
- Endometriosis: uterine lining growing outside the uterus
- Adenomyosis: uterine lining growing within the uterine muscle walls
- Uterine polyps: growths on the inner uterine walls
- Uterine fibroids: tissue masses made of the uterine lining
Painful Periods
Painful menstrual periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, are a prevalent issue affecting more than 50% of menstruating women. The pain is intense, with deep aching sensations and tenderness extending throughout the abdomen and often radiating to the back. There are two types of dysmenorrhea:
- Primary dysmenorrhea: This is the most common cause of painful periods. Women experiencing primary dysmenorrhea endure severe menstrual cramps due to elevated levels of prostaglandins in the uterine lining. Prostaglandins are natural chemicals produced by the body. The pain is typically most intense on the first day of the period when prostaglandin levels are highest. As the uterine lining sheds, prostaglandin levels decrease, gradually reducing pain each day. Primary dysmenorrhea generally begins shortly after menstruation starts
- Secondary dysmenorrhea arises from a disorder within the reproductive system and may not manifest until a woman reaches her 20s or 30s. Unlike primary dysmenorrhea, the pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea tends to worsen as the menstrual period progresses rather than improves. It may commence several days before the period starts and persist even after it has ended.
Call The Women's Health Group, P.A. today for a solution to painful periods, or book an appointment online.
Abnormal Pap
What does a Pap smear involve? A Pap smear is a procedure performed during a woman's regular wellness examination to collect cells from the cervix. The frequency of Pap smears typically ranges from every 2 to 3 years, depending on a woman's medical history and her risk factors for cervical cancer.
Abnormal Pap Causes
Abnormal cell growth on the cervix can arise from a sexually transmitted disease or an infection. In certain instances, the initial appearance of abnormal cells may not show up upon subsequent Pap smear or colposcopy examinations.
When developing abnormal cells, factors such as yeast infections or urinary tract infections can be influential, particularly in cases where proper hygiene practices are not observed. The presence of bacteria can disrupt the delicate pH balance in the vagina, potentially leading to abnormal cell growth or a discharge with a mucus-like consistency. Furthermore, heightened stress levels can disturb the body's pH, increasing vulnerability to yeast infections and other reproductive health issues.
If you wish to schedule a Pap smear or discuss abnormal Pap results with a trusted specialist, you can contact the office of The Women's Health Group, P.A., or request an appointment online today.
Breast Exam
Engaging in a breast self-exam, performed for breast awareness, enables you to familiarize yourself with your breasts' typical appearance and feel. If you observe any abnormal changes or notice variations between your breasts, it is advisable to inform your doctor.
It is important to note that numerous conditions can contribute to alterations in breast characteristics, including breast cancer. While the breast self-exam method may not always be a definitive means of detecting breast cancer, many women have reported that their initial indication of breast cancer was the discovery of a new breast lump during a self-examination.
Consequently, at The Women's Health Group, we recommend becoming acquainted with the normal texture of your breasts for early detection purposes.
For more information on breast exams, contact our clinic today at
(785) 776-1400.
Birth Control
Birth control gives women the autonomy to decide the timing and possibility of having children.
In addition, contraceptive medication can assist women who encounter prevalent sources of pelvic discomforts, such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
What forms of birth control is available?
- Combined contraceptive pill (estrogen and progestin)
- Mini pill (progestin only)
- Hormonal skin patches
- Vaginal ring
- Hormone implant
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injection
- Hormonal IUD
Methods of Birth Control
- Convenience and ease of use
- Potential side effects
- Effectiveness
- Affordability
- Reversibility
- Effects on menstruation
- Protection against STDs
Family Planning
Family planning encompasses a comprehensive range of services, methods, and procedures intended to empower women and couples to take charge of their future, enabling them to make informed choices about parenthood and determine the timing of starting a family.
Family planning encompasses various aspects, including providing birth control methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies, assisting with pre-pregnancy planning, offering genetic counseling services for women and couples who may be at risk of certain genetic disorders in their children, and supporting couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving.
The Women's Health Group, P.A. offers many types of birth control options, including:
- Barrier methods
- Birth control pills: Progestin-only or combination pills
- Birth control injections
- Fertility awareness (natural family planning)
- Intrauterine devices: Copper or hormone-based
High risk Pregnancy
High-risk pregnancies are when the mother or the baby (or both) face certain health risks due to pregnancy. Some possible causes of high-risk pregnancies include:
- Obesity
- Older age
- Diabetes or gestational diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- High blood pressure before pregnancy or during pregnancy
- Chromosomal or other genetic issues
- Multiple prior miscarriages
- Being pregnant with more than one baby (twins or triplets)
- Drug or alcohol use
- Smoking
- Presence of large fibroids
- Infection
To learn more about The Women's Health Group, P.A., and the family planning services available, call the office to speak with a team member or request an appointment online today.
Incontinence
Numerous factors can lead to or play a role in developing urinary incontinence (unintentional urine leakage) and fecal incontinence (involuntary stool leakage) among women.
The prevalence of incontinence tends to increase with age due to declining hormone levels, making it especially common among postmenopausal women.
Other causes of urinary incontinence can include:
- Weakening of the muscles that control the movement of urine and stool
- Urinary tract infections
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Chronic constipation
- Neuromuscular disease
- Bladder stones
- Certain medications
Types of Incontinence
Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence features urine leakage when you sneeze, cough, laugh hard, or make other movements that could stress your bladder. Some women experience urinary leakage during sex or other strenuous physical activity.
Urgency urinary incontinence
Urgency incontinence happens when powerful urges to urinate occur with little warning. Because it happens suddenly, urine leakage can happen before you reach the bathroom. Sometimes urgency incontinence is called overactive bladder. However, not all cases of overactive bladder feature urine leakage.
Mixed incontinence
People with mixed incontinence have symptoms from both categories.
Infertility
The female reproductive system and ovulation cycle are intricate and finely balanced networks. Due to this complexity, infertility can arise from various factors, which may include:
- Ovulation disorders
- Reproductive organ abnormalities
- Reproductive organ damage
- Fallopian tube blockage
- Early menopause
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Adhesions
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
How does age affect infertility?
The ability to conceive is significantly influenced by age, as women are born with a finite number of eggs that diminish over time. As one ages, the quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries decrease. After the age of 30, fertility gradually begins to decline.
How is infertility treated?
To identify the cause of infertility, it may be necessary to undergo a series of diagnostic tests, including ultrasound examinations and hormone tests.
Infertility treatment aims to address the root cause and encompasses a range of therapies. However, in some cases, the cause of infertility cannot be pinpointed, resulting in a condition referred to as unexplained infertility.
The Women's Health Group provides the following services:
- Diagnostic testing
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Reproductive specialist referrals
For more information on our infertility services, schedule your consultation today!
Menopause
Menopause is not a medical condition; rather, it signifies a new phase in a woman's life where her ability to conceive comes to an end. The onset of menopause is characterized by a gradual reduction in the production of estrogen and progesterone, the hormones responsible for regulating reproductive functions, followed by the cessation of egg release from the ovaries. While menopause typically occurs in a woman's early 50s, many women experience symptoms for several years before and after this period. The transition itself can take five years or longer to complete and often has a notable impact on the quality of life for many women.
Menopause Symptoms
- Estrogen and progesterone levels start to fall
- Your menstrual cycle changes regularly
- Irregular period
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Problems sleeping
- Vaginal dryness
- Painful intercourse
- Depression
- Difficulties concentrating
- Mood swings
- Memory problems
To find out how The Women's Health Group, P.A., the team can help you manage menopause, call, or book an appointment online today.
Mental Health
Women may encounter a diverse array of mental health challenges, and in numerous instances, these disorders exhibit higher prevalence rates among women. Presently, some of the mental health issues that women may experience encompass:
- Depression
- Postpartum depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia
These represent just a few of the prevailing mental health disorders frequently observed in women, implying that you may encounter distinct challenges in your own life.
While symptoms can vary depending on the specific disorder, knowing the general symptoms of mental health disorders can assist in identifying potential problems, even if you may not be sure about the exact nature of the issue.
The symptoms of mental illness can manifest uniquely in each woman. Suppose you find yourself grappling with thoughts that lead to unwelcome changes in your life.
In that case, it is crucial to reach out to the compassionate team at The Women's Health Group, P.A. They will provide a supportive environment, offer a diagnosis for your condition, and collaborate with you to develop a personalized plan to alleviate your symptoms.
Painful Intercourse
Painful intercourse encompasses discomfort or pain experienced during sexual activity. Approximately 75% of women encounter this issue at some stage. In many instances, painful intercourse occurs sporadically, happening a few times and then resolving independently. However, for certain women, sex consistently remains painful, significantly impacting their happiness, relationships, and overall well-being. Thankfully, the compassionate team at The Women's Health Group, P.A. can provide a diagnosis and assist you in restoring an enjoyable and pain-free sexual experience.
Painful Intercourse Common Causes
- Internal scarring from surgery
- Sex too soon following childbirth or gynecologic surgery
- Lack of arousal
- Lack of lubrication
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Ovarian cysts
- Endometriosis
- Vaginismus
- Vaginitis
- Vulvodynia
- Hormone changes during menopause
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Uterine prolapse
- Infection
PCOS
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a hormonal condition that affects some women during their childbearing years. The root cause of PCOS is unknown, but possible triggers include:
- Menstrual problems
- Insulin resistance
Complications PCOS Cause
- Sleep apnea
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Heart disease
- Metabolic syndrome
- Eating disorders
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (severe liver inflammation)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Endometrial cancer
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
STD Testing
Young individuals who engage in sexual activity have various methods to safeguard themselves against contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These include consistently and correctly utilizing condoms as well as undergoing STD testing.
Obtaining regular STD testing holds significance since it is the sole means of determining if an individual has contracted an STD and requires treatment.
Contact The Women's Health Group today to schedule an STD Test.
UTI
The most prevalent symptom of an infection is a painful burning sensation during urination. Additionally, patients may encounter the following symptoms:
- Fever or the shakes
- An increased frequency of urination
- Lower back pain
- Pain in your sides
- Lower belly pressure
- Cloudy urine
- Foul-smelling urine
If you suspect a UTI, don't leave it untreated; call us today at (785) 776-1400 and schedule your consultation.
Get the professionals to resolve your gynecologist issue. Call (785) 776-1400 now!
