What Are the Treatments for Menopause? After menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed to resupply the body with the hormones it no longer produces. Discuss this with your doctor. As with any medication, there are risks and benefits, and each woman should decide if HRT is the right choice for her. HRT typically…
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Endometrial Ablation Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys (ablates) the uterine lining, or endometrium. This procedure is used to treat dysfunctional or abnormal uterine bleeding. Sometimes a lighted viewing instrument (hysteroscope) is used to see inside the uterus. Endometrial ablation can be done by: Laser beam (laser thermal ablation). Heat (thermal ablation), using: Radiofrequency.…
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One-third of American women experience some type of pelvic health disorder by the time they’re 60. And about 600,000 women every year have a hysterectomy — removing their uterus to relieve troubling symptoms. Overall, an estimated 20 million women have had a hysterectomy. But if you have painful periods with excessive bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, or…
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Prolapsed Uterus Overview Your uterus (or womb) is normally held in place inside your pelvis with various muscles, tissue, and ligaments. Because of childbirth or difficult labor and delivery, in some women these muscles weaken. Also, as a woman ages and with a natural loss of the hormone estrogen, her uterus can drop into the…
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Urinary incontinence isn’t an inevitable result of aging. Most women who have it can be helped or cured. The best treatment depends on the cause of your incontinence and your personal preferences. Treatments include: Behavioral training, such as bladder training and timed urination. For more information, see Other Treatment. Lifestyle changes and pelvic floor (Kegel)…
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Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) for Abnormal Cervical Cell Changes The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal tissue. LEEP can: Cut away abnormal cervical tissue that can be seen during colposcopy. Remove abnormal tissue high in the cervical canal that cannot be seen during colposcopy.…
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Colposcopy is a way for your doctor to use a special magnifying device to look at your vulva, vagina, and cervix. If a problem is seen during colposcopy, a small sample of tissue (biopsy) may be taken from the cervix or from inside the opening of the cervix (endocervical canal). The sample is looked at…
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When should I have my first gynecologic visit? An obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) is a doctor who specializes in the health care of women. Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 years and 15 years. Is it normal to be nervous before the first visit? It is normal to feel nervous about…
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