Expectant mothers have their blood routinely “typed” by a laboratory early in their pregnancies. The different blood types, A, B, AB, and O, are accompanied by the designation “positive” or “negative.” What does this designation mean, and why is it an important health concern? Red blood cell membranes have proteins attached to them. One of […]
Reports indicate that upwards of 50-75% of women will suffer from nausea and/or vomiting predominately during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. The cause is unclear, but fortunately only .3-1% of women will advance to a potentially morbid state called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which can potentially cause significant health issues for the mother. A pregnant patient […]
Today’s technology allows us to do more by doing less. What does that mean? In the past, most of the gynecologic surgery required making a large incision, either a “bikini cut” or a vertical midline incision. Most hysterectomies in the past were performed by making one of these incisions. Removal of large ovarian cysts or […]
Many mothers want to know when routine gynecologic examinations for their daughters should begin. The answer is simple: When the need arises. Reasons for an adolescent to see a gynecologist include (but are not limited to): ü Pelvic pain, including painful menses, not responding to Ibuprofen ü If the patient has become sexually active, considering […]
There a several vaginal conditions that can significantly compromise a woman’s quality of life and can be effectively corrected with the appropriate surgical procedure. The vaginal vault is supported by fibro-muscular tissues which help support the uterus, bladder, vaginal apex (top), rectum, and the vaginal introitus (opening). Aging, uncomplicated childbirth, and vaginal injury from difficult […]
BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are tumor suppressor genes that help protect against cancer. It is known that when a patient has an altered form of the gene (a mutation) she has a higher likelihood of developing cancer. Mutations in the BRCA 1&2 genes are associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian, and other […]
In November of 2009, the USPSTF (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) assembled by the Agency of Healthcare Research announced their recommendations stating: 1. The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years. a. Grade: B recommendation. 2. The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years […]
Endometriosis is a benign (non-cancerous) condition in which cells of the uterine lining, endometrium, is found in spots or in cysts outside the uterine cavity. The most common locations are on the surface of the ovaries, peritoneum (the membrane that lines the abdomen and pelvis), or on the intestine’s surface. It may also grow into […]
Chronic, persistent, or intermittent lower abdominal pain can be one of the most perplexing problems a gynecologist will deal with. The patient and her physician often focus on her pelvic organs, appendix, and bladder as the etiology of lower abdominal pain. Unless there is objective evidence by proper pelvic exam, radiologic studies, or sonography laparoscopy […]
The 2012 Flu season is upon us! Pregnant patients need the Flu Vaccine! We have ordered as many Influenza (Flu) vaccines as available to our office for the upcoming flu season, which extends from October through May. Both the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) strongly […]
