GYN Issues
1. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Description: Any vaginal bleeding that is different from normal menstrual periods, including heavier menstrual flow, unusual spotting, or bleeding between periods or after menopause. What to Watch For: Track the frequency, duration, and amount of bleeding. Schedule an Appointment If: You experience bleeding that is heavier or lighter than usual, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sexual intercourse. Seek Immediate Attention If: You have severe bleeding that soaks through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours, or if you feel dizzy or faint.
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2. Pelvic Pain Description: Pain below the belly button in the lower abdomen, which might be acute or chronic, and can be a symptom of several conditions. What to Watch For: Note the pain's nature (sharp, dull, cramping), timing, and any activities that relieve or worsen it. Schedule an Appointment If: You have persistent or intermittent pelvic pain that disrupts your daily activities or is associated with menstrual cycles. Seek Immediate Attention If: The pain is severe, sudden, and sharp, or if it is accompanied by fever or vomiting.
3. Ovarian Cysts Description: Fluid-filled sacs within or on the surface of an ovary; often harmless and disappear without treatment but can sometimes cause symptoms if they rupture or become large. What to Watch For: Bloating, swelling, or sudden pain in the abdomen. Schedule an Appointment If: You experience pain, bloating, or changes in menstrual patterns that persist. Seek Immediate Attention If: You have sudden, severe abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting, or if you experience signs of shock, like cold and clammy skin.
4. Uterine Fibroids Description: Noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. They can vary in size and may cause symptoms depending on their size and location. What to Watch For: Heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, or pelvic pressure. Schedule an Appointment If: You notice menstrual irregularities, pelvic pressure or pain, increased urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Seek Immediate Attention If: You experience sharp pelvic pain, severe menstrual bleeding, or signs of anemia such as fatigue and weakness.
5. Endometriosis Description: A disorder where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and potentially affecting fertility. What to Watch For: Painful periods, pain during intercourse, and infertility. Schedule an Appointment If: You have chronic pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, or pain during bowel movements or urination during your periods. Seek Immediate Attention If: You experience severe abdominal pain or have signs of an infection, such as fever and severe pelvic pain.
6. Menopausal Symptoms Description: A natural decline in reproductive hormones when a woman reaches her 40s or 50s. Symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, and sleep disturbances. What to Watch For: Early signs of menopause and how they affect your daily life. Schedule an Appointment If: Symptoms become bothersome or disrupt your daily life, or if you're interested in management options. Seek Immediate Attention If: You experience severe mood swings, depression, or any other extreme psychological symptoms that affect your well-being.
7. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Description: Infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Common symptoms include unusual discharge, genital itching, and sores. What to Watch For: Unusual symptoms in the genital area, such as sores, bumps, or odors. Schedule an Appointment If: You notice any of the aforementioned symptoms or if you have unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners. Seek Immediate Attention If: You experience severe pain, fever, or signs of a more serious infection like pelvic inflammatory disease (e.g., severe pelvic pain, fever).
8. Vaginal Infections Description: Includes yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis, characterized by abnormal discharge, itching, and irritation. What to Watch For: Changes in vaginal discharge (color, odor, consistency), itching, or irritation. Schedule an Appointment If: Symptoms are mild but persistent. Seek Immediate Attention If: Symptoms are accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, or the symptoms are particularly severe and uncomfortable.
GYN Procedures
1.Well Woman Exams (Routine Gynecological Visit/Exam) What It Is: An annual health check designed to review a woman's reproductive health. It typically includes a discussion of health habits, sexual health, a physical examination, and necessary screenings. Before the Procedure: No special preparation is needed, although it's helpful to have a list of any medications, symptoms, menstrual cycle details, and personal and family health history. During the Procedure: The exam includes a general physical exam, a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and sometimes a Pap smear, depending on age and medical history. After the Procedure: No recovery time is needed. Your doctor will inform you when to expect results from any tests performed. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Regular health screening, contraceptive counseling, menopause management, or addressing menstrual concerns.
2. Pap Smears What It Is: A screening test for cervical cancer where cells from the cervix are gently collected and examined. Before the Procedure: Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams for 48 hours before the test. During the Procedure: During a pelvic exam, a device called a speculum is inserted into the vagina to access the cervix, and cells are collected. After the Procedure: Patients can return to normal activities immediately; slight spotting may occur. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Routine screening as advised by healthcare guidelines or following abnormal bleeding.
3. Pelvic Exam What It Is: A visual and physical examination of the pelvic organs. Before the Procedure: No specific preparation is required, but relaxing the pelvic muscles during the exam helps. During the Procedure: Includes external and internal inspection of genitalia, uterus, and cervix. After the Procedure: Immediate return to normal activities. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Part of a routine well woman e
4. Breast Exams What It Is: An examination of the breasts to check for lumps or other changes. Before the Procedure: No special preparation is needed. During the Procedure: Both a visual and manual check are conducted, sometimes followed by imaging tests if necessary. After the Procedure: Immediate return to normal activities; follow-up may involve imaging if any anomalies are found. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Routine screening or checking symptoms like lumps, pain, or changes in breast shape or size.
5. Colposcopy What It Is: A detailed examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva using a special microscope called a colposcope. Before the Procedure: Similar to Pap smear preparations; avoid intercourse, douching, or vaginal treatments for 48 hours before. During the Procedure: A speculum is used to view the area, and special solutions may be applied to highlight abnormal cells. After the Procedure: Possible light bleeding or discharge; normal activities can usually resume immediately. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Recommended after abnormal Pap smears to further investigate potential problems.
6. Cryotherapy What It Is: A treatment to freeze and remove abnormal cells from the cervix. Before the Procedure: No specific preparation required, but discuss any concerns or medications with your healthcare provider. During the Procedure: A cooling device is applied to the cervix to destroy abnormal cells. After the Procedure: Possible mild cramping or a watery discharge for a few weeks; activities can generally be resumed immediately. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Treatment of precancerous conditions of the cervix as detected on Pap smears or colposcopies.
7. STD Testing & Treatment What It Is: Testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) using blood tests, urine samples, or swabs. Treatment depends on the specific infection. Before the Procedure: No specific preparation is generally required, but avoiding urinating for an hour before some tests can help. During the Procedure: Samples are collected via blood draw, urine collection, or swabs from genital areas. After the Procedure: Normal activities can be resumed immediately; follow-up depends on results. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Routine screening or symptoms like unusual discharge, genital sores, or pain during intercourse.
8. Pelvic Transvaginal Ultrasound What It Is: An imaging test using sound waves to create pictures of the pelvic organs from inside the vagina. Before the Procedure: You may be advised to arrive with a full bladder for better imaging. During the Procedure: A small, wand-like device called a transducer is inserted into the vagina to obtain images. After the Procedure: Immediate return to normal activities; some might feel slight discomfort during the test. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Investigating unexplained bleeding, pelvic pain, or abnormalities found during physical exams.
9. Hysteroscopy What It Is: A procedure to examine the inside of the uterus using a thin, lighted tube passed through the vagina and cervix. Before the Procedure: Often performed under anesthesia, requiring fasting for several hours before. During the Procedure: The hysteroscope is inserted to visualize the uterus; small instruments may be used to remove polyps or fibroids. After the Procedure: Recovery varies; some may experience cramping or light bleeding. Normal activities can usually resume within a day. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Abnormal bleeding, suspected fibroids or polyps, or issues with fertility.
10. IUD Removals & Insertions What It Is: Placement or removal of an intrauterine device, a form of long-term, reversible birth control. Before the Procedure: No specific preparation required, though some might take a pain reliever beforehand to minimize discomfort. During the Procedure: A speculum is used to view the cervix, and the IUD is inserted or removed using special instruments. After the Procedure: Possible cramping or spotting; normal activities can often be resumed immediately. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Birth control management, discomfort with current IUD, or desire to switch birth control methods.
11. Nexplanon Removals & Insertions What It Is: Insertion or removal of a small rod-like contraceptive device under the skin of the upper arm. Before the Procedure: No specific preparation needed, but local anesthesia is used. During the Procedure: The device is inserted or removed through a small incision in the skin. After the Procedure: Minor bruising or swelling; normal activities can be resumed shortly after. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Long-term contraception choice or end of device's life span.
12. Genital Lesion Removal What It Is: Surgical removal of lesions such as warts, moles, or other growths from the genital area. Before the Procedure: Depending on the method, local anesthesia may be used; no specific preparation required. During the Procedure: Lesions are removed using techniques like excision, laser, or cryotherapy. After the Procedure: Recovery time varies; instructions on wound care will be provided. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Presence of benign or suspicious lesions causing discomfort or concern.
13. Medical & Surgical Abortions What It Is: Termination of a pregnancy either through medication or surgical procedure. Before the Procedure: Counseling and informed consent are required; fasting may be needed for surgical options. During the Procedure: Medication involves taking pills; surgical involves dilation of the cervix and removal of pregnancy tissue. After the Procedure: Varies; some may experience cramping or bleeding. Follow-up is necessary to ensure completeness. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Decision to terminate a pregnancy due to personal, medical, or other reasons.
14. CO2 Laser Vaginal Treatment What It Is: A non-surgical procedure using carbon dioxide lasers to rejuvenate vaginal tissue by stimulating collagen production. Before the Procedure: No specific preparation required. During the Procedure: The laser is applied internally and externally in the vaginal area, which can take about 30 minutes. After the Procedure: Minimal downtime; some may experience mild discomfort or discharge. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Treat symptoms of vaginal atrophy, laxity, dryness, or urinary incontinence.
15. Sonohysterogram What It Is: An ultrasound technique where fluid is injected into the uterus to provide a clearer image of the uterine lining. Before the Procedure: You may be advised to take a pain reliever beforehand to minimize discomfort. During the Procedure: A speculum is inserted, fluid is infused, and transvaginal ultrasound is performed. After the Procedure: Normal activities can be resumed; some may experience cramping or spotting. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, or uterine abnormalities.
16. Confirmation of Pregnancy What It Is: A test to confirm pregnancy, typically through a urine or blood test. Before the Procedure: No preparation is necessary. During the Procedure: A sample of urine or blood is taken. After the Procedure: Immediate resumption of normal activities. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Missed period, pregnancy symptoms, or need to confirm home test results.
17. Fertility Monitoring What It Is: Tracking ovulation and other fertility signs to help in conception planning. Before the Procedure: No special preparation; methods vary from simple at-home tracking kits to more detailed clinical assessments. During the Procedure: May include blood tests, ultrasound, or home-based ovulation predictor kits. After the Procedure: No downtime; involves ongoing monitoring. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Planning for pregnancy, experiencing difficulties conceiving, or monitoring reproductive health.
18. Ovulation Tracking What It Is: Monitoring the signs of ovulation using various methods to determine the most fertile days. Before the Procedure: Understanding the menstrual cycle can be helpful. During the Procedure: Utilizes temperature charts, ovulation predictor kits, or ultrasound in clinics. After the Procedure: Continued daily tracking as needed throughout the menstrual cycle. Symptoms/Reasons for the Procedure: Assistance with natural family planning or optimizing chances for conception. NO CERCLAGE, OBSTETRICS