Diagnosis & Treatment
Abnormal Pap Smears Treatment
An abnormal Pap smear doesn't necessarily indicate a condition like HPV or cervical cancer. Pap smears are constructed to detect any changes within the cervical cells, and abnormal results may indicate other conditions such as inflammation, hyperkeratosis, or atypical squamous or glandular cells. False positives are also common from Pap smears, but we take every precaution we can to ensure your health.
Your doctor may perform a colposcopy after abnormal cells are found in order to examine the cervix more closely and take a biopsy of any abnormal tissues. Any necessary treatment will be performed after further examination.
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Menstrual Irregularities Treatment
Menstrual disorders can turn your monthly period from a minor hassle to a major, debilitating inconvenience. These disorders can cause physical and emotional symptoms and can severely disrupt your daily life for days or weeks at a time.
- Amenorrhea– Amenorrhea is a condition that involves the absence of menstrual periods. Some women may never start having a period, while others may stop suddenly. Primary amenorrhea involves having no menstrual period by the age of 16, while secondary amenorrhea involves having no period for three to six months. Primary amenorrhea is considered rare and is usually caused by genetic factors. Secondary amenorrhea is much more common and can be a result of pregnancy, contraceptives, breast-feeding, stress, medication, hormonal imbalance or many other reasons. An absent menstrual period can usually be treated by making simple life changes. This is not usually a serious condition, but you should still seek medical attention if you do not get a regular menstrual period.
- Oligomenorrhea – (pronounced oh-ligg-oh-men-or-ee-uh) involves infrequent or very light menstrual periods that occur at intervals greater than 35 days apart and sometimes only four to nine times each year. This condition is most common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and is usually a symptom of an underlying condition. To promote more regular periods, women may be given birth control pills or hormones.
- Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) -Premature ovarian failure (POF) involves a loss of ovarian function before the age of 40. When this occurs, the ovaries do not produce eggs or sufficient amounts of estrogen, which can lead to infertility and other complications. While there is no treatment currently available to restore ovarian function, patients can often benefit from estrogen hormone replacement to restore a regular period and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Uterine Fibroids -Uterine fibroids are tumors that develop within the uterine walls as a result of hormonal and genetic factors, causing heavy bleeding, frequent urination, pain during sex and an enlargement of the lower abdomen. Some women may also experience fertility issues as a result of uterine fibroids. Medications may be prescribed to relieve pain and stop fibroids from growing, while more severe cases may require surgery.
- Endometriosis –Endometriosis involves a growth of uterine lining cells outside the uterus, causing pain and forming scar tissue. Although the cause is not known, endometriosis can usually be treated through medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives or progestins. More severe cases may require surgery, which can include removal of endometrial implants through excision, laser or freezing. A hysterectomy may also be performed.
- Dysmenorrhea –Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual disorder that involves painful cramps with or without an underlying gynecological disorder such as infection, endometriosis or ovarian cysts. Women suffering from this condition can often relieve symptoms with an over-the-counter pain reliever or by using heating pads. Birth control pills may be prescribed for more severe cases to help make periods shorter and lighter.
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Pelvic Relaxation Treatment
Pelvic relaxation is the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that often occurs after childbirth. Other factors such as aging, constipation, chronic cough and obesity may also increase the risk of this condition and lead to bladder control problems, urinary tract infections and pressure in the vaginal area.
A strong pelvic floor holds the uterus and bladder in place above the vagina. However, when the pelvic floor becomes stretched, most often as a result of childbirth or simply the effects of aging, it may no longer be strong enough to support these organs, which can sag into the vagina and may even bulge further outwards through the opening of the vagina. Pelvic relaxation can affect the uterus, bladder, rectum, intestine or nearly any other nearby organ.
While mild cases of pelvic relaxation many not lead to any symptoms, more severe cases may result in:
- Aching in the vagina, abdomen, groin or lower back
- Pressure in the vaginal area
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Bladder control problems
Treatment for pelvic relaxation depends on the severity of the condition. Many mild cases can be effectively treated through Kegel exercises, which can be performed at home and aim to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and restore organs back to their normal position. Other home remedies may include eating a high-fiber diet, maintaining a healthy weight and restraining from activities that can affect the pelvic floor. Estrogen supplements may also be prescribed to treat pelvic relaxation.
More severe cases may require surgery to repair the pelvic floor or remove the entire uterus (through a hysterectomy). Your doctor will determine which treatment is best for you after performing a thorough evaluation of your condition.
