Gynecology
Many women suffer with painful, heavy, or irregular periods, and bowel or bladder symptoms before or during their periods. Some will go years or even decades before seeking help – or may not realize that the pain and bleeding that they’re experiencing are not normal. Recognizing that there may be a problem is the first step to figuring out what may be causing your symptoms, and finding a treatment to control them.
There are common conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids which can cause pain or abnormal bleeding. Up to 1 in 10 women may have endometriosis, and up to 80% of African-American women may have fibroids, so these conditions affect a large number of people. Many women have experienced heavy or painful periods since they were adolescents, and/or their mothers or sisters may also have had similar periods, so they may not have realized that severe pain or heavy bleeding are not normal! Other causes of heavy or irregular bleeding including uterine polyps, or much more rarely uterine or cervical pre-cancer or cancer. Though most causes of painful or heavy periods are benign, it’s very important to be seen for an exam, and testing, in order to figure out the cause of your symptoms.
In general, if you are experiencing period symptoms that are significantly affecting your quality of life, please make an appointment with your gynecologist. Other reasons to make an appointment as soon as possible:
Your gynecologist will do a basic pelvic exam, and testing such as a Pap smear and STD testing as needed. The imaging study that we use to evaluate pelvic pain and bleeding is a pelvic ultrasound. Part of this exam is done through with a narrow vaginal probe, but it is generally not painful, and just feels like pressure. Sometimes an MRI may be ordered as a follow-up test. If you’re having heavy or irregular bleeding, your doctor may also order bloodwork to check your blood count, iron, hormone levels. If you are 45 or older, or are having persistent heavy or abnormal bleeding, or your imaging studies show possible thickening of the tissue inside the uterus, your doctor may also recommend a biopsy or a hysteroscopy (camera to look inside the uterus) or D+C (dilation and curettage) to test the tissue from inside the uterus.
The treatments that you may be offered will depend on the condition that is causing your symptoms. But in general, many options may be available, ranging from medications (such as over the counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, hormonal medications i.e. birth control, or non-hormonal medications to stop bleeding), a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), endometrial ablation (a treatment to cauterize the cavity of the uterus), procedures to remove or destroy fibroids, or a hysterectomy (a surgery to remove the uterus). Your doctor will discuss what treatments may be right for you, depending on your testing, your plans for future fertility, and your overall health.
For most patients, unless you are diagnosed with certain types of cancer, a hysterectomy is never the only option. As above, there are many different types of treatments, though your doctor will need to review your testing to discuss the plusses and minuses and likelihood of success of different options. We also encourage second opinions if you feel the options recommended are not a good fit for you.
If you’re experiencing painful, heavy or irregular periods, or other bothersome symptoms associated with your periods, schedule an appointment with an Axia Women’s Health specialist today.
Did you know that our Axia Women`s Health screening centers offer the latest in 3D mammography? With screening centers located within or near many of our care centers, scheduling is easier than ever before. At many of our locations, you can even pair your mammogram with your annual exam, providing added comfort and convenience.
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This Barbie takes charge of her health. 💓 Whether you`re due for a Pap smear or not, an annual exam is a powerful way to stay on top of your preventative health. Double tap if you`ve scheduled your annual already this year.
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#barbie #barbiemovie #womenshealth #femaleempowerment #obgyn #barbiememes #womenshealthdoctor #obgynoffice
Like so many things in life, a "normal" period is really based on what`s normal for you. However, if your flow is persistently varied it may be a sign that something is off. Axia OB/GYN, Dr. Caitlin McCarthy, recently spoke with Women`s Health magazine to highlight some causes behind shorter periods. Visit link in bio to read all the full story.
#periodfacts #womenshealth #obgyn
Did you know that the color of your period could offer clues about your health? Minor changes in period color and texture are normal, but, repeated patterns of period irregularity or painful symptoms could be a sign of a greater health issue. Getting in tune with your menstrual cycle by tracking color of your period, length, and symptoms can help you take charge of your health. Swipe right to learn more!
#menstrualcycle #menstrualcycletracking #periodfacts🔴 #periodhealth #womenshealth
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is more than just the main event – your period? It’s actually a series of four different phases that each play a role in your reproductive health. Getting in touch with your cycle can help you with planning for pregnancy and even detecting other health issues. Swipe right to learn more.
The fertility awareness method (tracking of your menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy) has been gaining traction on TikTok and other social media channels of late. But, does it work? Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, Dr. Daniel DiSabatino, explains what you need to know about the risks/benefits in a recent interview with Yahoo! Swipe through to learn more.
#fertilityawareness #birthcontrol #naturalfamilyplanning #cycletracking #contraception
The word “vagina” has become an all-encompassing term used to refer to the general area “down there," when in fact, there`s a lot more to our reproductive organs than we may even realize. Can you identify all of the parts here? Swipe right to check your answers. Knowledge is power! 🙌
#femaleanatomy #vagina #vulva #uterus #cervix #ovary #womenshealth #fallopiantubes #whatsupdownthere
PCOS is one cause of an irregular menstrual cycle, but there are many others. Other factors such as stress, thyroid disorders, fibroids, or other hormonal conditions can impact your cycle. The only way to know the true cause is to consult with your provider. Fortunately, many of these conditions are treatable!
#pcos #pcosmonth #pcosfacts #pcosmyths #pcossuport #womenshealth
The truth is because PCOS can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle, it can take longer to get pregnant...but it`s not impossible! 💫👩🏽🍼
Some women may be able to conceive naturally after managing PCOS symptoms, while others may find help in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. 🔬
Wherever you are in your journey with PCOS, don`t give up hope! 💜 Stay tuned as we shed light on more common myths surrounding PCOS throughout the month.
September 19, 2023
June 21, 2023
April 19, 2023