Featured Articles
Help for Women with Urinary Incontinence
Loss of bladder control is common among women. Learn about the options for preventing and treating this annoying problem.
Breaking the Silence About Pelvic Prolapse
Pelvic prolapse is common but rarely discussed. Don’t be embarrassed – learn more about causes and treatments for this condition.
Facts About Vaginal Infections
There are many causes of vaginal infections. A proper diagnosis is the key to effective treatment.
Ask an Expert
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
Many women after a hysterectomy can still have "cycles" if their ovaries are in place. They will not bleed since the uterus is no longer present, but they can still have the usual bloating and other PMS symptom... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Is it normal for a 60-year-old woman to have bleeding after sex?
It is not normal to have bleeding after sex at any age, but particularly for post menopausal women. Bleeding after sex can be an indication of damage to vaginal tissues, which are more fragile after menopause, ... continue reading about Is it normal for a 60-year-old woman to have bleeding after sex?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
What does a routine Pap smear show? Are there other routine tests should I ask for?
A routine pap test screens for abnormal cells from the cervix associated with cancer or pre-cancer of the cervix. Depending on one's age, we are also testing for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is now fe... continue reading about What does a routine Pap smear show? Are there other routine tests should I ask for?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Yes, you should definitely consult with your gynecologist and have an exam and pelvic ultrasound. There may be a structural problem in your uterus, such as a polyp or fibroid (benign muscle mass) that can cause... continue reading about I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I was told that my endometriosis will go away once I pass menopause. What if I decide to take hormone therapy during menopause - will that continue to aggravate the endometrial lesions?
For women who have a history of endometriosis, and they choose to go on hormone therapy, it will not stimulate endometriosis if they take continuous estrogen and progesterone. The progesterone reduces any stimu... continue reading about I was told that my endometriosis will go away once I pass menopause. What if I decide to take hormone therapy during menopause - will that continue to aggravate the endometrial lesions?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Good question. The terms tubal ligation, tubes tied, tubal sterilization, and female sterilization can all be used interchangeably to describe the same process. In the U.S., up to one third of women use sterili... continue reading about How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I had a partial hysterectomy four months ago. My left ovary was damaged so it was removed, leaving only my right. Since the surgery I have had no sex drive. And when I do it's painful. What can I do?
Women can live their whole lives with only one ovary and produce enough hormones, but it sounds like you now have become low in hormones and maybe menopausal. This might have nothing to do with your surgery and... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy four months ago. My left ovary was damaged so it was removed, leaving only my right. Since the surgery I have had no sex drive. And when I do it's painful. What can I do?
More Resources
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.