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
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What is the success rate for tubal ligation reversal? What options for getting pregnant does a woman have if she's had a tubal ligation?
If you want to have children after having your tubes "tied," there are two ways to do it. You can have in vitro fertilization (IVF) by getting the eggs from your ovaries, fertilizing them in the laboratory, and... continue reading about What is the success rate for tubal ligation reversal? What options for getting pregnant does a woman have if she's had a tubal ligation?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
What's the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of fungal organisms, usually the Candida Albicans species. Symptoms are usually itching, burning, and white, cottage-cheese appearing discharge. They are caused... continue reading about What's the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I was diagnosed with endometriosis but had a subsequent healthy pregnancy. I was told that endometriosis "goes away" during pregnancy. Can I expect that it's gone, or might it return?
Pregnancy and endometriosis exhibit a curiously antagonistic relationship. Women who give birth in their 20s are much less likely to suffer from this condition than women who conceive in their 30s or those who ... continue reading about I was diagnosed with endometriosis but had a subsequent healthy pregnancy. I was told that endometriosis "goes away" during pregnancy. Can I expect that it's gone, or might it return?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?
If your major goal, in addition to reliable contraception, is to reduce the menstrual flow and frequency of periods, then a Mirena IUD, which secretes progesterone-like hormone locally in the uterine cavity wit... continue reading about I'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I just had a vaginal hysterectomy last week. When can I start exercising again and what type would be best?
Since vaginal hysterectomy requires separation of the vagina from the cervix, a suture line is needed to close the opening at the top of the vagina. Like any healing incision, it is important to avoid activity ... continue reading about I just had a vaginal hysterectomy last week. When can I start exercising again and what type would be best?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have several small fibroids that sometimes cause me pain. How severe does it need to be to consider doing something about it?
Before you make any decisions, make sure that other possible causes of pelvic pain have been adequately evaluated by your doctor, including your bladder, gastrointestinal system, and pelvic floor muscles. Fibro... continue reading about I have several small fibroids that sometimes cause me pain. How severe does it need to be to consider doing something about it?
Rodman S. Rogers, M.D.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
Regarding stress incontinence and using the pig skin mesh sling option - is it possible for a patient to reject the sling?
While nearly anything is conceivable or possible in individual situations, it's my understanding that the pig dermis is treated to remove all cellular components, leaving just the natural, treated sterile colla... continue reading about Regarding stress incontinence and using the pig skin mesh sling option - is it possible for a patient to reject the sling?
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