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
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Surgery Center Division
I had a partial hysterectomy at 29. Now, at 43, I have bladder control problems with coughing or sneezing, and not making it to the restroom. This is not a small amount, even if I have recently gone. Is this related to the hysterectomy?
Urinary incontinence can be very troubling and have a negative impact on quality of life. It should never be accepted as "just part of getting older". Developing urinary incontinence is not necessarily associat... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy at 29. Now, at 43, I have bladder control problems with coughing or sneezing, and not making it to the restroom. This is not a small amount, even if I have recently gone. Is this related to the hysterectomy?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Two years ago I was diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer. The doctors took everything including some lymph nodes. I've always had a healthy sexual appetite but since my surgery I feel numb - like a robot with no feelings. Is there anything I can do?
It is quite common after having a complete hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries for women to feel a loss of libido. The ovaries produce hormones such as estrogens, progesterones and androgens which are parti... continue reading about Two years ago I was diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer. The doctors took everything including some lymph nodes. I've always had a healthy sexual appetite but since my surgery I feel numb - like a robot with no feelings. Is there anything I can do?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How do I decide on a treatment plan for my uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are extremely common, affecting at least 70 percent of women. Fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus which never transform into cancer. Symptoms usually arise from enlargement of the fibroids... continue reading about How do I decide on a treatment plan for my uterine fibroids?
Patricia Hockett, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Why do I still have PMS every month even though I’ve had a full hysterectomy? I thought the days of irritability, depression and bloating would be gone since it’s been four years since the surgery. I’ve talked to three doctors but they can’t explain it.
Symptoms of PMS arise as a response to hormonal fluctuations. Many women can continue to experience symptoms of PMS (and even feel like they are cycling) if the ovaries are not removed at the time of a hysterec... continue reading about Why do I still have PMS every month even though I’ve had a full hysterectomy? I thought the days of irritability, depression and bloating would be gone since it’s been four years since the surgery. I’ve talked to three doctors but they can’t explain it.
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm 41 and have had my tubes tied/clamped. I'm in a committed relationship so we do not use condoms and are rather sexually active. Is there any need to douche? I never have, and have heard conflicting opinions from friends.
Douching is not recommended for several reasons.Douche cleansing fluids tend to alter the vaginal pH and this can negatively impact the vagina's normal healthy bacterial flora and mucus and make one more suscep... continue reading about I'm 41 and have had my tubes tied/clamped. I'm in a committed relationship so we do not use condoms and are rather sexually active. Is there any need to douche? I never have, and have heard conflicting opinions from friends.
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?
In general, tubal ligation is a very safe procedure associated with the small risks of laparoscopy and anesthesia in a healthy woman, regardless of her age. However, other permanent methods of tubal steril... continue reading about What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard that you can't get pregnant during your period. Is this just an old wives tale? Should I be concerned about protection during this time?
You can get pregnant only around the time of ovulation, which for most women with regular 28-day cycles corresponds to days 12-16. So if your period comes at the expected time and is normal in terms of flow, it... continue reading about I've heard that you can't get pregnant during your period. Is this just an old wives tale? Should I be concerned about protection during this time?
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?
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