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
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
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?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
How can a woman know when it's time to consider surgery for urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting 30-50 percent of women. The number of women affected by urinary incontinence increases with age but it should not be considered acceptable at any age. It is ... continue reading about How can a woman know when it's time to consider surgery for urinary incontinence?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
An ultrasound showed that I have eight fibroids, one the size of an orange. I've had fibroids in the past and had a myomectomy. I'm 45, have no symptoms other than frequent urination and bloating. Will they continue to grow and will they multiply?
Uterine fibroids (leiomyoma) are common condition found in up to 80 percent of women by age 50. The reason that the fibroids develop is unknown but it is generally considered a benign growth with less than one ... continue reading about An ultrasound showed that I have eight fibroids, one the size of an orange. I've had fibroids in the past and had a myomectomy. I'm 45, have no symptoms other than frequent urination and bloating. Will they continue to grow and will they multiply?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I've heard that the sling procedure is especially helpful for pelvic prolapse. How do I know if I am a good candidate for it?
Pelvic prolapse is a loss of support for the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus or rectum. When these organs shift out of position, they can cause symptoms that affect functioning, including ur... continue reading about I've heard that the sling procedure is especially helpful for pelvic prolapse. How do I know if I am a good candidate for it?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I've had incontinence since giving birth. The doctor keeps telling me to do my kegels, but it's not working. Are kegels supposed to fix all incontinence problems due to childbirth, or could something else be going on?
Many studies have shown a connection between vaginal birth and bladder symptoms. In fact one in three women will have incontinence during her lifetime, and of these up to 65% will recall that it began either du... continue reading about I've had incontinence since giving birth. The doctor keeps telling me to do my kegels, but it's not working. Are kegels supposed to fix all incontinence problems due to childbirth, or could something else be going on?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I'm 67, in menopause and on bio-identical hormones. During orgasms I have involuntary bladder releases. I urinate before bed and it still happens. My doctor said its bladder spasms that can occur with age. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do?
Fluid expulsion during female sexual arousal is not an uncommon event, as it is reported in 10-54 percent of women. The cause of this loss of fluid can occur due to female ejaculation (FE) or coital incontinenc... continue reading about I'm 67, in menopause and on bio-identical hormones. During orgasms I have involuntary bladder releases. I urinate before bed and it still happens. My doctor said its bladder spasms that can occur with age. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I have prolapse that is made worse when I run. Running is something I need to be able to do, so what would you recommend? I've heard about pessaries - what are they?
Prolapse of the pelvic organs should not be something that slows you down. In many cases relief can be obtained with a simple, noninvasive treatment called a pessary. A pessary is a silicon or rubber device tha... continue reading about I have prolapse that is made worse when I run. Running is something I need to be able to do, so what would you recommend? I've heard about pessaries - what are they?
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