![Peaceful woman at beach](/images/people/women/peaceful-woman-at-beach-584x285.jpg)
Featured Articles
![Woman on exam table](/images/health-topics/womens-health/woman-on-exam-table-waiting-for-checkup-280x150.jpg)
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.
![](/images/health-topics/womens-health/white-woman-holding-stomach-pelvis-280x150.jpg)
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.
![Women in thought](/images/health-topics/womens-health/white-woman-hand-on-chin-in-thought-280x150.jpg)
Facts About Vaginal Infections
There are many causes of vaginal infections. A proper diagnosis is the key to effective treatment.
Ask an Expert
Heidi Wittenberg, M.D., M.S., FPMRS
California Pacific Medical Center
I had a partial hysterectomy 18 years ago (my ovaries were not removed). Lately I've been having pain and cramping, so recently had x-rays and an ultrasound. The doctor could not find my ovaries. Can ovaries just disappear on their own?
If ovaries are not removed surgically, they are still present. After menopause, our ovaries do shrink. Pre-menopause ovaries are 3-4cm, but after menopause they can be 0.5cm-1.0cm. The older we get, the smaller... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy 18 years ago (my ovaries were not removed). Lately I've been having pain and cramping, so recently had x-rays and an ultrasound. The doctor could not find my ovaries. Can ovaries just disappear on their own?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Surgery Center Division
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?
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?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Surgery Center Division
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?
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.
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
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
The clitoris never actually disappears, but it can become smaller over time after the loss of circulating female hormones with menopause. This is part of a normal condition with aging called urogenital atrophy.... continue reading about Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
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?
More Resources
![View Sutter's full resource library](/images/icons/medical-library-80x80.png)
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
![View information for Sutter Health Patients](/images/icons/patient-record-80x80.png)
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
![Tools and Quizzes](/images/icons/tools-quizzes-80x80.png)
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.