Both synthetic polypropylene and acellular porcine dermis (pig skin) mesh slings are considered safe and effective for the treatment of female stress incontinence. In general, I advise patients that their main ... continue reading  about  I'm going to get an organic bladder sling made of pigs skin. Are there any more risks to getting that kind instead of the mesh kind?

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?

Although the Mirena IUD is an excellent method for contraception, control of menstrual bleeding, and cramping with periods, in some women it is not well tolerated. Since you have quite clearly identified your p... continue reading  about  I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.

Birth control pills often result in lighter periods with less blood flow and cramping. Prostaglandin inhibitors, such as ibuprofen and naprosyn, are also quite effective in reducing menstrual cramps, especially... continue reading  about  My daughter (16) has very painful periods, to the point of lying on the floor and crying. A friend told me that birth control pills will help. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled at the prospect but I hate to see her go through so much pain each month.

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?

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?

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?

The type of surgery you had is a supracervical hysterectomy. If your ovaries are still functioning, then you are still having monthly ovulatory cycles. The monthly cycle causes bleeding from the endometrial tis... continue reading  about  I had a hysterectomy in June. I still have my tubes and ovaries and a small bit of cervix. Why and how am I still having full periods every month? Where is this blood coming from?

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?