GYNECOLOGY

Gynecology

General Information

  • Cycles are often irregular during the first 2 years after the onset of menstruation. These early cycles are often anovulatory-there is no ovulation during the menstrual cycle and therefore the luteal phase does not occur properly.
  • Breast pain, also called mastalgia, is tenderness of the breasts that can occur at any time in a woman's life. It may or may not be associated with her menstrual cycle. Breast pain is not necessarily an indication of a more serious condition.
  • Ovarian masses and cysts are common in women. It is important to realize that the vast majority of these are benign.
  • Douching. Despite all the advertising by manufacturers of feminine hygiene products, there are no practical reasons for women to douche on a regular basis
  • Pap Smear. The Pap test is a way to examine cells collected from the cervix and vagina. This test can show the presence of infection, inflammation, abnormal cells, or cancer.
  • Sebaceous Cysts. A sebaceous cyst is a benign, slow-growing bump containing dead skin, skin excretions, and other skin particles. They can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly appear on the scalp, ears, face, back, and vulvar region or scrotum.
  • Vaginal and/or genital bleeding in women who are in the menopause is abnormal unless it is related to hormone replacement therapy.
  • Vaginitis. Vaginitis is a medical term that is used to refer to any infection or inflammation of the vagina. The symptoms of vaginitis are common and most women will have at least one form of vaginitis in their lifetime.

Diseases

  • Cervicitis. Cervicitis may be caused by a non-sexually transmitted infection of the cervix, or by one of several sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease. Fibrocystic Breast Disease is not really a disease, but a common condition in which breast pain, cysts, and noncancerous lumps occur together.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. The most serious and common complication of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among women is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the upper genital tract.

Conditions

  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common condition that is defined as heavy menstrual flow, or unexpected or prolonged bleeding. The incidence of abnormal uterine bleeding increases as women grow older.
  • Adenomyosis. Adenomyosis, a form of endometriosis, is a condition whereby endometrial tissue implants itself within the uterine musculature.
  • Adnexal Torsion. Adnexal torsion is an infrequent but serious cause of acute (sudden onset) abdominal pain. Studies have shown that adnexal torsion accounts for 2.5% of all gynecologic surgical emergencies in the United States.
  • Asherman's Syndrome. Asherman's syndrome is characterized by intrauterine adhesions that typically occur as a result of scar formation after uterine surgery, especially after a dilatation and curettage.
  • Benign Ovarian Cysts. Non-cancerous ovarian cysts are common among women of reproductive age. Doctors often rule out cancer before diagnosing a condition such as benign ovarian cysts.
  • Cervical Polyps. Cervical polyps are growths originating from the mucosal surface or inside lining of the cervix which project from the cervical wall on stalks. They can appear singly or in groups and are most common in women over age 40.
  • Endometriosis. Endometriosis can present itself in many different ways, but most common is pain in the pelvic region particularly during menstrual periods.
  • Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis leads to 1.5 million fractures or breaks per year, occurring mostly in the hip, spine, and wrist. It costs $14 billion annually, and threatens 28 million Americans. Osteoporosis which means "porous bones," is a condition of excessive skeletal fragility resulting in bones that break easily.
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before your menstrual period begins. The symptoms occur 2 to 14 days before your period begins and decrease or disappear when your period starts.
  • Rectovaginal Fistulas. Rectovaginal fistulas are usually the result of obstetrical trauma. In underdeveloped countries, these fistulas are often the result of prolonged labor and prolonged pressure on the tissues between the vagina and the rectum.
  • Urinary Tract Infection. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from the digestive tract, cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply.
  • Vulvodynia. Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that can be severely debilitating to a woman. It is a common symptom that affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds and describes persistent vulvar pain.
  • Vulvitis. Vulvitis is the inflammation of the external female genitalia, called the vulva. It can be caused by the vulva coming in contact with irritants that can cause dermatitis, eczema, or allergic reactions.