Common Gynecological Conditions

Uterine Fibroids - Uterine Fibroids are benign (non cancerous) growths that are developed from your uterine muscle. In fact, they are the most common tumor seen in women and can affect up to 50% of women in some subgroups. Uterine Fibroids are also known as myomas or leiomyomas. Diagnosis is usually made by ultrasound or pelvic exam.

Fibroids can range in size from that of a pea to a grapefruit or even larger. They can grow on the outside of your uterus or inside your uterus. It is possible that you may have fibroids, without symptoms, for many years. As fibroids grow they can cause changes in your menstruation, pain, abdominal pressure or urinary symptoms. Our physicians have also found that they can be a cause of miscarriage or infertility.

Our treatment is based on your desire for fertility and symptoms. Some of the different options include myomectomy (removal of fibroid), hysterectomy, uterine artery embolization or hormonal therapy.

Endometriosis - Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when endometrial tissue (tissue that lines your uterus) grows outside your uterine wall. Common sites it can grow on are the ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic ligaments. This tissue is stimulated to grow by hormones produced during your menstrual cycle. This causes the growth to bleed and can cause pain and scar tissue. It may cause pain during your menses, pain during intercourse, and your scar tissue may cause infertility.

Pelvic ultrasound can sometimes detect endometriosis, but definitive diagnosis is made by laparoscopy. Treatment can be hormonal or surgical at the time of laparoscopy.

PMDD - Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMS is a medically recognized condition that may affect you. In fact, it affects millions of women across the world. It is characterized by symptoms, which occur mostly the week before your menses. Your symptoms include mood swings, irritability, tension, tiredness, bloating, food cravings and breast tenderness.

Treatment can include oral contraceptives, antidepressants in the SSRI category, diet, exercise and vitamin supplementation.

Cervical Dysplasia - These are precancerous cells found on your cervix, which are caused by the HPV virus. Our physicians’ detect cervical dysplasia by colposcopy and cervical biopsy after your abnormal pap smear result. There are two main types of dysplasia:

Low Grade Dyplasia (LGSIL) - This is the mildest form of dysplasia and the most common. Upon diagnosis many times your physician may choose to follow these cells conservatively with pap smears every six months since the vast majority of them will resolve on their own without treatment

High Grade Dysplasia (HGSIL) - These cells have the potential to progress to cervical cancer. Your physician will usually perform a procedure to remove these cells from the cervix such as a LEEP or cone biopsy.