Center for Specialized Gynecology
Adults
Educational Resources for Adults
The gynecologic portion of the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology has grown tremendously over the years to include new diagnoses, treatments, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and more. As specialists in Gynecology we can offer you comprehensive evaluations and treatment options. Please refer to the web sites below to obtain additional information on your condition as directed by your physician. We have included some information on a few topics in each age group. Please refer to the section, Special Conditions, as well, for handouts on a variety of conditions that we treat in the office.
Ovarian Cysts
An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid or other tissue that forms within or on the surface of the ovary. Ovarian cysts are very common. All women develop asymptomatic ovulatory cysts each month. Some women may have symptomatic cysts some time during their lives. Usually ovarian cysts cause little or no discomfort and are harmless. The great majority of ovarian cysts resolve on their own without treatment. Most cysts are benign, not cancerous. Very rarely, cysts can be cancerous (25,000 new cases per year). Cysts can cause pressure, swelling or pain in the abdomen or pelvis, pain during sexual intercourse, menstrual irregularities, frequent urination and other symptoms. If a cyst is suspected or found on exam, you will be asked to obtain an ultrasound to gather information about the cyst so a treatment plan can be formulated. If the cyst is suspicious, a CA- 125 would be ordered.
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia (vul-vo-DIN-ee-uh) is a chronic pain syndrome involving the area around the opening of your vagina for which there is no identifiable cause. Vulvodynia can cause pain, burning, and irritation on a constant or intermittent basis. The symptoms can start at any age and can be made worse by factors such as touch, pressure, clothing, and sexual activity. The diagnosis can often be challenging and requires a thorough history and exam. There are many treatments available and it may take a while to find out which one will relieve the symptoms.
Peri-menopause
Peri-menopause is the time period that starts when the ovaries begin to fluctuate in their hormone production until they cease producing hormones completely. This period can last 5 to 8 years. Some women go through this process without any symptoms, while some women have very severe symptoms. Most women are somewhere in the middle in regard to what they experience. Symptoms can include irregular bleeding, hot flashes, night sweats, bladder changes, mood swings, changes in sexual desire, etc. Other conditions can begin at the same time and cause the same symptoms, such as thyroid disease. Therefore, if a woman is experiencing any of these symptoms she should discuss them with her physician and have tests performed to rule out other causes. A peri-menopausal woman does not have to suffer in silence, wondering what is happening to her. There are adequate treatments if relief of symptoms is needed.
- North American Menopause Society - Get up-to-date menopause information and the latest scientific news about menopause.
- National Vulvodynia Association - Improving women's health through education, research, support and advocacy.
- Novasure - Stop your heavy period and restore your life.
- Essure - Discover why more than half a million women and their doctors trust Essure. Besides being surgery-free and hormone-free, Essure is also the most effective permanent birth control available. This simple procedure takes less than 10 minutes so you can get back to your family right away.
- Office of Women's Health - Empowering women to live healthier lives.
- Centers for Disease Control- Women's Health - Women's health information, tips, and research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- To Better Health & Nutrition - To Better Health and Nutrition, Weight Loss to Wellness Nutrition Services. To Better Health, LLC provides professional medical nutrition therapy with Kelly Burgess, MBA, RD, LDN and Blanche Keir RD, LDN, CCC.
