As a group, women are multitaskers, mediators and mentors. Our families, friends and communities look to us as problem solvers every day. But what happens when we face hurdles beyond ourselves?
Our team of women’s health experts will guide you through. Every gynecologist handles basic female care for women, but our physicians rank top in their complex specialties. They focus on gynecological oncology, gynecological urology, reproductive endocrinology and advanced laparoscopy and robotic surgeries.
Uterine Fibroids: These noncancerous (benign) tumors
can be so small that doctors only see them through a microscope, or they
can be larger than the entire uterus. Relatively common among
menstruating females, they may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged
menstrual periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation
and backaches.
Though fibroids
rarely cause infertility, they can be extremely painful and may lead to
anemia, depending on the amount of blood loss. Our experts have
pioneered laparoscopic surgical techniques to remove large and multiple
fibroids and reconstruct the uterus (which garnered them first prize
from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2009).
Endometriosis: A very common but very painful condition, endometriosis
occurs when the tissue that normally grows inside the uterus begins to
grow in other places. This tissue may spread to many areas of the
abdominal cavity, including the ovaries or bowels. Our experts will
analyze the specifics of your condition and develop a care plan—through
contraceptives, medications or surgery to ease your pain, slow tissue
growth or remove it.
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding: This condition occurs when women don’t release an egg during ovulation. This malfunction is generally the result of a change in hormonal levels. When the egg is not released, the monthly menstrual cycle is disrupted which may cause early or late periods, spotting and general discomfort. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is not serious, but women experiencing any unusual vaginal bleeding should make an appointment to see a women’s health specialist to rule out other possible conditions such as fibroids or miscarriage.
The doctor will sit down with the patient and ask several detailed questions regarding the symptoms. This may be followed by a pelvic exam, blood test and/or an ultrasound to make a firm diagnosis.
Urinary Incontinence: Ranging from a few drops while laughing to a sudden urgent need to urinate before losing control, female incontinence remains a largely under-diagnosed problem that worsens with age. Due to childbirth, menopause and physiology, incontinence is twice as common among women as men. Stroke, multiple sclerosis, obesity and neurological disorders may also contribute.
Our experts test the severity of your condition with a bladder stress test, ultrasound or cystoscopy, and will then help you find a method of treatment that suits your needs.
Gynecological Cancers: These include uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and breast cancers. Our doctors are highly trained in treating these cancers, as well as the pre-cancerous varieties, through various therapies, minimally invasive surgeries and radical surgeries when necessary. In addition, Weiss has one of few gynecology programs that take an integrative approach with general surgery to address highly complex cases, which often involve multiple organs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a fairly common condition found among women of all ages during their reproductive years. PCOS is the formation of multiple cysts on the ovaries. PCOS causes hormonal imbalances resulting in a wide spectrum of symptoms including excessive hair growth, weight gain, acne and heavy bleeding during menstrual cycles. It may also lead to more serious conditions such as infertility, diabetes and high blood pressure.
PCOS can be managed through a healthier lifestyle, birth control pills and other medications, and surgical laparoscopy to increase the chance of ovulation.
Infertility: Affecting approximately 10 to 15 percent of couples, scientists classify infertility as a year of unprotected intercourse without pregnancy. In one-third of cases, female infertility is the cause. Approximately half of those couples diagnosed with infertility end up conceiving spontaneously within 24 months.
Physicians rarely find the cause of infertility, but our experts are equipped to use multiple therapies to help you conceive. And for those women who have had tubal ligation but want to conceive again, our physicians routinely perform tubal sterilization reversals using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. They have one of the highest academically published success rates in the world.
No matter the condition, our gynecological experts have the knowledge and skill to take a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Whether you’re looking for a routine check up or a resolution to a complex case, our physicians care first and foremost about keeping you as healthy—and happy—as possible.
Review our list of Women's Health Procedures available at Vanguard Weiss Memorial Hospital.
For more information about one of our specialists, call (800) 503-1234 or Contact Us.