The Women’s Specialists of Plano (Texas) a group of gynecologists servicing the greater North Dallas and Collin County areas, participated in this feature on permanent birth control for women.

Whether or not to have a baby is a choice that most women are free to make. There are times in a woman’s life when she will desire to be sexually active, but not become pregnant. When a woman is not ready to have children, or if she is unsure whether or not she would like to have children in the future, a temporary (reversible) contraception method is recommended. These types of contraception methods include birth control pills, intrauterine contraception devices (such as an IUD), a diaphragm, contraceptive foam, gels, condoms, etc.

When a woman is sure that she does not want to have children in the future a surgical procedure is usually recommended. In a traditional family, a discussion of a vasectomy or a tubal ligation ensues. These recommended procedures are considered “permanent birth control”.

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Tubal ligation surgery is a procedure in which a woman’s fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked to prevent future fertilization and implantation during sexual intercourse. According to the Women’s Specialists of Plano, there are many approaches to this surgery, which is considered female sterilization, and only your doctor will know which procedure is most suitable for your body and lifestyle. A few of the tubal ligation approaches are:

• Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation:  During this procedure your gynecologist will insert a small camera and surgical instruments through a very small incision made in the abdomen. The tubal ligation will take place via this method which is considered a more minimally invasive approach.

• Mini-Laparotomy:  During this procedure your gynecologist will perform the surgery by making an incision in the abdomen about 2 inches in length.

• Post-Partum Tubal Ligation:  This procedure is very similar to the mini-lap, except that the incision will be made just below the belly button because the fallopian tubes are higher in body after childbirth.

• Open Tubal Ligation:  This procedure is performed when a woman desires a tubal after delivering via caesarean section, because the abdomen is already open. This procedure is also performed when a woman has pelvic inflammatory disease, or is already receiving a surgery which requires the opening of the abdomen.

• Trans-Uterine Tubal Occlusion: This procedure is performed with anesthesia.  The cervix is dilated and a hysterscope is placed in the uterine cavity.  The opening of the tube into the uterus is identified and a “plug” is placed into the fallopian tube as it passes through the uterine wall.

A lot of women choose to receive a post-partum tubal ligation while they are pregnant with their last child. This procedure is popular because it eliminates the issue of having two recoveries periods. Most women have recovered from their tubal ligation long before they recover from childbirth. This procedure is especially productive when a woman receives a C-Section, though a vaginal birth does not make the procedure impossible.

If you change your mind after receiving a tubal ligation surgery and decide that you may want to have children in the future, there is a reversal procedure. But the reversal procedure is not 100% effective; hence the reason a tubal ligation is considered permanent birth control for women.

The recovery period after most tubal ligations is about a week though you will most likely leave the hospital within a few hours after surgery. Because the procedure is immediately effective, you can maintain sexual activity as soon as you feel well enough. You will be permitted to shower (not bathe) 24 hours after the surgery, though scrubbing of the incision is not permitted.

As with every surgical procedure, a tubal ligation surgery has both pros and cons:

Pros:

• Female sterilization that is effective immediately
• It can be done at the same time as other surgeries like C-section or the removal of ovarian cysts
• It is a very reliable form of permanent birth control
• Requires no daily attention
• More cost effective in the long run then a daily procedure
• Allows for sexual spontaneity

Cons:

• It is a surgery
• Every surgery has associated risks
• Is not 100% reversible in the event of regret
• Does not protect against STD’s (only the proper use of condoms can do this)
• Is more expensive than the male form of permanent contraception (vasectomy)

If you are researching permanent birth control for women, it is suggested that you do proper research and reflection to be sure that you will not regret the decision in the future. If you are sure about your decision to receive permanent birth control (female sterilization), join your doctor so that the two of you can discuss which procedure will be most fitting to your life.

(Resources:  Women’s Specialists of Plano, Texas)

The Women’s Specialists of Plano, a group of gynecologists in Plano, Texas, were used as resources for this article.

Many women suffer from abnormal menstrual periods.  For many, a very heavy menstruation is the primary symptom. An average of 90% of women will complain of lengthy or heavy periods at least once in their adolescent years. But when heavy and lengthy periods become a monthly occurrence for a longer period of time than what is deemed normal, a medical procedure might be necessary to cure the problem.  For women who experience on-going, very heavy menstrual periods and who are finished having children, one option to consider is endometrial ablation.

Endometrial ablation is one treatment for heavy periods and is the removal of the uterine lining called the endometrium. Endometrial ablation will not be performed for the removal of cancerous tissue and is not a successful cancer treatment. Endometrial ablation is performed to cure abnormally heavy menstruation, and should only be performed when other non-surgical procedures have failed, and the patient does not desire to become pregnant in the future.

Before the endometrial ablation procedure is performed a biopsy of the endometrium will be performed to ensure that the uterus is free of cancer. Once the biopsy is found to be cancer-free an examination will be performed to ensure that polyps or an infection are not the causes of the heavy bleeding. If all tests come back clear then your doctor may choose to move forward with the endometrial ablation procedure. The best candidates for an endometrial ablation for the treatment of heavy periods usually meet the following criteria:

• A woman who suffers from heavy menstrual bleeding monthly
• A woman who wishes to cease menstruation but wants to avoid hysterectomy
• A woman who is finished bearing children
• A woman whom is clear of genital infection
• A woman who does not have polyps or any other malformation of the uterus
• A woman who has not been diagnosed with cancer
• A woman who has attempted non-surgical therapies to no avail

To begin the ablation, a woman’s cervix is dilated so that instruments can be inserted through the cavity. The instrument used depends upon the type of ablation you and your doctor have chosen. The different types of ablation can be performed by laser beam, electricity, freezing, heating, or microwave energy. The type of procedure depends upon a number of things including but not limited to:

• The preference and experience of the surgeon
• The presence of fibroids
• The size and shape of the uterus
• Whether or not pretreatment medication was given
• The type of anesthesia chosen by the patient and surgeon

The type of procedure most commonly chosen by experienced gynecologists is the FDA approved NovaSure.  NovaSure is a minimally invasive and extremely effective endometrial ablation procedure with up to 90% of patients claiming significantly lighter periods after the procedure. NovaSure can usually be performed in office in a few minutes and has been known to cause the patient very little pain. During the NovaSure procedure a woman will come in to the office during her cycle. She will receive a general anesthesia in the cervix prior to the procedure. The cervix will then be dilated and a small wand will be inserted into the cervix. A mesh device will expand from the wand into the uterus fitting the uterine cavity precisely. Then a carefully measured radio frequency is delivered through the mesh for 90 seconds deteriorating the endometrium. The device and the mesh are then removed from the uterus.

The procedure typically lasts about 5-10 minutes and most women are able to return to their daily activities after 24 hours. Some cramping and discharge is associated with the procedure but is normal and should not cause alarm.  It is necessary to sustain from sexual intercourse and to avoid tampon usage for several weeks after the procedure or until your doctor has cleared you to do so.

NovaSure is not performed on women who hope to conceive in the future, not because it is not possible, but because it is unsafe for both the mother and the child. Once you return to normal sexual activity after NovaSure it is important that you use some type of contraceptive, you and your doctor should discuss this and decide which contraceptive would be right for you.

Some side effects may follow after the procedure is performed. These symptoms do not occur in every case and should not cause alarm. The truth is that 90% of women who receive this surgery are very pleased with the outcome, and claim to have suffered from very minimal side effects.

If you are suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding, talk to your doctor today and rid yourself of this heavy burden.  Treatment for heavy periods by way of endometrial ablation has changed the lives of many women. Talk to your doctor today and get more information on the endometrial ablation procedure that might be best for your situation and learn if NovaSure for heavy periods is your answer.

According to the Women’s Specialists of Plano, a group of gynecologists in the Plano, Texas area, if you are a woman that has delivered multiple children, has experienced a difficult childbirth delivery, or if you have gone through menopause, you may experience the unwanted and frustrating symptoms associated with a cystocele. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common disorder among both males and females, but even more commonly found in females because of the pelvic and vaginal pressure associated with the above scenarios.

A cystocele (also referred to as a prolapsed bladder) is a pelvic organ prolapse that is explained as the result of a drooping bladder. This condition most commonly affects women between the ages of 50-60. There are many reasons why a woman may experience a prolapsed bladder. A woman’s bladder can droop and cause a cystocele after pushing to deliver children, years of straining to have bowel movements, or heavy lifting over an extended period of time. Another common cause of a cystocele is a previous hysterectomy. Many gynecologists state that when women go through menopause, estrogen begins to naturally decrease within the female body. Estrogen regulates the strength of the muscles around the vagina. When Estrogen is no longer produced these muscles loosen and can lead to a prolapsed bladder.

Many women will have a cystocele and not show symptoms, while others will deal with a variety of unwanted symptoms.  Symptoms of a cystocele include:

• Pressure in the vaginal area
• A feeling of fullness in the pelvic region
• Discomfort in the pelvic area when you cough, bend, jump, lift, etc.
• Urinary incontinence ranging from mile to severe
• Bladder infections
• Pain or urinary leakage during sexual intercourse

All of these symptoms will vary depending on the stage and type of cystocele that is presented at diagnosis. There are three types of cystoceles that are classified by their severity.

They are classified as follows:

Grade 1 Cystocele

A grade 1 cystocele will show milder symptoms initially but may worsen if not treated.  During this phase the bladder droops just slightly into the vagina causing discomfort and urine leakage. The treatment for this type of cystocele may be rest and recovery, and avoiding heavy lifting or straining which may cause the problem to worsen.  Daily exercises of the vaginal muscles through Kegel movements is also recommended.

Grade 2 Cystocele

A grade 2 cystocele is a bit more severe.  During this phase the bladder droops until it can be seen through the opening of the vagina causing the complete obstruction of the vagina. This type of cystocele causes major discomfort and severe urinary incontinence. The treatment for this type of cystocele is usually some form of cystocele repair surgery but the cystocele may also be treated with a pessary device.

Grade 3 Cystocele

A grade 3 cystocele is the most severe of cystoceles. This is the diagnosis when the bladder droops low enough to bulge completely out of the vagina. Symptoms are similar to those of a grade 2 cystocele—but worse. Treatment for this type of bladder prolapse is cystocele repair surgery to move the bladder back into its proper place.

Treatment of grade 2 and grade 3 cystoceles are A.) The placement of a pessary device or B.) A cystocele repair surgery to place the bladder back into its place and keep it there.

A Pessary Device is a device that it placed against the uterus inside the vagina to hold the bladder in place. They are made of many types of materials in several different sizes. You and your OBGYN will discuss which is right for you, how to remove and replace it, and the proper procedures for cleaning it. A pessary must be removed on a regular basis to avoid infection or any other complications. Many women are fitted for a pessary device and yield very positive results.

Some women will require cystocele repair surgery for the treatment of their cystocele.  In this repair surgery sutures are used to reattach the fascia thus giving enough support to allow the bladder to remain in place. Patients receiving this surgery should be prepared to stay in the hospital for several days and take 4-6 weeks to fully recover. This surgery is very successful in replacing the bladder thus eliminating the cystocele. The surgery can be performed through open and laparoscopic techniques depending on the grade and severity of the defect. The percentage of recurring cystoceles is very small after a cystocele repair surgery.

If you are suffering from discomfort and urinary leakage or incontinence do not assume it could be the result of age, you need to see your doctor. In the early stages, cystocele treatments are minimally invasive and maximally effective.  Contact the Plano, Texas group of OBGYNs from the Women’s Specialists of Plano and learn more about cystocele out treatment options and cystocele repair surgery today.

When to go to the gynecologist for the first time is a question that women have been asking for years. Once upon a time the answer to this question was around 21. But because women are becoming sexually active at progressively younger ages this question does not have a definitive answer. According to the gynecologists that make up the Plano, Texas based Women’s Specialists of Plano, “The most important concept to remember is that once you become sexually active, at whatever age, it is important to begin receiving regular pap smears. A pap smear test is the only way to be sure that you are free of STDs, ovarian, cervical or uterine cancer, or any other issues or underlying conditions that may occur with the reproductive organs.”

Your first OB appt and first Pap smear test is a common fear for every young woman. Oftentimes, the fear and anxiety can be so great that young women will purposely put off making that very first appointment.  Most women are anxious about exposing their most intimate parts to a stranger and are also afraid that there may be an amount of pain associated with the checkup. Both of these fears are normal thoughts.

Drs. Murray Fox, Daryl Greebon, Jules Monier, Dennis Eisenberg and Jon Ricks (Plano, Texas gynecologists) answered several questions for this Q and A designed to help you decide when the best time is to visit an OBGYN for the first time.

Q. First OB appt:  When should I go to the gynecologist for the first time?

A. You should see your gynecologist for the first time upon becoming sexually active. Other reasons to visits the gynecologist would be:

• Abnormal bleeding outside of your normal menstrual cycle
• Menstrual periods become longer
• Menstrual periods become heavier and more painful
• An overall change or disruption in your menstrual period
• Severe pelvic cramps outside of your normal menstrual cycle
• Infections such as a bacterial infection or yeast infection that would cause itching, redness, burning or unusual discharge

Q. At what age should I have my first pap smear test?

A. The recommended age for a woman to receive her first pap smear is at age 21. Keep in mind that this age applies to a woman who is not sexually active, and has had regular, similar periods since the beginning of her menstruation.

Q. Why is it important to get annual pap smears?

A. It is important to return to your gynecologist annually because there are complications that arise without symptoms. This means that something could be wrong with your reproductive organs though you have no symptoms and no reason to believe so. The early stages of ovarian and cervical cancer will cause your pap smear to test abnormally; through a routine pelvic exam which is usually also included in these annual appointments, such abnormalities as tumors and cysts can also be diagnosed. Annual pap smears and pelvic exams allow your doctor to catch specific conditions at early stages so that proper treatment can be implemented and fertility can remain healthy. In addition, your gynecologist will check your breasts for any abnormal lumps during each annual visit. This is important because most women do not begin receiving regular mammograms until they are in their forties. Your gynecologist may be able to help you detect breast cancer in its early stages at your annual.

Q. Does it hurt to have a pap smear?

A. No, pap smears do not hurt.  There will be a mild discomfort during the exam and for most women the first check-up will be uncomfortable. However, the majority of the discomfort is the result of the unknown. There should be no pain associated with your pap smear and all future visits will become easier each and every time.

Q. What does the gynecologist do during a pap smear?

A. Before the check-up a nurse will bring you a sheet and ask you to undress waist down. As your doctor comes into the room you will be asked to lie down and place your feet in stirrups which will keep your feet in place during the exam. Your doctor will then use a lubricated speculum to gently open your vagina. It is important to relax and take deep breaths during this part. The more relaxed you are the less uncomfortable you are likely to be. Your doctor will then use a long q-tip to swab the inside of your vagina. This swab is what is tested to determine if the cells are healthy, or abnormal. After your doctor swabs you using the speculum, the tool is removed and the exam will be finished.

Most women find that their anxiety about their first pap smear test disappears just as quickly as the actually procedure. But for some the anxiety returns every year when they go back for their annual. It is important to remember that your health should be rated much higher than your fear.

It is important to receive your checkup annually. But it is important to call your gynecologist sooner if:

• Your periods become irregular or cease
• Your periods become heavy
• You experience odor and/or discomfort
• If intercourse becomes painful
• If you think you may be pregnant

When the examination portion of your appointment is complete, your gynecologist will most likely meet with you and discuss a health follow-up with you and answer any questions you may have about such topics as birth control, etc. Finding the right OBGYN is just as important as going every year. Some women see the same doctor through their twenties, the birth of their children and into their mid-life years.  If the time is now for you to find and visit an OBGYN, ask around to friends and family for a solid recommendation and make the appointment sooner than later.

Severe Menstrual Cramps? A group of local Plano, Texas OBGYN doctors offer  information about the causes of painful periods and promising treatment for dysmenorrhea.

For some of us, those dreadful menstrual cramps are a sign that our period is lurking just around the bend, and then occur in sync with the first few days of our cycle. Like our mothers and grandmothers before us, this is just one of the beautiful and ugly parts of being a woman. But what does it mean when your pain becomes life changing, and alarming, causing the mere idea of getting up and out to send you into a panic? You see your OBGYN.

Painful periods, or dysmenorrhea as it is medically referred to, affects about 50% of women of post-pubescent age, and is most common in women during their early to mid-twenties. The occurrence of these severe menstrual cramps tapers off as a woman ages and most commonly disappears once a woman has reached her thirties. Dysmenorrhea is the scientific name for painful periods, in which a woman describes her cramps to be debilitating. Dysmenorrhea is further divided into two categories one being Primary Dysmenorrhea, and the other being Secondary Dysmenorrhea. Upon visiting with your OBGYN you will be diagnosed among one or the other. Of the 50% of women suffering from painful periods, 85% will be diagnosed with Primary Dysmenorrhea.

Primary Dysmenorrhea is usually the diagnosis if your OBGYN is unable to find any internal obstruction or problem that may be causing painful periods and severe menstrual cramps. Primary dysmenorrhea usually becomes a problem between 12 months and 2 years following a woman’s first cycle. The painful menstrual cramps usually begin a few hours prior to or just after the onset of menstruation. Pain is most severe during the first 2 days of the cycle. Characteristically the pain is described as spasmodic in nature and strongest over the lower abdomen and lower back. In severe cases the menstrual pain is also felt in the thighs. The pain is most commonly referred to as “labor-like” and accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache.  Symptoms that occasionally accompany these painful periods are anxiety and dizziness. Seldom do any symptoms persist beyond the third day of the cycle. Though Primary Dysmenorrhea does not appear to be prevented by any amount of or lack of activity, a few activities seem to help with menstrual cramps relief:

• Avoid stressful situations
• Take a warm bath, or use a warm compress
• Go for long slow paced walks
• Avoid fatty foods
• Participating in Yoga
• Pain-relieving medications
• Oral contraceptives

Secondary Dysmenorrhea will be the diagnoses if your OBGYN finds that the pain is caused by some sort of gynecological problem. Secondary Dysmenorrhea does not begin shortly after a woman’s first cycle, but usually 3+ years following. The painful menstruation is likely to begin at the onset of the cycle and last throughout the entirety of menstruation. The occurrence of secondary painful periods requires medical attention and at times medical procedures in order to help with severe menstrual cramps relief. Unlike Primary Dysmenorrhea, medical treatments are often the only hope for relief from pain. The cause of Secondary Dysmenorrhea will determine the proper treatment of it. A few of the procedures on the market for the treatment for dysmenorrhea include:

• Intrauterine Contraceptive (Mirena)
• Oral Contraceptives (such as birth control pills)
• Vitamin B supplements (For pain related to lack of nutrition)
• Antibiotics (for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease—also referred to as PID—or an untreated STD)
• Surgery (For a Cyst, or Fibroid Tumor)
• Dilation & Curettage (Removal of small amount of uterine lining, often as a cancer precaution)
• Hysterectomy (if the pain is caused by a malfunctioning reproductive organ)
• Endometrial Ablation (Permanent removal of uterine lining to prevent further pain and/or limit bleeding)

Treatment for dysmenorrhea varies according to severity of the issue and the problem causing the pain. The bottom line is if you are suffering from abnormally painful periods, it is of utmost importance that you check in with you OBGYN and discuss what is causing it, and your options for pain relief.

Women’s Specialists of Plano Drs. Dennis Eisenberg and Murray Fox Perform First Robotic Hysterectomy on New DaVinci Si Machine with 8mm Camera at Medical Center Plano

Dr. Dennis Eisenberg of Plano, Texas, a pioneer in the use of the robotic hysterectomy surgical technique, recently completed his first hysterectomy surgery at Medical Center Plano using the new DaVinci Si machine. Dr. Eisenberg was assisted on this procedure by fellow surgeon Dr. Murray Fox of Plano, TX.

Plano, TX, August 23, 2011 –(PR.com)– Dr. Dennis Eisenberg of Plano, Texas, a pioneer in the use of the robotic hysterectomy surgical technique, recently completed Medical Center Plano’s first hysterectomy surgery using the new DaVinci Si machine. Dr. Eisenberg was assisted on this surgery by fellow robotic surgeon Dr. Murray Fox.

The DaVinci Si machine has an 8mm camera, the smallest camera that has ever been used for a robotic hysterectomy. The benefit for patients of the smaller camera offered by the new machine at Medical Center Plano is that it requires a smaller incision. This makes robotic hysterectomies performed with DaVinci Si machine even less invasive than the procedure already is.

The gynecologists that make up the Women’s Specialists of Plano in Plano, Texas (http://obgynplano.com) were interviewed for this article.

If you are a typical female between the age of 12 and 50, having your period each month probably passes like a leaf in the wind. For many women, having a period may cause a few symptoms that can easily be managed by taking a simple ibuprofen and using some feminine protection—and then just like that, it’s gone. For others, this monthly visit from mother nature is a dreaded and life altering time that sends some women into hiding.

Meet Amy.

Amy is a normal, active mother of three in her mid-thirties with a hectic life. Her schedule was very busy between work, working out, ballet for her girls, soccer for her little boy, PTA, and maintaining a happy marriage. Amy didn’t have time to be slowed down by her period, yet for a few days every month she felt incapable of maintaining her schedule because her periods were so heavy, and so painful. So heavy in fact, that she found herself in the bathroom every hour to deal with the side effects of her period. She knew that her cycles hadn’t always been this heavy, or this painful, but thought the abnormal menstrual bleeding was just the result of the birth of her three children, and her active lifestyle.

After Amy’s last period she felt fatigued, and light-headed. Soon after, she met up with her girlfriends for lunch. Exhausted by her life altering periods and abnormal menstrual bleeding she decided to bring it up with her friends. “At lunch, I explained to my friends just how heavy and painful my periods had been all these years, and I was surprised that none of them had similar experiences,” said Amy. “In fact, they all were very concerned and advise me to see my doctor. So the next week I visited my OBGYN and was ecstatic to learn that my condition actually had a name.”

Amy’s doctor diagnosed her with Menorrhagia.

Menorrhagia is defined as an excessively heavy period, but can also cause extreme discomfort. Periods are different for every woman. Some are short and painless, and some are long and painful. But it is not at all normal for a woman’s period to affect her everyday life or keep her from performing her normal activities. Reasons to see an OBGYN with the suspicion of Menorrhagia are things such as:

• Periods that last longer than 5 days
• Painful periods with severe pelvic pain
• Periods that require double sanitary protection (tampon and pad)
• Bleeding through a tampon or pad in an hour or less for several hours in a row
• The passing of large blood clots
• Fatigue, pain, headaches, nausea

Though depression and social anxiety are not symptoms that point towards menorrhagia, they often are results of the problem. Women such as Amy, who normally have a very active and busy life, begin to invert, afraid of excessive and abnormal menstrual bleeding while in public or the inability to get to the restroom before leaking.

Thankfully, Amy found out that there are multiple options to cure this condition. After considering the number of years she had been suffering from heavy blood loss, and that she had three beautiful children and did not wish for anymore, Amy’s OBGYN explained to her that she was a great candidate for an endometrial ablation. With this procedure, the entire lining of the uterus is removed with the intent of preventing any future menstruation. The NovaSure procedure is one such approved endometrial ablation treatments for menorrhagia.

According to the gynecologists at the Women’s Specialist of Plano, “The NovaSure procedure uses radio frequency energy to permanently remove the lining and is always effective in slowing the bleeding, and at times prevents it completely. 95% of women who receive the ablation are very happy with the outcome. The only down side to the procedure is that it can prevent future pregnancies.  We recommend the NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure when we can because it is a more conservative treatment option than procedures such as a hysterectomy.

Amy moved forward with the surgery. It was minimally invasive, almost painless, and had an extremely fast recovery. Amy was back to her busy schedule and fast pace life, but this time, without fear of leakage, and days spent at home due to pain and fear.

If you are a woman who is experiencing heavy periods that are interrupting your life, there is help. It is very important to track your period and be aware of changes in consistency, duration, and pain level. Don’t wait as long as Amy did, if changes arise consult your OBGYN today.

The Women’s Specialists of Plano, Texas (http://obgynplano.com) put together this informational sheet on Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.  They treat women—most commonly under the age of 35—who suffer from this gynecological disease. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or P.I.D. as it is commonly referred to, is an uncomfortable and at times deadly disease that affects a small percentage of women during their childbearing years. The symptoms of P.I.D. can be painful and very uncomfortable. It’s important for women to understand what P.I.D. is, how it is transmitted, treated and what they can do to prevent themselves from getting it.

Q. What is P.I.D?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other reproductive organs that is caused by the transmission of foreign bacteria. It is a potentially serious complication that can lead to damage of the reproductive organs, miscarriage, and infertility.

Q. How Common is P.I.D.

It is estimated that approximately 750,000 women within the United States are affected by P.I.D. each year. It is most common among women with multiple sex partners, and least common among women in monogamous relationships. Women in their childbearing years (under the age 25) that are sexually active are at a higher risk of contracting P.I.D. than women over 25 years of age. A woman who has previously been diagnosed with P.I.D. is at a heightened risk of contracting the disease again.

Q. How Does a Woman Contract P.I.D?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is initiated when a foreign bacteria moves through the opening in a woman’s cervix and up into the reproductive organs. The disease can be contracted many different ways, but is most commonly caused by: The STD’s Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, Douching, and Intrauterine Devices.

Q. What are the Symptoms of P.I.D?

P.I.D commonly goes unnoticed in its early stages, even though it may be causing great damage to a woman’s reproductive organs. Common symptoms of P.I.D. as the disease progresses include:

• Lower Abdominal Pain
• Fever
• Foul Smelling Discharge
• Pain during Intercourse
• Irregular Menstruation

If the disease is not found and treated promptly, P.I.D. can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, severe pain, and death.

Q. How is P.I.D. Treated?

Antibiotics are used to treat P.I.D. although they cannot reverse any damage that may have already taken place inside the female reproductive organs. In most cases the antibiotics will cure all symptoms associated with disease as long as the medication is taken as prescribed. If a woman is sexual active prior to being treated for P.I.D the woman’s partner(s) should also be treated as they may also be infected with the bacteria, though they may not have symptoms.

A woman may have to receive inpatient treatment via the hospital is she is experiencing high fever, is pregnant, or is experiencing a tubal pregnancy as a result of P.I.D.

Q. How Can Women Protect Themselves From P.I.D?

The best answer to this question is to abstain from sexual intercourse, unless you are sure your partner is uninfected by any STD. It has been found that woman in a monogamous relationship are at a much lower risk of contracting the disease than those who have multiple partners. If abstinence is not an option for you, then it is important to make use of protection such as condoms. Condoms have been shown to help prevent the transmission of STDs though they are not 100% effective.

If a woman noticing any unusual symptoms (such as: irregular period, a genital sore, or foul smelling discharge) she should consult her OBGYN immediately. P.I.D. can be prevented if an STD can be treated before it causes serious complications.

And last but not least, any sexually active woman should be screened for STDs regularly and thoroughly.

There are many reasons why a woman may choose to have, or need a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is the removal, or partial removal of the uterus. The uterus is the large, hollow, female organ that resides in the female pelvis between the bladder and the rectum. It is where a fetus grows once an egg has been fertilized.

Hysterectomy statistics include:

• 10% of Hysterectomies are performed because of (due to) cancer
• 30% of Hysterectomies are performed because of (due to) Fibroid Tumors
• 20% of Hysterectomies are performed to eliminate pain caused by Endometriosis
• 16% of Hysterectomies are performed to repair a prolapsed Uterus.
• The remaining 24% of Hysterectomies are performed for reasons such as recurrence of pain and heavy bleeding, severe infection, and post delivery trauma.

Regardless of the reason a woman might be receiving a hysterectomy it is still a big decision, which accompanies an understandable amount of stress. Today, the complications following a hysterectomy can be lessened with new tools, techniques and medical technologies.  The gynecologists at the Women’s Specialists of Plano use a system called the da Vinci robotic surgery which makes the entire surgery and recovery process a lot simpler than it once was.

The robotics hysterectomy da Vinci system is a highly technical system of small, precise, electronic tools that robotically assist a physician in surgically removing the reproductive organs without causing major incisions or long recovery periods. The list of pros for a robotics hysterectomy includes:

• Less pain
• Fewer complications
• Less blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Low risk of wound infection
• Quicker recovery and return to normal activities

What is robotic surgery? It’s a fairly simple process. The da Vinci robotic surgery allows doctors to see the organs through a microscope via a 3d screen without the need to make large incisions. The robotic arms of the da Vinci allows precise movement and act as the surgeon’s hands eliminating unsteadiness. The surgery leaves the patient with just a couple of very tiny incisions that usually do not require sutures.

OBGYN’s are constantly asked “What is robotic surgery and how will it benefit me?” from patients. Two Women’s Specialists of Plano recipients of robotics hysterectomy recently provided the following feedback regarding their recent procedures:

According to Patricia, “After battling breast cancer and going through numerous surgeries, the last thing I wanted to do was go under the knife again. But when my OBGYN found a benign tumor on my ovary, he recommended a hysterectomy. The first thing that came to my mind was that I would be left in a considerable amount of pain because of a huge incision and out of work for six to eight weeks. After looking at my specific situation, we decided on the robotic hysterectomy method. The surgery was fast and I was in recovery within a very short period of time. I barely had to take any painkillers and I had no complications whatsoever. My scars are barely visible.  Even after one week, I felt good enough to go back to work, but still stayed home because of my doctor’s advice. I would recommend the robotic hysterectomy to anyone considering a hysterectomy.”

Sharon, another patient who underwent a hysterectomy via da Vinci robotic surgery, shares a similar experience.

“After several years of experiencing inconsistent, crampy, long periods—coupled with abnormal and inconclusive pap smears, I was ready for a hysterectomy. My doctor recommended the robotic hysterectomy technique and after doing my own research on the technology, I knew it was for me. Not only was the surgery a breeze, but the post-op recovery was trouble-free and brought with it minimal pain and scarring. Technology is a beautiful thing and it has allowed this surgery to become easier and the result as if it has never happened.”

The benefits of the robotic hysterectomy have been documented by thousands of patients and doctors.  Because the procedure is highly technical, it requires a skilled, trained surgeon.  While not all patients are candidates for this procedure, more and more are and are turning towards the method because of the benefits it brings.

According to the doctors that make up the Women’s Specialists of Plano, “The skillfulness of the robotic tools and the dexterity of the 3D technology allows for the effectiveness of traditional open hysterectomy surgery and brings it to the minimally-invasive setting.”

Any woman considering or being faced with a hysterectomy, should discuss all of the options with their OBGYN. The robotic hysterectomy is one such consideration to be discussed.

The Women’s Specialists of Plano (972.379.2416, http://obgynplano.com) specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction and vaginal prolapse. When Jean, a 74-year old resident of Plano, Texas, began having unusual and at times frightening symptoms during bowel movements, she decided to make an appointment with the Women’s Specialists of Plano.  “What should have been an everyday normal bodily function for anyone, created stress and anxiety for me because every time I attempted to take a bowel movement, I felt as if my internal organs were coming out—and in most cases, they were,” said Jean.

Jean’s OBGYN, Dr. Murray Fox, diagnosed her condition as pelvic floor dysfunction, or in her case, a vaginal prolapse. It is a common disorder seen by the entire group of doctors at WSOP including Drs. Jules Monier, Dennis Eisenberg, Daryl Greebon and Jon Ricks.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition in which the muscles that uphold the reproductive and digestive organs of a female weaken, and fail to work properly. The immediate result of this muscle failure is “falling of the female organs”, or, a sensation of pelvic pressure or an actual falling of the organs dropping through the vagina. Difficulty passing stools and urinary incontinence are the most common immediate symptoms eventually causing pain, and even more alarming symptoms such as what Jean was experiencing.  With the insertion of a vaginal pessary, Jean’s symptoms went away and she was able to resume life as normal.

During the early stages of pelvic floor dysfunction, it may be possible to re-strengthen the pelvic muscles through physical therapy and repair the damage before the dysfunction progresses. But due to the nature of the symptoms, it is commonly missed at an early stage, and the dysfunction becomes much worse.

When pelvic floor dysfunction is not treated properly or immediately it can cause problems of much larger proportions such as:

• Cystocele-The protrusion of the bladder into, and at times through the vagina.
• Rectocele-The protrusion of the rectum into, and at times through the vagina.
• Enterocele-The protrusion of the bowel into, and at times through the vagina.
• Urethrocele-The protrusion of the urethra into, and at times through the vagina.
• Vaginal Prolapse-The protrusion of the top of the vagina into the lower portion of the vagina completely inverting it. (This is most common in post-hysterectomy patients.)

Statistics suggest that 40% of women between 60-80 years of age will experience some degree of pelvic floor dysfunction or vaginal prolapse. At this age the dysfunction is the resort of multiple things including age, gravity, number of children, constipation, childbirth etc. However, it is important to note that 1 of every 3 women of 25 and up will suffer from the dysfunction as well. The most common causes being pregnancy, obesity, vaginal delivery, and menopause.

If you begin to notice symptoms that lead you to believe that you may be suffering from any degree of pelvic floor dysfunction, consult with your physician as soon as possible. Pelvic floor dysfunction is diagnosed through a series of testing. Your doctor will begin their testing with a careful study of your medical history, symptoms, and physically or emotionally traumatic experiences that could be contributing to the physical and emotional pain of this disorder. Specific tests will be administered to determine which muscles are not properly performing their job.

Pelvic floor dysfunction may be treated with specialized physical therapy known as biofeedback if the dysfunction is found at an early stage. With biofeedback, a person may be able to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and remind the body to perform these tasks as it should. Approximately 75% of individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction experience significant improvement with biofeedback.

Many times, pelvic floor dysfunction patients and those suffering from vaginal prolapse will need corrective surgery.  Using a vaginal pessary or a mesh device is often effective for curing the problem. A vaginal pessary can be inserted into the vagina to support the prolapsed organs. Meshes to secure organs into place are also commonly used. Using sutures, a mesh is used to help keep the bladder, uterus or other pelvic organs secure.  Using a pessary or a mesh will commonly alleviate symptoms.

If you are experiencing unusual symptoms that you believe may be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, consult with your doctor and learn about the treatment options that are available to help you with your specific situation.