Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that allows your OB/GYN to gather information about your baby's health from a sample of your amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. The most common reason to have an "amnio" is to determine whether a baby has a genetic disorder or a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis or a neural tube defect (example: spina bifida). Amniocentesis can also determine paternity prior to delivery of the baby.

Contraceptive counseling

One of the most important contributions to women’s health has been the availability of affordable, effective and safe contraception (birth control). There are many different forms of contraception available today, and OB/GYNs are specially trained to offer advice and guidance regarding which birth control option may be the best for you.

High risk pregnancy

A high risk pregnancy is one that potentially threatens the health or life of the mother or her fetus. Risk factors for a high risk pregnancy include high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, obesity, multiples (twins, triplets, etc.), a very young mother (early teenager) or a mother older than 35. Early and regular prenatal care helps many high risk women have healthy pregnancies and deliveries without complications.

Hormone replacement therapy

During menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels drop dramatically, often causing uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, irritability and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective treatment for these symptoms and includes estrogen therapy (in the form of a pill, patch or topical cream) and estrogen/progesterone/progestin hormone therapy, known as combination therapy since it combines doses of estrogen and progestin, the synthetic form of progesterone. Because hormone replacement therapy can have potentially serious side effects, including increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer, an OB/GYN should always be consulted throughout treatment.

HPV vaccination

There are very few cancers that scientists have discovered a vaccine for, but those caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) fall within that category. Providing almost 100% protection from HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 if all three doses are taken at the correct intervals and before a person is exposed to one of the HPV infections, the HPV vaccine can prevent cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women; penile cancer in men; and anal cancer, cancer of the back of the throat and genital warts in both men and women. It is highly recommended for boys and girls as early as 9 years old (before they become sexually active and are exposed to HPV) and up to 26 years old.

Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery

Laparoscopy (surgery performed through one or more small incisions, using small surgical instruments and tiny cameras) was one of the first types of minimally invasive surgery. Another type is robotic surgery, which provides a magnified 3-D view of the surgical site and helps the surgeon operate with precision, flexibility and control. Gynecological surgery is often performed using one of these two methods.

PAP smears

A PAP smear, also called a PAP test, is a very effective way to screen for cervical cancer. A mildly uncomfortable but not painful procedure, a PAP smear tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, the opening of the uterus. For women aged 21-65, we generally recommend having a PAP smear every 3 years, since detecting cervical cancer early gives women a much greater chance at a cure. If you have ever had an abnormal PAP smear, these guidelines may differ for you and we recommend annual clinical pelvic exams.

Testing and treatment of STDs

Anyone who has had unprotected sex is at risk of acquiring an STD (sexually transmitted disease) and should be tested right away (and treated, if necessary). Signs of STDs include sores or bumps on and around your genitals, thighs or buttocks, discharge from your vagina or penis, burning when urinating, frequent urination, itching, pain, irritation and/or swelling in your penis, vagina, vulva or anus, flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, swollen glands and feeling tired. Having an STD makes you more likely to get other STDs, such as HIV, which is why it’s important to get tested and treated.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during a woman’s childbearing years. They can range in size from seeds to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus, and a woman can have a single fibroid or multiple ones. Often, there are no symptoms but for women who do have symptoms, the most common ones include heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual periods lasting more than a week, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, and back or leg pain. Fibroids usually shrink when a woman goes through menopause. Depending on a woman’s symptoms, treatment options include both medicine and surgery.

Vaginal and vulvar disorders

Many women think that vulvar itching, burning and vaginal discharge automatically signal that they have a yeast infection. However, more than two dozen diseases can cause genital itching, burning, irritation, rawness, throbbing, urinary frequency, urinary urgency and pain during sex. These include: cystitis, candidiasis (yeast infections), vaginitis, pelvic floor dysfunction, human papiloma virus infection (HPV), herpes and vulvar cancer. Effective treatment depends on the specific condition.