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Gynecologic Conditions

If you’re a woman, your body changes throughout your life, giving rise to unique problems such as  cervical dysplasia, fibroids, heavy bleeding and pelvic prolapse.

Happy middle-aged woman

Types of Diseases

  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  • Cervical Dysplasia
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibroids
  • Incontinence
  • Ovarian Cysts
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Yeast Infections

Gynecologic Conditions Facts and Stats

Nearly every American woman confronts a gynecologic problem at some time in her life, ranging from common yeast infections to uterine fibroids.

  • About 11 to 13 percent of women of childbearing age complain of heavy or frequent periods. By the time women reach age 36 to 40, about one in four have this problem.
  • An estimated 5 million women of childbearing age have endometriosis, which can cause pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and infertility.
  • Pelvic organ prolapse is a leading cause of urinary incontinence, although many women don’t have any symptoms. Each year, doctors perform about 200,000 surgeries to fix pelvic organ prolapse.
  • About 75 percent of women have at least one yeast infection during their lives, and 20 percent of women experience at least one urinary tract infection. Those conditions are the most common gynecologic issues that affect younger women.
  • Untreated cervical dysplasia, the abnormal growth of cervical cells, develops into cervical cancer in about 30 to 50 percent of cases.
  • By age 50, about 70 percent of Caucasian women and 80 percent of African American women develop uterine fibroids.

Patient Information

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Interested in becoming a Sutter patient? Here’s what you need to know about health plans, choosing a doctor and how to get started today.

 
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Find a Women's Health Specialist

Feminine Health Maintenance

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Safe, Sensitive Surgical Solutions

Sutter Health gynecologic surgeons offers safe and sensitive solutions to many gynecologic conditions.

Breast ultrasound

Screening for Breast Cancer

We offer breast cancer screening services at 85 locations in the Sutter Health network.

Fertility Services

Facing challenges to starting a family? Find support and solutions at Sutter Health.

Ask an Expert

Ryszard J. Chetkowski

Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.

Brown & Toland Physicians

What are the proper steps to take when researching unexplained infertility?

Infertility may be called unexplained only after the standard evaluation yields no obvious cause. The three major factors causing infertility are: 1. sperm abnormalities; 2. disorders of ovulation; 3. anatomic ... continue reading  about  What are the proper steps to take when researching unexplained infertility?

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

What is the recovery time from a hysterectomy?

Recovery from hysterectomy is a highly personal and unique experience that is both physical and emotional. For many women, the absolute finality of childbearing can be very saddening. The amount of postoperativ... continue reading  about  What is the recovery time from a hysterectomy?

Ryszard J. Chetkowski

Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.

Brown & Toland Physicians

My daughter (16) has very painful periods, to the point of lying on the floor and crying. A friend told me that birth control pills will help. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled at the prospect but I hate to see her go through so much pain each month.

Birth control pills often result in lighter periods with less blood flow and cramping. Prostaglandin inhibitors, such as ibuprofen and naprosyn, are also quite effective in reducing menstrual cramps, especially... continue reading  about  My daughter (16) has very painful periods, to the point of lying on the floor and crying. A friend told me that birth control pills will help. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled at the prospect but I hate to see her go through so much pain each month.

Jane Varner

Jane Varner, M.D.

Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group

I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?

First of all, you are not alone. Millions of women experience pain during intercourse, but most are too shy or embarrassed to bring it up. I congratulate you for raising the question! Intercourse is a wonderful... continue reading  about  I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?

Risa Kagan

Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Summit Campus

Is it normal for a 60-year-old woman to have bleeding after sex?

It is not normal to have bleeding after sex at any age, but particularly for post menopausal women. Bleeding after sex can be an indication of damage to vaginal tissues, which are more fragile after menopause, ... continue reading  about  Is it normal for a 60-year-old woman to have bleeding after sex?

Patricia Hockett

Patricia Hockett, M.D.

Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group

Why do I still have PMS every month even though I've had a full hysterectomy? I thought the days of irritability, depression, and bloating would be gone since it's been four years since the surgery. I've talked to three doctors but they can't explain it.

Symptoms of PMS arise as a response to hormonal fluctuations. Many women can continue to experience symptoms of PMS (and even feel like they are cycling) if the ovaries are not removed at the time of a hysterec... continue reading  about  Why do I still have PMS every month even though I've had a full hysterectomy? I thought the days of irritability, depression, and bloating would be gone since it's been four years since the surgery. I've talked to three doctors but they can't explain it.

Heidi Wittenberg

Heidi Wittenberg, M.D., M.S., FPMRS

California Pacific Medical Center

I had a partial hysterectomy 18 years ago (my ovaries were not removed). Lately I've been having pain and cramping, so recently had x-rays and an ultrasound. The doctor could not find my ovaries. Can ovaries just disappear on their own?

If ovaries are not removed surgically, they are still present. After menopause, our ovaries do shrink. Pre-menopause ovaries are 3-4cm, but after menopause they can be 0.5cm-1.0cm. The older we get, the smaller... continue reading  about  I had a partial hysterectomy 18 years ago (my ovaries were not removed). Lately I've been having pain and cramping, so recently had x-rays and an ultrasound. The doctor could not find my ovaries. Can ovaries just disappear on their own?

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

I just had a vaginal hysterectomy last week. When can I start exercising again and what type would be best?

Since vaginal hysterectomy requires separation of the vagina from the cervix, a suture line is needed to close the opening at the top of the vagina. Like any healing incision, it is important to avoid activity ... continue reading  about  I just had a vaginal hysterectomy last week. When can I start exercising again and what type would be best?

Wesley S. Hilger

Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG

Sutter Independent Physicians

How can a woman know when it's time to consider surgery for urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting 30-50 percent of women. The number of women affected by urinary incontinence increases with age but it should not be considered acceptable at any age. It is ... continue reading  about  How can a woman know when it's time to consider surgery for urinary incontinence?

Women's Health Research

Sutter Health Women's Health Research
Women have unique health care issues that require research and attention, such as pregnancy, prenatal care and menopause. Some diseases that can affect everyone are more common in women, including osteoporosis, urinary tract infections and depression or anxiety. Research looks for the causes of health problems in women, as well as effective treatment and prevention. 

Sutter Health Women's Health Research Sutter Health Women's Health Research

Health and Wellness

In Your Corner

Breaking the Silence About Pelvic Prolapse

Pelvic prolapse is common but rarely discussed. Don’t be embarrassed – learn more about causes and treatments for this condition.

Breaking the Silence About Pelvic Prolapse

Experts Who Partner With You

Happy African American woman

Gynecology and Women's Health

The Sutter Health network provides experts in women’s health to help you manage and treat your gynecologic condition. Learn about today’s treatment options for women’s health needs.

Doctor Profiles

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site
Tracy T. Phillips, M.D.

Tracy T. Phillips, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Alla Skalnyi, M.D.

Alla Skalnyi, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Christa L. Dominick, M.D.

Christa L. Dominick, M.D.

  • Gynecologic Oncology

Laura N. Silverstein, M.D., FACOG

Laura N. Silverstein, M.D., FACOG

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Beth L. Cowan, M.D.

Beth L. Cowan, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Anne E. Stohrer, M.D.

Anne E. Stohrer, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Katie K. Crean-Tate, M.D.

Katie K. Crean-Tate, M.D.

  • Gynecologic Oncology

Tara Bartlett, D.O., FACOOG

Tara Bartlett, D.O., FACOOG

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Monica Y. Hannon, M.D.

Monica Y. Hannon, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

View All Related Doctors

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