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Women's Health Topics
Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections doctors treat. More than half of women living in the United States will get a UTI at some point in their lives. Urinary tract infections are caused... continue reading about I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Sutter East Bay Medical Group
I’ve taken the birth control pill Loestrin for eight months. After starting on the pill, my period came once every two months. It’s been 14 weeks since my last period. I had unprotected sex but took the morning-after pill. Should I be concerned?
Yours is a good question. First, I want to help you understand hormone production in a normal menstrual cycle. After that, we can talk about how the pill works to prevent pregnancy and why, in some women, it re... continue reading about I’ve taken the birth control pill Loestrin for eight months. After starting on the pill, my period came once every two months. It’s been 14 weeks since my last period. I had unprotected sex but took the morning-after pill. Should I be concerned?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Summit Campus
I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Yes, you should definitely consult with your gynecologist and have an exam and pelvic ultrasound. There may be a structural problem in your uterus, such as a polyp or fibroid (benign muscle mass) that can cause... continue reading about I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
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?
Sarah Noble, MSN, FNP
Sutter East Bay Medical Group
My ob-gyn doctor's office recently added a nurse practitioner. Can you tell me more about their qualifications and what they do?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has advanced education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions, disease prevention, and the promotion of health an... continue reading about My ob-gyn doctor's office recently added a nurse practitioner. Can you tell me more about their qualifications and what they do?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I'm 44 and am having a lot of highs and lows with energy, not sleeping well, but without hot flashes or loss of menses. My mother had a hysterectomy at 44, so her experience with menopause was cut short. Is this perimenopause or just hormone fluctuations?
Fluctuation in hormones and metabolism shifts are very common in women in their 40s, which occurs before you are perimenopausal. This is the most likely cause, but I recommend you make an appointment with your ... continue reading about I'm 44 and am having a lot of highs and lows with energy, not sleeping well, but without hot flashes or loss of menses. My mother had a hysterectomy at 44, so her experience with menopause was cut short. Is this perimenopause or just hormone fluctuations?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Is tenderness in the breast a concern for cancer? I have tenderness in just one fingertip size area to the left of the areola of the right breast.
Pain and/or tenderness are two of the most common breast symptoms experienced by women. The discomfort can be severe enough to interfere with usual daily activities. The causes of mastalgia (or breast pain) are... continue reading about Is tenderness in the breast a concern for cancer? I have tenderness in just one fingertip size area to the left of the areola of the right breast.
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Sutter Independent Physicians
I've heard that the sling procedure is especially helpful for pelvic prolapse. How do I know if I am a good candidate for it?
Pelvic prolapse is a loss of support for the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus or rectum. When these organs shift out of position, they can cause symptoms that affect functioning, including ur... continue reading about I've heard that the sling procedure is especially helpful for pelvic prolapse. How do I know if I am a good candidate for it?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I had a hysterectomy in June. I still have my tubes and ovaries and a small bit of cervix. Why and how am I still having full periods every month? Where is this blood coming from?
The type of surgery you had is a supracervical hysterectomy. If your ovaries are still functioning, then you are still having monthly ovulatory cycles. The monthly cycle causes bleeding from the endometrial tis... continue reading about I had a hysterectomy in June. I still have my tubes and ovaries and a small bit of cervix. Why and how am I still having full periods every month? Where is this blood coming from?
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