Featured Articles
Help for Women with Urinary Incontinence
Loss of bladder control is common among women. Learn about the options for preventing and treating this annoying problem.
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.
Facts About Vaginal Infections
There are many causes of vaginal infections. A proper diagnosis is the key to effective treatment.
Ask an Expert
Jane Varner, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
What's the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of fungal organisms, usually the Candida Albicans species. Symptoms are usually itching, burning, and white, cottage-cheese appearing discharge. They are caused... continue reading about What's the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?
Patricia Hockett, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
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, 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?
Rodman S. Rogers, M.D.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
Regarding stress incontinence and using the pig skin mesh sling option - is it possible for a patient to reject the sling?
While nearly anything is conceivable or possible in individual situations, it's my understanding that the pig dermis is treated to remove all cellular components, leaving just the natural, treated sterile colla... continue reading about Regarding stress incontinence and using the pig skin mesh sling option - is it possible for a patient to reject the sling?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
What does a routine Pap smear show? Are there other routine tests should I ask for?
A routine pap test screens for abnormal cells from the cervix associated with cancer or pre-cancer of the cervix. Depending on one's age, we are also testing for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is now fe... continue reading about What does a routine Pap smear show? Are there other routine tests should I ask for?
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?
High-risk HPV detection on a pap smear indicates you are at risk for developing cervical cancer at any point in the future. With a healthy immune system, many women clear this, but sometimes severe cases requir... continue reading about If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?
If your major goal, in addition to reliable contraception, is to reduce the menstrual flow and frequency of periods, then a Mirena IUD, which secretes progesterone-like hormone locally in the uterine cavity wit... continue reading about I'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?
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