Mammograms: What to Expect
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Reduce Menopause Symptoms
Feel better with seven ways to ease perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
Your Guide to Osteoporosis
Taking simple steps now can keep your bones strong and healthy as you age.
Women's Health Topics
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?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
When should you tell a potential sex partner about herpes?
Herpes simplex is a very common virus and can break out on any moist surface of the body. A person is contagious when there is an active herpetic lesion, and close contact must be avoided during these times. Th... continue reading about When should you tell a potential sex partner about herpes?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My mom died of breast cancer at the age of 55, so I've been getting mammograms since the age of 30. Is there a risk of radiation exposure from having regular mammograms? Should I be getting digital mammograms instead?
Digital mammograms do seem to improve the cancer detection rate in younger women with dense breasts. The radiation dose is not necessarily lower, but images can be manipulated to overcome some of the problem re... continue reading about My mom died of breast cancer at the age of 55, so I've been getting mammograms since the age of 30. Is there a risk of radiation exposure from having regular mammograms? Should I be getting digital mammograms instead?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Since I went through menopause, I am getting more UTIs. Is this normal? Why does it happen?
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTI) after menopause are common due to lack of the estrogen hormone which keeps the vaginal and periurethral tissues healthy and able to withstand most bacteria that enters in... continue reading about Since I went through menopause, I am getting more UTIs. Is this normal? Why does it happen?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Surgery Center Division
An ultrasound showed that I have eight fibroids, one the size of an orange. I've had fibroids in the past and had a myomectomy. I'm 45, have no symptoms other than frequent urination and bloating. Will they continue to grow and will they multiply?
Uterine fibroids (leiomyoma) are common condition found in up to 80 percent of women by age 50. The reason that the fibroids develop is unknown but it is generally considered a benign growth with less than one ... continue reading about An ultrasound showed that I have eight fibroids, one the size of an orange. I've had fibroids in the past and had a myomectomy. I'm 45, have no symptoms other than frequent urination and bloating. Will they continue to grow and will they multiply?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm a women in her 50s who is going through perimenopause. I have only had one menstrual period this year. Is there still a possibility that I could get pregnant?
Pregnancy is very unlikely at this age and stage of minimal ovarian function. Ovulation is so rare and the egg quality is probably so poor that fertilization would not likely result in pregnancy. However, this ... continue reading about I'm a women in her 50s who is going through perimenopause. I have only had one menstrual period this year. Is there still a possibility that I could get pregnant?
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Surgery Center Division
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?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
I am concerned because my blood sugar is fluctuating between 110 and 117, over 90 days. I have good eating habits and control my weight, but it's been harder after menopause. Should I be on a sugar-stabilizing medication such as Metformin?
As men and women age, it is very clear that metabolism changes. Part of this may be due to hormonal changes, especially in women after menopause. This may be genetic or associated with a decreasing level of exe... continue reading about I am concerned because my blood sugar is fluctuating between 110 and 117, over 90 days. I have good eating habits and control my weight, but it's been harder after menopause. Should I be on a sugar-stabilizing medication such as Metformin?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I had a da Vinci hysterectomy last month. They removed my uterus, cervix, right ovary and fallopian tubes. They did not remove the left ovary. What kind of symptoms should I experience?
You should not expect to experience any symptoms related to the removal of your right ovary, since the remaining left ovary will continue to produce enough hormones for your well-being. Of course, your body wil... continue reading about I had a da Vinci hysterectomy last month. They removed my uterus, cervix, right ovary and fallopian tubes. They did not remove the left ovary. What kind of symptoms should I experience?
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