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Women's Health Topics
Ask an Expert
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?
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?
Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
What is the success rate for tubal ligation reversal? What options for getting pregnant does a woman have if she's had a tubal ligation?
If you want to have children after having your tubes "tied," there are two ways to do it. You can have in vitro fertilization (IVF) by getting the eggs from your ovaries, fertilizing them in the laboratory, and... continue reading about What is the success rate for tubal ligation reversal? What options for getting pregnant does a woman have if she's had a tubal ligation?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
Many women after a hysterectomy can still have "cycles" if their ovaries are in place. They will not bleed since the uterus is no longer present, but they can still have the usual bloating and other PMS symptom... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
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?
Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
Is a woman undergoing fertility treatments at higher risk of getting cancer than a woman of the same age who has not taken these drugs?
Most of the studies on the use of fertility drugs have examined hormonally sensitive tumors such as breast, ovarian and uterine malignancies. There does not appear to be any association between fertility drugs ... continue reading about Is a woman undergoing fertility treatments at higher risk of getting cancer than a woman of the same age who has not taken these drugs?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I had a partial hysterectomy four months ago. My left ovary was damaged so it was removed, leaving only my right. Since the surgery I have had no sex drive. And when I do it's painful. What can I do?
Women can live their whole lives with only one ovary and produce enough hormones, but it sounds like you now have become low in hormones and maybe menopausal. This might have nothing to do with your surgery and... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy four months ago. My left ovary was damaged so it was removed, leaving only my right. Since the surgery I have had no sex drive. And when I do it's painful. What can I do?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
What is the more appropriate way to treat menopausal depression, hormone replacement or SSRIs?
There is no one answer to treating "menopausal depression". Restoring hormones (HRT) and SSRI antidepressants have both been shown to help with depression in mid-life women. There are other things that have bee... continue reading about What is the more appropriate way to treat menopausal depression, hormone replacement or SSRIs?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
Melasma is typically caused in women by exposure to estrogens. For this reason, any hormone replacement you are taking that contains estrogen can contribute, so I would refrain from using estrogens. Also, the h... continue reading about I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
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