We offer the latest treatment for all gynecological diseases including fibroids, ovarian cysts, postmenopausal problems (mood swings, hot flashes), ovulatory problems, PCOS (Acne, Hirsutism, missed periods), menstrual issues, endometriosis, pelvic pain problems, vaginal and uterine infections, bladder infections, abnormal Pap smear, vaginitis, unhealthy weight gain, thyroid problems, as well as treatment of dyspareunia and Osteoporosis prevention.
Gynecological in-office procedures:
Colposcopy, Cryosurgery/LEEP, In office Hysteroscopy, Endometrial biopsy and Ablation (NOVASURE, HER OPTION), Contraceptive LARC, ESSURE, NEXPLANON-MIRENA, all vulvar and vaginal excisional procedures, Pessary placement, Newborn circumcisions.
Out-patient Gynecological Procedures (Same day surgery):
Hysteroscopy, Laparoscopy, Dilatation and Curettage, Roller Ball Endometrial Ablation, Laser CO2 Ablation, all out-patient Endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal procedures, Tubal Ligation.
All Major in hospital Gynecological Procedures:
Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures-Laparotomy for tubal, ovarian, and uterine disease-Corrective procedures for pelvic relaxation and urinary incontinence, Anterior-Posterior Repair.
Aesthetic and Functional Gynecological Procedures:
Treat vaginal tissue atrophy with the MONA LISA Laser for Vaginal Rejuvenation.
Perineal muscle therapy for urinary incontinence.
- Birth control
- Cancer screening
- Colposcopy
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Infertility
- IUD placement
- Newborn Circumcision in the office up until 1 month of age.
- Nexplanon
- Pap smear
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
- STD screening
- MonaLisa Touch®
Birth Control
For women who are sexually active but do not wish to become pregnant, there are several birth control options, or contraceptives, available that are safe and effective. We will work with you to find a form of birth control that is right for you and your lifestyle.
As mentioned above there are various kinds of birth control:
- Barrier
These methods of birth control include male and female condoms as well as diaphragms, or cups, that work to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. - Hormonal
Hormonal birth controls may come in the form of pills, patches, shots, or implants. These methods alter your hormone production to either prevent your body from releasing eggs or to thicken cervical mucus so that fertilization does not occur. - Procedural
These birth control methods involve undergoing minor procedures to prevent pregnancy. An IUD, or intrauterine contraception device, is a device placed within the uterus and works to decrease ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or block sperm from entering the uterus.
Another form of procedural birth control is tubal ligation. This form is permanent as the Fallopian tubes are cut, clamped, or burned off. This prevents eggs from traveling to the uterus or sperm from reaching the eggs.
Effectiveness
Abstinence, or refraining from sexual intercourse, is the only means of birth control that is proven to prevent pregnancy 100%. However, many of the birth control options listed above have excellent rates with less than 1% of women becoming pregnant when using birth control correctly.
Risks and Benefits
Every contraceptive has its own risk and benefits. It is important that you make this decision together with your doctor so that you are aware of all your options and choose the one that is right for you.
Cancer Screenings
Cancer screening is an important part of maintaining your overall good health. Like all cancers, early detection can be the key to treating women’s cancers and increasing the chances of a full recovery. Our practice offers various cancer screening options available in- office so that you can ensure your optimal health.
Breast Cancer Screenings
Clinical breast exams are conducted during each exam to search for any changes in your breasts or unusual lumps. We will ask about your family history and if any members have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Annual mammograms begin at the recommended age of 40.
Cervical Cancer Screenings
Pap smears are important for finding any changes in your cervical cells. These tests begin at the age of 21. The HPV test can also be conducted at this time since the HPV virus can lead to cervical cancer. Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, it is still important that you follow the screening recommendations for your age group.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
The screening for colon cancer typically begins at the age of 45, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor. This is accomplished by analyzing a stool sample or by examining the colon and rectum (colonoscopy).
Endometrial Cancer Screenings
During menopause, women should report any unexpected vaginal changes such as bleeding or spotting. There are many causes of postmenopausal bleeding that can be benign such as uterine polyps or fibroids. However, uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer, can also cause abnormal changes during menopause. If you notice any changes, please report them to your doctor so that a biopsy can be conducted to determine whether there is a concern for cancer.
Colposcopy
It is important to note that abnormal pap smear results are common and do not necessarily mean you have cancer or precancerous cells. Sometimes factors such as your menstrual cycle, a vaginal infection or use of vaginal creams can change your pap smear. In such cases follow-up tests may be required. We may recommend a colposcopy if your recent Pap smear is abnormal, and you carry the HPV virus in your cervical cells.
Endometriosis
Approximately 10% of reproductive-age women are living with endometriosis. Endometriosis is an often-painful condition in which tissue that is like the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis growths may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located.
Endometriosis tissue acts as the lining inside the uterus would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But it grows in places where it doesn’t belong, and it doesn’t leave the body. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated and form scar tissue. Bands of fibrous tissue called adhesions also may form. These can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.
Endometriosis can cause pain, especially during menstrual periods. Fertility problems also may develop. But treatments can help you take charge of the condition and its complications.
Endometriosis can negatively affect a woman’s quality of life and productivity. The condition also creates a significant economic and social burden for women and society.
Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop either in or on your uterus. These growths can cause pain, heavy periods, and difficulty becoming pregnant. If you know or suspect you may have fibroids, we will help you achieve relief with the latest treatment options for fibroids.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus. These are typically benign or noncancerous tumors made up of the muscle type tissue of the uterus. They can become quite large and cause severe pain, heavy periods, and difficulty becoming pregnant in addition to other symptoms that may affect your quality of life.
If you know or suspect you may have fibroids, we will help you achieve relief with the latest treatment options for fibroids.
- Intramural
This is the most common type of fibroid and appears within the muscular wall of the uterus. These growths may become large and stretch your womb. - Subserosal
Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of the uterus which is called the serosa. These growths can become large and make your womb appear bigger on one side. - Pedunculated
This type of tumor grows from a subserosal fibroid that develops a slender base or stem to support the tumor. - Submucosal
These fibroids develop in the middle muscle layer of the uterus and are the least common type.
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the number of tumors present as well as their size and location. Often smaller fibroids do not cause symptoms, but common signs and symptoms of fibroids include:
- Heavy bleeding between and during your period
- Pain in the pelvis or lower back
- Increased menstrual cramping
- Increased urge to urinate
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Menstruation that lasts longer than a week
- Pressure or fullness felt in the lower abdomen
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
Your doctor can diagnose fibroids by feeling for any signs of abnormal growths in your uterus during a routine exam. An ultrasound or MRI can help to confirm the diagnosis and show the size and location of the fibroids.
Treatment
If the fibroids are small, do not cause health concerns, or do not affect your quality of life, treatment may not be necessary. Medications, lifestyle changes, and home remedies can help to relieve some discomfort. Other recommendations include:
- Yoga
- Massage
- Dietary Changes
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
Birth control may also help to control any excessive bleeding during your periods. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove fibroids from your uterus.
Infertility
Struggling with infertility can be a frustrating, heartbreaking experience for many couples. Nearly 10% of couples are affected by infertility.
Here at Dauphin Integrative Gynecology and Women’s Health we provide evaluations and treatments for common causes of infertility. We are here to help find the right solution for you.
How common is infertility?
About 9% of men and about 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems.1
- In one-third of infertile couples, the problem is with the man.
- In one-third of infertile couples, the problem can’t be identified or is with both the man and woman.
- In one-third of infertile couples, the problem is with the woman.
Studies suggest that after 1 year of having unprotected sex, 12% to 15% of couples are unable to conceive, and after 2 years, 10% of couples still have not had a live-born baby. In couples younger than age 30 who are generally healthy, 40% to 60% are able to conceive in the first 3 months of trying.
Fertility declines with age in both men and women, but the effects of age are much greater in women. In their 30s, women are about half as fertile as they are in their early 20s, and women’s chance of conception declines significantly after age 35.6 Male fertility also declines with age, but more gradually.
We can provide some testing during your regular examination, but only when you are actively trying to get pregnant can these be performed since testing your sexual partner will be required.
IUD Placement
At Dauphin Integrative Gynecology and Women’s Health, we understand that your choice of birth control is a personal one. We offer a wide range of contraception options and will help find one that is right for you and your lifestyle. While some people prefer the familiarity of pills, the convenience of an IUD or implant may be more appealing to others.
IUD placement is performed in our office and is a simple procedure that only takes a few minutes of your time. The IUD is then inserted through the cervix and placed inside the uterus.
You may feel a slight pinch during the placement but otherwise should not experience any discomfort or pain. We offer Mirena, Liletta or Kyleena IUD at our practice. They contain Progestin type hormones and are called LARC. They work just like the birth control pills, by blocking the release of an egg from the ovaries and thickening the cervical mucous to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. They are some of the most effective contraceptives.
Pap Smear
A Pap Smear is a test that is usually performed yearly after a woman turns 21 or becomes sexually active. The test is a simple, quick collection of cells from your cervix to determine if they are pre-cancerous or cancerous. A Pap Smear can also detect abnormalities of the vagina and can detect STDs, which can then lead to further testing.
What to expect during a Pap Smear
During a pap smear, a thin bristle brush is used to collect the cells from the cervix. Most women do not feel anything besides a light sensation while some experience mild menstrual cramps. The cell sample is mixed in preservative in a small tube to be sent off to a laboratory for testing. Tests results are usually available within 1-2 weeks. A Pap Smear procedure only takes a few minutes to complete.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a set of symptoms related to a hormonal imbalance that can affect women and girls of reproductive age.
PCOS may cause menstrual cycle changes, skin changes such as increased facial and body hair and acne, abnormal growths in the ovaries, and infertility. Often, women with PCOS have problems with their metabolism also.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a set of symptoms related to a hormonal imbalance that can affect women and girls of reproductive age. Women with PCOS usually have at least two of the following three conditions:1
- Absence of ovulation, leading to irregular menstrual periods or no periods at all
- High levels of androgens (a type of hormone) or signs of high androgens, such as having excess body or facial hair
- Abnormal growths on one or both ovaries—these growths were thought to be fluid-filled sacs called cysts, however more recent evidence suggests that the growths are ovarian follicles that have stopped developing2
Some women diagnosed with PCOS have the first two conditions listed above as well as other symptoms of PCOS but do not have growths on their ovaries.
PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility, meaning that infertility results from the absence of ovulation, the process that releases a mature egg from the ovary every month. Many women don’t find out that they have PCOS until they have trouble getting pregnant.
PCOS can cause other problems as well, such as unwanted hair growth, dark patches of skin, acne, weight gain, and irregular bleeding.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
In addition to the three features used to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (absence of ovulation, high levels of androgens, and ovarian growths), PCOS has many signs and symptoms, some of which may not seem to be related
- Menstrual irregularities:
- No menstrual periods
- Frequently missed periods
- Very heavy periods
- Bleeding but no ovulation—called anovulatory periods
- Infertility
- Excess hair growth on the face, chest, belly, or upper thighs—a condition called hirsutism
- Severe, late-onset, or persistent acne that does not respond well to usual treatments
- Obesity, weight gain, or trouble losing weight, especially around the waist
- Oily skin
- Patches of thickened, dark, velvety skin—a condition called acanthosis nigricans
Many women aren’t diagnosed with PCOS until they have trouble getting pregnant or if they have abnormal periods or missed periods.
Although PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, many women with PCOS can and do get pregnant.
STD Screenings
A sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is an infection passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These diseases can become serious and require immediate medical treatment to prevent further spread of infection. Symptoms will vary depending on the disease contracted but may include bumps or sores, rashes, or pain felt during urination or intercourse.
At Dauphin Integrative Gynecology & Women's Health we offer STD screenings, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations as well as education on various prevention methods. Testing may involve urine or blood samples, genital exams, or physical exams. For more information on our STD services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (818) 843-6101.
MonaLisa Touch®
We are proud to offer the MONA LISA TOUCH Laser treatments to address vaginal health and reduce unwanted vaginal dryness, vaginal tissue ulceration and vaginal and bladder symptoms caused by depletion of estrogen from the body.
If you find yourself suffering from painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, burning, or urinary incontinence the Mona Lisa Touch® may be right for you. As women age, estrogen levels begin to decline which can result in vaginal changes and discomfort. It is not uncommon for women to experience these changes during perimenopause, menopause and under certain conditions where there is decrease in estrogen levels. Though many women try hormonal therapies, estrogen creams, and other supplements, these treatment options can be enhanced with the use of the Laser.
The MonaLisa Touch Laser stimulates collagen production and tissue growth causing the vaginal tissues to regain elasticity and thickness. Typically, MonaLisa treatments consist of 3 total procedures every six weeks. All these treatments are conducted within the doctor’s office in a matter of 5-10 minutes and use only a topical anesthetic cream as they are virtually painless.
The Mona Lisa Touch® is a form of laser therapy that will help to improve your symptoms and provide you with long-term relief.