Women’s Health Specialists of CentraState is committed to providing women with the most comprehensive care for a variety of women’s health conditions, including:
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Most women have some discomfort before or during their period. It’s when these symptoms disrupt your life that we call it PMS. PMS can cause a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, tender breasts, cravings, lack of energy, headaches, cramps, low back pain, irritability, and depression. The good news is treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help reduce or manage your symptoms.
Irregular or Heavy Bleeding
Heavy or irregular bleeding can have many causes. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and discussing any changes to your cycle can help your doctor determine whether additional testing is needed. Download CentraState’s free period tracking app OvuKnow to have all the info you need at your fingertips at your next exam.
Vaginal Infections/Conditions
Yeast, bacteria, STDs, and even some feminine hygiene products can cause a vaginal infection. Symptoms can include itching, burning, redness, unusual discharge, unusual odor, pain during sex, and burning when you urinate. Most infections are easy to treat with medication.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged periods, excess facial and body hair, and ovarian cysts. We’ll discuss your symptoms and how best to treat them, which may include medication and lifestyle changes.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside of your uterus. It can be very painful. Treatment usually involves medication or surgery. The approach you and your doctor choose will depend on the severity of your symptoms and if you hope to become pregnant.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can range in size from a grain of rice to a grapefruit. You can have just one fibroid or many. And while most women have a uterine fibroid sometime during their lives, most don’t know it because fibroids don’t always cause symptoms. There are many treatment options, from waiting to see if the fibroid grows larger to medication to minimally invasive procedures to surgery. We’ll discuss your family planning goals to determine your best treatment option.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in or on an ovary. Most cysts develop as a result of your menstrual cycle, usually during ovulation. They are usually harmless and go away on their own. The symptoms of ovarian cysts can include pain in the lower abdomen, pressure, bloating, and swelling. There are several treatment options, including waiting to see if the cyst grows larger, medication, and surgery. We’ll discuss your family planning goals to determine your best treatment option.
Pelvic Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the tissue and muscles of your pelvic floor no longer support your pelvic organs, allowing them to drop from their normal positions. The condition usually involves the bladder, causing bulging at the opening of the vagina, pain during sex, urinary incontinence and more. It’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can improve with surgical and non-surgical options, including pelvic floor exercises.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain occurs mostly in the lower abdomen or belly area. Pain may be steady or come and go. It may be a sharp, stabbing pain in one area or a dull pain that radiates to other areas of your body. You may notice pelvic pain only at certain times, like when you urinate or during sex. It can be a sign that there’s a problem, such as an infection, a cyst or fibroid, or an issue with your urinary tract. A physical exam and an ultrasound scan are usually needed to determine the cause of the pain and help us design a treatment plan.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
If you have abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and a fever, you may have a pelvic infection that can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID usually occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria are spread from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. You may experience pelvic pain, fever, and vaginal discharge. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious infection that can cause chronic pain and infertility. If you think you have PID, contact your healthcare provider. The earlier you’re treated, the lower your chances are of experiencing long-term complications.
Bladder/Urinary Conditions
Many conditions can affect your bladder, including urinary incontinence, a condition affecting millions of women. Some women may lose a few drops of urine while running, coughing, or sneezing, while others feel a strong, sudden urge to urinate just before losing a large amount of urine. Other bladder conditions include cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder due to infection, and bladder cancer. Your treatment options for these conditions depend on what’s causing the issue. Treatment may include medication, muscle exercises, or surgery, in severe cases.
Gynecologic Procedures
Common types of gynecological surgeries include:
Endometrial ablation
Endometrial ablation surgically removes the lining of your uterus and is a recommended treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding or as an alternative to a hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is used to treat gynecological conditions such as:
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Cancer treatment
- Pelvic floor issues
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Abnormal bleeding
Hysteroscopy
During a hysteroscopy, a camera enters your uterus through your vagina. This procedure may be recommended to remove polyps or fibroids from the uterus, diagnose the cause of multiple miscarriages, perform sterilization, or locate an intrauterine device (IUD).