Gynecology Services / Women
Lone Star OB/GYN Associates provides women with compassionate and sensitive health care. We realize that women are intently concerned with health issues that impact their lives. Our Women's Wellness medical services are provided to help our patients manage their health care for all times of their life.
We provide the following medical services to support women's health:
- Physicals
- Abnormal Pap Smears
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
- Cervical Cancer Screening for Women over 30
- Contraception
- Diaphragm Fittings
- Endometriosis
- Hydrothermal Ablation (HTA)
- Hysteroscopy
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Device(IUD)
- Mammography Referrals
- Menopause
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder(PMDD)
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Teen-age / Adolescence Care
- Women's Wellness
Pap Smears
A pap smear is a screening test to detect cancerous cells in the cervix. Positive findings result in the pap smear being referred to as abnormal.
Women are recommended to get annual pap smears to aid in the early detection of cancer. Please consult with your practitioner to learn more.
Uterine Bleeding
Irregular menstrual periods can result in abnormal uterine bleeding. This bleeding lasts longer than the normal cycle or occurs outside the cycle. Contributing factors may include weight loss/gain, heavy exercise, stress, sickness, or medication side affects.
To diagnose the condition, your physician will review your medical history and may ask you to keep a diary of your menstrual cycle. Some medical tests that your physician may also use are endometrial biopsy, ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and/or laparoscopy.
Treatment for this condition includes medications, hormone therapy, or surgery.
Contraception
Contraception is the prevention of conception or impregnation. There are several forms of contraception. Available methods include:
- Natural family planning
- Barrier methods(condoms and diaphragms),
- Hormonal methods("i.e. the pill")
- Intrauterine devices(IUDs)
- Tubal ligation
Lone Star OB/GYN physicians are able to discuss and prescribe all of the methods above. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Diaphragm Fittings
Diaphragms are a form of female contraception. It is a cup-shaped, flexible device, with a circular outer edge. It is inserted in the vagina to cover the cervix uteri and prevent entry of sperm. The diaphragm is used in conjunction with a spermicidal cream or jelly.
If you are interested in learning more or being fitted, please ask one of our physicians or midwives.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a highly unpredictable, common gynecologic disorder that affects women. Symptoms of this disorder may include increased menstrual cramps, infertility, and pain during intercourse. Medication and surgery are usually the treatments.
Hydrothemal Ablation (HTA)
The Hydrothermal Ablation (HTA) procedure is used to treat women with excess uterine bleeding. To help diagnose the reason for the excess bleeding, you may need to consider having a hysteroscopy test, which is usually performed at the same time as the HTA.
During the procedure, first your physician will use a scope inserted into the uterus to take a close look at what may be causing excess bleeding. This is the hysteroscopy. He/she is looking for abnormal tissues such as tumors, polyps, or just extra tissue or scar tissue inside the uterus. Any of these could be the cause of excess bleeding. If he/she finds something, they may be able to remove it on the spot with some special instruments they insert through the scope.
Your physician may not be able to pinpoint the cause of excess bleeding. In this case they move on to the HTA procedure, and you will be administered a local anesthesia. The uterus is then flushed with heated water (90°) for 10 minutes. This destroys the lining in the uterus. Most patients experience lighter bleeding, or no bleeding, after this procedure.
The procedure itself is safe, but does inherit the general risks related to anesthesia and surgery. Pregancy after the procedure is not likely, since uterine lining was removed, so it is not recommended for women who want to bear children.
Hysteroscopy
The Hydrothermal Ablation (HTA) procedure is used to treat women with excess uterine bleeding. To help diagnose the reason for the excess bleeding, you may need to consider having a hysteroscopy test, which is usually performed at the same time as the HTA.
A hysteroscopy can help find fibroids (myomas, tumors) or polyps that have developed in the uterus and may be causing severe cramping, heavy periods, or bleeding between periods.
Once the physician locates the problem, he/she may be able to remove the problem in the same visit. More complex situations may require scheduling additional time in the operating room. Your physician will discuss the findings with you and recommend a treatment.
Intrauterine Device(IUD)
An Intrauterine Device(IUD) is a female form of contraceptive placed in the uterus. The advantages of using an IUD are long protection and ease of use. Depending on the product, cycles may be heavier, or in some cases, lighter or even absent. IUDs have a slight risk of causing a serious pelvic infection, and are ideally suited for women between children, or after their families are completed. The failure rate is approximately 1%, with an increased risk of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy if pregnancy occurs.
Overall, IUDs are very effective methods of birth control which are very popular world wide, but less so in the United States. Years ago, older IUDs were associated with complications that are now infrequent with the newer products available.
The ParaGard T-380A is a product that can provide contraception for 10 years, and the Mirena is a 5 year product. Both are inserted at an office appointment after appropriate medical counseling and examination, and IUDs are not right for everyone. North Pointe OB/GYN physicians and midwives are available to discuss and prescribe this form of contraception with you.
Initial Visit For Teenagers
The physicians and midwives at Lone Star OB/GYN, consider it a special privilege when we are asked to see your daughters, or any young woman, as they begin the transition through adolescence into womanhood. We take seriously the skill and trust that is needed to help these patients understand how the life-long habits of good preventive care and thoughtful reproductive health choices will enhance their quality of life long into their later years.
Our practitioners follow current adolescent health care guidelines recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as those from other accepted authoritative sources. We will, of course, provide the screening and care specific to the patient’s individual needs, however, these guidelines recommend the following:
INITIAL VISIT:
The first visit is recommended between ages 13-15, and should be followed by annual visits.
1. The initial visit does include a thorough medical history, and examination as appropriate and necessary. Generally, it does NOT involve a pelvic examination, although certain circumstances may indicate that one is appropriate.
2. The visit allows establishment of a relationship, and open discussion and education regarding the patient’s role as a part of the healthcare team. Other topics discussed include, but are not limited to:
- a. Menstruation
- b. Normal development
- c. Sexual activity and safe sexual practices Hormonal methods("i.e. the pill")
- d. Contraception
- e. Smoking, drugs and alcohol Tubal ligation
- f. Screening for emotional and behavioral issues, hypertension, substance abuse/issues, sexual activity, depression, and school performance
3. Generally, a Pap smear is performed by age 21, or 3 years after the onset of sexual activity.
4. HIV screening is recommended annually for all patients from age 13 to 64 (per CDC, 9/2006)
5. Once sexually active, annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is performed.
Phone: 210-615-6505
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
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