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Vaginal Yeast Infection
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Vaginal Yeast Infection

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What is a vaginal yeast infection?

It's an itchy feeling your wife (or daughter) may notice at first centered in and around the vagina and can spread to the surrounding areas of the vulva. The itchiness can be unbearable, as well as embarrassing.

Maybe, it's that her jeans are too tight, or clitoral/labial adhesions, or a change in menstrual hygiene or vaginal hygiene habits.... even maybe changing a bathsoap or laundry detergent may cause your (your wife's) or daughter's vulvovaginal area to begin itching. Any of these may have something to do with vulvovaginal itch and/or irritation. But if the itch keeps getting itchier, even when her tight-fitting jeans have been off for awhile, then there's something else involved.

That something else could very well be a fungus whose technical name is Candida, and which causes what is often called a "yeast" infection. Such infections are most common in teenage girls and women aged 16 to 35, although they can occur in girls as young as 10 or 11 and in older women (and less often, in men and boys as well). You do not have to be sexually active to get a yeast infection.

The Food and Drug Administration now allows medicines that used to be prescription-only to be sold without a prescription to treat vaginal yeast infections that keep coming back. But before you run out and buy one, if you've never been treated for a yeast infection you should see a doctor. Your doctor may advise you to use one of the over-the-counter products or may prescribe a drug called Diflucan (fluconazole). FDA recently approved the drug, a tablet taken by mouth, for clearing up yeast infections with just one dose.

Though itchiness is a main symptom of yeast infections, if you've never had one before, it's hard to be sure just what's causing your discomfort. After a doctor makes a diagnosis of vaginal yeast infection, if you should have one again, you can more easily recognize the symptoms that make it different from similar problems. If you have any doubts, though, you should contact your doctor.

In addition to intense itching, another symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is a white curdy or thick discharge that is mostly odorless. Although some women have discharges midway between their menstrual periods, these are usually not yeast infections, especially if there's no itching.

It's important to remember that not all girls and women experience all these symptoms, and if intense itching is not present it's probably something else.

Candida is a fungus often present in the human body. It only causes problems when there's too much of it. Then infections can occur not only in the vagina but in other parts of the body as well--and in both sexes. Though there are four different types of Candida that can cause these infections, nearly 80 percent are caused by a variety called Candida albicans.

The biggest cause of Candida infections is lowered immunity. This can happen when you get run down from doing too much and not getting enough rest. Or it can happen as a result of illness.

Though not usual, repeated yeast infections, especially if they don't clear up with proper treatment, may sometimes be the first sign that a woman is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

FDA requires that over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat yeast infections carry the following warning:

"If you experience vaginal yeast infections frequently (they recur within a two-month period) or if you have vaginal yeast infections that do not clear up easily with proper treatment, you should see your doctor promptly to determine the cause and receive proper medical care."

Repeated yeast infections can also be caused by other, less serious, illnesses or physical and mental stress. Other causes include:

Some women get mild yeast infections towards the end of their menstrual periods, possibly in response to the body's hormonal changes. These mild infections sometimes go away without treatment as the menstrual cycle progresses. Pregnant women are also more prone to develop yeast infections.

Sometimes hot, humid weather can make it easier for yeast infections to develop. And wearing layers of clothing in the winter that make you too warm indoors can also increase the likelihood of infection.

"Candida infections are not usually thought of as sexually transmitted diseases," says Renata Albrecht, M.D., of FDA's division of anti-infective drug products. But, she adds, they can be transmitted during sex.

The best way not to have to worry about getting yeast infections this way is not to have sex. But if you do have sex, using a condom will help prevent transmission of yeast infections, just as it helps prevent transmission of more commonly sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, and helps prevent pregnancy. Teens should always use a latex condom if they have sex, even if they are also using other forms of birth control. (See "On the Teen Scene: Preventing STDs" in the June 1993 FDA Consumer.)

If one partner has a yeast infection, the other partner should also be treated for it. A man is less likely than a woman to be aware of having a yeast infection because he may not have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include a moist, white, scaling rash on the penis, and itchiness or redness under the foreskin. As with females, lowered immunity, rather than sexual transmission, is the most frequent cause of genital yeast infections in males.

The OTC products for vaginal yeast infections have one of four active ingredients: butoconazole nitrate (Femstat 3), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin and others), miconazole (Monistat 7 and others), and tioconazole (Vagistat). These drugs are in the same anti-fungal family and work in similar ways to break down the cell wall of the Candida organism until it dissolves. FDA approved the switch of Femstat 3 from prescription to OTC status December 1996 and a similar switch for Vagistat in February 1997. The others have been available OTC for a few years.

When you visit the doctor the first time you have a yeast infection, you can ask which product may be best for you and discuss the advantages of the different forms the products come in: vaginal suppositories (inserts) and creams with special applicators. Remember to read the warnings on the product's labeling carefully and follow the directions.

Symptoms usually improve within a few days, but it's important to continue using the medication for the number of days directed, even if you no longer have symptoms.

OTC products are only for vaginal yeast infections. They should not be used by men or for yeast infections in other areas of the body, such as the mouth or under the fingernails.

Candida infections in the mouth are often called "thrush." Symptoms include creamy white patches that cover painful areas in the mouth, throat, or on the tongue. Because other infections cause similar symptoms, it's important to go to a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Wearing artificial fingernails increases the chance of getting yeast infections under the natural fingernails. Fungal infections start in the space between the artificial and natural nails, which become discolored. Treatment for these types of infections--as well as those that occur in other skin folds, such as underarms or between toes--require different products, most of which are available only with a doctor's prescription.

Knowing the causes and symptoms of yeast infections can help you take steps--such as giving those tight jeans a rest--to greatly reduce the chances of getting an infection.

And, if sometimes prevention isn't enough, help is easily at hand from your doctor and pharmacy.

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Bacterial vaginosis, also called BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. It happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. The vagina normally contains mostly “good” bacteria, and fewer “harmful” bacteria. Bacterial Vaginosis develops when there is an increase in “harmful” bacteria and fewer “good” bacteria.

What causes Bacterial Vaginosis?

The cause of Bacterial Vaginosis is not understood. It can develop when something, like sexual contact, disrupts the balance between the good bacteria that protect the vagina from infection and the harmful bacteria that don't. It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV, but Bacterial Vaginosis is more common among women who have had vaginal sex. But BV is not always from sexual contact. We do know that certain things can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put you more at risk for Bacterial Vaginosis:

We also know that you do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around you.

What are the signs of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Women with BV may have an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after sexual intercourse. The discharge can be white (milky) or gray and thin. Other symptoms may include burning when urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina and irritation. However, these could be symptoms of another infection too. Some women with BV have no symptoms at all.

How can I find out if I have Bacterial Vaginosis?

There is a test to find out if you have BV. Your doctor takes a sample of fluid from your vagina and has it tested. Your doctor may also be able to see signs of BV, like a grayish-white discharge, during an examination of the vagina.

How is BV treated?

BV is treated with antibiotics, which are medicines prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may give you either metronidazole or clindamycin. Generally, male sex partners of women with Bacterial Vaginosis do not need to be treated. You can get BV again even after being treated.

Is it safe to treat pregnant women who have Bacterial Vaginosis?

All pregnant women with symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis or who have had a premature delivery or low birth weight baby in the past should be tested for Bacterial Vaginosis and treated if they have it. The same antibiotics that are used to treat non-pregnant women can be used safely during pregnancy. However, the amount of antibiotic a woman takes during pregnancy may be different from the amount taken if not pregnant.

Can Bacterial Vaginosis cause medical problems?

In most cases, Bacterial Vaginosis doesn't cause any problems. But some problems can happen if BV is untreated.

How can I prevent Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial Vaginosis is not well understood by scientists, and the best ways to prevent it are unknown. What is known is that Bacterial Vaginosis is associated with having a new sex partner or having multiple sex partners. Follow these tips to lower your risk for getting BV:

How to Avoid a Vaginal Yeast Infection

Here are some steps young women can take to make vaginal yeast infections less likely:

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Gynecologic Urology, also referred to as Uro-gynecology, is a subspecialty within the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Uro-gynecology's specialty is female pelvic disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse (bulges that extend from the uterus into the vagina or extend out of the vagina), urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and constipation.

Doctors that complete their residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, then go onto complete fellowship training in Uro-gynecology, where they spend several years focusing only on Uro-gynecology and female pelvic disorders.

What is Adhesiolysis?

Treatment for the removal of Pelvic Adhesions is through a surgical procedure called "adhesiolysis." The adhesiolysis procedure may involve cutting and releasing the adhesions during a laparoscopy procedure or treating the adhesions during a laparotomy.

Pelvic adhesions are bands of scarlike tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body. Inflammation from infection, surgery, or trauma can cause tissues to bond to other tissues or organs.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse or Pelvic Prolapse, is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapsee in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse, vaginal relaxation or vaginal vault prolapse.

Pelvic Prolapse is another term used for "Pelvic Organ Prolapse." Pelvic Prolapse is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown.

Pelvic Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse or vaginal vault prolapse.

What are the symptoms that indicate a woman is suffering from Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

What is Pelvic Reconstruction?

Pelvic Reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed by gynecologists or uro-gynecologies to repair pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse, among types of prolapse, and to correct the problem(s) and relieve the symptoms.

Typically, Pelvic Reconstruction is performed vaginally and uses an implant to reinforce the strength of the weakened pelvic tissues.

A Prolapsed Uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis.

A Prolapsed Uterus may be one of three types, depending on the severity:

• First-degree prolapse occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper
vagina.

• Second-degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the
vagina.

• Third-degree prolapse (sometimes referred to as total prolapse) occurs when the entire uterus extends outside the vagina.

Perineoplasty, also known as "Perineorrhaphy,"is one of the fastest growing elective medical procedures and is the reparative or plastic surgery of the perineum which helps women with problems with vaginal opening laxity or looseness - medically referred to as "Vaginal Relaxation." Many also incorrectly call this procedure "vaginoplasty" or "vaginaplasty."

Perineorrhaphy is the reconstruction of the muscles and tissues at the opening of the vagina and has successfully decreased the vaginal "introitus" or size of the vaginal opening. Perineorrhaphy does NOT reduce sexual sensation, in fact, properly performed, Perineorrhaphy INCREASES sensation for the woman as well as her husband.

What is Colporrhaphy?

Colporrhaphy is the surgical repair of the vaginal wall. This includes repairing many types of vaginal surgery, including the repairs of the vagina in a "Pelvic Organ Prolapse," "vaginal prolapse," "Vaginal Vault Prolapse," or the repair of a "cystocele" in the vaginal wall(s) or vaginal vault or a rectocele. A cystocele occurs when the bladder protrudes into the vagina, and a rectocele when the rectum protrudes into the vagina.

In the Colporrhaphy procudeure, a uro-gynecologist, or gynecological surgeon, places a vaginal speculum inside the vagina, which spreads/keeps the vagina open, for the doctor to inspect and repair the vagina. The vaginal wall is cut opened to reveal an opening in the supporting structures, or fascia and the defect is closed and then the vagina is repaired by suture and closed, and the speculum removed.

Who performs the Colporrhaphy and where is it performed?

Colporrhaphy is usually performed in a nearby hospital operating room by a uro-gynecologist, urologist or gynecological surgeon.

What is Colpopexy?

Colpopexy is the surgical suturing of the prolapsed vagina to a surrounding structure - such as the abdominal wall or the sacrum, which is then called Sacral Colpopexy or Sacrocolpopexy

Sacral Colpopexy, also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as Sacrocolpopexy, is the preferred surgical procedure for treating and correcting Vaginal Vault Prolapse with excellent results. Sacral Colpopexy (Sacrocolpopexy) has a very high rate of success and the surgical procedure involves suturing a synthetic mesh that connects and supports the vagina to the sacrum, or tailbone. The Sacrocolpopexy operation is performed from the abdomen to support the vagina to the ligament on the spine (after previous or present surgery to remove the uterus) by using a synthetic mesh.

Why Is Sacrocolpopexy Performed?

Sacrocolpopexy is performed to treat severe protrusion or bulge(s) of the vagina after removal of the uterus.

A woman's vagina that has one or more of these vaginal protrusion(s) may experience one or more of the following:

• The vaginal lump/bulge or protrusion feels uncomfortable or causes pain.
• Difficulty with urination (e.g. unable to completely empty the bladder)
• Bowel difficulties (e.g. constipation, incomplete emptying of bowels)
• Pain
• Infection
• Bleeding

The objective of the Sacrocolpopexy operation is to relieve the woman's symptoms and to restore her vagina and her vaginal anatomy (as much as possible) and recover her sexual function.

Are there any risks associated with Sacrocolpopexy surgery?

Sacrocolpopexy surgery is a very common and relatively safe operation with excellent prognosis and outcomes. However, like any surgical procedure, there are complications which may occur. Possible complications from Sacrocolpopexy surgery may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to surrounding tissues (e.g. nerve or blood vessels, ureter, intestines)
• Formation of blood clot(s) in the legs or lungs
• Recurrence of problem
• Slow return of bowel or bladder function
• Erosion of synthetic material through vaginal mucosa

What Happens Before Sacrocolpopexy Surgery?

1. Blood tests, electrocardiography (ECG) and chest X-ray may be done to ensure that you are in optimal health for Sacrocolpopexy surgery.

2. Your doctor may prescribe oral or vaginal estrogen (hormone) if you are already menopausal. It is important to comply with this medication as it ensures that your vaginal tissues are optimal for surgery and healing.

3. You will be admitted to the hospital one day before Sacrocolpopexy surgery.

4. You will be given preparations to clear your bowels.

5. Your pubic hair surrounding your vulva will be shaved.

6. You will not be allowed to eat or drink after midnight on the day before the surgery.

7. All your medical and surgical conditions, if any, must be made known to the doctor and must be optimally controlled.

8. If you are on aspirin, please keep your doctor informed. You must stop taking aspirin at least one week before Sacrocolpopexy surgery.

What happens during the Sacrocolpopexy surgery?

The surgery is done under general or regional anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

An abdominal incision is made. The synthetic mesh is stitched to the posterior surface of the vagina and to the ligaments in front of the spine.

A tube / drain may be inserted into the abdomen to monitor the bleeding.

Another tube will be inserted into the urethra as there may be difficulty in urination after the Sacrocolpopexy procedure.

Painkillers, laxatives and antibiotics would generally be prescribed after the procedure.

What happens after Sacrocolpopexy surgery?

1. Immediately after the operation, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Tiredness - You should rest and gradually increase your mobilization until you feel fit to return to your normal activities.

• Discomfort - In the lower part of the abdomen, over the incision. This is to be expected and painkillers should help to relieve the discomfort.

• Vaginal bleeding - Mild to moderate amount of reddish watery discharge after surgery is quite normal. You will need to wear a menstrual pad during the recovery period, but you will not be permitted to use tampons for obvious reasons.

2. One day after surgery, you will usually be allowed to drink and eat. You will be encouraged to move around. Blood chemistries and normal follow-up visits will be performed.

3. The catheter that was placed in your urethra is usually removed the day after surgery. The drain is usually removed two days after the operation.

4. You may be discharged on the third or fourth day after surgery if the doctor is pleased with your progress and the outcome of the Sacrocolpopexy procedure.

5. You should refrain from:

• Strenuous exercise for 2 months. You may return to normal activity after that, or upon clearance by your doctor.

• Using tampons, douching, sexual intercourse and driving for 4 weeks.

• Carrying heavy weights (> 10 pounds) for 6-8 weeks after Sacrocolpopexy surgery.

6. You should (immediately) return to the hospital or notify your doctor if you notic any of the following:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge
• Severe abdominal distension and / or pain not relieved by painkillers
• High fever
• Pain associated with passing urine
• Difficulty in passing urine
• Constipation

Follow-up doctor visits after Sacrocolpopexy surgery

You will be examined by your doctor (at your doctor's office) at approximately; 2 weeks, 4 weeks, six months and and one year after Sacrocolpopexy surgery.

It is important to keep your follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible results.

What is "Colposuspension" surgery?

Age and vaginal childbirth takes it toll on women's pelvic organs.

"Female Urinary Incontinence" is one of the problems most (over 50%) women who have delivered babies vaginally have to contend with. Women with Female Urinary Incontinence "leak" urine when they strain, cough, laugh or run. This condition is also called "stress urinary incontinence" meaning the stress of physical activity, not emotional stress is causing her to "leak" urine.

The problems associated with female urinary incontinence are corrected in the the "floor" of the woman's pelvis by several methods or types of surgeries - one of which is called Colposuspension.

A woman's pelvic floor is a sheet of special muscles and ligaments that stretch across the inside of the female pelvis. Women can feel it "tighten" when they try to hold back the flow of urine - or when they strain, cough, laugh or run. The uterus and bladder are located above the pelvic floor. The vagina and the opening of the bladder (the urethra) pass through the pelvic floor. If the pelvic floor weakens, the uterus and bladder "drop" down. The control of the urine is thereby weakened.

Colposuspension surgery strengthens the pelvic floor to lift, or "suspend" the uterus and bladder back up to their correct position within the woman's pelvis

What is "Urethropexy"?

Urethropexy is a surgical procedure where the support of a woman's urethra is re-supported through sutures that surround the urethra's pelvic floor and vaginal tissues to her pubic bone.

As previously stated, Vaginal Vault Prolapse occurs in about 15% of women who have had a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse, and in about 1% of women who have had a hysterectomy for other reasons. Vaginal Vault Suspension is the surgical procedure that corrects and repairs Vaginal Vault Prolapse.

What is a Vaginal Vault Prolapse?

The vaginal vault is the area at the top of the vagina, next to and adjacent to the cervix. It can only “fall” or descend downwards toward the introitus, or the entrance of the vagina, after a woman's womb has been removed (hysterectomy).

Vaginal Vault Prolapse occurs in about 15% of women who have had a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse, and in about 1% of women who have had a hysterectomy for other reasons.

What is a Trachelectomy?

A trachelectomy, also referred to as a cervicectomy, is the surgical removal of the cervix.

In this surgery, the uterus itself is saved or preserved, and therefore this type of surgery preserves a woman's chance of becoming pregnant and having children. The trachelectomy surgical alternative - as opposed to the more radical hysterectomy which removes the uterus in addition to the cervix - is typically elected by younger women with early stage cervical cancer.

Reconstructive pelvic surgery is an area of surgery dealing with a woman's pelvis, and includes gynecology and uro-gynecology. Pelvic reconstructive surgery is many times very complex surgery that may require not just the removal of certain organs or tissues in a woman's pelvis, but may also include the resection of areas and putting her organs and tissues back together in a way that makes her more functional, with less/no pain and feels better.

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or "PID" is an infection of a woman's pelvic organs which include the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Bacteria causes pelvic inflammatory disease. Bacteria can move upward, from a woman's vagina or cervix - which is the opening to the uterus, or womb - into her fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus, which then cause an infection. Many types of bacteria can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. But bacteria found in two common sexually transmitted diseases - chlamydia and gonorrhea - are the most frequent causes of pelvic inflammatory disease.

After a woman becomes infected, it can take from a few days to a few months to develop pelvic inflammatory disease.

Other symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease may include one or more of the following; fever, pain in the right upper abdomen, pain during vaginal intercourse, and irregular menstrual bleeding.

Pelvic inflammatory disease, particularly when caused by chlamydia, may produce only minor symptoms or no symptoms at all, even though it can seriously damage the reproductive organs.

Untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease causes scarring and can lead to infertility, tubal pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and other serious problems.

Pelvic inflammatory disease is more common and more aggressive in HIV+ women than in uninfected women. Pelvic inflammatory disease may become a chronic and relapsing condition as a woman's immune system deteriorates.

Women can play an active role in protecting themselves from pelvic inflammatory disease disease by following these steps and precautions:

* Call your doctor if you have discharge with odor or bleeding between cycles.

* Use either male or female condoms during sex.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction, which is also referred to as outlet obstruction or outlet delay, refers to a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles of a woman's lower pelvis - that surround the rectum, do not function normally. It is not known why these muscles fail to work properly in some women, but they can make the passage of stools difficult even when everything else seemingly is normal.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction find that muscle pain occurs when muscles are tense, strained, traumatized and/or otherwise inflamed. Their pelvic muscles are no exception. Causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can include:

* Chronic faulty posture with weak core musculature
* Trauma (fall on tailbone, old tailbone fracture, auto accident)
* Inflammation or infection
* Pelvic organ disease (endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis)
* Repetitive motion injuries such as those from gymnastics, volleyball, soccer, ballet or ice
skating
* Abdominal muscle wall weakness or hernias
* Chronic constipation
* Pregnancy or complicated vaginal delivery
* Abdominal or pelvic surgery such as a hysterectomy

Do I have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction often have changes in their spine and/or pelvis. Symptoms or conditional might include; scoliosis, short leg, swayback or a "torsioned" sacrum. The most common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include one or more of the following:

* Vaginal pain
* Pain with urination
* Urinary urgency and frequency
* Rectal pain
* Pain during vaginal intercourse
* Pain with sitting, standing, walking
* Pain and/or difficulty getting up from a seated or lying down position
* Hip pain often with loss of range of motion in hips
* Deep pain in lower back radiating to legs, thighs, groin, hips
* Abdominal and lower abdominal/intestinal pain
* Pelvic pressure or a feeling like your vagina or uterus are "falling out."
* Involuntary loss of urine or stool

Pelvic adhesions are the cause of many gynecological problems including significant pain, infertility and conception. Pelvic adhesions are irritations of a woman's pelvic organs as a result of a "pelvic inflammatory event" or from trauma to the area such as in the case of pelvic or gynecological surgery.

Examples of a pelvic inflammatory event include; fallopian tube infections that might occur from endometriosis, removal of an ovarian cyst, sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, post surgery infections, and even appendicitis and appendectomies.

As a woman's body's pelvic area recovers from an inflammation, trauma or surgery, it begins the healing process and starts to repair itself. The woman's body and its' healing process may cause some tissues and structures in the pelvis to become unintentionally "stuck" to another tissue or structure. In a normal woman's healthy pelvis, this space is lined with a tissue called the peritoneum, which also covers the outside of organs located in the abdomen and pelvis. In the pelvis of a non-injured/non-irritated woman, the peritoneum can be very "slippery" with the the organs and structures lying immediately next to each other that "slip" off each other and do not become bonded together. With a woman who has had a pelvic inflammation, trauma or injury, her body's healing process starts a sequence of events that may result in some of the pelvic tissues becoming "stuck" to or "adhering" to tissues or organs next to the inflamed, or injured tissue, and when this occurs, the outcome may be pelvic adhesions.

Menorrhagia is the medical term for women (and young girls first starting their menstrual cycles) that excessive menstrual bleeding. Excessive menstrual bleeding is defined as having a period that lasts 7 or more days each menstrual cycle (period) or is so heavy that you saturate your menstrual pad and/or tampon and need to change your feminine hygiene product(s) every one to two hours. It is very important to inform your doctor if you have excessive menstrual bleeding!

Women that are suffering from Menorrhagia may experience; anemia, fatigue, embarrassing menstrual accidents, and feel that you have to restrict your life and social activities to such an extent that you "miss out on life." Many women prefer to stay close to home so as to avoid embarrassment due to their need to go to the restroom so often so that they can change their feminine hygiene products before they become too saturated and cause even more embarrassment.

How many women have Menorrhagia?

Are there any treatments or therapies for Menorrhagia?

Yes, there's hope and help for women with Menorrhagia!

Here are a few of the options and therapies you will want to discuss with your doctor.

Hormone therapy - also known as "both control pills," and/or other medications may be prescribed to treat hormone imbalance. Hormone therapy is effective about 50% of the time, and may be required for a long period of time.

Uterine Balloon Therapy - Also known as Thermal Balloon Ablation) (see below for more information)

Dilation and curettage - also referred to as a "D & C" - is a surgical procedure whereby the doctor scrape the inside of the woman's uterus to remove the lining. For most women with Menorrhagia, a D&C is temporary and reduces excessive bleeding for only a few periods.

Endometrial Ablation is another possible therapy but only if you and your husband don't plan to have children in the future. Typical Endometrial Ablation removes the lining of the uterus with an electrosurgical tool or laser. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks, which include perforation of the uterus, bleeding, infection, or even heart failure due to fluids used to open up or distend the uterus.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. As a hysterectomy involves the removal of the woman's uterus, Menorrhagia will no longer be a problem. Hysterectomy is also a surgical procedure and also involves risks. The recovery period after hysterectomy is 3 to 6 weeks.

What is "Uterine Balloon Therapy"?

"Uterine Balloon Therapy" - also known as "Thermal Balloon Ablation" - is a minor surgical procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus using a balloon that is inserted through the vagina, which is then filled with a fluid and then heated. The heat - which isn't that hot, and never felt by the patient undergoing the therapy - then destroys the lining of the uterus.

How is is Uterine Balloon Therapy performed?

Uterine Balloon Therapy requires light general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia.

Uterine Balloon Therapy involves inserting a balloon catheter through the vagina, then through the cervix and into the uterus. The balloon is then filled with sterile liquid so that it expands and fills the contours of the patient's uterus. The liquid inside the balloon is then heated and maintained at 87°C for 8 minutes which scalds the endometrial lining.

After 8 minutes, the liquid in the balloon is then withdrawn and the balloon catheter is deflated and removed back out of the uterus and vagina.

The lining of the uterus (endometrium) will gradually shed away (through the vagina - like a period) over a 2 to 3 week period. The woman will experience a vaginal, bloodstained discharge over this 2-3 week period.

Almost all patients are discharged the same day after the Uterine Balloon Therapy procedure and may experience uterine cramps - very similar to menstrual cramps, for a few hours to 1-2 days at most.

Who are candidates for Uterine Balloon Therapy?

Women who have been suffering from Patients suffering from Menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding due to benign causes, are excellent candidates for Uterine Balloon Therapy.

The overall success rate for women that undergo Uterine Balloon Therapy is around 80% and significantly reduces menstrual bleeding for these women.

However, Uterine Balloon Therapy is not a suitable therapy for patients with submucous fibroids or patients with large and irregular uterine cavities.

In addition, this procedure is NOT for patients who have not completed their family planning and intend to have children as becoming pregnant after Uterine Balloon Therapy can be life-threatening.

Benefits of Uterine Balloon Therapy

Uterine Balloon Therapy has the distinct advantage of being handled on an outpatient basis and with a very low risk for complications.

Additionally, there is no effect on a woman's hormonal functioning and she will not require hormone replacement therapy unlike in the case of a hysterectomy with removal of ovaries.

Finally, most women find that Uterine Balloon Therapy is their preferred treatment for menorrhagia as they get to keep their uterus, as opposed to a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and may lead to other complications in the future, including Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Perineorrhaphy is the reconstruction of the muscles and tissues at the opening of the vagina and has successfully decreased the "introitus" or size of the vaginal opening. Perineorrhaphy does NOT reduce sexual sensation, in fact, properly performed, Perineorrhaphy INCREASES sensation for the woman as well as her husband/partner.

* 50% more women than men, are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction, which is referred to as
"Female Erectile Dysfunction."

* Many people fail to recognize that unless a woman's clitoris is fully erect, that she is incapable of
reaching an orgasm.

Ladies, is your loose vagina causing you embarrassment or have you lost the joy of intimacy?

If one or more vaginal childbirths have caused your vagina to become loose, and "not tight", he has probably noticed as well. You can once again, have the "tight vagina" of your youth!

What you, and he are experiencing, is something called "Vaginal Relaxation," the medical jargon for "loose vagina."

Did you know that over 35 million American women and their husbands are suffering loss of joy and intimacy due to "Vaginal Relaxation?"

Have you or your husband noticed that the thrill of intimacy you and he used to enjoy has been diminished due to the loss of your vagina's tightness?

Stop the Suffering!
Our Board Certified Physicians have
Extensive Experience in Solving
Intimacy Problems Related to
Vaginal Relaxation!

Our doctors can treat and cure your (or your wife's)
"Vaginal Relaxation" Problems!

Did you know that about 35 million to 40 million American women – and their husbands and partners - are suffering from “Vaginal Relaxation.”?

“Vaginal Relaxation” is often referred to as a “loose vagina” wherein the vagina is not as tight as it once was, whether due to vaginal childbirth, age, or other vaginal trauma. The vagina has become relaxed, or loose, and now it has become a problem for the woman, as well as her husband/partner.

Some women, as another symptom of Vaginal Relaxation, have problems controlling their urine in certain situations or notice changes in their bowel habits. These symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation are typically related to one or more problems that occur as a result of vaginal childbirth, other vaginal trauma, aging or a combination of the above.

There is hope! Women, and their husbands/partners, no longer need to suffer from Vaginal Relaxation. More and more doctors are treating women and couples suffering from Vaginal Relaxation with treatments – sometimes including surgery – that will help them return to a life without the embarrassment, disappointments and heartache of the symptoms and discomforts associated with Vaginal Relaxation.