All Posts tagged Gynecologist WNY

What you need to know about endometriosis

By 10 Mar, 2018 Women's Health , , , ,

endometriosisEndometriosis is a painful reproductive disease that affects 176 million women across the globe. It is the leading cause of infertility, and chronic pelvic pain, and has been linked to other such complicated and painful conditions as adenomyosis, fibroids, interstitial cystitis, some cancers, and other autoimmune disorders. For the millions of women who suffer painfully with endometriosis, each year we recognize the month of March with a focus on endometriosis education and awareness. Together, with more knowledge of this painful condition and more support for treatment research, we can all work together toward an eventual cure and can start to reduce the number of women suffering from this disease.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue, known as the endometrium, develops outside of the uterus. Often, the tissue grows inside the pelvic cavity and around the reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. It may also develop around the uterosacral ligaments, the peritoneum, or in the areas between the rectum, uterus, and vagina, or bladder. In more rare occurrences, the endometrium may develop around the appendix, bladder, bowels, intestines, or rectum.

Doctors do not know what ultimately causes the growth of the endometrium outside of the uterus. This internal condition often goes unnoticed or misdiagnosed and mistreated when it presents itself in the form of painful periods.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

  • Painful periods that include pelvic cramping that begins before your period and lasts after it has ended.
  • Lower back and abdominal pain that accompanies the pelvic pain surrounding menstruation.
  • Pain during or after sex.
  • Pain during urination and bowel movements, particularly during menstruation.
  • Extremely heavy period bleeding (known as menorrhagia), or bleeding between periods.
  • Infertility.
  • Fatigue.
  • Diarrhea or constipation.
  • Bloating or nausea, particularly during menstruation.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Too often, women do not question the pain they experience during their periods or sex. Sometimes they mistakenly assume the discomfort is normal, or they are uncomfortable discussing their symptoms with their doctor. For this reason, endometriosis often goes undiagnosed and untreated until women are trying to get pregnant and experience infertility complications. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms above, and believe you may have developed endometriosis, talk to your OBGYN. He or she will diagnose the cause of your pain because no woman should have to suffer in silence.

Supporting Endometriosis Awareness Month

If you or a loved one are suffering from endometriosis, its painful symptoms, or its infertility complications, there are ways to become involved with efforts to raise support and awareness this month. On March 24, a worldwide Endometriosis March will take place in cities around the world. Visit endomarch.org to find a march near you, or for more information on becoming involved with support efforts in your community.

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What is Considered Normal When it comes to Uterine Bleeding?

By 11 Mar, 2016 Sexual health, Women's Health , , , ,

African American patient explaining issues to Asian doctor using tablet

As women, we have a number of bodily behaviors we must closely monitor, but it can be difficult to know what is considered “normal,” and what is considered “abnormal,” when you are a sample size of one. Women should always feel comfortable speaking with their gynecologists about any concerns that they may have. Asking, “Is that normal?” is a smart way to stay informed, and stay safe. If you have been asking yourself if your level of uterine bleeding is normal, consider the following factors, and as always, never be afraid to ask your doctor.

What is Normal Uterine Bleeding?
Normal uterine bleeding, also known as vaginal bleeding, or menorrhea, is characterized by the periodic blood flow from the uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding occurs as a result of cyclic hormonal changes.

What is Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding?
In general, abnormal bleeding is defined as a flow of blood from the vagina that occurs either at the wrong time during the menstrual cycle, or in inappropriate amounts. In women who are ovulating regularly, it typically involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. More specifically, the following are considered abnormal:

  • Bleeding between periods.
  • Bleeding after sex.
  • Spotting anytime in the menstrual cycle.
  • Bleeding after menopause.
  • Bleeding for too long a period of time, known as hypermenorrhea, or menstrual cycles that are longer than 35 days.
  • Bleeding for too short a period of time, known as hypomenorrhea, or menstrual cycles that last fewer than 21 days.
  • A menstrual period that occurs too frequently, known as polymenorrhea.
  • A menstrual cycle that does not occur frequently enough, known as oligomenorrhea.
  • The lack of menstruation for three to six months, known as amenorrhea.
  • If the volume of blood is too much, known as menorrhagia.
  •  If the volume amount of blood is too little, known as hypomenorrhea.

Diagnosing Abnormal Bleeding
To determine if what you are experiencing is normal or abnormal, your gynecologist will need to know the following:

  • Your personal and family health history.
  • The timing of your typical menstrual cycle.
  • The typical pattern of your bleeding, including the days, lengths, flow type (light, medium, heavy, or spotting).
  • If you are ovulating.
  • If you are pregnant.

Causes of Abnormal Bleeding
If you are experiencing prolonged bleeding at irregular intervals after not having a menstrual period for several moths, it may be a sign that you are not ovulating regularly.

  • Unless you are newly pregnant, the bleeding may be associated with complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
  • Growths or problems in or around the uterus.
  • Blood-clotting problems.
  • Changes in hormone levels.

If you are monitoring your menstrual cycles and monthly blood flow and believe you may be experiencing abnormal levels of bleeding, talk to your doctor. He or she will help you determine what is normal for you, and help you address the underlying reasons for anything out of the ordinary.

And if you are looking for a new gynecologist and live in the Western New York area, please give our practice a call. We are accepting new patients.

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