Conditions Treated at Atlantic OB-GYN

We at Atlantic OB-GYN believe that educating yourself about your health is an important first step to overall wellness. The more you know, the better able you will be to make good decisions and lead a healthy life. At our practice, we provide routine gynecological and prenatal care, as well as treatment for a variety of women’s health problems.

-Interstitial Cystitis
-Pelvic pain
-Abnormal bleeding
-Infertility
-Bladder control problems
-Maternity care
-Alternatives to Hysterectomy
-Menopause
-Vulvitis
-Mirena IUD
-Essure

Interstitial Cystitis

Read an article about the sympthoms, causes and some suggested treatments for Interstitial Cystitis (PDF). Visit www.orthoelmiron.com for additional information.

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Pelvic Pain

Defined as persistent or recurrent pain in the lower abdomen that lasts six months or longer, chronic pelvic pain may indicate an infection, a condition such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, or any of a wide range of physical, psychological, or hormonal problems. Chronic pain should always be evaluated by a physician, as should any short-term pain that is severe or persistent enough to interfere with daily activities.

Assessment of pelvic pain will involve a series of specific questions about the nature of the discomfort. Be prepared to describe the location, intensity, and frequency of the pain, as well as anything that appears to trigger or intensify it. Based on your answers, the doctor may perform a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, or a diagnostic laparoscopy to identify the source of your pain.

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Abnormal Bleeding

Abnormal bleeding may be defined as spotting between periods, excessively heavy bleeding during periods, bleeding for weeks at a time, or bleeding after menopause. If you are unsure whether the bleeding you are experiencing is normal, it is best that you consult a physician.

Irregular bleeding may be the result of hormonal treatments or other harmless causes, or it may indicate a condition that requires a physician’s care. Some of the problems that can be indicated by abnormal bleeding include vaginal infection, cervical disorders, ectopic pregnancy, and cancer. Dr. Hardy can help determine the source of the irregular bleeding and provide treatment options based on the diagnosis.

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Infertility

There are a number of problems that can interfere with a couple’s ability to successfully conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Couples who have been trying to become pregnant for one year without success may need assistance to reach their goal.

Testing for fertility problems can involve several stages. Because such a wide variety of problems can exist, several different tests may be required to identify what is interfering with a couple’s ability to conceive. Generally, simpler, less invasive tests are performed first, while more complex methods are used if the initial tests prove unhelpful.

The right treatment for infertility will depend on the source of the problem. Once a condition is identified, Dr. Hardy will explain the available options for treating or otherwise dealing with the problem. Fortunately, almost every fertility obstacle, even unexplained infertility, can be conquered with current medical technology.

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Bladder Control Problems

Many women assume that bladder control problems are an inevitable side effect of childbirth or aging, but leaking urine or having frequent urges to urinate are symptoms that should be evaluated and treated by a physician. Not only do bladder control problems interfere with daily activities, but they also generally indicate an underlying medical condition that may be serious. For additional resources please click here.

Depending on the source of the problem, there are several treatment options for correcting bladder control issues. Many cases can be effectively treated through the use of medication or through the practice of specialized exercises. More severe cases can be addressed with one of several surgical procedures that are designed to restore proper positioning and support to the pelvic organs.

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Maternity Care

During pregnancy, routine prenatal care is important for the health of both mother and infant. Regular checkups allow the doctor to monitor the baby’s growth and development, advise the mother about pregnancy-related health issues, and screen for conditions that can potentially put the mother or baby at risk.

Through most of a normal pregnancy, monthly visits are considered standard. As the mother gets closer to her delivery date, her routine checkups will increase to once every two weeks and, finally, to once a week. In rare cases, certain conditions may necessitate more frequent monitoring, but for most women, this schedule of care is sufficient.

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Alternatives to Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy, or the surgical removal of the uterus, is a procedure that may be performed for many reasons. Some of the most common include uterine fibroids (benign growths in the uterus), abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic relaxation, and uterine prolapse (in which the uterus protrudes into the vagina). However, there are many cases in which a less invasive treatment option may exist. While Dr. Hardy does perform hysterectomy for women who need it, he also offers a range of procedures that may present alternatives for a woman who prefers not to have her uterus removed.

Endometrial Ablation

Conditions that cause heavy, prolonged, or severely painful periods may be treated through a procedure known as endometrial ablation. Using a very thin instrument with an electrode attached to the end, Dr. Hardy surgically removes the endometrium, or uterine lining. This is a much less invasive procedure than a hysterectomy, and most women stop having periods or have only very light periods afterward.

To read more on abnormally long, frequent or heavy periods please click here.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is any procedure that involves accessing the interior of the uterus with a very thin instrument, known as a hysteroscope, that is inserted through the cervix. A diagnostic hysteroscopy may be performed in order to identify the source of a problem, such as severe pelvic pain or infertility, but surgical hysteroscopy can offer treatment options for a variety of uterine conditions.

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Menopause

The cessation of menstruation is a natural process that occurs in each woman as she reaches the end of her reproductive years. As natural as it is, however, menopause can have uncomfortable and inconvenient side effects. There are many methods for managing the discomfort associated with menopause, and Dr. Hardy works closely with each patient to find the safest and most effective treatment in her specific case.

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Treatment of Vulvitis

Your doctor has recently diagnosed you with vulvitis. Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva. Vulvitis is generally caused by a chronic process that irritates the skin near the vagina. The vulva is defined as the area outside the vagina between the legs and includes:

Definitions:

1. The mons pubis: Fatty pads that are covered with pubic hair.

2. The labia: Commonly referred to as the "lips of the vagina".

3. The labia majora: Hair covered fatty mounds outside the labia minora.

4. The creases where the legs are attached to a woman's body.

5. The vagina starts at the labia majora and extends through to the cervix, which is the mouth of the womb. The vagina is also the birth canal.

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Mirena IUD

Mirena is a birth control device for women looking to avoid pregnancy for up to 5 years. The Mirena is inserted into the uterus by our provider with little or no discomfort and is an alternative to the many other forms of contraception. Many women are satisfied with their choice of the Mirena. For more information on the Mirena, including risks and benefits, please visit www.mirena.com.

Essure

Essure is a permanent birth control method that is performed right in the office by Dr. Hardy. No need to worry about going to the hospital and paying a high cost share. With Essure there is no cutting or burning of the fallopian tubes. Instead, spring-like coils are inserted into the tubes. For more information on the Essure procedure please visit www.essure.com.

Contact Atlantic OB-GYN

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these or other gynecological conditions, or if you would like to make an appointment with Dr. Timothy Hardy, please contact us.