Gynecology Services
At Oasis, women of all ages are taken care of in a warm, pleasant environment. Women are encouraged to have an annual well-woman exam beginning at the age of 18, or sooner if sexually active. Special attention is paid to the particular health maintenance concerns of your particular age. Pap smears are performed annually and mammograms are recommended to begin at age 40, or sooner for high risk situations. Women with gynecologic problems at any age are encouraged to schedule an appointment for a problem visit. Particular concerns that may require seeing a gynecologist include the following: heavy bleeding, painful periods, contraceptive concerns, premenstrual symptoms, menopause, breast lumps, vaginal lesions, vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, and abnormal pap smears.
|
|
|
Click on a service for more information.
Infertility
Difficulty conceiving can be particularly emotional for a couple. The staff of Oasis Ob/Gyn understands your special needs as you face this difficult time. Much care will be given to diagnose the reason for your infertility in a timely fashion so that the proper treatment can be undertaken without delay. If your infertility problems require more advance reproductive techniques, then you will be referred expeditiously to a trusted reproductive endocrinologist in the area. Our goal is a successful, happy pregnancy for each of your patients desiring a child.
Colposcopy
Colposcopy is a special procedure performed in the office when a woman has an abnormal pap smear. A pap smear is a screening test for cancer of the cervix. Usually an abnormal pap identifies women with possible precancerous change. A colposcopy is used as a definitive procedure to determine the level of abnormality, which is then used to determine the most appropriate treatment. Because of our ability to perform paps and colposcopy, cervical cancer is rarely seen in our country today. Instead, we are able to detect abnormal cells and remove them before they become cancer.
LEEP
LEEP is a sophisticated in-office procedure performed on women who have certain precancerous abnormalities of the cervix. A hot wire is used to excise the abnormal section of the cervix. This is performed under local analgesia and is usually well tolerated. This is a way of preventing cancer by removing the precancerous cells before they progress.
Vaginal Surgery
Gynecologists specialize in surgeries that involve the pelvis and vagina. Many procedures can be accomplished vaginally, such as hysterectomies, bladder repairs, urinary incontinence procedures, and pelvic relaxation procedures. When performed vaginally, the recovery time is significantly reduced. Women are often out of bed and eating by the evening of surgery. Other advantages of vaginal surgery over abdominal surgery include less pain and no abdominal incision. Of course, vaginal surgery may not be the best option in every case and our doctors will help determine if this is the right option for you.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Another option to the traditional abdominal hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus through small 1 cm laparoscopic abdominal incisions. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a highly advanced gynecologic technique that has only been in existence for a few years. Like a vaginal hysterectomy, recovery and pain is often significantly reduced over an abdominal procedure involving a large incision. Our doctors will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this type of procedure.
Endometrial Ablation (HydroThermal Ablation, Thermachoice)
For women experiencing problems with heavy vaginal bleeding where no serious cause can be found, an endometrial ablation may be just the answer. This is a technique that involves burning the superficial layer of the uterine cavity in an attempt to permanently cease bleeding. This is to be used only in women no longer desiring child-bearing capabilities. This is a simple, well-tolerated in-office procedure that enables the patient to resume normal activities by the very next day. For more information, refer to the logos on the left side of this page.
Essure permanent sterility
Essure is a gentle in-office procedure that has been used for over five years. It is less invasive and has a faster recovery time than traditional laproscopic tubaligation. Essure is covered by most insurance providers.
The process involves inserting the Essure micro-insert in the Fallopian tubes. The body's natural tissues grow into the micro-insert to fully block the Fallopian tube. For this reason, the Essure procedure is NOT reversible. You can get more details on Essure by clicking on the logo on the left side of this page.
Hysterectomy
This out-patient procedure may be recommended for women with abnormal, heavy bleeding. A small telescopic device is placed through the cervix into the uterine cavity. A camera is attached that allows your physician to see inside the cavity, looking for any abnormalities that may explain the heavy bleeding. This is primarily done for diagnostic purposes but can also be used therapeutically, such as when polyps are found and can then be removed with the aid of the hysteroscope. This procedure can also be performed in the office.
Menopause
Menopause involves the cessation of menstruation secondary to the decline in function of the ovaries. Periods initially become irregular and often women may skip periods until they cease altogether. Forty percent of women undergoing menopause experience unpleasant symptoms that may be alleviated if proper medical care is obtained. These symptoms include: hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, trouble concentrating, short term memory loss, and difficulty sleeping.
Plant-based Hormones
You and your doctor may decide that hormone therapy is a good option for you at treating the symptoms of menopause. If you choose hormones, many different types are available. There are some wonderful pharmaceutical brands, but other plant-based hormones may be of interest to certain people. Our physicians work with a compounding pharmacist who can custom make a plant-based hormone regimen that is right for you.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease more common in women than men. Loss of bone results in an increased risk of fractures. Fractures can result in chronic pain syndromes, disability, and even death. It is a completely preventable disease. Special bone densitometry tests may be performed to determine if you have osteoporosis or may be at risk with a decline in bone density. Medications are available that help prevent the loss of bone, as well as help build bone, while at the same time decreasing fracture risk. A diet adequate in calcium and vitamin D combined with weight-bearing exercise is also an important component to decreasing your risk of osteoporosis.
Incontinence
Women may have difficulty holding their urine which creates an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing problem. Some women consider this a normal part of aging and are reluctant to discuss this with their doctor. However, there are many techniques, both medical and surgical that may be employed to alleviate this problem. If you have leaking of urine that is creating a problem for you, please make an appointment with Dr. Akl for a full evaluation.
Sexual Dysfunction
Many women are embarrassed to discuss problems related to declining libido, painful intercourse, or the inability to achieve orgasm. However, there may be solutions to these problems. Make an appointment so that a full evaluation can be made in order to determine the best therapy for you.
Gynecology Resources
- Gynecology Health Topics
- Frequently Asked Gynecology Questions
- Gynecology Patient Forms