Urogynecologic Care

Western ObGyn providers bring advanced training and skill in obstetrics and gynecologic subspecialties. From incontinence and abnormal bleeding to pelvic organ prolapse (“fallen bladder”) and menopause management, we offer an array of services not available elsewhere in our community.

Urogynecology

Urogynecology is a subspecialty of women’s health care that addresses urinary or bladder conditions. Urogynecology concerns may be treated non-surgically or surgically. Our team will complete an evaluation and recommend treatment options that match your preferences and lifestyle.

• Urodynamics (cystometrogram/CMG)
• Incontinence
• InterStim
• Sling procedures
• Pelvic organ prolapse (“fallen bladder”)

Minimally Invasive Surgery and In-office Procedures

Advances in technology now allow obstetrics and gynecology physicians to perform complex surgeries using minimally invasive techniques. Small incisions allow our physicians to work in tiny spaces using special tools and cameras and in some instances, the da Vinci surgical robot. Minimally invasive techniques offer a faster recovery, with less pain and a return to normal activities more quickly. Minimally invasive surgeries can be performed in the office or on an outpatient basis.

• da Vinci surgery (robotics)
• Diagnostic hysteroscopy
• Tubal ligation
• Endometrial Ablations: Novasure and Hydrothermal Ablation (HTA)
• InterStim

Endometrial Ablation

Hydrothermal Ablation (HTA) and NovaSure are non-surgical office based endometrial ablation procedures used to treat the lining of the uterus (endometrium) in women experiencing heavy menstrual periods. Your physician may recommend either procedure when birth control pills have been ineffective or have produced undesirable side effects.

Hydrothermal Ablation (HTA)

The Hydro ThermalAblator System (HTA) is a device that allows your gynecologist to perform endometrial ablation on an outpatient basis. This procedure involves your doctor inserting a probe into your uterus that includes a tiny telescope for viewing the lining of the uterus. Heated saline is circulated and is intended to destroy the lining of the uterus to eliminate or reduce bleeding to normal levels or less.

NovaSure

NovaSure is a safe procedure using radio frequency energy (radio waves) to permanently remove the uterine lining (endometrium). The procedure is performed by your physician gently inserting a thin wand, with a mesh array, into the uterus. Once the mesh has conformed to the uterine wall, a radio frequency is generated for about 90 seconds and the wand with the array is then removed. Similar to the results from HTA, the uterine lining will be shed over the next week to 10 days. Results have included a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding, stopped periods, reduced PMS symptoms and reduced pain and cramping.

Note: Pregnancy after any form of endometrial ablation is a rare but possible event and the risk of complications is increased.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is an office or hospital based procedure that is used to look inside the uterus. It utilizes a hysteroscope, a slender telescope-like device, which is inserted into the uterus. The procedure is commonly used to:

• diagnose or treat uterine problems associated with abnormal bleeding
• to help with the diagnosis of frequent miscarriages
• to locate an intrauterine device
• remove adhesions caused by infection or past surgeries
• perform sterilization procedures

Note: Women who are pregnant should not have the procedure.

Menopause

Midlife transitions can be difficult for many women.  Our team understands and is here to help make this time easier.  From medical therapy recommendations to menopause management strategies, we help women move smoothly from pre-menopause to post-menopause.

In Office Procedures

Colposcopy

The colposcopy is an office procedure to evaluate abnormal cells on the cervix (abnormal pap smear).  The office procedure is performed with a colposcope, mounted on a floor stand and resembles a microscope.  The cervix is magnified under a powerful beam of light, pinpointing areas not visible to the naked eye. 
 
Small tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken from the cervix and are sent to a lab for processing and evaluation.  During the procedure minor discomfort is experienced by some women.  The patient is awake during the 10-20 minute procedure. Vaginal spotting is common for a few days after the procedure. 

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure)

When tests show that you have abnormal cells on your cervix, your provider may suggest this procedure to remove the abnormal cells from your cervix. LEEP uses a thin wire loop that acts like a surgical tool to remove a thin layer of the surface cells that are abnormal. 
 
LEEP is done in the office on an outpatient basis. It should take only a few minutes. Your cervix will be numbed with a local anesthesia.

IUD Insertion

 The IUD is a soft, flexible contraceptive device that is placed into your uterus by your provider. This device gives you birth control that lasts for up to five to 10 years, depending upon the type of IUD chosen.  This is a reversible birth control that is 99 percent effective.

NEXPLANON/IMPLANON

This birth control method involves a single implant inserted in the upper arm. NEXPLANON is a long-acting (up to three years) reversible, hormonal contraceptive method and is greater than 99 percent effective.