Blog

When Facing Early Stage Gynecologic Cancer, Da Vinci Hysterectomy May Be For You

Category: Hysterectomy

A wide variety of cancers can affect a woman’s reproductive system, which includes the uterus, vagina, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The most common types of gynecologic cancers are cervical, endometrial or uterine, and ovarian cancer. The specific type of cancer a woman has and how advanced it determines her treatment options. Read the rest of this entry »


“A Decade after the Women’s Health Initiative scared the h_ll out of women!”

The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was presented to the press in 2002 before it was released to the medical community and way before they had a chance to carefully stratify the data. Meaning, they didn’t account for age primarily.

The bottom line – no new news! Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is safe and important in young healthy women (less than 55 – 60) and may present problems in older women. Read the rest of this entry »


PAP smear and High Risk HPV – Why both? How often?

Recently the American Cancer Society revised their recommendations for the frequency of PAP smears (a test used to screen for cervical cancer). Ever since liquid-based PAP smears were introduced into the market in 2002, the quality has improved. The addition of computer readers and sexually transmitted disease testing off of the same vial of solution have made modern PAP smears an excellent screening tool. We can now look for abnormal cells as well as a test for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Here’s the problem. Many of us were exposed to HPV years ago but have not yet cleared the virus. How do we follow those people who don’t currently have a problem on their cervix? Read the rest of this entry »


Combining the best of open and laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci Myomectomy is the latest evolution in robotics technology

Category: Myomectomy

A new category of minimally invasive myomectomy, da Vinci ® Myomectomy, combines the best of open and laparoscopic surgery. Read the rest of this entry »


Our Naperville, IL OBGYN office is convenient to Chicago

Category: Chicago OBGYN

Naperville, IL OBGYN officeLocated conveniently just outside of Chicago, our Naperville office is an upscale place where we provide a warm and caring environment equipped with the latest advances in technology and highly skilled doctors.

Address:
1220 Hobson Road; Suite 116
Naperville, Illinois 60540
(1/2 block east of Naperville Road)

For more information, contact us or discover our other locations.


Mammograms

You almost need a score card to try and follow the changing recommendations for mammograms.  We let’s be clear.  Every year starting at age 40.  We went from screening between 35 – 40 years of age then every other year in your 40’s (every year if you asked the radiologists) and every year after to 50.  Then came the political push – no mammograms until 50.  Then the out cry from nearly every cancer organization and medical association – back to the original recommendations to today – every year starting at age 40.  If you detect mass on self breast exam or we find something during your physical exam then things change.  Testing depends on your age and the findings.

Mammograms and self breast exams are a valuable tool to help early detection of breast cancer and saves millions of lives; but done too early they can lead to unnecessary testing and worry.  So ask us the next time your are in the office when your last exam was so we can get you back on the right follow up.

Doc. O


Hormone Replacement Therapy in Menopause

It seems like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for the treatment of menopausal symptoms is back in the news – in a good way.  Ever since the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) came out in 2002, patients have been running from this valuable medication.  Ten years since the premature release of their data, we now know that really nothing has changed over the last 55 years.  We have lowered the doses and shortened the duration of treatment but HRT still has more benefits than risks for most women.

Currently HRT and estrogen therapy alone (ERT) are recommended for symptomatic women only.  This is unfortunate since they have so many health benefits other than treating hot flashes and night sweats.  HRT which is estrogen and progesterone is offered to women who still have their uterus and ERT is for those without.  WHI did show an increased risk of blood clots and heart disease but this was primarily in older women (>65 y/o).  The increased risk of breast cancer was only seen in the HRT group and only with prolonged use.  Hormones have always been used prevent and treated osteoporosis (bone loss); in fact, they work better than any other of the multiple drugs currently on the market (don’t forget exercise, calcium, and Vit. D however).  Certain hormones have favorable effects on cholesterol, prevent colon cancer, may help prevent dementia, improve sexual function, and help improve incontinence.  Of course they are best known for ameliorating hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.

The decision to start HRT is important – next, which one to take:  traditional, bio-identical, compounded, patch vs pills or the many other non-hormonal options will take some study as well.  Visit our health library for more information.

Doc O