Less common GYN conditions can be difficult to treat. Choosing a minimally invasive GYN specialist for the following conditions is important to ensure expert care. Browse a sampling of conditions can be found below, or select from this robust list to learn more.
Other Conditions
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis, sometimes called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition involving bladder pressure, pain and spasms, and sometimes severe pelvic pain.
It affects approximately three to six percent of women in the U.S. and is five times more common in women than in men. Many patients experience disruption of home and work life, and 50 percent are unable to work full time.
Endometrial Hyperplasia
Endometrial hyperplasia is overgrowth of the uterine lining that may progress to or coexist with uterine cancer.
Estrogen and progesterone are hormones secreted by the ovaries that control the growth and shedding of the uterine lining. Estrogen causes the growth of the uterine lining and progesterone counterbalances this growth. Long-term unopposed estrogen production causes overgrowth of the uterine lining and results in endometrial hyperplasia.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is defined as involuntary leakage of urine, and there are four primary types:
- Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is caused by uninhibited bladder contractions. Symptoms may include urgency, frequency, and involuntary leakage of urine. Leakage may range from drops to a soaking.
- Stress urinary incontinence is leakage of urine after exertion – like after coughing or sneezing. This type of incontinence affects up to 35 percent of women and it’s the most common cause of incontinence in younger women.
- Mixed incontinence is a combination of urge and stress.
- Incomplete emptying is dribbling and/or continuous leakage associated with incomplete bladder emptying. This occurs in about five to 10 percent of older patients.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition that occurs when cells that normally line the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grow into the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium).
Adenomyosis can result in an enlarged uterus and cause very painful periods and heavy bleeding. It typically affects women in their 40s and 50s. Risk factors include childbearing, previous uterine surgery, short menstrual cycles, and beginning menstruation at an early age.
When women are not finished with childbearing, adenomyosis is treated temporarily with medication, hormone suppression and birth control. The only cure for adenomyosis is a hysterectomy.