Are Heavy Periods Ruining Your Life?

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Gregory Moore, MD

Menstrual problems affect the the lives of many women. If your periods are lasting more than seven days and/or are exceedingly heavy, clotty or other otherwise causing major problems for you, we can very likely help you!

There are many reasons your period might be heavy and/or problematic. There are anatomic reasons such as fibroid tumors (muscle tumors that grow in the uterus), adenomyosis (where the lining of the uterus grows into the muscular portion of the uterus), polyps of the uterus, cancers of the uterus or cervix (rare), endometriosis and others. There are also hormonal reasons such as thyroid or other endocrine disorders or ovarian problems such as polycystic ovary. There are also bleeding disorders and other issues that can cause heavy periods.

The first step in helping you is to review your medical history thoroughly and do some diagnostic testing. A thorough exam including a Pap test   (if indicated) will be performed. Blood work, ultrasound and evaluation of the lining of your uterus are also frequently indicated. Ultrasound can also be extremely helpful in furthering the diagnosis.

Depending on the results of the above tests and your medical history and other personal issues, we can usually find a fix for your problem. Sometimes correcting hormonal issues can solve the problem. Other times, surgery may be indicated. This can range from hysteroscopy (visualization of the inner lining of the uterus) with removal of polyps or fibroids, endometrial ablation (destruction of the lining of the uterus that causes periods – see NovaSure®) or even more invasive therapies such as partial or total hysterectomy.

Regardless of the diagnosis or possible treatment, rest assured we can usually find a solution that will satisfy, and always remember you’re in good hands at James River Ob/Gyn.  To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to speak with our office staff in Richmond, VA at 804.272.5508. For additional information on any condition, treatment or procedure, visit our Health Education Library.

Regardless of the diagnosis or possible treatment, rest assured we can usually find a solution that will satisfy, and always remember you’re in good hands at James River Ob/Gyn.

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“My Pap Smear Was Abnormal! Now What?”

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Gregory Moore, MD

So you just found out that your Pap test was “abnormal,” and you’re not sure what that means. The Pap test (formerly known as the Pap smear) is a screening test performed by your doctor each year to determine your risk of cervical cancer. The Pap test was first developed by George Papanikolaou in 1941. Since that time, the rate of cervical cancer cases and deaths have dramatically decreased in many developed countries, especially here in the U.S. Current recommendations call for Pap testing to begin at age 21, or three years after first sexual intercourse. The test involves the collection of cells from the cervix in a quick and relatively painless process during your annual gynecologic examination.

It has now been determined that the vast majority of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is also known to cause genital warts (condyloma). It is quickly becoming one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). More specifically, HPV has numerous genetic subtypes, some of which are more likely to lead to cancer of the cervix and genital warts. Your doctor can now order tests to specifically identify these high-risk subtypes of HPV.

While not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer or genital warts, only your doctor can determine your risk for these diseases. In most cases, if your Pap test is abnormal, your immune system will eliminate (cure) the HPV virus, and your repeat Pap test will likely be normal. The key to ensuring that the virus’ effects are not progressing is to follow your doctor’s instructions for FOLLOW-UP. Most of the time this will mean simply repeating the Pap test more frequently, but it may also involve further evaluation or biopsies of the cervix.

Other steps you can take to decrease your risk of HPV infection, cervical cancer and genital warts are the following

  • See your doctor every year after age 21 or three years after first intercourse for Pap test
  • Avoid smoking
  • Have fewer sexual partners
  • Avoiding sexual intercourse early in life

One of the newest steps someone can take to decrease the risk of cervical cancer and genital warts is to ask their doctor about the Gardasil®  vaccine. This vaccine was recently developed against the four most common types of HPV associated with the majority of cervical cancers and genital warts. It is recommended that any female aged 9 to 26 receive the series of vaccines (three injections over a six-month period), including any woman who may have previously been infected with HPV.

In summary, the best way to ensure your general health, and specifically your gynecologic health, is to visit your doctor once a year or more as directed. Just remember, if you have an abnormal Pap test keep two words in mind: FOLLOW-UP!

Regardless of the diagnosis or possible treatment, rest assured we can usually find a solution that will satisfy, and always remember you’re in good hands at James River Ob/Gyn.  To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to speak with our office staff in Richmond, VA at 804.272.5508. For additional information on any condition, treatment or procedure, visit our Health Education Library.

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