Can a family doctor provide gynecological care?

Dr. Marion M. Pandiscio, MD of Manatee Gynecology in Bradenton, FL answers.

Can a family doctor provide gynecological care?

A family doctor can provide routine gynecologic care in most cases. If a woman is having bleeding problems, persistent pelvic pain or abnormal pap smears, or any other gynecologic problem that her family doctor is unable to resolve in a few visits, she should see a gynecologist. (Even if not having any problems, many women prefer to see a gynecologist every year for their annual exam.)  For more informative posts go to: https://www.sharecare.com/doctor/dr-marion-m-pandiscio

What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Dr. Marion M. Pandiscio, MD , Gynecology, answered on behalf of Blake Hospital

For more information go to: https://www.sharecare.com/doctor/dr-marion-m-pandiscio

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the systemic use of estrogen, with or without progesterone, (and sometimes testosterone) after menopause, to relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. It also treats vaginal dryness after menopause, but if that is the only problem a woman has, it is usually treated with vaginal estrogen, which is safer than systemic HRT.

What is abnormal vaginal bleeding?

For more information and other informative posts by Dr. Marion Pandiscio, go to:  https://www.sharecare.com/doctor/dr-marion-m-pandiscio

Dr. Marion M. Pandiscio, MD , Gynecology, answered on behalf of Blake Medical Center

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is any bleeding that is outside of normal menstrual periods, or any bleeding after menopause. A normal menstrual period occurs on a regular predictable schedule (that can be anywhere from every 3 to 5 weeks), lasts no longer than a week at a time, and is not heavy enough to interfere with a woman's normal activities. Bleeding in between periods, bleeding after sex and ANY bleeding after menopause is consider abnormal vaginal bleeding, and should be evaluated by a gynecologist.

What can you do to decrease symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

For more information and other informative posts by Dr. Marion Pandiscio, go to:  https://www.sharecare.com/doctor/dr-marion-m-pandiscio

Dr. Marion M. Pandiscio, MD , Gynecology, answered on behalf of Blake Medical Center

To decrease symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the single most important thing a woman can do is to maintain a normal body weight. If she is overweight, as many women with PCOS are, she should lose weight.  While this is often hard to do on a typical American diet, it is the most effective treatment. Losing as little as 10 percent of your body weight can often restore normal menstrual cycling and ovarian function. Most of the symptoms of PCOS (irregular periods, excess body hair, acne) are helped by weight loss. Long term consequences of PCOS (metabolic syndrome with diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol) can often be avoided by maintaining a normal weight. Changing from a typical American diet (meat based, high fat, high simple carbohydrate) to a plant based, whole food diet can be an effective way to lose and keep weight off for PCOS patients and all overweight people.

Starting the Discussion Regarding Pelvic Floor Disorders

Talk About "It"

It can be difficult to talk about problems such as incontinence or vaginal bulges, even with a doctor. However, doctors—and especially urogyns—are used to talking about these problems. And, to get proper treatment for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), you need to talk about them. 

Go Ahead, Ask Her...

If you think your mother, sister, wife or other loved one is suffering from a pelvic floor disorder, the following tips on this website may be helpful www.voicesforpfd.org, in starting the dialogue.

 

Managing Female Incontinence

"A lot of women are surprised to find out there are treatments for incontinence in general that work."

Dr. Scott McFarland, host of "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind" brings you this episode about Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). The program features physicians discussing the condition as well as women sharing their experiences before and after treatment.  To watch the full episode, go to www.livelifefree.com