At some point in your life, you develop a condition that requires surgery. Gynecological conditions that would require surgery include endometriosis, fibroids, and cervical cancer. Facing surgery is always concerning. But thanks to advanced technology, procedures are much less invasive than they used to be. Traditionally, open surgery was very common, in which large incisions were required for surgeons to see inside the body. They may still do that in a few cases, but now – thanks to modern technology – surgeons are able to perform procedures by just making a few small incisions and then using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted equipment to see and guide them inside the body.

Cheyenne OBGYN’s doctors can perform minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery with the state-of-the-art Da Vinci surgical system. Most of our doctors are trained to use the system to perform several gynecological procedures, that may include a hysterectomy, myomectomy or pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

The Da Vinci system consists of a surgeon’s console, equipped with a control panel and a high-definition monitor, and a patient side-cart, outfitted with robotic arms. When in use, the equipment is attended by another surgeon and a nurse at the operating table.

The system provides doctors with several advantages when conducting surgery. It offers high-definition 3D vision, a magnified, panoramic view and robotic assistance. For instance, in laparoscopic surgery, doctors use special long-handled tools to perform surgery while viewing magnified images from the laparoscope (camera) on a video screen. For other surgeries, the robotic hands precisely replicate the surgeon’s hand movements while steadying hand tremors and finessing movements as needed.

There are also benefits for patients: less bleeding, lower risk of infection, and minimal scarring. Additionally, there is less threat of complications and patients usually experience a faster recovery, being able to return to their normal routine more quickly.

Doctors at Cheyenne OBGYN are well-versed in using the Da Vinci surgical system. Plus, we always make an effort to keep updated on the best available systems. Our priority is to use technology with the intention of gaining the best outcomes for patients.

To learn more about Da Vinci surgical systems and its capabilities, please visit their website. If you have any questions about the technology our doctors or office use, please give us a call at (307) 634-5216.

Infertility is generally defined as not being able to get pregnant after a year, which can be difficult emotionally for individuals and couples to experience. The issue is becoming increasingly common, but luckily there is a steady rise in fertility treatments,

Both women and men can experience infertility; the total fertility rate worldwide has dropped by nearly one percent per year from 1960 to 2018! Some reasons women may experience infertility include blocked fallopian tubes which would prevent sperm from reaching the egg, poor egg quality, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, environmental factors, and early menopause. Male infertility can be a result of low sperm count, inadequate sperm mobility, untreated sexual transmitted disease, among other possibilities. Hormone-altering chemicals – which include phthalates, bisphenol A, and flame retardants, among others – may also play a role.

Consulting with a fertility specialist can help you figure out what may be causing your fertility issues. If you’ve been having irregular periods, have a thyroid problem or a pelvic inflammatory disease, you should visit a doctor before a year’s time. For men, if there are any problems ejaculating or there’s been any injury to the scrotum or testes, a visit to the doctor should be made sooner rather than later.

A gynecologist or fertility specialist can test you for potential problems. Initial tests for women may include a pelvic exam and ultrasound to check the ovaries and uterus. A blood test may also be given to check hormone levels. For men, testing may begin with a physical exam and semen analysis.

Thankfully, there are treatments that can help with conception. Less invasive treatments include lifestyle and diet changes, medication, and hormone therapy. More invasive treatments include intrauterine insemination (IUI) in which the sperm is placed directly into the uterus, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in which the egg is fertilized with sperm in a lab and then the fertilized egg is transferred to the uterus.

Having difficulty getting pregnant can be an emotional rollercoaster. Infertility can also put a strain on relationships. Being cognizant of your emotional health, as much as your physical health, is important. Along with seeing a gynecologist or fertility specialist, it might be just as important to see a counselor or therapist if you’re feeling stressed or depressed.

If you are experiencing trouble getting or staying pregnant, please give our office a call. We can help guide you to assess what may be the problem or refer you to a specialist who can provide treatment.

 

The job of being a parent brings many joys and rewards. It also brings many challenges. Most parents would probably agree that talking to their kids about sex goes into the category of challenges. 

Talking about sex can be a difficult topic for many parents. It is better to approach the topic sooner rather than later. That way you can open a line of communication, making your child comfortable with talking to you should concerns arise. Additionally, talking about it before it comes up in health class will give you the chance to communicate your personal values around the subject.

When it comes to birth control, you want to be proactive by initiating the conversation early, rather than reactive when your child may already be having sex. Begin by choosing a comfortable place and time to talk. That could mean on a walk or taking advantage of some downtime before bed. You know your child best. Some kids may prefer a private conversation with just one parent instead of discussing it at dinnertime in front of the whole family. 

Find out what your child might already know. Always be direct and honest. Try to stay away from using euphemisms or cute nicknames so there isn’t any confusion. Additionally, use the conversation to talk about what a healthy relationship looks like. That includes consent, trust, and good communication. 

Birth control is not just about preventing pregnancy, it’s also about preventing the risk of sexually transmitted infections. It’s also important to note that many teenage girls use birth control to treat intense menstrual cramps.

A visit to our office can help answer any questions your teenage daughter might have. The visit does not have to include a pelvic exam, which is usually recommended at the age of 21. However, a visit can make her feel comfortable about seeing a gynecologist as well as emphasizing the importance of reproductive health.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment for your daughter, please call us at 307-634-5216.

In honor of April being National STD Awareness Month, we want to encourage patients to educate themselves on STDs, and to get tested if you feel you could possibly have been exposed. 

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. An STD is an infection that is passed on from one person to another generally through sexual contact. Few STDs like herpes and HPV can be spread simply through skin-to-skin contact.

The rate of STDs remained high even during the first year of the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in 2020.

 

Signs of an STD:

An STD will start as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can develop into a disease. The disconcerting issue is that not all infections or STDs will cause symptoms. It is possible to be infected and not be aware of it. If symptoms do arise, they may include:

• Painful urination
• Rash or sores around the vagina or mouth
• Unusual discharge or bleeding from the vagina
• Abnormal vaginal odor
• Itching and redness in the genital area

For the most part, an STI or STD can be treated. Bacterial STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be cured with antibiotics. For viral diseases like herpes and HIV, medications can help fight symptoms and bring some relief, but they will not cure the disease.

The best way to prevent or reduce your risk of contracting an STI or STD is by abstaining from sex, using condoms, and making sure you and your partner have both tested negative for STDs or STIs before engaging in sexual activity.

If you have any inclination that you may have a sexually transmitted infection or disease, please contact our office to schedule an examination.

Most women experience menopause in their early 50s. It is a natural part of aging and is reached when you have gone through 12 consecutive full months without your period. 

Postmenopausal bleeding is bleeding that occurs anytime after menopause. It is unusual and might pose a reason for concern, even if the bleeding is very light. Postmenopausal bleeding may be caused by hormone replacement therapy, fibroids, polyps, trauma, thyroid abnormalities, or an infection in the uterine lining. Even spotting can be an indication of a health issue like hyperplasia, which is an increase in abnormal cells, or cancer.

Consult with a doctor for any type of postmenopausal bleeding. Although it may seem like nothing at first, conditions can arise over time. For instance, some polyps may eventually become cancerous. Be prepared to share important details with your doctor, such as the duration of the bleeding, the amount of blood, and whether or not you have been experiencing any pain. It may be a good idea to make notes before your doctor’s appointment. To help obtain a diagnosis, you may undergo a physical exam, ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, or have blood drawn at your appointment.

Treatment depends on the amount of bleeding and other symptoms. Other symptoms postmenopausal women may experience include insomnia, lack of sex drive, weight gain, and vaginal dryness. If cancer isn’t a concern, your doctor may recommend treatment in the form of medication. Estrogen, which comes in the form of a cream, ring, or insertable tablet, can help reduce bleeding from vaginal dryness or thinning.  Progestin is a hormone replacement therapy that can help reduce bleeding and tissue overgrowth. There are also antibiotics that can treat many cervix or uterus infections. There may be situations when bleeding cannot be controlled by medication and surgery is necessary. In this case, the procedure will most likely be a small surgery to remove polyps or a hysterectomy.

It’s not unusual to have irregular spotting or bleeding leading up to menopause. However, if there is any bleeding after menopause, please consult with a doctor. It may just be an infection that can be treated with a prescription, but in some cases, it could be a sign of something more serious.

For any questions, concerns or to set up your appointment with one of our experts today, call us at 307-634-5216.