Gynecology

The purpose of a Pap smear is to collect and examine cells from your cervix. It is important for detecting issues, such as the development of cervical cancer before they become problematic. Annual Pap smear testing should start when a female becomes sexually active or after age 20.

Many couples struggle with infertility, which has a host of causes. Treating infertility comes in a variety of forms, including non-invasive treatments and surgery. Dr. Santos has the expertise and specialized training to identify and treat reproductive health problems.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that occur in many women and are a possible cause of heavy menstrual bleeding. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include medication or surgical removal of the fibroids.

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, increasing the likelihood of breaks and other bone issues. Fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist often occur in people with this disease. Testing for osteoporosis is an important way to prevent future problems and to get advice about lifestyle changes that can prevent issues.

An ovarian cyst is a solid or fluid-filled sac within or on the surface of an ovary. Most ovarian cysts don’t cause symptoms, although larger ones may cause pelvic pain that increases during menstruation, bowel movements, or sexual intercourse.

Cysts must be found and treated as soon as possible, as a ruptured cyst can be both painful and dangerous. Treatment options include birth control pills to establish regular menstrual cycles and prevent cyst formation, or surgery to remove the cyst.

Sexual dysfunction may be characterized by:

• Reduced sex drive
• A strong dislike of sex
• Difficulty becoming aroused
• Inability to achieve orgasm
• Pain during intercourse

Dr. Santos offers the latest treatments and therapies to resolve any health-related sexual problems you might be experiencing.

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. It is a very common condition among women. In fact, there are over 3 million cases of vaginitis in the U.S. every year.

Vaginitis is usually caused by an infection, a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, or reduced estrogen levels after menopause. Symptoms may include itching or irritation, an unusual vaginal discharge, painful urination, and pain during intercourse. The most common types of vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and trichomoniasis.

With medication that treats the underlying cause, vaginitis can be resolved within days.

Women today have many options when it comes to birth control, including:

• Hormonal: Estrogen/progesterone combination birth control pills are the most common form of birth control.
• Non-Hormonal: Condoms, diaphragms, the Sponge, and IUDs are common non-hormonal options. An IUD is effective for ten years.
• Nexplanon®: This upper-arm implant provides contraception for nearly three years. It releases a low steady dose of progestin to prevent pregnancy. Nexplanon does not contain estrogen.
• Depo-Provera® injections: Administered every three months, these suppress ovulation, keeping your ovaries from releasing an egg.
• Permanent Options: Vasectomy for men, tubal ligation for women, and Essure® are procedures for permanent contraception.

This is a procedure to remove a woman’s uterus, either partially or completely. In some cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed. Removing the uterus means that a woman no longer has menstrual periods and can no longer become pregnant. Hysterectomy may be performed to treat:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis (when tissue that is supposed to line the uterus wall begins to grow elsewhere,
  leading to severe pain and bleeding)
• Cancer of the uterus, ovary, cervix, or endometrium
• Uterine prolapse (the uterus slips from its proper place down into the vagina, leading to urinary
  and bowel problems)

In the U.S., about 500,000 women a year get hysterectomies, making it the second most common surgery among women in the country. The procedure can be performed in multiple ways, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

• Ultrasound
• Evaluation and treatment of the cervix
• Colposcopy
• Cervical biopsy
• Cryotherapy
• Sterilization via Essure®