- Annual Gynecologic Healthcare
- Menopausal Medicine and Hormone Replacement
- Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment
- Office Endometrial Ablation
- Cervical Cancer Vaccine
- Contraception Counseling and Management
- Urogynecology (Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Reconstruction, and Prolapse)
- Office Ultrasound
- Other Conditions
Our goal is to provide high quality gynecology services in a comfortable and efficient office setting. Our facility has state-of-the-art equipment, and we provide our patients with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and treatment options.
Women's Health Specialists has gone paperless. We are now using Electronic Medical Records! This technology means that all of your records are created and stored electronically. You records are instantly available to our doctors whether they are in the office, at home, or in another country! All data is accessed securely and is HIPPA compliant.
In addition to the information provided below, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) website also contains many links to helpful women's health information.
Annual Gynecologic Healthcare
Background
The annual gynecologic exam is one of the most commonly scheduled physician office visits. A woman should schedule her first gynecology exam no later than age 21, or within three years of becoming sexually active, or at any age when there is a need for counseling regarding contraception or sexuality. This routine screening exam consists of a complete history taking and physician exam. The exam encompasses women's general health issues and cancer screening for the Breast, Cervix, Uterus, and Ovaries.
Our Services
At Women's Health Specialists, many topics are covered during a comprehensive annual exam including contraception, preconceptual conunseling, sexual dysfunction and STD counseling. The Pap smear is only one component of the exam and is used to screen for cervical cancer. Cervical Cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). In 2006 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the Gardasil vaccine in women. Gardasil can prevent the transmission of HPV, and is the first vaccine ever produced which can actually prevent cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and young women from ages 9 to 26. In this age group, it is most effective when given prior to first sexual activity. It is considered a routine adolescent vaccination. The Gardasil® vaccine is now available at our facility.
Menopausal Medicine and Hormone Replacement
Over the last decade Hormone replacement has been one of the most dynamic, exciting, and controversial areas of medicine. Several large scale randomized studies including the HERS trial and WHI (Womenen's Health Initiative) have greatly expanded our knowledge of the benefits and long term effects of hormone replacement therapy. The initial finding from the WHI indicated that there were some previously unrecognized rare side effects. Unfortunately, the national popular media misrepresented the overall safety of hormone therapy based on these extremely uncommon complications. Consequently many physicians abandoned the use of hormone therapy in their practices, and many women were left to suffer through menopause without any effective treatment.
Symptoms of the menopausal transition may include the following:
- Menstrual irregularity
- Mood changes, mood swings, and irritablity
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary incontinence
- Bone loss
- Changes in sexual function and loss of sex drive
Dozens of sub-analyses of the WHI data have subsequently been performed, and have demonstrated that in most circumstance, hormone replacement is safe and effective with minimal or no risk of major complications. Also many physicians and their patients are now seeking alternatives to traditional hormone replacement therapy including natural supplements and bio-identical hormone therapy. Although there are limited data regarding the safety and efficacy of these new treatment options, they represent a very promising and active area of research.
Our Services
Our doctors are strong advocates for women's health education and autonomy. At Women's Health Specialists we provide comprehensive counseling and education on the most up-to-date information in menopausal medicine and hormone therapy.
We offer all of the following:
- Hormone testing
- Traditional hormone therapy
- Bio-identical hormone treatment
- Natural alternatives
- Other medical therapies
Additionally we offer evaluation and treatment for osteoporosis, breast disease, and thyroid dysfunction. We provide screening for breast cancer, colon cancer, malignancy of the female reproductive tract, cardiovascular health, and endocrine disorders.
Understanding and anticipating the mental and physical changes that accompany the menopausal transition can make a big difference, and we are confident that our treatment therapies can make the transition much easier.Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment
Background
Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive after a year of sexual intercourse without any form of contraception. It is a condition that affects nearly 15% of all people at some point in their lives. There are many causes of infertility, and most can be diagnosed and treated. However the woman's age is the most important factor in determining a couple's probability for a successful pregnancy after age 35, and evaluation should not be delayed for a year. Most treatment options involve simple office procedures, X-ray, bloodwork, and oral medications. Occasionally an outpatient laser surgical procedure is required. The most effective treatment for infertility is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). However only 3% of infertility patients require this advance reproductive technology. A referral to a reproductive endocrinologists is required for these procedures. Reproductive Endocrinologists have special expertise in this area because they have three years of fellowship training after completing four years of obstetrics and gynecology residency. However, most infertile patients can be helped with less involved treatment.
Our Services
Texas
Gynecology and Laser Surgery Center provides a complete basic work-up
for infertility in the female and male patient. A comprehensive
history and physician exam identifies risk factors for infertility
including male factor, tubal factor, infectious, endometriosis,
diminished ovarian reserve, anovulation, uterine factor, and
progesterone deficits. Most of the time an initial work-up will
consist of an X-ray test, blood work, and a semen analysis.
Factors that may affect sperm quality include:
- Varicocele
- Smoking
- Veneral disease
- Drug use
- Excessive exposure to heat (chronic hot-tub exposure)
Factors affecting female infertility include:
- Age greater than 35 years old
- Exposure to radiation
- Venereal disease
- Smoking
- Prior abdominal surgery (particulary for ectopic pregnancy or endometriosis)
- Uterine fibroids
Endometriosis is a particularly challenging disease which can result in severe pain (especially during menstruation) and infertility. Although many medical treatment options are available, surgical intervention is sometimes necessary especially when infertility is a concern. Surgery is extremely challenging because the endometrial implants often invade into vital pelvic organs including peritoneum, ureters, bladder, rectum, bowel, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic nerves and vessels. The surgical dissection must be extremely meticulous so that all of the endometriosis can be removed without injuring any of these vital structures. In contrast, many women who have had surgery for endometriosis only have a diagnostic biopsy, rather than a true surgical resection of disease which usually does NOT result in improvement in pain or infertility. Dr. Hunter has speciality training in fertility preserving, minimally invasive laser surgery for endometriosis. She performs complete peritoneal endometriosis resection which occasionally involves resection of endometriosis of the bladder, bowel, and appendix. She can also evaluate the integrity and function of the uterine tubes by microscopic visualization and with a dye procedure called chromopertubation. Dr. Hunter performs Laparoscopic laser fibroid removal (Myomectomy), microsurgery to fix damaged tubes and tubal ligation reversal.
Office Endometrial Ablation
Background
Endometrial Ablation is an office based procedure used for the treatment of heavy vaginal bleeding. It is a very effective and successful alternative to a hysterectomy procedure. Many women suffer from heavy menstrual flow (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding). Symptoms of Abnormal bleeding include: a menstrual flow lasting longer than 7 days, changing pads more than once per hour, a significant worsening in flow than in previous years, or experiencing severe fatigue or dizziness during menses. There are many possible causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding including:
- Uterine Fibroids
- Uterine Polyps
- Uterine Adenomyosis
- Coagulation Disorders (eg: Von Willibrand's Disease)
- Kidney or Liver Failure
- Anovulation (eg: Obesity and PCOS)
- Endocrine disorders (Thyroid dysfunction)
- Presciption and over-the-counter Medications
- Cancer and dysplasia (eg: Uterus, Cervix or leukemia)
- Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Our Services
Most of these causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding can be identified by a careful history taking, physical examination, and bloodwork. Many cases of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding can be satisfactorily controlled with medical management. Additionally our specialized facility is fully equipped with advanced equipment including office ultrasound, hysteroscopy tower, colposcope, and the Heroption Cryoablation device. Dr. Farnam is able to treat many cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding in the office with no general anesthesia, no incisions, and no hospitalization, usually in less than 20 minutes. For more information visit www.heroption.com
Contraception Counseling and Management
Background
There are more contraceptive options available today than ever before. Choosing a method that is right for you can be difficult. Many factors may affect your decision including: duration of contraception desired, cost, expected compliance, ease of use, reliability, and side-effects.
Below is a list of the currently available methods:
Hormonal Contraception:
- Oral Contraceptive Pills: Once daily oral medication
- Contraceptive Patch: Once weekly transdermal patch
- Contraceptive Vaginal Ring: Once monthly vaginal ring
- Depo Provera Injection: Every 3 month Intramuscular injection
- Progesterone Intrauterine Device: Placed in the uterine cavity by the physician in the office. Effective up to 5 years
- Implanted Progesterone Rod: Placed subcutaneously in the medial arm by the physician in the office. Effective up to 3 year
Non-hormonal Contraception
- Condoms: Placed prior to each episode of sexual activity. Condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Other Spermacides and Barrier Methods: Cervical cap, Diaphagm, Vaginal contraceptive film, female condom,
- Copper Intrauterine Device: Placed in the uterine cavity by the physician in the office. Effective up to 10 years
- Hysteroscopic Tubal Ligation: Uterine Tubes are permanently blocked by the physician in the office
- Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation; Uterine tubes are permanently blocked by the physician in the operating room.
Our Service
Women's Health Specialists offers the complete range of contraception therapy options. During your visit our doctors will evaluate your needs and provide individualized counseling and education. We will ensure that the method that you choose is the best method for you.
Urogynecology
Background
Urogynecology is a specialized field of gynecology that involves the diagnosis and management of bladder problems and incontinence, as well as pelvic support defects and prolapse. Urinary incontinence and Pelvic prolapse are very common conditions that occur predominantly in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. However symptoms can occur at any age. Pelvic prolapse is defined as the downward displacement of a pelvic organ (Uterus, rectum, bladder, or bowel) within the vaginal cavity. Women usually become symptomatic when the prolapsing organ desends to the level of the vaginal opening or beyond. Common risk factors include multiple vaginal childbirths, prolonged labor, and instrumented delivery. Other risk factors include COPD, chronic cough, hereditary connective tissue weakness, and obesity.
A women may experience any of the following symptoms of pelvic prolapse:
- Sensation of a buldge or a 'ball' at the vaginal open
- Pelvic Pain or Pressure
- Urinary frequency or inability to completely empty bladder
- Constipation or inability to completely evacuate bowel
- Needing to place your fingers inside the vagina (splinting) in order to void or have a bowel movement
- Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Loss of sexual sensation
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Urinary incontinence
Our Services:
We are a referral center for pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence. The management of these conditions constitutes a large portion of practice. We perform all of the diagnostic testing and work up in our office. We are a multichannel urodynamic testing facility. Conservative therapy with pelvic floor exercises and pessary fitting are offered. When these therapies are unsuccessful, Dr. Hunter offers a wide range of minimally invasive surgical options.
Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Background
In 2006 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the Gardasil vaccine in women. Gardasil can prevent the transmission of HPV, and is the first vaccine ever produced which can actually prevent cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and young women from ages 9 to 26. In this age group, it is most effective when given prior to first sexual activity. It is considered a routine adolescent vaccination.
Our Services
The Gardasil® vaccine is now available at our facility.
Office Ultrasound
Background
Ultrasound is one of the most commonly used imaging modalities in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and it is one of the best and most cost effective radiologic tools for diagnosing pelvic organ pathology. Common Gynecologic conditions that are diagnosed and assessed include: Fibroid Tumors, Ovarian Cysts, and abnormalities of Uterine position and size. Ultrasound is a vital part of the evaluation and treatment of the infertility patient. It can also be used to evaluated certain types of malignancies including Breast, Ovarian, and Uterine cancer. Ultrasound is also used widely in Obstetrics. It is used to very accurately determine the age and location of an early pregnancy.
Our Services
Women's Health Specialists offers a full range of services including transvaginal, transabdominal, and Saline Infusion ultrasound.
Other Common Gynecologic Conditions
Listed below are a number of common gynecologic symptoms and likely differential diagnoses. Definitions and additional information about these and many other gynecologic conditions can be found at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) website.
Genital itching (Pruritis) -- Vaginal and Vulvar yeast infections (Candidiasis), Lichen Sclerosis and other vulvar skin conditions, Vaginal and vulvar infections and Sexually transmitted diseases, Vulvar Cancer
Vaginal discharge (Leukorrhea) -- Bacterial Vaginosis, Sexually transmitted disease, Normal Discharge, Foreign body (Pessary, Vaginal NuvaRing)
Skipped or Absent periods (Oligomenorrhea or Amenorrhea) -- Pregnancy, Polycycstic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Stress, Weight gain/loss, Thyroid disease, Prolactin disorders
Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)-- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Medications, Ovarian Tumor, Menopause
Pelvic pain or painful menses (Dysmenorrhea)-- Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, Adenomyosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, Urinary infection
Heavy menses (Menorrhagia) -- Dysfuctional Uterine Bleeding, Polyps, Uterine Fibroids, Hereditary Bleeding Disorders, Medications, Pregnancy
Sexual Pain (Dyspareunia) -- Vaginal dryness (Urogenital atrophy), Vulvar vestibulitis, Lichen Sclerosis, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Bartholina's Cyst
Ovarian Cyst -- Functional Cyst, Dermoid Cyst, Ovarian Neoplasm, Peduculated Fibroid, Paratubal cyst
Breast Pain (Mastalgia)-- Fibrocystic Disease, Fibroadenoma, Breast Cyst, Breast Neoplasm, Ligament pain
Vaginal Mass -- Bartholins's Cyst, Prolapsed Uterus, Prolpased Bladder (Cystocele), Prolapsed Rectum (Rectocele), Hemorrhoid, Cervical polyp, Vulvar neoplasm
Menstrual Migrains
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Sexually Transmitted Disease Screening
Decreased sexual desires (Decreased Libido)
Contact Us Today
For Appointments
Call: (956) 423-9977
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Our Address
Women's Health Specialists, PA2306 Camelot Plaza Circle
Harlingen, TX 78550
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