Health Information

Southern California Center for Advanced Gynecology would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our pharmacy and look forward to caring for you.

Southern California Center for Advanced Gynecology provides a full range of pharmaceutical services including the following:

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition that occurs when endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows into the outer muscular walls of the uterus. This condition differs from endometriosis, in which the tissue grows outside of the uterus. Adenomyosis commonly occurs in women older than 30 who have had at least one full-term pregnancy. Symptoms of adenomyosis can include severe menstrual cramps, and heavy or prolonged menstrual periods. Adenomyosis usually does not occur after menopause. ...

Adolescent Gynecology

Gynecological exams are valuable to adolescents in many ways. It is important for young women to be assessed early, especially if they are sexually active, and to begin a relationship with a doctor that may guide them through many important milestones in their lives. The adolescent gynecologist provides wellness consultations for adolescents with a goal of establishing a bond of trust and confidence with each patient. Adolescent gynecology is a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology. ...

Annual Gynecological Exam

The annual gynecological exam, also known as a gynecological well-visit, is a yearly preventative and diagnostic examination that serves to maintain the wellness of female patients, as well as to monitor any ongoing physical or hormonal conditions. This annual visit is an opportunity for doctors to counsel patients about maintaining healthy lifestyles and minimizing health risks. The examination includes a routine breast and pelvic exam, and may include a screening for sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. ...

Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a surgical procedure used to treat women suffering from excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding and who have not responded to other treatments such as medication. Endometrial ablation removes or destroys the uterine lining, or endometrium, while leaving the ovaries and uterus intact. The endometrium heals by scarring, which reduces or stops future uterine bleeding. ...

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful medical condition that affects many women. It occurs when the endometrium (the tissue that normally lines the uterus) grows beyond the uterus and into other parts of the pelvic area. Endometriosis most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and bowels, and the pelvic region behind the uterus. In rare cases, endometrial tissue can spread beyond the pelvis to other areas of the body. ...

Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy is a procedure to exam the endometrium, the inside lining of the uterus, for abnormalities or signs of cancer. The biopsy is performed by taking a sample of endometrial tissue and examining it under a microscope.

To perform the biopsy, a speculum is inserted into the vagina and a small plastic tube is inserted through the speculum to suction a sample of the lining. Anesthesia may be used but the procedure is usually painless. The biopsy is performed to determine the cause of abnormal menstrual periods, bleeding after menopause or to screen for endometrial cancer. ...

Female Infertility

Couples are considered to have infertility problems if they have been unable to conceive after a prolonged period, usually a year, of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility may be attributed to the man, the woman, or both partners. When a female cause of infertility is determined, which occurs about one-third of the time, there are many measures that can be taken to help the couple conceive. Single women who are having trouble becoming pregnant may also seek medical evaluation. ...

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and can sometimes include the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is a common procedure for women in the United States and is performed over 600,000 times each year. A hysterectomy stops the menstrual cycle and prevents pregnancy. It is a permanent procedure that cannot be reversed. ...

Female Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine, is more common in women, especially during and after pregnancy, although it can affect people of all ages. While not usually a serious medical condition, incontinence can be embarrassing and can adversely affect quality of life. A symptom, rather than a condition, female urinary incontinence can range from mild stress incontinence to complete loss of bladder control. ...

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a procedure, using a tool called a hysteroscope to examine the lining of the uterus and identify, diagnose or treat abnormalities.

Reasons for a Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy may be performed to determine the cause of:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Bleeding after menopause
• Infertility

Hysteroscopy Procedure

A local or general anesthesia may be used to relax the patient and relieve any potential discomfort. The hysteroscope which has a light and camera, is inserted into the vagina and moved through the cervix to the uterus. The hysteroscope projects an image onto a display screen for the doctor to review. If polyps are present, the doctor may use a surgical device to cut and remove them. The doctor may also take a small sample of tissue to examine more closely under a microscope. Patients may experience some cramping or vaginal discharge following the procedure. ...

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Menstruation is the monthly vaginal bleeding women experience as the uterine lining is shed. Every month, an ovary releases an egg that travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized, the egg and lining of the uterus are shed, resulting in menstruation. The average menstrual period lasts from 3 to 5 days, although it can vary from person to person and month to month. ...

Laparoscopic Vaginal Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. It may be performed for many reasons including fibroid tumors in the uterus, abnormal bleeding, endometriosis and genital prolapse.

A laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is less invasive than a traditional open vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy. While an incision is made deep inside the vagina to actually remove the uterus, a very small incision is also made in the navel to insert a laparoscope, a thin probe with a light and camera that allows the doctor to see the organs of the abdomen and pelvis while performing the procedure. ...

Infertility Evaluation

An infertility evaluation is performed to determine the source of a couples inability to become pregnant. Such an evaluation is typically performed when a couple has been having difficulty conceiving a child for an extended period of time, usually a year, even though they regularly engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. Diagnostic tests are used to detect any conditions or abnormalities that may interfere with the ability of one or both partners to conceive offspring. ...

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems of the genital and pelvic areas. During this procedure, an endoscope (tube) with a camera on the end is inserted through a tiny incision that allows your doctor to closely examine the organs of the area. Surgical instruments can be inserted through additional incisions to treat any identified problems. ...

Menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her menstrual period has stopped. Menopause is caused by a decrease in the ovaries' production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which eventually results in the ovaries' ceasing to produce eggs, and the end of menstruation.

A woman has reached menopause when she has not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months. Menopause is a natural process that takes several years. During this time, fertility decreases, and periods often change in duration, frequency, and amount of blood flow. This stage is known as perimenopause, and it is often when symptoms of menopause begin. The average age that menopause occurs is 51, although it may occur prematurely in women who have had total hysterectomies or have received chemotherapy or radiation treatments. ...

Myomectomy

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove uterine fibroids,non-cancerous tumors of the uterus. Uterine fibroids may cause troublesome symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain and pressure. Conservative treatments are initially used to treat uterine fibroids, but if they are not effective, surgery may be necessary. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be performed as treatment for uterine fibroids; however after a hysterectomy, a woman will not be able to bear children, due to the removal of the uterus. Therefore, a myomectomy is an effective treatment option for women considering having children in the future. ...

Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form in the ovaries. The ovaries are two small organs that produce eggs and female hormones. The ovaries affect our body's appearance, menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

There are several types of ovarian cysts. The most common form of a cyst is a functional cyst. Functional cysts form during ovulation. Eggs that are produced each month are grown in tiny sacs called follicles. After these sacs release the egg, the sac dissolves turning into corpus luteum, which produces hormones. If the sac does not dissolve, a functional cyst will form from the sac and cause them to grow. Normally the cysts disappear within a few months. They are rarely cancerous but can cause mild symptoms. ...

Ovarian Cyst Surgery

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac found on the ovary. These sacs can cause pressure, swelling and pain in the abdomen in some women, while others may experience no symptoms at all. Ovarian cysts are common and usually benign. Cysts that do not cause symptoms and go away on their own are commonly called functional cysts. However, ovarian cysts that continue to grow and cause problems may require ovarian cyst surgery. An ovarian cystectomy is the surgical removal of ovarian cysts. ...

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (vaginal prolapse) is a common condition in women, occurring when a pelvic organ shifts from its normal position to push against the vaginal walls. This movement causes pressure, stretching and pain. Most frequently, pelvic organ prolapse occurs after childbirth, menopause, or a hysterectomy when the muscles and ligaments supporting a woman's pelvic organs become more lax. ...

Sonography

Sonography (ultrasound procedure) is a quick, painless diagnostic imaging technique. It uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal organs. A sonogram is the image that is produced by performing sonography or ultrasonography. During pregnancy, a sonogram is performed to obtain information about how the fetus is developing. It is used to check the fetus's blood flow and heartbeat, as well as estimate its age and delivery date. It is also performed to check the female pelvic organs during pregnancy. ...

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition characterized by a group of symptoms women commonly experience before their monthly menstrual period. These symptoms usually abate once the menstrual flow begins. About 85 percent of women suffer from at least one symptom of PMS during each menstrual cycle, although most cases are fairly mild and do not interfere with a woman's normal activities. Severe cases of PMS may be diagnosed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). ...

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (myomas) are tumors that grow in the uterine walls. They are usually benign, and vary in size and quantity. The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but their formation may be affected by genetics, with a woman being more likely to develop them if she has a family member similarly afflicted. Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms and do not require any treatment, although, in some cases, they lead to pregnancy complications. Uterine fibroids are most common in women older than 30, and during the reproductive years. ...