Dr. Alan Johns has been in the practice of Gynecology since 1978. He has performed over 8,000 laparoscopic surgical procedures.
The Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine is pleased to announce Urogynecology services in new locations!
Dr. Chris Ripperda will continue seeing patients in Glen Rose, TX.
Elizabeth Weaver, NP, will be seeing patients in Willow Park, TX and Pecan Plantation, TX.
You can refer to our website for the addresses. These locations are in addition to our current Fort Worth location.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and incontinence are common symptoms that a woman experiences as she passes through menopause. Many women are embarrassed by these issues and cope with them in silence, but treatments are available that can improve a patient’s vaginal health and bring relief. MonaLisa Touch, a laser treatment offered at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth, TX, is a quick, effective option. Best of all, it offers results that last longer than many other options.
This non-surgical, non-hormonal treatment works by triggering the body’s regeneration process. During treatment, you’ll assume the same position you do during a pelvic exam. A topical numbing cream may be applied, and a wand will be used to deliver laser energy pulses both inside and outside the vagina. You’ll be given a pair of safety glasses to wear to protect your eyes from the laser during your session.
The treatment, which only takes about five minutes to complete and involves no anesthesia and no downtime, spurs the development of new blood vessels and bolsters the production of collagen in the vaginal area. The laser pulses don’t create any discomfort. Some patients say they feel a mild vibrating sensation during treatment, but this is the only thing you might feel.
For the best results, most patients undergo three treatments administered six weeks apart in our office.
Most patients say they experience some relief from their symptoms after the very first treatment. By the time the third treatment has taken place, nearly every patient reports a noticeable improvement. This treatment results in stronger, healthier, and more hydrated tissue in the vaginal area.
Once the initial series of treatments is complete, we usually recommend that patients maintain their results by having one follow-up treatment each year. Even taking into consideration the fact that many patients require annual maintenance treatments, the results of this treatment last much longer than the creams and other options that are available.
The recovery process is fairly straightforward. Most patients take it easy for a couple of days after their appointment, and we also ask that they refrain from sexual activity for several days.
Each patient is different. Although almost all patients experience a noticeable improvement in their symptoms after their series of treatments is complete, some prefer to continue using a lubricant during intercourse.
This treatment can also be used to address lichen sclerosis, a condition in which thin, white patches of skin develop in the genital area. Postmenopausal women are at higher risk of developing this condition.
A decline in a woman’s estrogen levels, something that often occurs during and after menopause and sometimes after cancer treatments, can cause the vaginal walls to thin. The natural lubrication in the vaginal area may also begin to decline. The decline in estrogen is a completely natural and normal process, but the symptoms it produces can be discouraging, uncomfortable, and disruptive for many women.
Because of the personal nature of the symptoms associated with vaginal dryness, women often avoid discussing them with both their partners and their medical providers. Burning, itching, and stinging in the vaginal area are three common symptoms. Women also frequently experience painful intercourse and a loss of interest in sex.
In some cases, patients report frequent or persistent urinary tract infections, increasingly frequent urination, or incontinence. This laser treatment can help resolve these issues, improve your overall vaginal health, and help you regain your confidence.
MonaLisa Touch can be an ideal treatment for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Some patients also turn to the MonaLisa touch after forms of treatment have failed to deliver results.
Topical treatments like creams and tablets are often recommended for this type of vaginal condition. Hormone replacement therapy has also occasionally been used as a treatment. The advantage of MonaLisa Touch is that it works to address the underlying issue rather than simply treating the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Many patients also find it to be more convenient than topical options.
If you’re experiencing burning, itching, pain during intercourse, or any other symptoms, the first step is to talk with us about your concerns. This is a topic you can bring up during your annual gynecological exam. If that exam is months away, you can also schedule a special appointment to talk about this issue. We can discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine if this type of laser treatment is the best direction for you to take.
Your treatment will be performed by Dr. Alan Johns, a gynecologist and surgeon who specializes in MonaLisa Touch treatments. Dr. Johns earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and attended medical school at University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
You don’t have to suffer in silence any longer. A series of simple laser treatments can give you the long-lasting relief to vaginal dryness that you’ve been waiting for. Call the Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth, TX today and ask about the MonaLisa Touch.
Ultrasounds have been used safely for over 50 years to create images of internal organs using high-frequency sound waves. These imaging tests play a crucial role in identifying abnormalities, diagnosing medical conditions and effectively treating dangerous conditions. At Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth, TX, we are proud to be on the cutting edge of the identification and diagnosis of numerous abnormalities and medical conditions using the transvaginal ultrasound.
A transvaginal ultrasound, also known as an endovaginal ultrasound, is a type of pelvic ultrasound used to identify abnormalities within female reproductive organs. These organs include the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This type of ultrasound varies from traditional abdominal or pelvic ultrasounds, which involve using a transducer resting outside the pelvis.
The word “transvaginal” means “through the vagina” because this is an internal exam designed to give doctors a very clear look inside the vaginal canal, at the internal organs, and at all other areas within the pelvic region.
A transvaginal ultrasound is recommended for many circumstances. The most common include:
During pregnancy, a doctor will most often recommend an endovaginal ultrasound to:
The results of a transvaginal ultrasound can diagnose a number of medical conditions. Once the images are analyzed, your doctor will talk to you about which steps need to be taken to improve your health, if any.
For example, if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may go into early menopause and start to suffer from the symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, pain during sex and hot flashes. Dr. Alan Johns may recommend MonaLisa Touch to dramatically improve vaginal health, libido, comfort and confidence.
Among the things your doctor may see upon examining your endovaginal ultrasound include:
Before an endovaginal ultrasound, you will lie down on the examination table on your back and bend your needs. The transducer is covered with a condom and lubricating gel, then inserted. During your initial consultation, let us know if you are aware of any latex allergies so we can accommodate your needs with a latex-free probe cover.
You may feel a slight pressure when the ultrasound wand is inserted. This sensation is no greater than the pressure felt during a Pap smear when the speculum is inserted. Once the ultrasound wand is in place, it produces sound waves which bounce off of your internal organs to transmit a picture of the inside of your pelvis onto a viewing monitor. During the examination, your provider will rotate the transducer slowly to get a full picture of your internal organs. In some cases, an SIS may be recommended.
An SIS, or saline infusion sonography, is a special type of endovaginal ultrasound. It involves the insertion of sterile saline into the uterus before the ultrasound takes place. This technique is popular because the solution slightly stretches the uterus, allowing for a more detailed picture of the uterus.
This is extremely helpful when trying to identify a potential abnormality within the uterus. However, it cannot be used on pregnant women or women with an active vaginal infection.
There are no risks associated with an endovaginal ultrasound. If you’re worried about how the examination will feel, take a Tylenol a couple of hours before your ultrasound. If you feel anything more significant than a mild pressure, let your doctor know. The angle of the transducer will be adjusted so the rest of the examination is comfortable.
In most cases, an endovaginal ultrasound requires very little preparation on your part. When it is time for your appointment, you will be asked to remove all your clothes from the waist down and put on a gown. Depending on why you are having the internal vaginal ultrasound, the examination may need to be performed with an empty or partially full bladder.
The advantage of a full bladder is it lifts the intestines, which allows for a better picture of your pelvic organs. If your endovaginal ultrasound needs to be performed with a full bladder, you must prepare for your ultrasound by drinking roughly 32 ounces of liquid, such as water, an hour before the examination takes place. If you are menstruating or spotting on the day of your examination, you must remove your tampon or menstrual cup before the examination can take place.
A transvaginal ultrasound can be used to identify abnormalities affecting your sex organs, diagnose medical conditions, verify the health of your internal organs, and check up on the state of your pregnancy.
To learn more, contact the professional health experts at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth, TX today to schedule your initial consultation. We will review your symptoms and medical history to determine what steps we need to take moving forward to improve your quality of life.
Throughout the years, there has been a growing number of cosmetic procedures available. However, there is another cosmetic procedure rapidly becoming a popular choice for many women. This procedure aims to improve a woman’s vaginal health, and it could work for you. We’re talking about MonaLisa Touch®. Our team at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine can help you determine if it is something that could benefit you.
What Is It?
This is an innovative procedure that aims to restore the health of the vaginal area. It uses CO2 laser technology to encourage collagen production and address a number of common complaints. The best results are usually achieved through a series of treatment sessions, with a maintenance treatment required every 12 months for ongoing benefits. Each session is designed to be quick and convenient, even for those with busy schedules. In fact, they usually take just five minutes to perform.
Who Is a Candidate?
As a growing cosmetic procedure, we commonly see patients seeking a MonaLisa Touch® procedure because they suffer from one or more of the following conditions:
A theory why this procedure has become so trendy is because the women of today are increasingly grooming their private parts compared to those in years past. Now it is a popular practice for women to shave and even wax “down there,” which leads to an awareness of what they look like in this sensitive area. With this increased awareness, they might also become more self-conscious about the appearance of their genitals. Every woman is different, and one person’s definition of normal can vary completely from another person. Whatever the reason may be to get any cosmetic procedure done, it is always good to decide for the right reasons on what is best for yourself.
Benefits and Advantages
Opting for a procedure like MonaLisa Touch® can completely solve problems like urinary incontinence and itching without the need for surgery or extensive downtime. Even if you do not have such discomfort, the procedure can also be an option for you if you are a person who struggles with self-confidence in your intimate area. And, for some younger women, MonaLisa Touch® is a way to help them improve their feminine health.
What to Expect
If you want to improve your vaginal health, you have options. The exact treatment you will undergo can depend on factors such as your anatomy or if you’ve had any existing or even pre-existing conditions. As always, we recommend you speak with a qualified medical professional to see what method best suits you and your specific needs. It is very likely you’ll find that MonaLisa Touch® is the ideal treatment for you.
Reasons to Improve Vaginal Health
Enhanced Pleasure – It might be difficult to enjoy your sexual experiences with your partner if you are unhappy with your vagina. This is because your self-consciousness may not allow you to focus on the pleasure of intimate moments. As you can imagine, MonaLisa Touch® can significantly enhance a woman’s sex life. Thus, if you want to transform how you enjoy sex with your partner, this treatment could be the way to go.
Higher Levels of Sexual Confidence – At all stages of undressing, women deserve to feel comfortable and confident about their gorgeous bodies. However, multiple childbirths or genetics could leave you with elongated and stretched vaginal lips, which can make you a little uncomfortable. But with MonaLisa Touch®, your vagina can be streamlined to function exactly as you want it, and you will most likely feel more confident removing your sexy undergarments.
Greater Comfort – Beyond the bedroom, MonaLisa Touch® can give you ultimate comfort when you are out there doing other activities. And comfort is critical if you are in a profession that requires you to wear certain types of clothing. This treatment can ease the irritation that comes with walking or running. Additionally, your vaginal health will improve.
Getting Started
Improving one’s emotional state plays a huge part in why a lot of women choose to undergo MonaLisa Touch® treatments. When one feels self-conscious about any part of their body, it leads to unwanted anxiety and other psychological issues. This goes double when the body part in question is that of the female genitalia. When we perform the act of lovemaking, we are at our most emotionally vulnerable, and being self-conscious about the size and shape of our genitalia can be no small cause of distress and anxiety.
MonaLisa Touch® is a procedure that is a proven confidence booster for many women. If you want to join the women who have benefited from this treatment, make an appointment at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine, located in Fort Worth, TX. We would be more than happy to assess your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Nothing is more exciting or meaningful than taking steps to bring a child into the world. If you are having trouble conceiving, we understand your anxiety and frustration. Fortunately, an infertility specialist can help. There are many treatments available, ranging from antibiotics to high-tech solutions like in vitro fertilization. At Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas, we provide services that can help you increase your chances of welcoming a new baby into your life.
An infertility specialist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating the causes behind a person’s inability to have children. To become an infertility specialist, one must complete 4 years of medical school and 4 years of residency training in the areas of obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) or urology (andrology).
For most people, the time to see a fertility doctor depends on your age and how long you have been trying to conceive. Women under age 30 should try to conceive on their own for up to 18 months before seeing a specialist. Women between age 30 and 35 can wait 12 months. Women over age 35 should seek help after 6 months.
Fertility doctors can be of special benefit to women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), as this can lead to reproductive complications. Also, women who have had cancer can improve their chances of conceiving by seeking medical advice. Women who have had miscarriages in the past can benefit by seeing a fertility doctor before attempting to become pregnant again.
Your fertility doctor can perform a series of tests to help determine the cause of your infertility. For men, these tests usually include:
For women, these tests usually include:
As part of your examination, the fertility doctor will talk with you about your medical history. He or she will put special focus on previous pregnancies and past attempts to conceive.
For most women who have trouble conceiving, the cause of the problem is related to ovulation or a blockage in the fallopian tubes. For men, infertility is usually related to the sperm. In 5%-15% of couples who cannot conceive, all tests come back normal. Whatever the cause of your infertility is determined to be, the next step is to get treatment.
After receiving the results of your tests, your fertility doctor can recommend a treatment plan. Common treatments for men include:
Common treatments for women include:
If you are tested for infertility and all test come back normal, your fertility doctor can treat your partner. If you and/or your partner cannot be treated, your fertility doctor can recommend other options such as third-party parenting.
If you have had miscarriages in the past, your fertility doctor will look into your medical history to try to determine the cause. He or she can take steps with you to help prevent miscarriages in the future.
If your situation requires a higher level of care, your fertility doctor can refer you to a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist for ART (Advanced Reproductive Technologies). ART includes a wide range of technologically advanced methods of treating infertility.
During IUI (intrauterine insemination), sperm is collected and inserted into a woman’s uterus during ovulation.
IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a method that involves combining sperm and an egg in a lab. After being grown in the lab for 3 to 5 days, the resulting embryo is placed inside a woman’s uterus.
IVF (in vitro fertilization) and ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer) involve collecting sperm and eggs and transferring them to a woman’s fallopian tubes. This can happen either without combining them (in the case of IVF) or after bringing them together in a lab (in the case of ZIFT).
MonaLisa Touch is a non-invasive means of laser vaginal rejuvenation. If you are having trouble conceiving because vaginal atrophy is creating a barrier between you and your partner, MonaLisa Touch can help.
The treatment only takes a few minutes, and it has no pain or side effects. MonaLisa Touch works by stimulating the production of collagen in the vaginal mucosa. After the treatment, a healthy trophic balance in the mucus membrane will be restored. This can benefit your relationship with your partner and your attempts to conceive.
If you are having trouble conceiving, there are many treatment options available to you. An infertility specialist can provide the care you need to determine the cause of your infertility. He or she can then recommend treatment. If your tests come back normal, the same care can be provided to your partner.
Contact Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas for more information on our infertility services. We will be happy to speak with you about your efforts to conceive and help make your dream of having a child come true.
When you struggle to get pregnant, a fertility specialist can work with you to get you the answers you deserve. Our staff at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine can evaluate your symptoms and provide you with the treatment that’s right for your situation and your body.
There are several causes of infertility and conditions that may affect your ovulation cycle and your ability to get pregnant. Diabetes, thyroid problems, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are a few conditions that can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. Most times, your physician or gynecologist can diagnose these conditions, but they may not have the tools necessary to help you get pregnant.
Your gynecologist should be your first discussion with any fertility concerns. If you’re under the age of 35 and have not been able to get pregnant after one year of trying, it’s time to have a chat with your gynecologist. If you’re 35 or older and have been trying to get pregnant for at least six months, you should also voice your concerns.
You and your gynecologist will talk about your health history, previous pregnancies, if any, and potential tests to undergo before a referral to a fertility specialist becomes necessary. If you’ve had multiple miscarriages or have health problems that could affect fertility, your gynecologist may suggest that you visit a specialist.
Similarly, if tests your gynecologist orders show no conclusive results, he or she will probably send you to a specialist who can delve further into what might be interfering with your fertility.
Some conditions that may warrant a visit with a specialist to discuss your fertility concerns include:
Your specialist will first set you up with an appointment to discuss your concerns and your medical history. During this appointment, you may have a brief physical, much like you would at your gynecologist’s office, to check your vitals and talk about anything that might be affecting your fertility.
Your partner can also come to the appointment if you choose. Sometimes, fertility problems are caused by an issue with the male partner or by issues both partners suffer from, so it’s a good idea to get the full picture of your history as a couple and have both parties involved in the conversation.
Our specialist may order tests to further evaluate you, including a pelvic exam and ultrasound to see if any physical abnormalities are preventing you from getting pregnant, and blood tests to check your hormone levels. A pap smear is another standard test that detects an STD or cervical cancer, both of which can affect your chances of getting pregnant. Your specialist may also suggest testing your partner’s semen to determine if it might be contributing to your struggle to conceive.
There have been incredible advances in fertility treatments over the past few decades, so most women have several options for getting pregnant regardless of what’s causing their fertility struggles. After taking into consideration your medical history, test results, and everything you, your partner, and your specialist discussed during your appointment, the specialist will create a treatment plan that’s best for you.
Usually, you’ll begin with a fertility drug treatment. This can stimulate the ovulation process by triggering more hormone production. If you have a physical condition preventing you from getting pregnant, however, you may need to have surgery to correct the issue.
When other methods fail or are not a good option for you based on your medical history, the specialist might recommend intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The IUI process places sperm directly into your uterus near ovulation while the IVF process transfers a fertilized egg, or embryo, into your uterus.
It’s important to remember that your fertility specialist is an expert at what they do. Their job is to help you decide the best route to take for your body and your family. There’s never a question that’s too silly to ask when it comes to your ability to get pregnant.
Here are some topics you should consider discussing with your specialist:
• How the medical conditions that you have might affect your treatment and vice versa
• If the medications you’re on could be causing your fertility or could intervene with treatment
• What each ordered test will check for and why
• If there’s anything else that you can try before beginning hormonal or another type of treatment
• If the treatment you decided on will have any long-term effects
• Any potential problems with the embryo because of treatment
• How your body may react to treatment
Be sure to bring a notepad with all of your questions jotted down beforehand, so you don’t forget to ask important questions. You should also get contact information for your specialist during your appointment to have a quick way to contact them with questions.
For more information about fertility treatments and the specialists who can help, contact Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. We can connect you to a fertility specialist who can address your concerns, answer questions you might have, and develop a treatment plan that works for you, your partner, and your family.
When looking for women’s clinics in Fort Worth, it is important to remember that some medical facilities offer higher quality services. Females have special health care requirements that are different from what males need. A woman needs specialized medical care throughout her lifetime for a variety of issues. In some cases, females may need medical attention for sensitive issues that include treatment for sexually transmitted diseases or for life-threatening cancerous conditions. A good women’s clinic will have medical experts who have extensive training in female medical problems. When a woman visits our women’s clinic, it is possible to receive these types of services:
What Types of Services are Offered?
When you schedule an appointment with our medical clinic for women, make sure to inform our receptionist about your reason for a visit. You should bring along your insurance card from an employer or your private insurance company so that we can collect the medical fees. You may need to make a co-payment before or after your appointment, so make sure to bring along your debit card, checkbook or credit card. Depending on the type of medical service that you need, you might talk to a registered nurse, general physician or a gynecologist. If you are pregnant, then you should arrange an appointment with an obstetrician to plan your child’s delivery. During your visit, you may need a physical examination that requires disrobing before you put on a hospital gown and recline on a special examination table. For some examinations, you are directed to place your feet in metal stirrups so that a physician can collect samples for the Pap smear. You may also need to provide a urine sample for testing for a variety of health issues that include pregnancy, infections from bacteria or STDs. For a breast examination, the physician will check your breasts manually to find lumps or other issues. When you need a mammogram, each breast is placed between special devices to collect an image of the body part to find abnormalities.
Help with a Variety of Health Issues
Our women’s clinics in Fort Worth are also concerned about medical issues that occur in both genders, including:
Contact Us Today to Find Out More
The medical experts at women’s clinics can help you with a variety of health problems to improve the quality of your life. To learn more, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with our team at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. At our convenient locations in Fort Worth, our caring and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation!
You’ve always been in good health. You’ve been able to maintain an attractive figure, you feel good, and you look good. You know you can’t defy time, but you feel like you have held your own as the years fly by. Everything changed after you reached the magical age of 40. Ever since then, you have been noticing unsettling changes. Your weight is on the rise even though you have not changed any of your habits. Night sweats and hot flashes are driving you crazy. You have no energy. You are so tired that you could sleep all day. Worse yet, you never feel rested even when you do sleep well. You’re also experiencing vaginal changes that are causing discomfort. They have affected your relationship with your partner. It’s hard to find any interest in the bedroom when it can be painful. You’ve got to do something, and bioidentical hormone therapy could be the answer.
Dealing with Menopausal Symptoms Effectively
Whether you realize it or not, your body is preparing for menopause. Eventually, your reproductive system is going to shut down completely. As it prepares for this natural phase of life, your reproductive hormones are going to drop. For some women, these changes are so gradual that they don’t even notice anything different about their bodies. For others, the symptoms of menopause are extreme. As your hormone levels drop, your body is no longer in balance. The end result is troubling symptoms that can make you feel like your body is out of control. You can take the wheel and get in the driver’s seat by choosing bioidentical hormone therapy.
How Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Work?
Bioidentical hormone therapy involves using replacement hormones that have the same chemical makeup as your own hormones. Once low hormone levels have been identified, your physician can prescribe bioidentical hormone therapy. Once you have been receiving consistent dose of bioidentical hormones, your symptoms will improve. You may not be able to stop menopause from coming, but you can find a way to improve your quality of life.
Ask Our Doctor about Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Today
Your doctor has the answers when it comes to bioidentical hormone therapy. The first step is to come in for an evaluation. Your doctor will examine you, discuss your concerns, and look at your health history. A blood test will be taken to identify any hormone levels. Your doctor will want to rule out any other conditions that could be causing your issues. If hormones are at the root of the problem, you can have bioidentical hormone therapy prescribed for you. Visit Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth, TX, or contact us today to schedule your consultation!
A pelvic organ prolapse is a medical condition that occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs breaks away from its normal position and starts to push on the vagina. This will only occur after the pelvic muscles and tissues have become extremely weakened. This prevents the muscles and tissues from holding the organs in the right place. The most common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are urinary incontinence, stool incontinence, fullness in the vagina and intense pressure in the pelvis. Some may think that pelvic reconstruction is the only way to fix this issue.
While there are several different types of pelvic organ prolapses, they are all generally treated in the same manner. The goal of every woman with pelvic organ prolapse is to get their body back to normal without causing too much disruption to their life, and that is exactly what will happen when you opt for pessary insertion in Dallas.
What is Pessary Insertion?
A pessary is a small prosthetic device placed inside the vagina in the exact position of the pelvic organ prolapse. The pessary will help strengthen the surrounding pelvic muscles and tissues to keep the problematic organ in its proper position. The great thing about pessaries is that they come in many different sizes and shapes. The doctor will know the perfect one for your needs after a full examination of your vagina.
What Will Occur During the Procedure?
The first step of the pessary insertion process is an examination of the vagina. The doctor will take several measurements inside the vagina. This will help them find the perfect prosthetic device for your needs. It will also tell them exactly how big it needs to be in order to work properly. The pessary will not eliminate your issues while also potentially causing additional painful symptoms if it is not the correct size.
Once the perfect prosthetic device is found, the doctor will gently insert it into the vagina. You will be asked to stand up and move around the exam room a little bit to ensure you do not feel any pressure or pain. The doctor will then give you directions on how to remove and insert the pessary device on your own. This is extremely important information because you will need to regularly remove and clean the device at home. You will be allowed to go home after you comfortably grasped the maintenance instructions.
What Will Occur After the Procedure?
You will be able to immediately return to your normal activities after leaving the treatment center in Dallas. You will have to return for a followup appointment in exactly one week. The doctor will examine the vagina to ensure the pessary is properly fitted. They will also remove the device to check for any signs of discomfort. If everything looks alright, then the doctor will reinsert the prosthetic device after it is cleaned.
You will be tasked with removing and cleaning the device every week after this followup appointment. An additional followup appointment will be scheduled six months later. The doctor will need to make sure the prosthetic device is not showing any signs of wear and tear. You should be able to wear the same pessary for roughly two years without any complications. While you will generally never know you have a device inserted in the vagina, it should be removed before having sexual intercourse.
Why Choose Pessary Insertion Over Pelvic Reconstruction?
This treatment option is generally preferred over pelvic reconstruction because it does not require you to undergo a complicated surgical procedure. A pessary can easily be fitted in one short visit to the doctor. Pelvic reconstruction is a lengthy surgery with a long recovery process. Instead of returning home after the initial appointment, you will have to stay in the hospital for several days after undergoing the pelvic floor repair surgery.
There is also a huge difference in the recovery processes of these two common procedures. Pessary insertion requires absolutely no downtime or unwanted side effects. You will be in considerable pain after getting pelvic surgery in Dallas. Pelvic floor reconstruction requires you to take at least six weeks off of work. You will not be able to perform many normal duties during this recovery time including driving and sexual intercourse. After returning to work, it will take six more weeks to fully recover.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
Dealing with pelvic organ prolapse can be extremely embarrassing, but you should not be afraid to get the help you need. You will be amazed at how much your life improves after seeking treatment. To learn more, we welcome you to reach out and make an appointment with Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. At our convenient location in Fort Worth by Dallas, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain pelvic reconstruction to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation!
You’ve tried to prepare yourself for the physical changes that happen to a woman with aging. You were ready for the wrinkles and the gray hair. Menopause is a different story. The symptoms hit you hard. You had hoped that your healthy lifestyle would help you to cruise through this phase in your life. Unfortunately, nothing you did up until now has made a difference. As you reach this point in life when your menstrual cycle is going to stop forever, you are going through a change in hormone levels. Estrogen and progesterone levels are specifically affected during menopause. A decrease in these essential hormones does much more than mark a close to monthly periods. It can have a negative impact on you in many ways. Hormone therapy in Fort Worth can help you to find relief.
What are Common Signs That You are Experiencing Menopause?
When you are entering menopause, your period may begin by being erratic. It may be shorter or longer than it used to be. You’ll notice it stops happening regularly. Eventually, it will completely stop. Go without menstruation for a year, and you are officially in menopause. You may struggle with weight gain as your metabolism stops moving as quickly as it once did. Dramatic mood swings are to be expected. Fatigue is common. You may also have difficulty sleeping. Hot flashes can make you miserable. Vaginal changes are common as well. The tissues of your vagina will thin out, making them more prone to mild tears and irritation. Lack of lubrication is another problem. Your interest in sexual intimacy is likely to disappear. When you are going through all of these symptoms, you may think there is something seriously wrong with you. You may just need to get your hormone levels back up to where they should be.
Hormone Therapy Can Target Low Hormone Levels
If menopause is the reason you are having troublesome symptoms, hormone therapy could resolve the problem. You may also require some type of vaginal rejuvenation treatment like MonaLisa Touch. The first step in getting started is making an appointment with our expert at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. You need to be open about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Let us know how long you have been feeling the way you do. If your blood test proves that your hormone levels are not where they should be, we will discuss your hormone therapy options. Contact us today to book your consultation at our office in Fort Worth.
