Vulvovaginal Diseases
The “vulva” refers to the genital structures external to the vaginal canal in the female. The vulva has many anatomical components, including the labia majora (large lips), labia minora (small lips), clitoris, vestibule, vestibular glands, and the urethral opening (see figure). The health of the vulva is dependent on natural hormones, and therefore, it can […]
Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
What is interstitial cystitis? Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a term used to describe the condition of bladder pain or discomfort with a frequent and urgent need to pass urine. Nine in ten people with IC are women. People with interstitial cystitis may have a bladder wall that is inflamed and irritated (red and painful). In […]
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is a term commonly used to describe discomfort occurring from reproductive organs in women. Women who live with pelvic pain may be experiencing symptoms of more serious complications. These complications can involve any aspect of the reproductive system, including the cervix, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Our clinic provides a team of […]
Sexual Dysfunction
What is sexual dysfunction? Sexual dysfunction can happen to an individual or a couple. It refers to any problem that prevents pleasure during the sexual response cycle. This cycle includes four phases: Motivation, or desire. Arousal. Orgasm. Resolution. What are the types of sexual dysfunction in women? Sexual dysfunction in women is a disorder that can take […]
Fecal incontinence
What is fecal incontinence? Fecal incontinence is when a person loses the ability to control their bowel movement, resulting in leakage of gas or stool (feces) through the anus (back passage). It can range from difficulty with control of gas to more severe with loss of control over liquid or formed stool. It is a […]
Nocturnal Polyuria
What is nocturnal polyuria? Nocturnal polyuria literally means that you wake up at night (nocturnal) several times (poly) because you have to urinate (“uria”). What causes nocturnal polyuria? Nocturnal polyuria occurs in both men and women. It becomes more common as people age. Nocturnal polyuria is caused by: Congestive heart failure – A condition where […]
Urinary Retention
Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder. With chronic urinary retention, you may be able to urinate, but you have trouble starting a stream or emptying your bladder completely. You may urinate frequently; you may feel an urgent need to urinate but have little success when you get to the toilet; or you […]
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
With age and childbirth, the muscles and ligaments which support the pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, uterus, small intestine) can weaken, resulting in pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is essentially a hernia that develops within the pelvis, causing the fallen organ to push through the vaginal wall. Any organ can prolapse and the terminology is […]
Hematuria
What is hematuria? Hematuria is blood in the urine. Two types of blood in the urine exist. Blood that can be seen in the urine is called gross hematuria. Blood that cannot be seen in the urine, except when examined with a microscope, is called microscopic hematuria. What are the symptoms of hematuria? Most people […]
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body’s liquid waste products. The urinary tract includes the following parts: Kidneys, which produce urine by removing waste and water from the blood Ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder Bladder, the sac-like container for storing urine Urethra, the tube […]