While some hormonal contraceptives are clearly contraindicated in specific chronic disorders, others pose little or no threat for the same condition. To provide practical guidelines on the subject, two experts review the "WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use."
Drs. Barnhart and Goldstein share their expertise in dealing with D&C and ectopic pregnancy.
A Web exclusive by Drs. Benoit and Copel, and only available online in conjunction with the authors' article, "Antenatal screening with fetal echocardiography: when and how," in our September 2003 issue.
Most lesbian patients hesitate to reveal their sexual orientation, even though you need that information to deliver targeted health care. Creating a nonjudgmental office environment can encourage trust and disclosure, helping you to better address their unique health needs.
Dual x-ray absorptiometry is still considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring therapy, but considerable scientific evidence supports the use of peripheral quantitative ultrasound in bone assessment.
Anthrax is an optimal biologic weapon because of its fatal course, if the infection is left untreated. Ob/gyns have a critical role to play in recognizing the infection, providing timely and appropriate treatment or prophylaxis, and monitoring patients for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Women treated with OCs for menstrual disorders like dysmenorrhea and irregular bleeding may not want to put up with the withdrawal symptoms linked with the standard regimen's 7-day hormone-free interval. Extending active therapy and reducing hormone-free days can improve their quality of life.
A 30-year-old woman presented to her physician with complaints of vaginal discharge that persisted for a year and required use of two to three pads per day. What was the cause?
A detailed look at the design and outcomes of the monkey trial on tibolone, by Drs. Tom Clarkson and Leon Speroff. Available only online in conjunction with the authors' article, "Is tibolone a viable alternative to HT?" in our August 2003 issue.
A large body of research suggests that tumors in hormone users are better-differentiated and of lower grade and stage, with better outcomes. The contrary findings from WHI may reflect the older age of the participants and a need to discontinue HT 2 weeks before mammography in women aged 65 and older with dense breasts.
Clinical experience in humans in many countries and studies in monkeys say yes. Tibolone offers the symptom relief and bone benefits of CEE with endometrial safety--without stimulating breast tissue or increasing the risk of CAD.
Before choosing the appropriate surgical procedure, a two-pronged approach--transvaginal ultrasonography and CA-125 assessment--is the best way to determine the benign or malignant nature of an ovarian mass.
A cancer diagnosis no longer necessarily ends a woman's life--or her future fertility. Experts offer an update on two ways of salvaging potential fertility.
Mounting evidence suggests that a chronic oral infection may lead to an immune reaction that either triggers premature parturition or contributes to its onset.
Drug therapy isn't recommended for all women with osteopenia, a precursor to osteoporosis. Clinicians need to identify, early on, the patients with low bone mass at additional risk for future osteoporotic fractures.
Patients need an individualized approach, says this expert in pelvic reconstructive surgery. Many factors determine whether minimally invasive versus invasive surgery, or abdominal versus vaginal routes of repair are best.
A many as 20% of specimens from liquid-based cytology may lack a TZ component. The author examines the evidence on whether that should be of concern to clinicians and reveals two easy steps that can help you obtain more TZ in Pap specimens.
When should a patient who menstruates normally be diagnosed as having polycystic ovary syndrome, and what clinical differences exist between these somewhat atypical women and those with classic PCOS?
Should women be permitted to request a C/S? Physicians on both sides of the debate offer cogent arguments. What they say can help your own approach.
Therapeutic amenorrhea is not always easy to initiate or to maintain. But anticipating prolonged, heavy bleeding in patients with certain medical problems--and managing it prophylactically--is far better than trying to stop potentially life-threatening bleeding once it's begun.