The post “What is adenomyosis? The uterine condition that causes painful periods” Article Contribution by Dr. Tahery appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

The post “How to Treat (and Prevent) a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy” Article Contribution by Dr. Tahery appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

The post “Nonmonogamy and Vaginal Health” Article Contribution by Dr Michael Tahery appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

The main treatment for menstrual cramps are NSAIDS and birth control pills. However many women prefer more natural options to medication. Studies have shown moderate to high intensity exercises reduce production of prostaglandins and pain associated with menstruation.

RELATED: 4 Common Reasons You Might Be Experiencing Irregular Periods

In my offices we are able to rule out conditions that cause severe menstrual cramps and bleeding, such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and hormonal changes through special ultrasound examinations. The ultrasound evaluations are designed to examine the uterus and the ovaries as well as the endometrial lining for evidence of disease process that can be corrected.

In case of idiopathic or severe menstrual bleeding and cramps that have no identifiable etiology, we design a treatment program that involves the use of exercise, and herbal based supplements to reduce pain and bleeding and eliminate the need for NSAIDS and birth control pills in many cases.

The post Exercise Reduces the Pain from periods appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

As physicians the first impulse is to treat with antibiotics or antifungals, even before we have determined what is the offending organism.

This is always a bad idea. Antibiotics and antifungals result in reduction of good bacteria and other organisms responsible for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment. These good bacteria are usually the first to go once a person is treated with antibiotics or antifungals. The absence of good bacteria then results in recurrent colonization of the vagina with multiple organisms from rectum, skin, a sexual partner or yeast.

The most successful course of treatment in my practice is to create an vaginal environment hospitable to good bacteria and resistant to organisms that do not belong there. I use tested and proven natural products such as boric acid and special probiotics that we compound in our office, to enhance the vaginal health and return the good bacterial environment. This strategy has been effective in treating women with recurrent vaginal  infections and urinary tract infections, bladder irritative symptoms, pain with intercourse, recurrent abnormal odor and irritation and many other.

Many studies show ⅘ over the counter supplements and compounds do not contain products advertised on the bottle and ¼ of these may be contaminated with lead or mercury. There is no FDA supervision of these products and even the companies manufacturing these products are unsure of the source of their ingredients. Also probiotics are fragile and depending on the production, transport, and storage conditions may lose their activity.

For these reasons, I do not recommend over the counter or online products.

My staff and I take all precautions to produce, store, and deliver the most effective and safe supplements for your needs.  Please ask us about our products.

My advice if you have vaginal or bladder infection symptoms: 1)do not get treated without getting checked. 2)culture if symptoms are strong, prolonged, or recurrent to determine what organism is responsible and what the status of the vaginal environment is. 3)avoid antibiotics and anti fungal medications if possible. 4)use natural products that you know are safe and effective not just advertised as so.

The post Treating Vaginal Infections appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

The pain becomes worse and worse with time and eventually no longer restricted to menses. Pain can appear randomly, with bowel movement, intercourse, cause frequent urination, bloatedness and many other symptoms. The usual age of diagnosis is late 20’s when the pain gets intolerable or if a couple has difficulty getting pregnant. The major issues reported are pain and infertility. Women with strong family history of endometriosis are at higher risk for the disease. Puberty hormones stimulate the growth of the endometriosis and menopausal hormone withdrawal marks the end of endometriosis. Endometriosis have been found in girls as young as 8 year of age. 

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of endometriosis is surgical. Diagnosis is performed through a small umbilical incision of 5mm by inserting a camera called a laparoscope inside the abdomen. This operation is usually recommended once a patient reports unbearable progressive menstrual pains, or unexplained fertility. Other times finding of a blood filled ovarian cyst also called endometrioma prompts a surgical evaluation and leads to diagnosis. Endometriosis is staged based on the spread of the disease identified during surgery. Severity of symptoms do not correlate with the extent of the disease.  

RELATED: Endometriosis Treatment in Los Angeles

TREATMENT

Treatment options are surgical and hormonal suppression. During a diagnostic laparoscopy endometriosis lesions can be eliminated using excision or lasers. Treatment can also be in the form of hormonal suppression such as birth control pills. Many women who are unable or unwilling to use birth control pills may use bio-identical hormones to suppress the growth of the endometriosis and control pain. The ideal treatment is a combination of the surgical and hormonal suppression. Surgically the extent of the disease can be determined and the visible lesions can be excised which reduces pains and improve fertility. Hormonal suppression is also used to reduce the disease progression or recurrence.

Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial since endometriosis expands with time. In my practice women diagnosed early usually have the best outcome. Do not ignore persistent signs and symptoms. If you suspect endometriosis in yourself or a friend and would like to be evaluated please give us a call or pay us a visit in Glendale or West Los Angeles.

The post What is Endometriosis ? appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Follicles

Follicles are cysts ovaries make on a monthly basis as they prepare to ovulate or release an egg. These cysts are normal and non-cancerous. However, at times they may cause pain. Sometimes during intercourse one of these cysts or follicles, as we call them, pop and release either blood or fluid into the abdomen causing pain. The pain can be so severe that it may be confused with appendicitis. Follicles are easily diagnosed with ultrasound and usually with pain management resolve on their own.

Polycystics Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is when ovaries make too much male hormone or androgens. Elevated androgen levels disrupt the delicate ovulation cycle and result in menstrual irregularities. Three criteria are required for PCOS diagnosis; elevated androgen levels, polycystic appearing ovaries on ultrasound, and irregular menstruations. Typically, women with PCOS complain of increased acne, increased facial and body hair, male pattern baldness, weight gain, and in long term are at increased risk for infertility, diabetes, uterine and breast cancer, and heart disease. Treatment is usually through suppressing the excess androgen production and usually is very successful. I enjoy taking care of patients with PCOS and fertility issues. Treatment can be challenging, but usually very successful and rewarding.

RELATED:  What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or (PCOS)?

Endometriomas

Endometriomas are formed by endometriosis implants on the ovary. Endometriosis is displacement of endometrial glands from inside the uterus to the internal pelvic cavity and organs.  Once these glands land on the ovary and are stimulated during each menstrual cycle by the estrogen from the ovaries, they grow and produce bloody ovarian cysts. We call these endometriomas. This condition typically causes pain prior to menses and gets progressively worse with age. In severe cases patients visit emergency rooms frequently for pain management. Also, many women with chronic pelvic pain suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis may also scar internal reproductive organs causing fertility problems. Endometrioma can be seen on ultrasound however endometriosis can only be diagnosed by evaluation of the internal abdominal cavity using a special surgical instrument called laparoscope. This operation is done through a small umbilical incision under general anesthesia. Because of my expertise in laparoscopic surgery endometriosis treatment has become a large part of my practice.

Dermoids

Dermoids, are primarily diagnosed in young women and originate from undifferentiated cells in the ovary. After puberty these cells multiply and become hair, skin, bone, and other tissue within the ovary. Dermoid cysts are surgically removed once they grow and cause pain, usually through laparoscopy.

RELATED: Can Endometriosis Become Cancer?

Borderline and Cancerous Cysts

Borderline and cancerous cysts of the ovary are rapidly growing and sometimes invasive tumors that are difficult to diagnose in early stages. The rate of ovarian cancer is 1/3200 women and it is more common after menopause. Women with a history of breast and ovarian cancer are at increased risk. Genetic testing in women with a strong family history is recommended to determine their risk level. In women determined to be at high risk of cancer close observation and prophylactic surgery has been helpful in preventing the occurrence of cancer. No method of screening for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the general population has been identified.

Ovarian cysts are common and varied. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in avoiding medical issues in later years. A complete medical history, pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasound, and blood test are all simple first steps. So, visit your gynecologist.

Schedule an appointment with Dr Michael Tahery at the Glendale office or the West Los Angeles office to find out more about ovarian cysts and the treatment options available.

The post Types Of Ovarian Cysts appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

How many couples do you know trying to get pregnant and have difficulty? Or have “fertility anxiety”?

On any given day in my practice, I am faced with the seemingly straight forward, yet complex question from women at various stages of their lives; “can I get pregnant?”. Women in their twenties and nervous about their health; those in their thirties worried about the metaphorical clock ticking away; and women in their forties optimistically seeking guidance. Some may have tried a few cycles naturally to get pregnant and others may not be ready yet.

Fertility is big news because the rate of infertility is increasing in both men and women. Several factors are implicated and the most common are environment, age, genetics, and medical conditions.

Diet and environmental toxins are very concerning topic. Pesticides, hormones added to foods, chemicals in the air we breathe and water we drink may play an important role. It effects the health of the female ovaries and the eggs they produce; it also effects the number and quality of sperm in men.

Advanced maternal age is another big factor. As ovaries age, the produced eggs are harder to fertilize. The number of eggs also decrease with age. The rate of attrition increases after 30, speeds up after 35 and at 40 very few eggs are left. If you are from a family with children born to mothers in their forties, your chance of having children later in life also increases. Genetics is an important factor and is much harder to analyze. Testing can determine your approximate egg count and quality and many of the factors that impede fertility.

Medical conditions that may not play a significant role in the fertility of a young adult can become serious factors as the person ages. Fibroids and endometriosis are two common examples. These conditions worsen with age and cause damage to reproductive organs. Hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, disrupt ovulation cycles and make eggs weaker. Simple office evaluation can diagnose many of these medical conditions.

Some of the fertility anxiety experienced by women may be justified and many are not, and most are easily treated. Discuss any concerns with a gynecologist. There are many ways your fertility can be evaluated. Simple, tried and true instructions can increase your odds of pregnancy, such as treating your body better with a balanced diet, exercise, and getting your checkup at least annually. In my practice, at times, simple solutions and early detection have made tremendous improvements in a couples fertility.

Oddly enough, anxiety about fertility has shown to reduce the chances of pregnancy. So, relax. Seek the help of a gynecologist.

The post Fertility Anxiety appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.