ccdmtcastaldi, Author at FW Center for Pelvic Medicine

Do You Have an Overactive Bladder? Here is What You Can Do

The average person should urinate about six times every day. Taking certain medications may cause this number to be slightly higher, but your bladder should never disrupt your life. Running to the bathroom every few hours to avoid an accident is not normal. If you are getting intense urges to urinate at least eight times a day, then you may be suffering from an overactive bladder.

An overactive bladder is a medical condition that causes an instant urge to urinate. This urge is often extremely difficult to stop, which can lead to an accident. An overactive bladder is a problematic condition even if you are always able to get to the bathroom in time. It can be very hard to get much work done if you are constantly going to the bathroom. Getting a good night’s sleep is also difficult because you will likely have to get up to urinate at least two or three times. Since this condition is so disruptive, it may be time to seek proper treatment for your overactive bladder.

The muscles in a normal bladder will contract when it is full of urine. If you have an overactive bladder, then these muscle will involuntary contract at random points throughout the day. This creates an intense urge to urinate even if the bladder is not full. The exact cause of this problem is not currently known.

Treatment for the overactive bladder may start with making a few lifestyle changes. But there are also different treatment options if the lifestyle changes are not effective. If your overactive bladder is causing severe symptoms that do not go away with one of the conservative treatments, then a more involved procedure may be your best option. It all depends on the unique case.

Living with an overactive bladder can be extremely difficult, but it is only a matter of time before you have a normal life again. Talk to our team at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine to learn more about your treatment options, including MonaLisa Touch® treatment. Contact us today for a consultation in Fort Worth, TX.

Urinary Incontinence: How to Treat It

It is often assumed that urinary incontinence is a sign of aging. While it is tempting to believe this to be the case, it turns out that in most cases, it is simply a sign of weak pelvic floor muscles. What this means is that urinary incontinence can strike at virtually any age. If your pelvic floor muscles go weak, then you will start to see signs of urinary incontinence beginning. These signs are usually noticed as stress incontinence that manifests as minor leaking due to sneezing or vigorous activity. Fortunately, the majority of cases, even in elderly adults, can be easily reversed.

By far, the most effective approach to reversing urinary incontinence is to strengthen your weakened pelvic floor muscles. This can sometimes be done through a series of exercises that work by identifying the muscle that is used when you stop urinating. But this method is ineffective for a lot of people.

If you have stress incontinence, due to sneezing, laughing or coughing, then you may benefit from reducing your overall liquid intake. While it is good to drink a sufficient amount of liquids each day, this can be a problem for people with stress incontinence.

Urge incontinence occurs when you get a chronic urge to urinate. It can be an annoying problem that is disrupting your daily routine. By retraining your bladder to wait longer and longer between bathroom trips, you will be counteracting the sensation of urge incontinence and retraining your body to not be so spastic in its urging you to release urine.

While most cases of urinary incontinence can be easily resolved, there are some situations where injury or a defective urinary system is responsible for the condition. In these cases, treatment will be more involved.

The good news is we have effective treatments available at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. Contact us today to book a consultation at our office in Fort Worth, TX.

Are You a Candidate for a Pessary Insertion?

Pessary insertion involves the use of a soft device that is usually made of silicone. It can be used to treat conditions like genital prolapse or stress incontinence. Pessaries come in several different shapes and sizes, and the doctor will choose the one that best fits the patient’s needs.

What is Genital Prolapse?

Genital prolapse is a condition caused by a weakening of the pelvic floor or the muscles, ligaments, fascia and connective tissues that hold the pelvic organs in their proper place. Organs like the rectum, bladder or uterus then fall and press on the vagina.

In many cases, surgery can be performed to repair and strengthen the pelvic floor. But some patients either don’t want surgery, or they want to wait until they have finished having children. Our doctor can provide such women with a pessary to provide support to the vagina and keep the other organs in their proper place.

What Happens During a Pessary Insertion?

We will first perform a pelvic exam to determine the severity of the prolapse. We can then move forward with the pessary insertion. Size will be an important consideration. A pessary that is too small may simply fall out, while one that is too big will cause the patient discomfort. The patient shouldn’t feel the pessary at all.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Pessaries are for women who have either stress urinary incontinence or genital prolapse. In the latter case, we may offer a pessary if the patient can’t or doesn’t want to undergo surgery. The patient may, for instance, have a condition that makes having surgery dangerous. For such a patient, a simple pessary insertion is usually a safer option. The patient may also want to get a pessary if she is planning on getting pregnant in the near future.

The patient must understand that she will have to take care of the pessary. A patient unwilling to commit to such care is not a good candidate for a pessary.

To learn more about your candidacy for a pessary insertion, make an appointment at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. Contact us today and book a consultation at our office in Fort Worth.

What are My Options for Endometriosis Treatment in Dallas?

Endometriosis is a painful gynecologic condition in Dallas in which the lining of the uterus grows outside this organ. The development of endometrial tissue occurs on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining, where it continues to thicken and shed during the menstrual cycle. Because the tissue cannot exit the body, it creates fibrous and scar tissue as well as cysts.

Endometrial tissue overgrowth leads to symptoms that can include painful menstruation, pain during intercourse, pain when going to the bathroom, very heavy periods or bleeding between periods, fatigue, bloating, and nausea. Endometriosis is also associated with infertility. Though this condition is chronic, treatment options can alleviate symptoms and increase the chance of conception and pregnancy.

Endometriosis is more common among women in Dallas who began menstruating at an early age, have never been pregnant, are menstruating beyond the average age for menopause, have menstrual cycles that average less than 27 days, have higher estrogen levels, have a low body mass index, drink alcohol, have a family history of endometriosis, and/or have uterine abnormalities.

Treatment options in Dallas for endometriosis range from conservative measures to surgery depending on the severity of symptoms. The first line of defense is often over-the-counter medications to reduce painful cramps during menstruation. This can be combined with certain lifestyle measures that relieve symptoms.

If this is ineffective, other treatments will be recommended. It all depends on the unique case, as there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for endometriosis. Women who are trying to become pregnant may undergo a procedure to remove excess endometrial tissue growth while preserving the uterus and ovaries. When endometriosis is very severe and does not respond to conservative surgery, a hysterectomy may be required.

If you live in the Dallas area, get in touch with us at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine for an evaluation if you’re experiencing the symptoms of endometriosis. We can help develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Contact us today to book an appointment at our office in Fort Worth.

The Importance of Getting an Annual Gynecology Exam in Fort Worth

Going to the OB/GYN is important to your overall health. Many think this visit is just to receive a pap smear or for when something specific is wrong. You may wonder why you should bother making that yearly trek to the gynecologist. There are actually a lot of reasons why it’s still a wise idea. Let’s look at the importance of getting an annual gynecology exam in Fort Worth.

Birth Control

Birth control is a very personal issue for most women, and there are many reasons for women to pursue various options. Your choice of birth control methods is likely to evolve and change over time. Therefore, taking time to assess your current needs, any side effects you may be experiencing and your general health regularly is a good idea. Our gynecologist can help you navigate and address these issues at your yearly exam.

STI Screening

Sexually transmitted infections, STIs, are conditions that are spread through sexual contact. People who have multiple sexual partners are at risk for such conditions as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. Regular screening for such conditions, also known as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs, is recommended for those who aren’t monogamous with their sexual partner or whose partner may not be monogamous.

Menopause

If you’re age 40 or older, you may have special concerns not experienced when you were younger. Many stages of development come with their own unique gynecologically-related issues. The onset of menopause and the years before reaching it are heavily influenced by changes in your hormonal levels that can affect you in various and unexpected ways. Our OB/GYN can help you to understand these changes and provide you with options for dealing with them.

General Physical Health

It’s recommended that young women have their first gynecology exam between the ages of 13 and 15, most certainly at least by the time they’re sexually active. This allows them to get to know and become comfortable with the doctor, as well as their bodies. Not all gynecological services begin at this age, but it does start the opportunity for the relationship to develop. Feeling comfortable enough to ask questions is imperative to your overall health.

There are many more reasons you should consider getting an annual gynecology exam at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. Schedule yours sooner rather than later, especially if you are experiencing problems related to your female health. Contact us today to book your appointment at our office in Fort Worth!

Find Specialized Infertility Treatments in Fort Worth

It can take up to a year for the average, healthy woman under 35 to conceive. After the age of 35, a pregnancy is certainly possible, but it may take even longer. At-home methods of conception, such as using a calendar to track the woman’s monthly cycle or using an ovulation detection kit, are a great place to start, but are not always effective. If you and your partner have been trying to have a baby and have not had any luck, it may be time to seek out infertility treatments in Fort Worth to make sure nothing is amiss.

Understanding Infertility

One of the most important aspects to keep in mind while you’re trying to conceive is that most healthy people are not completely infertile. Women may have gynecological issues and still be able to conceive with help. Men may have a low sperm count that can be overcome with IUI or IVF. Unless there is an anatomical issue, there are usually treatments you can use to raise your odds of conception.

The Testing Phase

Before you can begin treatments for infertility, we will need to run tests to help narrow down the cause. Both partners will need to be tested. For men, a sperm sample may be all that is needed. For women, blood tests, a pelvic exam and an ultrasound are standard procedure. Blood work will reveal any hormonal issues that might be preventing conception, while a pelvic exam and an ultrasound can help rule out any physical abnormalities. Something as small as a benign polyp on the uterine wall can stymie your efforts to get pregnant, so it’s best to be thorough. From there, we can come up with a specialized infertility treatment for you.

Getting Started

Infertility treatments can help you to get the family you’ve always wanted. If you have been trying for a year or more and are under 35 or you have been trying for six months or more and are over 35, schedule a consultation with us at the Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. We look forward to helping you achieve the family of your dreams. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Fort Worth!

Advantages of a Transvaginal Ultrasound in Fort Worth

A transvaginal ultrasound is a medical imaging test that is used to let doctors examine the reproductive organs in the female body. This test is primarily performed when you are dealing with pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, fibroids or an ectopic pregnancy. Unlike a traditional pelvic imaging test, the transducer device will be inserted a few inches inside the vagina during a transvaginal ultrasound. Performing the test in this manner provides several benefits over a traditional pelvic exam in Fort Worth.

Comfortable Procedure

You will never have to worry about experiencing much discomfort during a transvaginal ultrasound. This is true even if you are experiencing very strong pains in the pelvis. A protective cover will be placed over the transducer device before the test begins. The device will also be lubricated before getting inserted into the vaginal canal.

Uses No Radiation

A transvaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your organs, so you will never have to worry about exposing your body to radiation. Nobody wants to expose their body to radiation, but it is even worse when you are currently pregnant. The lack of radiation makes a transvaginal ultrasound the perfect imaging test for pregnant women in Fort Worth. The sound waves ensure that absolutely no harm will be done to your fetus during this medical test.

High Image Quality

The goal of every medical test is to get the best results possible, and that is exactly what you will receive when you get a transvaginal ultrasound at our office in Fort Worth. Inserting the ultrasound device inside the vaginal canal will help create high-quality images of your reproductive organs. These excellent images are achievable because the transducer device will be very close to your pelvic organs when it sends the sound waves. The high-quality images will allow the medical professional to detect a very small abnormality in your body. This is simply not possible with any other exam of the pelvis.

Short Procedure Time

While a transvaginal ultrasound may be a simple experience, nobody wants to spend a lot of time at the doctor. Luckily, you will not have to wait long before you can return home after getting this medical test. A transvaginal ultrasound in Fort Worth should only take minutes to complete.

Make an appointment at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine to learn about how a transvaginal ultrasound can benefit you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!

Breast Cancer Treatment with Dr. Johns in Fort Worth

When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s a nightmare. You have a disease inside your body that could kill you if it is not cured. The moment you hear those dreaded words, you may start to panic. It’s overwhelming when you have to sit down and consider your options. You need a doctor who will be your partner in finding a way out of this darkness. Dr. Johns in Fort Worth can be your guide in finding the right breast cancer treatment for you. Breast cancer is frightening, but you can ease your fears when you have a plan of action that will help you to put breast cancer behind you once and for all.

Where Will Your Breast Cancer Journey Treatment Begin?

The first step is to have a thorough evaluation from Dr. Johns. Dr. Johns will make sure that all of the necessary tests are performed to have a clear picture of what is involved with your breast cancer. This not only includes the breast, but any other area in the body that might be affected as well. Once Dr. Johns has all of the results, it will be possible to move forward.

Tailoring Your Breast Cancer Treatment for You

Your treatment in Fort Worth will depend on your needs. Your plan will not be exactly the same as anyone else’s. If you do have your breasts removed, it will be up to you to decide if you are going to have reconstructive surgery. Dr. Johns will also determine what type of treatment you will need after the cancer has been removed. You can learn about dietary changes and the benefits of exercise to help you on the way to recovery. You can put cancer behind you when you have the right doctor at your side. Dr. Johns is here for you to help you to find your way to a future without cancer.

Make Your Appointment in Fort Worth Today

If you have recently discovered you have breast cancer, don’t hesitate. You need to take charge of this disease. Dr. Johns at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth will be with you every step of the way, but first you need to make an appointment. Whether you are interested in MonaLisa Touch® treatment or cancer treatment, our team can help you. Come in for the first time to have an evaluation that will give Dr. Johns a baseline. Cancer is scary, but Dr. Johns will ease your fears with a variety of approaches that will eliminate cancer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Seeking Infertility Treatments in Fort Worth

The media portrayal of pregnancy leads many people to believe that a woman can perfectly plan her family. Women on television and in movies announce they are trying for a baby and are obviously expecting in no time. In real life, it can take a healthy woman a year or more to get pregnant. Furthermore, older women may take even longer. If you are in Fort Worth and have been trying to conceive for a year or more, it may be time to seek out infertility treatments at our center.

Starting the Process

If you’ve been working with your gynecologist or family doctor and have already tried conservative measures for infertility, don’t be worried about asking for a referral. Your doctor will not be offended if you decide to see a fertility specialist. If you haven’t started with conservative measures yet and don’t have a health care provider to work with you, you can choose to begin at a fertility specialist or a fertility clinic right away.

The Testing Phase

Before starting infertility treatments, both partners will need to go through some tests to check for issues. For males, STD tests and a sperm sample are standard. If the sperm sample is good, the man is fertile. For females, the process is a bit more involved. There will need to be both blood work and physical exams to check for signs of problems that could be impacting your fertility. Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometriosis, scar tissue, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female athletic triad, hormonal imbalances and more may all need to be ruled out. Once the testing is complete, you can start treatments.

Infertility Treatment Options

Your treatment plan is drawn up with your input. If issues were found in the testing phase, sometimes simply correcting them or treating them will restore your fertility. If no issues were found and your cycle is predictable, our fertility specialist may want to watch you for a few months by scanning you with an ultrasound machine during your cycle. This allows us to watch the growth of your follicles to ensure they are maturing properly.

If you are not comfortable with more aggressive measures such as IUI or IVF treatments, our fertility specialist will respect your limits. At no point will you be pressured to accept treatments you feel are “too much” for you. Don’t be afraid to speak up about your limits and what you would like to try, as there are many different options available.

Deciding to have a child and then failing to get pregnant can be a disheartening experience. If you have been trying and haven’t had luck, schedule an informative consultation with us at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. We are committed to helping our patients grow their families and would be delighted to help you with yours. Contact our office in Fort Worth today to schedule your first appointment and learn about our infertility treatments.

Finding the Ideal Fort Worth Gynecologist

Choosing a Fort Worth gynecologist is an important decision. You have to deal with unique health issues as a woman at any age. You need a doctor by your side who understands the female reproductive system, what to look for in proper development, and how to address issues as they arise. Your visits with a gynecologist should begin in your teen years, especially once you become sexually active. They’ll continue for the rest of your life and through menopause as your reproductive system shuts down. It’s only sensible that you find the right gynecologist for you to join you on the journey of life.

Look for a Location that Works Best for You

Your gynecologist should be located near your job, home or school. There should be no reason to make excuses about paying a visit for an annual checkup or a more pressing matter. Whether it is time for your annual exam or you are experiencing a problem, make your life easier by finding a gynecologist that makes your visits simple. Pay attention to the office and staff. You should receive a warm welcome every time you pay a visit to your gynecologist. Most importantly of all, our gynecologist should put you at ease. If you do not have a positive experience, continue searching for the ideal gynecologist.

Find Someone You Can be Open with About Issues that Concern Female Health

You need to be aware of issues that are specific to your body. You also need to know when your body is on track and when it isn’t. When you choose wisely as you select a Fort Worth gynecologist, you can freely discuss any concerns that you may have. As you have your regular exams, our gynecologist will be evaluating your breasts, vagina and reproductive organs to ensure you are in good reproductive health.

A pap smear will evaluate the cells of your cervix for the possibility of cancer. A mammogram and breast exam are intended to look for abnormalities in your breasts. Our gynecologist will stay on top of any problem to help you stay healthy. We will also take care of birth control needs by providing you with counseling and options. If you are pregnant, someone will be taking care of you and your baby for nine months. When menopause sets in, the right Forth Worth gynecologist will help you deal with troubling symptoms.

Choose Our Fort Worth Gynecologist Today

As you prepare to find a Fort Worth gynecologist, don’t be hasty. Turn to family members, friends and colleagues to get suggestions. Review your options online, consider testimonials and set up consultations to form your own impressions. Begin regular visits and be sure to keep your appointments. When you have any kind of problem, get in touch. Stay on top of anything out of the ordinary with a gynecologist who makes you a top priority at the Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. Don’t settle for less than the right one for you. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment!

Do You Have an Overactive Bladder? Here is What You Can Do

Urinary Incontinence: How to Treat It

Are You a Candidate for a Pessary Insertion?

What are My Options for Endometriosis Treatment in Dallas?

The Importance of Getting an Annual Gynecology Exam in Fort Worth

Find Specialized Infertility Treatments in Fort Worth

Advantages of a Transvaginal Ultrasound in Fort Worth

Breast Cancer Treatment with Dr. Johns in Fort Worth

Seeking Infertility Treatments in Fort Worth

Finding the Ideal Fort Worth Gynecologist

Fort Worth

Willow Park

Glen Rose

Pecan Plantation

Recent Posts