According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women. Approximately 1 in 4 women will develop atrial fibrillation (AF), and women with AF are at greater risk for stroke than men who have it. Megan E. Gruber, D.O., brings her expertise in electrophysiology and cardiovascular care to the…
Monica H. Vetter, M.D., board-certified gynecologic oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, brings not only expertise in treating all types of gynecologic malignancies through a variety of techniques, including surgery and chemotherapy, but a deeply rooted passion as well. Native Kentuckian passionate about serving women in her home state As a Louisville native, Dr….
Midwife services are now available at Norton Hospital, as Norton OB/GYN Associates in downtown Louisville introduces a new midwife program. This significant addition to the practice expands existing comprehensive prenatal care services. Previously, midwifery services were available only at a Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital location in St. Matthews. A certified nurse midwife is a…
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of the female population. It is commonly defined as pain perceived to originate from the pelvic region that has been present for longer than six months. This differs from acute pelvic pain, which usually has a clearly identifiable cause…
Women in their 40s and 50s who are starting to experience symptoms of menopause and perimenopause frequently don’t know what to expect, and they are often reticent about bringing up symptoms during visits with their primary care providers. By asking questions and explaining symptoms, providers can normalize symptoms of menopause and perimenopause and put patients…
Steven J. Radtke, M.D., FACOG, FMIGS, specializes in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and has joined Norton Urogynecology Center. He earned his medical degree from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Mexico and completed his OB/GYN residency at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. Dr. Radtke completed a fellowship in minimally…
When considering gestational diabetes diagnosis criteria, carbohydrate intolerance with onset or recognition during pregnancy after 20 weeks is foremost. Gestational diabetes accounts for about 6 in 7 cases of diabetes in pregnancy. Risk factors are similar to nongestational diabetes: obesity, advanced maternal age, hypertension, family history of diabetes, nonwhite ethnicity and prior macrosomic infant. Diagnosing…
The patient A routine ultrasound at 20 weeks’ and four days’ gestation showed cervical insufficiency. A pelvic exam by the patient’s primary obstetrician revealed her cervix was 3 centimeters dilated, with a bulging bag of water beyond her cervix. The patient was admitted to Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, and a referral was sent to…
Many of our patients at Norton Urogynecology Center are middle-aged with female anatomy, who present with symptoms affecting their quality of life. They may have issues related to incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, urinary tract infections or painful sex. Fortunately, these conditions can be managed successfully. We see many patients with urinary function issues…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Up to 50% of patients with female urinary organs have some issue with bladder control, which can begin as early as their 20s. Those who have had multiple pregnancies or are overweight are at higher risk. Overactive bladder consists of at least two of the following: an urgent need to urinate right away; urinating at…
Medications are the second-line therapy for overactive bladder, after physical therapy and lifestyle changes. Overactive bladder causes bothersome sudden urges and often is accompanied by urinary incontinence. This can really be disruptive to a patient’s quality of life. Anticholinergics such as oxybutynin are the oldest of these medications and the most studied. These drugs are…
For patients who want to be completely rid of stress incontinence, midurethral sling surgery remains our mainstay treatment. The data show a high success rate, great durability and a low risk profile. With this procedure, a sling is placed underneath the urethra so when the patient coughs or strains in a way that normally results…