The data driving hormone replacement therapy guidelines has changed considerably since the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study upended prescribing patterns in the early 2000s. Yet many clinicians — particularly those in primary care — are still practicing under assumptions rooted in that now-contextualized research. In a recent episode of Norton Healthcare’s “MedChat” podcast, a conversation…
Menstrual migraine affects approximately 60% of women with migraine yet remains significantly underdiagnosed in clinical practice. This hormonal-triggered condition requires coordinated care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. “In a primary care setting, especially OB/GYN offices, it’s important to expect migraine,” said Ricardo A. Herrera, M.D., neurologist and headache medicine specialist with Norton…
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….
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…
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…
In addition to Botox, patients with overactive bladder and urge incontinence who have failed to improve on medication can choose from two procedures that work by modulating nerve activity: sacral neuromodulation and percutaneous nerve stimulation. Both treat overactive bladder and urinary urgency, with or without incontinence. Patients can pick the treatment that best fits their…
Pelvic health physical therapy can alleviate pain and improve the strength and function of pelvic floor muscles — enhancing quality of life, hygiene, safety and independence. Sometimes therapy is all that’s needed to address pelvic-health-related conditions such as bladder or bowel control, stool or urine leakage, pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. Physical therapy can…