Sexual health is important for any adult’s well-being, but patients with cancer face a new set of challenges when it comes to sexuality. Laila S. Agrawal, M.D., breast cancer oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute, is spearheading efforts to develop a sexual health clinic at Norton Healthcare. “The World Health Organization says that sexual health is…
The decision whether or not to take hormone therapy (HT) after menopause is not made in a vacuum. Breast cancer risk is influenced by lifetime estrogen exposure and genetic risk factors. HT is just one part of the equation, along with factors like age of menopause onset, obesity and whether or not the patient breastfed….
As a natural phase of life, menopause offers a perfect opportunity to reflect with a patient on heart health and potential lifestyle changes — before she loses the “protective” effect of estrogen. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer for both women and men, and the risk of heart disease for women rises significantly eight…
After menopause, a woman who presents with a burning sensation like a urinary tract infection (UTI) may well have genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), formally called vulvovaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis. Women often will tell their doctors they have a UTI because that what it feels like, and they are often treated for a UTI…
The latest episode of the “MedChat” podcast, “Common Issues in Women’s Health” is now available. Often times, when female patients seek medical attention it is either for a specific complaint or their annual wellness exam. It is recognized that there are key issues affecting women’s health that can be overlooked if practitioners do not evaluate…
Some women begin experiencing perimenopause as early as their late 30s, with symptoms lasting anywhere from two to eight years leading up to menopause in the usual late 40s to early 50s. Younger patients may be reluctant to bring up menopause, making it important for primary care physicians and OB/GYNs to raise the topic early…
Patients referred for advanced therapies for overactive bladder can expect either Botox injections, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation or sacral neuromodulation, according to a specialist with the Norton Urogynecology Center. OnabotulinumtoxinA, or Botox, is an office-based therapy, performed under local anesthetic. “A small camera is inserted in the bladder and s small needle passes through that…
Successfully treating pregnant women for opioid use requires building a relationship with the patients, who often are experiencing shame and guilt as a result of their drug use, according to Jonathan W. Weeks, M.D., maternal-fetal medicine physician with Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “I don’t let my moral, ethical feelings come out in the way I…
Knowing when to refer a patient for specialized urogynecology care isn’t always clear, and the guidelines aren’t necessarily uniform. Norton Urogynecology Center has four locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana, with three physicians and three advanced practice providers offering sophisticated care for your patients. Conditions to refer to a urogynecologist Pelvic organ prolapse Elevated post-void…
Turning 18 comes with a lot of milestones and new beginnings for young adults. One milestone young women should consider after turning 18 is transitioning from pediatric gynecologic care to an OB/GYN provider who works with adults. Providers can help with that transition by starting conversations with patients before these young adults start managing their…
Patient safety is our top priority. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have revised policies as needed to help stop the spread of infection. There have been policy changes that affect labor and delivery for pregnant patients. If you have patients who will deliver in the next month, please let them know of the changes…
A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is a board-certified nurse practitioner who works with mom and advocates for her wishes. The CNM works in a hospital setting, and mom benefits from the safety for herself and her baby. CNMs are trained to care for low-risk pregnancies. They work closely with obstetricians to determine the need for…