Gynecology, Pain, Sex
What Women Suffer Most from Menopause?
There’s a universal fact for women. If they live long enough, their capacity to bring forth children will end, and they will become menopausal. Menopause can be when the thermostat becomes their most prized possession. But not all women have hot flashes. Some go through this period wondering why they have no symptoms. The best advice for them is, “Enjoy the smooth sailing!” Other women endure needless suffering. There are treatments, and these women should see their doctors. The medical journal, The Lancet, has urged women to become educated about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Menopause should not be considered a disease. It is a natural process. Be cautious with commercial interests of pharmaceutical companies’ propaganda. Seek information from a medical specialist. The authors of...Read More
Gynecology
Early Hormone Therapy Has Benefits
It was surprising news in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. There’s another about-turn among scientists studying hormone therapy (HT) as a treatment for symptoms of menopause. This time, researchers have produced findings that suggest benefits to healthy women who start HT early in the transition to menopause. Women have long been perplexed by conflicting advice on hormone replacement, and this new study doesn’t offer universal guidance. The bottom line remains, HT is a complicated business, requiring patients and doctors to weigh many factors in deciding for or against. Dr. Iliana Lega of the Women’s College Hospital and the University of Toronto has this to say, “Menopausal hormone therapy is the first line treatment of symptoms in the absence of contraindications.” That clarity...Read More
Gynecology, Pain
Why Do Some Women Have Pain During Sex
Why do some women shy away from sex? It might be fatigue after a long day where everything, everything, has gone wrong. But before men jump to conclusions, they should know about a disease called endometriosis. This problem causes severe pain during sex. It occurs in about 10 percent of women and has a profound effect of their lives. And, about 30 percent will have trouble becoming pregnant. Some women with endometriosis may be fortunate. In spite of extensive disease, they are completely free of symptoms. Others, with minimal amounts of endometriosis bitterly complain of a variety of symptoms. What is endometriosis? At the end of a menstrual cycle women experience vaginal bleeding. The inside of the uterus, called the endometrium, starts...Read More
Alternate Treatments, Genitourinary, Gynecology, Obesity, Surgery
What to Do When Things Fall Down
The law of gravity means our bodies are pulled down to Earth. This fact inevitably spells trouble over time. But for some women, it causes inconvenient and annoying issues, and sometimes surgery, to address what’s called vaginal prolapse. Not all women are born equal. Some inherit tougher pelvic tissues and do not experience prolapse, even after bearing several children. But the more pregnancies, the greater the risk in older age of weakened all pelvic structures leading to the sagging of the vagina, urinary bladder and often the rectum. The most common complaint is the loss of urine on coughing and sneezing. A large survey of women in North America revealed that four percent suffer from this annoying problem. Apart from pregnancy, what else...Read More
Gynecology, Pediatrics, Philosophy, Surgery
The Changing Nature of Birth
We said goodbye to a beloved 17-year-old dog this week. She had rapidly lost quality of life. As sad as it was, few would have any qualms whatsoever with the vet’s provision of humane, painless, and sensible euthanasia. But what’s going on with medical interventions at the great miracle of birth? It’s no secret that humans commonly push the boundaries of scientific possibility – for better or for worse. Traditionally, interruptions in the natural birthing process have been overwhelmingly in the “for better” category. Caesarean sections may not have been a desirable option for women prior to the advent of modern surgical techniques – uterine suturing, for example – not to mention anesthesia. But in the modern era, there can be no...Read More
Gynecology, Philosophy
I Swore I’d Never Write About This Again
Abortion became legal in Canada in 1969. I faced a dilemma. I had written a book titled, “On Being A Woman: The Woman’s Guide to Gynecology”. It supported a woman’s right to control her own body, including the right to abortion. So I had two choices when doctors started referring patients to me for this procedure. I could change my mind about abortion to avoid censure. Or I could follow my own conscience. Thus, legal abortions became a part of my surgical practice. I entered what I described in my biography the "Bastille years" of my life. They were difficult times. If I were a woman, I’d be mad as hell now, considering what is happening in the U.S. Several states...Read More
Cancer, Gynecology
Ovarian cancer, the one that whispers
What couldn’t I believe? Discovering that it’s been 42 years since I last wrote about ovarian cancer! During my time as a surgeon, what was my primary concern about this malignancy? And what has happened in the last four decades to bring hope to those diagnosed with this disease? Ovarian cancer is the third most common malignancy of the female pelvic organs, after uterine and cervical cancer. But it is also the most fatal pelvic malignancy. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. It’s also more likely to occur if close relatives have developed the disease. Also at risk are childless women and those who have had breast cancer. Vulnerable too, are those with early onset of menstruation, or a late...Read More
Gynecology
What Women (and Men) Should Know About HRT
The year 2002 was a worrying year for women who were taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to combat troublesome menopausal symptoms. Bold newspaper headlines reported that a study called The Women’s Health Initiative, conducted by the National Institute of Health, showed an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease and blood clots in the legs and lungs of those taking HRT for longer than five years. It was hardly prime time to be prescribed estrogen. But what are the facts in 2018? The passage of time often changes opinions in many areas. Treatment of menopause is no exception. Now, after 18 years, the Women’s Health Initiative says the potential harm of HRT was overstated for healthy women...Read More
Gynecology
Erectile Dysfunction; But What about Female Dysfunction?
How many males would like to see their genitals shrink so it’s impossible to have sex? I bet not many. So today, the term erectile dysfunction (ED) has lost its stigma and become familiar words. Tens of thousands of males now find solace in ED drugs. But what about women in their 40s and later years who suffer from more than a headache when sex is mentioned? This is where equality of the sexes is sadly lacking. Maurice Chevalier used the say, “Vive la difference” about sex. But this difference presents problems at menopause for both sexes. For males menopause is less abrupt, but they can suffer from fatigue, insomnia, grumpiness, problems at work and ED. For females, the onset of hot...Read More
Gynecology
Women Are Not Just Men with Boobs and Tubes
George Carlin, the American comedian, once remarked when referring to God, “He, and if there is a God, I am convinced He is a He because no woman could or would screw things up this badly.” Karen Jensen, one of the world’s authorities on women’s health would agree. Her new book, “Women’s Health Matters”, reveals how male medical researchers and doctors screw up big time when it comes to women. They forget that women are not “just men with boobs and tubes.” Her main point is that women are different. I say thank God for that, or as Maurice Chevalier remarked “Vive La Difference!” But what is forgotten is the fact that this difference has to be considered in both research...Read More
Gynecology, Sex, Women's Health
STD: The Horizontal Mambo Has Hidden Hazards
A member of the Russian ski patrol was asked on TV what he did first on his arrival home from work. He replied, “I make love to my wife”. “I understand, as you’ve been away a long time”, said the interviewer. “But what do you do next?” “Oh, I make love again” he replied. Frustrated, the interviewer said, “But what do you do next?” “Oh, I take off my skis!” The elderly can only dream of this scenario. As one wise sage remarked, “in every older person there is a young person wondering what the hell happened!” But there’s evidence that more seniors have learned to do the “horizontal mambo.” Senior sex comes as a surprise to younger people. One University survey...Read More
Cancer, Gynecology
What No One Tells You about Mammography
It’s been said that, “All would be well if there were no buts.” Unfortunately, for women there have always been several crucial “buts” about the benefits of mammography. Now, a new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS), says that routine mammograms may do harm if started before 50 years of age. So, what other “buts” don’t the ACS and other organizations tell women about mammograms? Timing is vital is many things in life. But for years few experts could agree on the best time to start routine mammograms. The Canadian Association of Radiologists picked 40 years of age as prime time. The International Agency for Research on Cancer pulled age 50 out of the hat. In short, no one had...Read More
Gynecology, Sex
Do You Want Better Sex?
"How is your sex life," I often ask patients. It's amazing how often I get the reaction, "Finally, someone I can trust will discuss this matter with me". And often there's a problem. So what can be done to make the bedroom a happier place for both sexes? It's an important issue as sex may be only five percent of a relationship. But it's the first five percent! And it can also affect physical health. Dr. Leonard DeRogatis, Director of Sexual Medicine at Johns Hopkins University points out a major difference between men and women. He says that men have the desire but as they age can't get aroused. They're the lucky sex. Erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs solve the problem in...Read More
Genitourinary, Gynecology, Women's Health
Do Not Teach Your Dog This Trick
Why did this patient and her partner repeatedly suffer yeast infection in spite of treatment? It’s often said there is nothing new under the sun. But just when you believe you’ve seen everything, something new and surprising turns up. So please don’t teach your dog her specific trick! It can give you more than you bargained for. Studies show that 75 percent of women suffer at least one yeast infection during their lifetime and up to 50 percent face repeated episodes. Anti-fungal vaginal medicine used to be available only by doctor’s prescription. But in the mid 1990’s common medications such as Monistat and Canesten cream became over-the-counter items (OTC). This resulted in huge sales. But millions of dollars may as well have been...Read More
Gynecology, Infection
The Many Different Faces of Infection
For centuries infection has been a major killer. Then several years ago it appeared that antibiotics had largely eradicated this menace. But unexpectedly the AIDS virus struck with a vengeance. Now scientists are linking infection to peptic ulcers, heart attack and cancer. So how can you protect yourself and your family from these serious illnesses? In 1984 an Australian physician, Barry Marshall, decided to prove that his theory of infection was right. He drank a bacteria laced concoction to show that it was bacteria, not stress, that caused peptic ulcers. Subsequent studies confirmed that most ulcers are infected with a bacterium called H. pylori. But here’s a problem. About half the people over 60 years of age have H. pylori in their...Read More
Gynecology, Women's Health
“Gifford-Jones, They Don’t Want To Hear That!”
Several years ago a friend asked if I’d talk to a women’s organization about breast cancer, how mammography could detect malignancy in its early stages. But when I gave her a short version of what I intended to say, she remarked, “But they would not like to hear that!” End of the talk. So what do women not want to hear? Anytime I’ve questioned the use of mammography, it’s been like damning motherhood and apple pie. Now, a blue ribbon panel of experts reports that women under 50 years of age should not have mammograms. And that postmenopausal women should submit to this procedure only every two or three years, rather than annually. The blunt fact is that if mammography had been...Read More
Gynecology, Women's Health
My Wife Is Driving Me Crazy. She’s Menopausal.
A husband asks, "Can you provide advice on how to treat my wife's problem? It's now impossible to live with her due to menopause. Her doctor has suggested hormones, but she refuses to take them because her mother died of breast cancer. Do you have any suggestions?" Newspaper headlines linking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to cancer and heart disease have left an indelible mark on the minds of many women. Fortunately, there are other natural ways to ease menopausal problems. Some women sail through menopause without trouble. For others, it means sleepless nights, embarrassing hot flushes, decreased sex drive, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, headaches and an urge to kick the cat, or their husband, for trivial reasons. One patient, a high school principal,...Read More
Gynecology, Women's Health
The Doctors Didn’t Even Examine Me
"Time To End Pelvic Examinations Done Without Consent", was a recent headline in one of Canada's national newspapers. But there should be another headline, "Why Are So Many Tests Being Done Without An Examination?" Dr. Sara Wainberg reports in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that pelvic examinations being done by students without a patient's permission. They were performed after patients were anesthetized prior to hysterectomy or other pelvic procedures. This gynecological learning process has been utilized for years in teaching hospitals without newspaper headlines. The criticism is that the procedure is done without informed consent. This is a valid ethical complaint and is easily corrected by obtaining a patient's consent. But this teaching technique, to my knowledge, has never resulted in...Read More
Dermatology, Gynecology, Women's Health
The Lies And Truths Of Mammography
Never before have women been more confused about breast mammography. A U.S panel of experts now reports that women under 40 years of age do not need mammograms, and those over 50 require them only every two years. So here are eight points women should know about mammography. One - During this debate no expert has mentioned one vital fact. Mammography is a "lump" diagnosis. This means that years have gone by before a cancer lump is large enough to be detected by X-rays. This provides time for a malignancy to spread. I've stressed for years it's a lie to tell women mammography diagnoses early cancer. It does not. Rather it diagnoses breast cancer as early as it can be diagnosed....Read More
Gynecology, Women's Health
What Partners Should Know About Wrong-Way Births
What's one of the worst things a baby can do to a mother (and her partner) at the time of delivery? It decides to be born feet or bottom first, rather than head first. Wrong-way birth is called breech birth, and it can have major health consequences for the baby and for family, lasting a lifetime. So women and their partners should never, ever make a hasty or emotional decision on whether or not to have a Cesarean section. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) recently stated that doctors should no longer opt for cesarean section for breech birth. They claim there is no difference in the complication rate between a right-way and wrong-way delivery. This decision is adding...Read More
Gynecology, Women's Health
Hey Guys! There’s Another Kind of Headache
"Not tonight dear". We all know what that message means. But there's a type of pain that isn't at all questionable and 99.9 percent of males haven't a clue about it. But can you blame them when so many people have no idea of their own anatomy? A recent report in the British journal BMC Family Practice is hard to believe. King's College researchers asked 722 patients where certain anatomical organs were located. Only 46 percent knew the location of the heart, 31 percent the lungs, 42 percent kidneys, and 38 percent had no idea where the stomach was located. Both sexes scored the same! No one apparently asked where the vagina was located. But in view of this report, it's...Read More
Genitourinary, Gynecology, Infection
Myths About Herpes
"How could it happen to me I'm often asked?" My answer? Genital herpes can infect anyone very easily. Especially if they fail to make love like the porcupine, very, very carefully. Today it's estimated that 50 million North Americans have genital herpes and each year another 500,000 are diagnosed with this infection. But there are many misconceptions about this common and worrying problem. Myth # 1- You can't get herpes from sitting on a toilet seat. Doctors have said for years that the herpes virus dies quickly on exposure to air. But Dr. Trudy Larsen, a researcher at the University of California, startled the medical world several years ago. She had a patient with an active herpes lesion sit on a toilet...Read More
Alternate Treatments, Gynecology
Don’t Laugh At These Old Wive’s Tales -Natural Remedies
Who hasn't heard an old wife's tale? "If you touch a toad, you get warts" has no scientific foundation. But in recent years researchers have shown that some tales are medically sound and safer than traditional drugs. Consumer Reports On Health lists several home remedies that work. For instance, The American Society for Microbiology Research says friendly bacteria, known as probiotics, found in yogurt, can ease stomach aches, improve digestive problems and help tame an irritable bowel. They're also of use in counteracting the damaging effects of antibiotics and beneficial in fighting vaginal and urinary tract infection. If you want to try probiotics for any of these troubles, search for a yogurt that contains live active cultures such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium,...Read More
Gynecology, Women's Health
A Good Way To Detect Submarines, But Babies? – Ultrasound
"Will repeated ultrasound examinations (US) harm my baby?" This is a question readers often ask. It's a timely question since millions of obstetrical diagnostic exams are done every year in North America. As well many expectant families want to record this historic moment by obtaining a high-resolution 3-D video of it. How safe are these procedure? Ultrasonography was invented during World War II to prevent German submarines from sinking Allied ships. Later, Dr. Ian Donald, a Scottish doctor, used this technique to diagnose abdominal tumours. Its use quickly spread to pregnancies. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that create images on a screen. This can be extremely useful in helping doctors to determine the cause of bleeding in early pregnancy, or in...Read More
Gynecology, Sex, Women's Health
Not Tonight Darling, I’m Pregnant – Sexual Myths During Pregnancy
Can the penis injure the fetus during pregnancy? Or can sexual intercourse result in premature labour and possibly fetal death? How will pregnancy affect sexual desire? And how soon after delivery is it safe to have sex? These are some of the many questions about pregnancy. There's one I'll never forget which should enter the Guinness Book of Records. Dr. Elias Bartellas, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, recently reported his findings on sex and pregnancy at the annual meeting of Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. His report revealed that nine months is a long time to be ill-informed about sex. Today the majority of doctors are either too busy or embarrassed to bring...Read More
