Every stage in a woman’s life presents unique medical situations and concerns. From menstrual problems to menopause, cancer screening to contraception, it is critical to partner with a sensitive and skilled gynecologist who can monitor your health. At Women's Specialists of Clear Lake in Webster, Texas,our gynecologists offer a full spectrum of gynecologic services and minimally invasive surgery to ensure prevention, early diagnosis and state-of-the-art treatment of women’s health disorders.
Birth Control
There are many birth control methods to reduce the risk of pregnancy, and our caring providers take all the time our patients need to discuss options and select the right method for them. Some forms of prescription birth control that involve hormones are temporary, such as birth control pills, Depo-Provera shots, or the Implanon® implantable contraceptive. Other forms of birth control are permanent and cannot be reversed. Such surgeries include tubal ligation or the minimally invasive in-office Essure® procedure.
Infertility Counseling & Evaluation
Our caring and compassionate OB/GYNs understand the importance of wanting to have children and offer infertility counseling to women and couples that desire to start a family, but have experienced difficulty. Our infertility specialists offer support, evaluation, and hope. For infertility services that are outside of the realm of our practice, we will refer you to one of our esteemed colleagues.
Folliculogram
A folliculogram is part of an infertility assessment and pregnancy planning. Using a transvaginal ultrasound, our doctors can determine the size and number of follicles a woman has in each ovary. Typically, each month, one follicle releases an egg during ovulation. With age, the number of follicles a woman has decreases. A folliculogram may also be used to help diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone disorder that causes enlarged ovaries that contain numerous cysts. Excess hair growth, weight gain and heavy, irregular, or absent periods are symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Infertility can be a complication. Our caring doctors diagnose PCOS with blood tests and ultrasound. Treatments may include hormones and weight reduction. In addition, we offer infertility counseling and evaluation for women who desire to become pregnant.
Endometriosis Evaluation & Treatment
Endometriosis is a common problem that requires monitoring and treatment because complications may lead to pain and infertility. Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of uterine-lining tissue outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries or pelvic lining. Our caring gynecologists and obstetricians evaluate endometriosis with ultrasound and minimally invasive laparoscopy. We provide both non-surgical and surgical treatment for endometriosis, which depends on several factors, including the extent and severity of the condition.
Uterine Fibroid Management
Uterine fibroids are common growths that develop on the inside or outside of the uterus, especially in women over the age of 30. Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, bleeding between periods, heavy menstrual bleeding and cramps are some symptoms of uterine fibroids. Ultrasound is used to diagnose uterine fibroids. In some cases, uterine fibroids are surgically removed. However, we help many women manage their symptoms with non-surgical treatments, such as pain medication or hormonal therapy.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
There are more than 25 types of organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs are infections that are spread from person to person during sexual activity. Common symptoms include itching, abnormal vaginal discharge, burning during urination, pain during intercourse, blisters, or warts. Some STDs have no symptoms. Untreated sexually transmitted diseases can have severe consequences for women, such as infertility.
Contact our doctors if you suspect you have a sexually transmitted disease. We offer confidential STD and HIV testing. We provide treatments for STDs that can be cured and treatment to help minimize the symptoms of STDs that cannot be cured. Further, our compassionate OB/GYNs are dedicated to educating others about how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Vaginosis
Itching, pain, and abnormal vaginal discharge are common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Such vaginal infections commonly result from an overgrowth and imbalance of the naturally-occurring organisms in the vagina or reduced estrogen levels following menopause. Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are treated with medications.
Cervical Cancer / HPV Testing
Annual pelvic examinations and Pap smear testing should begin when a woman becomes sexually active or after the age of 20. A Pap smear test screens for precancerous or cancerous cervical cells. Pap smear testing is important because precancerous cells are generally completely treatable.
Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) cause most cases of cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause genital warts. Our OB/GYNs offer the Gardasil® vaccine that guards against 4 types of HPV, including 2 HPV types that cause 70% of cervical cancer incidences and 2 HPV types that are responsible for 90% of genital wart cases. Gardasil® is available for girls and young women ages 9 to 26.
Ovarian Cancer Screening
It is important to diagnose ovarian cancer early to improve the likelihood of successful treatment. Early detection may not always be possible because symptoms of ovarian cancer may be vague and similar to the symptoms of other less serious conditions, or symptoms of ovarian cancer do not occur until the cancer is at an advanced stage. Our board-certified OB/GYNs offer ovarian cancer screening (CA-125 blood testing) to high-risk patients. The CA-125 detects specific proteins in the blood that appear in some women with ovarian cancer. For women at risk for or with ovarian cancer, we provide gentle support, care and education to facilitate the best recovery.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is as concerning as it can be inconvenient and embarrassing. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. It is not a disease, but rather a symptom. There are many causes of incontinence; some more are serious than others. If you experience urinary incontinence, talk to our compassionate doctors about your concerns and symptoms, because in many cases the underlying cause can be treated.