Entries by allwomen@obgyn

What is genital HPV infection?

Genital HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).  Human papillomavirys is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types.  More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the genital area of men and women including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), or anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, or rectum.

What is a colposcopy or cervical biopsy?

A colposcopy is a special way of looking at your cervix by using a lighted, low-powered microscope.  At the start of the process, a speculum is placed in the vagina to visualize the cervix.  The microscope is used to make the cervix appear larger and allows your healthcare provider to find and then take a sample of biopsy of any abnormal areas.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common disorder that affects women of reproductive age.  It occurs when normal endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus.  This misplaced tissue may implant itself and grow anywhere within the abdominal cavity.  The disease is highly unpredictable.  Some women may have just a few isolated implants that never spread or grow, while in others the disease may spread throughout the pelvis. 

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Progressively increasing menstrual cramping may be a symptom of endometriosis.  These are caused by contractions of uterine muscle initiated by prostaglandins released from the endometrial tissue.  A puzzling feature of endometriosis is that the degree of pain it causes is not related to the extent of the disease.  Some women with extensive disease feel no pain at all.