Welcome to the Patient Education Library of Aishling Obstetrics & Gynecology
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about the various OB/GYN conditions treated at our practice. Choose a topic below to learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact Aishling Obstetrics & Gynecology at (815) 786-1088. To request an appointment, use our secure online appointment request form.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
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Amenorrhea - Absent Menstruation
Amenorrhea is a medical term that means the absence of menstruation. Amenorrhea is considered a symptom and not a disease because it usually results from another condition. There are numerous reasons for a missed period for females that are not ... Read More
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Anemia
Anemia is a blood disorder characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells. Anemia results if not enough normal hemoglobin or red blood cells are produced, too many red blood cells are ... Read More
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Bacterial Vaginosis - Vaginal Infection
Bacterial vaginosis is a common type of vaginal infection. It results when there is an imbalance and overgrowth of the natural organisms within the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis may produce a foul smelling vaginal discharge. It is usually treated with over-the-counter ... Read More
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Balanced Diet and Nutrition
The food that you eat can directly affect your health. As Americans are facing higher rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, it is more important than ever to make sure that you and your family are eating a ... Read More
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Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are an alternative treatment option for hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalances are common, especially during midlife transition. Hormones occur naturally in the body and regulate a variety of functions. Traditional synthetic hormone replacement (HRT) has been associated with unwanted ... Read More
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BOTOX® Cosmetics
Botox Cosmetic is used by both men and women for vanishing frown lines without surgery or downtime. Botox is an injected prescription medication that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). Approximately ... Read More
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Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a common type of cancer in women. It is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins from the cells in the breast. Breast cancer can rarely develop in men, as well. There are several different types of breast ... Read More
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Breast Examination
Breast cancer is a common cancer in women. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally or out of control. The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. Breast examinations are used to help detect breast cancer as ... Read More
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Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer occurs when the cells in the cervix grow abnormally or out of control. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. The exact cause of cervical cancer is unknown. Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a ... Read More
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Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A cesarean section (C-Section) may be planned in advance or may become necessary during the course of labor. A cesarean section involves making an incision in the abdomen through which the baby is removed. Cesarean section may be used if ... Read More
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Contraception - Birth Control Methods
Contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy. There are many types of birth control methods. Some forms of birth control require a doctor’s prescription or a medical procedure, while others may be purchased as over-the-counter products. Some forms of birth ... Read More
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Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
IntroductionRobotic surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System allows surgery to be performed with smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery. By making only a few tiny incisions, patients benefit from having less pain, less scarring, less bleeding, and less ... Read More
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Diabetes - Gestational
Gestational Diabetes is the most common pregnancy complication. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose get into the body cells where it ... Read More
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Digital Mammography with CAD
Digital mammography with computer-aided detection (CAD) is a state-of-the-art screening method for breast cancer. Traditional mammograms use film to record images. Digital mammography creates images on a high-resolution computer. The computerized images can be manipulated by a radiologist for a ... Read More
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Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a fairly common, minor surgical procedure. D&Cs are used to remove the lining of the uterus. A D&C may be performed to obtain tissue samples to diagnose a condition, treat irregular or heavy bleeding, remove ... Read More
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Dysmenorrhea - Painful Periods
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for very painful menstrual cramps. All females may experience cramps at one time or another, but for those with dysmenorrhea, severe pain and stomach problems may interfere with their daily activities. Dysmenorrhea may or may ... Read More
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of uterine-lining tissue outside of the uterus. Endometriosis frequently develops on the outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or pelvic lining. It is a common problem that needs monitoring and treatment because complications may ... Read More
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Female Reproductive System: An Overview
The female reproductive system matures in girls during puberty. It serves several functions, including hormone production, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, and menopause. The female reproductive system consists of internal organs and external genitalia. ... Read More
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Female Sexual Dysfunction
Historically, female sexual difficulties were believed to be psychological. Today, physicians realize that the female sexual response is a complex process that can involve many factors, including psychological and physical components. It is common for most women to experience sexual ... Read More
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Fetal Growth and Development
There are several ways of counting the weeks in pregnancy. A common method is by gestational age. With the gestational age method, the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period begins the first day of the first week of ... Read More
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High-Risk Pregnancy
All pregnancies have some degree of risk, but high-risk pregnancies carry more risks to the mother and developing baby. A pregnancy may be termed high-risk if you have a medical condition or if you develop one during pregnancy. All pregnancies ... Read More
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Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure that is used to remove the uterus. It may be recommended to treat cancer or uterine conditions that do not respond to other types of treatment. Once a hysterectomy is performed, a woman ... Read More
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Incontinence - Urine
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 are more serious than ... Read More
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Juvederm® - Facial Rejuvenation
Wrinkles and loss of skin volume are a natural part of aging. Factors such as heredity, sun exposure, and lifestyle can accelerate the process. Fortunately, Juvederm® is a nonsurgical treatment to plump fine to deep wrinkles, creating a fuller more ... Read More
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Labor Stages & Vaginal Birth
Most babies are born between the 38th and 42nd week of pregnancy. Remember that a due date is just an estimate of your baby’s delivery date. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what to do if you begin ... Read More
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Laparoscopy - Gynecologic
A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a laparoscope to view the internal female reproductive organs. A laparoscope is a type of endoscope. It consists of a thin tube with a light and viewing instrument. Images from ... Read More
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Menopause
Menopause is a normal and natural part of a woman’s aging process. Menopause, commonly called “the change of life”, occurs around the age of 50. During this time, hormones change and menstruation (“getting periods”) stops. Common symptoms include hot flashes, ... Read More
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Menorrhagia - Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Menorrhagia or hypermorrhea are the medical terms for excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. All females may experience a heavy period at one time or another, but a small number of women experience extremely heavy bleeding, periods that last longer than ... Read More
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Menstruation
Menstruation is a normal and healthy part of a female’s life. Menstruation, commonly called a period, occurs each month in a fairly regular cycle. During this time, the uterine lining sheds. A period usually lasts from five to seven days. ... Read More
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Metrorrhagia - Abnormal Bleeding
Metrorrhagia is abnormal bleeding that occurs between periods or that is not associated with menstruation. There are many causes of metrorrhagia, including hormone imbalance, abnormal growths, pregnancy complications, and infection. It is important to contact your doctor if you experience ... Read More
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Miscarriage - Early
Early miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy is very common. Early miscarriage is the loss of an embryo or fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. Bleeding with cramps or pain in the lower abdomen is a common sign ... Read More
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Nexplanon® - Contraception
Nexplanon® (estonogestrel implant) is a prescription medication used for female contraception. Nexplanon is a small, flexible device (4-cm long) that is placed under the skin on the upper inside of your arm for up to three years. Nexplanon is ideal ... Read More
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NovaSure® - Treatment for Heavy Periods
NovaSure® is a quick, safe, simple, one-time endometrial ablation treatment for menorrhagia, abnormally heavy or lengthy menstruation. It is an alternative to hysterectomy. NovaSure gently removes the lining of the uterus with precisely measured electrical energy. This quick simple procedure ... Read More
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Oophorectomy
An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one, a part of one, or both ovaries. Oophorectomy may be used to treat cancer or noncancerous conditions. Oophorectomy may be used to remove cancerous ovaries, large cysts or abscesses, and endometriosis. Oophorectomies ... Read More
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Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. It causes progressive bone loss and increases the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and the incidence increases with age. Bone loss from osteoporosis can lead to fractures ... Read More
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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer occurs when the cells of the ovaries grow abnormally or out of control. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. This type of cancer may or may not cause obvious symptoms before it has reached an ... Read More
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Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cysts are a common condition in women during the childbearing years. They result when a cyst forms on the ovary. An ovarian cyst may or may not cause symptoms. The majority of ovarian cysts go away without treatment. In ... Read More
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Overactive Bladder - Severe Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder can be very inconvenient and uncomfortable. Overactive bladder causes an extreme sudden urgency to urinate, frequent urination, and the need to urinate at night (nocturia). Some people experience unexpected urine loss as well. The problem occurs when muscles ... Read More
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Pap Smear
A Pap smear test is a preventive measure that can detect precancerous or cancerous cervical cells. A yearly Pap smear used to be recommended for for most women, but this changed in 2013. Current guidelines from the American College of ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Menstruation
Menstruation is a normal and healthy part of a female’s life. Menstruation, commonly called a period, occurs each month in a fairly regular cycle. During this time the uterine lining sheds. A period usually lasts from five to seven days. ... Read More
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. It is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease may or may not cause symptoms. It is very important for this condition to be ... Read More
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Polycystic Ovary Disease
Polycystic ovary disease is a common type of hormone disorder. It causes enlarged ovaries that contain numerous cysts. Polycystic ovary disease may also lead to infertility, excess hair growth, and heavy, irregular, or absent periods. Treatments include medications and weight ... Read More
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Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a common, yet serious problem that can develop during pregnancy. Formerly called toxemia, preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and elevated levels of protein in urine that develop after the 20th week of pregnancy. Untreated preeclampsia can ... Read More
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Pregnancy Ultrasound
A pregnancy ultrasound is used to create images of a developing baby and the pelvic organs of the mother during pregnancy. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures on a video monitor. Ultrasound does not use radiation like X-rays, ... Read More
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Pregnancy: What to Expect
There are several ways of counting the weeks in pregnancy. A common method is by gestational age. With the gestational age method, the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period begins the first day of the first week of ... Read More
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Pregnancy: An Overview- Early Signs and Symptoms
Pregnancy occurs when a male sperm cell fertilizes a female’s egg and it implants in the uterine lining. Pregnancy may result from sexual intercourse or assistive reproductive medicine methods. It is important for women to receive prenatal care when they ... Read More
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Premature Labor & Delivery
Premature delivery is a birth that takes place three weeks before a baby’s due date. In some cases, premature birth happens for no known reason. However, regular prenatal visits can help to reduce the risk factors that you can control. ... Read More
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Premenstrual Syndrome - PMS
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) includes a variety of symptoms that many women commonly experience in the days before their period begins. Common symptoms include headache, abdominal pain, digestion problems, sleep difficulties, mood changes, and thought processing difficulties. PMS is a real ... Read More
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Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is medical care for women both before and during pregnancy. Prenatal care is used to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and developing baby. Prenatal care can help detect and treat problems promptly, prevent complications, and ... Read More
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Females
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections that are spread by sexual activity. Females, youths, and people of minority groups have the highest incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases may or may not produce symptoms, ... Read More
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Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic breast biopsy is an important procedure for diagnosing breast cancer. It is a noninvasive method of obtaining a breast tissue sample for biopsy. A biopsy is an examination to determine if the sample is cancerous or not. Stereotactic breast ... Read More
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Tubal Ligation - Female Sterilization
Tubal ligation is usually a permanent form of birth control. It is a female sterilization procedure commonly referred to as “tying the tubes.” It is not recommended as a temporary or reversible form of birth control, and should only be ... Read More
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Ultrasound - Pelvic and Transvaginal
An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, is an imaging test that is used to create pictures of internal organs and structures. Ultrasound may be used to examine a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. An obstetric ... Read More
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Urinary Tract Infection - Bladder Infection
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common condition. Most UTIs result from infection caused by bacteria that enters the urinary tract system. UTIs can be quite uncomfortable and lead to problems with urination. Fortunately, most UTIs respond well to prescription ... Read More
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Uterine Cancer - Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer. It is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. The primary symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Treatment usually involves surgery followed by radiation, chemotherapy, hormone ... Read More
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Weight Management
Weighing too much or too little can be a problem. In the United States, weighing too much is the more common situation. It can be unhealthy to be underweight or overweight. Of growing concern, many Americans are becoming obese, which ... Read More
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Women and Sleep Problems
All women may experience problems sleeping from time to time, but hormonal changes during specific times of life, such as with premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause may create an ongoing problem. Certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can contribute ... Read More
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Yeast Infection - Vaginal
Vaginal yeast infections are common. They most frequently result from the overgrowth of a fungal organism. Common symptoms include itching, irritation, abnormal discharge, and painful urination. Yeast infections are treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. ... Read More
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Your First Pelvic Examination - What to Expect
A pelvic examination is a short, yet very important procedure. Pelvic examinations are used to check for normal female reproductive development, test for infections or sexually transmitted diseases, and screen for abnormal growths or cells. A pelvic examination appointment is ... Read More
Copyright © - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
