Blog Archive

4 Telltale Signs of Ovarian Cysts Jun 1st, 2023

Ovarian cysts are sacs of fluid that develop within or on your ovaries. They are fairly common, occurring most often in women of childbearing age. Usually, ovarian cysts cause no harm. They rarely become cancerous, and in most cases, they don’t cause symptoms. In fact, most women with ovarian cysts don’t...

How Long Can You Have Endometriosis Without Symptoms? May 1st, 2023

Endometriosis affects about 11% of American women ages 15-44. It occurs when endometrial tissue, which typically lines the uterus, grows in places where it shouldn’t, such as the outside of the uterus and on other abdominal organs, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestines, or bladder. Women with endometriosis may experience pelvic pain, but...

What To Do If Medication Isn't Helping Your Heavy Periods Apr 1st, 2023

Heavy periods affect about a third of women. If you have unusually heavy bleeding — a condition known as menorrhagia — you may experience long periods (seven days or more of bleeding).  Or you may bleed so heavily that you regularly soak through a pad or tampon in an hour or less or...

Why Am I Experiencing Pelvic Prolapse If I Haven't Given Birth? Mar 2nd, 2023

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which the structures supporting your pelvic organs — including your bladder, cervix, uterus, and rectum — can no longer adequately support one or more of those organs. Pelvic organ prolapse affects about 3% of women in the United States. When you have pelvic...

What to Expect When You’re Scheduled for Robotic Surgery Feb 2nd, 2023

You may picture science fiction androids when you hear the phrase “robotic surgery.” But robotic surgery is actually quite human. A robotic surgery system is an advanced technology that allows your surgeon to perform minimally invasive procedures that provide you with many benefits compared with traditional open surgery. Here at...

What is the Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test? Jan 4th, 2023

Today, the majority of cancers are diagnosed too late, when outcomes are poor. That’s why we’re excited to offer the Galleri™ multi-cancer early detection test* to our patients. This first-of-its-kind test detects more than 50 types of cancer through a simple blood draw. Learn more about the Galleri Test: When...

Consider These Treatment Options for an Ovarian Cyst Jan 2nd, 2023

If you have an ovarian cyst, you’re not alone. This common women’s medical condition affects as many as 8% of premenopausal women. One of them is model Hailey Baldwin Bieber, who recently announced that she has an ovarian cyst the size of an apple. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that...

I'm Embarrassed About Having Incontinence Dec 1st, 2022

We get it: Urinary incontinence can be very embarrassing. Do you leak urine when you sneeze or cough? Embarrassing. Do you wake up in the morning with urine-dampened panties? Embarrassing.  Do you sometimes have to beg store clerks to let you use their employees-only bathrooms because you’re afraid you’re going to wet...

Do Fibroids Go Away on Their Own? Nov 1st, 2022

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that occur in the muscular tissue of the uterus. Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, they can develop at any time in a woman’s life, although they are most common among women ages 30-40. If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids, you probably have many questions...

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Improve Your Libido Oct 5th, 2022

As you age and go through perimenopause and menopause, your body experiences many changes, as your ovaries produce smaller amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. As a result, you may experience a variety of symptoms that can interfere with your quality of life. For example, menopausal hormone changes can...

Can a Hysterectomy Solve My Chronic Pelvic Pain? Sep 8th, 2022

If you routinely experience pelvic pain and you’ve had that pain for more than six months, you are likely to receive the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain can have a variety of causes and treatments. One of those treatments is hysterectomy, a common medical procedure during which...

6 Signs That Might Indicate You Have Fibroids Aug 9th, 2022

Uterine fibroids affect anywhere from 20% to 80% of women under the age of 50. These thick, muscular, noncancerous growths develop within the walls of the uterus and are most likely to occur during your 40s or 50s. How do you know if you have fibroids? Although evaluation by a health care provider is the...

Can Incontinence Be Prevented? Jul 12th, 2022

Urinary incontinence is quite common in women. Although it can occur at any age, it is most likely to develop during the menopause years because of the hormonal changes that occur at that time. By the age of 65, more than 40% of women have urinary incontinence. Does that mean you’re destined to...

Understanding HPV Jun 1st, 2022

You may have heard of HPV. Perhaps you’ve even received the HPV vaccine. But how much do you really know about this important sexual health topic? For example, do you know that HPV, which stands for human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in America? Do you realize that HPV...

What’s Causing My Heavy, Painful Periods? May 1st, 2022

Bleeding and pain are a normal part of menstrual periods. But if your periods subject you to very heavy bleeding and intense pain, you may be experiencing conditions known as menorrhagia (unusually heavy bleeding) or dysmenorrhea (significant menstrual pain). Don’t be tempted to just grit your teeth and put up...

Why Should I Consider a Hysterectomy? Apr 1st, 2022

Hysterectomy, a serious but fairly common procedure to remove a woman’s uterus, offers a safe, effective treatment option for various conditions. In some cases, a hysterectomy also includes removal of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and/or cervix. At Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, Susan Crockett, MD, and our team specialize...

6 STDs and How to Prevent Them Mar 1st, 2022

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are surprisingly common. Approximately 1 in 5 Americans has an STD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here at Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, Susan Crockett, MD, and her all-female team of gynecology care providers believe that having accurate knowledge is...

Are You Suffering from These Symptoms of Endometriosis? Feb 1st, 2022

Your uterus is lined with a type of tissue known as endometrial tissue. This tissue is supposed to grow only within your uterus. But in women with endometriosis, endometrial tissue develops outside your uterus, in such places as your ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or even your intestines. At Virtuosa GYN...

4 Types of Incontinence and How They’re Treated Jan 1st, 2022

Having urinary incontinence means you can't hold your urine, right? That's true, but it doesn't tell the whole story.  Women can experience various types of incontinence. And although the different kinds of incontinence share some common features, they are also somewhat different in their causes and symptoms.   The first step...

The Many Benefits of Da Vinci Robotic Surgery Dec 1st, 2021

In the past, surgery for certain women's health conditions required surgeons to make significant incisions in a patient's abdomen. A cut would have to be large enough for the surgeon to insert their hands and any necessary tools needed to perform the procedure. Fortunately, advances in surgical tools and techniques...

Myths and Facts About Ovarian Cysts Nov 1st, 2021

Ovarian cysts are a very common women's health condition. In fact, as many as 18% of women have them at some point in their lives. There’s a chance you may develop an ovarian cyst and there’s so much misinformation out there about what they are and how they may affect...

How to Manage Incontinence Without Surgery Oct 1st, 2021

Perhaps you release some urine when you laugh, sneeze, or go for a run. Maybe you can't sleep through the night without having to go to the bathroom several times. Or you may experience sudden urges that send you searching desperately for a restroom in the grocery store or on...

8 Risk Factors for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Sep 1st, 2021

Your pelvic region contains a variety of organs, including your bladder, cervix, rectum, urethra, uterus, and vagina. These organs are supported by tissue and muscles that form a structure known as your pelvic floor. When your pelvic floor cannot adequately support your pelvic organs, you may experience a condition known...

Am I a Good Candidate for Hormone Replacement Therapy? Aug 2nd, 2021

During the years leading up to menopause, your body produces lower levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This normal part of aging leads to the cessation of your monthly menstrual periods. Some women get through menopause and perimenopause (the 5-10 years before menopause) without uncomfortable symptoms. But others...

What Happens if Endometriosis Goes Untreated? Jul 21st, 2021

Your uterus is lined with a specific type of tissue that should only grow inside your uterus. This is known as endometrial tissue. But in women with a condition known as endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows in places where it shouldn't, such as your fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, rectum, and elsewhere...

5 Signs of Vulvodynia Jun 9th, 2021

If you’ve never heard of vulvodynia, you’re not alone. Most women can’t explain what the word “vulvodynia” means. But they may know how it feels, even if they don’t know what it’s called. Vulvodynia is a condition that results in chronic pain in the area around the vulva, which is...

What To Do About Overflow Incontinence May 10th, 2021

You probably know that urinary incontinence is a condition in which you can’t control your bladder as well as you used to. But you may not realize that there are different types of urinary incontinence with different causes and treatments. One type of urinary incontinence is known as overflow incontinence....

How Hormone Levels Impact Vaginal Health Apr 5th, 2021

Is your vagina feeling different than it used to? Changing hormones levels could be to blame. Hormones are chemicals made by your endocrine system. They act as messengers in your body and have an impact on many of your body’s functions, including reproduction, growth, and metabolism. Female sex hormones —...

Is Endometrial Ablation Safe? Mar 10th, 2021

Heavy menstrual bleeding is more than just an inconvenience. Having longer-than-normal periods and periods that result in excessive blood loss can interfere with your quality of life.  They can even cause health problems if you lose so much blood that your iron levels sink and you develop anemia. When you...

What Should You Be Discussing With Your Gynecologist? Feb 10th, 2021

You may think of a gynecologist as the specialist who performs your yearly pelvic exams. You’re right — she is. But gynecologists do so much more than that, overseeing every aspect of a woman’s health. If you have a yearly well-woman visit coming up, don’t think of it as just...

Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Jan 21st, 2021

Aging, childbirth, excess weight, and hormonal changes can put pressure on the muscles and tissue in your pelvis. In some women, this pressure can lead to a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse. When pelvic organ prolapse occurs, organs in your pelvic area may drop downward from their normal position....

Understanding the Different Types of Ovarian Cysts Dec 1st, 2020

Ovarian cysts — fluid-filled or solid sacs that develop in or on a woman’s ovaries — are quite common in premenopausal women. Most ovarian cysts are small and cause no noticeable symptoms. But as many as 8% of women develop ovarian cysts that are large enough to require treatment. Here...

How Robotic Surgery Works Nov 3rd, 2020

When you hear the phrase “robotic surgery,” you may picture a science fiction scene in which a Star Wars-type robot stands at an operating table performing surgery. Although it’s funny to think of C-3PO doing operations, the reality of robotic surgery looks much different. Despite what its name implies, robotic...

The Link Between Hysterectomy and Incontinence Oct 12th, 2020

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes your uterus. It is an effective treatment for various types of women’s health conditions. But having a hysterectomy could increase your chances of developing incontinence, a condition in which you leak urine. Here at Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, our caring...

5 Foods for Vaginal Health Sep 23rd, 2020

There are many ways to help keep your vagina healthy: practicing safe sex, having yearly well-woman check-ups, exercising regularly, and having any infections treated as quickly as possible.  But you may not realize that eating a healthy diet and choosing certain foods can also promote vaginal health. At Virtuosa GYN...

What to Expect During Your First Pap Smear Aug 31st, 2020

Beginning at around age 21, you should have a Pap smear as part of your annual gynecologic well-woman exam. A Pap smear checks for changes in your cervix that could eventually develop into cervical cancer. A Pap smear is a simple but important test. In the past, cervical cancer was...

STD Testing: When Should I Get Tested? Jul 23rd, 2020

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are surprisingly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 20 million new STDs in the United States each year. Of these, about 9 million cases occur in women. About half of these infections occur in people ages 15-24. You may...

My Pap Test Results Were Abnormal — What Now? Jun 12th, 2020

During your annual gynecology exam, you may receive a Pap test, also known as a Pap smear. A Pap test is a screening exam that looks for the presence of abnormal cells in your cervix that could be associated with cervical cancer. Chances are, your Pap test results will be normal. For...

Comparing Contraceptives: Are Implants Better Than the Pill? Mar 24th, 2020

Women make choices about birth control based on a variety of factors. One of the top considerations is their effectiveness. When it comes to preventing pregnancy, birth control pills and implants are both very effective. But which is better? Here at Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, our care providers know...

Understanding the 4 Types of Uterine Fibroids Feb 1st, 2020

Uterine fibroids are muscular growths that develop in a woman’s uterus. Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that are common in women of childbearing age. Here at Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, our women’s health care providers have extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating...

Top Reasons for Abnormal Bleeding Jan 1st, 2020

Premenopausal women bleed each month as part of their menstrual cycle. On average, periods last up to about eight days and occur every 24-38 days, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Some women experience abnormal bleeding. This can occur when you have bleeding or spotting between periods,...

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You? Dec 1st, 2019

During your menopausal years, your ovaries make increasingly lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Decreasing hormone levels can cause a variety of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can relieve menopausal symptoms and help restore quality of life. HRT...

Are You at Risk for Pelvic Organ Prolapse? Nov 1st, 2019

Your pelvis contains several important organs, including your bladder, vagina, rectum, urethra, and uterus. A group of muscles known as the pelvic floor muscles hold these organs in place. When your pelvic floor muscles and the tissues connecting them can’t adequately support your pelvic organs, a condition known as pelvic...

Why You Have Pelvic Pain Sep 30th, 2019

Pelvic pain can occur anywhere below your belly button and between your hips. It may include your abdomen, genitals, or lower back.   Pelvic pain can cause more issues than just discomfort. It can interfere with your intimate relationships and quality of life. Your pain may be mild and occasional, or...

5 Reasons You Might Need a Hysterectomy Sep 10th, 2019

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a woman’s uterus. After a cesarean section, it is the most frequently performed surgical procedure among women of reproductive age in the United States. Here at Virtuosa GYN, we’re experts at determining whether you need a hysterectomy. Our OB/GYNs have extensive experience performing...

How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility? Aug 5th, 2019

Endometriosis is a medical condition that occurs when the type of tissue that lines the inside of your uterus grows in places where it doesn’t belong. Endometrial tissue may grow on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even your intestines or bladder. Endometriosis, which affects about 10% of women in the...

What Causes Uterine Fibroids (And What Can I Do About Them)? Jul 15th, 2019

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within a woman’s uterus. They are fairly common, especially among women in their 30s and 40s. Uterine fibroids are not cancer, but having them could lead to serious complications and frustrating symptoms, including pain, heavy periods, or infertility. However, treatment can help.  If...

8 Tips for Handling Menopause Symptoms at Work Jun 4th, 2019

You’re at work, feeling fine, doing your job, and suddenly you’re hit with an internal heat wave. It’s a menopausal hot flash. Without warning, your face feels flushed and sweat gathers on your face and body. You’d give anything to cool off in front of a fan. Hot flashes are...

What Every Woman Should Know About HPV May 6th, 2019

How familiar are you with human papillomavirus (HPV)? If you don’t know much about it, you probably should, because it affects about 80% of women at some point in their lives. At Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, we believe all women should educate themselves about HPV. We would like...

5 Tips for Maintaining Bone Strength as You Age Apr 5th, 2019

May is National Osteoporosis Month, which means that now is the time to make sure you’re doing everything you can to help protect your bones. Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become thin, weak, fragile, and prone to breaking. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44...

What You Should Know About da Vinci Robotic Surgery Mar 14th, 2019

In the past, surgeons performed most gynecology operations via open surgery, which requires a large incision in a woman’s belly. But now, thanks to exciting advances in surgical techniques, many types of gynecological surgery can be performed with much smaller incisions. For example, laparoscopic surgery uses several tiny incisions rather...

Why You Should Have Pelvic Pain Evaluated by a Doctor Feb 7th, 2019

If you’re experiencing any kind of pain in the lower part of your abdomen — an area known as your pelvic region — it’s important for you to have a medical checkup. Pelvic pain can signal serious medical conditions that require care. And treatment can relieve pain that interferes with...

The 4 Types of Urinary Incontinence and How They Are Diagnosed Jan 16th, 2019

If you’ve ever leaked urine or had trouble getting to the bathroom quickly enough, you’re not alone. Almost half of all women leak urine at some point in their lives — a condition known as urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can be frustrating and embarrassing. Fortunately, treatment can make a difference....

What is Fertility-Sparing Endometriosis Surgery? Dec 6th, 2018

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue in your uterus grows where it doesn’t belong. For example, it may grow on the outside of your uterus or on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestines. Unfortunately, endometriosis may interfere with your ability to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy...

New Options for Treating Menopausal Symptoms in Women with Breast Cancer Nov 14th, 2018

Women going through menopause can experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, sleep problems, mood changes, decrease in libido, and memory problems. Many of these changes are linked to a decreased production of the female hormone estrogen. Some women with annoying menopause...

8 Important Facts Every Woman Should Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Oct 22nd, 2018

If you’re unfamiliar with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you’re not alone. Many women don’t know much about it, although it affects as many as 10% of those of childbearing age. And, unfortunately, women with PCOS, which can interfere with fertility, may not realize they have the condition until they try...

10 Warning Signs of Ovarian Cysts You Should Not Ignore Sep 13th, 2018

Ovarian cysts are solid or fluid-filled sacs that form within your ovaries. Many women develop ovarian cysts at some point in their lives. These cysts typically form during ovulation, which is the time during your monthly cycle when one of your ovaries releases an egg. Ovarian cysts sometimes cause pain...

5 Options for Treating Heavy Periods Aug 2nd, 2018

Each month, the lining of your uterus thickens to ready itself for pregnancy. If you don’t conceive and a fertilized egg doesn’t implant in your uterine wall, your uterus sheds its lining and a menstrual period occurs.During a menstrual period, your body loses an average of about 2.7 ounces (60...

What’s That Cramp? When Not to Ignore Pelvic Pain Jul 6th, 2018

Many women experience pelvic pain at some point in their lives. According to some estimates, close to 40% of women of reproductive age report pelvic pain to their primary care physicians. Some women have come to expect pelvic pain, especially during their monthly periods, and while pelvic pain is a...

Hysterectomies Have Come a Long Way: The Immense Benefits of Robotic Assisted Surgery Jun 20th, 2018

Each year, about 600,000 women in the United States have a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. It is second only to cesarean section as the most commonly performed surgery on women.  Women receive hysterectomies as a treatment for variety of conditions, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, abnormal...