Service & Procedures

Birth Control Options

Permanent Birth Control
Is your family complete or are you unhappy with your current birth control? Sterilization is an elective procedure. This means that it is your choice whether or not to have it done. 

The traditional sterilization method is Laparoscopic Bilateral Tubal Ligation. For laparoscopy, the doctor uses a device like a small telescope called a laparoscope to look at the pelvic organs and identify the fallopian tubes so they can be blocked or cut. This prevents pregnancy. This is done as an outpatient at Effingham Surgery Center under general anesthesia. The recovery is pretty quick. This method is effective with fewer than 1 per 100 (more than 99% effective) women becoming pregnant after this procedure. For more information ask your provider.   

Intrauterine Devices
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of birth control. It is a small, plastic device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Although there have been several types of IUDs, currently five are available in the United States: the 4 hormonal IUDs and the copper IUD. We offer three of these  IUDs in the office. The hormonal IUDs (*Mirena) and (*Kyleena) must be replaced every 5 years. The copper IUD (*Paragard) can remain in your body for as long as 10 years. As soon as the IUD is removed, it no longer protects against pregnancy.  IUDs can be inserted in the office, during your menses or right after your menses. If you are interested in an IUD, you should discuss this with your medical provider.

To learn more about the *Paragard IUD, click here> http://www.paragard.com/

To learn more about the *Mirena IUD, click here> http://www.mirena-us.com/index.jsp

To learn more about the *Kyleena IUD, click here> https://www.kyleena-us.com

Nexplanon
*Nexplanon is an implantable birth control option that prevents pregnancy for 3 years. It is more than 99% effective. It prevents pregnancy by stopping release of the egg, and it thickens the cervical mucus preventing fertilization. It is placed in the office by a trained medical provider. If you would like to learn more, click here> http://www.nexplanon-usa.com

Infertility Options

Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse. Couples aged 35 and older are encouraged to seek help for infertility after 6 months of trying. Infertility occurs in about 10 percent of the population. There are many causes for infertility in women and men. Some causes include: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS), blocked fallopian tubes from previous surgery or infection, lack of ovulation, and low sperm count or motility. In some couples, there is not cause for infertility. Your physician will do an in-depth history and physical evaluation, and discuss the diagnostic and treatment options. The following tests may need to be done: Laboratory Tests, Ultrasound Exams, Semen Analysis, Hysterosalpingogram(HSG), and Injections. If further treatments in the form of Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization(IVF) are necessary, a referral to a Reproductive Endocrinologist can be made.

For more information about infertility costs, please call the office.

Procedure Options

Treatment for Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
If you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, endometrial ablation may be the solution. Our Physicians perform the *Minerva Endometrial Ablation. It is minimally invasive and highly effective. It is performed as an outpatient alternative to a hysterectomy for the treatment of heavy periods.

Recovery is fast, and most women can return to their normal activities by the next day. To learn more about the procedures:

Laparoscopy
A laparoscope is a small telescope that is inserted into the abdomen (belly button) through a small incision (cut). It brings light into the abdomen so the doctor can see inside. Laparoscopy is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning you don't have to stay in the hospital overnight. Laparoscopy is often used to diagnose causes of abdominal pain. If the doctor finds that he or she can treat the condition during the procedure, diagnostic laparoscopy can turn into operative laparoscopy. This procedure is used to treat many health problems. Laparoscopes can be used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, fibroids, adhesions, ovarian cysts, and infertility. Before undergoing laparoscopy, you and your doctor will discuss the procedure and any other treatment.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
This surgical procedure is used to remove the lining (endometrium) and contents of the uterus. The D & C is most often used to diagnose and treat abnormal uterine bleeding. It is also sometimes used to treat miscarriage. We normally perform this procedure in a hospital or outpatient surgery setting.

Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscope is a camera that is used to look inside the uterus. This procedure can be used to help remove polyps, uterine lining, and fibroids. In most cases, this is done with a dilation and curettage(D&C).

Resection for Uterine Fibroids
The *Myosure" system can be used to remove uterine fibroids or polyps. The surgery is done using a camera (hysteroscope) that has a special instrument that helps vaporize the fibroid or polyp. With this procedure there is no cutting of the skin or sutures, therefore recovery is quick. It is an outpatient procedure.  http://www.myosure.com/patients/what-myosure-procedure

Hysterectomy Options

Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. There are many reasons one may need to have a hysterectomy. The type of hysterectomy chosen depends on the reason for the surgery. It also depends on the findings of a pelvic exam. Your doctor may suggest abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopically assisted vaginal, or laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. You may or may not have your ovaries and tubes removed at the time of your hysterectomy. That is something you should discuss with your doctor.  

Davinci Robotic Hysterectomy

Surgeons using da Vinci technology may be able to remove your uterus through either a few small incisions (cuts) or through one small incision in your belly button using Single-Site® technology. During surgery, your surgeon sits at a console next to you and operates using tiny instruments. 

https://www.davincisurgery.com/procedures/gynecology-surgery/hysterectomy-benign

Abdominal Hysterectomy
In an abdominal hysterectomy, the doctor makes an incision (cut) through the skin and tissue in the lower abdomen to reach the uterus. The incision may be vertical (up and down) or horizontal(side to side). Abdominal hysterectomy requires a longer healing time than vaginal or laparoscopic surgery. The doctor may suggest this procedure if you have fibroids (large tumors) or if cancer may be present.

Vaginal Hysterectomy
In a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgery is done through the vagina. With this type of surgery, you will not have any scarring on your abdomen. Because the incision is inside the vagina, the healing time may be shorter than with abdominal surgery.

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
With laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), the doctor removes the uterus through the vagina. Your doctor may suggest LAVH if standard vaginal surgery cannot be done. LAVH involves the use of a small light-transmitting device called a laparoscope. The device is put into the abdomen through a small incision. It lets the doctor see the pelvic organs on a screen while doing the surgery. Additional small cuts are made in the abdomen to assist the surgery. The uterus is removed through the vagina. Recovery from LAVH is similar to vaginal hysterectomy. However, the time it takes to perform a LAVH can be a longer time than a standard vaginal hysterectomy.