Conditions and Management

Your body will change in many ways throughout your lifetime, but some of these changes can be uncomfortable and disruptive. One problem that can affect women is pelvic organ prolapse, particularly in the uterus.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

When the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor stretch and weaken to the point where they can no longer provide sufficient support for the uterus, the uterus may slip down into the vagina or protrude out of it. Although this can occur to women of all ages, it most often impacts post-menopausal women who have given birth vaginally in the past.

Uterine prolapse is typically associated with the prolapse of other pelvic organs. It can present in one of two ways: anterior prolapse or posterior vaginal prolapse.

Anterior Prolapse

Anterior prolapse, also known as prolapsed bladder or cystocele, occurs when the weakness of the connective tissue that separates the bladder from the vagina causes the bladder to bulge out into the vagina.

Posterior Vaginal Prolapse

Also known as rectocele, posterior vaginal prolapse occurs when the connective tissue that separates the rectum from the vagina becomes so weak that it allows the rectum to bulge out into the vagina. This may cause difficulty with bowel movements.

In some cases, severe uterine prolapse displaces part of the vaginal lining in a way that makes it protrude outside of the body. When vaginal tissue rubs against clothing, it can result in vaginal sores or ulcers that may become infected.

Symptoms

Uterine prolapse is often mild and does not typically have signs or symptoms. However, when the prolapse is moderate to severe, you may notice:

• A sensation of looseness in vaginal tissue tone
• Tissue protruding from the vagina
• Trouble with bowel movements
• Urinary leakage, urine retention or other urinary problems
• A sensation of pulling or heaviness in the pelvis
• The feeling of sitting on a small ball
• A sensation that something is falling out of the vagina

These symptoms are often less noticeable in the morning and get worse as the day goes on.

What Are the Causes Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic muscles and supportive tissues become weakened. This can be caused by:

• Lower estrogen levels following menopause
• Chronic bronchitis or cough
• Delivering a large baby
• A difficult labor and delivery
• Trauma during childbirth
• Pregnancy
• Chronic constipation
• Repeated straining during bowel movements
• Repeated heavy lifting

Although this condition can affect any woman, you are more susceptible to experiencing pelvic organ prolapse if you have ever been pregnant. A history of vaginal births or giving birth to a large baby can also raise your risk. Women with a family history of weakness in their connective tissue or who have had pelvic surgery in the past are also more vulnerable to prolapse.

Your risk of experiencing prolapse increases with age and weight, and Hispanic and white women also have a higher risk. Frequent straining during bowel movements and constipation can also increase your risk of pelvic organ prolapse.

How Can You Prevent Uterine Prolapse?

If you have a higher risk of uterine prolapse, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of developing this condition. Here are some of the best ways to reduce your risk.

Perform Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises can help to strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor, which is particularly important after you have given birth. These exercises are easy to perform, and you can find instructions online.

Avoid Heavy Lifting

You should avoid lifting heavy objects if you are concerned about prolapse. When you do need to lift something, it is imperative to focus on using your legs rather than your back or waist. If you lift weights, make sure that you are doing so correctly.

Avoid Excess Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is a great way to reduce your risk of uterine prolapse and maintain optimum overall health. Your doctor can help you determine your ideal weight and provide you with any strategies that are needed to reach that number.

Address Coughing

If you experience chronic coughing or bronchitis, it is important to get treatment. You should also avoid smoking.

Avoid Constipation

Because constipation is strongly connected to prolapse, it is important to take steps to treat and prevent constipation. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids and consume a variety of high-fiber foods, including vegetables, beans, whole grains, and fruits.

How Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Diagnosed And Treated?

A gynecologist can diagnose uterine prolapse with a pelvic exam. During the exam, you may be asked to bear down as though you are having a bowel movement so the doctor can assess just how far the uterus is slipping into the vagina. You may also be asked to tighten your pelvic muscles as though you are trying to stop a stream of urine so the doctor can determine the strength of your pelvic muscles.

Mild pelvic organ prolapse does not usually require treatment. Many times, performing Kegel exercises, treating constipation, and losing weight can provide relief. A pessary, a plastic or rubber ring that is inserted into the vagina to support bulging tissues, may also be an option.

When the symptoms of prolapse disrupt normal activities, surgery may be recommended. Vaginal surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can be used to repair weakened pelvic floor tissues.

Get In Touch With Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

If you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, reach out to the women’s healthcare team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness. Their team can diagnose the condition and help you find the right treatment.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very concerning virus. Although it often goes away on its own, it can sometimes lead to medical issues such as genital warts and cervical cancer. Thanks to modern medicine, vaccines are available that can help protect people from HPV-related diseases. Although it has a demonstrated safety and efficacy profile, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of hpv vaccine before deciding whether or not the vaccine is right for you.

Here is a look at the advantages and drawbacks of the Gardasil vaccine.

The Pros of The Gardasil Vaccine

Here are some of the top reasons people choose to get this vaccine.

It Offers Prevention Against Some Types of Cancer

Gardasil is one of the few vaccines on the market that offers some protection against cancer. Gardasil and Gardasil 9 have both been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect against HPV.

HPV is extremely common, with nearly everyone expected to get HPV at some point in their lives. It is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and it can be transmitted even if the infected person is not currently experiencing any signs or symptoms of the virus.

More than 42 million Americans currently have an HPV infection with a type that can cause disease, the CDC reports. Approximately 13 million Americans are infected each year.

While it is important to note that most HPV infections will go away by themselves fairly quickly, it can sometimes last longer and lead to certain types of cancer. Gardasil vaccine can protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which can eventually lead to vulvar, anal, and cervical cancer.

It Offers Protection Against Genital Warts

The Gardasil vaccines also offer protection against two strains known for causing genital warts, strains 6 and 11. Genital warts are not dangerous, but they can be unsightly and annoying. They have a cauliflower-like appearance, and some people might get several of them at once. They can occur in various sizes and may be itchy at times but are generally not painful.

They are fairly common and spread easily during oral, vaginal, and anal sex or even skin-to-skin contact in those areas. They can be spread even when there are no visible signs. Therefore, the protection offered by the vaccine can help stop the spread of this frustrating problem.

It Has A Good Track Record

Since HPV vaccines like Gardasil were introduced in the U.S., HPV infections, cervical precancers, and genital warts have all dropped. Infections with the types of HPV that lead to most HPV cancers as well as genital warts have decreased by 88 percent among teens and 81 percent among young adult women.

Cons Of The Gardasil Vaccine

Here are some potential drawbacks to consider when deciding whether to get the vaccine.

It May Cause Side Effects

Like all vaccines, there is the possibility of experiencing side effects following the Gardasil vaccination. Although many people will not have any problems, some may experience mild to moderate side effects such as swelling and pain at the injection site, headache, fever, muscle or joint pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fatigue.

Some people may faint after getting the shot, particularly adolescents, so you will be asked to sit or lie down for 15 minutes following injection to avoid injuring yourself if you faint and fall down.

It Does not Prevent All HPV-Related Cancers Or STDs

Another drawback of the Gardasil vaccines is that they do not prevent every type of HPV-related cancer. Although their protection is very valuable, it will still be necessary to get routine Pap tests to look for any signs of cervical cancer.

It is also important to keep in mind that the vaccines provide no protection against other types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This means that those who are not educated on what the vaccine does and does not do may engage in risky behavior, thinking that they are protected from all STDs. It is important to be aware that it will remain necessary to use barrier methods such as condoms during sex to prevent the transmission of other type of STDs.

The Schedule For The Gardasil Vaccine Can Be Complicated

This is not a serious drawback, but the vaccine’s schedule can be a bit complex. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor about whether you need the vaccine and when is the right time to get it. The CDC recommends it be given around age 11 or 12, at which time most children will not have been exposed to the HPV strains it protects against, allowing them to get the optimum benefits.

Those who get it at age 11 or 12 will need two doses 6 to 12 months apart; anyone who received their second shot less than 5 months after the first will need three doses. Adults and teens who are older than 14 need three doses across 6 months,

Reach Out To Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

To learn more about whether Gardasil is right for you, get in touch with the women’s healthcare professionals at Raleigh Gynecology &Wellness. Serving the Triangle Area for more than three decades, Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness offers a comprehensive range of services with an emphasis on patients’ comfort.

If you are considering getting the Gardasil vaccine, you may have some questions about the shot itself and the vaccination process. Here’s a look at what you need to know before getting the Gardasil vaccine.

Who Needs The Gardasil Vaccine?

vaccine that is recommended around the ages of 11 to 12, although it may be given to children as young as 9. The aim of giving this vaccine to preteens is to provide them with protection from the types of HPV infections that could cause cancer later in life.

Gardasil is an HPVIn general, the CDC recommends that 11- and 12-year-olds be given two doses of the vaccine 6 to 12 months apart. Anyone who gets the vaccine before turning 15 will only need two doses.
The vaccination schedule is slightly different for those who are older. Teens and adults who start the series of vaccinations after the age of 15 will need three doses.

For those older than 26, the decision about whether to get the Gardasil vaccine should be made on a case-by-case basis. Those between the ages of 27 and 45 should discuss their risk of a new HPV infection with their doctor, along with the potential benefits of getting the vaccine. Generally speaking, the vaccine offers less of a benefit to people in this age range because many will have already been exposed to the virus.

Who Should Avoid Gardasil?

Besides those outside of the appropriate age group, people with allergies should proceed with caution. Be sure to discuss any severe allergies that you have with your physician before getting the vaccine. In particular, anyone who has experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction in the past to any of the ingredients in the HPV vaccine or a previous dose of it should not get the vaccine, nor should those who have an allergy to yeast or are currently pregnant.

However, it is safe to get the vaccine when you are mildly ill, such as if you currently have a cough, runny nose, cold, or low-grade fever. If you are experiencing a moderate or severe illness, however, it is best to wait until you are feeling better to get the vaccine.

What Are The Side Effects?

Many people will not experience any side effects from the HPV vaccine, while others report mild side effects, such as a sore arm at the injection site. This may also be accompanied by redness or swelling.

Some of the other common side effects include dizziness, headache, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, nausea, or fever. Some people may faint after getting the vaccine, particularly those who are younger. Adolescents will generally be asked to remain seated or to lie down for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine to prevent fainting and injuries associated with fainting.

In rare cases, a person may experience a severe anaphylactic allergic reaction after vaccination if they are allergic to any component of the vaccine.

However, it is important to keep in mind that both Gardasil and Gardasil 9 have undergone strict safety testing before getting approved, with more than 15 years of research and monitoring demonstrating the vaccine’s overall safety.

Can Gardasil Impact Fertility?

Gardasil has not been linked to fertility problems, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention notes that not getting an HPV vaccine can leave people at risk for the types of cancer that could compromise fertility. For example, people who develop cancer that is caused by HPV may need treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, or a hysterectomy, all of which could limit their ability to have children.

How Long Does Protection Last?

It is believed that the protection afforded by Gardasil and similar vaccines is long-lasting. In research studies, people given HPV vaccines were monitored for about 12 years and their protection remained high with no signs that protection may be waning.

Where Can I Get the Vaccine?

Your gynecologist can administer the HPV vaccine to you. Other doctors’ offices may also offer the vaccination, along with school health centers, local health departments, and community health clinics. Many health insurance plans cover routine vaccinations such as Gardasil, while the Vaccines For Children program provides vaccines to those aged 18 and younger who are underinsured, uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, Alaskan native, or American Indian.

Get In Touch With The North Carolina Women’s Healthcare Specialists

If you would like to learn more about the protection offered by the Gardasil vaccine or find out more about how it could benefit you, make an appointment with the North Carolina women’s healthcare specialists at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness today.

The Gardasil vaccine offers valuable protection against the highly common and potentially dangerous sexually transmitted disease known as HPV, or human papilloma virus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that there were approximately 43 million HPV infections in 2018, making it the most common STD in the nation. While many of these infections will clear on their own – it can go away without health problems within two years in 9 out of 10 people – some have the potential to cause serious health problems like certain types of cancer, particularly cervical cancer. HPV can also lead to genital warts.

Unfortunately, a person who has HPV can pass it along to someone else even if they are not experiencing any symptoms, and many people are not aware they are infected. Moreover, it can take years after having sex with an infected person to develop symptoms.

Who Should Get Gardasil?

The CDC recommends that all girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 12 get the vaccine, although it can be administered to people as young as 9. Ideally, girls and boys should receive the vaccine prior to their first sexual contact and potential HPV exposure as it may not be as effective once a person has been infected with HPV. Moreover, the response to the vaccine is typically better among younger people than those who are older.

According to the CDC, people under the age of 15 should receive two doses of Gardasil at least six months apart, while for those aged 15 through 26, three doses of the vaccine are needed. Women who are 27 to 45 should talk to their doctor about whether or not they need the vaccine. It may not be necessary for everyone in this age group, so discuss your risk with your doctor to make an informed decision.

Who Should Avoid Gardasil?

The Gardasil vaccine has not been tested in pregnant women and should therefore be avoided by anyone who is pregnant. People who are moderately or severely ill should wait until they are feeling better to get the vaccine.

It is also important to discuss all of your allergies with your doctor prior to vaccination, particularly if you are allergic to yeast or latex. Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction in the past to any of the vaccine’s components should avoid it as should those who have had severe reactions to a previous dose of the vaccine.

Are There Side Effects Or Health Risks?

Studies have shown that the vaccine is generally safe and its effects are typically mild. Some of the more common side effects include swelling at the injection site and soreness.

Nevertheless, patients are advised to stay sitting for 15 minutes following the shot as dizziness or fainting may occur. Some people may also experience weakness, fatigue, nausea, and headaches. The vaccine is being monitored by the CDC and FDA for severe or unusual problems.

Is The Vaccine A Requirement For Attending School?

The HPV vaccine is now a part of the standard routine childhood vaccination schedule. However, each state makes its own decisions about which vaccines are required for school enrollment.

Can Gardasil Provide Protection If You Are Already Sexually Active?

Even if you have already been infected with one strain of HPV, the vaccine still offers benefits as it may protect you from other strains. However, it is important to keep in mind that its protection is limited only to those strains you have not yet been exposed to; it cannot treat an existing HPV infection.

Do Vaccinated People Still Need Pap Tests?

Although the HPV vaccine can help reduce your chances of developing HPV-related cancer, it is not intended to replace Pap tests. It is still important to get routine screening for cervical cancer with regular Pap tests as part of preventative health care since the vaccine does not protect against every strain of HPV that can cause cancer.

It is important to protect yourself during sexual interactions whether you have the HPV vaccine or not. Keep in mind that HPV can spread through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Using a condom every time you have sex is essential, but it is important to understand that condoms do not cover every part of the body that could become infected with HPV. It is also important to avoid smoking as this can raise your risk of cervical cancer.

Learn More About Gardasil And Sexual Health

If you would like to learn more about sexually transmitted diseases, get a Pap test, or receive the Gardasil vaccine, get in touch with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today. Our team of health care professionals can help you determine your risk and the best way to ensure you are protected.

The Gardasil vaccine can offer protection against one of the most common types of STDs – the human papillomavirus virus (HPV).

What Is HPV?

HPV is a broad term, and many of its strains are relatively harmless and may clear on their own. However, some types can cause health problems ranging from genital warts to certain types of cancer.

It is not always obvious that a person has HPV as they may be asymptomatic. Genital warts typically first appear as small bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area that may be raised, flat, or cauliflower shaped. Complicating matters further is the fact that cancer may take years to develop after a person contracts HPV. The virus has been linked to cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, and penis, along with cancer in the back of the throat, or oropharyngeal cancer.

It spreads easily through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and a person who has it may pass the infection to someone else even if they are not experiencing any signs or symptoms of the disease. Moreover, its symptoms can develop years after sexual contact with an infected person, which means it can be difficult to determine when you may have contracted it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were around 43 million HPV infections in 2018. Many of those affected were people in their early 20s or late teens. (1)

What Is The Gardasil Vaccine?

The Gardasil vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for both males and females, and it can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if it is administered to girls or women before they are exposed to the virus. It can also help to protect against some of the other problems associated with HPV, such as genital warts and several types of cancers. However, it cannot treat an active infection.

It is theorized that vaccinating boys against the HPV strains linked to cervical cancer could protect girls from the virus by reducing transmission, but the vaccine is largely given to girls around ages 11 or 12. It is best to receive it before beginning sexual contact as it may not be as effective once someone has been exposed.

It is recommended that younger girls receive two doses of the vaccine at least six months apart. Teens and young adults who start the vaccine series need three doses as the response to the vaccine is not as strong in this age group as it is in younger children.

Although some parents worry that the HPV vaccine could encourage young girls to make riskier decisions, studies have shown that getting the vaccine does not lead people to have more sex or start having sex at a younger age.

Women aged 27 to 45 should talk to their doctor about their HPV risk. In some cases, it may not be necessary to get the vaccine; your health care professional can help you make an informed decision based on your risk profile and your health and sexual history.

Does The Vaccine Have Side Effects?

The side effects of the HPV vaccine are typically mild. Some of the more common effects of it include swelling, redness at the injection site, and soreness. In some cases, dizziness or fainting may occur immediately afterward, so it is recommended to remain sitting for 15 minutes post-injection. Some people may also experience headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or weakness.

People who are allergic to any components of the vaccine could experience a severe reaction, so it is important to discuss any allergies you have with your doctor before getting the vaccine.

Does It Change Your Menstrual Cycle?

The HPV vaccine will not change your menstrual cycle, and it has not been linked to infertility. However, pregnant women are advised to wait until after giving birth to get the vaccine.

Do You Still Need Pap Tests If You Get The Vaccine?

Pap tests remain an important way of diagnosing and preventing cervical cancer. Although the HPV vaccine may reduce your risk of getting some cancers, it does not protect against every type of HPV that could cause cancer. Therefore, you need regular Pap or HPV tests to pick up any changes in cells that could lead to cervical cancer.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk Of HPV?

Although the Gardasil vaccine is considered very effective, it is also important to use condoms correctly every time you have sex to reduce your chances of getting the virus. Keep in mind that HPV can infect areas of the body that condoms do not cover, which means they cannot provide complete protection. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship is another effective way of reducing your risk.

Talk To The Women’s Health Care Team

To learn more about the benefits of the HPV vaccine and find out whether Gardasil is right for you, get in touch with the women’s health care team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today.