Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we provide answers to commonly asked questions about reproductive issues, menopausal issues, having a baby, genetic testing, incontinence and pelvic disorders, and gynecologic cancers.
Questions about Reproductive or Menopausal Issues
- What is a reproductive endocrinologist?
- What tests should I ask my doctor for if I think I am going through early menopause?
- What about getting an ultrasound of my ovaries?
- I am still getting periods, but I have a lot of symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Is this normal?
- How long will my symptoms last?
- Does going through menopause early mean I am aging more quickly?
Questions about Endometriosis
- What is endometriosis?
- What causes endometriosis?
- Does endometriosis cause infertility?
- Will any medical or surgical treatment cure endometriosis?
- I have been diagnosed as having endometriosis. Do I have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer?
- I have been diagnosed as having advanced endometriosis. Will I need hysterectomy?
- I am 32 years old and have been trying to conceive for two years. I have been diagnosed as having advanced endometriosis. I have never been pregnant, and my partner's sperm count is excellent. Should I be optimistic that I will conceive?
- I have advanced pelvic endometriosis and severe pelvic pain. What chance do I have of pain relief after resection of endometriosis?
- What about holistic treatments?
Questions about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- How common is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
- What are the symptoms of PCOS?
- Why do some people call it polycystic ovarian disease and others call it polycystic ovary syndrome?
- Are there other names for PCOS?
- What are the effects of PCOS?
- What causes PCOS?
- Is there a cure for PCOS?
Questions about Having a Baby or Genetic Tests
- I am on prescribed medications for a chronic medical condition. Should I stop them all before I get pregnant or as soon as I have a positive pregnancy test?
- I know that vaccination is an important part of ongoing healthcare. Are vaccines safe during pregnancy?
- What is your cesarean rate?
- I had a cesarean section with my last baby. Should I attempt vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)?
- What about diabetes and pregnancy?
- Why is folic acid important for women?
- Is exercise safe during pregnancy?
- What is genetic counseling?
- Should I consider prenatal testing?
- What will I learn from prenatal testing?
- Why is prenatal care important?
- What types of prenatal testing and screening are available?
- What causes a woman to have a preterm birth?
- Will my baby have a birth defect?
- Should I be screened for cystic fibrosis? Will I be a carrier?
- I am of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish decent. Should I be worried about genetic diseases?
Questions about Childbirth Pain
- Does being nervous affect the delivery process?
- How can I avoid being anxious and afraid about having my baby?
- When does the pain of labor begin?
- Does abdominal pain signal the beginning of labor?
- Why must I not eat or drink upon going into labor?
- How can I manage pain that occurs before I go to the hospital?
- What are intravenous medications and infusions?
- What is the difference between analgesia and anesthesia?
- Is anesthesia bad for childbirth?
- What is an epidural?
- Must I have an epidural?
- How safe are epidurals?
- Is having an epidural painful?
- How long does it take to perform an epidural?
- How long does it take for the epidural to be effective?
- How long does an epidural dose last?
- How does one feel after having an epidural?
- Does an epidural make one feel numb?
- How does one know when the epidural medication is wearing off?
- Why are epidurals so popular?
- Why do some hospitals use more epidurals than others?
- Why is there so much conflicting information about epidurals?
- If epidurals are so good why doesn't everyone have one?
- Is there anyone who should not or cannot have an epidural?
- What medications are used in an epidural for childbirth?
- What if I'm allergic to local anesthetics or narcotics?
- Are there side effects associated with epidurals?
- How early in labor can one have an epidural?
- How late in labor can one have an epidural?
- Do epidurals sometime produce incomplete or one-sided relief?
- Must I remain in bed after having an epidural?
- Will it be difficult to urinate after having an epidural?
- Do epidurals slow labor?
- Do epidurals lead to c-sections?
- Do epidurals cause fevers in some mothers?
- Do epidural medications reach the baby?
- Do epidurals cause backaches?
- Can a person who has had back problems or surgery receive an epidural?
- What are the worst complications that can happen due to an epidural?
- What are some advantages to having an epidural?
- What are some disadvantages to having an epidural?
- Are there conditions that can make anesthesia risky?
- If I do not need anything for labor and delivery, is there anything available for an episiotomy?
- What is a spinal or saddle block?
- Do spinals cause headaches?
- If I need a c-section, will an additional anesthetic be necessary?
- If I have had a c-section for a previous delivery but wish to try vaginal birth for my next, can I have an epidural?
- What are the chances of an epidural wearing off before surgery has ended?
- What will I feel during a c-section under epidural anesthesia?
- Why is it considered better to remain awake during a c-section?
- When might a general anesthetic be necessary?
- Is a breathing tube necessary with a general anesthetic?
- Can husbands remain in the operating room when general anesthesia is given?
- How much pain is there after a c-section?
- Will there be any lingering effects from my anesthesia?
- Will my insurance pay for epidural pain relief?
- From whom will I receive a bill for my epidural?
Questions about Incontinence and Pelvic Disorders
- What is urinary incontinence?
- What causes urinary incontinence? Are there different types?
- How can urinary incontinence be treated?
- What is pelvic muscle rehabilitation?
- What is ExMI?
- What is urodynamic testing?
- What is anal incontinence?
- What causes anal incontinence?
- How is anal incontinence treated?
- What is anorectal physiology testing?
- What is pelvic organ prolapse?
- How is prolapse treated?
- How can I choose the right doctor?
Questions about Gynecologic Cancers
- What are gynecologic cancers?
- Why do women get these cancers?
- What are the warning signs of gynecologic cancer?
- What is a gynecologic oncologist, and when should I see one?
