Diagnosis & Treatment of Gynecologic Conditions

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s gynecology professionals are committed to delivering outstanding health care for patients in their adolescent years through menopause and beyond. We provide exceptional care in general gynecology, which focuses on functions and conditions specific to women and girls, as well as two gynecologic sub-specialties: gynecologic oncology, which focuses on cancers of the female reproductive system; and urogynecology, which focuses on urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders.

From routine to complex conditions, we offer integrated medical and surgical expertise, and provide the most appropriate and effective care for each patient. Our medical team includes board-certified physicians, physician assistants and advanced registered nurses (nurse practitioners). Our physicians are gynecologic surgeons whose practices center on evaluation of gynecologic conditions and options for treatment, which frequently involves minimally invasive options.

Menopause is a natural process that happens to every woman and does not require medical care. Some women may seek treatment to relieve symptoms during menopause. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, our experienced gynecologists and women’s health providers offer comprehensive care to minimize symptoms. We monitor your overall health and prevent or treat other conditions that can develop during this stage of your life.

If your menopause symptoms are moderate to severe, our gynecologists can provide treatment to help manage them. Some of our treatment options include:

• Oral contraceptive (birth control) pills to manage irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness

• Medications for vaginal discomfort
• Menopausal hormone therapy to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and bone loss

Women who are experiencing menopause may have moderate to severe symptoms that affect their health and quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy, also known as menopausal hormone therapy, can help manage symptoms of menopause. Our knowledgeable gynecologists and other care providers can help you decide whether hormone therapy is right for you.

Hormone therapy can relieve menopause symptoms such as:

• Anxiety and other mood problems
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort

As women age, menopause causes physical and other changes that can affect sexual health. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, our women’s health care professionals provide treatment to help relieve symptoms of sexual dysfunction and improve your quality of life.

We offer a variety of treatment options to relieve symptoms and improve function, including:

• Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking and drugs and limiting alcohol consumption
• Medication: Changing existing medications, or taking new medications such as estrogen for vaginal dryness
• Counseling for anxiety or depression
• Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases

After menopause, women are more likely to have bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. The skilled physicians at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health can help with healthy lifestyle recommendations and medical treatment.

We can monitor your bone health using a bone mineral density test. If you develop osteoporosis and lifestyle changes are not enough to improve your condition, you may need medication. Our physicians can prescribe a medication to stop bone loss and increase bone strength.

For more information about our services or to make an appointment, find a provider near you.

If more conservative measures haven’t resolved your condition, surgery may be the best treatment option for you. Our skilled, experienced surgeons use the latest techniques for the best possible outcomes.

The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL™) designated us as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology™ (COEMIG). That means we meet or exceed national requirements for surgery volume and patient education—and have a strong commitment to quality outcomes in gynecological care. We’re one of only two programs in Washington state with this accreditation.

Our experienced surgeons have years of experience treating a wide range of gynecologic conditions, including:

• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Gynecological cancers, including cervical, ovarian or uterine
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Prolapsed organs, such as the uterus, bladder, rectum or intestine
• Uncontrolled uterine hemorrhage or infection
• Urinary and fecal incontinence

Depending on your individual condition and needs, we offer several minimally invasive techniques, including:

• Laparoscopy: Surgery aided by a small camera inserted into the abdomen to remove ovaries, ovarian masses or the uterus (hysterectomy), or treatment of endometriosis.
• Hysteroscopy: Surgery in which a tiny camera and thin surgical instruments are inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to remove polyps or fibroids without incisions.
• Robotic surgery: Laparoscopy in which your surgeon uses robotic technology to remove fibroids (myomectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy)

These less invasive surgeries generally result in less pain and faster healing than traditional operations because they can be completed using small incisions.

For more information about our services or to make an appointment, find a provider near you.

To make an appointment with one of our gynecologists or other women’s health specialists, find a provider.