There are many reasons for, and types of, sexual dysfunctions.

 The four main types of sexual dysfunction in women include:

• Desire disorders
• Arousal disorders
• Orgasmic disorders
• Sexual pain disorders

The causes for sexual dysfunction in women can include many different things. Some causes may include medicine that you are taking, diseases, excessive alcohol use, vaginal infections, depression, or relationship problems. Many women also experience sexual problems during special times in their lives such as, pregnancy, after childbirth, while breastfeeding, or after menopause. Stress from everyday life may also cause a woman to have a decreased sexual desire. Regardless of the reason, there are a variety of treatment options available.

Carolina Women’s Physicians is now offering the Minerva procedure to help control excessive menstrual bleeding.

Minerva Endometrial Ablation (EA) is a 90-second, one-time-in-office procedure, that has been used effectively in over one million women, to control bleeding without hormones and hysterectomy.

Many women experience excessive or irregular bleeding in their 30s and 40s, before the onset of menopause. More than just a physical problem, excessive menstrual bleeding takes an emotional and physical toll, as well.

The Minerva procedure works by gently removing the endometrium, or lining of the uterus (the part which causes the bleeding), with a quick delivery of radiofrequency energy. The Minerva procedure either reduces or stops the bleeding entirely. And, it is much less invasive than other procedures, such as hysterectomies. Additionally, side effects, which may occur with hormones, are avoided.

Among the benefits of the Minerva procedure are:

• The procedure can be performed at the Carolina Women’s Physicians office with no general anesthesia.
• The procedure is quick – average treatment time is just 90 seconds.
• Can be performed at any time during your cycle
• No pre-treatment medicine required
• 90% of women returned to normal, light or no periods at all
• 41% reported that their periods stopped altogether

The Minerva procedure is offered in the Carolina Women’s Physicians’ office. Call to schedule an appointment with one of the CWP professional staff to learn more about this safe, revolutionary procedure.

The office procedures include minor surgeries. These can be done either with sedation or in-office mobile anesthesia

Some surgeries offered include:

• Hysteroscopy
• Dilation and Curettage
• Minerva Endometrial Ablation
• LEEP (for cervical abnormalities)
• Removal of vulvar/vaginal lesions.

It is important to discuss with Dr. Ferguson your different treatment options, and whether or not surgery should be considered for your condition.

The muscles of the “pelvic floor” make up the base of your pelvis. The urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, and genital tract all exit through this muscular structure. These muscles also help contain urine and stool, keep the uterus and cervix up in their proper positions, and aid and improve sexual function.

When these muscles are weak or cannot contract properly, this can lead to a variety of health concerns. These issues may affect a number of organ systems, and it is important to treat the condition(s).

Pelvic muscle rehabilitation is similar to Kegal exercises, which help to strength the muscles that make up the pelvic floor. If done correctly, these exercises can improve the symptoms associated with poor pelvic muscles.

In order for pelvic muscle rehabilitation to be successful, you need a doctor or therapist to make certain you are doing the exercises correctly. Please consult your Carolina Women’s Physicians specialist if you suffer from this conditin so that you can discuss possible rehabilitation options.

Improve Your Gynecologic Health with the MonaLisa Touch™

When women go through menopause, they expect to experience inconvenient symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. However, the hidden symptoms including vaginal dryness, itching, and painful intercourse, can have a profound impact on women’s daily lives and intimate relationships. Now, relief from your symptoms is possible with minimally invasive MonaLisa Touch™ laser treatments!

How Does the MonaLisa Touch™ Procedure Work?

The MonaLisa Touch™ uses a specially designed C02 fractional laser to relieve some of the most common side effects of estrogen deficiency. The MonaLisa Touch™ uses technology similar to that of aesthetic lasers, but is designed to rehydrate the vaginal walls by encouraging new collagen production. As the cells are revitalized, your symptoms will improve as natural gynecologic functions are restored. If vaginal dryness, itching, painful sexual intercourse or urination are affecting your life, the MonaLisa Touch™ can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause and vaginal atrophy without causing pain or inconvenient side effects.

What to Expect During MonaLisa Touch™ Treatments

MonaLisa Touch™ laser vaginal revitalization is an outpatient procedure that is performed in a doctor’s office. The laser application itself lasts less than five minutes! Three appointments are

normally recommended to achieve the best results, but many patients will begin to notice improvement following the first session. MonaLisa Touch™ treatments are not considered painful, but an anesthetic cream can be applied to reduce any discomfort experienced during the procedure. Patients should avoid sexual activity for a few days following the procedure, but can otherwise resume their normal routines without experiencing any downtime.