Center for Women & Infants

Birth control methods, also known as contraception, can help prevent an unwanted pregnancy until you are ready to have a baby. There are many different types of birth control and no single method is right for everyone. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each type of birth control and select the one most suited to your needs and lifestyle. Think carefully about how easy it is to use and if you are comfortable using it. You will also want to consider if and when you are planning to have children.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is a common medical test. It detects breast cancer and other breast conditions. A breast MRI takes layered images of your breast. Doctors usually order a breast MRI after you have a biopsy that’s positive for cancer. They give your doctor more information about the extent of the disease. Sometimes, like if you have a high risk of breast cancer, your doctor may order a breast MRI along with a mammogram. Together, these are an effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer.

University Gynecologic Oncology at The University of Tennessee Medical Center provides innovative and advanced medical and surgical treatment for patients coping with both precancerous and malignant gynecologic conditions, like cervical cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of physician, nurses, therapists and support staff provides comprehensive care for the treatment of all gynecologic cancers and serves as a regional referral center for women with cancers of the female reproductive tract.

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. It may be done through an incision (cut) in either the abdomen (belly) or the vagina. In a hysterectomy, the uterus is removed in an open surgical procedure. This operation is considered major surgery and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. It requires three to four days of hospitalization and the average recovery period is about six weeks. Hysterectomy is the most common current therapy for women who have such things as uterine fibroids.

An infertility evaluation includes an exam and tests to try to find the reason why you and your partner have not become pregnant. If your doctor can identify the reason, it may be treated. In many cases, doctors can successfully treat infertility even if they can’t find a cause. Your obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) usually will do the first assessment. You also may choose to see a specialist. Infertility specialists are ob-gyns with special training in evaluating and treating infertility in women and men. These specialists are called reproductive endocrinologists.

A mammogram is a specific type of breast exam used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. Mammograms are X-rays of breast tissue. They are used for early detection of breast cancer and diagnosis of other breast conditions. They can detect a cancerous lump when it is the size of a pinhead, about two years before it can be felt. Screening mammograms are performed to check healthy women for signs of breast cancer.

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes visible uterine fibroids from the uterine wall. Myomectomy, like uterine fibroid embolization, leaves the uterus in place and may, therefore, preserve the woman’s ability to have children. There are several ways to perform myomectomy, including hysteroscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic myomectomy and abdominal myomectomy.

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a wide range of disorders that occur with the muscles of the pelvic floor: the muscles may be too loose, but more currently are too tight, leading to urinary and defecatory dysfunction. The diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction starts with a careful medical history and physical exam. Pelvic floor dysfunction may be difficult to treat depending on the etiology for the muscle contraction. Treating the underlying cause of the muscle contraction is the most important part of therapy.

As a woman ages, and as certain stressors are placed on the female pelvic floor (such as childbirth and repetitive heavy lifting), the pelvic muscles and surrounding supportive tissues become weak and can no longer hold the female organs in their proper place. The result is pelvic organ prolapse. Our providers will perform a pelvic exam, and possibly a rectal exam as well. Once your type of prolapse has been identified, our providers will have a detailed discussion with you on the best ways to address your prolapse.

Pelvic reconstruction reconstructs the pelvic floor with the goal of restoring the organs to their original position. Surgeons do some types of reconstructive surgery through an incision in the vagina. They do others through an incision in the abdomen or with laparoscopy. Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. You usually need to take a few weeks off from work. For the first few weeks, you should avoid vigorous exercise, lifting, and straining. You also should avoid sexual intercourse for several weeks after surgery.

An ultrasound is a safe, painless and noninvasive medical test. It helps doctors diagnose and treat many medical conditions. Ultrasounds do not use radiation, like X-rays do, so there is no risk of radiation exposure. The sonographer will position you on an examination table. He or she will then put a warm water-based gel on the area of the body being studied. Your radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to the doctor or other health care provider asked for the exam. He or she will share the results with you. In some cases the radiologist may discuss results with you as soon as your test is finished. If a follow-up examination is necessary, your doctor will explain why he or she asked for another exam.

Patients who suffer from chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pressure or heaviness may have uterine fibroids, also called myoma, leiomyoma, leiomyomata and fibromyoma. Uterine fibroid embolization may treat these conditions. Uterine fibroid embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist, a physician who is specially trained to perform this and other types of embolization and minimally invasive procedures.