Gynecology
Providing Gynecological Care for Women’s Health
When caring for women’s health, listening is the most important thing, says Dr. Donald Howser, OB/GYN.
“The fortunate thing about caring for women is that they have such good observation of their body. If you just listen to them and let them explain what’s going on, most of the time it will direct you to the diagnosis. I ask open ended questions, listen to what they say, and take it from there.”
What Gynecological Care does Dr. Howser Provide?
For more than 24 years Dr. Howser has been listening to women while providing gynecological care, including:
- General gynecology:
- Well-woman exams
- family planning
- preventive screenings
- menopausal care
- pelvic pain
- endometriosis
- fibroids
- and more
- Urogynecology: Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
- Infertility: Diagnosing and treating infertility.
Reclaim Your Confidence: Understanding Female Urinary Incontinence
Are you experiencing unexpected leaks and disruptions to your daily life? Female urinary incontinence is a common concern.
The good news? Dr. Donald Howser, OB/GYN can help. “With treatment, the outcomes are excellent,” says Dr. Howser. “We can improve incontinence, restore functional anatomy, and reduce pain. Patients are quite happy.”
What is Female Urinary Incontinence?
Female urinary incontinence occurs when there is an unintentional loss of urine.
What Causes Female Urinary Incontinence?
There can be many causes for urinary incontinence, including pregnancy and childbirth, aging, menopause, and obesity.
Recognize the Symptoms
- Stress incontinence: Leakage when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
- Urge incontinence: Sudden, strong urges to urinate followed by leakage.
- Overflow incontinence: Inability to fully empty the bladder, resulting in leakage.
- Functional incontinence: Difficulty reaching the restroom in time due to physical limitations.
You’re Not Alone: Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Are you experiencing discomfort in your pelvic area? You’re not alone. The National institute of Health says that worldwide, about 40% of women will experience pelvic organ prolapse.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, or rectum, weaken or stretch, causing these organs to drop or protrude into the vaginal wall.
Recognize the Symptoms
- Feeling of pressure: A sensation of fullness or pressure in the pelvic area.
- Pelvic discomfort: Discomfort or aching in the lower abdomen or lower back.
- Urinary issues: Frequent urination, urinary leakage, or difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Bowel changes: Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements.
- Vaginal symptoms: A noticeable bulge or protrusion from the vaginal opening.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
We also offer intrauterine insemination, or IUI. IUI is a procedure where specially prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus, which may increase the likelihood of pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the success rate of IUI may be as high as 20% per IUI cycle. But that depends on a number of factors, like your age, your diagnosis nd your partner’s diagnosis, and whether or not you’re taking fertility medication.
Dr. Howser performs IUI at our hospital in Afton.
Not Just About Illness
Gynecological care is not just about treating illness. It’s about empowering women to make informed decisions about your health. Dr. Howser can provide guidance, answer your questions, and address your concerns.