Obesity increases pregnancy risks for mothers and their babies
Women who enter pregnancy overweight or obese are at higher risk for serious health complications — including gestational diabetes and hypertension, preeclampsia, miscarriage, preterm delivery, stillbirths and cesarean births — and are putting their babies’ health at risk as well.
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Diagnosing and treating an increasing number of women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of the disease that develops during pregnancy and is the leading cause of pregnancy complications. The American Diabetes Association estimates that nearly one in five expectant mothers are diagnosed with GDM.
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Early identification and treatment of pregnancy-related mental health problems
The understanding of perinatal mental health disorders such as postpartum depression (PPD) has evolved considerably over the last several decades. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has provided guidance on screening, diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders in pregnancy and postpartum. UCLA has implemented a range of services to adhere to the ACOG guidelines and minimize the impact of these disorders on patients and their families.
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Preserving childbirth options in female cancer patients
Each year in the United States, about 100,000 reproductive-age women are diagnosed with cancer. In addition to the distress of receiving a cancer diagnosis and anxiety over treatment and survival, these young women often grapple with.
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A wide range of treatment options helps provide optimal care for women with uterine fibroids
More than half of all women develop fibroids — benign growths in the uterine wall — by age 50. The cause is not clear, though heredity seems to play a role. Most women with uterine fibroids are asymptomatic or experience only minimal discomfort.
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UCLA study to examine hyperandrogenism and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
UCLA physicians are conducting a study of the effects of excess androgen in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). UCLA is seeking both women who have been diagnosed with PCOS and women without PCOS to take part in the study, for which they will be compensated.
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Robotic technology enhances effectiveness of hysterectomy
A major advantage of using robotic technology to perform hysterectomies is that it increases the number of women who can receive minimally invasive surgeries as opposed to more traumatic open procedures," explains Christopher Tarnay, M.D., director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA.
Uterine fibroid embolization provides a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy
UCLA offers uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) for the treatment of uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous tumors estimated to affect as many as 77% of American women. UFE preserves the uterus and is suitable for patients experiencing increased uterine bleeding and anemia or bulk symptoms such as pelvic fullness, increased urination and/or painful intercourse.
New Treatment Available for Uterine Fibroids
Treatment options for uterine fibroids have increased dramatically in the last 20 years, according to UCLA obstetrician/gynecologist Michael Johnson, M.D. In the past, physicians were likely to advise removing the growths, but today the choice of treatment - including doing nothing - is largely driven by patient preference, Dr. Johnson says.
MR-guided ultrasound and robotic surgery expand options for women with abnormal uterine bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding is usually due to hormonal imbalances, benign fibroids or polyps. Treatment is not always necessary, but some patients choose surgical intervention to relieve symptoms. For these women, UCLA's multidisciplinary team of gynecologists and radiologists collaborate to offer a range of treatment options unlike any other center in the western United States.
