Chapter 1:  Normal Body, Normal Exam

In this chapter the explanation of how the Uterus, Cervix, Fallopian Tubes, and Ovaries work is covered.  Photos/illustrations and information help to explain what they look like.

The pelvic examination, pap smear, breast examination, mammogram, breast lumps, rectal examination, colon cancer, pelvic sonogram, and blood tested are covered in depth.

Chapter 2:  Contraception 

This chapter explains how pregnancy occurs, how likely are you to get pregnant, and it has normal fertilization illustrations.

What contraceptive methods are now available concerning birth control pills? 

Birth Control Pills:  What are the benefits, risks, weight gain, irregular bleeding, how long to use the pill, taking the pill by accident when you are pregnant, no monthly bleeding, and perimenopause are explained in depth.

Included in the Contraception chapter are the following:  Patch, Ring, Implanon plastic rod, Depo-Provera, Lunelle,  Intrauterine Device (IUD), Male Condom, Diaphragm, Cervical Cap,  and Spermicides.

What is Natural Family Planning?  Rhythm Method, Ovulation Method, Basal Body Temperature Method, Symptothermal Method, Home Ovulation Predictor Kits, Female Surgical Sterilization, Male Surgical Sterilization, and Male Hormonal Contraception each have a separate section in Chapter 2. 

Chapter 3:  Problems With Your Periods

The following questions are answered in Chapter 3:  What kind of period is normal?  What makes your cycle regular?  When is bleeding abnormal?

There is a section on Hormonal Problems.

Treatment questions about abnormal periods are the following:  What is the treatment for abnormal periods?, What is the treatment if irregular bleeding is due to missed Ovulation?

Are there medications that can help with Heavy Bleeding?, Can Intrauterine Devices (IUD) be used to decrease menstrual bleeding?, When is Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) necessary for abnormal Hormonal Bleeding?, and Are there Homeopathic remedies for abnormal bleeding due to Hormonal causes?

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?, and What is Premature Menopause? are explained.

Menopausal Bleeding, Perimenopause, Hormone Replacement, Polyps, Fibroids, Hyperplasia (overgrowth of the uterine lining), and cancer sections are in this chapter.

Tests that are needed, Hysteroscopy, D&C (Dilatation and Curettage), Endometrial Biopsy, Sonogram (Ultrasound), Endometrial Ablation, Hysterectomy, and What can be done if you have uterine precancer or cancer? are explained in detail.

Bleeding problems and pregnancy section:  Bleeding during pregnancy, Miscarriage, and Ectopic Pregnancy are covered.

A section on Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea) explains the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment/therapies for painful periods.

Chapter 4:  If You Have Fibroids

The causes, different types, problems, symptoms concerning fibroids is discussed.

Treatment for Uterine Fibroids are covered in Chapter 4.  Throughout the treatment section are illustrations of the different fibroid surgeries:  Myomectomy (Abdominal, Laparoscopic, Vaginal, Hysteroscopic), Myolysis, Endometrial Ablation, Hysterectomy, Focused Ultrasound, and Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE is performed by Interventional Radiologist).

Adenomyosis symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and can Uterine Fibroid Embolization be used to treat Adenomyosis are discussed.

Chapter 5:  If You Have Ovarian Cysts 

Chapter 5 covers what are ovarian cysts, different types of cysts, causes, symptoms, what is a normal ovary, menstrual cycle, and infertility.

How are Ovarian Cysts diagnosed?  (Sonogram, CT Scan, MRI, CA-125 test).

Types of Ovarian Cysts:  Epithelial, Hemorrhagic, and Dermoid.

Can Endometriosis cause an Ovarian Cyst? and Can Ovarian Cysts become cancerous? are explained.

Treatments for Ovarian Cysts are covered:  Birth Control Pills and surgery (either laparoscopic surgery, most of the time, or abdominal surgery, laparotomy, in certain other situations).

A section on menopause and Ovarian Cysts.

Chapter 6:  If You Have Pelvic Pain 

In this chapter acute pain is covered:  Pelvic pain, fibroids causing pelvic pain, intercourse, infections, adhesions, Endometriosis, sexual or physical abuse - pelvic pain, bladder problems, Interstitial Cystitis, intestinal problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diverticulitis, intestional cancer, muscle problems, and Musculoskeletal pain.

What method/treatments can be performed to correct the acute pelvic pain are covered for each of the pelvic pain problems.

Chapter 9:  Abnormal Pap Smears, HPV, Cervical Dysplasia, and Cervical Cancer

Illustrations of Cervical cells, Uterus and Cervix, cell Transformation Zone, Cervical cells as seen on the pap smear, and Cone Biopsy are explained throughout this section.

Chapter 10:  Ovarian Cancer And The Search For Early Detection

Ovarian cancer is discussed in depth on the following issues:  How common is it, causes, risk factors, does diet influence Ovarian Cancer, family inheritance of the disease, factors that lower your risk for Ovarian Cancer, Genetic testing, medications that may decrease your risk, and types of surgery to decrease your risk of Ovarian Cancer.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer is explained:  Why is it so hard to detect at an early stage, screening test, is Sonography a good test to detect Ovarian Cancer, CA-125 test, removal of the ovaries before you develop Cancer, pelvic examinations and blood tests, is surgery necessary if your Ovary feel abnormal are just some of the topics covered in this section.

There is a section on the 'Treatments' for Ovarian Cancer.

Chapter 11:  Uterine Bleeding, Precancer, And Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer, Hyperplasia, risk factors, Estrogen, family inheritance of the disease, symptoms, abnormal bleeding, pap smear, sonogram, diagnosis, and Endometrial cancer are explained in this chapter.

Treatment and illustrations of Uterine Cancer are covered in depth.

Chapter 12:  If You Absolutely Need A Hysterectomy

What is a Hysterectomy, types of hysterectomies (vaginal, laparoscopic, abdominal), different types of laparoscopic hysterectomies, advantages of subtotal hysterectomy, risks of hysterectomy, should you have your ovaries removed, menstrual feelings after hysterectomy (PMS symptoms), how it affect sexuality, benefits of hysterectomy, Maine Women's Study, and questions to ask your doctor are explained.

Illustrations of Hysterectomy are available in this section.

Chapter 13:  If You Are Facing Surgery

In this chapter the  following is explained:  Doctor consultation, bringing someone with you to the doctor's office, decision about surgery, second opinion, scheduling surgery, donate your own blood before surgery, tests, and preparing for surgery.

At the Hospital:  What happens when you get to the hospital, enema, Anesthesiologist (anesthesia), IV (intravenous), operating room, bladder catheter, surgery, how soon you can see your family, and postoperative pain relief.

Recovery after surgery:  Eating after abdominal surgery, activities allowed after surgery, fatigue, symptoms to watch for, and when you will see the doctor after you go home are discussed.

How You Can Be Sure To Get Good Care

When it comes time to make any decisions you will then have the peace of mind that you have done your homework and are making the right choice for YOU.