Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are infections acquired during sexual contact. They can be passed between people through various body fluids. The majority of these diseases have effective treatment.
If you want to be screened for a sexually transmitted disease, in full privacy and with respect, contact our office.
Sexual dysfunction can occur in men and women at various ages. It can be related
to arousal, desire, and satisfaction issues. We have various treatment regimens to
treat these issues for both men and women. There are various causes for sexual
dysfunction.
If you were suffering from these conditions, contact our office to see if we can help.
Annual physicals are an important part of women’s health and wellness. Obtaining a good history and performing a good physical exam are an important parts of this exam. Some patients do not need a Pap smear, but still will come in for a gynecological exam.
Contact our office if you feel you are overdue for an annual physical.
An IUD (intrauterine device) is a device which is placed in the uterus. They are available in both hormonal and non-hormonal forms. They provide long-term contraception and can also help with cycle control.
They are highly effective forms of contraception, and Dr Patrick Allen has decades of experience with the benefits and intimate issues concerning IUDs. Contact our office if you were interested in this long-term form of contraception or cycle control.
An endometrial biopsy is a procedure where a small tissue sample is taken from the endometrium, which is inside the uterus. We will normally pre-treat the patient to try to dilate her cervix prior to this procedure. There are various conditions that require an endometrial biopsy. It can help with diagnosis and treatment of heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and sometimes for discharge.
An endometrial biopsy involves the removal of a small section of the tissue from the uterine lining, known as the endometrium. This procedure is conducted in order to examine potentially abnormal tissues.
Your doctor may recommend that you undergo an endometrial biopsy if you have been experiencing abnormal menstrual periods that are heavy, prolonged, or irregular in nature, if you have encountered bleeding after menopause, if you have experienced bleeding after hormone replacement therapy, if an ultrasound showed a thickened uterine lining, and if there is suspicion of endometrial cancer.
In order to proceed with an endometrial biopsy procedure, your gynecologist must have an understanding of your present symptoms and past medical history. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or might be pregnant. Inform him about any medications you are taking, any allergies to medications, any history of taking blood-thinners, any history of heart or lung problems, and any history of infections in the pelvic area.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you refrain from douching, using tampons, or inserting any creams or medicines in the vagina. He may suggest that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever shortly before the biopsy to block pain associated with cramping that may occur during the procedure.
During an endometrial biopsy, you will undress below the torso and cover your lower half with a sheet. You will place your feet in stirrups that allow your doctor a better view of the pelvic area. A speculum will be inserted into the vagina to hold it open so that the cervix can be clearly examined. A local anesthetic may be applied to the cervix. A special tool is gently inserted through the cervix into the uterus where your doctor will use it to collect a sample of the uterine lining. This entire procedure will last about 5 to 15 minutes.
Women’s wellness are those aspects associated uniquely to our female patients. Part of women’s wellness is an annual exam, but it also includes discussion of other screening exams. It can include diet information, medication reconciliation, nutraceutical supplementation, and other aspects. If you want to improve your overall wellness contact our office.
In adolescence, a young girl begins menstruating, which signals that her body has reached child-bearing age. As you become sexually active and consider starting a family, you will need to address the characteristic health changes and precautions necessary to maintain health. Then, as you age, menstruation will stop, as will your child-bearing abilities. Throughout all these phases of life, it is important to monitor your health and wellness.
Every year, it’s important to have an annual well-woman visit in order to provide early detection of disease or to manage existing conditions. Your women’s wellness exam generally includes a pelvic exam, breast exam, and Pap smear. Depending on your age or current health status, you may require additional tests and exams.
Important screenings for women may include those for breast cancer, cervical cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, colorectal cancer, and osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor to determine which, if any of these screenings, may be relevant to your situation.
Although visiting your gynecologist and primary care doctor on a yearly basis is significant for preventative health, you must also prioritize your health every day. If you have an existing health condition, be sure that you are taking your medications (or any other medical procedures) as directed. Consume a diet of healthy, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Drink plenty of water. Exercise regularly – at least 30 minutes per day on most days of the week. Finally, be sure to nourish your mental health by engaging in regular stress-relief practices.
We are pleased to be able to offer peptide therapy through our partnership with BioTE Medical. BioTE Medical has a mission to help improve our patient’s lives. This is not just through hormone optimization (which is a big key) but also through high quality Nutraceuticals that can help improve various conditions, as well as Peptide Therapy.
BioTE has carefully selected every peptide to help support the BioTE method of hormone optimization. Peptides provide many important influences when used in conjunction with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT):
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids. The amino acids in a peptide are connected to one another in a sequence by bonds called peptide bonds. Typically, peptides are distinguished from proteins by their shorter length, although the cut-off number of amino acids for defining a peptide and protein can be arbitrary. Peptides are naturally occurring biological molecules. They are found in all living organisms and play a key role in all manner of biological activity. Many health and cosmetic products contain different peptides for many uses, such as their potential anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-building properties.
Some of the more important peptides we have access for our patients are highlighted below:
There are several peptides to help with hair loss, including PTD-DBM, Valproic Acid, Zinc-Thymulin and GHK-Cu.
There are several peptides available to help with skin conditions. The skin consists of three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It also contains hair follicles. The dermis is the deeper layer, forming the main bulk of the skin. Its function is to provide a tough matrix to support the blood vessels, nerves and appendages that are embedded in it. The fibers present in the dermal connective tissue are predominantly collagen and elastin.
Some 80% of the dry weight of adult skin consists of collagen. Collagen fibers, produced by fibroblasts, are arranged parallel to the skin surface. This gives the skin a high tensile strength and prevents it from being torn by over stretching. In contrast, elastin constitutes about 5% of the dermis, and provides the skin with elasticity and resilience. Elastin fibers are arranged as a thinly distributed subepidermal network and are also produced by fibroblasts. The dermal connective tissue additionally contains sensory receptors and the supportive glycosaminogylcans (GAGs) such as hyaluronic acid.
The predominant form of collagen found in adult human skin is type I, followed by type III. In young people, microscopic examination of collagen from the dermis of skin areas not exposed to the sun shows thin, wavy, uniform fibrillar units. The skin becomes thinner and changes structure and function with age. In the elderly, the skin contains thickened, clumped basophilic collagenous material, indicating partial degradation of collagen. Collagen atrophy is a major factor in skin aging. Studies show a significant decline in the quantity of dermal collagen with aging.
These peptides follow a similar mechanism like that of Botox. Botox works by decreasing the amount of muscle activity by blocking the release of acetylcholine. This is done by inhibiting the fusion of the vesicle storing the neurotransmitter to the cell membrane, thus rendering the muscle inactive for about three to four months.
There are several peptides that are available to improve or enhance sexual issues. Several of these can be used to improve libido, orgasm, and erectile difficulties. They include PT-141, Tadalafil/Apomorphine, Oxytocin, Melatonin-1, and arousal creams.
PT-141 was developed from Melatonin-II which has strong aphrodisiac effects. The melanocortins exert their influence in certain areas of the brain. It elicits a more natural sexual response. In men it can have a rapid onset of arousal with erection achieved within minutes. It was found to induce erection in 80% of men who did not respond to PDE-5 inhibitor drugs (Viagra and Cialis). In females a significantly higher percentage of females had a satisfying sexual event when compared to placebo. Side effects can include flushing, GI upset and spontaneous erection.
Apomorphine can lead to greater activation of the hypothalamus in an area rich in dopamine receptors. It can be combined with Tadalafil in a troche which can be taken 30 minutes before activity in men and women.
Oxytocin has long been known for its role in female reproduction. Recent studies have investigated its role in various behaviors including orgasm, erection, ejaculation as well others such as bonding. It targets erectile tissue such as the corpus cavernous and corpus spongiosum. It can be used intranasally or by troche 30 minutes before activity by men or women.
Melatonin-I can be used 3 days per week by sub-cutaneous injection to improve libido and sex drive. It does cause a visible darkening of the skin.
Arousal Creams are topical cream that can improve blood flow to the clitorus and improve and enhance orgasms.
The peptides we have listed are just a few of those available, with more in various stages of development. Please contact our office to discuss your needs and let us evaluate the the most effective options for your maximum health.
Urinary incontinence is a condition that affects women of all ages. It can occur with coughing or sneezing or sometimes with urgency. It also can occur for other reasons. There are many medical and non-surgical treatments to help with urinary incontinence. Contact our office to see if we can help you with this condition.
The extent of urinary incontinence may involve minor slips when you cough or sneeze or sudden urges to urinate that prevent you from making it to the toilet in time. If urinary incontinence is preventing you from taking part in activities and enjoying life, you should see a doctor right away. Many people with incontinence issues suffer in silence. You will never find relief if you don’t discuss this problem with the doctor.
Think of urinary incontinence less as a disease and more as a symptom of a larger problem. By visiting with Dr. Patrick Allen of Richland Hills, Texas, you can get a better understanding of your incontinence issues.
Sometimes, urinary incontinence is a temporary problem due to taking certain medications and consuming certain foods and beverages, including caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, sedatives, and muscle relaxants among others. This can also happen as the result of a treatable medical condition like a urinary tract infection or constipation.
Causes of persistent urinary incontinence may include pregnancy, childbirth, aging, menopause, hysterectomy, obstruction and neurological disorders.
Fortunately, this sometimes embarrassing problem can be managed or even cured. How Dr. Allen chooses to treat your urinary incontinence will depend on the exact cause of the problem, your medical history, and your preferences. Depending on the severity of your incontinence, your doctor may suggest behavioral training to help you get on a urination schedule, pelvic floor exercises to increase the strength of the muscles involved in urination, certain medication, certain medical devices like indwelling catheters, and surgery as a last resort. Dr. Allen is qualified to instruct patients in the use the InTone, physical therapy devices to improve floor strength.
If you are suffering from urinary incontinence, don’t spend another day keeping this common problem to yourself. Call our clinic so Dr. Allen can help you diagnose and treat urinary incontinence.
Colposcopy is a specialized procedure to evaluate abnormal Pap smears. It involves a magnified lighted view with application of dilute acetic acid to highlight the abnormal cells. We have specialized tools to take biopsies if needed. Depending on the results of the biopsies and the colposcopy further treatment may be needed.
Generally, your gynecologist will suggest undergoing a colposcopy after you receive an abnormal result from your Pap test. A colposcopy can help your doctor diagnose a range of conditions, such as cervical cancer, cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix), genital warts, precancerous changes in the vulva, cervix, and vagina, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. This procedure has been shown to be safe and come with very few risks or complications.
Your doctor will give you special instructions to follow as you prepare for your colposcopy exam, such as scheduling when you’re not on your period, taking over-the-counter pain medication to relieve discomfort, and avoiding sex a day or two prior to the appointment.
The procedure will likely be conducted at your doctor’s office and only takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You will be asked to undress and done a gown. You will lie down on an exam table and place your feet in stirrups like you would for a Pap smear. Your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to increase its width so that he can see properly. The colposcope, a special magnifying device, is placed near your vulva. This device shines a light into your vagina so that your doctor can view the pelvic area.
If your doctor notices a suspicious area of tissue, he will collect a sample for analysis in the lab. This tissue collection is known as a biopsy. If a biopsy is not required, you can return to your normal routine. However, if it is necessary, your doctor will give you special instructions about how to care for yourself afterward.
If you have any questions or concerns about your colposcopy appointment, call our knowledgeable staff who can address your concerns.
A Pap smear is a test to screen for abnormal cells of the cervix. It is one of the most effective screening tools in all of medicine. Sometimes HPV screening will be done with a Pap smear, which can further delineate risk and need for further evaluation. Our practice is able to deal with the complexities of Pap smear screening, including appropriate referral if needed.
The cervix is located at the top of your vagina and consists of the lower, narrow part of the uterus. During the Pap smear, Dr. Allen will collect samples of cells from your cervix. These cells will be sent to a laboratory to identify signs of cervical cancer or precancer. This test detects changes in the cervix that may point to cancer or develop into cancer in the future. How often you receive a Pap smear depends on your age and health history. Some women must get Pap smears more frequently than others.
Your Pap smear will be conducted in your doctor’s office on an outpatient basis. You will be asked to undress and wear a gown. Afterward, you will lie on an exam table and place your feet in stirrups that allow your doctor to properly examine you.
A speculum will be inserted into the vagina to widen it so that the upper vagina and cervix are visible. Then, your doctor will use a scraper or cervical brush to collect a sample of cervical cells. You will be allowed to re-dress and then your doctor will explain the next steps.
The samples collected during your Pap smear are sent to a lab for analysis. In many cases, the samples are analyzed for both the Pap smear and HPV testing. HPV is a virus that can cause infections and increase a woman’s risk of cervical and other cancers.
Your doctor will explain how long you must wait before your Pap smear results come in. You may schedule a follow-up when you leave the appointment or your doctor’s office may call you with the results.
