Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Thank you for choosing Ochsner Health for your care. We are committed to making an ongoing difference in the health of our communities.
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Ochsner is committed to a clinically-integrated research program with the ultimate goal of improving the health and wellness of our patients and communities. And as the largest academic medical center in Louisiana, we are training the next generation of healthcare professionals to be leaders who can meet evolving healthcare challenges.
Discover Your Future At Ochsner! With unlimited growth potential, both professionally and personally, now is the time to start your future with Ochsner.
As a woman, taking care of your health is crucial, not just for your well-being but to the well-being of your whole family. For decades, Ochsner has made it our mission to empower women across the Gulf South with the information, resources, services and treatment choices you need to stay as healthy as you can possibly be.
As a woman, it is important to form a bond with your provider so you aren’t afraid to ask them any question about your health. Our medical professionals give you the comfortable care you need, before, during and after your childbearing years.
From young women to mothers and grandmothers, we care for women of all ages. Whether you are in need of an obstetrics consultation or looking to schedule a wellness exam, you can rely on our team of OB-GYNs to make sure that you are comfortable and receive the care you need during your visit at Ochsner. And when choosing a hospital to have your baby in, be comforted in knowing that Ochsner offers birthing center designated as Baby-Friendly.
The majority of females will need specialty women’s healthcare at some point. That’s why you need a hospital that can take care of you at every stage of life. Whether you need a Pap smear or specialized care for a high-risk pregnancy or management of menopausal symptoms, you can count on on our award-winning team of 80+ female and male OB-GYN doctors at your choice of 11 health center locations.
For the past three years, Ochsner has ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation for women's health by Healthgrades®. We’re also proud to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report as “High Performing” in maternity. By making communication, collaboration and the comfort of our patients a priority, Ochsner provides women across the region with the highest quality of care.
When it comes right down to it, it’s your health and you deserve the best. If you’re looking for a doctor you can confide in, a doctor you can trust, a doctor who listens and never stops learning about the most innovative treatment options, look to Ochsner.
Call or go online to schedule an appointment today. Search by physician or by the next available appointment time.
Menopause often includes perimenopause and menopause stages
Perimenopause is a transitional period where the body starts producing less estrogen. You may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, and other common symptoms. Perimenopause typically begins in a woman’s 40s but can start during the 30s or earlier. You can still become pregnant during perimenopause.
Menopause officially begins when a woman has not had a menstrual period for one year. The typical age to begin menopause is 51 in the United States.
Hormone levels remain low and the they can no longer become pregnant nor experience a monthly period. Menopause comes with an increased risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions and changes in vaginal health.
During perimenopause, you may experience:
Additional symptoms of menopause can include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your physician.
Themost common procedures performed in the abdomen are cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) and hernia repair. These procedures are most often performedon an outpatient basis and patients return to work in one-to-two weeks.
The Ochsner Gynecology Department offers a unique clinic specializing in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of vulvovaginal problems. Chronic and recurrent burning, itching and pain are frustrating and unsettling for many women. You will benefit from a consultation in our office if you experience any of these problems: vaginal pain, itching or burning; vaginal dryness; chronic recurrent discharge; inability to place a tampon; or inability to have sexual relations because of pain.
We specialize in the evaluation and treatment of the following diseases:
What is Vulvovaginal Disease?
Vulva self exams
enable you to be aware of changes that should be communicated to your
healthcare provider. Treatment is most successful when a problem is
evaluated at an early stage. Vulva pain can exist in the area of the
vestibule or vaginal entrance (Vestibulodynia) or the vulva outside the
vestibule (vulvodynia). The causes are either identifiable or unknown.
The known causes are irritants such as soaps, scented pads, lotions,
vaginal discharges, infections or even medications that cause an
irritation of the skin (dermatitis). The unknown causes occur in a group
of patients with no signs of irritation. Though the cause is unknown
the complaints can be controlled.
What is Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharges can
be simple and easily treated or complex and difficult to both diagnose
and treat. Itching is not always due to yeast (Candida). The diagnosis
is made by wet prep (looking at vaginal secretions under a microscope)
and by cultures.
What is Lichen Sclerosis?
Lichen sclerosus is a
skin disorder that affects the skin of the vulva. The cause is unknown,
and the disorder occurs in all age groups. Skin changes are associated
with lichen sclerosus, but a biopsy is sometimes needed to confirm
diagnosis. Treatment is designed to stop itching and heal the skin
irritations caused by scratching. If a sore or ulcer develops that does
not heal, it needs to be biopsied. Careful regular followup with your
healthcare provider is necessary for adequate control of symptoms.
What is Lichen Simplex Chronicus?
Lichen simplex
chronicus is an extremely common skin inflammation problem that results
in intense itching of the vulva skin. The cause may be an itch that
becomes a rash or a rash that itches. The clinical appearance is the
same in both cases. Examination shows evidence of intense rubbing, skin
thickening, and occasionally breakdown of the skin. The treatment for
itching and scratching is not dependent on the cause of the condition.
What is Lichen Planus?
Lichen
planus is a disease of unknown cause that results in irritation of the
mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina. Because it can resemble other
vulvovaginal skin conditions, a biopsy may be needed for a diagnosis.
Scarring can cause narrowing of the vagina. As with lichen sclerosus,
careful regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is necessary for
adequate control of symptoms.
What is Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis?
Desquamative
inflammatory vaginitis is not an infection but an irritation
(inflammation) of the surface cells of the vagina. It is characterized
by a discharge, vaginal redness, soreness of the opening of the vagina,
splits in the skin, and discomfort with intercourse. The cause is
unknown. The inflammation is treatable, but recurrences are common.
What is Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia?
Vulvar
intraepithelial neoplasm (VIN) is a type of precancerous vulva skin
abnormality. The human papilloma virus (HPV) has been linked to this
precancerous skin change. The symptoms are itching and burning. Raised
brown, pink, white, or grey skin changes can be associated with VIN. The
diagnosis is made by examining the area with a special scope or
magnifying lens plus a biopsy. The treatment is surgical removal or
laser destruction of the skin abnormalities.
Why are self-exams important?
Vulva self-exams
enable you to be aware of changes that should be communicated to your
healthcare provider. Treatment is most successful when a problem is
evaluated at an early stage.
Call 1-866-624-7637 or visit MyOchsner to schedule an appointment.
You can meet with the Ochsner pediatrician of your choice before your baby is born to ensure the right fit.
Get answers from our OB/GYNs, plus tips on skincare, stress relief and more.
With same-day women’s urgent care appointments, we'll get you back to feeling your best.
Get resources to learn what to expect when you’re expecting at Ochsner
Take control of your health at Ochsner Fitness Center. With three locations offering group fitness classes, onsite nutritionists and personal trainers, indoor and outdoor pools, childcare and so much more. You'll be a more confident and healthy you in no time.
We're dedicated to your health and offer a full selection of women's health equipment and supplies from surgical and chemotherapy recovery to maternity and infant care.
Over 700 clinical trials are being conducted at Ochsner.
We change and save lives every day. Your support makes it possible.
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U.S. News & World Report rates Ochsner Health as "High Performing" in Uterine Cancer Surgery.
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