Dra. Leila Catherine Onbargi,

Cervical dysplasia

These are changes in the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) that can develop into cancerous lesions if not treated in time. These changes are usually associated with infection by HPV or the Human Papilloma Virus. In this office we provide screening for cervical dysplasia as well as HPV, and confirm diagnosis by colposcopy. Dysplasia can be treated very effectively, usually with minor surgery, before it turns into cervical cancer. We also provide vaccination for young girls and women to prevent HPV infection in the first place.

More information about Human Papillomavirus HPV / HPV vaccine

These are benign malformations of the muscular tissue of the uterus, which affect up to 25% of women. They are usually small and do not always cause symptoms. Sometimes they can grow and become a source of heavy bleeding and anemia, as well as pelvic discomfort for patients. Fibroids require regular follow-ups, and there are multiple treatment options available including medical, procedural (uterine artery embolization, ablation with radiofrequency) and surgical removal. Recommendations are made according to a patients individual needs and desire for fertility. Fibroids usually become asymptomatic in the menopause.

In this pathology, tissue similar to that of the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the pelvis. It can cause pain, especially during menstrual periods or intercourse, and can cause adhesions to other tissues, cysts or infertility. Both medical and surgical treatments are available.

More than 50% of women suffer menstrual pain that is sometimes so severe that it interferes with normal activity. The patient should be examined to rule out other associated pathologies. There are many treatment options available, which are prescribed according to the requirements of the individual patient.

Nearly all women have some episodes of menstrual irregularity in their lifetime. A doctor should check any dysfunctional bleeding. It is usually due to hormonal imbalance, but other associated pathologies need to be ruled out, such as tumors, cysts, infection, pregnancy, and sometimes cancer. Diagnostic tools including ultrasound exams and hysteroscopy as well as laparoscopy.

This is caused by hormonal imbalance. There is a genetic component to this disorder, and patients who have polycystic ovaries may have irregular periods, or may not have any period at all. It is sometimes associated with other illnesses and/or infertility. It is sometimes associated with other illnesses like insulin resistance or diabetes, hair loss or other signs of androgen (male hormone) excess, as well as infertility. Varioius treatment options are available and depend on whether or not patients desire pregnancy.

Up to 40% of women suffer from this syndrome at least on occasion. Symptoms can be both physical and emotional; bloatedness, headaches, fatigue, depression, irritability or lack of concentration. There is a wide range of treatment options, including medication and nutritional supplements. Each patient should be treated according to her needs.

Adolescence is a stage in life marked by great change and emotional instability. Adolescents crave independence, want to be like their friends, and want to belong to a group. In the search for their own identity they may experiment with drugs and sex, sometimes due to peer pressure. This experimentation is combined with a strong sense of invulnerability in the face of disease or accidents. They see themselves as self-sufficient, and they may fail to appreciate the risks they face of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy.

Some interesting statistics: 

• The average age at which Spanish adolescents have sexual intercourse for the first time is 16 years.
• 30-35% of first sexual experiences (intercourse) take place with no protection whatsoever.
• 25-30% of adolescents aged 15 have had a sexual encounter, and at age18 yrs this rate is up to 55-85%.
• Adolescents usually do not use a reliable method of birth control until 6-12 months after their first sexual experience.

In this office we are specialized in the healthcare of the adolescent girl. We have didactic material available that has been especially developed for adolescent patients to inform them about the risks of smoking, drug abuse and unprotected sex, and also to teach them about their own bodies, and how best care for their own health.

The recommended age for an adolescent girl's first visit to the gynecologist is around 13 to 15 years. This first visit is principally to give them a point of reference and information about preventive behaviour, and to rule out possible gynecological problems. A pelvic exam is not usually necessary unless intercourse has taken place. Once patients become sexually active they should come in yearly for their gynecological exam.