Dr. VandenBerg is trained and experienced in treating a wide variety of gynecologic conditions. He serves women of all ages to help them through puberty, pregnancy, menopause and anything in between. Dr. VandenBerg provides gentle care for each patient's individual condition, as well as regular well-woman care and comprehensive diagnostic tests. Dr. VandenBerg also specializes in many minimally invasive surgical procedures that utilize the latest technology in combination with his experience and knowledge.
Some of the gynecologic services provided include:
Annual well-woman exams are important to maintaining a happy, healthy life and preventing infection, disease or other abnormalities. Since early detection is important in treating nearly every condition, especially diseases like cancer, regular exams can help spot any abnormalities right away.
A gynecological exam, breast exam and Pap smear are recommended each year for women who are sexually active or over the age of 18. During these exams, your doctor will check for signs of breast cancer, cervical cancer, STDs, infections or other abnormalities. Well-woman care is one of the most important steps you can take in preventing disease.
An abnormal Pap smear doesn't necessarily indicate a condition like HPV or cervical cancer. Pap smears are constructed to detect any changes within the cervical cells, and abnormal results may indicate other conditions.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for women going through menopause or experiencing the symptoms associated with menopause. Slowed metabolism, hot flashes, mood swings, memory loss, low libido and aging are all reasons a doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy. A more natural method of treatment, called bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), is becoming increasingly popular among doctors and patients alike.
Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are made to have the identical molecular structure of the hormones made by your own body, so your body can metabolize them as it was designed to do, minimizing side effects.
Cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) are serious diseases that affect many women each year. There are more than 100 types of HPV and many of them can be sexually transmitted. Some of these viruses eventually lead to cervical cancer. It is important to regularly test for these diseases to ensure early detection and treatment.
Choosing a method of contraception is an important decision that will impact a woman's daily life. Talking with your doctor about which method is right for you is essential to successful protection for you and your partner. Dr. VandenBerg will provide you with information about the different types of contraceptives and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Birth control methods have many different variable factors including frequency, convenience, permanence and effectiveness. It is important to take into consideration your lifestyle, age, health and previous experiences. The decision is ultimately yours, but using our knowledge and experience can help you make the right choice.
Endometrial ablation is a procedure for women suffering from excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding who have not responded to other treatments and cannot or do not wish to undergo a hysterectomy. Endometrial ablation removes or destroys the uterine lining (endometrium) while leaving the ovaries and actual uterus intact. The endometrium heals by scarring, which reduces or stops future uterine bleeding. Approximately 10-20% of patients require a second procedure or hysterectomy if symptoms reappear after a re-growth of the endometrium.
Endometriosis is a medical condition in women in which the uterine lining (endometrium) moves out of the uterus and into other parts of the pelvic area such as the ovaries, bowels or behind the uterus. This condition affects about five million women in the US and is one of the most common health problems. It is generally not a serious or harmful condition, but can be painful and may interfere with your daily life.
Endometriosis can be diagnosed through an laparoscopic evaluation. There is no cure for the disease, but symptoms can be treated depending on their type and severity. Talk to Dr. VandenBerg today if you think you may be experiencing endometriosis. Treatment can be performed with hormone therapy or laparoscopic laser ablation.