Gonorrhea (“gah-nuh-REE-uh”) and chlamydia (“kluh-MID-ee-uh”) are common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Gonorrhea and chlamydia are caused by bacteria. The bacteria can be passed from an infected pregnant person to their baby during birth. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can both cause eye infections in newborns. Newborn eye infections caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia are rare, but they are serious. They must be treated quickly to avoid long-term complications. This pamphlet explains how you …
This pamphlet gives information about your gynecologic oncology surgery. Topics include your pre-admission appointment, getting ready for surgery, the day of your surgery, exercises, family supports, and care after your surgery. Information about your discharge from the hospital and care at home is also provided. Please bring this passport with you to your pre-admission appointment and on the day of your surgery.
Iron helps your blood carry oxygen through your body. When your iron levels are too low, you can develop a condition called iron deficiency anemia. This can lead to serious health issues. A person who is pregnant needs more iron to support the growth of their baby. During pregnancy, you need about one third (1/3) more iron. This pamphlet explains how much iron you need each day, how you can make sure you get enough iron, and how you will know if you are getting enough iron. Space is included fo…
This pamphlet gives information on common issues, like sleep troubles and intrusive thoughts (strange thoughts or mental images that seem to pop into your head and cause stress), anxiety and mood disorders, and postpartum psychosis (rare). Topics include what to do if you had a mental disorder before you became pregnant, what Baby Blues are and how to get ready for them, and what to do if you still feel overwhelmed, irritable, stressed, or sad after 2 to 4 weeks. Information on how to get help …
You have been prescribed a steroid ointment. This medication helps to lower inflammation (redness, swelling, pain) caused by a skin condition on your vulva. This 1-page sheet explains how to apply (put) your steroid ointment on your vulva. A diagram shows exactly where to apply the ointment. Tips to remember are included. The French version of this pamphlet 2111, "Comment appliquer votre onguent stéroïde", is also available.
This sheet provides general skin care instructions for after a vulvar biopsy or vulvar excision.
This pamphlet gives information about soother use. Topics include how soothers can interfere with breastfeeding, risks, tips before offering a soother, things to keep in mind if you decide to use one, and care instructions. Contact information for more support is also included.
High blood pressure in pregnancy (also called gestational hypertension) is a blood pressure (BP) that stays higher than 140/90 (140 over 90). For most people, a normal blood pressure is 140/90 or less. After week 20 of your pregnancy, high blood pressure can be linked to pre-eclampsia. This is a more serious condition that includes high blood pressure and protein in the urine (pee). Because pre-eclampsia can be dangerous to you and your baby, we ask you to monitor your blood pressure and sympto…
On the day of your surgery, you may be asked to give a urine (pee) sample for pregnancy testing. This pamphlet includes basic information about why you may need a pregnancy test, who is offered one, what will happen if you choose not have a test done, how to get ready for a pregnancy test, how a test is done, and what will happen after the test.
Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal reaction that can happen within the skeletal muscles of susceptible individuals when given an anesthetic. Anesthetics are drugs used before, during and after surgery to relieve pain, cause unconsciousness, and relax muscles.
With its trademark clear, concise writing style and evidence-based focus, Comprehensive Gynecology, 8th Edition, remains your #1 choice for practical, in-depth coverage of any women’s health issue you’re likely to encounter. It covers all key issues in gynecology, now fully updated to include new information on topics such as laparoscopy and innovations in robotic surgery, reversible contraception, and advancements in treating endometriosis. For residents, specialists, primary care doctors, an…
Instructions for after your abortion are given, including a list of activities to avoid for 24 hours (1 day). A list of symptoms that require medical attention is provided. Information on preventing infection, what to expect after you go home, and who to contact if you have questions is given. A link to a feedback survey and contact information for free counselling is provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2109, "Après votre intervention", is also available.
The vulva (area around the vagina) can be very sensitive. If you have itching or irritation in this area, using certain soaps and creams can make it worse. This pamphlet gives ideas to help with symptoms and prevent further discomfort. Topics include what you can do to feel better, controlling discomfort, and appointments and questions. Contact information for the Colposcopy Clinic is included.
Lichen sclerosus is a life-long condition that creates patchy white areas of the skin. It may affect any part of the body, but it most often involves the skin of the vulva (opening to the vagina) and around the anus. This pamphlet explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and contact information for the Colposcopy Clinic.
A molar pregnancy is a rare condition that can happen during pregnancy. It is part of a number of conditions that together are called gestation trophoblastic disease (GTD). This pamphlet explains what causes a molar pregnancy, who can get it, diagnosis, treatment, test results, as well as answering questions you may have about getting pregnant again after experiencing a molar pregnancy. If you have any questions, a contact number is provided.
Induction of labour is when a method or medication is used to start labour before it starts on its own. The goal of induction is to have a vaginal birth. This pamphlet explains why you are being offered induction, how it is done, how long it takes, and what will happen when you come to the hospital. What to do if your induction is postponed is also discussed. The French version of this pamphlet 1813, "Déclenchement artificiel du travail", is also available.
A balloon catheter is a soft tube with a small balloon on the end. The balloon catheter helps to get your cervix ready for labour (cervical ripening). This pamphlet explains what will happen when the balloon catheter is inserted (put in), possible complications of a balloon catheter, and when you should call or return to the hospital. The French version of this pamphlet 1814, "Déclenchement artificiel du travail et maturation cervicale au moyen d’un cathéter à ballonnet", is also available.
Cervidil® is a thin, flat insert, like a tampon. It contains medication called dinoprostone. Dinoprostone is like a natural substance made by your body. It softens your cervix to get it ready for labour. This pamphlet explains what to expect when you get Cervidil®, possible complications of Cervidil®, and when you should call or return to the hospital. The French version of this pamphlet 1815, "Déclenchement artificiel du travail et maturation cervicale au moyen d’une insertion vaginale de dino…