Here at the office of Elizabeth A. Eden, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., we are proud to offer a full spectrum of gynecological services to our patients to treat a variety of conditions. Our highly trained professionals have years of experience in diagnosing and treating these conditions, and we are happy to help find a solution to best suit your individual needs.
We strive to create individualized treatment plans for each of our patients as each person has a unique history and unique needs. Some of our services include:
- Colposcopy
- IUD Placement
- Preventative Care
- MonaLisa Touch®
- Cancer Screenings
- Women’s Health
- STD Screenings
- Cervical Cancer Screenings
- Lichen Sclerosus
- Adolescent Gynecology
- Painful Sex
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
Colposcopy
At the office of Elizabeth A. Eden, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., we care about preventive healthcare and one of the services we offer is Colposcopy, which is part of the screening process for cervical cancer. A typical cervical cancer screen called a pap smear, can sometimes come back with abnormal results.
Abnormal results on a pap smear are common, and do not necessarily mean you have cancer or precancerous cells. Additional testing, sometimes including colposcopy, will be performed.
IUD Placement
At the office of Elizabeth A. Eden, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., we understand that your choice of birth control is a personal one. We offer a wide range of contraception options and will help find one that is right for you and your lifestyle. While some people prefer the familiarity of pills, the convenience of an IUD or implant may be more appealing to others.
IUD placement is performed within our office and is a simple procedure that only takes a few minutes of your time. Using a speculum, we can spread your vaginal walls for better access to your cervix, the opening of the uterus. The IUD is then inserted through the cervix and embedded into the uterus.
You may feel a slight pinch during the placement but otherwise should not experience any discomfort or pain. A plastic tail is attached to the IUD and extends into the vagina. We recommend ensuring the tail is in place before having sex for maximum protection. The IUD works by making the uterus inhospitable to host sperm and increasing your body’s production of cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Preventative Care
Here at the office of Elizabeth A. Eden, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. we believe in the importance of preventative care and having routine screenings to maintain your overall good health. Early detection can be the key to treating women’s cancers and increasing the chances of a full recovery. Our practice offers various cancer screening options so that you can ensure your optimal health.
Breast Cancer ScreeningsClinical breast exams are conducted during each exam to search for any changes in your breasts or unusual lumps. We will ask about your family history and if any members have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Annual mammograms begin at the recommended age of 40.
It is important that you conduct self-breast exams at home so that you can notice any changes in your breast between visits.
Cervical Cancer Screenings
Pap smears are important for finding any changes in your cervical cells. These tests begin at the age of 21. The HPV test can also be conducted at this time since the HPV virus can lead to cervical cancer. Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, it is still important that you follow the screening recommendations for your age group.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
The screening for colon cancer typically begins at the age of 45, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor. This is accomplished by analyzing a stool sample or by examining the colon and rectum (colonoscopy).
Endometrial Cancer Screenings
During menopause, women should report any unexpected vaginal changes such as bleeding or spotting. There are many causes of postmenopausal bleeding that can be benign such as uterine polyps or fibroids. However, uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer, can also cause abnormal changes during menopause. If you notice any changes, please report them to your doctor so that a biopsy can be conducted to determine whether there is a concern for cancer.
MonaLisa Touch®
If you find yourself suffering from painful intercourse, sexual dysfunction, vaginal dryness, burning, or urinary incontinence the MonaLisa Touch® may be right for you. MonaLisa Touch® is a form of laser therapy that will help to improve your symptoms and provide you with long-lasting relief.
As women age, estrogen levels begin to decline which can result in vaginal changes and discomfort. It is not uncommon for women to experience these changes during perimenopause, menopause, or even after childhood. Though many women try hormonal therapies, estrogen creams, and other supplements, these treatment options have proven less effective in long-term results.
What is MonaLisa Touch®?
The MonaLisa Touch® is a form of laser therapy treatment for vaginal rejuvenation that gives effective relief and offers life-changing results. It has been clinically proven to eliminate vaginal dryness, vaginal laxity, itchiness, burning, and urinary incontinence.
This treatment works by delivering laser energy into the cells to stimulate the production of collagen, improving the functionality of the treated area.
During this procedure, a small metal laser wand is inserted into the vagina and rotated during treatment to target the internal and external vaginal tissues.
The treatment is painless, requires no anesthesia, and offers zero downtime following treatment. It is recommended that sexual intercourse and the use of tampons are avoided for several days.
The typical treatment course is three 5-minute sessions over a period of 18 weeks. Many women experience positive results following the first session which will continue to improve throughout treatment.
Cancer Screenings
Cancer screening is an important part of maintaining your overall good health. Like all cancers, early detection can be the key to treating women’s cancers and increasing the chances of a full recovery. Our practice offers various cancer screening options available in- office so that you can ensure your optimal health.
Breast Cancer ScreeningsClinical breast exams are conducted during each exam to search for any changes in your breasts or unusual lumps. We will ask about your family history and if any members have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Annual mammograms begin at the recommended age of 40.
It is important that you conduct self-breast exams at home so that you can notice any changes in your breasts between visits.
Cervical Cancer Screenings
Pap smears are important for finding any changes in your cervical cells. These tests begin at the age of 21. The HPV test can also be conducted at this time since the HPV virus can lead to cervical cancer. Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, it is still important that you follow the screening recommendations for your age group.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
The screening for colon cancer typically begins at the age of 45, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor. This is accomplished by analyzing a stool sample or by examining the colon and rectum (colonoscopy).
Endometrial Cancer Screenings
During menopause, women should report any unexpected vaginal changes such as bleeding or spotting. There are many causes of postmenopausal bleeding that can be benign such as uterine polyps or fibroids. However, uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer, can also cause abnormal changes during menopause. If you notice any changes, please report them to your doctor so that a biopsy can be conducted to determine whether there is a concern for cancer.
Women’s Health
At the office of Elizabeth A. Eden, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., we provide comprehensive women’s health services while making you feel at ease and comfortable with your body and any health concerns you may have.
What is women’s health?Women’s health treats conditions that mainly affect women. These conditions could be related to the female sex hormones, female reproductive organs, and conditions that primarily affect women.
Some of the conditions we cover as part of women’s health include:
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal atrophy
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic organ prolapses (POP)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PIDS)
- Menstrual symptom management
- Menopause symptom management
What is a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam is an annual examination that ensures you are healthy with a particular focus on your sexual and reproductive health. It is also an opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you have such as contraceptives, testing for STDs and STIs, or symptoms that may indicate a hormonal imbalance or a greater women’s health condition.
During your well-woman exam, we may also do preventive screenings for cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer to ensure optimal health and wellbeing. We will check for any underlying causes of your symptoms or concerns and prescribe effective treatment options that fit your lifestyle and needs.
STD Screenings
A sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is an infection passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These diseases can become serious and require immediate medical treatment to prevent further spread of infection. Symptoms will vary depending on the disease contracted but may include bumps or sores, rashes, or pain felt during urination or intercourse.
At the office of Elizabeth A. Eden, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. we offer STD screenings, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations as well as education on various prevention methods. Testing may involve urine or blood samples, genital exams, or physical exams. For more information on our STD services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (212) 355-7103.
Lichen Sclerosus
While uncommon, lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that can cause discomfort and pain in especially delicate areas of a woman’s body. Dr. Elizabeth Eden in Sutton Place and Midtown East, New York, has considerable experience in dealing with this skin condition and, with the help of cutting-edge laser technology, has seen incredible results in patients in eliminating this stubborn problem.
Lichen Sclerosus Q & A
Lichen sclerosus is a relatively uncommon skin condition, mostly affecting the genital and anal areas. Lichen sclerosus initially creates small, white patches in the skin that are shiny or smooth, and thinner than normal skin. These patches can grow into bigger areas and are prone to:
- Itching
- Tearing
- Bleeding
- Blistering
- Bruising
This skin condition can affect other parts of the body outside the genital and anal regions, but most cases present in these areas.
Lichen sclerosus is generally found in women going through menopause, yet it can occur at any age. It’s cause is unknown. Many believe that the hormone imbalance brought on by menopause plays a role in the onset of the condition. There is some evidence to suggest that overactive immune systems may also play a part in lichen sclerosus.
What is the treatment for lichen sclerosus?
Traditionally, lichen sclerosus treatments consisted of topical steroid ointments applied directly to the affected area. In recent years, health care providers have begun using laser therapy to treat the condition — with incredible results.
For example, the MonaLisa Touch® laser, when applied directly to the affected area, creates micro lesions that trigger a rejuvenation and repair response in the tissue. Collagen production and blood flow to the area are also augmented, adding elasticity and hydration to the tissue. Laser-therapy treatment is noninvasive, so there is little chance of further damage to the delicate skin patches caused by lichen sclerosus. A recent study has proven the effectiveness of laser treatment for lichen schlerous.
If you are suffering from lichen sclerosus, talk to Dr. Eden about which treatment would be best for you and whether using the MonaLisa Touch laser is an option for treating your symptoms.
Is there any permanent damage with lichen sclerosus?
Mitigating the discomforts that accompany this skin condition is reason enough to seek prompt medical attention, and the earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better. Left untreated, the delicate skin affected by lichen sclerosus can scar permanently, which increases the chances of skin cancer. Untreated patches may grow and tear, which could lead to painful bleeding and infection.
Nine months ago I was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus, a condition I had never heard of, but which can cause painful sex, scarring, and an increased cancer risk. It was spotted by a physical therapist that I was visiting to try to deal with painful intercourse issues. Thankfully, she advised me to seek out a gynecologist that has a specialization in this condition because many doctors are completely ignorant about it. I was very fortunate that I found Dr. Eden, who has very successfully helped me to get this condition under control. She is a very intelligent, thoughtful, and sensitive doctor, and takes plenty of time to address all of my questions and concerns. She understands that women can be traumatized by years of painful sex, and is as gentle and unintrusive in her exams as possible. I am happy to say that following the course of therapy she has recommended has allowed me to resume normal sexual relations, which had become impossible due to the lichen sclerosus. It is a bit frustrating having to get insurance to reimburse me for appointment costs (they won’t cover the laser treatments), but I think it is worth the cost and effort to have a doctor that I have so much confidence in. Highly recommend. – LB