Patient Education : Procedures

The procedures listed below are done in our office for both obstetrical and gynecological patients. Ultrasounds are done by our registered diagnostic sonographer. Other office procedures are done by our board certified physicians. If you have any questions about these or other procedures, your doctor can explain what is recommended in more detail.

3D/4D ULTRASOUNDS

Premier OBGYN Specialists offers three and four dimensional ultrasounds for obstetrical and gynecological patients in both the Houma and the Thibodaux offices.

Our office offers the same services provided by entertainment ultrasound companies. What sets us apart is that your scans will be performed by one of our skilled diagnostic medical sonographers, someone you already trust and are familiar with in our office. She has years of obstetrical ultrasound experience. Premier OBGYN Specialists uses a state-of-the-art GE Voluson 58 ultrasound machine, providing you with the most advanced 3D and 4D (live video) imaging available today.

Sneak a Peek Ultrasounds
Starting at 15 weeks, one of our trained diagnostic medical sonographers will perform a 15-minute scan which allows you to listen to your baby's heartbeat. We will also be able to determine your baby's gender. In addition, you will receive a CD with 10-12 images suitable for printing or posting on social media. Premier OBGYN Specialists encourages you to bring as many family members and friends as you like for this entertainment scan.

3D/40 Obstetrical Ultrasounds
Between 28 and 32 weeks gestation, our office can perform this 30- 45 minute ultrasound. For your convenience, we can coordinate this appointment with your regularly scheduled OB appointment. You will be able to listen to your baby's heartbeat and clearly see features. We well also measure your baby's height and weight. The sonographer should be able to determine the sex of your baby. Premier OBGYN Specialists will record a CD with 4D live video clips and several 3D images perfect for printing or posting on social media. We will also give you several printed black and white thermal images. Again, we encourage you to bring as many family members and friends as you like for this scan.

SONOHYSTEROGRAM

Using vaginal ultrasound, the endometrium (the lining inside of the uterus) is evaluated by inserting a small amount of sterile fluid into the uterus. Often 3-D images are obtained. This is usually done in the office with an endometrial biopsy to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding.

ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION

This is procedure to remove a thin tissue layer of the uterus to reduce heavy bleeding by removing or destroying the endometrium (lining of the uterus). Endometrial ablation can drastically improve the quality of life for women who are suffering from heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, that in some cases is so severe that daily activities become interrupted and anemia develops. Common causes include hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids, polyps, pregnancy complications, and dysfunction of the ovaries, among other things. Ablation is an alternative to hysterectomy for many women. In most cases, this procedure can be done in our office. Patients are home within a few hours of the procedure and prefer this convenient alternative to an extended, expensive hospital stay. Most of the time, you can return to normal activities within a day or so.

Tubal Sterilization

Essure is surgery-free permanent birth control. Essure is a quick 10-minute procedure that can be performed in our office. There is little downtime to recover, allowing patients to return to normal activities in a day or so.

The Essure inserts are soft, flexible and hormone-free, and when placed in your fallopian tubes, they work with your body to form a natural barrier that permanently prevents pregnancy. Essure is highly effective. Three months after the insertion, the doctor will perform an x-ray test called a hysterosalpingogram to confirm that your fallopian tubes are completely blocked, providing permanent birth control.

INTRAUTERINE DEVICES (IUDs)

Intrauterine means "inside the uterus." An IUD is aT-shaped flexible plastic device about the size of a quarter that is inserted inside the uterus. It can stay in the uterus for five to ten years. IUDs are highly effective {99%) at preventing pregnancy.

NEXPLANON BIRTH CONTROL

NEXPLANON is a hormone-releasing birth control implant used to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years. The implant is a flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that contains a hormone called progestin. It is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when implanted properly. NEXPLANON is for women who don't want to think about birth control every day, week or month. It's also a good option for women who can't use contraceptives containing estrogen. The implant can be removed at any time you choose, after which your fertility returns to what it was before implant.

URODYNAMIC TESTING

Increasing age, chronic illnesses, injury, and pregnancy can cause problems in the urinary system. The bladder and urethral muscles become weaker with age, increased pressure, and a decrease in estrogen. Weak muscles may cause problems in emptying the bladder completely or cause urinary incontinence. Performed in our office, Urodynamic tests measure the bladder's ability to empty steadily and completely. This simple, 20-minute test can also evaluate abnormal bladder contractions, bladder storage, and the flow of urine. Several reasons for urodynamic testing may include:

Frequent urination
Involuntary release of urine, also called Incontinence (could be leaking urine with coughing,
sneezing, laughing)
Sudden, strong urges to urinate
Problems starting a urine stream
Painful urination
Problems emptying your bladder completely
Recurrent urinary tract infections

PAP SMEAR

A pap smear is the primary cancer screening test for cervical cancer or precancerous changes in the cervix. It is a simple and painless test that looks at cells taken from the cervix. It is done in the physician's office and only takes a few minutes.

ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY

A sample of tissue from inside the uterus is taken to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding. It is usually done in the office and may cause minor pelvic and/or abdominal cramping.

TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND

Transvaginal ultrasounds are usually done through the vaginal area to evaluate the uterus and ovaries.