Women’s Health with Dr. Huh UAB - Consumer

Almost every drug and treatment advancement available to you had to be proved safe and effective by way of clinical trials — studies on human participants. Learn the fundamentals of clinical trials from Rebecca Arend, M.D., medical director of the Clinical Trials Office at the O’Neil Comprehensive Cancer Center. She discusses the the stages of clinical trials, important research concepts, and the safeguards for participants. Dr. Arend explains why she believes many patients should seek out clinical trials for their condition.

Do you know the difference between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a yeast infection? What about trichomoniasis, which has similar symptoms of vaginal inflammation and discomfort? These are the most common causes of vaginitis, and they each have different treatment regimens. Learn more about the common conditions from the physicians who lead the UAB Vaginitis Clinic, Christina Munzy, M.D., and Olivia Van Gerwen, M.D. They discuss the widespread prevalence of vaginitis; different causes and treatments; and how their clinic manages recurrent and severe cases with the latest diagnostic tools.

Menopause is a natural physiological process that can diminish quality of life for some women, usually occurring after age 40. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can address many of the symptoms of menopause. However, a series of large studies in the early 2000s pointed to increased risks for breast cancer and heart disease, and many providers and women shied away from HRT. William Hurd, M.D., an expert in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, explains the current – revised – state of knowledge about relative risks and benefits of HRT; how the HRT medications themselves have changed since those studies; and how the needle is moving back in favor of HRT for many women seeking to maintain quality of life.

Clinicians have the ability to eliminate cervical cancer thanks to improved screening and the HPV vaccine. At the same time, mortality rates in our mostly-rural state are roughly the same as they were in 1999. Isabel Scarinci, vice chair of global and rural health, introduces Operation Wipeout, a UAB-led plan that mobilizes civil society groups to encourage screening and vaccination across Alabama. Dr. Huh and Scarinci also discuss the hope that self-sampling for HPV screening could offer for women in rural areas who may not be able to travel to a clinic.

Girls and young women (0-18) may have unique gynecological issues, yet there are few pediatric and adolescent gynecologists. Blair Lacy, M.D., one of just four such subspecialists in Alabama, explains her training and the complex considerations of working with young women. She also conveys the importance of her clinic being a safe place for parents to seek specialty care and advice about sensitive issues facing their children.

The pelvic floor is an important muscle structure at the base of the pelvis, and when it is not functioning properly it can cause issues such as painful intercourse, incontinence, and prolapse. Jennifer Fagen, a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy, discusses how she helps patients address pelvic floor dysfunction through internal exams, education and feedback, and specific tailored exercises. Most of her patients improve their pelvic floor function over time, whether their muscles had been chronically tense or lax.