women’s health
Gonadal Vein Embolization
A gonadal vein embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used for pelvic congestion syndrome. During the procedure, a radiologist guides small catheters via ultrasound and fluoroscopy to detect faulty veins causing pain. Once identified, the radiologist stops the blood flow to the problem area, reducing bulging in the veins, pelvic pain, and painful menstrual cycles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome typically include a dull or aching pain in the pelvis, irritable bowel, discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, or vaginal or vulvar varicose veins.
Risk Factors
Risk factors of pelvic congestion syndrome include multiple pregnancies, polycystic ovaries, hormonal dysfunction or increases, or a retroverted uterus.
Before Your Exam
Before a gonadal vein embolization, let your radiologist know if you are pregnant or may be pregnant and of any medications you are currently taking. Wear comfortable clothes the day of the procedure and arrange for someone to drive you home.
Time required for your exam
A gonadal vein embolization procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease can include heartburn, tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, coughing, heart palpitations, or back or jaw pain.
Risk Factors
Risk factors can include cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease.
Before Your Exam
Before a cardiac CT, talk to your doctor about any medications and follow his or her advice on which you can still take. Refrain from eating or drinking several hours beforehand, especially caffeine. Prepare to lie down during the exam and wear comfortable clothing.
Time required for your exam
A cardiac CT typically takes about 15 minutes.
Cardiac CT
A cardiac CT takes a 3-D model of the entire heart and helps a doctor evaluate issues in the arteries, with the aorta, or problems with the heart’s valves and functions. During the exam, you will lie still in the tunnel-like CT machine. Your radiologist may insert a contrast dye or ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds and will monitor your heart rate throughout the exam.
Breast MRI
A breast MRI uses a magnetic field of radio wave energy to produce images of the structures within the breasts. It is often supplementary to a mammogram and is sometimes used to evaluate cancer risk, see the extent of cancer, or to diagnose abnormalities in the breast tissue.
Before Your Exam
Before a breast MRI, let your radiologist know if you are pregnant or may be pregnant and of any medications you are currently taking. Wear comfortable clothes and prepare to lie down during the procedure.
Time required for your exam
A breast MRI can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes.
Pelvic MRI
A pelvic MRI is a scan that uses a magnetic field of radio wave energy to produce images of the bones, organs, blood vessels, and other tissues in the pelvic region. This diagnostic test can be used to determine the cause of unexplained hip pain or to see the spread of certain cancers.
Before Your Exam
Before a pelvic MRI, let your radiologist know if you are pregnant or may be pregnant and of any medications you are currently taking. Wear comfortable clothes and prepare to lie down during the procedure.
Time required for your exam
A pelvic MRI typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image of the structures within the female pelvis. During the exam, a transducer is placed on the skin and converts the reflected waves into images. The two types of pelvic ultrasound are transabdominal and transvaginal. Both are used to look at the endometrium, uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva.
Before Your Exam
Before a pelvic ultrasound, let your radiologist know if you are pregnant or may be pregnant and of any medications you are currently taking. Wear comfortable clothes and prepare to lie down during the procedure.
Time required for your exam
A pelvic ultrasound typically takes about 30 minutes.
Hysterosalpingogram
A hysterosalpingogram, or HSG, is an x-ray procedure that examines the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity for abnormalities. During the exam, a radiologist inserts contrast solution into the uterus and observes the x-ray images of the fluid movement. Women often undergo this procedure if they are having fertility issues.
Before Your Exam
Before an HSG, let your radiologist know if you are pregnant or may be pregnant and of any medications you are currently taking. You may be advised to take pain medication 30 minutes before the procedure. Wear comfortable clothes and arrange to have someone take you home.
Time required for your exam
A hysterosalpingogram typically takes about 30 minutes.
DEXA
DEXA, or bone densitometry, uses an x-ray to produce pictures of the lower spine and hips to measure bone loss. Radiologists often use this procedure to diagnose osteoporosis or assess fractures.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis symptoms often include back pain, loss of height over time, and fragile bones.
Risk Factors
There are many risk factors that can cause osteoporosis, including age, a family history, body frame size, hormone levels (such as thyroid), low calcium intake, eating disorders, and excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption. Women are typically at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
Before Your Exam
Before an DEXA, let your radiologist any medications you are currently taking. Avoid calcium supplements 24 hours prior to the exam. Wear comfortable clothes for the procedure.
Time required for your exam
A DEXA typically takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Adventist Health Portland
10123 SE Market Street
Portland, Oregon 97216
503.251.6137
Adventist Health Castle
640 Ulukahiki Street
Kailua, Hawaii 96734
808.263.5166
Gresham Imaging Center
831 NW Council Drive
Gresham, Oregon 97030
503.251.6137
Clackamas Medical Plaza
10151 SE Sunnyside Rd Ste 100
Clackamas, Oregon 97015
503.251.6137
Mid-Columbia Medical Center
1700 E. 19th Street
The Dalles, Oregon 97058
541.296.7251
PARTNERS
Adventist Health Portland
Adventist Health Castle
Mid-Columbia Medical Center
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