Comprehensive women’s health care with Dr. Schlafstein
Dr. Schlafstein provides expert care for women through the pivotal stages of life—from childbearing to menopause—offering solutions for a wide range of gynecological conditions. His extensive experience allows him to manage both routine and complex issues with the latest treatment options.
Below are the specialized services offered by Dr. Schlafstein:
Female urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence—the involuntary leakage of urine—can range from a minor nuisance to a distressing and disabling condition. It may lead to infections and, in severe cases, become a primary reason for nursing home admission in older adults.
In women, there are two primary types of urinary incontinence:
- Genuine Stress Urinary Incontinence (GSUI): Leakage triggered by activities like laughing, coughing, sneezing, running or jumping.
- Overactive Bladder (OAB): Characterized by urgency, frequent urination (more than seven times a day), and waking up multiple times at night to void.
Diagnosis includes a detailed medical history, physical examination and specialized testing such as urodynamics, which helps differentiate between GSUI and OAB to determine the most effective treatment plan.
Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a modern, minimally invasive approach that eliminates the need for large abdominal incisions. Instead, three to four small incisions are made, allowing the insertion of a tiny camera (laparoscope) and surgical instruments.
Many gynecological procedures can be performed laparoscopically, including:
- Myomectomy (fibroid removal)
- Ovarian cyst removal
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include:
- Less post-operative pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Reduced risk of complications
- Smaller, more cosmetically appealing scars
Pelvic organ prolapse & female pelvic reconstructive surgery
Pelvic organ prolapse (vaginal herniation) occurs when the pelvic muscles weaken, leading to the displacement of organs. Common causes include menopause, childbirth, previous surgeries, chronic constipation, heavy lifting, and certain medical conditions.
Types of prolapse:
- Cystocele: Bladder herniation (anterior vaginal wall)
- Rectocele/Enterocele: Rectal or intestinal herniation (posterior vaginal wall)
- Apical Prolapse: Uterus and upper vagina descent
Additional symptoms may include:
- Pressure or heaviness in the pelvic region
- Lower back pain
- Painful intercourse
- Urinary incontinence
Surgical repair aims to restore normal function and anatomy, similar to hernia repairs in other parts of the body.
Bio-identical hormone therapy for menopause
Bio-identical hormones are plant-derived compounds that mimic the body's natural hormones, offering a personalized approach to menopause management. These can be prescribed in pill or cream form, with dosing adjusted based on symptoms and specialized salivary testing.
Compounded at select pharmacies, these hormones help manage:
- Hot flashes
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Bone health
Our office can provide a list of compounding pharmacies for your convenience.
The menopausal woman: A new beginning
While menopause marks the end of reproductive years, we see it as the beginning of a new chapter. Every woman’s journey is unique, and our goal is to tailor treatment to individual needs. Beyond common symptoms, menopause-related health changes can impact long-term well-being. We take a comprehensive approach to evaluation and treatment, ensuring that every woman transitions into this stage with confidence and optimal health.
Urgent PC neuromodulation for overactive bladder
For women with overactive bladder (OAB), Urgent PC Neuromodulation is an innovative, non-invasive treatment based on acupuncture principles. Electrical impulses stimulate the tibial nerve, relaxing the overactive bladder nerves. Some patients even find the sessions relaxing!
- 12 weekly, 30-minute outpatient sessions
- Well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort
- Can be used when medications are ineffective or not tolerated
Urodynamics: Advanced bladder testing
Urodynamic testing helps evaluate bladder function in women experiencing urinary leakage or difficulty holding urine. This 20–30-minute in-office test provides critical insights into bladder control and helps tailor treatment plans—especially for those considering bladder-related surgery.
Vulvar Vestibulitis: Understanding & treatment
Vulvar Vestibulitis is a chronic inflammatory condition causing pain, irritation, and redness around the vaginal opening. Symptoms may include:
- Burning or raw sensations
- Pain with tampon use or intercourse
- Sensitivity to tight clothing or physical activity
While medical therapy may help, some cases require surgical intervention to provide relief. Research is ongoing to determine the exact cause of this condition.
Intravesical Botox for overactive bladder & urgency incontinence
For patients with severe OAB, Botox injections into the bladder can help relax muscles and reduce symptoms. This outpatient procedure, performed under light anesthesia, typically lasts six to nine months before requiring a repeat treatment.
Botox may help with:
- Frequent urination
- Nighttime voiding
- Urinary urgency and leakage