1. Mammogram
2. Pap Smear
3. Colonoscopy
4. Blood Test
5. Thyroid Screening
6. Osteoporosis Screening
7. Skin Test
8. Depression Screening

Click here to watch the short video on Channel 10 News website.

Tubal ligation or “tying the tubes” is the most common form of permanent contraception for women. Often times, women might regret this decision and desire another child. Studies show that this regret is about twice as likely for women undergoing tubal ligation under the age of 30.

Options for having another child after tubal ligation include In Vitro Fertilization and Tubal Reversal. In Vitro Fertilization involves stimulating the ovaries to produce many eggs and then removing those eggs from the ovaries and joining them with sperm. Uniting the egg and sperm produces an “embryo” which can be placed back inside the uterus where it will, hopefully, implant.

An alternative option is reversing the tubal ligation. This can be done surgically. The success rate of opening, at least, one tube is about 90%. This depends on what type of tubal ligation was originally performed. As long as there is enough of the fallopian tubes left, then tubal reversal can be quite successful. Pregnancy rates following reversal are variable but can be about 70%. Advantages over In Vitro Fertilization include a lower cost, less risk of twins and triplets, and the ability to have more children in the future at no additional cost.

If you or someone you know is interested in tubal ligation reversal, please call our office at 518-482-1007 to schedule a consultation.

We have learned that whether or not a woman has Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is critical to her chances of developing cervical cancer or precancer.  If negative for HPV and over 65-70 years old with normal pap smears, continued screening is probably unnecessary.  Furthermore, after hysterectomy with no abnormal pap smears, screening can be discontinued.

Breast cancer screening changes are much more controversial.  Recently, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended NOT performing screening mammography on women until the age of 50 instead of age 40.  After age 50, screen every two years until age 74.  There is insufficient evidence on mammographic screening after age 74.  The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists still advocates screening every 1-2 years from age 40 to 50 and yearly afterwards.  They are reviewing the new USPSTF guidelines.

Cancer screening guidelines will continue to change as we gain more advanced understanding of the disease processes, as well as, advances in screening technology. At Albany Gynecology and Fertility we strive to keep you informed of changes and provide you with the most “up to date” care.

Albany Gynecology and Fertility, 130 Everett Road, www.albanygyn.com, 518.482.1007

There are many factors predisposing a woman to urinary incontinence such as, older age, childbirth, medical problems like diabetes, asthma and lung problems, neurologic disorders, gynecologic surgery, obesity and smoking. It can be worsened by certain medications, alcohol and caffeine.

The two most common types of incontinence are overactive bladder or urge incontinence and stress incontinence. Sometimes a woman may suffer from a combination of both types called mixed incontinence.

We can make the diagnosis simply in our office with a good history and simple diagnostic testing. We offer all management options including behavioral, medical and surgical treatment. Surgical procedures have changed dramatically and are now minimally invasive with patients going home the same day and resuming most activities within days.

Let us help you take the first step toward taking back control of your active lifestyle. No woman should ever settle for incontinence as an inevitable part of aging or wear pads to compensate. Don’t  be embarrassed to get help for this treatable condition and don’t be left on the sidelines while an active lifestyle passes you by.

Nicholas Montalto, Jr., M.D.
Albany Gynecology and Fertility
130 Everett Road
518 482-1007.

Lifestyle changes should be incorporated in every woman’s treatment plan in an effort to alleviate VMS.  Interventions such as regular exercise, light cotton clothing, drinking cool fluids and using fans may be helpful in regulating body temperature. Some women explore herbal remedies to treat their symptoms.  While not FDA regulated, they are sometimes a viable option.  Women should be counseled regarding their use and the possibility of drug to drug interactions.

Another alternative for women in treating VMS is medication to increase the serotonin level of the body. Although usually used for depression, they can be very effective for VMS.  Of the non-hormonal therapies, this group of medications has been studied most extensively. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain thought to have a role in regulating body heat and in addition can improve symptoms of irritability and sleep disorders associated with VMS.

Please call our office to help you with this transitional time in your life. 
Albany Gynecology and Fertility 
518.482.1007.

The friendly staff from Albany Gynecology and Fertility, CNY Fertility, and CNY Healing Arts will set up booths in the back yard of the track.  Women’s issues, fashion and health will be the focus of the day. Please take a moment to stop by our booth and say “Hi.”

Kelly L. Scheffler
Albany Gynecology & Fertility
130 Everett Rd.
Albany, NY. 12205
518.482.1007

Fibroids are benign tumors (or growths) on or in the uterus (womb).  They can cause infertility, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and painful intercourse. There are multiple treatments for fibroids; some medical and some surgical.  The method of treatment depends on the desires of the individual patient.

Available treatment options include: surgical removal of the fibroids, endometrial ablation, hyterectomy, uterine artery embolization, and focused ultrasound treatment.  While definitive treatment would be hyterectomy, often we can treat fibroids more conservatively.  If a woman desires to preserve her fertility or is experiencing fertility problems, surgical removal of the fibroids is the most appropriate treatment.  Our surgeons are able to accomplish this in a minimally invasive fashion.  If fertility is not a concern, the other options mentioned may be utilized.

For women who desire reproductive capability and any women who wish to retain their uterus, removal of the fibroids can be accomplished in a minimally invasive fashion.  Our surgeons have advanced training in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.  We are able to remove fibroids through small incisions during an outpatient procedure called laparoscopic myomectomy.  In addition, we now offer Robotic Assisted Fibroid Removal with the DaVinci Robot from Intuitive Surgical, Inc.  This state of the art system allows us to operate on larger fibroids and those located in difficult locations within the uterus.

Women who do not desire preservation of fertility may elect other treatment options.  Uterine artery embolization uses particles that are placed within blood vessels which feed the fibroids.  This causes a decrease blood flow and reduction in the size of the fibroids, as well as fibroid symptoms.  This procedure is performed by interventional radiologists.  Other options which are being developed include ‘focused ultrasound’ and radiofrequency ablation.  These techniques are not approved for women desiring future fertility.

Fibroids can dramatically effect a woman’s quality of life by causing pain, pressure, and heavy menstrual bleeding.  If fibroids are causing these problems for you, please call to schedule an appointment and look into getting relief.

If you would like more information or to schedule a consultation please call our office.

Dr. Nicholas Montalto
Albany Gynecology & Fertility
130 Everett Road
Albany, NY 12205
518.482.1007

Date: June 6th , 2009
Time: 11:30am-4:00pm
Schedule of events:

11:30am – Arrival, and sign in.
11:45am – Dr. Montalto Speaks about taking control of your health and happiness.
12:15pm – Cheryl Anderson speaks about CNY Healing Arts and how taking care of yourself makes you feel better
12:45pm–1:15pm – Break for snacks and refreshments
1:15pm-2:00pm – Dr Kiltz Speaks about positive thinking and living your best life.
2:15pm-3:00pm – Tour the CNY Healing Arts Center and meet different practitioners, watch demonstrations, etc.
3:00pm-3:30pm – Break for a sample yoga class.
3:30pm-4:00pm – Q&A with whole group, closing, etc.

All are welcome to join us, this event is offered at no charge by Albany Gynecology & Fertility.

* Please RSVP by June 1st, 2009 via email to dburke@albanygyn.com or by calling the office at 1-518-482-1007.

Every health assessment should begin with a thorough history and physical examination. Consideration should then be given to laboratory and diagnostic testing. Your physician should evaluate whether you are at high risk for conditions based on family history, your medical history and your lifestyle.

During the teens and twenties, the focus is on immunization and counseling. An exciting new development is the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) which is now FDA approved for females ages 9-26. Counseling should center around education on female sexuality, avoiding high risk behaviors and unwanted pregnancy, as well as, developing good dietary and exercise habits. HIV testing as well as screening for other sexually transmitted disease should be performed fairly routinely regardless of personal risk factors.

Beginning at the age of 20, a breast self exam is recommended monthly. A clinical breast exam and pelvic exam with pap smear is recommended annually. Annual or biannual mammograms are recommended beginning at the age of 40. These screening guidelines may vary if breast cancer is part of your family history.

As a women matures, the focus shifts toward preconception counseling, evaluation of HPV status, lipids, thyroid, and diabetes risk. For example, HPV testing should be routine for all women over 30. This testing is performed on the same sample that is obtained for a pap smear. Almost all cervical cancers are related to HPV. Your pap smear may be normal, but if your HPV testing is positive for a high risk virus type, further cervical screening is indicated.

Monitoring for thyroid disease, high cholesterol and diabetes becomes more of a focus during middle age. Initially this may be through health assessment and lifestyle screening, then blood work as needed. Again, family history of specific diseases will warrant more regular screening.

Colorectal cancer screening becomes important as a women reaches the age of 50. Earlier screening is routinely recommended if family history is significant for the disease. Colonoscopy is the preferred method for colorectal cancer screening.

Osteoporosis, “porous bones”, affects an estimated 10 million Americans, at least 80% of which are women. The loss of bone density accelerates during the first 5 to 7 years after menopause. A DEXA scan is recommended for screening for bone loss for all women age 65 and older. Certain risk factors including early menopause, history of fracture, small bone frame, light weight, family history, chronic diseases and some medications may warrant screening at an earlier age.

Many diseases are silent and go undiagnosed for many years without proper screening. Exercise often, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest and see your health care provider regularly to help maintain your optimal health.