Women's Conditions We Treat

At UPMC, we're dedicated to providing you with complete care at every stage of your life. We recognize that you have many unique health needs that require specialized expertise.

Whether you're seeking routine care, preventive screenings, or treatment for acute or chronic conditions, or you're planning to expand your family, our expert team can support you.

What Conditions Do You Treat?

From gynecologic conditions to reproductive health concerns, we cover a wide range of specialties.

Obstetric and gynecologic conditions we treat

Reproductive health issues we treat include:

• Adenomyosis — When the tissue that usually lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and cramping.
• Bacterial vaginosis — A common vaginal infection that occurs when there's an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, a strong fishy odor, itching, and burning.
• Bleeding during pregnancy — Any vaginal bleeding, from light spotting to heavy bleeding, when you're pregnant. Causes may include implantation bleeding, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or complications with the placenta. If you're pregnant and experiencing bleeding, seek medical attention for proper evaluation and care.
• Cervical insufficiency — When the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) is weak and unable to stay closed during pregnancy. Also known as incompetent cervix, it can lead to premature birth or pregnancy loss.
• Chronic urinary tract infection (UTI) — A recurring infection in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, kidneys, and ureters. UTI symptoms that persist despite treatment may require further evaluation to identify underlying causes.
• Ectopic pregnancy — When a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This can cause serious complications and requires prompt medical attention to prevent life-threatening situations.
• Endometriosis — When the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. This can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility.
• Fetal growth problems — When a developing baby doesn't grow at the expected rate. This can occur due to various factors and may result in babies being smaller than average at birth, which can pose potential health risks and require close monitoring and medical intervention. It is also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
• Fetal heart defects —Structural abnormalities or malformations that occur in a developing baby's heart. These defects can affect the heart's chambers, valves, or blood vessels, leading to disrupted blood flow and potential complications after birth.
• Gestational diabetes — A temporary form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby.
• HELLP syndrome — A serious pregnancy complication involving hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. It can lead to severe complications for both mother and baby.
• Hirsutism — Excessive hair growth in women in areas where men typically have hair, such as the face, chest, and back, often caused by hormonal imbalances.
• Hydronephrosis — When the kidneys become swollen due to a buildup of urine, often caused by a blockage or obstruction in the urinary tract.
• Infertility — The inability of a couple to conceive a child after trying for at least a year, which can be caused by factors affecting both men and women.
• Male infertility — When a man has difficulty fathering a child due to factors such as low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape or motility, hormonal imbalances, or structural issues in the reproductive system.
• Menstrual irregularities — Changes in your monthly period, like variations in cycle length, bleeding amount, or duration. Common causes include hormones, stress, medications, or medical conditions.
• Menopause — A natural stage in your life when you stop having menstrual periods. It typically happens around age 50 and is accompanied by hormonal changes that can cause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
• Miscarriage — The loss of a pregnancy before the baby can survive outside the womb. It can happen for various reasons, such as genetic abnormalities or health conditions.
• Ovarian cyst — A fluid-filled sac that forms on your ovaries. Most cysts are harmless and resolve on their own, but larger or persistent cysts may require medical attention to prevent complications.
• Overactive bladder — Characterized by frequent and sudden urges to pee, an overactive bladder can lead to involuntary urine leakage.
• Pelvic organ prolapse — When the pelvic organs, such as the cervix, uterus, or bladder, descend and bulge into the vagina and cause symptoms like pelvic pressure and urinary incontinence.
• Perimenopause — The transitional period before menopause when your hormone levels fluctuate. Symptoms may include irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood changes.
• Placenta accreta — When the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall. This serious condition can cause heavy bleeding during delivery and may require a planned cesarean section (C-section) or other interventions.
• Placental abruption — When the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born. It can cause heavy bleeding and complications for both mother and baby.
• Placenta previa — When the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. It can cause bleeding during pregnancy and may require medical intervention for safe delivery.
• PMS and PMDD — Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) cause emotional and physical symptoms before your period. PMS is common, while PMDD is more severe and may require medical treatment.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — A hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, excessive hair growth, and acne, and may lead to fertility problems. Proper management is important for long-term health.
• Preeclampsia and eclampsia — Serious conditions that can occur during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure, while eclampsia involves seizures. Timely medical intervention is crucial for the well-being of both mother and baby.
• Premature menopause — When menopause occurs before age 40. It can result in symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and infertility.
• Preterm labor — The onset of labor before the 37th week of pregnancy. It can result in premature birth, which carries risks for the baby. Prompt medical attention is vital to manage preterm labor and improve outcomes.
• Puberty disorders — Conditions that affect the normal development of sexual characteristics in adolescents. Examples include early puberty, delayed puberty, and hormone imbalances.
• Recurrent miscarriage — Having three or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 20 weeks gestation. Medical evaluation can help identify underlying causes and manage options for future pregnancies.
• Reproductive tract anomalies — Variations in the structure of the female reproductive system. These can include abnormalities in the uterus, cervix, or fallopian tubes, which may affect fertility or require medical intervention for conception.
• Sexual dysfunction — Difficulties or problems experienced during any phase of the sexual response cycle, including issues with desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain.
• Spina bifida — A birth defect where the spinal cord doesn't develop properly. It can lead to varying degrees of physical and intellectual disabilities.
• Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) — A condition that can occur in identical twins during pregnancy. It happens when blood flows unevenly between the babies, leading to potential complications.
• Urinary incontinence in women — The unintentional leakage of urine. It can occur due to factors like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.
• Uterine fibroids — Noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They can vary in size and cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.
• Vaginitis — An inflammation or infection of the vagina. It can cause itching, burning, discharge, and discomfort. Common causes include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Yeast infection — A common fungal infection that affects the vagina, mouth, or skin. It can cause itching, soreness, and discharge, but over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications are available for treatment. Also known as candidiasis.

Women's cancer and cancer-related conditions we treat

• Benign breast conditions — Noncancerous changes that can occur in breast tissue. These conditions may cause lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. While not usually life-threatening, some cases may require evaluation or treatment by a health care provider.
• Cervical cancer — A type of cancer that forms in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It's primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and can be prevented with vaccination and regular screening. Early detection and treatment are crucial for successful outcomes.
• Ductal carcinoma — The most common type of breast cancer, starting in the milk ducts. It can be either invasive or noninvasive, and treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Early detection is important for better outcomes.
• Gestational trophoblastic tumor — A rare type of tumor that forms in the cells that would normally develop into the placenta during pregnancy. Treatment typically involves surgery or chemotherapy.
• Inflammatory breast cancer — A rare and aggressive type of breast cancer causing redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast, often without a noticeable lump. Treatment involves a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
• Lobular carcinoma — A type of breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands. It can spread to other body parts but is usually slow-growing and has a good prognosis.
• Ovarian cancer — A type of cancer that starts in the ovaries. It can be hard to detect early, but symptoms may include bloating, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.
• Paget's disease of the nipple — A rare type of breast cancer affecting the nipple and the areola (the circle of skin surrounding the nipple). It causes issues such as flaking and puckering, nipple sensitivity, and discharge.
• Vaginal cancer — A rare form of cancer that starts in the cells of the vagina. Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, and a lump or mass. Early detection and treatment are important for better outcomes.
• Vulvar cancer — A type of cancer that starts in the vulva, the outer part of the female genitalia. Symptoms may include itching, pain, and changes in the skin.

Mental health conditions we treat

• Postpartum depression — A type of depression that affects some women after giving birth. Symptoms include sadness, anxiety, and fatigue. Treatment options include therapy, support groups, and medication. Seeking help is important for both the mother and the baby's well-being.
• Pregnancy loss-related mental health — The emotional and psychological impact of experiencing a miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. It can lead to grief, depression, anxiety, and other challenges. Seeking support is essential for coping and healing.
• Urogynecology-related mental health — The emotional well-being of individuals with urogynecological conditions. These conditions affect the pelvic floor and can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Seeking proper care is important for managing both physical and mental health.
• Women's cancer-related mental health — The emotional and psychological well-being of women who've been diagnosed with cancer. It involves addressing anxiety, depression, and coping strategies throughout the cancer journey.

Miscellaneous conditions

• Shaken baby syndrome — When a baby is shaken violently, causing serious brain injury. It can lead to long-term health issues or even death. Always handle babies gently and seek help if you're feeling overwhelmed.
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) — The unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby under 1 year old. Always place babies on their backs to sleep and provide a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of SIDS.