Patient Education

Cara Hartoon would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Cara Hartoon provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia, also known as sexual pain, is the medical term for painful sexual intercourse in women. This is a common condition that affects many women at some point in their lives. Painful intercourse may be short-lived or may continue for a long period of time. It may occur just before, during or after intercourse, and the specific location and severity of the pain may vary. Women with dyspareunia may experience pain during penetration, pain with intimate touching or pain upon orgasm. ...

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection. For an erection to occur, a specific sequence of event needs to take place, allowing blood to enter the penis while restricting the outflow of blood. The pressure created by this "trapped" blood is what maintains an erection. If there is a consistent breakdown in any steps in the sequence, erectile dysfunction is the result. Erectile dysfunction may occur at any age, however, the occurrence of ED is increasingly common as a man ages. However, it should not be considered a natural part of aging. ...

Female Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine, is more common in women, especially during and after pregnancy, although it can affect people of all ages. While not usually a serious medical condition, incontinence can be embarrassing and can adversely affect quality of life. A symptom, rather than a condition, female urinary incontinence can range from mild stress incontinence to complete loss of bladder control. ...

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Many women experience problems with sexual function throughout their lives. However, when sexual problems continue to occur over a long period of time, a woman may be suffering from sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is defined as any problems that prevent an individual from enjoying or receiving satisfaction from sexual activity. ...

Incontinence

Incontinence is a common condition that involves the involuntary loss of urine. Although it is not usually a serious condition, incontinence can be embarrassing and affect a person's daily life. Incontinence is most common in women, especially during and after pregnancy, but can affect people of all ages. ...

Painful Intercourse

Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful sexual intercourse in women. Painful intercourse may be short-lived or may continue for a long period of time. It may occur just before, during or after intercourse, and the specific location and severity of the pain may vary. Women with dyspareunia may experience pain during penetration, pain with intimate touching or pain when experiencing orgasm. ...

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to an abnormal response of the pelvic floor muscles during defecation. This condition can cause pelvic pain and other problems as well as difficulty with defecation. Pelvic floor dysfunction, though sometimes of unknown origin, may be caused by traumatic injury to the pelvic area or may result from complications after surgery or vaginal childbirth. ...

Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction

For women, the pelvic floor muscles provide support to the organs of the pelvis including the uterus, bladder and rectum. In patients with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, there is a weakness in the pelvic floor muscles and the body cannot properly control them, resulting in constipation and difficulty having complete bowel movements. ...

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (vaginal prolapse) is a common condition in women, occurring when a pelvic organ shifts from its normal position to push against the vaginal walls. This movement causes pressure, stretching and pain. Most frequently, pelvic organ prolapse occurs after childbirth, menopause, or a hysterectomy when the muscles and ligaments supporting a woman's pelvic organs become more lax. ...

Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Pelvic pain syndrome is a chronic condition that involves persistent pain in the lower-abdominal and pelvic regions. Pelvic pain syndrome may be diagnosed when pelvic pain is chronic, and has been present for more than 6 months. It can affect women both physically and emotionally, leading to sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic pain can be a symptom of an underlying condition, or its cause may remain unknown. Living with pelvic pain syndrome is often difficult, and many women spend years trying to determine its cause. ...

Pelvic Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs prolapses, or drops from its normal location, and pushes against the walls of the vagina. This happens when the muscles in the area are weakened from either childbirth or surgery.

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include: ...

Pelvic Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen blood vessels which do not function efficiently. While they most frequently appear on the legs, they may also develop in the pelvic region, in the lower abdomen or around the genitals, thighs or buttocks. Patients with pelvic varicose veins, or pelvic congestion syndrome, may be asymptomatic. They may also experience troubling symptoms, primarily pain in the region. Women suffer more frequently with pelvic varicose veins, but men are also susceptible to the problem. Pelvic varicose veins may be invisible, particularly when the patient is lying down. ...

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

Persistent genital arousal disorder, otherwise known as PGAD, is a condition in women that causes an uncomfortable sensation of arousal without intentional stimulation. The feeling does not always subside after orgasm and one orgasm may trigger the need for more.The symptoms may strike at any time of day and are not indicative of actual sexual desire. The arousal PGAD causes is typically most intense when there is some form of pressure in the genital area, which may result from wearing tight clothing, activities such as bike riding or sitting for a period of time. Patients with PGAD do not experience pleasure from this arousal. Instead, it may be associated with pain or an urge to urinate. ...

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an important time in a woman's life. Having the proper medical care and knowledge is an essential part to having a successful term and delivery of your baby. We provide full pregnancy care, from conception through delivery, and even longer. Our experienced team can help you every step of the way on this incredible journey. ...

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is essential to ensure the healthy growth and development of a baby. Regular visits to a health care provider will allow for the baby's progress to be monitored. Prenatal care will identify any potential problems before they become serious. Women who receive prenatal care have healthier babies, are less likely to deliver prematurely or have pregnancy-related problems. ...

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland commonly resulting in pain and swelling. The prostate is a reproductive gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The condition of prostatitis can also cause other uncomfortable urinary symptoms which can be chronic or acute, and flare-up irregularly. ...

Sacrospinous Suspension

Sacrospinous suspension is a minimally invasive procedure to treat vaginal prolapse, a common female disorder. The reparative technique is estimated to be needed by at least 10 percent of all women. During this surgical treatment, the top of the vagina is surgically lifted and fixed in place, using the sacrospinous ligament, a thin ligament attached to the spine, for vaginal support. ...

Surgical Mesh

Surgical mesh is a synthetic, permanent material made from polypropylene. It is stronger than the body's natural tissue and is frequently used to repair weakened tissue. The insertion of surgical mesh is a minimally invasive treatment for pelvic prolapse that effectively relieves pain and pressure in the pelvic area by placing a piece of soft synthetic mesh in the affected area to restore organ support. As a result of this procedure, patients can engage in their everyday activities without the discomfort and inconvenience of prolapse symptoms. Surgical mesh has been used in the past to strengthen abdominal hernia repairs. More recently, doctors are using mesh products to repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and as a surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. ...

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of bladder control. It is a common condition that involves the involuntary loss of urine. It may range in severity from occasionally leaking urine to a sudden urge to urinate that comes on very strongly. Although it is not usually a serious condition, UI can be embarrassing and affect a person's daily life. Urinary incontinence is most common in women, especially during and after pregnancy. It can, however, affect people of all ages. Being overweight or elderly may also increase the risk of urinary incontinence. ...

Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse involves the dropping of the uterus into the vaginal canal as a result of weakened pelvic floor muscles. This condition can occur as a result of aging and multiple pregnancies and is most common in post-menopausal women. Obesity or excessive weight gain may also contribute to uterine prolapse. ...

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is classified as chronic pain or discomfort, which includes burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the female genitalia, specifically of the vulva. The word "vulvodynia" actually means "painful vulva." This condition can severely impact the quality of life for affected women and may prohibit participation in sexual activity, physical exercise and even social activities. The condition is believed to be underreported because of its lack of visible symptoms and often a woman's reluctance to talk about her symptoms. As many as one in six women may be affected by vulvodynia at some point in their life. ...

Vaginal Prolapse

Vaginal prolapse, in which the muscles and ligaments that support the vagina weaken, is a common condition. When the vagina can no longer be supported, it shifts downward from its normal position, typically causing pressure, stretching and pain. In severe cases, tissue may actually protrude from the vagina. ...

Coccydynia

Coccydynia, also known as coccyalgia, refers to pain and inflammation of the coccyx (tailbone), the final segment of the spine, located between the buttocks. Patients suffering from coccydynia experience pain on the tailbone that is especially pronounced when sitting or when engaged in any activity that puts pressure on the site. Coccydynia is considerably more common in women than in men and it occurs most commonly in patients who are approximately 40 years of age. ...

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a form of therapy designed to relieve chronic and acute pain through special, targeted massage that aims to reduce tightness within the fascia, a sheet of connective tissue below the surface of the skin. Tightness within the fascia can restrict a patient's range of motion or cause the patient to favor one side of the body. The goal of myofascial release is to relieve pain and allow the patient to regain range of motion. ...

Nerve Pain

Nerve pain often results from nerve entrapment syndrome, the damage caused when a nerve is pinched or compressed. Patients with this condition may experience mild or severe pain that is temporary or chronic. The nerves of the body extend from the brain and spinal cord, threading through to every region of the body. The compression of the nerve can take place in the spine, causing pain to radiate into the limbs, or can take place in other parts of the body. It may occur do to a traumatic injury, repeated stress, or an underlying disease condition. ...

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation or irritation of the bladder and the surrounding pelvic area. People who are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis may experience mild discomfort, pressure, tenderness, or intense pain in the bladder and pelvic area. Also known as painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis most commonly affects women. ...

Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB), or urge incontinence, occurs when a person experiences a sudden and frequent urge to urinate that may also be accompanied by urine leakage. This often occurs because the bladder muscles contract at inappropriate times, regardless of how much urine has collected in the bladder. This may be caused by various underlying conditions or certain medications. It can happen to anyone at any age, although it seems to be most common in women and the elderly. ...

Premature Ejaculation

A common sexual issue among men, premature ejaculation takes place when a man reaches orgasm too quickly. The man does not have voluntary control of the timing of his ejaculation and it may occur with very little stimulation. When this happens on a regular basis, it often results in both the man and his partner feeling unfulfilled. The timing of the premature ejaculation varies from person to person as well as by circumstances. Some men experience an orgasm before intercourse even begins, while for others it may occur immediately after vaginal penetration. ...

Pudendal Neuralgia

Pudendal neuralgia is a condition that causes painful nerve inflammation. The pudendal nerve carries signals to and from the genitals, anal area and urethra. If excessive pressure is placed on the pudendal nerve as it travels through the pelvic floor, it can cause a burning pain anywhere in the region. The affected area is often sensitive to the touch, and discomfort often increases when of sitting. The symptoms of pudendal neuralgia may start suddenly or develop slowly. ...

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is a common condition involving an involuntary loss of urine that occurs when a physical movement places pressure or stress on the bladder. Patients with this condition may experience a leakage of urine while coughing, sneezing, laughing, jogging or lifting something heavy. This condition usually occurs as a result of weakened sphincter and pelvic muscles that cannot adequately support the bladder or urethra. ...

Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a golf ball-sized gland located under the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. While all of its functions are not known, the prostate adds fluid and nutrients to sperm to produce semen and allow the sperm to move more effectively. An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that occurs as men age. BPH causes the prostate to press against the urethra which results in urinary problems. It is believed that an enlarged prostate may be due to an excess of certain hormones in the body. ...

Biofeedback for Urinary Incontinence

Biofeedback is a treatment method that is effective in treating many common conditions, including urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the bladder, which results in urine leakage. Biofeedback trains patients to control physiological processes that are normally involuntary through focused thinking. This treatment is particularly effective in treating conditions caused or worsened by stress. ...

Anal Pain

Anal pain, or pain in the perianal region (the area around the anus or rectum), is a common complaint with a number of different causes. Although the causes of anal pain are often benign, the pain itself can be severe because of the many nerve endings in the area. If anal pain is associated with rectal bleeding, fever, or anal discharge, it is more likely to be serious and a physician should be consulted promptly. ...

Constipation

Constipation affects almost everyone at some point. A person is considered constipated if he or she has three or fewer bowel movements a week, or has bowel movements that are hard, dry and/or painful. How often a bowel movement typically occurs determines whether a person is considered constipated. ...

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a common condition involving a loss of bowel control, resulting in a leaking of stool from the rectum, which often occurs during the passage of gas. It typically affects older adults and is more common in older females because of past pregnancies. Although it may be embarrassing to discuss, fecal incontinence is a common condition affecting millions of people, and should receive proper medical attention so that patients can engage in their everyday activities without the worry of incontinence. ...

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse is a condition in which a section of the wall of the rectum falls (descends) from its normal position and, in some cases, protrudes from anus. It mainly affects the elderly, and children younger than six. Women can be affected by prolapse after childbirth, with rectal and vaginal prolapse occurring at the same time. ...

Rectocele

Rectocele occurs when part of the wall of the rectum bulges into the vagina. Also called "posterior prolapse," it can be caused by multiple or difficult childbirths, chronic cough, chronic constipation, and weakened vaginal muscles. Rectocele is more common in postmenopausal women, and in women who are obese and/or smoke. ...

Hypertrophic Scars

Scars are a natural part of the healing process for all humans. Acne scars can vary in appearance and texture depending on the type and severity of the original acne lesions. Each type of acne scar may require a different type of treatment in order to repair the damaged areas of the skin and produce a smooth, clear appearance. Although not harmful, most people are bothered by the unattractive appearance of these scars and seek treatment to remove or significantly reduce their appearance. ...