Blog Archive

If you’re leaning towards long-term birth control, you’re probably considering an intrauterine device (IUD). But did you know there are several types of IUDs, each with its own set of benefits and considerations?  At Darin Swainston MD, FACOG, in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified OB/GYN providers specialize in helping women...

Did you know that uterine fibroids are very rarely cancerous and that having them doesn’t increase your risk of getting any form of cancer? However, that doesn’t mean these fibrous tissue growths don’t cause problems.  In fact, if you’re one of the more than 35 million US women with uterine...

If you have endometriosis, you’re no stranger to the painful and frustrating symptoms it brings. This condition causes your endometrial tissues to grow outside of your uterus on surrounding organs, leading to many uncomfortable symptoms and issues. You may be wondering if you can still get pregnant with this condition....

Choosing the right birth control method can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options, it can be hard to know which type of birth control to turn to.  Understanding the key differences between the two most common types of birth control is a great place to start. The...

If you’re worried you might have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), it’s natural to feel scared and uncertain. Our board-certified OB/GYN team at Darin Swainston MD. FACOG is here to help.  Our team offers comprehensive gynecological services to women in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area — including confidential STD testing...

In the United States, more than a third of all women have had a hysterectomy. This makes it the second most common surgical procedure for women.  However, removing your reproductive organs is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and many hysterectomies performed aren’t medically necessary. It’s essential to...

Pelvic organ prolapse, while a common concern among many women, remains a mostly untalked about issue. Often, the nature of the condition can make it challenging to discuss, even with medical professionals.  However, being informed about pelvic prolapse and understanding the risks associated with it is crucial when it comes to managing...

Fibroids are benign growths in your uterus that can range in size from very small to much larger, about the size of a grapefruit. But did you know that fibroids affect over 35 million women in America? If you find yourself suffering from these common growths and are thinking of starting a...

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines your uterus grows in other places outside of the womb. This condition can be painful and causes heavy or painful periods, and about 10% of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis.  At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, we understand the worries...

Your cervix plays an important part in childbearing. Located at the top of the vagina at the opening of your uterus, the cervix is closed and firm before pregnancy.  Once you’re pregnant, the cervix helps hold your growing baby in place. It then slowly softens until delivery, when it lengthens...

An ectopic pregnancy can be emotionally and physically draining. Getting the right medical care and seeking emotional support can help you recover.  At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, our providers specialize in obstetric care and treatments for ectopic pregnancy.  About ectopic pregnancy When a fertilized egg develops outside of your uterus,...

If you are living with endometriosis and wondering about the impact it has on your fertility, you’re not alone. Doctors have diagnosed more than 200 million women around the world with this condition, and many more may be living with their symptoms undiagnosed.  Many women aren’t diagnosed with endometriosis until they experience issues with...

Ovarian cysts aren’t necessarily a medical condition requiring treatment. Most cysts develop as part of the normal reproductive cycle and resolve without issue. Even cysts that develop outside the typical menstrual cycle rarely need surgical intervention. However, some ovarian cysts can be problematic for your health and require removal, called...

Uterine fibroids, benign tumors that develop in the muscular tissue of the uterus, are a relatively common condition. Between 20-70% of women are affected, and many women experience no symptoms. For some women, however, fibroids can cause pain and other symptoms, such as:  Incontinence and frequent urination Low back or...

A type of birth control called Essure was pulled from the market by the FDA in 2019 due to the health complications it caused. However, nearly a million women still have the device in place.     At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified providers safely remove the...

Being told you need surgery can be stressful. But if you have a gynecologic condition that requires surgical intervention, minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery offers many benefits and far fewer risks compared to traditional operating methods.  At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified providers are renowned for their expertise using robotic-assisted surgical systems...

If you and your partner are experiencing infertility, you’re in good company. Researchers estimate about 1 in 8 couples struggle to get or stay pregnant. Infertility is a very personal and often painful journey. While people close to you may mean well, it’s easy for casual comments about family planning to hurt. And...

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that affect over 35 million American women. These benign growths can trigger many frustrating symptoms, including pain, heavy bleeding, incontinence, pain during sex, and more.   At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified providers specialize in diagnosing and treating fibroids — including...

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on your ovaries. While most ovarian cysts don’t trigger problematic symptoms, some can cause pelvic pain, bleeding, bloating, and other frustrating side effects. Many women wonder whether ovarian cysts require medical treatment or if they’ll resolve on their own. If you’re concerned about ovarian...

If you’re struggling with any one of a number of conditions that affects your uterus or the supporting structures, you may wonder if a hysterectomy could help. During this surgery, your provider removes your uterus and may also remove your cervix.  At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified providers perform minimally invasive,...

As a woman, you already understand that mild-to-moderate cramps and aches are a normal part of your menstrual cycle. But for about one third of women, chronic pelvic pain that lasts longer than six months becomes an ongoing problem, negatively affecting your quality of life.  Ongoing or severe pelvic pain isn’t normal. And because...

Endometriosis affects millions of women, causing pain, heavy periods, severe cramping, and other problematic symptoms. While there’s no cure for endometriosis, at Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified OB/GYN providers offer effective solutions for managing your condition.  Here’s a closer look at what’s involved with endometriosis, what happens when the condition goes...

Are you having a hard time deciding which type of birth control to use? You’re not alone. It’s wonderful to know there are many choices when it comes to contraception. But having different options can make it challenging for many women to know which one’s right for them. The board-certified...

Did you know over 13 million American women have pelvic prolapse? If you’re one, robotic-assisted surgery could improve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.  At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified OB/GYN providers want to help. We use robotic-assisted surgery to repair many gynecological conditions, like pelvic prolapse. Here’s a look...

Over their lifetime, up to 80% of women will develop uterine fibroids, benign, muscular tumors that form in the wall of the uterus. If you’re among the more than 35 million American women diagnosed with this condition, it’s natural to wonder if a hysterectomy is the right solution. The answer depends on several factors, including...

There’s nothing more exciting than meeting your baby for the first time — no matter how your baby enters the world. In the US, about one-third of all babies arrive through cesarean delivery (C-section).  This surgical procedure involves delivering your baby through your abdomen instead of the vaginal birth canal....

Endometriosis, a disorder that affects at least 10% of women, causes the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) to grow outside your womb. The misplaced tissue still thickens and breaks down just like it would if it were inside your uterus — but since it can’t shed and leave your...

It may be hard to believe, but worldwide, about one million new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are acquired each day. Many STDs trigger noticeable symptoms, making STD testing the only way to know if you’re one of the 20 million new cases of STDs reported in the US each year.  ...

You know you should visit the dentist every six months and head in for a physical every year, but there’s a lot of conflicting information for women about how often you should see your gynecologist. At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified OB/GYNs want to set...

Have you been experiencing bleeding between your periods? While unexpected spotting is inconvenient and sometimes embarrassing, it can also make you worry about if there’s a serious condition triggering it.  At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, board-certified OB/GYNs Dr. Darin Swainston and Dr. Daniel Richards diagnose and...

If you’ve been trying to conceive but haven’t had success, you may be among the 15% of couples struggling to begin their family. Couples struggle with infertility for many reasons, and educating yourself about the signs, possible causes, and treatments available is the best first step in overcoming it.  Board-certified...

If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, you’re not alone. More than 200 million women across the globe have this condition, which can cause intense symptoms and chronic pain.  In fact, endometriosis can take over your life, changing everything from your emotional well-being to your ability to function at work and...

Although scientists believe about one-third of American women struggle with pelvic prolapse, many women suffer in silence due to the private nature of this uncomfortable condition. Knowing the signs of this common pelvic condition can make talking to your doctor less intimidating.  At Darin Swainston MD, FACOG in Las Vegas,...

Only about 1% of women are affected by an incompetent cervix, but this condition accounts for over 25% of all miscarriages occurring during the second trimester. If you’re expecting or planning to become pregnant, you may worry about cervical incompetence and whether you’re at risk.  At Darin Swainston, MD. FACOG,...

Although hysterectomy may be the most effective solution for many debilitating conditions, the decision to remove your uterus is never easy. At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG, in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified OB/GYN providers, Dr. Darin Swainston and Dr. Daniel Richards, understand how difficult this decision can be. Our team...

Did you know that about one-third of American women suffer from chronic pelvic pain, or persistent, noncyclic pain that lasts for more than six months? If this describes you, you understand how pelvic pain interrupts your life, making even the most daily tasks a challenge.    At Darin Swainston, MD, FACOG,...

Are you one of the more than 35 million women in the US with uterine fibroids, noncancerous tumors ranging from the size of a seed to the size of a grapefruit? Not sure? We understand! It can be challenging to know if you have fibroids, especially since symptoms vary depending...

Are you thinking about starting your family or adding another child to your existing family? If so, right now, before you conceive, is the perfect time to meet with an obstetrician and get started with the care you need.  Our experienced OB/GYN, Daniel Richards, DO, and the providers at Darin...

Your period is unique to you. In fact, there’s a lot of variety with normal menstruation. Some women even accept abnormal bleeding since it’s what they’re used to experiencing. But abnormal bleeding always has an underlying cause.  Our highly skilled OB/GYN, Daniel Richards, DO, and the providers at Darin Swainston...

Start the new year off on the right foot by staying on top of your health with important women’s health screenings. Seeing a board-certified OB/GYN each year for key exams and health checks helps you stay on top of your wellness all year long.  At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG, in...

If you’re suffering from troublesome gynecological symptoms, understanding the root cause is essential for getting the best treatment. Many imaging tools and technologies, such as ultrasound, allow doctors to examine your body with non-invasive methods, but these methods aren’t always enough to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.  Fortunately, advances in...

Between 70-80% of women develop fibroids at some point in their lives. While for some women these benign, muscular tumors don’t cause problems, for many others, fibroids become problematic, causing troublesome symptoms like pain and bleeding — even pregnancy issues.  At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG, gynecological surgeon Dr. Darin Swainston...

While mild to moderate cramps and aches may be a normal part of getting your period, did you know that almost one-third of women suffer from chronic pelvic pain? Chronic pelvic pain is pain that lasts longer than six months and can be caused by a wide variety of underlying...

Although cervical incompetence is relatively uncommon, it can have a devastating impact, causing affected women to lose their pregnancies during the second trimester. If you’re expecting or planning to start your family, you may be wondering if you’re at risk for cervical incompetence and what to do if you’re diagnosed...

Are you struggling with painful, heavy periods and wondering if endometriosis might be the cause? If so, you’re not alone. At least 1 in 10 women have this painful, often life-altering condition that causes the endometrium, the lining of your uterus, to grow outside of its usual location.   At Darin...

Did you know that tens of millions of women in America suffer from some type of organ prolapse? If you’re wondering about the different types of prolapse and if there are ways to prevent them, we’ve got you covered.  At Darin Swainston, MD. FACOG, robotic gynecological surgeon Dr. Swainston and...

If you’re among the 750,000+ women with an Essure device, you may be experiencing some of the adverse health effects that caused this birth control implantation device to be pulled from the market and wondering about your next steps.   While Essure insertion was relatively simple, removal is more complicated and...

While many women develop fibroids, not all require surgery to treat these noncancerous uterine growths. But if your uterine fibroids are causing significant disruption to your well-being, surgery may offer the best outcome possible.  At Darin Swainston, MD, FACOG, our goal is to offer patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, the...

If you’re one of the more than 13 million women suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms associated with uterine prolapse, you have options! At Darin Swainston, MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Swainston and our entire care team are proud to offer the best in minimally-invasive robotic-assisted surgery to remedy...

Hysterectomies are the second most common surgical procedure among women in the United States. Hysterectomies are performed for a variety of reasons, including the presence of cancer, endometriosis, or a lack of desire to have more children. For the around 500,000 women who have hysterectomies each year, the procedure can...

Uterine prolapse is a condition that is unique to women, given the differences between men and women’s bodies. While childbirth is one of the causes of a prolapsed uterus, it is not an exclusive cause of this condition. Moreover, it is specific to certain types of childbirth, as opposed to...

Preterm labor can put you and your baby at risk, especially if it starts occurring as early as the second trimester. An estimated 15-20% of cases of preterm labor and second-trimester pregnancy loss are associated with incompetent cervix. This is a condition in which the cervix starts to open prematurely,...

Pelvic pain is a common problem that impacts most women at some point in their lives. The pain can be acute or chronic and occurs when the muscles in the uterus tighten and contract. There are several reasons why you might experience pelvic pain. From irritable bowel syndrome to an...

When medication and non-invasive treatment can’t resolve a uterine condition that’s causing debilitating pain or life-threatening conditions, a hysterectomy may be appropriate. A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus. It can also include removal of your cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Considered major surgery, hysterectomies rank as the...

If you’re a woman in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, you have a good chance of developing fibroids — mostly benign growths in the uterus that can be painful and even debilitating for some women while others don’t even know they have them. The National Institutes of Health says up...

While some women with endometriosis never experience any negative symptoms, many live with chronic pain associated with this incurable condition. From painful trips to the restroom to unpleasant experiences in the bedroom, endometriosis can wreak havoc on your life and lifestyle.  Dr. Darin Swainston, one of the top OB/GYNs here...

Many intimate health issues are hard for women to talk about, and uterine prolapse is no exception. According to Harvard Health Publishing, uterine prolapse, or pelvic organ prolapse, is a best-kept-secret among women despite the fact that it’s an extremely common condition. In fact, if you and your friends are...

Having a surgery is a big deal. It can be quite stressful planning for a procedure, and you might be overwhelmed by trying to understand your options. You may worry about how painful it will be, wonder what the risks are, and want to understand how long it will take...

Essure® was celebrated as a doctor’s office solution for women wanting permanent birth control. The procedure was called hysteroscopic sterilization, and referred to as the “female vasectomy.” At first, women and gynecologists rejoiced that women, like men, could take control of their fertility with a permanent solution without the risks...

Pelvic pain is surprisingly common among women, for fairly obvious reasons. The female body takes a lot of stress and damage among hormones, childbirth, sexual activity, menstruation, and menopause. Diagnosing your pain is the first step toward finding the proper treatment to help you live a better life with less...

About 11% of American women suffer from endometriosis. Characterized by chronic pelvic pain and severe menstrual symptoms, endometriosis can make sex unenjoyable, reduce your ability to get pregnant, and significantly impact your quality of life. Endometriosis happens when the lining of your uterus begins to grow outside your uterus. It...

Family planning is an important part of any woman’s health. But what happens when the method you’ve chosen to prevent becoming pregnant causes greater issues, like pain and serious complications? New research is raising concerns about the implanted birth control device called Essure. If you’ve already chosen Essure as your...

Every expectant mother wants her baby to be born on time and healthy. The goal of every pregnancy is to deliver the baby at full-term, but sometimes complications arise that you aren’t expecting. About one in every 100 pregnant women is diagnosed with a condition known as incompetent cervix, which...

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that can develop in women of childbearing age, most commonly between the ages of 35 and 40. If you’re experiencing heavy, painful periods that last longer than a week, you have close female relatives who have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, or you’re having trouble conceiving,...

Endometriosis is a painful disorder of the tissue, the endometrium, that lines the inside of your uterus. With endometriosis, the tissue grows outside of the uterus and can cause pain, heavy periods, and other uncomfortable symptoms. One of the main complications of endometriosis is infertility, which affects around 40% of...

There’s a reason conventional surgery is called invasive. For gynecological issues, this can require opening the abdomen to reach the reproductive organs, and these traditional surgeries can cause slow recovery, pain, an increased risk of infection, and other complications.Huge strides in medical technology in recent years mean many of these...

Around one-third of women experience a pelvic floor disorder, which can include pelvic organ prolapse. Prolapse is defined as “a falling down of an organ or part, as the uterus, from its normal position.” In the case of a pelvic prolapse, any of the organs in the pelvic region, including...

Do Kegel Exercises Work?Pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the most common gynecological problems women face, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 women. Symptoms include the frequent urge to urinate, painful urination, constipation, incontinence and lower back pain. Physical therapy is a common treatment, and for women who aren’t helped...

Pelvic prolapse is a common condition that affects about 30% of women, causing problems like urinary incontinence and difficulty having sex. Prolapse occurs due to loss of muscle strength and low levels of estrogen — two problems that can be corrected to help prevent pelvic prolapse. Dr. Swainston offers some...

The decision to have a hysterectomy is never easy. It’s often the best and most effective treatment solution for many potentially debilitating conditions, including aggressive endometriosis, painfully large fibroids, and cancer. But it’s major surgery.In the past, it could take months to recover from a hysterectomy due to the many...

There are many types of ovarian cysts, and they often come and go quickly without causing any symptoms. Others, however, can become large enough to create a serious and sometimes life-threatening situation. That’s why we encourage our patients to come in for an evaluation if they’re experiencing symptoms or are...

It’s been clear for some time that endometriosis may affect your ability to become pregnant. Recent studies also note a higher incidence of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy among women with this often painful and perplexing condition. Thankfully, rapid advances in medical technology have provided many effective treatment options for endometriosis....

When it comes to almost any medical condition, there’s a lot of fact and fiction to sort through, especially on the internet. In our efforts to partner with our patients here in Las Vegas and help them better understand their health, we want to help cut through the clutter.In this...