Blog Archive

Understanding PCOS: Take control of your hormonal health May 25th, 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. This syndrome is caused by an imbalance of hormones, including androgens like testosterone.  The high levels of testosterone have an impact on multiple organs and cause symptoms including irregular or absent menses, infertility, excessive...

Expert Treatment for Urinary Incontinence May 24th, 2023

Urinary incontinence is an issue that affects millions of women. Statistics state that about one-third of women have incontinence at some point during their lifetimes. It can be annoying, inconvenient, humiliating, and at times, stressful. Above all, incontinence is frustrating because whether it is a mild case or an extreme one, it...

Why Does it Hurt During Sex? May 19th, 2023

Painful intercourse can be troublesome from both a physiological perspective and a psychological one. If sex has suddenly become uncomfortable for you, you may be suffering from a medical condition that requires treatment. And if the lack of intimacy is affecting your relationship, you’re probably suffering on an emotional level,...

What Treatments are Available for Endometriosis? May 16th, 2023

According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, 1 in 10 women in the United States suffer from endometriosis, and it affects more than 175 million women worldwide. Although symptoms typically appear during the reproductive years, many women remain undiagnosed throughout the duration of their lives. The specific cause of endometriosis is...

BTL Emsella: The future of Incontinence Treatment May 8th, 2023

Urinary incontinence is a common condition that affects females at all stages of life. Incontinence, or involuntary leakage of urine, is caused by weakened or damage pelvic floor muscles that are unable to control the flow of urine. Risk factors for incontinence include vaginal birth, obesity, chronic cough or asthma,...

When Should I Call the Doctor Regarding Vaginal Bleeding? May 5th, 2023

Vaginal bleeding is normal under certain circumstances, but in many cases, it indicates a potentially serious complication. If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding outside of your usual menstruation, contact your gynecologist immediately. According to WebMD, there are several possible causes of abnormal bleeding. In some cases, it may resolve itself, but...

5 Tips that Can Prevent a UTI May 1st, 2023

Life is never fun when you have a Urinary Tract Infection because let’s face it, it can be extremely painful. While you might be familiar with what the symptoms of a UTI are, what exactly is a UTI? Well, a UTI, also known as a urinary tract infection, “is an...

Exploring the Uses of Hysteroscopy: A Closer Look Apr 28th, 2023

Hysteroscopy is a common procedure used in gynecology and one that many patients will undergo. During hysteroscopy, a thin tube carrying a camera and light is placed through the cervix into the uterus to visualize the uterine cavity. Since the natural cervical opening is used, no incisions or cuts are...

Break the taboo: Talking About Painful Sex Apr 20th, 2023

Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, is a common problem that affects many women as they age. Estrogen is a hormone that is responsible for maintaining the natural health and moisture of the vagina. After menopause the levels of estrogen dramatically decrease which results in vaginal tissue that is thin, dry, and...

Childbirth and Bladder Prolapse - How a Urogynecologist Can Help Apr 20th, 2023

More and more women are speaking up about their experiences after childbirth. Until recently, few people were talking about bladder prolapse and about the medical conditions women can develop after labor. There are many complications associated with childbirth, from vaginal tears to bladder prolapse. While some of these conditions often...

What You Need to Know About Pelvic Pain Apr 18th, 2023

Pelvic pain, for many women, is a common experience. Yet, not all types of pelvic pain are normal. What is normal pelvic pain and when does it make sense to schedule a visit with your gynecologist? Certain kinds of pelvic pain are normal. For example, according to WebMD it is common for...

Why Your Period Pain May Not Be Normal: Understanding Endometriosis Apr 6th, 2023

According to Teen Vogue, endometriosis affects approximately 6.3 million women. The condition can lead to excruciating pain during menstruation. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue normally found inside the uterus is located outside the uterus. When the hormones that lead to menstruation are present in the body, the...

Mast Cell Activation: The Complex Interplay of Endometriosis and Inflammation Mar 31st, 2023

While the pathology underlying endometriosis has been studied extensively, many questions remain about the cause and varied symptomology of this disease. It is unclear why some patients with extensive endometriosis implants have few symptoms while others present with debilitating pain and only have minimal disease on surgical exploration. One of...

Sorting Through the Myths and Facts About Pelvic Prolapse Surgery Mar 27th, 2023

About half of all women will experience some form of pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime. Yet many women know little to nothing about this common problem and its surgical fix. Or what they have heard scares them. Dr. Khashayar Shakiba is a board-certified urogynecologist and skilled surgeon who specializes...

Fighting Fibroids: Understanding Symptoms and Surgical Management Mar 22nd, 2023

Fibroids are benign growths in the muscular wall of the uterus. These fibroids, or leiomyomas, can range in size and cause a variety of symptoms. Fibroids are very common and affect up to 80% of females by age 50. Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, urinary frequency/urgency,...

Interstitial Cystitis: More Effective Treatment Options Than You Think Mar 20th, 2023

Do you suffer from discomfort or pain when urinating? Do you have bladder pressure or pelvic pain? If so, you may be suffering from interstitial cystitis (IC). Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options. Here at Women's Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey in Hackensack, Dr. Khashayar Shakiba uses innovative...

What is Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery? Mar 9th, 2023

Minimally invasive pelvic surgery is, as the name implies, minimally invasive surgery done on the pelvic region for women. There are a wide array of conditions and surgical procedures women undergo to maintain optimal health, and in the past, these often meant serious surgeries with large incisions, and long recovery...

Living with Interstitial Cystitis: Understanding and Navigating the Painful Bladder Syndrome Mar 7th, 2023

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic and disabling condition that causes pain in the bladder and/or pelvic region. Patients with this condition report frequent urination, urinary urgency, pain with sex, discomfort with urination, or a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. The symptoms of interstitial cystitis may be so...

Understanding Endometriosis & How Robotic Surgery can Help Feb 28th, 2023

Do you suffer from endometriosis? Are you aware that your symptoms and discomfort may be able to be treated with highly advanced, minimally invasive robotic surgery? Keep reading to learn more about this innovative technology that is helping women undergo gentler, more manageable surgeries for endometriosis! What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis...

Ovarian cysts: From Diagnosis to Treatment Feb 24th, 2023

Ovarian cysts are benign growths that can develop on the ovaries. With each menstrual cycle, the ovary produces a cyst that ruptures and releases an egg. These cysts are harmless and do not require any treatment. However, some cysts may become abnormally large and cause discomfort. Symptoms of ovarian cysts...

Protecting your cervical health: A Closer look at Colposcopy Feb 17th, 2023

Cervical cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide, is easily prevented with regular screening and prompt treatment. If the initial cervical cancer screening, or pap smear, is abnormal, the next step is often a colposcopy. A colposcopy is an in-office procedure that uses a colposcope to magnify the...

Say Goodbye to Fibroids: The Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery Feb 9th, 2023

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus and can cause a range of symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. While fibroids are not life-threatening, they can impact a woman's quality of life and may require treatment. Traditionally, fibroids were treated with a hysterectomy, a...

Urogynecology: Providing expert care for Female Pelvic Health Feb 3rd, 2023

As women age and go through various hormonal and physical changes, it's not uncommon for them to experience pelvic floor disorders. These can range from urinary incontinence to pelvic organ prolapse and can be both physically and emotionally debilitating. Many women accept these changes as a part of the natural...

Recurrent Urinart Tract Infections Jan 25th, 2023

Recurrent urinary tract infection’s are a very bothersome and common problem among women. It could involve a variety of ages, starting from age 16 or even younger til post-menopausal and elderly patients. Because of recurrent urinary tract infections, which vary on different age group, and of course any women who...

The Hidden Truths of Endometriosis and Infertility – Why early diagnosis and treatment is key! Jan 23rd, 2023

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. This tissue can attach to organs in the pelvis such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even the bladder or colon and lead to inflammation. While...

The Pain of Pudendal Nerve Jan 11th, 2023

Pudendal neuralgia is a painful condition caused bydamage or irritation of the pudendal nerve, animportant nerve which runs through the pelvis andinnervates the genitals, anus, and perineum. Despite itsprevalence, pudendal neuralgia can be difficult todiagnose due to its complex symptoms and limitedknowledge about the condition. Symptoms of pudendal neuralgia include...

Abdominal Bloating Jan 11th, 2023

Did you know endometriosis could be the cause of abdominal bloating by affecting the pelvic nerve, more specially hypogastric plexus. The inflammation could cause irritation of nerve, and not only cause urinary urgency and frequency, but also cause abdominal bloating. If you are experiencing above problem/symptoms please make appointment to...

Endometriosis Symptoms Dec 5th, 2022

If you are experiencing the following symptoms of heavy bleeding, painful ovulation, painful periods, pain during or after sexual intercourse, chronic pelvic pain and infertility, do not hesitate to have a consult with Dr. Khashayar Shakiba.   If you’ve been living with these persistent symptoms, it’s time to seek help...

Are you tired of taking antibiotics for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection’s/Bladder Infections? Nov 22nd, 2022

At Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey we are in contact with many patient’s, young women before menopause and many women after menopause, who come to the office to consult with me with the diagnosis of recurrent UTI. They usually receive multiple courses of antibiotic treatment without success and become...

What Most People Don't Know About Endometriosis Jan 1st, 2022

Unlike the tissue in other parts of the body, the lining in your uterus has a tendency to wander. When this occurs — a condition called endometriosis — endometrial tissue creeps outside your uterus and attaches itself to other surfaces and organs, including your ovaries and fallopian tubes.  In advanced...

Life After a Hysterectomy Dec 1st, 2021

Dr. Khashayar Shakiba, at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey in Hackensack, may recommend a hysterectomy — the removal of your uterus — for any of several reasons. For example, the procedure that may become necessary if you have fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or cancer.  While a...

Do Ovarian Cysts Impact Fertility? Nov 1st, 2021

Most women develop a few ovarian cysts throughout their lifetime and never even know it, and after menopause, about 18% of women get them. These tiny sacs filled with fluid can usually only be seen with ultrasound, and they typically go away without any treatment.  Regardless of your age, most...

The Different Types of Incontinence Oct 1st, 2021

Oh, the joys of womanhood! For all the positive, powerful, and splendid aspects of being female, there are a few parts we’d all take a pass on if we could. We’re talking about incontinence — that embarrassing leak of liquid that dampens your undies every time you laugh, cough, sneeze,...

Reasons Why Your Pelvic Floor Is So Important Sep 1st, 2021

Like most things in life that fall into the “out of sight, out of mind” category, you probably don’t think much about your pelvic floor, but you should — more than one-third of all women have at least one pelvic floor disorder. Your pelvic floor performs a host of important...

When to Consider a Hysterectomy Aug 1st, 2021

No one wants to hear they need a hysterectomy. Losing any part of your anatomy can be frightening, but it may be the best solution for your quality of life and overall health. But how do you know it’s the best choice for you?  Women who live in or near...

5 Signs of Interstitial Cystitis Jul 21st, 2021

Pelvic pain can indicate any of several conditions. And since many of these share symptoms with one another, the only way to know for certain what you’re dealing with is to seek an expert diagnosis from a qualified medical professional like Dr. Khashayar Shakiba at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North...

Do Ovarian Cysts Require Surgery? Jun 20th, 2021

You could have an ovarian cyst right now and not even know it. These little fluid-filled sacs aren’t uncommon — in fact, most women will get at least one at some point during their life. When they’re small, they’re usually asymptomatic and disappear without causing any trouble. When they do...

4 Common Types of Sexual Dysfunction May 19th, 2021

Sexual dysfunction is more common than you may realize In fact, about 40% of women aren’t enjoying sex for one reason or another. Unfortunately, many of them don’t seek help because they’re either embarrassed to talk about it, or they think it’s normal. Dr. Khashayar Shakiba at Women’s Pelvic Surgery...

Managing Your Endometriosis with Minimally Invasive Surgery Apr 11th, 2021

Optimal health occurs when all your body parts function properly according to their unique roles. So, what happens if one of those parts goes rogue and invades the territory of a neighboring body part? That’s endometriosis — when the lining in your uterus sneaks out and attaches itself to your...

Signs of Uterine Fibroids Mar 9th, 2021

Periods are never fun, but some can be worse than others. Menstruation, even regular cycles, can be unpredictable — heavy bleeding, sharp cramps, and an elongated duration are just a few of the varying characteristics each month has in store. So how do you know when it’s just “one of...

The Importance of Gynecological Care Feb 9th, 2021

If you’re relying on your primary care physician for all your health care needs, you may be doing yourself a disservice. Family practice and internal medical doctors are a valuable part of your overall health care, but they should never replace a gynecologist, who specializes in the female anatomy. Dr....

When You Should Consider STD Testing Jan 19th, 2021

As enjoyable as sex is, it also comes with a potential downside. The bodily fluids that you share with your partner may contain bacteria and viruses that can lead to serious complications, including infertility, blindness, damage to your organs, and even certain cancers.  These sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) come in...

How Endometriosis Affects Emotional Wellbeing Dec 6th, 2020

Endometriosis occurs when the lining in your uterus grows outside your womb. Once it breaches its boundaries, it attaches itself to anything nearby, including your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outside of your uterus. It can even reach other organs like your bladder, bowels, and liver.  Dr. Khashayar Shakiba at...

Could My Vaginal Bleeding Mean Uterine Prolapse? Nov 15th, 2020

There are things in life you take for granted: the sun rises, the sun sets, and your internal organs stay inside your body. Unfortunately, this last one isn’t always a given. If the muscles and ligaments in your pelvic floor become weakened with age or multiple deliveries, your uterus can...

Biofeedback: The Nonsurgical Treatment for Urinary Incontinence You Haven't Heard About Oct 15th, 2020

If your bladder betrays you every time you lift, laugh, sneeze, or cough, you’re not alone. About one-third of women over 45 and half of women over 65 have stress incontinence, the type that causes leaks when you exert a little pressure by exercising or sneezing. Although men get urinary...

What Causes Urinary Incontinence? Sep 23rd, 2020

Have you noticed that it’s getting a little harder to “hold it” when the urge hits to head to the restroom? Have you had a couple of “oops” moments after laughing at a joke or jogging down the street? These are the beginning stages of urinary incontinence, and it happens...

What Are the Benefits of a Hysterectomy? Aug 23rd, 2020

If you’ve been told you need a hysterectomy, you may be worried about the procedure, the recovery, and your future. These are normal, healthy emotions. And whether the path that led you to this day has been long and painful or sudden and shocking, you’ve arrived at the conclusion that...

How Do Fibroids Cause Infertility? Jul 23rd, 2020

Usually benign and typically harmless, uterine fibroids are tumors that grow on or in your uterus. They start out as just a single muscle cell, which then grows and multiplies into a mass of cells. Eventually, fibroids increase in size, anywhere from the size of a pea to a melon....

What to Expect for Your First Well-Woman Exam Jun 25th, 2020

The thought of having a stranger, even a highly qualified doctor, examine your body can be unsettling.  Here to put your mind and body at ease, Dr. Khashayar Shakiba and our experienced, compassionate team at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey address all your questions and concerns about the well-woman...

Why You Should Never Ignore Pain during Sex May 29th, 2020

Millions of women suffer through painful sexual experiences because they’re embarrassed to talk about it or think it’s normal. But sex should be an enjoyable aspect of a healthy adult life, and if that doesn’t describe your intimate encounters, there are things you can — and should — do about...

Knowing the Difference Between a Myomectomy and a Hysterectomy Apr 1st, 2020

Hearing you have fibroids may be unsettling, and hearing you need surgery may be downright scary, but the more information you have, the more relaxed you’ll be about your health and your future.  The first thing you need to know is that fibroids aren’t cancerous. They are benign lumps of...

Living with Interstitial Cystitis Mar 1st, 2020

Pelvic pain can be tough to diagnose. Many symptoms you may experience are common to several conditions. Take interstitial cystitis (IC) for example. The classic signs of pain and frequent urination also apply to urinary tract infections, fibroids, endometriosis, and other pelvic disorders.  But IC is different. It’s not an...

How Menopause Can Affect Your Sex Life Feb 1st, 2020

The changes that come along with menopause are no secret. There’s no shortage of songs, movies, plays, and stand-up comedy acts poking fun at the stereotypical symptoms, like hot flashes and mood swings. But if you’re a woman experiencing these life-changing symptoms and more, you know it’s no laughing matter....

Gynecologic Surgery — Minimally Invasive Procedures That Can Improve Your Quality of Life Jan 1st, 2020

From urinary incontinence to painful endometriosis, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Khashayar Shakiba helps myriad patients achieve a far better quality of life at his clinic in North Jersey. Using a variety of tools, from our minimally invasive, state-of-the-art da Vinci® robotic system to Electronic Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification for evaluating pelvic...

The Link Between Menopause and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Dec 1st, 2019

As you get older and hit menopause, your body produces less estrogen. This decrease in estrogen can lead to pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which one of your pelvic organs moves or falls out of place. Khashayar Shakiba, MD, at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey in Hackensack, New...

Sexual Dysfunction — It’s More Common (and Treatable) Than You Think Nov 1st, 2019

Is intercourse uncomfortable? Are you no longer in sync with your partner? Almost half of all women experience some type of sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives. You're not alone. Our caring team at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey will put the necessary time and effort into...

The Importance of an Annual Well-Woman Exam Oct 1st, 2019

It can be hard to carve time out of your busy day to see your doctor, especially when you’re feeling fine. If it ain’t broke, right? But when it comes to your health, it’s not always best to wait until things go wrong. At Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey,...

Top 5 Factors That Could Increase Your Chance of Developing Endometriosis Sep 1st, 2019

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue found inside the uterus develops outside the organ. The resulting endometrial lesions typically occur next to the fallopian tubes and the cervix. In rare cases, they can even be found next to the rectum, liver, and lungs.  Estimates suggest that 1 in...

How Infertility Affects Your Mental Health Aug 14th, 2019

On the surface, infertility is a symptom of a problem. The North Carolina Medical Journal finds that the causes vary among male-factor infertility (30%), female-factor infertility (30%), and infertility that’s the result of a variety of factors or unexplained infertility (40%). No matter what kind of infertility you are suffering...

MonaLisa Touch: All of Your Questions, Answered Jul 10th, 2019

Approximately 75% of women experience some form of physical pain during sexual intercourse. The causes could be from a hormonal imbalance, menopause, hysterectomies, cancer, or damage to the vaginal area from childbirth. Whatever the reason, if artificial lubricants and pelvic floor exercises aren’t working out for you, you have another...

MonaLisa Touch: We Answer All of Your Questions Jul 10th, 2019

Approximately 75% of women experience some form of physical pain during sexual intercourse. The causes could be from a hormonal imbalance, menopause, hysterectomies, cancer, or damage to the vaginal area from childbirth. Whatever the reason, if artificial lubricants and pelvic floor exercises aren’t working out for you, you have another...

What Does an Abnormal Pap Result Mean, and What are My Next Steps? Jun 14th, 2019

It can be heartstopping to hear that your Pap test result came back abnormal or positive. After all, you know that a Pap test — also called a Pap smear — screens for cervical cancer. If you’ve received that news, of if you’re about to get a Pap test and...

Female Urinary Incontinence Is More Common than You Think May 20th, 2019

Urinary incontinence is an embarrassing problem, but it’s a common issue for many adults. While it can affect anyone, twice as many women have urinary incontinence compared to men, and more than 4 out of 10 women 65 and older struggle with it. Urinary incontinence describes bladder control issues that...

What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy and Does It Work? Apr 16th, 2019

A woman’s pelvis holds a set of muscles shaped somewhat like a bowl. They act like a sling to support your bladder, bowel, uterus, and rectum. When these muscles are tight, you may experience pelvic pain. When they aren’t strong enough, your internal organs aren’t supported well, and you could...

Interstitial Cystitis: More Solutions Than You Think Mar 14th, 2019

Do you suffer from discomfort or pain when urinating? Do you have bladder pressure or pelvic pain? If so, you may be suffering from interstitial cystitis (IC). Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options. Here at Women's Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey in Hackensack, Dr. Khashayar Shakiba uses innovative...

Myths and Facts About Pelvic Prolapse Surgery Feb 1st, 2019

About half of all women will experience some form of pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime. Yet many women know little to nothing about this common problem and its surgical fix. Or what they have heard scares them. Dr. Khashayar Shakiba is a board-certified urogynecologist and skilled surgeon who specializes...

When Does Endometriosis Necessitate Surgery? Jan 11th, 2019

Endometriosis is a common but sometimes life-altering health problem that causes endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus shed during menstruation) to build up in other parts of the abdomen and pelvis. Despite its dislocation, this tissue acts just like endometrial tissue in that it builds up during your cycle...

Understanding Your Options When It Comes to a Hysterectomy Dec 21st, 2018

The need for a hysterectomy can hit hard for many women. The good news is, this procedure has come a long way. Perhaps your mother or grandmother spent several nights in the hospital after undergoing a hysterectomy, followed by many weeks in bed at home. Thanks to robotic-assistance, that's no...

Can Pelvic Prolapse Be Prevented? Nov 27th, 2018

Pelvic organ prolapse affects millions of women every year, yet many women don’t recognize the symptoms or know they can be treated. Prolapse occurs when the strong muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor weaken and can no longer support the pelvic organs (the uterus, vagina, and bladder). This weakness...

Biofeedback: The Nonsurgical Treatment for Urinary Incontinence You Haven't Heard About Oct 9th, 2018

If you’re experiencing the frustration and embarrassment of urinary incontinence, you’ve probably heard about performing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and help prevent unexpected urine leakage.And you’re certainly not alone if you have trouble isolating these muscles or are uncertain about whether you’re doing the moves correctly....

What is da Vinci® Surgery? Jun 23rd, 2018

The da Vinci® Surgical System is a highly advanced, highly specific medical technology that is changing the way surgeries are performed. Dr. Shakiba of Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey utilizes this method in many procedures such as robotic hysterectomies, robotic myectomies, and robotic ovarian cystectomies. As a result, he has...