The field of women’s health is a broad one, encompassing everything from the first menstrual cycle to the post-menopausal years. Dr. Lively takes care of almost all aspects of women’s health, including general medicine and gynecology, providing annual exams, pap smears, and treatment for abnormal pap smears. No matter what phase of life you might find yourself in, Dr. Lively has the expertise and experience to help you maintain optimal health at your present stage and beyond.
High Quality Care
Dr. Lively is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has more than two decades of experience in this area. His hospital appointments at Odessa Regional Medical Center, Basin Healthcare Center, and Medical Center Hospital allow him flexibility in making procedures more convenient for his patients. He also offers a full range of obstetric care for both routine and high-risk pregnancies.
Dr. Lively fosters healthy communication with his patients so that they are comfortable with sharing their current and past concerns so that he can better pinpoint specific issues. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and recommendation of the best treatment options for every patient. At your annual appointment, we will take the time to review your general health history as well as your medical and surgical history, taking into account any risk factors we might need to address. This keeps us updated on any possible changes in your health status so that we can address them as early and effectively as possible.
Gynecology Services Available
Dr. Lively offers a wide range of gynecological services, including:
- Well woman examinations and pap smears
- Hormone therapy
- Contraception, including IUDs and Implanon
- Gynecologic cancer screenings
- Menstruation problems
- Endometrial ablation for heavy periods, using NovaSure
- Treatment for abnormal cervical cells, using LEEP
- Colonoscopy to evaluate abnormal pap smears
- Menopause treatment, including hormone replacement therapy
- Incontinence treatment
With a variety of services to choose from, Dr. Lively is prepared to help you achieve optimal female health no matter your age. He will work with you to determine the underlying concern and select the best procedures for diagnosis and treatment.
A Closer Look
Some of the more popular treatments available through Dr. Lively’s office include:
NovaSure
This fast, one-time procedure offers relief from painful, heavy periods, which is a common complaint from women approaching the menopause years. Radiofrequency energy is delivered into the uterus to remove the uterine lining, which can significantly reduce the length and heaviness of your periods. This treatment is recommended to pre-menopausal women that have completed childbearing and do not have other medical reasons for their irregular menstrual cycles.
LEEP
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a minimally-invasive option for removing abnormal cervical cells. The procedure uses a thin wire loop that delivers an electrical current to excise the questionable cells for further exploration. The procedure “cures” the issue in 90 percent of patients without the need for general anesthesia or a recovery period afterward.
Colposcopy
This visual examination provides additional information if you have an abnormal pap test result. The procedure is performed in our office and only takes about 15 minutes to complete. A special tool called a colposcope is used so that Dr. Lively can examine the abnormality more closely. He can also take a sample for further diagnostic testing if necessary.
Surgical Procedures Performed
As a part of the diagnostic and treatment processes, Dr. Lively performs a number of surgical procedures specific to female health. These procedures include:
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy Surgery
- Tubal Ligation
- Hysterectomy (laparoscopic and open)
- Sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
- Colpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse
- Colporrhaphy for pelvic organs that have shifted out of place
- Incontinence and bladder procedures
- Diagnostic laparotomy to diagnose pelvic or abdominal pain
- Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Lively will tailor your surgical procedure to your specific concerns and needs. Most surgical procedures will be performed in one of the hospitals Dr. Lively is accredited with, although a few may be able to be performed right in his office.
Some of the most common surgical procedures Dr. Lively performs include:
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy may be used to diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. The hysteroscope is a thin tube that is inserted into the uterus to detect abnormalities like uterine fibroids, polyps or other possible adhesions. It might also be helpful in locating an IUD that has migrated out of position. The procedure may be done in Dr. Lively’s office or in a hospital setting, using either local or general anesthesia. You should be able to return to your regular activities fairly quickly after the procedure.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery may also be used to diagnose and treat uterine abnormalities, as well as unexplained pelvic pain. Specific conditions Dr. Lively will be looking for include endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, or infections that have not responded to traditional drug therapy. If a cause of the discomfort is found, he can often treat the problem during the same procedure.
The procedure uses a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera at the end, allowing Dr. Lively to view the surgical area without the need for a larger incision. If treatment is required, special tools can be used to maintain the minimal nature of the procedure with less discomfort and a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery. Specific time for recovery will depend on the procedure that is required.
No matter what stage of life you are in, or what concerns you might have in regards to your female health, Dr. Lively and his staff can provide you with the care and treatment necessary for your specific situation. To learn more about the gynecological services offered at our office, or to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Lively, contact us today at 432-580-9168.
