About Birth Control
Q: How does Dr. Lawrence, practicing as a holistic gynecologist, determine the best birth control method for his patient?
This happens in three steps. Instead of simply telling my patents which method they should use. I first start by asking two simple questions. "Is there any method you have been thinking about using?" And, "Is there any method of birth control you are sure you do not want to use?"
Often the woman already has a clear idea of what is in her best interest. If not, we talk about hose methods she might consider and look at the pros and cons for her specifically. We provide information and support the woman’s need to ask questions, investigate, try and which our support find the birth control method what is safest, works the best, has the least discomfort and the most benefit for her specifically.
As a holistic gynecologist, determining the birth control method for a patient is through a thorough education of all the available options, the pros and cons of each. This is generally followed by an in depth discussion where the patient needs, her life experience, her willingness to assume responsibility, and her need to assume control over her fertility are openly evaluated and she is capable of making the absolute best decision for her at that moment in time.
It is my experience that when the decision for birth control is approached in this fashion, there is a greater likelihood for success and comfort. The goal of our practice is to partner with each patient to be their "expert in the booth" to provide answers and bring up questions that allow her to make the most appropriate decision for her needs and well-being. Safe, effective birth control does exist, and while there is no perfect method, there are methods that will provide the level of protection and sense of security the woman wants in controlling her own personal destiny.
About Ovarian Cysts
Q: How does Dr. Lawrence approach women who suffer from acute or recurring ovarian cysts?
My first answer to this, and almost all other questions, is "education." It is my experience that once the woman fully understands what is happening to her (often thought of as a "medical diagnosis"), she can begin her healing process. With our understanding of traditional medicine as well as mind, body, spirit, life-forces energy healing, we can become active partners in her return to health and wellness. Clearly, all decision must be made by the woman, and in order to do this she must have enough of correct information to evaluate and find solutions she will consider optimal for both herself as a person, her needs for her family and loved ones, as well as for her evolution as an enlightened human being.
Acute cysts are simple. Since most resolve themselves within 3 cycles or less. Unless they are problematic, causing pain or other problems, I generally suggest two things: 1) First of all and most important, determine what type of a cyst is present and make sure that it is neither cancer, ectopic pregnancy or physically dangerous. This is best done using non-invasive, painless ultrasound testing. 2) If it is not an immediate threat, we wait. In some cases, a course of natural hormones may be of value to suppress the cyst and make it go away a bit faster.
With recurring ovarian cysts, I first try my best to reassure the woman, as I do with acute onsets of ovarian cysts, that ovarian cysts are very common in women during their reproductive years. Some types of ovarian cysts are normal and usually harmless, as we suggested above go away without any treatment at all. Other cysts are abnormal and may cause problems.
Since most ovarian cysts occur without symptoms, when symptoms do occur they are often recognized by a range of sensations from a dull ache or a sense of pressure or fullness in the woman’s abdomen to sharp, lancing pain. Ovarian cysts may on occasion cause pain during intercourse, while walking, lying down or bending. The can cause delayed, irregular menstrual periods, spotting or heavy bleeding. The may also cause unusually painful periods.
We ask the woman to tell us if and when any of these symptoms occur, It is important to let us know so they do not have to suffer needlessly. Initially, an ultra sound will be done to define the type of cyst and to make sure that it is benign and harmless or whether it presents any type of threat to the woman’s well-being. The results of the ultrasound are discussed and a plan is made. This can range from optimistic waiting to referral for surgery. Surgery is always the last resort based on the degree of risk determined by the underlying cause of the cyst. In many cases, determining the underlying cause using a technique called "Body Symptom Dialoging", can help greatly to reverse and heal the cyst with no additional treatment except possibly minimal natural hormonal therapy, if indicated.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Q: How do you work with women who are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease?
In my experience, the diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a very traumatic event in a woman’s life. It is not just the physical aspect and effects of diagnosing an infection that are traumatic but recognition of the affects the infection may have on her fertility, also the emotional and spiritual effects, sense of betrayal, guilt or shame. Often this not only affects her sense of well-being but also has an effect on her relationship with her partner.
If one STD discovered, we mandatorily test for all other potential STD risks in order to rule them out. This often requires a comprehensive physical and diagnostic evaluation. Once all facts are known, we educate the woman regarding the STD(‘s) which has been diagnosed, her potential risks, available treatments and long term issues. We always encourage partners to be evaluated and treated, as needed. To avoid future STD’s, we recommend use of condoms, being discriminating about sex partners and we suggest measures known to boost the immune system.
Infertility – Difficulties Conceiving
Q: What do you recommend for women who are having difficulties conceiving?
Approximately one in every six to ten couples will have problems with their fertility. Nearly, 60% of all infertility problems are related to one or more female factors. Forty percent are therefore related to one or more male factors. Hence, both partners will need to be evaluated.
Difficulties in conceiving are never a completely straightforward affair. There are physical, hormonal, nutritional, physical, lifestyle, occupational, toxic chemical and radiation factors, as well as emotional, spiritual, and psychological factors at work. We usually recommend the couple, and especially the woman, be completely informed regarding exactly what an infertility evaluation entails. We also recommend that all aspects previously mentioned above are thoroughly evaluated.
Difficulty getting pregnant can profoundly spiritual effect on some women. Self confidence and self value issues at the woman’s very deepest levels can be stirred up and create profound negative effects. Infertility can put great stress on the relationship. In our experience it is very important for the gynecologist to fully educate the couple in a very sensitive and compassionate way regarding the issues involved and their solutions. The couple’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs must be considered as well as the ultimate dynamics of the relationship.
Why Holistic Gynecology?
Q: What have you found to be the greatest benefit for treating women holistically?
As we have mentioned above, the holistic approach to gynecology is one with a bias towards preventing illness before it happens, keeping our clients healthy and treating with the least risk and dangers to them. Holistic care in our hands is about creating wellness and staying well. For most women this has two additional major benefits, 1) empowering the women to use "self-generated
care" to better take care for herself, and 2) it assists her in her personal evolution toward becoming a self actuated person, finding her highest and best self, creating a balance of mind, body, spirt and life-force energy that encourage not only excellent health and well-being, but enlightenment as a human being.
More About Self-Generated Care
Q: What Is "Self-Generated Care?"
"Self-generated care" is simply a shorter way of saying taking care of herself, her physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and life-force energy needs. It implies self-help and a process of identifying faulty belief systems, adverse lifestyle issues, unresolved conflicts and dealing with them to free herself to become the person she wants to be. Many years ago I recognized that people really know who they are and who they can be. Unfortunately, the living of life, faulty beliefs we accept, or are given to us by our parents, friends, teachers or other significant people in our life can and do "brain wash us" into confusion and conflict. Using "self-generated care," recognizing our unresolved conflicts, releasing faulty beliefs and recreating healthy positive beliefs we can return ourselves to total health and wellness.
Q: Do I have to make changes in my life?
No! You need make no changes in your life if it suites you. If you are having problems in your life and you want to make changes Dr. Lawrence and his team will work with you to help you make the most profitable and least traumatic changes possible. Change is an option, it is not mandatory.
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