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Dr. Laura Rankin, MD, DMSc is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Lexington, NC specializing in obstetrics & gynecology. She graduated from Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen Faculty of Medicine in 2013 and has 11 years of experience. Dr. Laura Rankin, MD, DMSc is affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Health and WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES.
300 Emergency Drive
Lexington, NC 27292
7 Medical Park Drive
Lexington, NC 27292
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center ? Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is the bulging of pelvic organs into the vaginal canal due to a weak pelvic floor, causing symptoms like discomfort, pain, urinary problems, and constipation. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, which are made up of the bladder, rectum, small bowel, uterus, and vagina. Vaginal childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, radiation treatments, or being extremely overweight may cause the pelvic floor to weaken. Pelvic organ prolapse is a very common disorder among women, particularly for those who are over 50.
The choice of treatment for pelvic organ prolapse depends on the severity of the condition. Mild to moderate prolapse may be managed by doing pelvic floor strengthening exercises, taking hormone replacement therapy, or using pessaries. Pessaries are small devices inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs. Pessary fitting is a quick procedure done in a doctor's office. For severe prolapse, surgical treatment may be necessary. Pelvic organ prolapse surgery repairs the following:
Each of these procedures is performed through a vaginal incision, but an enterocele repair may use the abdominal approach as an alternative. If two or more pelvic organs have prolapsed, a combination of any of these procedures may be performed during the same surgical session.
For women who no longer wish to have intercourse, an operation called colpocleisis
may be a surgical option as well. By closing the vaginal canal, colpocleisis treats pelvic organ prolapse and eliminates any risk of its recurrence.
In most instances, pelvic organ prolapse surgery only requires a hospital stay of one day. Patients may experience vaginal bleeding for the first few weeks following surgery. If this happens, patients should use sanitary pads rather than tampons, as a higher risk of infection is associated with the use of tampons. To further help with recovery, patients should begin doing gentle pelvic floor strengthening exercises a few days after surgery. Doing these exercises at least three times a day as a routine tightens the pelvic floor muscles and prevents the recurrence of prolapse.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.
The symptoms of PCOS include:
PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Treatment for PCOS may include:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.
Dr. Laura Rankin, MD, DMSc graduated from Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen Faculty of Medicine in 2013. She completed residency at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and has a state license in North Carolina.
Medical School: Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen Faculty of Medicine (2013)
Residency: UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Affiliated Hospitals (2018)
Board Certification: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Licensed In: North Carolina
Dr. Laura Rankin, MD, DMSc is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Laura Rankin's area of specialization is general obstetrics & gynecology. Her clinical interests include polyps, gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), and preterm labor. Dr. Rankin obtained her medical school training at Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen Faculty of Medicine and performed her residency at a hospital affiliated with UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Rankin (or staff) speaks Spanish, German, and French. She is affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Health.