Evaluating Infertility

FAQ136, October 2017

What is an infertility evaluation? An infertility evaluation includes exams and tests to try to find the reason why you and your partner have not become pregnant. If a cause is found, treatment may be possible. In many cases, infertility can be successfully treated even if no cause is found.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations

PFS007, October 2017

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations Cancer is caused by several different factors. A few types of cancer run in families. These types are called “hereditary” or “familial” cancer. They are caused by changes in genes that can be passed from parent to child. Changes in genes are called mutations. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome is an inherited increased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other types of cancer. HBOC syndrome is linked to mutations in several genes, but the most common are called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Inheriting one of these mutations increases the risk of getti...

Cervical Cancer Screening

FAQ085, September 2017

What is cervical cancer screening? Cervical cancer screening is used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. The cervix is the opening to the uterus and is located at the top of the vagina. Screening includes cervical cytology (also called the Pap test or Pap smear) and, for some women, testing for human papillomavirus (HPV).

Routine Tests During Pregnancy

FAQ133, September 2017

Why are tests done during pregnancy? A number of lab tests are suggested for all women as part of routine prenatal care. These tests can help find conditions that can increase the risk of complications for you and your fetus.

Group B Strep and Pregnancy

FAQ105, September 2017

What is group B streptococcus (GBS)? Group B streptococcus is one of the many types of bacteria that live in the body and usually do not cause serious illness. It is found in the digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts of men and women. In women, it can be found in the vagina and rectum. GBS is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Also, although the names are similar, GBS is different from group A streptococcus, the bacteria that causes “strep throat.”

Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests

FAQ165, July 2017

What is prenatal genetic testing? Prenatal genetic testing gives parents-to-be information about whether their fetus has certain genetic disorders.

Ovarian Cancer

FAQ096, July 2017

What is cancer? Normal cells in the body grow, divide, and are replaced on a routine basis. Sometimes, cells divide abnormally and begin to grow out of control. These cells may form growths or tumors.

Ultrasound Exams

FAQ025, June 2017

What is ultrasound? Ultrasound is energy in the form of sound waves. During an ultrasound exam, a transducer sends sound waves through the body. The sound waves come into contact with tissues, body fluids, and bones. The waves then bounce back, like echoes. The transducer receives these echoes, which are turned into images. The images can be viewed as pictures on a video screen.

Screening and Diagnostic Testing for Genetic Disorders

Although most babies are born healthy, parents-to-be often worry about the possibility that their baby will be born with a medical condition or physical disability. A birth defect is a physical problem or intellectual disability that is present at birth, although some birth defects may not be noticed until the child is older. About 3 in 100 babies in the United States are born with a major birth defect

Ovarian Cysts

FAQ075, April 2017

What is an ovarian cyst? An ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch filled with fluid or other tissue that forms in or on an ovary. Ovarian cysts are very common. They can occur during the childbearing years or after menopause. Most ovarian cysts are benign (not cancer) and go away on their own without treatment. Rarely, a cyst may be malignant (cancer) (see FAQ096 Ovarian Cancer).