We strive to create individualized treatment plans for each of our patients as each person has a unique history and unique needs. Some of our services include:
Pregnancy
Regardless of where you are in your pregnancy or your journey to conceive, our team here at Rashti Women's Care is here to provide the support and care you need each step of the way.
From preconception counseling and prenatal care to pregnancy management and preparation for childbirth, we offer expert advice and medical care to our patients. In fact, we are proud to be strong advocates for women that desire vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) in Santa Barbara, CA !
Prenatal Care
The most important part of pregnancy is keeping you and your baby (or babies) healthy and safe. Prenatal care is an excellent way to take proactive, preventive steps to ensure your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible. Pedram Rashti, MD, and the team at Rashti Women’s Care provide prenatal care to moms-to-be in Santa Barbara, California, and the local area. Find out more about the services they offer and how they can be there for you. Call the office today and make an appointment, or book through this website.
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Family Planning
Whether you’re planning on starting a family or are looking into preventive contraceptive options, you need a gynecological team experienced in the intricacies of family planning to offer you guidance and support. The welcoming team at Rashti Women’s Care in Santa Barbara, California, led by Pedram Rashti, MD, has years of experience helping women take control over their reproductive health. Call today or make an appointment through this website to discuss your options.
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Birth Control
For women who are sexually active but do not wish to become pregnant, there are several birth control options, or contraceptives, available that are safe and effective. We will work with you to find a form of birth control that is right for you and your lifestyle.
As mentioned above there are various kinds of birth control:
- Barrier
These methods of birth control include male and female condoms as well as diaphragms, or cups, that work to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. - Hormonal
Hormonal birth controls may come in the form of pills, patches, shots, or implants. These methods alter your hormone production to either prevent your body from releasing eggs or to thicken cervical mucus so that fertilization does not occur. - Procedural
These birth control methods involve undergoing minor procedures to prevent pregnancy. An IUD, or intrauterine contraception device, is a device placed within the uterus and works to decrease ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or block sperm from entering the uterus.
Another form of procedural birth control is tubal ligation. This form is permanent as the Fallopian tubes are cut, clamped, or burned off. This prevents eggs from traveling to the uterus or sperm from reaching the eggs.
Effectiveness
Abstinence, or refraining from sexual intercourse, is the only means of birth control that is proven to prevent pregnancy 100%. However, many of the birth control options listed above have excellent rates with less than 1% of women becoming pregnant when using birth control correctly.
Risks and Benefits
Every contraceptive has its own risk and benefits. It is important that you make this decision together with your doctor so that you are aware of all your options and choose the one that is right for you.
Women’s Health
At Rashti Women's Care, we provide comprehensive women’s health services while making you feel at ease and comfortable with your body and any health concerns you may have.
What is women’s health?
Women’s health treats conditions that mainly affect women. These conditions could be related to the female sex hormones, female reproductive organs, and conditions that primarily affect women.
Lab/Bloodwork
We offer minimally invasive surgery for all cases from very large pelvic masses to smaller benign pelvic masses and hereditary cancer screening.
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal atrophy
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic organ prolapses (POP)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PIDS)
- Menstrual symptom management
- Menopause symptom management
What is a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam is an annual examination that ensures you are healthy with a particular focus on your sexual and reproductive health. It is also an opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you have such as contraceptives, testing for STDs and STIs, or symptoms that may indicate a hormonal imbalance or a greater women’s health condition.
During your well-woman exam, we may also do preventive screenings for cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer to ensure optimal health and wellbeing. We will check for any underlying causes of your symptoms or concerns and prescribe effective treatment options that fit your lifestyle and needs.
We refer patients out to local laboratory for routine and specialized bloodwork.
Menopause
At Rashti Women's Care, we are proud to help our patients who are going through menopause.
Most women experience menopause naturally after the age of 45, though symptoms can begin earlier. During this time, women typically stop having a monthly period as the ovaries stop producing progesterone and estrogen.
Common symptoms women experience during menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, hair loss on the head and growth on the face, and difficulty focusing.
We know that these changes to the body can be difficult to navigate, and we are here for our patients who are learning to cope with menopausal symptoms. We take patient health and wellbeing very seriously, and we will carefully consider your medical and family history before recommending treatment for your symptoms. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are at an increased risk for osteoporosis, breast cancer, or heart disease, as these are important considerations when creating a treatment plan.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with menopause, contact us today at (805) 682-7109. We would love to help you!
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Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a rare skin condition that affects the genital and anal areas. The symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable, so finding a provider who understands the disease and knows how to treat it is vital if you’re to get back to feeling yourself. At Rashti Women’s Care, in Santa Barbara, California, gynecologist Pedram Rashti, MD, and his experienced team have extensive training and experience treating and managing LS. Don’t put off seeking care. Call today or book an appointment through this website.
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Pelvic Prolapse
Around half of all women have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse, at some point. And for 12% of all American women, prolapse is so severe that they seek surgical treatment. If you think you may have had a prolapse, or are worried about it in the future, call Rashti Women’s Care in Santa Barbara, California. The experienced team diagnose and treat pelvic organ prolapse cases and can help set your mind at ease or begin treatment if you need it. Call today or schedule an appointment through the online booking portal.
Pelvic prolapse can also be treated by our electromagnetic chair called Emsella.
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Vaginal Rejuvenation
Women who are uncomfortable about the appearance, feel, or function of their vagina should seek vaginal revitalization treatments. Vaginal revitalization treatments may be for you if you experience:
- Vaginal dryness
- Itching
- Burning
- Pain during sex
- Urinary incontinence
- Endure excess labial tissue that may interfere with the fit of clothing, sexual sensation, or physical activity
Vaginal rejuvenation refers to the restoration of elasticity to the vagina and surrounding tissue through laser therapy. The treatment is quick and painless and can not only improve vaginal elasticity, but reduce discomfort with sexual intercourse, increase lubrication within the vagina, and decrease stress urinary incontinence.
Am I a candidate for vaginal rejuvenation?
Most women who have never had any complicated gynecologic or urogynecologic surgeries will be candidates for vaginal rejuvenation treatment. We will discuss your patient and surgical history with you during your consultation to help determine if this treatment is a good fit for you.
Your doctor will work with you to customize a treatment plan that will help you to regain your confidence both in and out of the bedroom with several options. After a consultation and examination, we will be able to recommend the best form of treatment depending on your condition and goals.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty can be a great option if you have excess labial tissue that may make you feel self-conscious about your body.
There are several techniques that your doctor may use during this procedure to alter the size and shape of your labia. The trim technique involves trimming away the excess tissue and then stitching up the area. The wedge technique means a piece of the labia in the shape of a pie piece or wedge will be removed before the area is stitched together.
Following the procedure, you will need a week of downtime and rest. We recommend elevating your hips and using ice to help keep swelling to a minimum. Minor swelling may linger for up to six months as the body fully heals. Sexual intercourse and the use of tampons should be avoided for six weeks following the procedure.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty can be a great option if you have excess labial tissue that may make you feel self-conscious about your body.
There are several techniques that your doctor may use during this procedure to alter the size and shape of your labia. The trim technique involves trimming away the excess tissue and then stitching up the area. The wedge technique means a piece of the labia in the shape of a pie piece or wedge will be removed before the area is stitched together.
Following the procedure, you will need a week of downtime and rest. We recommend elevating your hips and using ice to help keep swelling to a minimum. Minor swelling may linger for up to six months as the body fully heals. Sexual intercourse and the use of tampons should be avoided for six weeks following the procedure.
To learn more about our vaginal revitalization options, contact our office at (805) 682-7109.
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Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves exercises that encourage relaxation and strengthening of the muscles in the lower pelvis. The pelvic floor is a bowl-shaped muscle responsible for supporting the bladder, bowels, rectum, and uterus. Some individuals experience pain due to an overly tight pelvic floor muscle – a condition called myofascial pain, or pain caused by muscle irritation. It is important to note that pelvic pain is never normal, regardless of what stage of life you are in.
If you have questions about pelvic floor therapy or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Rashti Women's Care today at (805) 682-7109.
Emsella Chair
What is EMSELLA
A breakthrough treatment for incontinence and confidence for both men and women. This unique technology revolutionizes your intimate health and wellness by providing those suffering from incontinence with a completely non-invasive option.
How Does EMSELLA Work?
EMSELLA utilizes electromagnetic energy to deliver thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions in a single session. These contractions re-educate the muscles of incontinent patients.
Source: https://bodybybtl.com/solutions/btl-emsella/
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Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
A woman’s menstrual cycle should occur every 28 days, with a period of bleeding for 3-7 days on average. Abnormal bleeding, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding, is any bleeding that occurs outside of the cycle and can be an indication of an underlying medical condition.
Abnormal bleeding can be described as bleeding between your period, heavy flow (bleeding), bleeding after sex, lack of bleeding for several months, and bleeding for long periods.
By keeping track of your cycle and making notes of its length and flow, you can help your doctor determine what may be irregular or abnormal bleeding.
It is important to note that there are stages in a woman’s life where abnormal bleeding may occur such as when a girl begins menstruation or as a woman approaches menopause. Additionally, women taking hormone therapy may also experience abnormal or irregular bleeding during the first few months of treatment. These are times when the cycle can be disrupted due to changes in hormone levels.
We provide a large array of options for the treatment of AUB.
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Abnormal Pap Smears
A Pap Smear is a test that is usually performed yearly after a woman turns 21 or becomes sexually active. The test is a simple, quick collection of cells. While a Pap Smear is not a diagnostic test for cervical cancer, it can detect any abnormalities which can then lead to further testing.
At the start of the exam, you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down. You will be given a medical gown and a half sheet to cover your lap. At the medical center office, there is an examination chair with stirrups at the end for your feet. You will position yourself in the chair, with your feet in the stirrups, so that you can be examined. An instrument, called a speculum, is lubricated and inserted into the vagina. This tool allows the doctor to have a clear path to the cervix. It is important to remember to relax and breath. This will relax the muscles of the vagina and allow for an easier examination by the medical professional.
After the speculum is inserted, a tiny, thin bristle brush is used to collect some tissue from the back of the cervix. Most women do not feel anything besides a light sensation when this is performed while some experience a feeling similar to menstrual cramps. From here, the medical professional places the sample in a small tube to be sent off to a laboratory for testing. The speculum is removed and the Pap Smear is over. A Pap Smear procedure only takes a few minutes to complete. After the Pap Smear is completed you can get dressed and conclude your medical examination.
Routine Exams
Here at Rashti Women's Care we believe in the importance of preventative care and having routine screenings to maintain your overall good health. Early detection can be the key to treating women’s cancers and increasing the chances of a full recovery. Our practice offers various cancer screening options so that you can ensure your optimal health.
Clinical breast exams are conducted during each exam to search for any changes in your breasts or unusual lumps. We will ask about your family history and if any members have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Annual mammograms begin at the recommended age of 40.
It is important that you conduct self-breast exams at home so that you can notice any changes in your breast between visits.
Cervical Cancer Screenings
Pap smears are important for finding any changes in your cervical cells. These tests begin at the age of 21. The HPV test can also be conducted at this time since the HPV virus can lead to cervical cancer. Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, it is still important that you follow the screening recommendations for your age group.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
The screening for colon cancer typically begins at the age of 45, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor. This is accomplished by analyzing a stool sample or by examining the colon and rectum (colonoscopy).
Endometrial Cancer Screenings
During menopause, women should report any unexpected vaginal changes such as bleeding or spotting. There are many causes of postmenopausal bleeding that can be benign such as uterine polyps or fibroids. However, uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer, can also cause abnormal changes during menopause. If you notice any changes, please report them to your doctor so that a biopsy can be conducted to determine whether there is a concern for cancer.
For more information on our cancer screening services, please contact our office today at (805) 682-7109.
STD Testing
A sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is an infection passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These diseases can become serious and require immediate medical treatment to prevent further spread of infection. Symptoms will vary depending on the disease contracted but may include bumps or sores, rashes, or pain felt during urination or intercourse.
At Rashti Women's Care we offer STD screenings, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations as well as education on various prevention methods. Testing may involve urine or blood samples, genital exams, or physical exams. For more information on our STD services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (805) 682-7109.
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