ABSTRACT
The eld of obstetrics and gynecology is dedicated to women’s health. We treat medical and surgical conditions throughout a woman’s lifetime. In addition to assisting in the creation of new lives through infertility treatment and obstetrics, we treat serious conditions such as infections and tumors of
CONTENTS
Introduction ......................................................................................................... 149 Trying to Postpone Childbirth .......................................................................... 150
Biomaterials Used in Contraception ............................................................ 150 Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) ..................................................................... 150 Implantable Devices .................................................................................. 152 Spermicides ................................................................................................ 152 Permanent Tubal Sterilization ................................................................. 153
Trying to Conceive .............................................................................................. 154 Biomaterials Used for Prevention and Treatment of Infertility ............... 154
Pelvic Adhesions........................................................................................ 154 Fallopian Tube Blockage ........................................................................... 156
The Use of Biomaterials during Pregnancy ..................................................... 157 Hair Dye .......................................................................................................... 157 Breast Implants ............................................................................................... 157
“A Time to Be Born” ........................................................................................... 158 The Use of Biomaterials during Labor and Delivery ................................ 158
Improving Quality of Life .................................................................................. 159 The Use of Biomaterials in the Treatment of Benign Gynecologic Conditions ....................................................................................................... 159
Uterine Artery Embolization ................................................................... 159 Female Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery ................................................... 160 Mid-urethral Slings for Stress Urinary Incontinence [25, 26] .............. 160 Vaginal Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) [27-31] ...................... 161
Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 162 References ............................................................................................................. 162
the female reproductive tract. Also, attention is being turned to improving women’s quality of life. As populations age, we understand that our role as physicians continues through life in treating these conditions.
