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Dr. Joanna Gao, MD is a gynecologist in Philadelphia, PA specializing in gynecology and obstetrics. She graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Joanna Gao, MD is affiliated with Jefferson Health, Jefferson University Physicians (JUP), Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Methodist Hospital.
Jefferson Methodist Hospital
Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A Cesarean section (more often known as "C-Section") is a surgery performed during labor and delivery. A C-Section is a procedure that delivers a baby through an incision in the lower abdomen and uterus. In the United States, about a third of all births are performed by Cesarean section. Most often, a C-section is done by an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN), or in certain regions, a general surgeon or family physician.
C-section incisions can be up-and-down (vertical), from belly button to lower abdomen or side-to-side (horizontal), across the lower abdomen. Side-to-side incisions are more frequently used. After the exterior incisions are made, the doctor then cuts into the uterus and amniotic sac and delivers the infant and cuts the baby's umbilical cord. The mother receives medicine to expel the placenta and the doctor helps to safely remove it. Finally, the doctor uses sutures to seal the uterus and tissue incisions. The initial C-section skin incision is also closed with sutures or staples.
C-sections are typically performed with regional anesthesia, which inhibits pain in the lower half of the body, but allows mothers to be awake. However, some mothers may receive general anesthesia, where they are put to sleep during the surgical procedure.
C-sections may be planned or unplanned, depending on the circumstances of the birth.
Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, herpes, and HIV may prompt a doctor to prescribe a C-section. Other situations for C-section include:
Other mothers may require a C-section due to complications arising during delivery. These unplanned, emergency C-sections allow for a healthy birth even when complex complications are present. Problems during labor which may necessitate a C-section include:
Mothers should expect about a six-week recovery period following a C-section, including an initial hospital stay of two to three days. While in the hospital, mothers may spend time with their baby and begin breastfeeding. After returning home, mothers should limit strenuous activities such as lifting, reaching, and exercise, and should make sure to get plenty of rest.
Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys and removes a thin layer of the uterine lining. It is usually performed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, especially if bleeding cannot be controlled by medications. After an endometrial ablation, periods often stop completely. If they do not, they are much lighter and easier to manage.
There are many different ways that the uterine lining can be removed, including radiofrequency, heat, microwaves, and cold. Ablations are usually performed with local anesthetic by an OB/GYN. A probe is inserted into the uterus through the vagina, and the end of the probe is expanded or moved around to access the uterine lining. Cramping and discharge afterwards are normal, but the procedure is not particularly painful.
Endometrial ablation is not for everyone. It shouldn't be done by women who have reached menopause, or women with uterine cancer or uterine infections. It is important to remember that an endometrial ablation does not remove the uterus or ovaries, so regular pelvic exams are still important after this procedure. Women who are considering endometrial ablation should also be done having children. Pregnancy is possible after an endometrial ablation, though not likely. If pregnancy does occur, an ablation increases the risks of miscarriage and other problems, so reliable birth control must be used after endometrial ablation all the way through menopause.
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. Joanna Gao, MD graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College. She completed residency at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals. She has a state license in Pennsylvania.
Medical School: Weill Cornell Medical College
Residency: Emory University Affiliated Hospitals
Licensed In: Pennsylvania
Dr. Joanna Gao, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Joanna Gao, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA Medicare, Aetna Medicare, WellCare, CIGNA Commercial, AmeriHealth, MultiPlan, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, QualCare, Blue Cross Federal, Geisinger Health Plan, US Family Health Plan, Keystone Health Plan East, Jefferson Health Plans (Medicare & ACA), Ambetter from PA Health and Wellness, PA Health and Wellness CHC, Personal Choice, Devoted Medicare, Personal Choice 65, UPMC, Medicare FFS, Keystone First/CHC/VIP, Keystone 65 HMO, Keystone First VIP and Aetna Commercial - Excludes Marketplace Plans.
According to our sources, Dr. Joanna Gao, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Joanna Gao, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.77 out of 5 stars based on 290 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Joanna Gao, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Joanna Gao is a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. In addition to English, she speaks Cantonese. These areas are among Dr. Gao's clinical interests: menopause, colposcopy, and miscarriage. Her professional affiliations include Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson University Physicians (JUP). Dr. Gao's education and training includes medical school at Weill Cornell Medical College and residency at a hospital affiliated with Emory University. On average, patients gave her a rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). She usually is in-network for Blue California, Geisinger Health Plan, and CIGNA Plans, as well as other insurance carriers. Jefferson Health reports that she is accepting new patients at her office in Philadelphia, PA.
