expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. James Leo Gildner, M.D.

OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)

Dr. James Gildner is an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in Springfield, IL. Dr. Gildner specializes in women's health, particularly the female reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, Dr. Gildner can treat a number of health issues related to the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and breasts. Dr Gildner can also treat women during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and the postpartum period. In this specialty, doctors focus on reproductive care from puberty through adulthood.
41 years Experience
Dr. James Leo Gildner, M.D.
  • Springfield, IL
  • Southern Il Univ Sch Of Med- Springfield Il
  • Accepting new patients

Can you release an egg from each ovary?

Yes, you can. With each cycle, several eggs will start the maturation/ovulation process in both ovaries, but usually only one becomes the dominant follicle and ovulates while the READ MORE
Yes, you can. With each cycle, several eggs will start the maturation/ovulation process in both ovaries, but usually only one becomes the dominant follicle and ovulates while the rest regress, but occasionally more than one will ripen and eventually ovulate. That will result in nonidentical twins, triplets, etc. Whether they come from the same ovary or opposite ovaries is impossible to know.
Hope that helps.

Does breastfeeding help you lose weight?

It definitely can but will vary from patient to patient. Some experts feel a woman burns an extra 500 cal a day with breastfeeding which is probably higher in the early phases READ MORE
It definitely can but will vary from patient to patient. Some experts feel a woman burns an extra 500 cal a day with breastfeeding which is probably higher in the early phases of breast feeding but less after 8 months or so. No guarantee but if weight loss is a goal the extra calorie burn your body will do in producing and expressing the milk is usually not a bad thing not to mention the most important aspect of the breastfeeding which is providing the best source of nutrition for your baby. Hope this helps.

Is a pregnancy ultrasound done on an empty stomach?

Not normally. I could see various scenarios where that could come into play. If you are having a routine ultrasound especially early or mid pregnancy than I would come to the READ MORE
Not normally. I could see various scenarios where that could come into play. If you are having a routine ultrasound especially early or mid pregnancy than I would come to the ultrasound probably with at least something in your stomach since pregnant women do not tolerate going extended periods of time without something to eat or in their stomach. If in the later stages of pregnancy when you are larger you find it uncomfortable to be reclining with a full stomach then you might want to keep a lesser amount in your stomach. The only scenario where I could envision you might want an empty stomach would be if this was some type of an emergency situation or you might be proceeding to surgery fairly quickly depending on the ultrasound results than having an empty stomach might be needed. hope this helps. Good luck.

Can you get pregnant 2 days after ovulation?

Most definitely. Generally, felt that the human egg can survive in the fallopian tubes/uterine cavity environment for 2 days while sperm can survive in the uterus/fallopian tube READ MORE
Most definitely. Generally, felt that the human egg can survive in the fallopian tubes/uterine cavity environment for 2 days while sperm can survive in the uterus/fallopian tube for at least 3 days. Therefore, that could make a potential 5-day window of becoming pregnant after ovulation. Also, it's very difficult for women to know the exact timing of ovulation even if they have symptoms.

Does folic acid help to get pregnant fast?

Folic acid supplements do not help a person get pregnant but they were very good thing to take while your trying to get pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant to decrease READ MORE
Folic acid supplements do not help a person get pregnant but they were very good thing to take while your trying to get pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant to decrease the risk of certain birth defects mostly in the spinal area. All prenatal vitamins do contain extra folic acid and I always recommend for my patients to go ahead and start them even before they become pregnant. Some providers even recommend additional folic acid along with the prenatal vitamin. You can purchase folic acid over-the-counter. An extra 1 or 2 mg very safe. Would advise you to reach out to your medical provider to see what they recommend. Good luck.

Is having a c-section damaging long-term?

Hard to know what you are referring to but in general terms as long as your surgery goes well then I would say no. Long term risk of pain or damage or problems to bladder area READ MORE
Hard to know what you are referring to but in general terms as long as your surgery goes well then I would say no. Long term risk of pain or damage or problems to bladder area would be low. One concern is that if you are planning more than one pregnancy then future pregnancies/deliveries if by Csection could be riskier for a number of reasons but risks are not high. Otherwise I would discuss with your OB provider. Good Luck!

How early should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

In my opinion, it is never too early to start taking prenatal vitamins. I would start immediately. Your body could always use extra iron to help satisfy the demands of pregnancy READ MORE
In my opinion, it is never too early to start taking prenatal vitamins. I would start immediately. Your body could always use extra iron to help satisfy the demands of pregnancy which are significant and the extra folic acid will aid in fetal development. No real downside to taking them now rather than waiting for pregnancy to occur.

Is salicylic acid safe for skin care during pregnancy?

Safety of this product most likely will depend on stage of your pregnancy and how extensive of an area you use the product on. If past the 1st trimester and using on a limited READ MORE
Safety of this product most likely will depend on stage of your pregnancy and how extensive of an area you use the product on. If past the 1st trimester and using on a limited area then the risks should be minimal. Main concern is if you are using over large areas of your body and therefore increasing the risk of significant medication absorption since the active ingredient will cross the placenta. While risks should be low may not be 0 and you should definitely clear with your Ob medical provider.

Can IUDs cause cystitis?

As a general rule while IUDs can sometimes increased vaginal discharge since the strings are a foreign body in my experience they do not increase bladder infections. Some women READ MORE
As a general rule while IUDs can sometimes increased vaginal discharge since the strings are a foreign body in my experience they do not increase bladder infections. Some women her more prone to bladder infections for various reasons but I would not view an IUD as a risk to increase your frequency of bladder infections. Certainly discuss with her medical provider before placing to get their thoughts and input as well.

Which surgery is best for uterus removal?

That is a very difficult question and will depend on multiple factors (size of your uterus /prior gyn or abdominal surgery/prior pregnancies and if they resulted in vaginal vs READ MORE
That is a very difficult question and will depend on multiple factors (size of your uterus /prior gyn or abdominal surgery/prior pregnancies and if they resulted in vaginal vs Cesarean births and how many)



Basic types (in my order of preference and others):

1. Vaginal-surgery performed all through the vaginal opening. Least invasive with no abdominal incisions.

2. Minimally invasive:

Can you harvest eggs after a hysterectomy?

I don't understand your question. If you are going to have a hysterectomy for ovarian cancer then both of your ovaries in all likelihood will be removed. It is not possible to READ MORE
I don't understand your question. If you are going to have a hysterectomy for ovarian cancer then both of your ovaries in all likelihood will be removed. It is not possible to harvest eggs after they have been removed. If you are going to only have one removed it may be possible to harvest later. That process generally involves stimulating the ovary with strong hormones to ripen multiple eggs which are then harvested by ultrasound or surgically. You can check with your oncologist to see if they can cryopreserve some of your ovarian tissue but highly doubt they would do that if you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Is it safe to take Ibuprofen during pregnancy?

Ibuprofen use during pregnancy is controversial. Some experts feel it is safe to use up until the 28th week/7th month of pregnancy since there are theoretical concerns that it READ MORE
Ibuprofen use during pregnancy is controversial. Some experts feel it is safe to use up until the 28th week/7th month of pregnancy since there are theoretical concerns that it might cause some cardiac changes after that date and therefore not recommended. Some providers however prefer you not take ibuprofen at all during pregnancy. So best/safest step is to check with your pregnancy provider for their specific recommendation.

Does natural family planning (NFP) work?

Difficult question to answer in this space of time but I will do my best. The only 2 types of birth control that are 100% protective are abstinence and if a woman has had a hysterectomy. READ MORE
Difficult question to answer in this space of time but I will do my best. The only 2 types of birth control that are 100% protective are abstinence and if a woman has had a hysterectomy. Otherwise all types of birth control can fail. Statistically the most reliable forms of birth control are tubal sterilization either male or female which is almost 100% effective. Next most effective forms are hormonal type method such as birth control pills or hormone IUDs or subdermal implant (Nexplanon) for Depo-Provera. Barrier type methods also have a certain failure rate depending on what you read and could range any word have 5-10% failure rate. Natural family planning has a higher failure rate some reports state as high as 25/30% although in some couples it will be much lower. The success rate depends on the regularity of a woman cycles and what method she follows. Some women use temperature charts other use calendar methods while some use cervical mucus checks. Generally the egg can survive for at least 48 hr after ovulation and sperm can survive inside women's tubes for up to 3 days so that allows multiple days of overlap. Depending which route of natural family planning you follow and how faithful you are with that process will have a great impact on your success rate. So basically depends on what level of failure risk you are willing to take and dedicated you are to this type of birth control. Hope this helps. Would definitely do further research on the method which is available online if you are interested.

I Think I Have a Yeast Infection?

Could very well have a yeast infection if you have not had 1 before. Itching is usually a predominant symptom. Discharge which can be clumpy and whitish would fit with a yeast READ MORE
Could very well have a yeast infection if you have not had 1 before. Itching is usually a predominant symptom. Discharge which can be clumpy and whitish would fit with a yeast infection. Only way to be certain would be to have a medical provider check you for that. If that is what is occurring not a harmful situation. Can often resolve without treatment. For women who do need treatment and are fairly certain that is what is going on can utilize over-the-counter suppositories or vaginal creams. Oral medication exists but that is a prescription. Certainly if any doubts you can have a medical provider check you for that easy enough. Hope that helps.

Why is my vagina swollen and itchy?

Reason/cause very well could depend on year age. For younger premenopausal women even though you are not having any discharge most likely culprit would be a yeast infection. READ MORE
Reason/cause very well could depend on year age. For younger premenopausal women even though you are not having any discharge most likely culprit would be a yeast infection. Could try over-the-counter vaginal product to see if that might help or check with your gynecologic provider to see if they might allow a course of Diflucan oral medication or pelvic exam in office to check for yeast or other possible causes. Older women (postmenopausal) sometime suffer from a problem called vulvar dystrophy/lichen sclerosis which can cause chronic redness and itching and sometimes swelling. Always possible you are allergic to something you have been coming in contact with in the vaginal/vulvar area. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone might help that. Sometimes stronger prescription creams are utilized. If something focal or localized would have checked.

What could be causing sharp cramps in my vagina?

Very difficult question. As a general rule the vagina does not cause a lot of pain or cramping. More likely would be 1 of the surrounding structures including the bowels, bladder, READ MORE
Very difficult question. As a general rule the vagina does not cause a lot of pain or cramping. More likely would be 1 of the surrounding structures including the bowels, bladder, uterus. Impossible to know without additional history and physical exam. Possibilities would include uterine cramping but this would generally cycle with your menstrual cycles. Bladder cramping would be less likely in a younger patient such as yourself. Irritable bowel syndrome could cause pain but more likely would be associated with bowel function. Always a chance of infection but again that would take a thorough pelvic exam to determine that. Possibilities might also include endometriosis and that should be discussed with your medical provider. Not likely to represent a dangerous situation but if catching your attention and persisting/progressing should be evaluated.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The most common finding is a mass felt by patient or her medical provider or an abnormality seen on mammogram. Symptoms of pain are not very reliable and not feeling well and nausea READ MORE
The most common finding is a mass felt by patient or her medical provider or an abnormality seen on mammogram. Symptoms of pain are not very reliable and not feeling well and nausea could be so many things but if has not had a recent mammogram or breast exam by a medical provider I would recommend that as a first step as well as discussing her other symptoms with them so that could be worked up as well. Would have those things done right away.

How are ovarian cysts detected?

As a general rule I have found over the years that pain experienced on or just before or after your cycle is more likely a uterine issue. However, some cysts are detected on a READ MORE
As a general rule I have found over the years that pain experienced on or just before or after your cycle is more likely a uterine issue. However, some cysts are detected on a pelvic exam. Patients might not even know they are there. The cysts have to be of a certain size to detect. Usually golf ball size or above. Some cysts might cause pain such as a hemorrhagic cyst after ovulation but not usually a recurrent or ongoing issue. Cysts from endometriosis can cause pain but usually before the menstrual cycle. Women on birth control pills (especially if medium dose) usually don't have cysts but there can be exceptions. If a women is premenopausal having small follicle type cysts is to be expected. But getting back to your original question the best way to detect cysts is via an ultrasound which should be done if your provider feels a mass in the ovarian area or a patient is having pain. Hope that helps.

Why do I feel pain after an orgasm?

Hard to know without further evaluation. With orgasms, your pelvic muscles, including your uterus, can contract. To evaluate further, you probably need a thorough pelvic exam and READ MORE
Hard to know without further evaluation. With orgasms, your pelvic muscles, including your uterus, can contract. To evaluate further, you probably need a thorough pelvic exam and ultrasound, if not done already. Endometriosis is a possibility, although you are somewhat young for that. Definitely discuss with your gyn provider.

When should I start taking my birth control pills?

Does not matter to a large degree. If you are going to take them for birth control, many of us recommend you start taking with the first day of your period (you must be absolutely READ MORE
Does not matter to a large degree. If you are going to take them for birth control, many of us recommend you start taking with the first day of your period (you must be absolutely sure it is your period, otherwise, wait an extra day or two), that way you should be protected immediately and that should keep irregular bleeding to a minimum. You can start at any time during the month, but then you will need backup protection for the first pack and you could be more prone to irregular bleeding. Either approach is okay.