Main Office

278 Benedict Avenue
Suite 500
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: (419) 668-2686
View all locations

Emergency Care

When you have a medical emergency after hours or during the weekend, please call 419-668-4149 or 419-668-8101 and the operator will then contact the doctor on call.

banner1

Kasten MD - Terms

Kasten MD - Terms

James D. Kasten, M.D. offers a variety of procedures. The list below describes both procedures and terms you may learn of as one of our patients. Feel free to ask questions about any of the following items.

In addition to these procedures, we offer in-house ultrasounds, making it easy for you to receive all the necessary care in one place.


Alpha-Feto Protein
A protein produced by the fetus which can assist in detecting the fetal abnormalities of spina bifida, open neural tube defects and Downs Syndrome.

Amniocentesis
A procedure where fluid is obtained from the bag of water around the baby to test for fetal maturity or genetic abnormalities.

Artificial Insemination
Introduction of sperm into the female reproductive tract to achieve conception.

Breech Delivery
Delivery of an infant buttocks first.

Cesarean Birth
Use of an abdominal incision, usually Pfannenstiel, to deliver an infant.

Chlamydia
A common, sexually-transmitted disease which can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and tubal obstruction without symptoms.

Condylomata
Venereal warts.

Cryotherapy
Freezing of a pathologic area, usually in reference to the cervix.

Colposcopy
The use of special magnification to optimize diagnosis of abnormal PAP smears and reduce the need for surgery.

Cystitis
Bladder infection.

Dilation and Curettage
Commonly called D&C, for diagnosis and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Dysmenorrhea
Pain with menses.

Dyspareunia
Pain with intercourse.

Dysplasia
Pre-cancerous lesion of the cervix.

Endometrial Ablation
The destruction of the lining of the uterus to control heavy or excessive menstrual periods.

Endometrial Biopsy
A procedure used to sample tissue from the lining of the uterus so that a hospital procedure (D&C) may be avoided.

Endometriosis
The growth of the inner layer of the uterus outside the uterine cavity.

Essure
Is a new method of permanent sterilization that is not reversible. Spring like coils are inserted into the fallopian tubes through the cervix to form a tissue barrier. This can be done in our office.

Epidural
Regional anesthesia commonly used in the active phase of labor and delivery to eliminate the pain of contractions.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy
The replacement of the hormone estrogen when the ovaries are either non-functioning or surgically removed, to relieve menopausal symptoms, protect against osteoporosis and reduce the risk of heart disease.

External Version
Abdominal manipulation to change the position of the fetus, usually out of breech (buttocks first) position to vertex (head first) position, to reduce the need for Cesarean birth (C-Section).

Gardasil Vaccine
Is an injection that helps protect against several diseases caused by HPV such as cervical cancer and genital warts.

Hirsutism
Abnormal hair growth or distribution of hair on a woman.

Human Papillmoavirus (HPV)
HPV is a common virus that affects both females and males. There are many different types of HPV, some cause no harm and others can cause diseases of the genital area. When the virus does not go away it can develop into cervical cancer.

Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus.

Hysterosalpingogram
An x-ray study of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Hysteroscopy
Use of a scope to directly visualize the endometrial cavity (inside of the womb).

Implanon
Is an implantable contraception that lasts up to 3 years. It is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of your arm.

Infertility
Inability of a couple to conceive with unprotected intercourse for one year.

Laparoscopy
Use of a scope to visualize, diagnose or perform procedures through a very small incision under the navel, i.e. tubal ligation (also known as band-aid surgery).

Laser
An instrument that produces a beam of light, used surgically to cut, vaporize or coagulate endometriosis or adhesions (scar formations).

Mammogram
Low dose x-ray of the breasts to screen for cancer.

Menopause
Time in a womans life when menstrual periods end. Associated with hot flashes and increased bone loss.

Mirena
Is a hormone releasing system placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

Neo Control
Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation. A non-surgical treatment for urinary incontinence.

Non-Stress Test
Use of a fetal monitor to evaluate fetal heart beat patterns to assure fetal well-being.

Novasure
Is an endometrial ablation procedure that delivers precisely measured electrical energy via a slender hand held wand to remove endometrial lining. This can be done in the office.

Nuvaring
Is a soft, flexible contraception ring about 2 inches in diameter that you insert into your vagina just once a month.

Oxytocin Challenge Test
A non-stress test with induced contractions to observe fetal tolerance to stress.

Osteopenia
Is the presence of less than normal amount of bone. Osteopenia, if not treated may result in osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis
The progressive loss of bone calcium with age.

PAP Smear
Annually performed analysis of cervical cells, microscopically evaluated for evidence of pre-cancerous changes.

Pelvic Ultrasound
A painless medical test that provides pictures of the structures and organs in the lower belly or pelvis, that helps the physician diagnose and treat a medical condition. there are two types of pelvic ultrasounds: transvaginal and transabdominal.

Pelvoscopy
Laparoscopic operation that uses special techniques to apply sutures, allowing for major surgical procedures to be performed through a scope. Reduces recovery time.

Pfannenstiel
A low, horizontal incision used for C-section and benign gynecologic surgery (bikini cut).

Reclast Infusion
Is a once yearly osteoporosis treatment that helps strengthen your bones and protect them for twelve months.

Salpingo-Oophorectomy
Surgical removal of the tubes and ovaries.

SILSTM Laparascopic Surgery
Surgical removal of the pelvic organs through a single incision in the belly button.

Stress Incontinence
Involuntary loss of urine caused by increased abdominal pressure, i.e. coughing or sneezing.

Thermachoice
Is an endometrial ablation procedure that uses heat to treat the endometrial lining. This can be done in our office.

Transabdominal Ultrasound
A transducer is placed on the lower stomach allowing the uterus and pelvic organs to be seen through a full bladder.

Transvaginal Ultrasound
A long thin transducer is inserted into the vagina after the patient empties her bladder to better view the uterus.

Tubal Ligation
Surgical interruption of the fallopian tubes for sterilization. Commonly known as having your tubes tied.

Ultrasonography
The use of sound waves to evaluate and diagnose infants prior to birth.

VBAC
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section.