Archive for the ‘Endometrial Ablation’ Category

For generations, the differences between men and women were always defined from a social aspect.  Historically speaking, men were considered superior over women, and it was this ideology that managed to rule the co-existences of the two sexes for hundreds of years. As the goal of equality has continued to become a reality in modern societies, many of the differences between men and women have evened out to an equal playing field.  When it comes to the physical gap, however, there will never really be equality.

Men and women will always differ in shape, weight, height, and anatomy.  Both will experience their own range of physical, emotional and health problems as they relate to the specific sex.  They have different problems, with different needs.

It’s why at some point in time, men will look towards finding a qualified urologist or male specific physician they can trust, and why women look towards finding a resourceful women’s health center or gynecologist (doctor for a female who specializes in the health needs of women) so that the problems and needs specific to the male or female body can be addressed.

While heart disease, cancer, weight management, the risk for diabetes, and many other ailments are common concerns for both men and women, there are specific conditions related to the female anatomy that a man will never experience.  It’s the reason why annual visits to a gynecologist are so crucial to the long-term health of a woman.

According to the Women’s Specialists of Plano, a women’s health center in Plano, TX, there are a handful of common problems that women will experience that a man never will. These conditions and reasons to visit a doctor for a female, specifically, are why millions of young women begin seeing a gynecologist at a relatively early age.

• PMS

When a woman is on her menstrual cycle, PMS can kick in and for some, it is bad enough that all normal activities will come to a halt.  The symptoms of PMS can range from mild to severe and will include (for most women) cramping, bloating, mood swings, headaches and fatigue.  Experts believe that hormones play the biggest factor in the severity of symptoms associated with PMS.  Once a woman is under the routine care of a gynecologist, these symptoms can often be treated and managed each month.

• Endometriosis

Endometriosis is somewhat common among women. It is a female health disorder that occurs when the cells that typically reside in the lining of the uterus, grow in other parts of the body. The most common symptoms are very heavy bleeding and cramping, irregular periods, long-lasting menstrual cycles, and problems getting pregnant (infertility).  Many gynecologists offer specialized treatment for endometriosis such as endometrial ablation, hysterectomy, and other minimally invasive techniques.

• Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are very common among the female population. These are small, fluid-like sacs that develop and grow in the uterus. Many women may have these benign growths and not experience any symptoms, while other women may have problems associated with ovarian cysts such as bleeding, cramping, and rupture.  Gynecologists treat ovarian cysts as a routine procedure and today, many progressive treatments are an option including laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery for hysterectomy.

• HPV Virus

Genital human papillomavirus is notably the most common sexually transmitted infection among young women. There are varying types of HPV that can lead to a myriad of symptoms including pelvic pain, genital warts, and other conditions that can lead to larger problems such as cervical cancer. HPV can be prevented and it is a topic of discussion among gynecologists and their female patients.  These conversations generally involve the discussion of prevention and treatment.

• Vaginal Infections

Bacteria and fungi are the culprits that lead to vaginal infections among women. It is one of the most common reasons why a woman will visit her gynecologist outside of her annual visit. Discharge, itching, vaginal burning and irritation are the symptoms associated with a vaginal infection.   Antibiotics can usually cure most vaginal infections effectively.  A gynecologist will be able to discuss prevention techniques to help keep future infections at bay.

• Pregnancy Prevention

Something that will surely differentiate a man and a woman until the end of time is pregnancy.  Millions of women in the United States visit their gynecologist each and every year to discuss pregnancy prevention, birth control, and pre-natal care for if and when a pregnancy occurs. It is a topic of discussion at most OBGYN visits until a woman has had all of her children and begins the next phase of life (menopause). A gynecologist is the best resource to discuss pregnancy and pregnancy prevention with a woman.

• Hysterectomy

Thousands of women will undergo a hysterectomy in a given year. A gynecologist may recommend a hysterectomy for many reasons, including for the treatment of fibroid tumors, PID, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. Today’s technology has allowed skilled gynecologists to do hysterectomies robotically which leads to quicker recovery and a decrease in unwanted side effects. Robotic hysterectomies are not yet offered by all gynecologists as it takes extensive training and time to be able to master the technology; it is becoming more popular and a preferred choice among women.

Every city and state has a women’s health center that can offer a doctor for a female’s medical needs. Sometimes referred to as a women’s health physician, gynecologist, or OBGYN, they all meet the same challenge—keeping a female healthy both physically and in some case, emotionally.  It’s important to see your doctor annually and sometimes more often if problems or an untreated condition persists.

The gynecologists from the Women’s Specialist of Plano (OBGYN in North Dallas) contributed to this feature.

The Women’s Specialists of Plano, a group of gynecologists in Plano, Texas, were used as resources for this article.

Many women suffer from abnormal menstrual periods.  For many, a very heavy menstruation is the primary symptom. An average of 90% of women will complain of lengthy or heavy periods at least once in their adolescent years. But when heavy and lengthy periods become a monthly occurrence for a longer period of time than what is deemed normal, a medical procedure might be necessary to cure the problem.  For women who experience on-going, very heavy menstrual periods and who are finished having children, one option to consider is endometrial ablation.

Endometrial ablation is one treatment for heavy periods and is the removal of the uterine lining called the endometrium. Endometrial ablation will not be performed for the removal of cancerous tissue and is not a successful cancer treatment. Endometrial ablation is performed to cure abnormally heavy menstruation, and should only be performed when other non-surgical procedures have failed, and the patient does not desire to become pregnant in the future.

Before the endometrial ablation procedure is performed a biopsy of the endometrium will be performed to ensure that the uterus is free of cancer. Once the biopsy is found to be cancer-free an examination will be performed to ensure that polyps or an infection are not the causes of the heavy bleeding. If all tests come back clear then your doctor may choose to move forward with the endometrial ablation procedure. The best candidates for an endometrial ablation for the treatment of heavy periods usually meet the following criteria:

• A woman who suffers from heavy menstrual bleeding monthly
• A woman who wishes to cease menstruation but wants to avoid hysterectomy
• A woman who is finished bearing children
• A woman whom is clear of genital infection
• A woman who does not have polyps or any other malformation of the uterus
• A woman who has not been diagnosed with cancer
• A woman who has attempted non-surgical therapies to no avail

To begin the ablation, a woman’s cervix is dilated so that instruments can be inserted through the cavity. The instrument used depends upon the type of ablation you and your doctor have chosen. The different types of ablation can be performed by laser beam, electricity, freezing, heating, or microwave energy. The type of procedure depends upon a number of things including but not limited to:

• The preference and experience of the surgeon
• The presence of fibroids
• The size and shape of the uterus
• Whether or not pretreatment medication was given
• The type of anesthesia chosen by the patient and surgeon

The type of procedure most commonly chosen by experienced gynecologists is the FDA approved NovaSure.  NovaSure is a minimally invasive and extremely effective endometrial ablation procedure with up to 90% of patients claiming significantly lighter periods after the procedure. NovaSure can usually be performed in office in a few minutes and has been known to cause the patient very little pain. During the NovaSure procedure a woman will come in to the office during her cycle. She will receive a general anesthesia in the cervix prior to the procedure. The cervix will then be dilated and a small wand will be inserted into the cervix. A mesh device will expand from the wand into the uterus fitting the uterine cavity precisely. Then a carefully measured radio frequency is delivered through the mesh for 90 seconds deteriorating the endometrium. The device and the mesh are then removed from the uterus.

The procedure typically lasts about 5-10 minutes and most women are able to return to their daily activities after 24 hours. Some cramping and discharge is associated with the procedure but is normal and should not cause alarm.  It is necessary to sustain from sexual intercourse and to avoid tampon usage for several weeks after the procedure or until your doctor has cleared you to do so.

NovaSure is not performed on women who hope to conceive in the future, not because it is not possible, but because it is unsafe for both the mother and the child. Once you return to normal sexual activity after NovaSure it is important that you use some type of contraceptive, you and your doctor should discuss this and decide which contraceptive would be right for you.

Some side effects may follow after the procedure is performed. These symptoms do not occur in every case and should not cause alarm. The truth is that 90% of women who receive this surgery are very pleased with the outcome, and claim to have suffered from very minimal side effects.

If you are suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding, talk to your doctor today and rid yourself of this heavy burden.  Treatment for heavy periods by way of endometrial ablation has changed the lives of many women. Talk to your doctor today and get more information on the endometrial ablation procedure that might be best for your situation and learn if NovaSure for heavy periods is your answer.

Severe Menstrual Cramps? A group of local Plano, Texas OBGYN doctors offer  information about the causes of painful periods and promising treatment for dysmenorrhea.

For some of us, those dreadful menstrual cramps are a sign that our period is lurking just around the bend, and then occur in sync with the first few days of our cycle. Like our mothers and grandmothers before us, this is just one of the beautiful and ugly parts of being a woman. But what does it mean when your pain becomes life changing, and alarming, causing the mere idea of getting up and out to send you into a panic? You see your OBGYN.

Painful periods, or dysmenorrhea as it is medically referred to, affects about 50% of women of post-pubescent age, and is most common in women during their early to mid-twenties. The occurrence of these severe menstrual cramps tapers off as a woman ages and most commonly disappears once a woman has reached her thirties. Dysmenorrhea is the scientific name for painful periods, in which a woman describes her cramps to be debilitating. Dysmenorrhea is further divided into two categories one being Primary Dysmenorrhea, and the other being Secondary Dysmenorrhea. Upon visiting with your OBGYN you will be diagnosed among one or the other. Of the 50% of women suffering from painful periods, 85% will be diagnosed with Primary Dysmenorrhea.

Primary Dysmenorrhea is usually the diagnosis if your OBGYN is unable to find any internal obstruction or problem that may be causing painful periods and severe menstrual cramps. Primary dysmenorrhea usually becomes a problem between 12 months and 2 years following a woman’s first cycle. The painful menstrual cramps usually begin a few hours prior to or just after the onset of menstruation. Pain is most severe during the first 2 days of the cycle. Characteristically the pain is described as spasmodic in nature and strongest over the lower abdomen and lower back. In severe cases the menstrual pain is also felt in the thighs. The pain is most commonly referred to as “labor-like” and accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache.  Symptoms that occasionally accompany these painful periods are anxiety and dizziness. Seldom do any symptoms persist beyond the third day of the cycle. Though Primary Dysmenorrhea does not appear to be prevented by any amount of or lack of activity, a few activities seem to help with menstrual cramps relief:

• Avoid stressful situations
• Take a warm bath, or use a warm compress
• Go for long slow paced walks
• Avoid fatty foods
• Participating in Yoga
• Pain-relieving medications
• Oral contraceptives

Secondary Dysmenorrhea will be the diagnoses if your OBGYN finds that the pain is caused by some sort of gynecological problem. Secondary Dysmenorrhea does not begin shortly after a woman’s first cycle, but usually 3+ years following. The painful menstruation is likely to begin at the onset of the cycle and last throughout the entirety of menstruation. The occurrence of secondary painful periods requires medical attention and at times medical procedures in order to help with severe menstrual cramps relief. Unlike Primary Dysmenorrhea, medical treatments are often the only hope for relief from pain. The cause of Secondary Dysmenorrhea will determine the proper treatment of it. A few of the procedures on the market for the treatment for dysmenorrhea include:

• Intrauterine Contraceptive (Mirena)
• Oral Contraceptives (such as birth control pills)
• Vitamin B supplements (For pain related to lack of nutrition)
• Antibiotics (for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease—also referred to as PID—or an untreated STD)
• Surgery (For a Cyst, or Fibroid Tumor)
• Dilation & Curettage (Removal of small amount of uterine lining, often as a cancer precaution)
• Hysterectomy (if the pain is caused by a malfunctioning reproductive organ)
• Endometrial Ablation (Permanent removal of uterine lining to prevent further pain and/or limit bleeding)

Treatment for dysmenorrhea varies according to severity of the issue and the problem causing the pain. The bottom line is if you are suffering from abnormally painful periods, it is of utmost importance that you check in with you OBGYN and discuss what is causing it, and your options for pain relief.

The gynecologists that make up the Women’s Specialists of Plano in Plano, Texas (http://obgynplano.com) were interviewed for this article.

If you are a typical female between the age of 12 and 50, having your period each month probably passes like a leaf in the wind. For many women, having a period may cause a few symptoms that can easily be managed by taking a simple ibuprofen and using some feminine protection—and then just like that, it’s gone. For others, this monthly visit from mother nature is a dreaded and life altering time that sends some women into hiding.

Meet Amy.

Amy is a normal, active mother of three in her mid-thirties with a hectic life. Her schedule was very busy between work, working out, ballet for her girls, soccer for her little boy, PTA, and maintaining a happy marriage. Amy didn’t have time to be slowed down by her period, yet for a few days every month she felt incapable of maintaining her schedule because her periods were so heavy, and so painful. So heavy in fact, that she found herself in the bathroom every hour to deal with the side effects of her period. She knew that her cycles hadn’t always been this heavy, or this painful, but thought the abnormal menstrual bleeding was just the result of the birth of her three children, and her active lifestyle.

After Amy’s last period she felt fatigued, and light-headed. Soon after, she met up with her girlfriends for lunch. Exhausted by her life altering periods and abnormal menstrual bleeding she decided to bring it up with her friends. “At lunch, I explained to my friends just how heavy and painful my periods had been all these years, and I was surprised that none of them had similar experiences,” said Amy. “In fact, they all were very concerned and advise me to see my doctor. So the next week I visited my OBGYN and was ecstatic to learn that my condition actually had a name.”

Amy’s doctor diagnosed her with Menorrhagia.

Menorrhagia is defined as an excessively heavy period, but can also cause extreme discomfort. Periods are different for every woman. Some are short and painless, and some are long and painful. But it is not at all normal for a woman’s period to affect her everyday life or keep her from performing her normal activities. Reasons to see an OBGYN with the suspicion of Menorrhagia are things such as:

• Periods that last longer than 5 days
• Painful periods with severe pelvic pain
• Periods that require double sanitary protection (tampon and pad)
• Bleeding through a tampon or pad in an hour or less for several hours in a row
• The passing of large blood clots
• Fatigue, pain, headaches, nausea

Though depression and social anxiety are not symptoms that point towards menorrhagia, they often are results of the problem. Women such as Amy, who normally have a very active and busy life, begin to invert, afraid of excessive and abnormal menstrual bleeding while in public or the inability to get to the restroom before leaking.

Thankfully, Amy found out that there are multiple options to cure this condition. After considering the number of years she had been suffering from heavy blood loss, and that she had three beautiful children and did not wish for anymore, Amy’s OBGYN explained to her that she was a great candidate for an endometrial ablation. With this procedure, the entire lining of the uterus is removed with the intent of preventing any future menstruation. The NovaSure procedure is one such approved endometrial ablation treatments for menorrhagia.

According to the gynecologists at the Women’s Specialist of Plano, “The NovaSure procedure uses radio frequency energy to permanently remove the lining and is always effective in slowing the bleeding, and at times prevents it completely. 95% of women who receive the ablation are very happy with the outcome. The only down side to the procedure is that it can prevent future pregnancies.  We recommend the NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure when we can because it is a more conservative treatment option than procedures such as a hysterectomy.

Amy moved forward with the surgery. It was minimally invasive, almost painless, and had an extremely fast recovery. Amy was back to her busy schedule and fast pace life, but this time, without fear of leakage, and days spent at home due to pain and fear.

If you are a woman who is experiencing heavy periods that are interrupting your life, there is help. It is very important to track your period and be aware of changes in consistency, duration, and pain level. Don’t wait as long as Amy did, if changes arise consult your OBGYN today.

Jules Monier, MD of Women’s Specialists of Plano was interviewed for the below article originally published in Articlesbase on September 2.

Endometrial Ablation: The Simple Way to End Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia) Without a Hysterectomy

Author: Kristy Theis

Dr. Jules Monier performs endometrial ablation in Plano, TX

If you are a woman who dreads her monthly menstrual cycle because of a relentless, long and heavy flow, you are not alone. In fact, more than 1 in 5 women experience a persistent and abnormal menstrual flow every month, a condition known as menorrhagia.

Is My Period Normal?
Each month, as a woman’s body prepares itself for a possible pregnancy, the hormone levels estrogen and progesterone rise thus thickening the uterine lining in order to protect the egg released by the ovaries. If fertilization does not occur, a woman will shed this lining which will be visible as blood indicating the start of her period.

As the time nears for a woman to have her period, those suffering from menorrhagia will dread the days leading to the very first sign of blood that will eventually appear. A normal period is usually marked with less than 10 tablespoons of blood lost and a manageable flow for up to 4-7 days. When a woman has a consistently long and heavy period every month—severe enough to cause nausea, fatigue, moodiness, or a complete interruption of daily life, it might be time to check into a menorrhagia treatment in order to resolve the problem.

Curing Heavy Periods
Endometrial ablation is one such menorrhagia treatment procedure that can radically improve the symptoms associated with a prolonged and unrelenting menstrual flow. During the procedure, the endometrial lining is removed either by using freezing temperatures or a heated fluid. The removal of the lining, in essence, prevents the flow of blood to occur.

According to Dr. Jules Monier, a Gynecologist in Plano, Texas, “Endometrial ablation has been around in some form for more than 20 years. The procedure has been perfected and now an unprecedented number of women can enjoy normal menstrual cycles with a much lighter flow accompied by the usual, mild symptoms associated with having an average period.”

The NovaSure® method, an approved endometrial ablation procedure designed specifically as a menorrhagia treatment option over more drastic procedures such as a hysterectomy, uses radio frequency energy to permanently remove the lining of the uterus, which reduces, or eliminates, future bleeding. The procedure, which is carried out under local anesthesia, usually takes under an hour to complete and is typically performed either in the office on an out-patient basis or in a hospital as a day surgery procedure.

Dr. Jules Monier performs the procedure in his Plano, Texas office on a routine basis and consistently receives satisfactory feedback from the patients who have opted to have the treatment. “More than half of my patients experience a total absence of a period after the procedure is performed. Most others see a significant improvement in their menstrual flow and the symptoms that follow. I like to refer to the procedure as it’s like having a hysterectomy without having a hysterectomy.”

For the women that have visited this Plano, Texas office and the thousands of others who have undergone the NovaSure® procedure, 97% say they would recommend the treatment to their friends.

Who is the right candidate for this procedure?
Although the chances for pregnancy reduce greatly after the NovaSure® endometrial ablation procedure has been performed, it is still possible to become pregnant. Any woman who has completed child-bearing or who is menopausal can be a candidate for the treatment. Prior to performing the NovaSure® method, your gynecologist will do a sonogram and in some cases, an endometrial biopsy to ensure there is not another underlying condition present. Light cramping and bleeding may occur in the days or weeks following the procedure but will then disappear allowing the majority of women to enjoy either a normal or an absent menstrual flow.

To learn more about what may be causing you to have a consistently heavy period and to look at the treatments that are available, such as the NovaSure® method, be sure to discuss all of your options with your gynecologist.

About the Author:

Dr. Jules Monier was interviewed for this article and has been practicing gynecology in the Plano, Texas area for 25 years. He is currently in practice with Women’s Specialists of Plano. http://www.obgynplano.com/

Kristy Theis is a Plano, Texas-based communications freelance writer specializing in b2b, consumer and vertical trade copy suitable for both print and Internet. She has over 14 years experience in the fields of marketing, PR and copywriting and currently serves as the content editor for emedicalmedia.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Endometrial Ablation: The Simple Way to End Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia) Without a Hysterectomy

This segment from “The Drs” provides a good overview and testimonial for endometrial ablation. Many women do not know this is an option to treat menorraghia (heavy menstrual bleeding) and in some cases, it  can be an alternative to a hysterectomy. Women’s Specialists of Plano provides this procedure in-office.