Posts Tagged ‘Fallopian Tubes’

The Women’s Specialists of Plano (Texas) a group of gynecologists servicing the greater North Dallas and Collin County areas, participated in this feature on permanent birth control for women.

Whether or not to have a baby is a choice that most women are free to make. There are times in a woman’s life when she will desire to be sexually active, but not become pregnant. When a woman is not ready to have children, or if she is unsure whether or not she would like to have children in the future, a temporary (reversible) contraception method is recommended. These types of contraception methods include birth control pills, intrauterine contraception devices (such as an IUD), a diaphragm, contraceptive foam, gels, condoms, etc.

When a woman is sure that she does not want to have children in the future a surgical procedure is usually recommended. In a traditional family, a discussion of a vasectomy or a tubal ligation ensues. These recommended procedures are considered “permanent birth control”.

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Tubal ligation surgery is a procedure in which a woman’s fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked to prevent future fertilization and implantation during sexual intercourse. According to the Women’s Specialists of Plano, there are many approaches to this surgery, which is considered female sterilization, and only your doctor will know which procedure is most suitable for your body and lifestyle. A few of the tubal ligation approaches are:

• Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation:  During this procedure your gynecologist will insert a small camera and surgical instruments through a very small incision made in the abdomen. The tubal ligation will take place via this method which is considered a more minimally invasive approach.

• Mini-Laparotomy:  During this procedure your gynecologist will perform the surgery by making an incision in the abdomen about 2 inches in length.

• Post-Partum Tubal Ligation:  This procedure is very similar to the mini-lap, except that the incision will be made just below the belly button because the fallopian tubes are higher in body after childbirth.

• Open Tubal Ligation:  This procedure is performed when a woman desires a tubal after delivering via caesarean section, because the abdomen is already open. This procedure is also performed when a woman has pelvic inflammatory disease, or is already receiving a surgery which requires the opening of the abdomen.

• Trans-Uterine Tubal Occlusion: This procedure is performed with anesthesia.  The cervix is dilated and a hysterscope is placed in the uterine cavity.  The opening of the tube into the uterus is identified and a “plug” is placed into the fallopian tube as it passes through the uterine wall.

A lot of women choose to receive a post-partum tubal ligation while they are pregnant with their last child. This procedure is popular because it eliminates the issue of having two recoveries periods. Most women have recovered from their tubal ligation long before they recover from childbirth. This procedure is especially productive when a woman receives a C-Section, though a vaginal birth does not make the procedure impossible.

If you change your mind after receiving a tubal ligation surgery and decide that you may want to have children in the future, there is a reversal procedure. But the reversal procedure is not 100% effective; hence the reason a tubal ligation is considered permanent birth control for women.

The recovery period after most tubal ligations is about a week though you will most likely leave the hospital within a few hours after surgery. Because the procedure is immediately effective, you can maintain sexual activity as soon as you feel well enough. You will be permitted to shower (not bathe) 24 hours after the surgery, though scrubbing of the incision is not permitted.

As with every surgical procedure, a tubal ligation surgery has both pros and cons:

Pros:

• Female sterilization that is effective immediately
• It can be done at the same time as other surgeries like C-section or the removal of ovarian cysts
• It is a very reliable form of permanent birth control
• Requires no daily attention
• More cost effective in the long run then a daily procedure
• Allows for sexual spontaneity

Cons:

• It is a surgery
• Every surgery has associated risks
• Is not 100% reversible in the event of regret
• Does not protect against STD’s (only the proper use of condoms can do this)
• Is more expensive than the male form of permanent contraception (vasectomy)

If you are researching permanent birth control for women, it is suggested that you do proper research and reflection to be sure that you will not regret the decision in the future. If you are sure about your decision to receive permanent birth control (female sterilization), join your doctor so that the two of you can discuss which procedure will be most fitting to your life.

(Resources:  Women’s Specialists of Plano, Texas)

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 43,000 cases of uterine cancer (also referred to as endometrial cancer) will be diagnosed this year. The Women’s Specialists of Plano (972.379.2416) offers uterine cancer treatment in Plano, TX. They recently compiled the following Q & A on this serious form of cancer. Early screening is important in order to prevent uterine cancer from starting or spreading.

What is the Uterus?

The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ that resides in the pelvic region of a female.  The uterus is a part of the reproductive system and is the place where a baby grows during pregnancy.  The uterus holds the cervix, which is the lower, narrow area of the uterus, and the fallopian tubes that extend from both sides of the organ.  The uterus contains two layers of tissue: the inner layer is known as the endometrium; the outer layer is called the myometrium. It is within this lining that a woman’s body prepares itself for menstruation as the walls within the uterus are lined and thickened with blood and then released monthly through the vagina.

What Conditions Can Exist in the Uterus?

Fibroids (benign tumors), endometriosis (endometrial tissue that grows inside the body, outside of the uterus) and endometrial hyperplasia (an increase of cells in the lining of the uterus) are all benign conditions that can affect the uterus. Another condition that can exist within the uterus is Adenomysis—in which the endometrium exists in the muscle of the uterus. Endometrial polyps can also exist in the uterus and is another source of abnormal bleeding. These conditions should be monitored and treatment for each condition is available.

What is Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that affects the uterus; it most often occurs when abnormal or cancerous cells begin to develop and multiply in the endometrium lining of the uterus.  When cancer occurs within the lining of the uterus, it is known as endometrial cancer.  Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer. If the cancer develops in the tissue and muscles that make up the uterus, the cancer is known as a sarcoma.  Sarcomas are the most rare of uterine cancers.

What Causes Uterine Cancer?

The exact cause of uterine cancer is not known; however, studies have shown that there are some risk factors:

• Age.  Uterine cancer, endometrial cancer and sarcomas of the uterus most often affect women over the age of 50
• Obesity.   Obese women have higher levels of estrogen in their bodies because the body makes some of its estrogen naturally in fatty tissues.  Higher levels of estrogen create a higher risk for uterine cancer.
• Untreated Conditions.  Certain uterine conditions, if left untreated, could increase the chances of a woman getting uterine cancer. Chronically irregular periods, especially going more than three months between periods will increase the risk.
• Race.  White woman are more likely to get uterine cancer than African-American women.
• Diabetes and hypertension.
• Certain hormone-related therapies. Women who are on estrogen replacement therapy and unbalanced hormonal therapy should be monitored closely. These specific therapies, as well as “natural” therapies such as estrogen cream, if not balanced by progesterone, can increase the risk of uterine cancer.
• Starting menstruation early (before age 12)
• Never being pregnant

What are the Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?

It is important to note that the majority of diagnosed uterine cancers (including endometrial cancer and sarcomas) occur near or after menopause.  Abnormal and ongoing vaginal bleeding is typically the first symptom of uterine cancer. Other symptoms may include heavy discharge, painful urination, and pain in the pelvic area or pain during intercourse.

How is Uterine Cancer Diagnosed?

If a woman has unusual symptoms, a pelvic exam, pap test or biopsy may be administered. Once uterine cancer is in fact diagnosed, your doctor will work to determine the stage.

What are the Stages of Uterine Cancer?

In most cases, a hysterectomy is the first step and the most reliable way to stage uterine cancer. It allows the surgeon and the pathologist the opportunity to look closely at where the cancer has invaded and spread.  Staging uterine cancer occurs in 4 ways:

• Stage 1:  The cancer is isolated in the uterus and has not spread to the cervix
• Stage 2:  The cancer has spread to the cervix
• Stage 3: The cancer has spread outside the uterus; however it has not spread outside of the pelvic region. Lymph nodes in and around the pelvic may or may not contain cancer cells.
• Stage 4:  The cancer has spread to other organs in the body

What Treatment Options are Available for Uterine Cancer?

Most women who have been diagnosed with uterine cancer will have surgery.  A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is generally the first course of treatment; during this procedure the ovaries are typically removed as well. During the hysterectomy, lymph nodes will most likely also be removed so that tests can be administered to see if and where the cancer has spread. Depending on the stage of the cancer, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy will be recommended.

What is the Prognosis for Uterine Cancer?  Can it be Prevented?

Prognosis is first related to the depth of cancer invasion into the myometrium—the less the invasion, the better the prognosis.  The cervix and surrounding tissues are then screened and tested for cancer. If uterine cancer is found early, the prognosis is excellent.  The 1-year survival rate is about 92% if the cancer has not spread.  That number does drop significantly if the cancer has spread to nearby organs. Women should have annual and routine physical examinations including pelvic exams, Pap smears and blood work. If you are experiencing any abnormal bleeding, pain in the pelvic area, bleeding lasting longer than a full week and bleeding that occurs every 21 days or more, please consult with your doctor.

The doctors that make up the Women’s Specialists of Plano offer uterine cancer treatment in Plano, TX.  Visit them on the web at www.obgynplano.com

Women’s Specialists of Plano, 972-379-2416, has endometriosis doctors that can diagnose and treat the symptoms caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue starts to grow outside of the uterus. Endometrial lesions typically grow in the pelvic area on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel and bladder. This video can help you to better understand the signs and symptoms of endometriosis. There is no cure, but the symptoms for endometriosis can be managed with proper medical care. If you suspect you have endometriosis, it is very important for you to discuss your symptoms with a physician. Untreated endometriosis can cause other medical issues such as infertility and menorraghia. The earlier endometriosis is diagnosed, the better the symptoms can be managed.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Author: Dr Daryl Greebon
Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Many women experience these non-cancerous tumors, which can require hysterectomies

A lot of women wonder just exactly what uterine fibroids are. They’re usually non-cancerous tumors that develop within the uterus, and 15-20 percent of women in their reproductive years and 30-40 percent of women older than 30 may suffer from uterine fibroids.

Why should women know about fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are the most prevalent pelvic tumor, but the cause of uterine fibroid tumors is unknown. Not all women with fibroids experience symptoms; however some women ache and have significant menstrual bleeding. In addition, fibroids can place pressure on the bladder, triggering frequent urination.

Fibroids may grow as a single growth or in groups. Fibroids vary in size from very small to eight inches in diameter. The growth of a fibroid typically depends on the hormone estrogen. Once a woman develops a fibroid, the fibroid usually continues to grow throughout her menstruation years.

Women who do not experience symptoms associated with their fibroids may not require treatment. Fibroids may even shrink after menopause, but if heavy bleeding or pain occurs, a hysterectomy may be required. Uterine fibroids are the main reason hysterectomies are performed.

What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy involves surgically removing the uterus, and sometimes the cervix and/or ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after cesarean section, hysterectomy is the second most frequently performed major surgical procedure for women of reproductive age in the United States. Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the U.S., and an estimated 20 million U.S. women have had a hysterectomy.

Although some women are wary of having surgery to relieve symptoms because of the down time they may experience, new technology is available that enables the removal of uterine fibroids and hysterectomies to be performed less invasively, leading to shorter hospital stays. For hysterectomies that may be difficult to perform as a vaginal procedure and would otherwise require an abdominal hysterectomy, the “da Vinci® Surgical System” offers an alternative.

This new robotic technology offers numerous potential benefits over traditional surgery, including less pain and scarring, less risk of infection, and faster recovery. It also may decrease the risk of blood loss that can occur during a hysterectomy. This new technology is available to Collin County and other area residents at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, located near President George Bush Turnpike and Preston Road.

About the Author:

A member of the Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano medical staff, Daryl Greebon, M.D., gynecologist, graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He went on to serve his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Greebon is a board certified OBGYN practicing with Women’s Specialists of Plano. www.obgynplano.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Understanding Uterine Fibroids