Do I Need STD Testing If I’m in a Long-Term Relationship?
Regular STD testing is important for your sexual health, but is it really necessary if you’re in a committed partnership? Here’s what you need to know.
When a Hysterectomy is the Best Solution
The decision to undergo a hysterectomy is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly, but in many cases, the removal of your uterus can bring you much-needed relief from some very painful conditions. Not to mention, if you’ve received a cancer diagnosis, the first defense is eradicating the disease by removing the affected tissues and organs, potentially saving your life.
At Tahoe Women’s Care, under the experienced direction of Dr. Gary Willen, our team understands the many gynecologic problems that can turn your uterus and surrounding organs and tissues into health hazards.
Here’s a look at some of the more common conditions under which a hysterectomy may be your best solution.
Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids aren’t all that uncommon, but when they develop in sizes and numbers that cause serious quality-of-life issues, such as pain and heavy bleeding, it may be time to remove your uterus. The problem with fibroids is that even if we remove them through a myomectomy, they can grow back, landing you right back to where you started.
If you’ve tried other solutions, such as hormonal medications or the myomectomy to no avail, a hysterectomy puts an end to the problem, once and for all. In fact, uterine fibroids are the leading driver behind the decision to undergo a hysterectomy.
Uterine cancer
Nearly 62,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer each year in the United States and a hysterectomy is one of the first lines of defense. When it comes to cancer of any kind, the first order of business is to remove the cancerous tissue before the disease has a chance to spread.
It’s also worth noting that there are other cancers that may call for a hysterectomy, such as:
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Endometrial cancer
In other words, any cancer that affects your reproductive organs is reason to explore a hysterectomy.
Endometriosis
Women with endometriosis, a condition in which the lining of your uterus grows outside the organ, experience varying degrees of symptoms. If you’re lucky, your symptoms — typically pain and heavy bleeding — can be controlled by hormones. As well, we can also explore removing the endometrial tissue that causes painful adhesions on your surrounding tissue and organs and creates problems with fertility.
If these treatments fail, a hysterectomy may be the best solution for restoring your quality of life.
Endometrial hyperplasia
With this condition, the lining of your uterus becomes too thick, which can lead to heavy bleeding and painful periods. While we try to remedy endometrial hyperplasia through more conservative means, such as hormone medications, we may recommend a hysterectomy should this avenue prove unsuccessful.
There are several other conditions that may benefit from a hysterectomy, such as uterine prolapse or a pelvic infection, but whatever the reason, rest assured that we use the latest surgical techniques when we perform a hysterectomy, including da VinciⓇ robotic technology.
If you’d like to learn more about when a hysterectomy provides the best solution for your health and your quality of life, please contact our office in Carson City, Nevada, to set up a consultation.
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