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 Might Be the Right Choice for You
Your uterus has become more of a liability than an asset, and you want to learn more about whether you should undergo a hysterectomy.
To help with this important decision, Dr. Gary Willen and the team here at Tahoe Women’s Care have pulled together a list of some of the more common reasons why 600,000 women undergo hysterectomies each year in the United States.
We believe that education is the first, and most important, step you can take when considering surgery of any kind. When it comes to a hysterectomy, each woman’s circumstance is unique, but there are some commonalities in their decision-making.
Uterine fibroids
One of the most prevalent reasons for a hysterectomy is uterine fibroids. While many women develop fibroids during their reproductive years, oftentimes the fibroids are quite small and don’t lead to any symptoms. Not to mention, these fibroids typically go away after menopause.
In some cases, however, these benign growths can grow numerous or large enough to become problematic and uncomfortable.
If more conservative measures, such as hormonal medications, aren’t working to relieve the symptoms, some women opt for hysterectomies.
Uterine prolapse
If your pelvic floor weakens and is no longer able to support your reproductive organs, including your uterus, they can shift downward and into your vaginal canal. This is called uterine prolapse. If the shift is severe and strengthening exercises or support devices are unable to properly stabilize your uterus, you might consider removing the organ.
Certain cancers
If you have reproductive cancer, such as cervical cancer or uterine cancer, the first line of defense is often to remove the cancerous tissue to prevent the disease from spreading. In these cases, a hysterectomy is a clear choice.
Heavy bleeding
For women who struggle with heavy and/or irregular bleeding that greatly affects their quality of life, a hysterectomy can effectively put a stop to the problem.
Uterine conditions
There are other uterine conditions that can make life fairly difficult, such as:
- Hyperplasia — the endometrium becomes too thick
- Recurrent uterine polyps
- Adenomyosis — the endometrium grows into the muscular wall of your uterus
Women who fail to respond to conservative treatments for these conditions may choose a hysterectomy to put an end to the problem.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo a hysterectomy is yours alone to make, but we’re here to guide you. We also want you to know that should you choose a hysterectomy, we use the latest technologies available to perform the procedure, including da VinciⓇ robotic surgery, which is a minimally invasive technique.
If you have more questions about whether you should undergo a hysterectomy, we are at your service. Simply contact our office in Carson City, Nevada, to set up an appointment.
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