Hysterectomy Surgery
February 5, 2010 by Healthy Women
Filed under Surgery and Procedures
Next to a cesarean section, a hysterectomy is the second most common surgery in the United States. One in three women in the U.S. undergo a hysterectomy every year for health reasons. This post will answer the questions: what a hysterectomy is? and what are the common reasons that women will undergo a hysterectomy surgery?
Hysterectomy Procedure
Hysterectomy surgery requires the removal of a woman’s uterus. There are three types of hysterectomy surgeries that are performed: partial hysterectomy, total hysterectomy and radical hysterectomy. The most common surgery is the total hysterectomy where the uterus and cervix are both removed. The partial is where only the upper part of the uterus is removed. The radical includes the removal of all female reproductive organs including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix.
Symptoms leading to a Hysterectomy Procedure
A hysterectomy surgery will be performed for a variety of reasons. The main reasons according to the US Department of Health and Human Services are:
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine prolapse
- Cancer
- Endometriosis
- Persistent bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
Hysterectomy Information
Although a hysterectomy may be one of the solutions that a doctor may suggest, it is not always the only solution, except in cancer cases.
Some signs that you are having serious issues usually include abnormal pain and/or excessive bleeding. Please consult a physician if you are experiencing either of these.
Hysterectomy Resources
Dyspareunia – Painful Sex
February 5, 2010 by Healthy Women
Filed under Featured, Symptoms-Causes
Dyspareunia can be caused by either medical or psychological reasons that result in the experience of painful sexual intercourse. Dyspareunia is the name for painful sexual intercourse, which is a common condition that effects 1 in 5 women at some point in their lives. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, the condition is usually reversible.
Symptoms of Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)
The symptoms of dyspareunia are a decrease in the natural lubrication of the vagina as well as the vagina being less or undialated. These symptoms cause pain in the phallus during penetration making sexual intercourse painful.
Causes of Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)
There are many causes of dyspareunia. A proper physical exam by a medical doctor is the only way to diagnose dyspareunia due to the fact that painful sexual intercourse can be caused by medical and/or psychological reasons. Some of the physical causes of dyspareunia include infections of various parts the vagina including: urinary tract, cervix, and fallopian tubes. Other causes can include surgical scar tissue, ovarian cysts or tumors, STDs, and estrogen deficiencies. There are more causes less frequently seen, thus, it is best to see a doctor to help diagnose them.
Treatment of Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)
Treatment for dyspareunia will depend on the cause of pain during sexual intercourse, but below are some common treatments.
Examination of the pelvis to duplicate the pain experienced during sexual intercourse, allowing the identification of the pain source. Your doctor should explain the cause of the pain so that steps can be taken to lessen and remove the pain over time. Some of these steps often include the removal of the pain source when needed, usage of a lubricant, changes to a couples sexual routine, and decreasing the depth of penetration.