Last May 98 I was put on fertility drugs (150mg Clomid), I had an HSG done in November 98. My results came back, I was told that I had a Bicorniary Uterus. The doctor told me that I wouldn’t have a problem getting pregnant. In December 98 I found out that I was pregnant and a few days later I had a misscarriage. I went to see another doctor, and was told to start trying again when I get my next Cycle. My husband and I tried again, and I found out I was pregnant in February 99. Then after being pregnant for 12 weeks, I misscarried again.

I got a referral from one of my doctors to see an Infertility Specialist. I recently seen him and he said he believes the reason that I keep misscarrying, is because of the shape of my uterus. He did all number of tests on me and they all came up normal. Tomorrow he wants to do an Ultrasound and more lab work, to see if he can see any other reason I keep misscarrying.

I was reading some stuff online that there are surgeries that can help me. Maybe fix my uterus so that I can get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy.
Is that so?

You are more than welcome to write me back. I always like more information on what can be done to help my chances of getting pregnant, and carrying a healthy baby to term.

Thank you for your time,
Ginger

Dear Ginger-I would not recommend operating on your uterus electively, unless an abnormality is diagnosed. Many women have successful pregnancy with a bicorn uterus. I recently reconstructed a bicorn uterus but this surgery was necessary to remove extensive fibroid tumors. Be patient and work with your gynecologist.
Dr DJ

I keep seeing hysterectomy recomended for uterine prolapse. I already do kegels. Is there any treatment to shorten the suspending ligaments?

Dear Motherearth-
Traditional medical philosophy will recommend a hysterectomy for any women with severe prolapse, if they are beyond child bearing years. Most physicians do not recognise the need for a woman to keep her uterus.
A uterine suspension is a procedure performed by most gynecologists that will shorten the suspensory ligaments and return the uterus to a normal position in the pelvic cavity. The long term success rates depend on the technique used, the severity or grade of the prolapse, and if the woman has further pregnancies.

Could you please give me some information on the “Le Forte” procedure. My doctor is recommending it over a Hysterectomy for a prolapsed uterus for a 70 year old. Please send more info or even a link to a website with the material. Thank You.

Dear Lars-
The “le Fort” procedure is an alternative to treat uterine prolapse. It involves closure of the vaginal canal hence preventing any further sexual activity. it carries with it a 25-28% incidence of urinary bladder incontinence. It is reserved for very elderly widowed females in which other alternative more invasive procedures cannot be performed. I would only recommend this procedure after very explicit counselling is done
with the husband, or significant other or in a case where the patient cannot tolerate any of the other extensive procedures.
Dr. DJ

I have been diagnosis with hyperplasia and mild atypia. are there any choices for treatment. I am scheduled for a hyperectomy probably in sept. can you help?

Dear Julie-
How was your hyperplasia and atypia diagnosed, ie D&C or Pap Smear?
If this is cervical atypia or hyperplasic a Leep procedure should be attempted first with repeat pap smears in 3-6 months.

Is there anyone practicing these techniques on my side of the world? I am in New Zealand. I have large fibroids (up to 5.5cm) and my gyn wants me to have a hysterectomy. I have had a return to almost normal periods since my diagnosis as a result of natural progesterone & estrogen supplements.

I think I should leave it alone whilst things are OK, but was wondering just in case I take a turn for the worse if I have any opportunity of having this operation in either NZ or Australia? Obviously the cost of the op & travel makes the thought of going over there for it prohibitive, but out of curiosity can you give me a ballpark figure for the cost?

I have a support group for women with Fibroids on onelist.com, one of our recent members (Michaela) has been full of praise for your work – keep it up!

Elizabeth.

Dear Elizabeth-
This procedure is only available here in Los Angeles, California. Please refer to the website for costs under the insurance section. Let us know if we can help you.
Dr. DJ

Dear Elizabeth:

What a truly small world this is! And what a great idea you had to establish the support group. You never know where help might be coming from. I have been working for the past 2 weeks – my work requires being on my feet a lot, working with customers – but I feel great, so something must have been done right. I hope we can chat some more in the near future, I am always available.
Keep in touch,
Mica

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU NEVER HAD A WEIGHT PROBLEM BEFORE YOU HAD A TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY? TRIED EVERYTHING.
MARY

Dear Mary-
I am sorry that you had to have a hysterectomy. Problems with weight gain can occur post surgery due to hormone imbalance. If you still have your ovaries, this should be checked first. Also, have your thyroid hormone levels checked.
Dr DJ