This is a reality for many women post hysterectomy. The uterus is a muscle that responds rythmically with intercourse producing orgasm for many women. Once the uterus is removed women routinely report lack of sexual response, sensation or desire. Many gynecologists refuse to address this topic or accept this fact. This week we had a patient call the office in tears asking why her gyn had repeatedly denied any association between sexual dysfunction and hysterectomy and yet she was now void of any response or sensation after removing her uterus. She was angry and desperate! This serious and potentially life changing side effect is a reality for many many women. Before removing your uterus…do your research. Hysterectomy can and may alter your life and not in the way you anticipate.
Treating fibroids with Lupron
This is a medication routinely used to reduce heavy bleeding associated with fibroid tumor disease. As a secondary benefit it will temporarily shrink fibroids due to its anti-estrogen effect. Basically, this injection reduces estrogen production by the ovaries, and should be limited to a 6 months course of treatment. Symptoms associated with Lupron can be the same as menopause…hot flashes, depression, difficulty sleeping, and headaches. Once discontinuing the drug, the ovaries should once again begin to produce estrogen resulting in regrowth of fibroids. Lupron is a “temporary fix” and does not produce long term positive results.
“Treating” Fibroids with Ablation
To get straight to the point, Ablation therapy does not treat fibroid tumors. Endometrial Ablation only treats the symptoms of fibroids like heavy bleeding and clotting. The technique only destroys the lining of the uterus (endometrial lining) but does not access or treat intrauterine (submucosal, subserosal or intramural) fibroids tumors. Ablation may stop the bleeding but the procedure is a false sense of hope for dealing long term with fibroids. The tumors will continue to grow as long as they remain in the uterine muscle and are fed with an estrogen supply. Treat your disease, not your symptoms!
Endometrial Biopsy for Diagnosis???
Endometrial biopsies are a fairly common minor procedure performed in many gyn offices when patients are experiencing heavy painful periods. The technique involves sticking a needle into the uterine lining to obtain a small tissue sample; it can be very painful and often produces inconclusive information. Blind biopsies, via either needle or currette, can very easily completely miss the area in question, rendering an inaccurate outcome. When dealing with fibroids and adenomyosis, biopsies of the lining do not render any information as to the make up of the tumors. The biopsy is strictly giving information about the uterine lining. The procedure is rather like sticking an needle in an orange to try to locate a seed…..probably not successful. If you have fibroids, or adenomyosis, taking a blind biopsy of endometrial tissue does not render a conclusive diagnosis about your disease….
Alternative Therapies for Womens Health
This past week in the LA Times there was an article in the Health Section regarding the increased reliance upon alternative therapies ie accupuncture, herbs, supplements, massage therapies etc. These therapies can be excellent for treating many ancillary symptoms but often do not get to the core problem behind the diagnosis. Always keep in mind, treating the root of the problem is the best way to go. Many women call our office with symptoms of heavy bleeding, painful periods, back pain who have been offered medications and/or therapies that do not address the reason for the symptoms….(ie fibroids, adenomyosis or endometriosis. ) Remember, seek out the solution that has the best outcome for your diagnosis, not just the symptoms….and dont delay treatment.
