Infertility

Are Uterine Fibroids Hereditary?

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Uterine fibroids are a common problem for women of all ages. Many women wonder if uterine fibroids are hereditary- meaning, can they be passed down from generation to generation? And if so, what can be done to prevent them? In this blog post, we will discuss the answer to that question and more. We will also cover what uterine fibroids are, and how they are typically treated.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are very common, affecting an estimated 70-80% of women by the time they reach age 50. Uterine fibroids can vary greatly in size, from being as small as a pea to as large as a melon. They can also vary in number, with some women having just one fibroid, while others may have many.

It is not known exactly what causes uterine fibroids to develop, but there are several factors that may play a role. These include:

  • Hormonal imbalance: Uterine fibroids are more common in women of childbearing age, when hormone levels are higher.
  • Family history: Women who have a family member with fibroids (such as a mother or sister) are more likely to develop them themselves.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids.

Despite the fact that many women have uterine fibroids, most are unaware that they have them because they often cause no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the size and location of the fibroids. Common symptoms include:

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

  • Painful periods
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other possible causes and determine if you have uterine fibroids.

There is no one definitive answer as to whether or not uterine fibroids are hereditary. However, there does seem to be a genetic component, as women with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop them themselves.  

If you are concerned about your risk of developing uterine fibroids, there are several things that you can do to help prevent them. These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine
  • Avoiding exposure to environmental toxins

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent uterine fibroids, making lifestyle changes such as these can help reduce your risk.

If you do develop uterine fibroids, there are several treatment options available. These include:

  • Medication: There are several different types of medication that can be used to treat uterine fibroids, including hormone therapy and oral contraceptives.
  • Surgery: If medications are not effective or if the fibroids are large, surgery may be recommended. This can involve removing the fibroids themselves (myomectomy) or the entire uterus (hysterectomy).
  • Minimally invasive procedures: There are also minimally invasive procedures that can be used to treat uterine fibroids, such as embolization and focused ultrasound.

The best treatment option for you will depend on factors such as the size and location of your fibroids, your symptoms, and your overall health.

If you are concerned about uterine fibroids, be sure to talk to your doctor so that they can help you determine the best course of action for you. In need of a second opinion? Call my office today to schedule an appointment. Offering comprehensive care for all women’s health needs I seek to provide you with the guidance and support that you need to make informed decisions about your health.

Tubal Ligation Reversal: What You Need to Know

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If you are one of the many women who have had a tubal ligation to prevent future pregnancies, you may be wondering if there is any way to reverse the procedure. Luckily, tubal ligation reversal is possible in most cases, and can be done through a number of different methods. In this blog post, we will discuss what tubal ligation reversal is, how it is done, and who is a good candidate for the procedure.

Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that is performed in order to prevent pregnancy. The fallopian tubes are the two tubes that carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, and during tubal ligation, these tubes are either cut, tied, or blocked off in some way so that eggs can no longer travel through them. This prevents pregnancy because without the eggs being able to reach the uterus, fertilization cannot take place. 

Is tubal ligation permanent? What if you decide you want to have more children following the procedure?  In most cases, tubal ligation is considered to be a permanent form of contraception. However, there are some instances in which a woman may want to have the procedure reversed so that she can become pregnant again.

Tubal ligation reversal is a surgical procedure that is performed in order to restore fertility after a tubal ligation. During the surgery, the fallopian tubes are reconnected so that eggs can once again travel through them and be fertilized. It is a minimally invasive surgery through the use of a laparoscope, that involves small incisions on your abdomen.

The success rate of tubal ligation reversal varies depending on a number of factors. The most important factor in determining the success of the surgery is the type of tubal ligation that was originally performed. If the original procedure was done using clips or rings, there is a higher chance that the reversal will be successful.

Another important factor is the age of the woman at the time of the reversal. The younger a woman is, the more likely it is that the surgery will be successful. This is because as women get older, their fallopian tubes tend to become narrower and less flexible, making it more difficult to reconnect them.

Tubal ligation reversal can be an effective way for women who have had their tubes tied previously to regain their fertility and have more children. If you are considering having a tubal ligation reversal, it is important to speak with an experienced surgeon to discuss your options and find out if you are a good candidate for the surgery.

Interested to learn more? Contact my office today to schedule a consultation!

Gynecologic Conditions That Can Cause Infertility

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If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while and haven’t had any luck, you may be wondering if there’s something wrong with you. Believe it or not, there are several gynecologic conditions that can cause infertility, but also are treatable. In this post, we’ll briefly review a few of the conditions and treatment options. So, if you’re concerned about your fertility, read on!

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to infertility. Treatment for endometriosis may include medication, surgery, or both.

PCOS

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a condition that can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, and insulin resistance. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility. Treatment for PCOS may include medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and infertility. Treatment for uterine fibroids may include medication, surgery, or both. 

Uterine Septum

Uterine Septum is a condition in which the uterus is divided by a wall of tissue. It’s actual an abnormality that is present since birth and otherwise known as a Mullerian Anomaly. This can cause infertility by preventing implantation as well be the cause for recurrent miscarriages. Treatment for uterine septum may include surgery to remove the septum.

Uterine Isthmocele

A Uterine Isthmocele is a defect on the lower uterine segment at the site of a C-section scar. This can result in menstrual blood accumulating inside the isthmocele leading to an inflamed uterine lining. The defect can be an obstruction to future implantation.

To repair this defect, a Uterine Isthmocele Resection is performed. During this procedure the isthmus, or middle portion of the uterus, is removed.

Hydrosalpinx

Hydrosalpinx is a condition in which the fallopian tubes are blocked by fluid. This can cause infertility and recurrent miscarriages. Treatment for hydrosalpinx may include surgery to remove the blockage.

If you’re struggling with infertility, don’t give up hope. While these gynecologic conditions may represent some of the causes of infertility, many of them are treatable. Once treated, fertility can often be possible. Are you struggling with one of these conditions and interested in exploring your options? Contact my office to schedule an appointment today!

Endometriosis: Is Surgery Necessary?

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Endometriosis is a condition that affects many women. It occurs when the cells from the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, grow outside of the uterus and get stimulated by your monthly cycle. Several symptoms can be caused by endometriosis, such as pelvic pain, painful cycles, painful intercourse, and infertility. While there are medications available to help treat endometriosis, some women may need surgery as well. In this blog post, we will explore whether surgery is necessary for treating endometriosis and discuss the different types of surgery available.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to treating Endometriosis. No two women are alike, and many factors must be considered when evaluating treatment options. Such considerations are as follows:

·       Severity of Symptoms

·       Extent of Disease

·       Pregnancy Intentions

·       Overall Health and Medical History  

In most situations your doctor will likely suggest conservative, non-invasive treatment options before recommending surgery for diagnosis and treatment. First line therapies are generally non surgical options, such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) and hormonal therapy.  Depending on symptoms and goals of treatment, surgery can be considered. Endometriosis is a disease that can have a direct impact on other organs, leaving surgery as the only treatment option. 

There are different types of surgery available to treat Endometriosis. The type of surgery performed will depend on the severity of the disease and where it is located. The two surgical approaches used to treat Endometriosis are:

·       Laparoscopic (with or without robotic assistance) : An endoscope (small tube with camera on the end) is inserted through a tiny incision. The surgeon can then see inside the pelvis, visualize the Endometriosis and remove it, either by the use of an electric current or laser.

·       Laparotomy: A larger incision is made in the lower abdomen and the surgeon removes the Endometriosis. Previously, this was the only type of surgery available for Endometriosis Excision. It is now only done in rare cases.

Each type of surgery has its own risks and benefits. Your doctor will be able to discuss these with you in more detail and help you decide which surgery is best for you. If surgery is necessary, be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor so that you can make an informed decision about the best course of treatment for you.

Does Surgery Cure Endometriosis?

Sadly, surgery is not always 100% and does have associated risks. Depending on goals of treatment and post surgical management, some women will experience recurrence of their symptoms. The reasoning behind reoccurrence can vary depending on clinical context. However, one thing you do have control over is choosing an experienced gynecologic surgeon.  You want an experienced surgeon who has an expertise in the surgical management of Endometriosis, improving the success rate of treatment.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Endometriosis, please see your doctor. There is no need to suffer in silence. Treatment options are available and getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step on the road to recovery. In need of an experienced gynecologic surgeon? Call to schedule a consultation with me today! We’ll explore your options for treatment and set you on a path for healing!