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The Pros and Cons of Ovary Removal to Prevent Cancer

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For women at high risk of ovarian cancer, prophylactic (or preventative) surgery to remove the ovaries and Fallopian tubes may be an option. The purpose of this surgery is to significantly reduce the chance of developing ovarian cancer. It is important to note that this surgery cannot guarantee the prevention of ovarian cancer, as there is always a very small chance that cancer could develop in other areas of the reproductive system. However, for women at high risk, this surgery may be the best option to reduce their risk as much as possible. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this preventative measure.

The Pros

1. Prophylactic ovary removal significantly reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.

2. The surgery can be performed laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive surgical procedure with a shorter recovery time.

3. For women who have already completed their family, prophylactic ovary removal eliminates the need for additional fertility treatments should they wish to conceive in the future.

4. The surgery may also have the added benefit of reducing the risk of breast cancer.

5. In some cases, insurance companies will cover the cost of the procedure for high-risk women.

6. Women who undergo prophylactic ovary removal can still experience sexual arousal and orgasm after surgery, as orgasm does not require ovulation or eggs.

7. In addition, many women report feeling empowered by taking proactive measures to protect their health through surgery.

The Cons 

1. Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, it is still major surgery and comes with inherent risks such as infection or bleeding.

2. Complete removal of the ovaries and Fallopian tubes leads to surgical menopause, which can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and other symptoms associated with menopause. These symptoms can be managed with hormone therapy, but some women prefer not to take hormones long term due to potential side effects such as blood clots or breast cancer risks.

3. Prophylactic ovary removal will not prevent all cases of ovarian cancer from developing, as there is always a very small chance that cancer could occur in other areas of the reproductive system not removed during surgery (e.g., in residual ovarian tissue left behind or in the peritoneum).

4. The decision to undergo prophylactic ovary removal is often a difficult one, as it means making peace with the possibility that you may never have children or carry a pregnancy to term if you have not done so already. This is a significant consideration for many women who are still young and have not yet completed their families but are at high risk for ovarian cancer due to genetic mutations such as BRCA1/2 or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

5. Insurance companies may not cover the cost of prophylactic ovary removal for all women at high risk for ovarian cancer (e.g., those without genetic mutations), which can make this expensive surgery out-of-pocket for some patients ($8-20k on average).  

6. Lastly, it is important to note that even after undergoing prophylactic ovary removal, regular Pap smears and pelvic exams are still recommended to screen for early signs of cervical or endometrial cancers that could develop following surgery.

 As you can see, there are both pros and cons to consider before undergoing prophylactic ovary removal surgery to prevent ovarian cancer. This decision ultimately comes down to each individual woman’s values and priorities regarding her health and reproductive future. For some women, undergoing this preventive measure gives them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their health destiny; for others, managing their disease risk through regular screenings and close surveillance may be a more appealing option given the potential side effects associated with surgical menopause caused by prophylactic ovary removal. There is no right or wrong answer here; it truly depends on what matters most to each individual woman making this decision for herself. Whichever route you choose, be sure to consult with your OB/GYN and/or genetic counselor to learn more about your personal disease risk factors and create a comprehensive plan that meets your unique needs and preferences moving forward!

Contraception Options for Women: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Each One

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There are many contraception options available for women these days. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, which can be confusing to figure out. In this blog post, we will discuss all the major contraception options for women. This includes both reversible and permanent methods. By understanding the pros and cons of each one, you can make an informed decision about what is best for you!

The most common reversible contraception methods are birth control pills, the patch, and the ring. These all work by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation. The birth control pill is taken orally every day, while the patch and ring are both worn on the body. They must be replaced every week or month, respectively. The main advantage of these methods is that they are very effective at preventing pregnancy. However, they can also have some side effects like weight gain, mood swings, and nausea.

The various birth control pills are a common method for contraception. As with anything, there are pros and cons to this option. Before elaborating on those pros and cons, let’s talk about what birth control actually is. There are many different types and brands of birth control pills available on the market today. They all work by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation.

The main advantage of the birth control pill is that it is very effective at preventing pregnancy. In fact, when taken correctly, it is about 99% effective. That means that out of 100 women who use the pill, only one will get pregnant in a year. The other major advantage of the pill is that it can be used to regulate your period. You can take it so that you only have your period a few times per year, or you can even skip it altogether!

However, there are also some disadvantages to the pill. One is that it can have some side effects like weight gain, mood swings, and nausea. Another is that it does not protect against STDs. If you are sexually active and not in a monogamous relationship, you should be using condoms in addition to the pill to reduce your risk of contracting an STD.

The patch and ring are two other common reversible contraception methods. They work in a similar way to the pill, by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation. The main advantage of these methods is that they are very effective at preventing pregnancy. However, they can also have some side effects like weight gain, mood swings, and nausea.

Another common method of contraception is the intrauterine device (IUD). This is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper. The hormonal IUD releases hormones that prevent pregnancy, while the copper IUD works by causing an inflammatory reaction in the uterus that is toxic to sperm.

The main advantage of the IUD is that it is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. The other major advantage of the IUD is that it can be used for up to 12 years! However, there are also some disadvantages to the IUD. One is that it can cause cramping and bleeding during insertion and removal. Another is that, like birth control pills, it does not protect against STDs. 

Tubal ligation is a permanent contraception method for women. It involves surgery to tie or block the fallopian tubes, which prevents eggs from being able to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. This means that pregnancy cannot occur. Although effective in preventing pregnancy, instead of simply taking a pill, it is an invasive procedure. To complete the tubal ligation, your surgeon will perform a surgical procedure known as a laparoscopy.  This is a minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions and a camera to access the fallopian tubes. Once the surgeon has visual access to the fallopian tubes, they will then place clips or rings on them to block them off.

The main advantage of tubal ligation is that it is a permanent contraception method. That means that you will never have to worry about getting pregnant again! The other major advantage of tubal ligation is that it can be performed as a same-day surgery, so you won’t have to stay in the hospital overnight. However, there are also some disadvantages to tubal ligation. One, is that there are risks associated with surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and pain. Another is that it is essentially permanent. Although there is a procedure to reverse a tubal ligation, it is not always successful and can be very costly.

There are many different contraception options available for women, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to talk to your doctor about which method is right for you, based on your individual circumstances.

What are some other questions you have about contraception? Leave them in the comments below! And be sure to check out my other blog posts for more information on women’s health.

Everything You Need to Know about Ectopic Pregnancy

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An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are rare – occurring in only 1-2% of all pregnancies – but they can be dangerous because they can cause serious internal bleeding. If you think you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, it is important to get medical help right away. In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about ectopic pregnancies: what they are, how they happen, and how they’re addressed.

An ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus. The vast majority of ectopic pregnancies (95%) implant in the Fallopian tube, but they can also occur in the ovary, abdomen, or cervix. In very rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy may implant in the neck of the womb (cervix), which is known as a cervical ectopic pregnancy.

The sooner an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome will be.

There are several factors that can increase your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. These include:

– Having a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis

– Being over the age of 35

– Having had a previous ectopic pregnancy

– Taking fertility drugs to help you get pregnant

– Smoking cigarettes

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to speak with your doctor before becoming pregnant. They may recommend that you take extra steps to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, such as taking medication or having your Fallopian tubes surgically removed (salpingectomy).

The most common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy is vaginal bleeding. This can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding, and it usually occurs around the time when you would expect your period. Other symptoms may include:

– Sharp, cramping pain on one side of your pelvis

– Pain in your shoulder or rectum

– Nausea and vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. They will likely order a pregnancy test and an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, there are several treatment options available. The most common is Laparoscopic surgery, which involves making multiple small incisions in the abdomen and removing the Fallopian tube that contains the ectopic pregnancy. In some cases, it may be possible to treat an ectopic pregnancy with medication instead of surgery. This is typically only an option if the ectopic pregnancy is very early on and has not caused any damage to the Fallopian tube.

The prognosis for an ectopic pregnancy is generally good, especially if it is caught early. However, there is a risk of serious complications, such as ruptured Fallopian tubes or heavy bleeding. In rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy can even be life-threatening. If you think you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, it’s important to seek medical help right away.

I hope this blog post has helped to explain everything you need to know about ectopic pregnancies. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my office! I’m here to help!

Foods That May Shrink Fibroids – The Best Natural Options

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Do you have fibroids? If so, you’re not alone. Many women suffer from this condition, which is characterized by the growth of benign tumors in the uterus. While there are many treatments available, including surgery and medication, some women prefer to try natural methods first. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five foods that can help shrink fibroids.

Dandelion root is a popular herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including fibroids. This is because the dandelion root contains compounds that can help shrink tumors. It’s also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate the hormones that play a role in the development of fibroids.

Another food that can help shrink fibroids is broccoli. Broccoli is rich in nutrients like vitamins C and E, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors. Additionally, broccoli contains compounds that can help to detoxify the body and promote healthy cell growth.

If you’re looking for a food that’s rich in antioxidants, then look no further than blueberries. Blueberries are packed with nutrients that can help to protect cells from damage and promote healthy cell growth. Additionally, blueberries have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors.

Turmeric is another food that has been shown to be effective in shrinking fibroids. This is because turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors.

Last but not least, ginger is a great option for shrinking fibroids. Ginger contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and promote healthy cell growth. Additionally, ginger has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors.

You may be wondering if there are foods you should avoid that can influence the growth of fibroids. The answer is yes.

A few examples of such foods are:

  • Processed foods: These foods are high in unhealthy fats and chemicals that can promote the growth of fibroids.
  • Refined sugars: Sugar can feed the growth of tumors and should be avoided if you have fibroids.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can contribute to the development of fibroids and should be avoided if possible.

Some other popular natural methods for treating fibroids include: acupuncture, herbs, and essential oils. If you’re interested in trying one of these methods, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first.

We hope this blog post has been helpful in giving you some ideas for foods that may shrink fibroids, among a few other natural options. Remember, if you’re considering any treatment, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first.

Please note that the above information is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. In need of one? Contact my office today, to schedule an appointment!

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!

This Juneteenth: Honoring the Mothers of Modern Gynecology

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This Juneteenth, we remember the enslaved black women who were abused for the sake of medical advancement. Their stories have been largely left out of mainstream history, but they are an important part of our heritage. Enslaved black women were routinely subjected to painful and dangerous medical procedures without anesthesia, all in the name of “progress,” but it was nothing more than a guise for abuse. We owe it to them to remember their courage and strength in the face of adversity. Today, we honor their legacy.

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th, and marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and slavery was abolished. This date is significant as it represented what was supposed to be a time of new beginnings. Slave ownership was not limited to plantation owners. The “father of modern gynecology”, Dr. J. Marion Sims, owned slaves and used them as guinea pigs to test his medical theories. He performed numerous, painful surgeries on black women without anesthesia because he believed they were immune to pain. If the patient’s slave owners agreed to provide clothing and pay taxes, he would accept temporary ownership of them until their “treatment” was completed. In Sims’ autobiography entitled, The Story of My Life, with respect to the advantages of temporary slave ownership, he states, “There was never a time that I could not, at any day, have had a subject for operation”. One of his most famous patients was a woman named Anarcha. She underwent at least 30 operations over the course of three years. Sims was quoted as saying that he “treated her almost like a dog” during her time as his patient.

Sims began performing experimental surgeries on enslaved black women without anesthesia, in an attempt to develop a new technique for treating vesicovaginal fistulas. These procedures were incredibly painful and often resulted in infection or death. As a result of his experimentations, Sims developed the vaginal speculum.  This device is still in use today, but sadly came about as a result of the suffering of black women.

In honor of Juneteenth, let us remember the mothers of modern gynecology who were abused in the name of medical progress. Their strength and courage in the face of unimaginable pain and suffering is an inspiration to us all. Let us also use this day as a reminder to stand up against injustice, wherever it may be found. We have come a long way since 1865, but there is still much work to be done. Let us honor the legacy of these women by continuing the fight for equality and justice for all.

Sources:

– “The Story of My Life.” J. Marion Sims, MD. Philadelphia: Lippincott & Co., 1884.

– “A Timeline of the Life of J. Marion Sims.” Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Accessed June 19, 2019.

– “Enslaved Black Women in Early Gynecology.” Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Accessed June 19, 2019.

– “Anarcha.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed June 19, 2019.

Vedantam, Shankar, et al. “Remembering Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey: The Mothers of Modern Gynecology.” NPR, NPR, 7 Feb. 2017, https://www.npr.org/2017/02/07/513764158/remembering-anarcha-lucy-and-betsey-the-mothers-of-modern-gynecology.