William H. Parker, MD

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently published an updated committee opinion regarding morcellation of presumed uterine leiomyoma. Here are the key points.

If you need treatment for fibroids, there are a number of options available to you. Your choices should be guided by the medical problems the fibroids are causing, your desire to have children, and your feelings and thoughts about surgery or other options. I think it is important for you to know all the options available.

Throughout history, menstruation has been associated with myth and superstition. Menstrual blood was felt to cure leprosy, warts, birthmarks, gout, worms and epilepsy. It has been used to ward off demons and evil spirits. Menstruating women have been separated from their tribes in order to prevent a bad influence on the crops or the hunt. As recently as 1930, the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding was felt to be an undue exposure to cold or wet just prior to the beginning of the period.

Of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed yearly in the U.S., approximately 300,000 are accompanied by prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy, traditionally suggested as the best strategy to decrease the rate of ovarian cancer.

Susan is a 58-year-old woman who saw her family physician after a few weeks of mild abdominal pain and bloating. The examination of her abdomen was normal, as was a pelvic and rectal exam. Blood tests for infection, liver and gall bladder problems were also normal.

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths of the muscle wall of the uterus. They are probably responsible for more unnecessary gynecologic surgery than any other condition. Every year a staggering 600,000 American women have a hysterectomy. And about 30 percent of those hysterectomies, 180,000 in all, are performed because of fibroids.

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths of the muscle wall of the uterus. They are probably responsible for more unnecessary gynecologic surgery than any other condition. Every year a staggering 600,000 American women have a hysterectomy. And about 30 percent of those hysterectomies, 180,000 in all, are performed because of fibroids. For many years gynecologists have surgically removed these growths, often because of fear of the problems they might cause in the future. And those problems are often overstated.

OBGYN.net Conference CoverageFrom the 34th Annual Meeting - Chicago, Illinois - November 2005

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths of the muscle wall of the uterus. They are probably responsible for more unnecessary gynecologic surgery than any other condition. It is a staggering number, but about 600,000 American women have a hysterectomy every year. And about 30% of those hysterectomies, 180,000 in all, are performed because of fibroids. For many years these growths have been surgically removed, often because of fear of the problems they might cause in the future. And, those problems are often overstated. While approximately 30% of all women will have fibroids during their lifetimes, the vast majority of these women will never have symptoms and will never require treatment. And, for the rare patient that does have problems, there are a number of sound and effective options available. Hysterectomy should be the solution of last resort.

Pelvic pain that lasts 6 or more months, and is not associated with the menstrual period, is called chronic pelvic pain (menstrual pain is discussed in chapter 3). Chronic pelvic pain is a fairly common problem. It is estimated that about 20% of the visits to gynecologists are for pelvic pain, and one out of every seven hysterectomies are performed for this reason. Chronic pelvic pain can lead to significant distress and even disability. In recent years, a great deal of effort and research has been focused on helping women with chronic pelvic pain and people suffering from all types of chronic pain. Because of this, we are able to help people diminish the effects of pain.

In some situations surgery may be recommended by your physician. Although many people around the world walk into hospitals each day to face an operation, very few of us can do it without at least some fear. It is always a step that requires a great deal of thought and consideration since it involves some discomfort, some risk, and some disruption of one's life.

Throughout history, menstruation has been associated with myth and superstition. Menstrual blood was felt to cure leprosy, warts, birthmarks, gout, worms and epilepsy. It has been used to ward off demons and evil spirits. Menstruating women have been separated from their tribes in order to prevent a bad influence on the crops or the hunt. As recently as 1930, the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding was felt to be an undue exposure to cold or wet just prior to the beginning of the period.

The terminology used to describe pap smear results has changed over the past few years, leading to confusion about what the results of your pap smear actually mean. Originally, pap smears were divided into 5 "classes" based on what the cells looked like to the pathologist. Class I was normal, while class II cells appeared a little irregular to the pathologist, usually representing bacterial infection. Class III and IV pap smears suggested that dysplastic cells were present, and further testing needed to be done. Class V usually meant cancer.

Leaving ovaries intact during hysterectomies for non-cancerous conditions may boost long-term survival rates for women under age 65, according to the results of a new study published in the August issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

This book is written to give understandable answers to women suffering from Incontinence. It explains the condition and gives realistic options to those suffering from this embarrassing condition. I read it and learned much from it.

Everyone who has had a child knows that once a baby is born, life is never the same again.

From the 34th Annual Meeting - Chicago, Illinois - November 2005

From the 34th Annual Meeting - Chicago, Illinois - November 2005

From the 34th Annual Meeting - Chicago, Illinois - November 2005

From the 34th Annual Meeting - Chicago, Illinois - November 2005

From the 34th Annual Meeting - Chicago, Illinois - November 2005