
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Types of hysterectomies include: total abdominal hysterectomy, supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), and oophorectomy.
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Vaginal Bleeding
Learn about what causes abnormal vaginal bleeding (spotting in between periods), including hormonal disorders, benign or malignant tumors, blood clotting disorders, certain medications, and infections. -
Bladder Control Problems
Bladder control problems, or urinary incontinence, affect over 13 million people in the U.S. Causes include urinary tract infection, overactive bladder, blocked urethra, medication side effect, and muscle weakness. Symptoms and signs include hematuria, straining, dribbling, frequency, and urgency. Treatment may incorporate behavioral therapy, medication, and surgery. -
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer can be cured if it is detected and treated early. Risk factors for cervical cancer include HPV infection, smoking, oral contraceptive use, and having a weakened immune system. Treatment for cervical cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. -
Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia is the presence of precancerous changes in the cells of the lining of the cervix. Cervical dysplasia is classified by two terms, squamous intraepithelial lesion and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The cause of cervical dysplasia is infection with the HPV virus (human papilloma virus). An HPV infection that does not resolve on it's own can lead to genital warts, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer. The treatment of cervical dysplasia depends on the severity (mild, moderate, or severe). -
Endometrial Cancer
Uterine (endometrial) cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the U.S. Read about staging, symptoms, prognosis, risk factors and treatment. Treatment may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. -
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer occurs when tumors in the female reproductive organs, the ovaries, grow out of control. Doctors aren't sure what causes ovarian cancer, but heredity plays a role. Symptoms include: Pelvic pain or pressure, Pain with intercourse, Abdominal swelling and bloating, Urinary frequency, Constipation, Ascites (collection of fluid in the abdomen), Loss of appetite, Feeling full after eating little, Gas and/or diarrhea, Nausea and vomiting, and Abnormalities in menstruation. Treatment may include surgery followed by chemotherapy. -
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) occurs during the first two weeks before a woman begins her menstrual cycle. Symptoms of PMS include: mood changes, behavioral changes, changes in physical functions; like headache, palpitations, bloating, breast tenderness, constipation, weight gain, fatigue, and diarrhea. Treatment for PMS include lifestyle changes and OTC or prescription medication. -
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors (non-cancerous tumors) of a woman's uterus. The exact reason why some women develop uterine fibroids is not known. Obesity, nulliparity, and early menstruation are conditions associated with uterine fibroids. Some of the symptoms of uterine fibroids include irregular vaginal bleeding, constipation, lower abdominal pain, infertility, and more. Treatment of a uterine fibroid depends on the size and location of the fibroid. -
Vaginal Infections
Vaginal infections, or vaginitis, describe the most common medical concerns women have in the area of their reproductive organs. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that creates discharge, odor, and other symptoms.
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Vaginal Infections Vaginal infections, or vaginitis, describe the most common medical concerns women have in the area of their reproductive organs. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that creates discharge, odor, and other symptoms.
Expert Views and News
- Panel: Hormone Therapy Not for Disease Prevention
- Many Medical Tests, Procedures Not Always Needed
- New Cervical Cancer Guidelines: Less Screening
- Estrogen After Hysterectomy Lowers Cancer Risk?
- New Drug Treats Fibroids With Fewer Side Effects
- CDC: Cancer Screening Below Target Rates
- Guidelines Suggest Less Frequent Screening for Cervical Cancer
- Gene Mutation Found in Uterine Fibroids
- Ovary Removal Doesn't Raise Heart Risk
- Estrogen-Only HRT Not So Risky in 50s
Hysterectomy Topic Guide - Visuals
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