MISforWomen.com

MISforWomen.com is a service of the AAGL, a non-profit association of minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons from all over the world. For over 40 years, the surgeons in the AAGL have worked to advance the minimally invasive surgical procedures and technologies that now allow millions of women each year to experience less pain and return to their daily routines more quickly following surgery.

Interstitial Cystitis – Endometriosis’ “Evil Twin”

Have you been diagnosed with endometriosis? If so, have you heard of Interstitial Cystitis? Did you know that painful menstrual cycles and painful intercourse may not only be due to endometriosis? Do you know that studies have shown that 50-84% of women with endometriosis may also have Interstitial Cystitis (I.C.)?

Whereas endometriosis is treated with either medical management or surgery, I.C. is not treated by surgery! That’s right. I.C. is known as “Endometriosis’ Evil Twin”. The symptoms of I.C. can be identical to endometriosis. Some women with I.C. may experience only pelvic pain, while others may also describe urinary frequency (urinating more than 7 times a day), urinary urgency, or getting up to urinate several times at night. ( READ MORE )
Uterine-preserving and Fertility-preserving Alternatives to Hysterectomy When Treating Fibroids
By Dr. William Parker

For women who wish to preserve their fertility or preserve their uterus regardless of fertility issues, hysterectomy should be a last resort.

When fertility preservation is the goal, it is important for the gynecologist to know the number, sizes and exact positions of the fibroids in order to guide the best treatment. Fibroids that change the shape of the uterine cavity can decrease fertility and will be best detected using saline-infusion ultrasound, hysteroscopy (telescope looking into the uterine cavity) or MRI (most accurate). ( READ MORE )

Hysterectomy
In the United States alone, more than 600,000 women per year have hysterectomies, yet only about half of those procedures are performed using MIS. Although abdominal hysterectomies are sometimes indicated for women with certain medical histories, minimally invasive techniques can be used in most benign situations to decrease recovery time, reduce pain, and save on the cost of surgery. LEARN MORE » DISCUSS »

Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the blood and cells that form the endometrial lining of the uterus during the menstrual cycle exit the uterus through the fallopian tubes instead of through the vagina. This causes irritation in the abdominal cavity and surrounding organs, which often results in pelvic pain. A variety of MIS treatments are available for managing endometriosis and reducing pelvic pain. LEARN MORE » DISCUSS »

Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is often caused by a number of related medical conditions, including pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis. A number of minimally invasive options are now available for reducing or eliminating pelvic pain. LEARN MORE » DISCUSS »

Fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumor-like growths in the muscle walls of the uterus, and are often the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pelvic pressure. In rare cases, they may interfere with a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Medical advances have made it possible to remove fibroids using minimally invasive surgical techniques including laparoscopic myomectomy and hysteroscopic myomectomy. LEARN MORE » DISCUSS »

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Women vary greatly in their menstrual cycles: what is normal for one may be abnormal for another. Many lifestyle factors can disrupt your normal cycle and cause you to miss periods or experience heavier-than-usual periods. All of these can be addressed by correcting the underlying problem, and in some cases through treatment with hormones. LEARN MORE » DISCUSS »

Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence (UI), the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder, affects some 25 million adults, 75-80% of them women. It is important for women to know that incontinence is not a normal consequence of aging. In addition to non-surgical approaches, minimally invasive surgical approaches are now available to treat SUI, so women do not have to accept a compromised lifestyle. LEARN MORE » DISCUSS »

Interstitial Cystitis – Endometriosis’ “Evil Twin”

Uterine-preserving and Fertility-preserving Alternatives to Hysterectomy When Treating Fibroids