Hysterectomy 101: Understanding Why You May Need One and How the Surgery Can Benefit You

According to the National Women’s Health Network, about 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually, making it the second most frequently performed surgical procedure for women in the U.S.

What Is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of some or all of a woman’s uterus, including the fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. A hysterectomy can be partial or total, depending on the reason for the hysterectomy. Therefore, in some cases, the ovaries, or even one ovary, may be left behind, and so can the lower part of the uterus.

Who Needs a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is most often performed due to specific conditions that affect the reproductive system of a woman. Here are some of the gynecological conditions that may result in the need for a hysterectomy:

  • Cancers of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes
  • Rupturing of the uterus
  • Widespread infection
  • Severe endometriosis

A hysterectomy may also be performed if a female has severe menstrual-related problems, such as unmanageable bleeding or extreme pain during cycles.

What Are the Benefits?

In some situations, the hysterectomy can be life-saving, especially if you suffer from a chronic condition that could affect the rest of your body, like some form of cancer. The surgery can also prevent pelvic organ prolapse if you are at risk, provide relief from extreme menstrual issues, and prevent problems if you are at risk of uterine cancer. Furthermore, if you have problems with irregular uterine bleeding, a hysterectomy will eliminate the problem.

While hysterectomies are common, they are also a serious surgical procedure and should be carefully discussed with your gynecologist. To learn more about what a hysterectomy is and to discuss if you should consider getting one, contact Avant Gynecology today.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Causes and Effects of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

As a woman, the pelvic organs are held in place by the pelvic floor, but sometimes, the pelvic floor becomes so weak that it causes pelvic organ prolapse. It is estimated that about one in three women will have issues with prolapse in their lifetime, which makes this condition one major concern for females.

Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The pelvic floor is often described as a type of hammock that holds the organs in the pelvic region in place. As you age or after giving birth, the pelvic floor can become weakened, which allows the organs that are normally supported to droop.

A few contributing factors that may make you more at risk for organ prolapse include:

  • Vaginal delivery during childbirth
  • Aging
  • Being overweight
  • A chronic cough
  • Prolonged issues with constipation

There are also factors that are assumed to put women at higher risk, such as repeated heavy lifting, family history of problems with prolapse, hysterectomy, and even longer-than-usual labors during childbirth. If you have any of the known or assumed risk factors, you should be more alert to signs of a prolapse.

Effects of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

If you suspect that you have issues with pelvic organ prolapse, it is important that you talk to your gynecologist. The longer the organs are allowed to droop, the further down they can fall, and the more issues you can have because of the situation. In most cases, symptoms will occur before the organs are visibly prolapsed, which means the organs have visibly extended the rim of the vagina or anus.

Pelvic floor prolapse can disrupt bladder and bowel functions, put you at risks of serious infections, and create all kinds of health problems. For more information about the causes and effects of pelvic organ prolapse, contact Avant Gynecology at 404-352-2850 or schedule an appointment today.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Avant Gynecology’s Dr. Durrett and Dr. Mora featured on “The Weekly Check-Up”

On Sunday, January 28, Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora of Avant Gynecology were guests on “The Weekly Check-Up with Dr. Bruce Feinberg,” a healthcare-focused radio show airing every Sunday on AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB.

On the show, Drs. Durrett and Mora discussed issues related to women’s health, such as hysterectomies, hormone replacement, menopause, and the advancing technologies in the field, among many other topics. Both doctors also discussed Avant Gynecology’s practice history and why it’s focused on gynecology only rather than obstetrics.

You can listen to the full show on “The Weekly Check-Up Atlanta”’s website.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Hormone Imbalance and You: What You Should Know as a Woman About Symptoms and Treatment

Inside of a woman’s body, there is a delicate balance of hormonal functions taking place every day. When these hormonal cycles are disrupted, it can cause all kinds of problems. It can make you feel really unwell and even change important bodily abilities, like the natural ability to fight cancer and stay well. Here is a look at some of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance and how treatment works.

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Hormone imbalance seems that it should be easy to spot, but the truth is, the problem can show itself in a host of different ways. Therefore, sometimes issues with hormonal imbalance can be diagnosed as something else. A few of the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance for a woman include:

  • Irregular periods, problems with fertility, and unpredictable monthly cycles
  • Unexplainable weight loss or weight gain
  • Feelings of anxiety, depression, and mood swings
  • Changes in sleep patterns or insomnia, as well as fatigue
  • Thinning hair or abnormal hair loss
  • Low libido or lack of interest in sex

Risks of Hormonal Imbalance

Not only will your hormones being off-kilter cause you to feel pretty bad, your hormones not being as they should can put you at risk of developing certain other medical conditions. For example, hormonal imbalance can cause you to be more at risk for:

  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Heart Disease
  • Obesity

Treatment for Hormonal Imbalance

Thankfully, you do not have to deal with hormonal imbalance and suffer from the symptoms indefinitely. There are all kinds of reasons why your hormones may be fluctuating, depleted, or not present enough in your body. Your doctor may recommend some form of synthetic hormone replacement therapy, but in a lot of cases, there are underlying issues that can be treated to bring your hormones back into balance. Contact us at Avant Gynecology for more information.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

Why Annual Gynecologic Exams Are Necessary

As a woman, there are all kinds of things you should be doing to lay a healthy foundation for your health, and your annual gynecologic exam is definitely one of them. Yet, many women forgo this annual exam with the assumption that it is not as important as other care. Here is a look at why annual gynecologic exams are one of the most important things you can do for your body and your health.

Annual Exams Help Prevent A Missed or A Late Diagnosis

Women face a few health concerns that are specific to their gender, and many of these health concerns are more treatable if they are caught early. For example, when ovarian cancer is caught in its earliest stages, 94 percent of patients diagnosed live well beyond five years after diagnosis because the cancer is not as likely to spread. Having an annual gynecological exam means a condition is less likely to go unnoticed, giving you a better chance at recovery.

Annual Exams Are Beneficial to Your Health

Annual exams with your gynecologist can help ensure you are keeping close tabs on the overall health of your entire body. During your annual exam, a general assessment will be done of many bodily processes, all of which can be indicative of other problems. People who have regular bouts of high blood glucose levels tend to have more issues with things like incontinence or yeast infections, for example. With your annual gynecological exam, you are taking steps to benefit the health of the rest of your body, not just your reproductive system.

In the end, annual gynecological exams are an important part of your healthcare plan as a female. If you would like to schedule an exam, reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for an appointment today.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.

5 Things Women Should Talk About With Their GYN

For a lot of women, gynecological appointments make them feel a little uneasy. After all, the gynecologist is who you talk to about some of your most intimate problems. However, getting comfortable with your doctor is highly important, and you should never feel ashamed to discuss what you are dealing with in your life or with your body. Here are five things women should talk about with their GYN.

1. Feminine Odor

Your body naturally produces a specific odor around your vaginal area. But if something smells amiss, such as a strong ammonia odor, make sure you talk to your GYN. Strange odors can be some of the first symptoms of other serious problems, such as vaginal infections.

2. Sexual History

Your GYN is not in your life to judge you because of how many sexual partners you’ve had or how long you’ve been abstinent. A lot of women are dishonest or not completely open about their sexual history with their doctor, but these questions are important for your health. For example, a higher number of partners may mean you are more at risk for HPV or cervical cancer.

3. Lacking Sex Drive

If you’ve been lacking sex drive for a while, it’s something you can and should mention to your doctor. Lacking sex drive can be indicative of hormonal changes in your body that are not normal that can be treated.

4. Unusual Urinary Habits

Maybe you’ve been hitting the restroom a lot more often or perhaps you have issues with bladder control. These issues don’t usually arise without a cause. So, if you are having changes in urinary habits, make sure you tell your GYN so they can help determine the cause of the issue.

5. Odd Growths

GYNs see about every issue you can imagine. So, if you have something odd growing in your vaginal area or something out-of-the-ordinary happening with your breasts, you should never feel awkward about bringing it up.

Avant Gynecology is proud to be Atlanta’s GYN and surgical specialists and are here to help. Schedule a consultation today be clicking here or by calling 404-352-2850 and get to your healthiest, most confident self by asking the five things women should talk about with their GYN.

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.