Gynecological procedures are sometimes necessary in order to preserve one’s health. There are several common surgeries and procedures that one might need during the course of their life, no matter if it’s for cosmetic reasons or due to serious issues. Here are some of the procedures that millions of people undergo each year.
Colposcopy
In case your doctor said you need a colposcopy, there’s nothing to be scared of. This is a non-surgical diagnostic tool that’s used for examining the cervix, vagina, and vulva. It can be recommended when someone’s Pap smear is abnormal. The medical professional will use a magnifying instrument called a colposcope. In case a certain area seems concerning, they might take a sample and have it tested in a laboratory.
Dilation and curettage
Also called D&C, dilation and curettage is another common surgery that is used to remove the lining inside one’s uterus. Its name comes from the two steps of this procedure – dilation of the cervix and curettage aka removing tissue from the uterus with a sharp, thin tool. D&C is sometimes recommended if you had a miscarriage or an abortion, if you have abnormal bleeding, or if you have uterine problems like polyps, cancer, or fibroids.
Cervical cryosurgery
Another important procedure is cervical cryosurgery. It’s used to remove potentially harmful tissue or cells from the cervix by applying liquid nitrogen and freezing cold chemicals. Cervical cryosurgery can also be used to handle irregular bleeding and abnormal cells, thus potentially preventing the development of cancerous cells. Your healthcare provider might suggest this if you return a suspicious Pap smear.
Hysteroscopy
In case you have abnormal Pap smear results, repeated miscarriages, post-menopausal bleeding, unexplained uterine bleeding, scarring or fibroids, or a misplaced IUD, your doctor might tell you that you need a hysteroscopy. This is a common procedure that takes a look at your fallopian tubes and uterine lining. It can diagnose various issues and help your OB-GYN decide if additional surgery is necessary. It can be used to remove polyps and tumors while a hysteroscopy biopsy will determine if there are any other issues you need to be aware of.
Endometrial ablation
Excessive and irregular bleeding is addressed with different types of procedures, one of which is endometrial ablation. It is used to reduce a person’s menstrual flow or completely stop it by eliminating their uterine lining. While it might sound serious, endometrial ablation is actually minimally invasive and doesn’t involve any incisions. A variety of tools that rely on radiofrequency, heated substances, freezing substances, and other types of innovative methods are used when performing this procedure.
In addition to menstrual bleeding that lasts over ten days at a time, endometrial ablation is also recommended for extremely heavy periods and anemia that’s the result of excessive blood loss. It’s important to note that you can still carry a successful pregnancy even after this procedure, but you should still consult with your doctor to ensure your pregnancy is not ectopic. On the other hand, you can also be sterilized during endometrial ablation, so talk to your OB-GYN.
LEEP
There are certain health screening tests every woman should undergo, and Pap smears once a year are one of them. If it shows abnormal cells on the cervix, your healthcare provider might suggest a LEEP. A loop electrosurgical excision procedure uses a thin, electrically-charged wire loop to cut away any abnormal tissue. Your doctor can do this in their office, under local anesthesia, and it doesn’t take long.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is not used to treat issues but to make accurate diagnoses and see which further treatments might be necessary, as it allows surgeons to take a closer look at a person’s abdomen and reproductive organs. Certain surgeons only use these to get the bigger picture while others also collect tissue samples for testing. A microscopic tool that films your liver, spleen, pancreas, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, gallbladder, and stomach is inserted through a small incision. As it’s minimally invasive, it’s a great option for many people who tried MRIs and ultrasounds but got no conclusive results. This procedure can diagnose issues like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease as well as determine the cause of pain or infertility.
Hysterectomy
The most serious procedure on this list is a hysterectomy. It can be partial (which removes only the uterus but leaves the cervix) and total (which removes both the cervix and the uterus). This is permanent and not prescribed lightly. However, it is the best solution in certain cases such as cancer of the womb, uterus, or cervix, abnormal bleeding, heavy periods, fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine prolapse, and persistent pelvic pain.
From helping with diagnoses to solving issues, gynecological procedures come in various forms so make sure to stay informed.
About the Guest Author:
Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.
