Review of a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine
My perspective:
I agree that too many hysterectomies are being done for non-cancerous reasons. And ideally, no woman should ever have to choose between her uterus or her vagina. But the uterus is linked to a woman's biologic clock. Once a woman has completed her childbearing, the purpose of the uterus "to house the growing baby" is over.
The reality is that more women lose their vagina than lose their uterus. Over 50% of postmenopausal women have vulvar/vaginal symptoms such as dryness, burning, itching. With age and lack of use, the vagina becomes less elastic and shorter. The medical term for this is relative short vagina syndrome (seriously). And although the desire and the opportunity might be there, it's just too painful.
There are two relatively new products on the market 1) Mona Lisa - laser treatment to the vagina to restore moisture to the vagina and 2) Elvie - an intra-vaginal device with a smart phone app which provides women with biofeedback as they perform exercises to streghten their vaginal and pelvic floor muscles. Look for my perspective about these two in the near future.
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Review of a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine
We are all recovering from the impact of the Coronavirus. One thing that should be clear to us all, is that nothing else matters when one's health is on the line. If you are struggling with a GYN issue, don't let lack of funds keep you from getting help.
Now that you are working from home.. Should you schedule that GYN appointment while you have the time?
The most common reason for hysterectomy is symptomatic fibroids. Given the prevalence of fibroids, more women are seeking alternatives to hysterectomy. The science is evolving. More options and becoming available. Before consenting, know your options
POST MENOPAUSE VAGINAL DRYNESS. More common than you might think.. affecting many women who are too embarrassed to speak about it.
