Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer manifests in different ways - endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Most instances of uterine cancer occur in the endometrial tissue lining the uterus. While instances of uterine cancer are on the rise, they are curable if detected early. Uterine cancer typically affects a woman after menopause. The noticeable symptoms of uterus cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding,
But not all abnormal bleeding is related to cancer. A doctor can examine the patient and diagnose the condition. Pelvic pain and change in bowel routine are noticed when the cancer of the uterus is at an advanced stage. Certain conditions predispose some women to developing uterine cancer. Obesity is a major factor that increases a woman's risk of developing this disease. Excessive fat cells lead to increased production of estrogen that builds up in the uterine lining. Use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) can greatly increase a woman's riks of developing cancer of the uterus. Women who have few or no children and have had a delayed menopause are also at greater risk. Birth control pills containing only estrogen puts a woman at increased risk of uterine cancer. Heredity also plays a role in whether a woman is susceptible to uterine cancer.
A doctor can examine the medical history and conduct a physical examination to check the uterus, vagina, ovaries and rectum. A pap smear is recommended annually for women over the age of 21, especially for those who have been sexually active. A few cells from the cervix and upper vagina are scraped and taken for testing. This test aids in detecting any malignant and pre-malignant changes in the cervix. Uterine cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy or hormones. Often, some of these treatment options are used in combination. Surgery involves removal of uterus and cervix. Chemotherapy involves use of drugs to treat cancer while radiation uses high-intensity rays to kill cancer cells. But women undergoing treatment may experience side effects such as diarrhea, vaginal burning sensation, pain during intercourse, loss of appetite and nausea. Chemotherapy may lead to hair loss, vomiting and drop in blood count.
Contraceptive injection progestin
Just like oral contraceptives, birth control injections work at suppressing ovulation. With a success rate of nearly 99.7 %, these hormonal injections are effective for 12 weeks. The hormonal birth control shots are also known as DMPA - depot medroxyprogesteroneacetate.
It is effective for women who cannot take estrogen. There is lesser menstrual cramping as well as lesser chance of anemia when on such birth control injections. Besides, it decreases the risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease. Contraceptive shots can be used while breastfeeding.
Progestin injection is not recommended for long-term use since it has some side effects. Irregular bleeding is a common side effect. Some women complain of longer or heavier menstrual bleeding. Some women who are on birth control injections also experience depression, skin rash, weight gain and nausea. Hair loss or increased hair growth on the face and body can also result from use of birth control shots. It is noticed that some women experience decreased sexual drive. Some studies have shown that women using contraceptive injections may experience loss of bone density that may increase their risk of osteoporosis.
Therefore women who are on birth control injections are advised to take plenty of calcium and keep up an exercise regimen. Women taking medication for Cushing's syndrome may not receive adequate birth control protection from this injection. Birth control shots do not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections. Sometimes, there is a slight delay of return to fertility in some women.
Birth control shots are not recommended for women who want to become pregnant in the near future or those who have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Women who are diabetic or have recently suffered from liver disease are allowed to use injectable birth control shots only under close medical supervision. Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus that can sometimes save the life of a woman. Hysterectomies are usually performed abdominally or vaginally. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is also performed in some cases.
Reasons for hysterectomy
Gynecological cancer: Cancer of the uterus or cervix usually necessitates removal of the uterus and cervix. Endometrial cancer, cancer of the uterus or cervix or fallopian tubes usually requires hysterectomy surgery.
Endometriosis: In some cases of severe bleeding following endometriosis, a hysterectomy surgery is advised. This is the second leading reason for hysterectomies.
Fibroids: While most fibroid tumors can be treated by non-surgical methods, hysterectomy surgery may be the only permanent solution.
Uterine prolapse: When the uterus moves from its usual place down into the vagina, it can affect other organs such as the bladder. This can happen due to childbirth, obesity, loss of estrogen after menopause and weak pelvic ligaments and tissues.
Other reasons for going for a hysterectomy surgery range from heavy or irregular menstrual periods to dysmenorrhea. Severe pelvic inflammatory disease can sometimes necessitate a hysterectomy.
Types of hysterectomy surgery
Total hysterectomy involves removal of the cervix and uterus. It is known as Oopherectomy. Partial hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove only the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place. This type of hysterectomy is referred to as supra cervical hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy. Radical hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina and the supporting tissues.
Hysterectomy surgery performed prior to menopause can bring about severe and prolonged symptoms as compared to natural menopause. A woman can experience bone loss, loss of libido, depression and anxiety. Many women may need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) following total hysterectomy where the ovaries are removed before menopause.
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