Medical Reasons For Vaginal Surgery
Many women decide to have vaginal surgery because of either psychological, sexual or medical reasons. The pelvic area changes due to many circumstances. Childbirth, especially multiple childbirths, hormonal loss due to medications, hormonal loss due to cancer treatment, weight problems, congenital problems, or aging. These conditions may affect sexual activity, marriage and self-esteem. Conditions like prolapse, or stress incontinence may cause embarrassment in public or private settings. Treatment is often necessary as the problem may become more serious if left unattended to.
Some common medical reasons for vaginal surgery include:
- Organ prolapse – This occurs when the pelvic musculature is weak allowing the uterus, bladder, rectum or upper vagina to fall or protrude into the vagina opening. A bladder prolapse is called a cystocele. A weak pelvic support system cannot support the organs relying on its integrity and often collapses especially when there is an increase in abdominal pressure or strain from laughing, coughing or physical and sexual activity. The most common is of course stress urinary incontinence which is treated with insertion of a pessary or TOT sling or more extensive vaginal surgery in the more severe cases.
- Menorrhagia – Many women experience heavy and sometimes painful bleeding for prolonged periods because of problems with uterine lining. This can occur due to many reasons some due to aging, some due to polyps or growths. If not treated within a reasonable period of time, anemia can develop having the patient weak and tired. There are two options for vaginal surgery: Novasure or surgical ablation. Ablation uses a probe to freeze and ablate or wear away the uterine lining. Novasure is a similar option that uses heat to ablate or wear away the uterine lining. Each is performed under local anesthesia. This vaginal surgery procedure is more conservative than hysterectomy and the uterus is not removed in these procedures. However, pregnancy is not an option following these treatments.
- Essure – This is a procedure to permanently sterilize the patient without incision or a general anesthetic. Lasting for approximately three months, a micro-insert is placed within the fallopian tubes to induce tissue scarring or growth thereby blocking the fallopian tubes for this period of time.
Because vaginal surgery is very personal and private, women seldom discuss them and some do not seek treatment right away. It is essential, however, that a woman has a thorough understanding of her anatomy and the many conditions that affect the female organs. She must seek medical advice and evaluation from a board certified physican who is knowledgeable and will explain her choices and outcomes. A call to the local health board or a referral from your private medical practitioner is recommended.
