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Uterine Balloon Therapy
www.UterineBalloonTherapy.com

Uterine Balloon Therapy Information, Resources 
and Physician Referrals

Endometrial Ablation, Dilation and Curettage, Thermal Balloon Ablation and Uterine Balloon Therapy
Information, Resources and Physician Referrals for Treating Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding)

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Uterine Balloon Therapy
www.UterineBalloonTherapy.com

What is "Uterine Balloon Therapy"?

"Uterine Balloon Therapy" - also known as "Thermal Balloon Ablation" - is a minor surgical procedure that destroys the lining of of a woman's uterus using a balloon that is inserted through the vagina, then through the cervical opening, or os.  The balloon, once in place and properly positioned in the uterus, is then filled with a fluid and then heated.  The heat - which isn't that hot, and never felt by the patient undergoing the therapy - then destroys the lining of the uterus. 


How is Uterine Balloon Therapy performed?

Uterine Balloon Therapy  is typically performed on an out-patient basis and requires either light general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia. 

Uterine Balloon Therapy involves inserting a balloon catheter through the vagina, then through the cervix and into the uterus. The balloon is then filled with sterile liquid so that it expands and fills the contours of the woman's uterus. The liquid inside the balloon is then heated and maintained at 87°C for 8 minutes which scalds and permanently destroys the endometrial lining of the uterus. 

After 8 minutes, the liquid inside the uterine balloon is withdrawn and then the balloon catheter is deflated and removed back out of the uterus and vagina. 

The lining of the uterus (endometrium) will gradually shed away (through the vagina - like a period) over the following 2 to 3 weeks..  The woman will experience a vaginal, bloodstained discharge over the next 2-3 weeks.

Almost all patients are discharged the same day after the Uterine Balloon Therapy procedure and may experience uterine cramps - very similar to menstrual cramps, for a few hours to 1-2 days at most. 

Who are candidates for Uterine Balloon Therapy?

Women who have been suffering from Patients suffering from Menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding due to benign causes, are excellent candidates for Uterine Balloon Therapy. 

The overall success rate for women that undergo Uterine Balloon Therapy is around 80% and significantly reduces menstrual bleeding for these women.

However, Uterine Balloon Therapy is not a suitable therapy for patients with submucous fibroids or patients with large and irregular uterine cavities. 

In addition, this procedure is NOT for patients who have not completed their family planning and intend to have children as becoming pregnant after Uterine Balloon Therapy can be life-threatening.

Benefits of Uterine Balloon Therapy

Uterine Balloon Therapy has the distinct advantage of being handled on an outpatient basis and with a very low risk for complications. 

In addition, there is no effect on a woman's hormone balance and hormonal functioning.  Therefore, she will not require hormone replacement therapy unlike in the case of a hysterectomy with removal of ovaries.

Recent studies indicate that most women find that Uterine Balloon Therapy met or exceeded their expectations and is their preferred treatment for menorrhagia.  This is primarily due to the fact  as they get to keep their uterus, as opposed to a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and may lead to other complications in the future, including Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

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What is Endometrial Ablation?

Endometrial Ablation is the removal of the lining of the uterus, or "endometrium."  After the doctor removes the uterine lining, this significantly decreases a woman's menstrual flow or stops it completely.

What is Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is the medical term for women (and young girls first starting their menstrual cycles) that excessive menstrual bleeding. Excessive menstrual bleeding is defined as having a period that lasts 7 or more days each menstrual cycle (period) or is so heavy that you saturate your menstrual pad and/or tampon and need to change your feminine hygiene product(s) every one to two hours.  It is very important to inform your doctor if you have excessive menstrual bleeding! 

Women that are suffering from Menorrhagia may experience; anemia, fatigue,  embarrassing menstrual accidents, and feel that you have to restrict your life and social activities to such an extent that you "miss out on life."  Many women prefer to stay close to home so as to avoid embarrassment due to their need to go to the restroom so often so that they can change their feminine hygiene products before they become too saturated and cause even more embarrassment.


How many women have Menorrhagia?

Approximately 1 in 5 women have Menorrhagia.

Are there any treatments or therapies for Menorrhagia?

Yes, there's hope and help for women with Menorrhagia!

Here are a few of the options and therapies you will want to discuss with your doctor.

Hormone therapy - also known as "both control pills," and/or other medications may be prescribed to treat hormone imbalance. Hormone therapy is effective about 50% of the time, and may be required for a long period of time. 

Uterine Balloon Therapy - Also known as Thermal Balloon Ablation (see below for more information)

Dilation and curettage - also referred to as a "D & C" - is a surgical procedure whereby the doctor scrape the inside of the woman's uterus to remove the lining. For most women with Menorrhagia, a D&C is temporary and reduces excessive bleeding for only a few periods.

Endometrial Ablation is another possible therapy but only if you and your husband don't plan to have children in the future. Typical Endometrial Ablation removes the lining of the uterus with an electrosurgical tool or laser. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks, which include perforation of the uterus, bleeding, infection, or even heart failure due to fluids used to open up or distend the uterus.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus.  As a hysterectomy involves the removal of the woman's uterus, Menorrhagia will no longer be a problem. Hysterectomy is also a surgical procedure and also involves risks. The recovery period after hysterectomy is 3 to 6 weeks. 

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Overactive Bladder Syndrome
www.OveractiveBladderSyndrome.com

What is Overactive Bladder & Overactive Bladder Syndrome?

Overactive Bladder Syndrome, also known as Female Urinary Incontinence or Stress Urinary Incontinence, is the loss of bladder control. 

Symptoms of Overactive Bladder Syndrome can range from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting. It can happen to anyone, but it is more common in women who have had at least one vaginal childbirth, and becomes even more of a problem during menopause. 

Overactive Bladder Syndrome happens when genitourinary muscles are too weak or too active. If the muscles that keep your bladder closed are weak, you may have accidents when you sneeze, laugh or lift a heavy object. This is stress incontinence. If bladder muscles become too active, you may feel a strong urge to go to the bathroom when you have little urine in your bladder. There are other causes of Overactive Bladder Syndrome, including nerve damage and pelvic organ prolapse.

Doctors in Genitourinary Medicine are specialists in Overactive Bladder Syndrome.  Treatments for Overactive Bladder Syndrome depends on the type of problem you have and what best fits your lifestyle. It may include simple exercises, medicines, special devices or procedures prescribed by your doctor, or surgery.

What is Bladder Neck Suspension?

The purpose of Bladder Neck Suspension Surgery is to return a woman's bladder and/or urethra to its original, "supported" position.

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What is Vaginal Relaxation?

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Pelvic Organ Prolapse
www.PelvicOrganProlapse.com

Pelvic Organ Prolapse & Pelvic Prolapse Information, Resources and Doctor Referrals

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse or Pelvic Prolapse, is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapsee in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Organ Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse, vaginal relaxation or vaginal vault prolapse.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse
www.PelvicOrganProlapse.com

The Leading Sites for Pelvic Prolapse and Pelvic Organ Prolapse 

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What is Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic Prolapse is another term used for "Pelvic Organ Prolapse."  Pelvic Prolapse is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse or vaginal vault prolapse.

What are the symptoms that indicate a woman is suffering from  Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

• Loss of bladder control.

• Loss of bowel control.

• Increasing need and frequency to urinate - and then difficulty in completely emptying your bladder.

• The feelings that your of pelvic or vaginal heaviness, bulging, fullness and/or pain, or a feeling that something is "dropping."

• Recurrent bladder infections.

• Excessive vaginal discharge.

• Pain or lack of sensation during sex

But Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a real, common and treatable problem. Consider this:

About half of all women over age 50 suffer from some degree of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

One in 10 women undergo surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse by age 80.

What is Pelvic Reconstruction?

Pelvic Reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed by gynecologists or uro-gynecologies to repair pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse, among types of prolapse, and to correct the problem(s) and relieve the symptoms. 

Typically, Pelvic Reconstruction is performed vaginally and uses an implant to reinforce the strength of the weakened pelvic tissues. 

What is a Prolapsed Uterus?

A Prolapsed Uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis. 

A Prolapsed Uterus may be one of three types, depending on the severity:

• First-degree prolapse occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper vagina.

• Second-degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the vagina.

• Third-degree prolapse (sometimes referred to as total prolapse) occurs when the entire uterus extends outside the vagina.

What is Gynecologic Urology?

Gynecologic Urology, also referred to as Uro-gynecology, is a subspecialty within the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Uro-gynecology's specialty is female pelvic disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse (bulges that extend from the uterus into the vagina or extend out of the vagina), urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and constipation. 

Doctors that complete their residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, then go onto complete fellowship training in Uro-gynecology, where they spend several years focusing only on Uro-gynecology and female pelvic disorders.

What is Colpopexy?

Colpopexy is the surgical suturing of the prolapsed vagina to a surrounding structure - such as the abdominal wall or the sacrum, which is then called Sacral Colpopexy or Sacrocolpopexy 

What Is Sacral Colpopexy (Sacrocolpopexy)?

Sacral Colpopexy, also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as Sacrocolpopexy, is the preferred surgical procedure for treating and correcting Vaginal Vault Prolapse with excellent results. Sacral Colpopexy (Sacrocolpopexy) has a very high rate of success  and the surgical procedure involves suturing a synthetic mesh that connects and supports the vagina to the sacrum, or tailbone. The Sacrocolpopexy operation is performed from the abdomen to support the vagina to the ligament on the spine (after previous or present surgery to remove the uterus) by using a synthetic mesh.

Why Is Sacrocolpopexy Performed? 

Sacrocolpopexy is performed to treat severe protrusion or bulge(s) of the vagina after removal of the uterus.

A woman's vagina that has one or more of these vaginal protrusion(s) may experience one or more of the following:

• The vaginal lump/bulge or protrusion feels uncomfortable or causes pain.  
• Difficulty with urination (e.g. unable to completely empty the bladder) 
• Bowel difficulties (e.g. constipation, incomplete emptying of bowels) 
• Pain 
• Infection 
• Bleeding 

The objective of the Sacrocolpopexy operation is to relieve the woman's symptoms and to restore her vagina and her vaginal anatomy (as much as possible) and recover her sexual function.


Are there any risks associated with Sacrocolpopexy surgery? 

Sacrocolpopexy surgery is a very common and relatively safe operation with excellent prognosis and outcomes.  However, like any surgical procedure, there are complications which may occur. Possible complications from Sacrocolpopexy surgery may include:

• Bleeding 
• Infection 
• Injury to surrounding tissues (e.g. nerve or blood vessels, ureter, intestines) 
• Formation of blood clot(s) in the legs or lungs 
• Recurrence of problem
• Slow return of bowel or bladder function 
• Erosion of synthetic material through vaginal mucosa 


What Happens Before Sacrocolpopexy Surgery? 

1. Blood tests, electrocardiography (ECG) and chest X-ray may be done to ensure that you are in optimal health for Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

2. Your doctor may prescribe oral or vaginal estrogen (hormone) if you are already menopausal. It is important to comply with this medication as it ensures that your vaginal tissues are optimal for surgery and healing. 

3. You will be admitted to the hospital one day before Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

4. You will be given preparations to clear your bowels.

5.  Your pubic hair surrounding your vulva will be shaved. 

6. You will not be allowed to eat or drink after midnight on the day before the surgery. 

7. All your medical and surgical conditions, if any, must be made known to the doctor and must be optimally controlled. 

8. If you are on aspirin, please keep your doctor informed. You must stop taking aspirin at least one week before Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 


What happens during the Sacrocolpopexy surgery? 

The surgery is done under general or regional anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

An abdominal incision is made. The synthetic mesh is stitched to the posterior surface of the vagina and to the ligaments in front of the spine.

A tube / drain may be inserted into the abdomen to monitor the bleeding.

Another tube will be inserted into the urethra as there may be difficulty in urination after the Sacrocolpopexy procedure.

Painkillers, laxatives and antibiotics would generally be prescribed after the procedure.


What happens after Sacrocolpopexy surgery? 

1. Immediately after the operation, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Tiredness - You should rest and gradually increase your mobilization until you feel fit to return to your normal activities. 

• Discomfort - In the lower part of the abdomen, over the incision. This is to be expected and painkillers should help to relieve the discomfort. 

• Vaginal bleeding - Mild to moderate amount of reddish watery discharge after surgery is quite normal. You will need to wear a menstrual pad during the recovery period, but you will not be permitted to use tampons for obvious reasons.

2. One day after surgery, you will usually be allowed to drink and eat. You will be encouraged to move around. Blood chemistries and normal follow-up visits will be performed. 

3. The catheter that was placed in your urethra is usually removed the day after surgery. The drain is usually removed two days after the operation.

4. You may be discharged on the third or fourth day after surgery if the doctor is pleased with your progress and the outcome of the Sacrocolpopexy procedure. 

5. You should refrain from:

• Strenuous exercise for 2 months. You may return to normal activity after that, or upon clearance by your doctor. 

• Using tampons, douching, sexual intercourse and driving for 4 weeks. 

• Carrying heavy weights (> 10 pounds) for 6-8 weeks after Sacrocolpopexy surgery.

6. You should (immediately) return to the hospital or notify your doctor if you notic any of the following:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding 
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge 
• Severe abdominal distension and / or pain not relieved by painkillers 
• High fever 
• Pain associated with passing urine 
• Difficulty in passing urine 
• Constipation 

Follow-up doctor visits after Sacrocolpopexy surgery 

You will be examined by your doctor (at your doctor's office) at approximately; 2 weeks, 4 weeks, six months and and one year after Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

It is important to keep your follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible results.

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What is "Nerve Stimulation" and how does Nerve Stimulation help patients?

There are various types of nerve stimulation, each with its own protocols for treating various ailments and conditions.

One type of nerve stimulation is for treating people with moderate to severe depression.  Depression can be a very serious and life-threatening condition that may require life-long management and treatment.  Treating depression may sometimes have a lower than hoped for success rate and estimates indicate that more than half of all patients with depression have relapses. Anti-depressant drugs and medication may lessen symptoms but may not relieve all of the symptoms in some patients.

Seizures also do not always respond to treatment. Some patients have tried two or more medications and still have seizures, as well as side effects from the drugs, both of which affect their quality of life.

Vagus nerve stimulators are a small medial device that are implanted under the skin of the chest.  A very small wire runs to the patient's vagus nerve, which is then stimulated by the device, in the same manner a pacemaker works.  In general, patients with depression normally experience an improvement in alertness, energy. memory, their depression improves as a result. better mood. These quality-of-life benefits improve over time. 

Vagus nerve stimulators, in general, have proven to be a safe and effective way to control seizures and lessen the severity of depression.   Because Vagus nerve stimulators are used, drugs are usually not required, and there are no side effects that are associated with anti-depressant or seizure-control medications.

See:  www.DepressionHelp.net  for more information about depression.

What is Labia Reduction Surgery?

More and more women are seeking "female genital surgery" to correct problems relating to their vulvas whether they are unhappy with the looks of their vulva or if their elongated labia minora are causing them pain or embarrassment - female genital surgery can correct these problems.

Some of the more common reasons given by women to seek female genital surgery include;  

• labia minora (smaller lips of the vulva) are uneven, mis-shapen or elongated

• one of the labia minora lips is longer than the other

• labia minora feel "floppy"   

• no longer able to wear a bikini or favorite swimsuit because you are afraid that your labia minora may "fall out" of the bikini

• long labia minora cause pain during intercourse or when wearing tight jeans.

• clitoral hood has excess skin which is either unsightly or interferes with sexual pleasure

• too much skin surrounding your clitoris

• after childbirth, my vagina seems too loose, and intercourse doesn't feel the same

• your vagina feels like it is "gaping" open  

• intercourse is no longer pleasurable, for you - or for him and doesn't feel as good as it once did 

What you, and he, are experiencing, is something called "Vaginal Relaxation" the medical term for having a "loose vagina."

These are just some of the complaints we regularly hear from women who want to improve their vulva and how it looks (and feels) - and what we call "cosmetic gynecology." 

Cosmetic gynecology may be what you have been looking for!  Look great, feel great, we can help you have the labia minora, vagina or vulva you always dreamed of!

What is Labial Reduction?

More and more women are seeking "female genital surgery" to correct problems relating to their vulvas whether they are unhappy with the looks of their vulva or if their elongated labia minora are causing them pain or embarrassment - female genital surgery can correct these problems.

Some of the more common reasons given by women to seek female genital surgery include;  

• labia minora (smaller lips of the vulva) are uneven, mis-shapen or elongated

• one of the labia minora lips is longer than the other

• labia minora feel "floppy"   

• no longer able to wear a bikini or favorite swimsuit because you are afraid that your labia minora may "fall out" of the bikini

• long labia minora cause pain during intercourse or when wearing tight jeans.

• clitoral hood has excess skin which is either unsightly or interferes with sexual pleasure

• too much skin surrounding your clitoris

• after childbirth, my vagina seems too loose, and intercourse doesn't feel the same

• your vagina feels like it is "gaping" open  

• intercourse is no longer pleasurable, for you - or for him and doesn't feel as good as it once did 

What you, and he are experiencing, is something called "Vaginal Relaxation" the medical term for having a "loose vagina."

These are just some of the complaints we regularly hear from women who want to improve their vulvar looks - we call it "cosmetic gynecology" and cosmetic gynecology may be what you have been looking for!  Look great, feel great, we can help you have the labia minora, vagina or vulva you always dreamed of!


What is Adhesiolysis?

Treatment for the removal of Pelvic Adhesions is through a surgical procedure called "adhesiolysis."  The adhesiolysis procedure may involve cutting and releasing the adhesions during a laparoscopy procedure or treating the adhesions during a laparotomy.

What are Pelvic Adhesions?

Pelvic adhesions are bands of scarlike tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body. Inflammation from infection, surgery, or trauma can cause tissues to bond to other tissues or organs.

Pelvic adhesions are the cause of many gynecological problems including significant pain, infertility and conception. Pelvic adhesions are irritations of a woman's pelvic organs as a result of a "pelvic inflammatory event" or from trauma to the area such as in the case of pelvic or gynecological surgery.

What is a Prolapsed Uterus?

A Prolapsed Uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis. 

A Prolapsed Uterus may be one of three types, depending on the severity:

• First-degree prolapse occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper vagina.

• Second-degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the vagina.

• Third-degree prolapse (sometimes referred to as total prolapse) occurs when the entire uterus extends outside the vagina.

What is Perineoplasty?

Perineoplasty, also known as "Perineorrhaphy,"is one of the fastest growing elective medical procedures and is the reparative or plastic surgery of the perineum which helps women with problems with vaginal opening laxity or looseness - medically referred to as "Vaginal Relaxation."  Many also incorrectly call this procedure "vaginoplasty" or "vaginaplasty."

Perineorrhaphy is the reconstruction of the muscles and tissues at the opening of the vagina and has successfully decreased the vaginal "introitus" or size of the vaginal opening. Perineorrhaphy does NOT reduce sexual sensation, in fact, properly performed, Perineorrhaphy INCREASES sensation for the woman as well as her husband.

What is Colporrhaphy? 

Colporrhaphy is the surgical repair of the vaginal wall. This includes repairing many types of vaginal surgery, including the repairs of the vagina in a "Pelvic Organ Prolapse," "vaginal prolapse," "Vaginal Vault Prolapse," or the repair of a "cystocele" in the vaginal wall(s) or vaginal vault or a rectocele. A cystocele occurs when the bladder protrudes into the vagina, and a rectocele when the rectum protrudes into the vagina.

In the Colporrhaphy procudeure, a uro-gynecologist, or gynecological surgeon, places a vaginal speculum inside the vagina, which spreads/keeps the vagina open, for the doctor to inspect and repair the vagina. The vaginal wall is cut opened to reveal an opening in the supporting structures, or fascia and the defect is closed and then the vagina is repaired by suture and closed, and the speculum removed. 

Who performs the Colporrhaphy and where is it performed?

Colporrhaphy is usually performed in a nearby hospital operating room by a uro-gynecologist, urologist or gynecological surgeon.

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