Welcome back to our ongoing Ask the Gynecologists series, where we take some time to answer questions that we receive from women about common reproductive health concerns and how they can be treated. We take pride in our ability to educate our readers on issues they may be concerned with in an effort to alleviate any anxiety about certain gynecological conditions or treatments. So with this in mind, this month we have decided to focus on endometrial ablation, birth control, and yeast infections.
Question #1: Will my periods be affected by undergoing an endometrial ablation procedure?
Endometrial ablations are meant to decrease and/or stop menstrual periods. We use the Minerva system for endometrial ablation procedures in our office which boasts an amenorrhea (or no bleeding) rate of up to 70%. Between 85 – 95% of women are satisfied with the results of their procedure including significantly reduced bleeding.
Question #2: Is it true that birth control pills can lower my risk of ovarian cancer?
This is a fact. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, so it makes sense to be proactive when it comes to prevention. In addition to working as a contraceptive, taking birth control pills can help lower your risk of developing ovarian cancer according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It’s also true that the longer you take the pill, the more your ovarian cancer risk will decline as the years go on.
Question #3: How can I prevent the occurrence of yeast infections?
There are several things you can do to help prevent yeast infections including keeping your vaginal area clean by using mild, unscented soaps that won’t cause irritation. When using the restroom, we recommend wiping from front to back to avoid spreading yeast or other bacteria towards the vagina or urinary tract. Try to wear loose, breathable clothing and change out of any wet clothing or bathing suits as soon as possible. We also suggest reducing your sugar intake, as high sugar levels can help promote yeast production in the body.
We hope you found these answers informative and helpful. If you have any questions of your own, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to request an appointment with one of our reproductive healthcare providers. For more information or to request an appointment today, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, and details on our new medical spa, MadEmEl Medical Aesthetics.
