Here at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett, we are all about sharing our knowledge and expertise with our patients. Prevention is often a great tool for maintaining reproductive health & wellness, and education is an essential component of prevention. The more our patients understand about their bodies, the better chance they have to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid common gynecological health concerns. With that in mind, we’ve taken some time to answer some important questions on common gynecological issues and treatments.
Q.) How do I know if I should undergo FemTouch™ Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation or a Labiaplasty procedure?
A.) FemTouch™ Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation and Labiaplasty are very different procedures with very different goals. Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation is intended to improve vaginal health internally, to help women who are experiencing painful or unsatisfying sex, or even urinary incontinence. A labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure used to correct the appearance of area outside of the vagina canal.
Q.) Are pap smear results 100% accurate?
A.) Unfortunately, not always. Even though technological breakthroughs like liquid based Pap (LBP) have significantly increased the accuracy and effectiveness of Pap testing over the years, errors can still occur. That’s why at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett, we recommend that patients should be seen for annual Pap testing as part of a well woman exam in order to ensure that any abnormalities are caught as soon as possible.
Q.) Are there risks involved with undergoing a hysterectomy before I have gone through menopause?
A.) Women who have a hysterectomy only become menopausal if they have their ovaries removed as well. Hysterectomy alone doesn’t lead menopause. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend concomitant removal of the tubes and ovaries for women over 45 at the time of their hysterectomy. This prevents future risk of cancer, especially for women close to natural menopause. Surgical menopause is much more abrupt than natural menopause, but not all women become symptomatic.
Patients who undergo a hysterectomy before menopause will experience immediate menopause symptoms following their procedure. These patients may also have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. If this occurs, we recommend hormone therapy that can help limit menopause symptoms. Other medications meant to specifically treat osteoporosis are available as well for patients with especially high risk.
Don’t be shy if you have questions of your own in regards to your reproductive health & wellness. We pride ourselves on arming our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to enjoy the best gynecological health. If you have questions of your own or you would like to request an appointment, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for more tips, updates and our info on our upcoming Health & Wellness Events.
