A Minimally Invasive Solution to Menstrual Pain
Deanna McDonald, M.D., OB/GYN
Most women don't look forward to "that time of the month," with its food cravings, bloating and cramps. But for some, the monthly menstrual cycle can be more than just an inconvenience — it can be downright miserable.
If a menstrual cycle causes you severe pain and pelvic discomfort, it's time to talk to your doctor about options for relief. Unbearable periods don't have to be part of your life.
For a physician referral toDr. McDonald or an OB/GYN in your area, call 281-274-7500.
the Problem
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers many minimally invasive treatments for a heavy and/or painful period and other discomfort. "The first step is determining the cause," says Deanna McDonald, M.D., OB/GYN on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. "Then we'll work with you to find the solution that works best for you."
Abnormal bleeding is often caused by fibroids, or noncancerous growths in the uterus. By the time most women reach their early 40s, they will have at least one fibroid. In some cases, fibroids may cause bleeding that is severe enough to cause anemia or even require blood transfusions.
Women who experience pelvic pressure or discomfort may have a prolapsed uterus. After you've had children, muscles of the pelvic floor weaken and allow the uterus to fall often causing discomfort, a feeling of pressure in your pelvis and/or painful sexual intercourse.
Customized Care
After your doctor has made a diagnosis, he or she will explain treatment options that fit your condition — and your lifestyle. Years ago, there was one treatment available: surgery to remove the uterus through a large, painful incision. Today, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has minimally invasive outpatient alternatives such as endometrial ablation, which tears down the lining of the uterus. It may not cause you to never have a period again, but it may offer an improvement.
"For some women, hysterectomy is the most appropriate treatment," Dr. McDonald says. Minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy offered at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less scarring and reduced recovery time than traditional surgery.
Other than Caesarean section, hysterectomy is the most common surgery performed on women in the United States. Technology is simplifying the procedure and making it easier on patients with each new advance. For example, a traditional abdominal hysterectomy requires a six-inch incision on the belly. But a laparoscopic hysterectomy only requires four half-inch incisions strategically placed so scars will not be visible.
A Swift Recovery
Women who have laparoscopic hysterectomy typically go home the next day and can return to work in about two weeks. Women who undergo abdominal hysterectomy typically spend three days in the hospital followed by six weeks recovering at home.
"Using the laparoscopic procedure has made a dramatic difference in recovery time for my patients," Dr. McDonald says. "I'm proud and grateful that we offer this service and are able to help women improve their lives with minimal disruption."
