Hysterectomy | Birth Control

Colposcopy is a procedure to look at the surface of the vulva, vagina, and cervix, which is generally done when Pap test results are abnormal. If an abnormality is seen during a colposcopy, a small sample of tissue (biopsy) may be taken from the cervix or from inside the opening of the cervix (endocervical canal). The sample is examined under a microscope for abnormal cells.

An endometrial biopsy is a procedure to remove a small sample of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). The sample is examined under a microscope for abnormal cells. An endometrial biopsy helps a health professional evaluate whether the endometrium is going through its normal stages of change during the menstrual cycle.

Cervical cancer is almost exclusively caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV. There are more than 100 types, but only certain high-risk strains cause lesions that over time can develop into cancer if not treated. The HPV vaccine targets four high-risk strains of HPV -- types 16, 18, 6 and 11. About 70% of cervical cancers are caused by infection with HPV 16 and HPV 18, and 90% of genital warts are caused by infection with types 6 and 11. The vaccine reduced persistent HPV infection by 90% and was 100% effective three years later in preventing precancerous cervical lesions and genital warts.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed; this procedure is called an oophorectomy. In most cases, hysterectomy is an elective surgery used to treat noncancerous female reproductive system (gynecologic) conditions that haven't improved with medical treatment. For women who have no plans for pregnancy and have considered and tried other treatment options without success, a hysterectomy may be a reasonable treatment choice.

Reasons for hysterectomy include heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy-related bleeding, uterine fibroids, endometriosis and adenomyosis, chronic pelvic pain (only when caused by a diagnosed condition that can be corrected with hysterectomy), cancer of the cervix or uterus.

There are many methods of birth control. When making your choice, also consider that only a condom will protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STD). To protect yourself and your partner against STDs, use a condom (along with your chosen birth control method) every time you have sex.

Hormonal methods are very reliable means of birth control. Combination hormonal methods contain both estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone), which include pills ("the Pill"), skin patches, and rings. Progestin-only hormonal methods include pills, also called "mini pills," and injections (Depo-Provera). If you cannot take estrogen, a progestin-only method may be an option for you.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device that is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are wrapped with copper (Copper T 380-A) or contain a hormone (the Mirena IUD releases a progestin called levonorgestrel). Once an IUD is in place, it can provide birth control for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. Unlike IUDs that were used in the 1970s, present-day IUDs are small, safe, and highly effective.

Barrier methods (including the diaphragm; cervical cap; male condom; female condom; and spermicidal foam, sponge, gel, suppository, or film) prevent sperm from entering the uterus and reaching the egg. Typically, barrier methods are not highly effective, but they generally have fewer side effects than hormonal methods or IUDs. Spermicides and condoms should be used together or along with another method to increase their effectiveness. Barrier methods can interrupt lovemaking because they must be used every time you have sex.

Fertility awareness requires that a couple charts the time during a woman's menstrual cycle when she is most likely to become pregnant and avoid intercourse or use a barrier method during the time.

Sterilization is a surgical procedure done for men or women who decide that they do not want to have any (or more) children. Sterilization is one of the most effective forms of birth control. Sterilization is intended to be permanent, and while you can try to reverse it with another surgery, reversal is not always successful.

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure done by passing a small instrument called a curette through the vagina into the uterus and scraping the endometrium. D&C is generally an outpatient procedure. A general anesthetic is usually used, though a local or spinal anesthetic may be used.

Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic and surgical procedure that makes examining the inside of the uterus possible without making an abdominal cut (incision). During hysteroscopy, a lighted viewing instrument called a hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus. Treatment can also be done through the hysteroscope during the same procedure.

Endometrial ablation is an outpatient procedure where heated saline is circulated into the uterus to destroy tissue, even if your uterus is abnormal size or shape. It is one of the treatment options to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. After the procedure, you may never bleed again or your bleeding should be reduced.

The Laparoscopic Hysterectomy is a procedure many women choose to have when deciding to have a hysterectomy. Many find it is less invasive than the other choices for a hysterectomy. It is done by removing the tissue from the body through tiny incision of about 14 mm. There are several advantages to the procedure; the healing process for the patient is often easier, shorter hospital stay, shorter time in the operating room, fewer side effects or complications during or after the surgery, and less need for pain medication.