This article appeared in the Ladies Home Journal, October, 2008 edition:
http://www.lhj.com/health/sexual/reproductive/harmful-hysterectomies-what-your-doctors-not-telling-you/
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
AAGL Study Finds Women Still in the Dark about Minimally Invasive Treatments for Pelvic Health Disorders
as seen in AAGL-news, Aug. 13, 2008:
Women expect doctors to educate, but awareness gaps are significant
Cypress, CA – A new awareness study found that virtually all women expect their OB/GYN to
inform them about minimally invasive treatments for common pelvic health disorders (PHDs),
yet comparatively few are aware of the newer treatments designed to cause less pain and
provide shorter recoveries. Russell Research conducted the study for AAGL, the preeminent
organization of gynecologic endoscopic surgeons.
“I expect my OB/GYN to tell me about the least invasive treatments, even if he or she doesn’t
offer them and would need to refer me to someone else,” was the near-universal assumption
(98%). Women expect their gynecologist to offer them treatment options with the least amount
of pain (98%) and to consider how treatment will affect their lifestyle -- factors such as recovery
time, lost wages and additional child care costs (94%).
The survey results revealed that women’s expectations are not being met:
• Endometrial ablation is over 90 percent effective in providing relief from heavy menstrual
bleeding, but less than half of those suffering from heavy bleeding had ever heard of it.
• Myomectomy, a minimally invasive procedure for removing fibroids, relieves heavy
bleeding due to fibroids in 90 percent of cases. Only 45 percent of women with fibroids
were aware of this option.
• Sling procedures are effective in treating women with mild to moderate Stress Urinary
Incontinence (SUI) and in some cases can be performed on an outpatient basis with no
incisions. Two-thirds of those with SUI had never heard of sling procedures.
“This survey confirms what we have long suspected – that women with PHDs are not being fully
informed about the range of available treatment options,” said Charles E. Miller, MD, President
of AAGL. “When half of women suffering from a given condition are unaware that they may be
candidates for a minimally invasive procedure that spares them pain, time and disruption of their
lives, there is a clear need for stronger efforts in patient education.”
Women did agreed however, that they should be more proactive by asking for alternatives
(97%) and are quite likely to pursue a second opinion if they think they may be a candidate for a
minimally invasive procedure that their own doctor does not offer (90%).
Four types of PHDs are prevalent among women of childbearing age: stress urinary
incontinence or SUI; abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding; fibroids (non-cancerous uterine
growths); and pelvic organ prolapse (when female organs shift position due to weakened
muscles). In this survey, one out of every two women reported experiencing one or more PHD.
Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes) continues
to be the procedure most commonly used for PHDs other than SUI. The most common type of
hysterectomy is the total abdominal hysterectomy or TAH, which is performed through an open
abdominal incision and carries all the normal risks of major surgery such as bleeding, infection
and anesthesia.
Less than four women in ten realized that TAH is associated with a three to six-day
hospitalization, a four to six-inch scar, and a long and painful recovery period of a month to six
weeks.
In contrast to a TAH,a laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive technique that can be
done on an outpatient basis and enables most women to resume normal activities within a
week. Less than half of the women surveyed were aware that this option exists.
Even fewer (40%) were aware that other minimally invasive treatments might let them avoid
hysterectomy or open surgery altogether.
Historically doctors have been the number one source of information for women’s health, but in
this survey the Internet was on a par with doctors as a preferred source of information about
gynecologic minimally invasive procedures. Forty-two percent and 43 percent cited the Internet
and their gynecologist, respectively, as the first place they would go to learn more about their
gynecologic options.
“The AAGL is committed to patient education as a key to increasing women’s access to
minimally invasive procedures,” said Dr. Miller. To that end, the organization has recently
added a more robust patient education section to its web site at www.aagl.org.
“When women are fully informed about their condition and the available treatments, they feel
more confident in exploring their options with their OB/GYNs. This simple step could help
thousands of women avoid the pain and extended recovery associated with open surgery,”
Miller added.
A summary of the full survey is available on www.aagl.org.
This survey was conducted among 526 women aged 18+ via the Internet by Russell Research,
an independent research company based in New York City. The margin of error for the sample
is 526 +/-4.4%.,
Women expect doctors to educate, but awareness gaps are significant
Cypress, CA – A new awareness study found that virtually all women expect their OB/GYN to
inform them about minimally invasive treatments for common pelvic health disorders (PHDs),
yet comparatively few are aware of the newer treatments designed to cause less pain and
provide shorter recoveries. Russell Research conducted the study for AAGL, the preeminent
organization of gynecologic endoscopic surgeons.
“I expect my OB/GYN to tell me about the least invasive treatments, even if he or she doesn’t
offer them and would need to refer me to someone else,” was the near-universal assumption
(98%). Women expect their gynecologist to offer them treatment options with the least amount
of pain (98%) and to consider how treatment will affect their lifestyle -- factors such as recovery
time, lost wages and additional child care costs (94%).
The survey results revealed that women’s expectations are not being met:
• Endometrial ablation is over 90 percent effective in providing relief from heavy menstrual
bleeding, but less than half of those suffering from heavy bleeding had ever heard of it.
• Myomectomy, a minimally invasive procedure for removing fibroids, relieves heavy
bleeding due to fibroids in 90 percent of cases. Only 45 percent of women with fibroids
were aware of this option.
• Sling procedures are effective in treating women with mild to moderate Stress Urinary
Incontinence (SUI) and in some cases can be performed on an outpatient basis with no
incisions. Two-thirds of those with SUI had never heard of sling procedures.
“This survey confirms what we have long suspected – that women with PHDs are not being fully
informed about the range of available treatment options,” said Charles E. Miller, MD, President
of AAGL. “When half of women suffering from a given condition are unaware that they may be
candidates for a minimally invasive procedure that spares them pain, time and disruption of their
lives, there is a clear need for stronger efforts in patient education.”
Women did agreed however, that they should be more proactive by asking for alternatives
(97%) and are quite likely to pursue a second opinion if they think they may be a candidate for a
minimally invasive procedure that their own doctor does not offer (90%).
Four types of PHDs are prevalent among women of childbearing age: stress urinary
incontinence or SUI; abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding; fibroids (non-cancerous uterine
growths); and pelvic organ prolapse (when female organs shift position due to weakened
muscles). In this survey, one out of every two women reported experiencing one or more PHD.
Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes) continues
to be the procedure most commonly used for PHDs other than SUI. The most common type of
hysterectomy is the total abdominal hysterectomy or TAH, which is performed through an open
abdominal incision and carries all the normal risks of major surgery such as bleeding, infection
and anesthesia.
Less than four women in ten realized that TAH is associated with a three to six-day
hospitalization, a four to six-inch scar, and a long and painful recovery period of a month to six
weeks.
In contrast to a TAH,a laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive technique that can be
done on an outpatient basis and enables most women to resume normal activities within a
week. Less than half of the women surveyed were aware that this option exists.
Even fewer (40%) were aware that other minimally invasive treatments might let them avoid
hysterectomy or open surgery altogether.
Historically doctors have been the number one source of information for women’s health, but in
this survey the Internet was on a par with doctors as a preferred source of information about
gynecologic minimally invasive procedures. Forty-two percent and 43 percent cited the Internet
and their gynecologist, respectively, as the first place they would go to learn more about their
gynecologic options.
“The AAGL is committed to patient education as a key to increasing women’s access to
minimally invasive procedures,” said Dr. Miller. To that end, the organization has recently
added a more robust patient education section to its web site at www.aagl.org.
“When women are fully informed about their condition and the available treatments, they feel
more confident in exploring their options with their OB/GYNs. This simple step could help
thousands of women avoid the pain and extended recovery associated with open surgery,”
Miller added.
A summary of the full survey is available on www.aagl.org.
This survey was conducted among 526 women aged 18+ via the Internet by Russell Research,
an independent research company based in New York City. The margin of error for the sample
is 526 +/-4.4%.,
Monday, March 10, 2008
More problems with hormone therapy in menopause
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23468941/
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20060922/acupuncture-may-cool-night-hot-flashes
Menopausal women beware—recent studies indicate that use of hormone supplements to help alleviate common symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats and heart palpitations, can cause an increase risk of cancer. While other studies have shown the risk of breast cancer rose in women taken estrogen-progestin, now lung tumors have also been identified as occurring when such supplementation is taken for approximately 2-3 years. In fact, the recent study noted that women who take hormones are 24 percent more likely to develop any type of cancer than women who do not.
What are the alternatives to help cope with the often debilitating symptoms many women suffer during menopause? There are many choices, including diet modifications, relaxation techniques and other therapies. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in your diet and make sure you exercise regularly. Massage and meditation can help with relaxation and in turn reduce the effects of the symptoms. Finally, acupuncture can also be a great aid in assisting women at this important phase of their lives, without any of the health risks outlined above.
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20060922/acupuncture-may-cool-night-hot-flashes
Menopausal women beware—recent studies indicate that use of hormone supplements to help alleviate common symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats and heart palpitations, can cause an increase risk of cancer. While other studies have shown the risk of breast cancer rose in women taken estrogen-progestin, now lung tumors have also been identified as occurring when such supplementation is taken for approximately 2-3 years. In fact, the recent study noted that women who take hormones are 24 percent more likely to develop any type of cancer than women who do not.
What are the alternatives to help cope with the often debilitating symptoms many women suffer during menopause? There are many choices, including diet modifications, relaxation techniques and other therapies. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in your diet and make sure you exercise regularly. Massage and meditation can help with relaxation and in turn reduce the effects of the symptoms. Finally, acupuncture can also be a great aid in assisting women at this important phase of their lives, without any of the health risks outlined above.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Personal Health Records: A New Tool
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has launched a new campaign directed at educating and encouraging patients in the use of personal health records. AHIMA has a PHR tool at www.myphr.com. The site also links to various other PHR options and resources.
Individuals can create their own PHR, or may be offered one by a variety of sources. Policies to look for include privacy and security; the ability of the individual, or those they authorize, to access their information; and control over accessibility by others. If the PHR contains the same information that the doctor has seen, it has more usefulness for tracking purposes than information from insurance forms.
http://www.myphr.com/
Individuals can create their own PHR, or may be offered one by a variety of sources. Policies to look for include privacy and security; the ability of the individual, or those they authorize, to access their information; and control over accessibility by others. If the PHR contains the same information that the doctor has seen, it has more usefulness for tracking purposes than information from insurance forms.
http://www.myphr.com/
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A essay about the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine
A journalism student offers her perspective on vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus and cervical cancer:
Protecting yourself from the most common sexually transmitted infection is as easy as talking to your doctor. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has estimated that at least 50 percent of sexually active people will get human papillomavirus (HPV) at some time in their life and the majority will not know it because there are often no symptoms.
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, which the American Cancer Association estimates say kills around 3,000 women a year, and can cause penile cancer in men. The infection is also responsible for 90 percent of all genital warts cases. The virus is most common in young people who are in their late teens and early 20s. However, there is a vaccine available for women between the ages of 9 and 26.
After seeing commercials for Merck's Gardasil, the only vaccination currently available, and reading about the vaccine in different publications I decided to schedule an appointment to discuss the issue with my doctor. After a 30 minute conversation with her I scheduled an appointment for the following week with her medical assistant to begin the vaccine process. I was still weary of the whole thing until the receptionist told me her 12 and 14-year-old daughters had had the vaccine the week before. She told me she felt the HPV vaccine was just as important for her daughters as a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
That's when I asked myself why schools don't require students to complete the HPV vaccine like they do for measles, mumps and rubella, as well as types of meningitis. If this vaccine really does save lives then why isn't it required in a college campus where the majority of the population is sexually active and may be practicing unprotected sex?
The week between my initial doctor visit and the first installation of the vaccine (which is injected three times over the course of six months) I did as much research as I could about HPV and the vaccine.
I learned that HPV has over 100 types and the vaccine only protects against four types (6, 11, 16 and 18), including two that cause almost 70 percent of cervical cancer cases in women. These are the four most dangerous and common types of HPV. I learned that states like Illinois and Virginia (as well as other states) are currently working on legislation to make the HPV vaccination a requirement for girls age 11 to 12.
Texas passed its legislation last Friday, requiring that girls in sixth grade get the vaccine. I also learned that although the vaccine wouldn't protect you from types of HPV if you'd already been exposed to them, it is still recommended. Most surprisingly, what I learned was that the vaccine has been tested in men and most certainly will be approved by the FDA.
The study, which was done at the Medical College of Georgia, found that the vaccine will protect men between ages 16 and 23 from genital warts and penile cancer. Although penile cancer is rare (found in only 1 percent of the population) genital warts is not. The study cited that men have around an 80 percent lifetime risk of contracting genital warts.
I felt much more knowledgeable when I returned to my doctor, where we talked about the recent study in men. My doctor told me that the men's vaccine would be approved by the FDA "any day," and to spread the news to all my guy friends.
After being injected in the arm, which was a little painful, I scheduled my next injection for two months later during spring break. The vaccine was covered completely by my health insurance and after a little digging I've discovered that most health care providers cover all, if not most, of the cost.
Again I asked myself, "If it's so easy and affordable, why isn't it a bigger priority on college campuses?" The answer is that it is, just not everywhere. The University of Virginia offered free vaccinations for their female students at the beginning of the academic year.
University of Maryland's health center has the vaccine available, and Cornell University recommends it to their female students. The vaccination is available at Hofstra's Wellness Center but is not often taken advantage of because of the high cost of the medication, which costs $360 for the full series. Surely once the FDA approves the vaccine in men it will become an even bigger presence on college campuses.
Later in the day after I received the vaccine my brother asked what I'd been up to. I told him about getting the HPV vaccine and about the study being done on the effectiveness in men. My brother received a B.S. in molecular biology last year and has contemplated working for the CDC, so I was surprised that he hadn't heard that the vaccine should soon be available for men.
I suppose that's the only thing keeping the vaccine from becoming mandatory; it's generally not something people know about. However, perhaps the administration at Hofstra should look at other college campuses and provide the vaccine for free or make it one of the requirements for enrollment. At the very least it should educate students about HPV and how a vaccine is available at the health center. It could save lives and at least help prevent the spread of HPV among students.
By Kayla Walker
Protecting yourself from the most common sexually transmitted infection is as easy as talking to your doctor. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has estimated that at least 50 percent of sexually active people will get human papillomavirus (HPV) at some time in their life and the majority will not know it because there are often no symptoms.
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, which the American Cancer Association estimates say kills around 3,000 women a year, and can cause penile cancer in men. The infection is also responsible for 90 percent of all genital warts cases. The virus is most common in young people who are in their late teens and early 20s. However, there is a vaccine available for women between the ages of 9 and 26.
After seeing commercials for Merck's Gardasil, the only vaccination currently available, and reading about the vaccine in different publications I decided to schedule an appointment to discuss the issue with my doctor. After a 30 minute conversation with her I scheduled an appointment for the following week with her medical assistant to begin the vaccine process. I was still weary of the whole thing until the receptionist told me her 12 and 14-year-old daughters had had the vaccine the week before. She told me she felt the HPV vaccine was just as important for her daughters as a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
That's when I asked myself why schools don't require students to complete the HPV vaccine like they do for measles, mumps and rubella, as well as types of meningitis. If this vaccine really does save lives then why isn't it required in a college campus where the majority of the population is sexually active and may be practicing unprotected sex?
The week between my initial doctor visit and the first installation of the vaccine (which is injected three times over the course of six months) I did as much research as I could about HPV and the vaccine.
I learned that HPV has over 100 types and the vaccine only protects against four types (6, 11, 16 and 18), including two that cause almost 70 percent of cervical cancer cases in women. These are the four most dangerous and common types of HPV. I learned that states like Illinois and Virginia (as well as other states) are currently working on legislation to make the HPV vaccination a requirement for girls age 11 to 12.
Texas passed its legislation last Friday, requiring that girls in sixth grade get the vaccine. I also learned that although the vaccine wouldn't protect you from types of HPV if you'd already been exposed to them, it is still recommended. Most surprisingly, what I learned was that the vaccine has been tested in men and most certainly will be approved by the FDA.
The study, which was done at the Medical College of Georgia, found that the vaccine will protect men between ages 16 and 23 from genital warts and penile cancer. Although penile cancer is rare (found in only 1 percent of the population) genital warts is not. The study cited that men have around an 80 percent lifetime risk of contracting genital warts.
I felt much more knowledgeable when I returned to my doctor, where we talked about the recent study in men. My doctor told me that the men's vaccine would be approved by the FDA "any day," and to spread the news to all my guy friends.
After being injected in the arm, which was a little painful, I scheduled my next injection for two months later during spring break. The vaccine was covered completely by my health insurance and after a little digging I've discovered that most health care providers cover all, if not most, of the cost.
Again I asked myself, "If it's so easy and affordable, why isn't it a bigger priority on college campuses?" The answer is that it is, just not everywhere. The University of Virginia offered free vaccinations for their female students at the beginning of the academic year.
University of Maryland's health center has the vaccine available, and Cornell University recommends it to their female students. The vaccination is available at Hofstra's Wellness Center but is not often taken advantage of because of the high cost of the medication, which costs $360 for the full series. Surely once the FDA approves the vaccine in men it will become an even bigger presence on college campuses.
Later in the day after I received the vaccine my brother asked what I'd been up to. I told him about getting the HPV vaccine and about the study being done on the effectiveness in men. My brother received a B.S. in molecular biology last year and has contemplated working for the CDC, so I was surprised that he hadn't heard that the vaccine should soon be available for men.
I suppose that's the only thing keeping the vaccine from becoming mandatory; it's generally not something people know about. However, perhaps the administration at Hofstra should look at other college campuses and provide the vaccine for free or make it one of the requirements for enrollment. At the very least it should educate students about HPV and how a vaccine is available at the health center. It could save lives and at least help prevent the spread of HPV among students.
By Kayla Walker
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