The study was led by Dr Vanessa Jacoby from the University of California. She and her research tea, looked at data from more than 25,000 women who had hysterectomies. The women were between 50 and 79 years old, and were followed for seven to eight years to find out how many would get ovarian cancer following hysterectomy. Data was taken from the Women’s Healthy Initiative study.

The researchers concluded that ovarian cancer was a rare occurrence, whether a woman had her ovaries removed when they got a hysterectomy or not. Those who had only their uterus removed had a 1 in 300 chance of ovarian cancer. Those who also had their ovaries taken out had a lesser chance: 1 in 5,000.

Previous research found a link between hip fractures and heart disease and the removal of a woman’s ovaries. This new study concluded that women who had a hysterectomy and their ovaries removed had comparable rates of heart disease and hip fractures as those who only had a hysterectomy. Both groups had around an 8 in 1,000 chance of these things developing.

Doctors from the University of California as well as many others have still pointed out that, even with the results of this study, having one’s ovaries removed along with a hysterectomy is a very personal decisions that should be discussed with your doctor at length.

The lining of the uterus, that is, the endometrium, is also sensitive to progesterone. Medical researchers have observed that stopping the action of progesterone on the endometrium prevents month-to-month growth in uterine fibroids. The fibroids are still somewhat larger during the first half of the menstrual period due to the action of estrogen, but they do not grow during the second half of the menstrual period in ways that increase bleeding and pain.

Treating fibroids with surgery, of course, reduces fertility by shrinking the available surface of the uterus for the implantation of the fertilized egg. Treating fibroids with medications to lower estrogen levels threatens bone health. UPA, however, acts selectively on the lining of the uterus to cause fibroids to shrink month to month, rather than grow month to month, although there continue to be variations in the size of fibroids during the menstrual cycle.

Some women taking a higher, 20 mg dose of UPA for several months had no menstrual bleeding at all. While this indicates improvement in fibroids, it does not indicate immediate restoration of fertility. Probably women will need to use the drug for 4 to 6 months to shrink fibroids without surgery, and then they will need to be off the drug for 2 or 3 months to regain fertility. Other treatments for fibroids, however, can leave fertility permanently impaired.

UPA is manufactured by the Swiss pharmaceutical company PregLem SA. Results of testing are likely to be submitted to regulatory agencies in the EU and USA later this year.

Only in UK more than 1.5 million women aged from 30 to 49 consults her GP each year because of the problem: this number actually suggests that one in 20 women has a serious problem with heavy menstrual bleeding aka menorrhagia. Additionally, visits gynaecologist account for one in five of all referrals because of problems with menstrual disorders.

Study suggests that this alternative no-pill hot balloon treatment has comparing to very radical treatment of hysterectomy a very good success rate of 90%. Pill related treatments that reduce heavy menstrual flow include drugs like tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid, but if patient does not respond to pill treatment, radical treatment is suggested: hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure of     removing the womb as a whole or in part. This treatment does guarantee success, but it also guarantees the end of periods.

The alternative method, aka as hot balloon treatment or balloon thermal endometrial ablation offers considerably less invasive alternative.

During the procedure a balloon is placed into the uterus through the cervix, and then the balloon is inflated by filling it with a special solution, which is then heated to destroy the layer of tissue lining the womb (endometrium). The procedure takes only few minutes and can performed using local anaesthesia.

Previous researches also showed promising results: after 12 months of therapy two studies reported normal bleeding in more than 70% of women. Latest study that was carried out at Mayo Clinic where approximately 250 women with heavy menstrual bleeding underwent the hot balloon procure reports that the failure rate of procedure at three years was around 11 per cent, which means the procedure needed to be repeated and woman was suggested hysterectomy after all.

It is essential to bring out that women who want to conceive again shouldn’t undergo this treatment, although some examples show conception is still possible even after the lining is destroyed.

A hysterectomy is done to prevent fibroids and is the only method which will completely solve the problem.  For many women seeking an alternative to a hysterectomy, a myomectomy is a viable treatment option, especially in those that desire to preserve fertility and have children at some point in time.  Unfortunately, some physicians are reluctant to perform a myomectomy, because the procedure carries certain risks or benefits, it is important to discuss it with a medical professional.

Myomectomy and removal of uterine fibroids, involves the removal of the structures through an incision in the abdomen.  Usually, a surgeon will make a horizontal or bikini incision; even for larger fibroids this is sufficient.  There is no limit to the size or number of fibroids that can be removed in this manner and the procedure is most commonly performed in a hospital and a woman usually goes home within 48 hours.

There is not much blood loss during a myomectomy due to using a laser which seals the blood vessels and reduces bleeding.  It is important to find a surgeon that is experienced in performing a myomectomy in order to get the best treatment and yield the desired outcome.  The ability to feel into the uterus during a myomectomy allows a surgeon to find fibroids located deeply inside the uterus.  Being able to palpate the uterus more efficiently ensures that a surgeon can find and repair the areas in which a fibroid has been removed as well.

The disadvantage of a myomectomy is that an incision is required, so recovery may be a bit longer if an incision were not used.  Fibroids that are located on the inside of the uterus may be able to be removed by resectoscope which does not require an incision.  Sometimes internal fibroids can also be removed using laparoscope which is done with a series of small incisions and can in some cases be less invasive than a myomectomy.

Myomectomy and removal of uterine fibroids may be necessary in extreme cases of discomfort or heavy bleeding.  The procedure does not require a long recovery period and can help a woman avoid having more invasive treatment like a hysterectomy.  By consulting with a physician a woman can possibly avoid more serious complications and preserve her ability to become pregnant and have a baby at some point in the future.

Fibroids are mostly so small that most can only be witness using a microscope and normally only cause problems in women when they become too large and put pressure on the pelvic organs.  Fibroids are classified according to where they are located in the uterus and some of the most common symptoms include:

• Painful sexual intercourse
• Abdominal fullness, constipation and gas pressure
• Pressure in lower abdomen
• Bleeding between menstrual periods
• Increased urination
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic cramping and painful periods

Uterine fibroids bleeding between periods is not the same as normal menstrual flow, but is rather accompanied by a variety of different symptoms.  Normal menstrual flow lasts approximately 3-5 days and produces minimal blood loss.  Uterine bleeding due to fibroids however is much more pronounced and lasts for a longer period of time.  When a woman menstruates and has no symptoms of uterine fibroids, it can make the condition very difficult to diagnose.

While the causes of uterine fibroids are still unknown, there are a number of ways in which to treat the condition.  Speaking with a medical professional will allow a woman to find out all of her treatment options and determine which methods will yield the best results.  Some treatment methods will be determined according to the following factors:

• Age of the female
• Location of fibroids
• Whether or not symptoms are presenting
• Size of the fibroids

Uterine fibroids bleeding between periods can be a very common side effect of the condition, but it can be handled through uterine ablation therapy or a hysterectomy in severe cases.  A woman must always consult with her physician in order to determine the best course of action when dealing with uterine fibroids and always address any problems to avoid any further complications.

A radical hysterectomy removes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix and is done to solve chronic pain from endometriosis.  Choosing an endometriosis hysterectomy is a difficult choice and can render a woman infertile and kick start premature menopause in younger women.  Removing the uterus only and leaving other reproductive organs does not change monthly hormone fluctuations that cause bleeding and may not improve the more severe symptoms of endometriosis however.

For a couple that has been actively trying to conceive a baby for a long period of time, fertility testing can highlight endometriosis as being an underlying female cause.  Fortunately, with the latest revelations in the world of reproductive medicine the condition can be treated, managed or even alleviated completely.  Endometriosis affects roughly 10-20% of women of childbearing age and can result in fertility issues for couples trying to get pregnant.

There are certain risk factors which can increase the risks of a woman developing endometriosis which can include never having been pregnant before.  There are also certain factors which can decrease the risk of endometriosis which includes the following:

• Having fewer periods
• Multiple pregnancies
• Early first pregnancy

Just as there are things that increase or decrease the risks of endometriosis, there are also other factors which have no significant impact on whether or not the condition develops which include; tampons, oral contraceptives and IUD’s.  Risk factors for endometriosis are things that do not directly cause the disease, but seem to be related in some sort of way.

Having an endometriosis hysterectomy while drastic can be the only thing that alleviates pain for some women.  However, prior to having a hysterectomy, a woman should always consult with a medical specialist in order to see if there are other alternatives available.  Remember, endometriosis may be a deterrent to being able to become pregnant but for many women seeking treatment and following the advice of their medical professional can help improve the condition and allow a woman success when trying to conceive a baby.