Author: Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG

The answer depends on several factors. If you have symptomatic fibroids, meaning painful periods and heavy bleeding, you could be a candidate for myomectomy. If you want to have children in the future, myomectomy may be the procedure to relieve your fibroid symptoms and still keep your uterus. Keep reading to find out about the types of myomectomy and which might be best for you.

It’s All About the Fibroids

Many women have no symptoms of fibroids and need no intervention unless that changes.

For those who do suffer from symptoms, how many symptomatic fibroids you have, their size, and their location all contribute to being a good candidate for a myomectomy. If you want to keep your uterus intact, this is accomplished with a myomectomy.

Fibroids are benign growths made of tissue and muscle that can grow inside the muscle of the uterus or even elsewhere in the pelvis. A myomectomy removes only the fibroids and leaves the uterus, so a woman can conceive in the future.

Types of Myomectomies

There are several types of procedures available to remove fibroids. Once Dr. Rita Sharma has determined how many fibroids there are and their location, you may get a recommendation for which is best for you.

Minimally Invasive Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

The surgeon inserts a thin lighted scope into the vagina and through the cervix to the uterus. Once the fibroid is visualized, Dr. Sharma can then remove it with minimal downtime.

• This type is best for mucosal fibroids.
• You can go home the same day.
• Recovery can be just a few days.

Minimally Invasive Robotic (Laparoscopic) Myomectomy

This type is performed under general anesthesia. Tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and a lighted camera called a laparoscope is inserted into one incision. Instruments are placed in the other ports to perform the procedure. Sometimes this is done robotically, which helps the surgeon remove the fibroids. They are cut into smaller pieces to be removed.

• Most patients remain in the hospital for one night.
• Recovery takes two to four weeks.
• If the fibroids are too large, the surgeon will continue with another type.

Abdominal Myomectomy

Also known as an open myomectomy, this procedure requires an incision in the abdomen under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes the fibroids from the uterine wall. This type is chosen when fibroids are larger and more numerous.

• This procedure requires one to two days in the hospital.
• Recovery can take up to four to six weeks.

Final Thoughts

There is always a chance fibroids can grow back, especially if the patient is younger. It’s important to discuss with Dr. Sharma the best type of myomectomy for you.

Most women get relief from the symptoms of fibroids after a myomectomy.

Contact Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 723-1545 if you are experiencing severe symptoms of fibroids and want more information about a myomectomy.

Sources:

• Myomectomy | Conditions & Treatments | UCSF Health
• Myomectomy (clevelandclinic.org)
• Myomectomy (Surgery for Uterine Fibroid Removal) (webmd.com)
• Types of Myomectomy | Stanford Health Care

If you have it, you know what we mean by an overactive bladder. You need to pee more than normal, a lot more than normal. You must know where the nearest bathroom is at all times. The medical name is urinary incontinence. You know that too. What you might not know is what to do about it is how to retrain your bladder.

Living With an Overactive Bladder

Having OAB is not a joke for those who have it. That constant feeling of “I gotta go,” and sometimes leaking urine affects your life in many ways, and they’re all negative.

30% of men and 40% of women in the United States live with an overactive bladder.

What Are the Risk Factors for OAB?

Simply getting older or being female are not causes of OAB.

Risk factors for OAB can include the following:

• Hormonal changes
• A urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Neurologic disorders or damage to the signals between the bladder and your brain
• Side effects from certain medications
• Weakness in the pelvic muscles
• Diseases that affect the brain or spinal cord like stroke or MS

What Are Therapies for an Overactive Bladder?

Treatments or therapies for an overactive bladder range from some lifestyle changes all the way to surgery. Understand that OAB will not go away on its own. Don’t ignore the symptoms or they will only get worse.

We are going to focus on retraining your bladder which is non-invasive and one of the first therapies Dr. Rita Sharma may recommend.

Retraining Your Bladder

It is critical to work with your urologist as you retrain your bladder, and the more information you can provide about your symptoms, the better. The goal is to increase the amount of time between using the bathroom and to strengthen your ability to control the urges.

Begin to Keep a Bladder Diary

This is simply a record of when you go, how long in between, what you have eaten, and what liquids you’ve consumed so you may be able to track any triggers. This includes peeing at night.

This will give you an average of how long between urinations.

Select a Practical Interval

If you discover you are going to the bathroom every hour, set a goal to increase the time between. Don’t be overly optimistic. Select a rational or practical time to increase like an additional 10 or 15 minutes.

Start First Thing in the Morning

Go to the bathroom when you first get up. If your increased interval is one hour and 10 minutes try to stick to that timing. Even if you don’t feel like going, go anyway.

If you can’t wait that long and you have the urge, try some different tactics. Stay calm and begin to count down from 50. Try Kegel exercises, and attempt to hold off for 10 or 15 more minutes.

Increase the Interval

Once you become comfortable with the extra time between peeing, now is the time to increase it a bit more. As time passes, you may be able to increase the intervals slowly. You can also try double voiding. Go, and then wait a few minutes and try to go again.

Give Yourself a Break

It is important to be patient and not give up. Once you have made the commitment to follow through on retraining your bladder, give it time. Don’t beat yourself up if it takes longer than you expected. Again, consult with Dr. Sharma for additional suggestions.

There may be additional techniques or therapies to try in conjunction with bladder retraining.

Schedule an Overactive Bladder Consultation in Atlanta, GA

Don’t suffer in silence. Overactive bladder relief is possible.

Contact Dr. Rita Sharma, our esteemed board-certified OBGYN at (770) 723-1545 for help with an overactive bladder.

Being disappointed time after time while you keep trying to conceive is a frustrating feeling. After trying for over one full year, it is recommended you undergo female fertility testing. Keep reading to discover what you can expect.

Atlanta Gyn Center is here to provide compassionate and comprehensive female fertility testing. Contact Dr. Rita Sharma in Tucker, GA today by calling (770) 723-1545.

Expect Lots of Medical History Questions

The fertility testing journey begins with a lot of questions and tests. This usually happens after you have been actively trying to become pregnant for at least one year, but no success.

You will start by talking with Dr. Rita Sharma about your medical health and habits. It might be a bit embarrassing, but it’s the only way they can evaluate what is causing the problem. Many times there are a combination of problems causing infertility.

They will ask about your medical history and any surgeries, prescription medications, use of caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and any exposure to chemicals, toxins, or radiation.

In addition, they will ask about your sexual habits: how often you have sex, your history of problems, STDs, or any sex outside the relationship.

You will also be asked about the following:

• Previous pregnancies
• Frequency of periods over the last year
• Any irregular or missed periods
• Any change in blood flow or any clots
• Previous contraceptive methods used
• Any previous fertility tests

Expect to Review Possible Causes of Infertility

Female infertility can be due to an issue with ovulation. For a man it could be a problem with sperm and how they function. Sometimes no cause is found.

Age is certainly a factor

A young couple in their 20s and early 30s have a 25-30% chance of getting pregnant in any single menstrual period. The percentage declines in the early 30s and even more after age 37. At age 40, a woman has a 10% chance of getting pregnant.

Lifestyle affects fertility

Being overweight, underweight, or drinking moderate amounts of alcohol plus smoking can affect a woman’s fertility. Heavy drinking, smoking, and marijuana use can affect a man’s fertility.

Many health conditions can cause infertility

These can include pituitary or thyroid gland problems, hormonal issues, STDs, PCOS, endometriosis, and more.

Expect to Have a Series of Tests

You will have lab tests like blood and urine, imaging tests, and sometimes procedures.

These tests will help find the underlying cause of infertility. Once the cause is found, we can determine possible treatments and next steps.

Expect to Complete the Tests Within a Few Months

Most infertility evaluations are finished within a few menstrual cycles.

Lastly, expect that after all testing is completed, many couples have an idea why they’re having trouble getting pregnant.

Contact Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 723-1545 if you are considering female fertility testing in Tucker, GA.

Each year almost 600K hysterectomies are performed. It is a surgery to remove the uterus. Afterward, patients won’t be able to become pregnant, and they will no longer have their period. Depending on the reason for the surgery, your surgeon may also remove the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. That’s a lot of surgeries, so for what reasons is a hysterectomy performed?

Our board-certified OBGYN, URPS, Dr. Rita Sharma is highly trained in performing a hysterectomy. Contact our gynecology clinic in Tucker, GA to schedule a one-on-one consultation. Call us at (770) 723-1545.

Prepare for Your Surgery and Get the Facts

First and foremost, find out why your physician is recommending a hysterectomy. Is it to relieve symptoms of a condition? Will you go into early menopause? What exactly will be removed? Ask about any possible complications or side effects, and be clear about how your life will change before deciding to go forward.

The best preparation is to understand why you are having the surgery and how it may improve your life.

Reasons Why A Hysterectomy Is Performed

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterine wall grows abnormally outside the uterus. It causes severe pain, and irregular periods and can also lead to infertility. Unfortunately, this condition can recur even after surgery. Ask Dr. Sharma about this possibility.

Cancer/Cancer Prevention

Cancer may be the most serious reason for a hysterectomy, and it accounts for about 10% of all surgeries. It is recommended if you have cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, or ovaries. It can be considered if you have abnormalities that could lead to cancer.

Uterine Fibroids

Hysterectomy is an option for treating uterine fibroids. They are non-cancerous growths inside the uterus causing pain, heavy bleeding, and bloating, and may affect fertility. There are procedures to remove the fibroids but preserve the uterus. Talk with Dr. Sharma about your options.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a bacterial infection that causes severe pain. It can be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough, but removing the uterus is an option.

Hyperplasia

This is a condition that causes the lining of the uterus to become thicker resulting in pain and heavy bleeding. It can also lead to cancer. Discuss hysterectomy with Dr. Sharma and decide if it’s right for you.

Uterine Prolapse

A hysterectomy is usually a last resort with a prolapse. This is when the uterus drops downward onto the vagina due to muscle weakness. It can cause urinary incontinence and difficulty with bowel movements. Exercises and devices can be tried first, but if not successful, a hysterectomy may be recommended.

Other reasons can include the following:

• Severe bleeding after a vaginal or cesarean delivery
• Heavy irregular menstrual bleeding not managed by other treatments

Recovery After a Hysterectomy: What to Expect

If your ovaries were removed, you may experience menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, and insomnia. Discuss treatment options like hormone replacement therapy to help relieve the side effects of menopause.

You will walk around as soon as possible after the surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. Dr. Sharma will monitor your recovery and restrict strenuous activities, sexual intercourse, and heavy exercise for several weeks. Recovery will take anywhere from four to six weeks.

Consider all the benefits and side effects of a hysterectomy before making a decision.

Contact our board-certified OBGYN, Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 723-1545 if you want to discuss your options at our office in Tucker, GA.

Whenever you have a medical condition or a concerning issue, you want to see the very best medical professional you can find. You want someone who is highly trained with above-average expertise. Some might call this person a specialist or someone highly skilled in a specific field. This describes a urogynecologist.

Concerned about pelvic health? Trust our board-certified gynecologist, Dr. Rita Sharma, at Atlantia GYN Center. Don’t wait—schedule your urogynecology consultation by requesting an appointment online today at our gynecology clinic in Atlanta, GA.

What Is a Urogynecologist?

A urogynecologist provides the best of two worlds with an in-depth knowledge of certain female issues. This specialist has studied both urology and gynecology with extra training and expertise in urinary incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic floor disorders.

A urogynecologist completes medical school and then a residency in obstetrics/gynecology or urology. In addition, they complete a 2 or 3-year fellowship in conditions concerning the pelvic floor.

In 2011 urogynecology became a sub-specialty, with the first physicians becoming board certified in 2013.

See a Urogynecologist for Incontinence

If coughing, laughing, or sneezing causes you to leak urine, see a urogynecologist like Dr. Sharma. Specially trained to care for stress incontinence and an overactive bladder, this symptom of a pelvic floor problem can be handled by a urogynecologist.

Maybe you’ve already gone to your GYN or even a urologist with no lasting improvement. A urogynecologist is specially trained to help even when other treatments have failed.

See a Urogynecologist for Menopause Symptoms

The time from perimenopause through to menopause, a woman’s symptoms can become debilitating. From hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, reduced libido, and vaginal dryness, this time is a nightmare for many women. A urogynecologist can help you find relief.

See a Urogynecologist for Frequent UTIs

If you have 2 or more urinary tract infections in 6 months or 3 or more within a year, it’s time to see a urogynecologist. Sometimes these UTIs can be symptomatic of other complex problems. Dr. Sharma will perform non-invasive tests to determine the cause(s) before recommending treatments.

See a Urogynecologist for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

As women get older, the muscles in the pelvic area become weakened and some organs can fall. This can be a frightening scenario however, you are not alone—fifty percent of women will sustain pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in their lifetime.

A urogynecologist like Dr. Sharma is specially trained in the most advanced procedures to treat POP.

Seek out the best for chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and all pelvic floor disorders.

Contact board-certified gynecologist, Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 723-1545 if you want a professional diagnosis and treatment plan in Atlanta, GA.