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Resource Center
The Female Reproductive System - Conditions & Treatments
A wide variety of benign (non-cancerous) conditions may affect a woman's reproductive system, which consists of the uterus, vagina, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Most of these conditions affect the uterus, which is the hollow, muscular organ that holds a baby as it grows inside a pregnant woman. Common types of gynecologic conditions - such as fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterine wall), endometriosis (non-cancerous growths of the uterine lining) or prolapse (falling or slipping of the uterus) - can cause chronic pain and heavy bleeding, as well as other disabling symptoms.
When medication and other treatments are unable to relieve symptoms, hysterectomy - the surgical removal of the uterus - is often recommended to provide a more effective, definitive, long-term solution. In fact, this procedure is the second most common surgical procedure for women in the United States, and an estimated one third of all U.S. women will have a hysterectomy by age 60.
A wide variety of gynecologic cancers can also affect a woman's reproductive system, which consists of the uterus, vagina, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ that holds a baby as it grows inside a pregnant woman. The fallopian tubes and ovaries are located on either side of the uterus.
The most common types of gynecologic cancers are cervical, endometrial (uterine) and ovarian cancer. The specific type of cancer a woman has and how advanced it is, will determine her available treatment options. Women with early stage gynecologic cancer are often treated with hysterectomy - the surgical removal of the uterus. In this procedure, the doctor may also remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes and/or select lymph nodes. Hysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure for women in the United States, and an estimated one third of all U.S. women will have a hysterectomy by age 60.
If you have a gynecologic cancer - such as cancer of the uterus or cervix - hysterectomy may be your best treatment option. The type of hysterectomy you have will depend upon your medical history and health, as well as the extent of the cancer growth. With greater public awareness, early detection is on the rise and mortality rates are declining. Additionally, new advances in medical technology are enabling cancer patients to go on to live active and productive lives after their treatment.
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© USMD Hospital 2008 •
USMD Hospital at Arlington •
801 West Interstate 20 •
Arlington, Texas 76017 •
Phone (817) 472-3400 •
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This Web site presents information to educate consumers on various health topics. It is NOT intended to provide instruction on medical diagnosis or treatment. The information contained on this site is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. You should NOT rely on this information to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment. The information should NOT be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, visit or call with your physician or other qualified health care provider. You should never disregard the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider because of any information you read on this site or on any Web sites you visit as a result of using this site. If you have any health care questions, please consult your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult your physician or other qualified health care provider before you begin any new treatment, diet or fitness program.
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