Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.
Q: I’m told I have fibroids, but I’m not sure what this means and what to do about it.
A: Over 75% of women will develop fibroids during their childbearing years.
These non-cancerous tumors grow within the uterine wall and can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, a constant feeling of fullness, frequent urination, constipation, pelvic pain and pain during intercourse.
Many women delay seeking treatment due to uncertainty or hope that the symptoms will improve. Unfortunately, fibroids and associated symptoms grow over time and typically get worse over the reproductive years.
Treatment options include medication, surgery and a new minimally invasive procedure called Acessa. Acessa offers a short recovery time and less discomfort.
The Acessa procedure shrinks the fibroids by about 45% and changes the fibroid texture from the hardness of a lacrosse ball to a marshmallow consistency. As a result, patients experience a significant reduction in their symptoms.
A key advantage of Acessa is that it preserves the uterus, which is crucial for women who wish to maintain their fertility or avoid major surgery and recovery time.
If you are dealing with fibroid symptoms, discuss your options with your health care provider.
— Ashley St. Germain, MD, specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, Samaritan Lebanon Health Center
Q: My friend had a heart attack — and she’s a woman! I thought this was only a concern for men.
A: Nearly 45% of women ages 20 and up are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than half of women entering pregnancy in the U.S. have optimal cardiovascular health, according to the American Heart Association.
Studies have shown women wait longer before seeking care because their heart attack symptoms are often less dramatic than men’s, especially when it comes to chest pain.
Paying attention to your body, and new symptoms, is extremely important. Be as detailed as possible when describing your symptoms to the doctor to help ensure a correct diagnosis.
Call 911 or get to the hospital right away if experiencing:
Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back.
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Samaritan has heart specialists for virtually all major heart conditions. We seamlessly manage your care, from primary to specialty care, to give you the best opportunity for a positive experience and outcome.
— Monica Thukral, adult nurse practitioner, Samaritan Cardiology – Corvallis
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Call Samaritan Health Services Find a Doctor line
at 800-863-5241 to find a provider who is right for you.
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