Hi maloum,
Thank you for your question and for finding EmpowHER. You are right, you do have options. How your dysplasia is treated depends heavily on your condition and your age. Are you done having children? I have had a cone biopsy. It was not a big deal. Minimal pain. If the doctor thinks it can be taken care of with that, you may opt for that choice. However, I have another friend in her 40s who was diagnosed with severe dysplasia, and opted for a hysterectomy. Her reasoning was that she is done having kids, and didn't want to have to deal with the chance of the bad cells coming back or causing more trouble, so she just had the whole thing removed. She is apparently happy with her decision. Has to wear a patch now for hormone replacement. She says she can really tell when she forgets to put on her patch. That is her personal experience. Many women probably have their own experiences. I do believe it is great that you ask the question, and particularly, ask it of your doctor. Did they explain why they think hysterectomy is a good option? I'm assuming the doctor plans to remove your cervix also?
Can you get a second opinion? I would venture that it may be a good idea to advocate for yourself in this way. Ask friends and family if they have a gynecologist that they would recommend. Your insurance company also may welcome a second opinion if it may help them to not have to pay for a surgery. Food for thought.
Here is an article that also may help you in your decision making process as far as knowing common treatment for cervical dysplasia:
https://www.empowher.com/condition/cervical-dysplasia/treatments
Good luck. Let us know how else we may be able to help and how you are doing.
Comment Reply
Hi maloum,
October 7, 2010 - 12:21pmThank you for your question and for finding EmpowHER. You are right, you do have options. How your dysplasia is treated depends heavily on your condition and your age. Are you done having children? I have had a cone biopsy. It was not a big deal. Minimal pain. If the doctor thinks it can be taken care of with that, you may opt for that choice. However, I have another friend in her 40s who was diagnosed with severe dysplasia, and opted for a hysterectomy. Her reasoning was that she is done having kids, and didn't want to have to deal with the chance of the bad cells coming back or causing more trouble, so she just had the whole thing removed. She is apparently happy with her decision. Has to wear a patch now for hormone replacement. She says she can really tell when she forgets to put on her patch. That is her personal experience. Many women probably have their own experiences. I do believe it is great that you ask the question, and particularly, ask it of your doctor. Did they explain why they think hysterectomy is a good option? I'm assuming the doctor plans to remove your cervix also?
Can you get a second opinion? I would venture that it may be a good idea to advocate for yourself in this way. Ask friends and family if they have a gynecologist that they would recommend. Your insurance company also may welcome a second opinion if it may help them to not have to pay for a surgery. Food for thought.
Here is an article that also may help you in your decision making process as far as knowing common treatment for cervical dysplasia:
https://www.empowher.com/condition/cervical-dysplasia/treatments
Good luck. Let us know how else we may be able to help and how you are doing.
This Comment
Reply