Physicians must be confident in options other than hysterectomy – Allison Merkel : 4
Physicians must be confident in options other than hysterectomy
After Allison’s periods grew heavier and heavier, she knew she needed to do something. As an active working mom, she was stressed out and wanted to get back to normal, “I absolutely had to take time off of work. I mean, you’re just hanging out in the bathroom… I just wanted it done and fixed.” Looking back, Allison admits she didn’t fully understand her diagnosis of fibroids and that she made a relatively fast decision to have major surgery.
Often the conversation surrounding our menstrual periods is abbreviated due to stigma and other factors—unfortunately, this can lead to a lack of understanding and incomplete information.
Listen as Allison describes her path to recognizing her heavy bleeding might be abnormal. She wishes that she had been better informed about fibroids, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB), and treatment options that didn’t involve the removal of a major organ.
Learn about the signs and symptoms of AUB and questions you should be asking yourself and your GYN. The healthcare provider should provide you with a complete set of options—get tips from someone who has been there and is on a mission to educate and elevate others in the pursuit of information.
Allison shares information in this episode that would have benefited her at the onset of her AUB, including names of helpful organizations that set out to inform and arm women with facts. You’ll also learn about a GYN finder that helps women find trusted GYNs well-versed in treatment options for fibroids, AUB, and other uterine conditions.
Co-hosts and uterine health educators Katie Carranza, RN, BSN and Shelly Spicer, RN, BSN ask personal questions and offer advice for the next steps.
This is not just another period podcast. We know women are busy, so we get right to it.
It’s time to talk, period.
In this podcast:
- When heavy bleeding becomes abnormal
- Diagnosing fibroids
- Identifying Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)
- Signs and symptoms of AUB
- Starting the conversation
- Questions to ask yourself and your GYN
- Support organizations and resources
- Advice on exploring treatment options
- GYN Locator
4 Steps to Peace of Mind:
Our Time to Talk… Period co-hosts, Shelly and Katie, want to remind you that you are unique but not alone! ALL women get periods, all women have to get pelvic exams, and one in three women will experience Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)1.
Not everyone has a problematic condition, but knowing will bring you peace of mind! These four simple steps can take you from being stressed out to set free!
- Listen to Your Body. Make yourself a priority and take the time to listen to your body. Does something feel different? Are you missing events/work? Are you exhausted and stressed out trying to keep up with your period? Women are often caretakers for their families and others. It’s important to make time for you!
- Make that Appointment! It doesn’t matter if you’ve delayed seeing a physician for a year, or two, or more! You’ve come this far and owe it to yourself to make that appointment. Allison is proof that it is important to find a healthcare provider who will review all available options.
- Demand to be informed. Ask questions, listen, then ask more questions. It’s important that you feel comfortable asking hard questions that help you and your provider get to the root of the symptoms you are experiencing. You have the right to see a GYN who is knowledgeable and well-versed in all treatment options.
- Advocate for the Women in your Life! You are the best advocate for the women in your life. Help to break the stigma and encourage women in your life that are experiencing problematic periods to get talking, get a checkup with their GYN, and get answers! Share the information you’ve learned and share this podcast.
Minerva Surgical is thankful to host a podcast where women of all backgrounds can come together and talk openly and honestly. We’ll bring new perspectives each month and hope you will be with us on our journey to empower women!
Results and patient experience may vary. Talk to your doctor about the right treatment for you.
Davis E, Sparzak PB. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. [Updated 2022 Feb 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. Accessed July 14, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532913/
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