Fourteen thousand women die each year from ovarian cancer. Forty-seven percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a five-year survival rate. Early symptoms of ovarian cancer often go undiagnosed. Ovarian cancer is usually caught late, which leads to lower chances of survival. This leads to higher chances for medical complications.

Oral Contraceptives

The use of birth control pills decreases the risk of ovarian cancer for average-risk women. Women who use birth control five or more years have a fifty percent lower risk of ovarian cancer. This method may not be safe for everyone, so you should consult with your doctor.

Gynecologic Surgery

Tubal ligation and hysterectomy can reduce specific types of ovarian cancer. These medical procedures must be done for their intended purpose, not for preventing ovarian cancer. If you are having a hysterectomy and you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, then consider having both fallopian tubes and ovaries removed during the procedure.

Checkups

Regular OB/GYN check-ups include a pelvic exam, during which the doctor manually examines you for any pain or enlargement in the area of your ovaries. Imaging tests such as transvaginal ultrasounds or CT scans can help determine the cause of any problems. Your doctor may recommend a CA 125 blood test, which looks for markers of ovarian cancer in the bloodstream.

It is important to visit your OB/GYN regularly to ensure reproductive health. If not diagnosed soon enough, ovarian cancer can cause serious medical complications or death. Women should visit their gynecologist once a year and as necessary in-between visits as issues arise. Contact Women’s Health for an appointment today.

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We want to give a shout-out and celebrate our fabulous physicians at Women’s Health! National Doctor’s Day recognizes the contributions doctors make to each individual patient and the community at large. We boast the best. Need an obstetrician or gynecologist, call Women’s Health in West Bloomfield, Michigan today.

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You do not need to suck it up if you experience intense monthly cramps. There are options both medical and surgical to provide you relief and in some cases cure your symptoms altogether. Please make a Telemedicine appointment to reach out to a Women’s Health OB/GYN, we can help.

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Perimenopause usually begins in your 40’s but can happen earlier or later. Every woman’s experience is different. Common symptoms are:  irregular periods, hot flashes, lower sex drive, breast tenderness, fatigue, and vaginal dryness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please let your Women’s Health gynecologist know at your appointment. Click here for additional information regarding perimenopause. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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