Many women struggle onwards in silence with suffering and fear. The issue surrounds the reality of womanhood, when signs and symptoms show that the blessing of the reproductive system is ailing.
This is not an issue to feel shy about, it is a normal and natural part of human daily life. A woman who is struggling should immediately contact her Clinic, Doctor or GP for assistance with her reproductive system difficulties.
As a mother or sister, it is important for you to enlighten your daughters/sisters with the basic information about the reproductive system.
It is not a kindness to withhold essential information about the woman's reproductive system through feelings such as shyness.
Many women do not know the basic facts about their body, and this can lead to untold suffering. Charity work shows many such scenes of suffering, both physical and mental;
A young girl screaming in fear and agony, trying to hold back her contractions as her baby was being born, as she had been told by a local person that what was within her were snakes; once born they would turn on her and devour her.
Another young girl being slapped so hard that her head snapped back on her neck when she asked where babies came from.
Young girls beginning Nature's initiation of them as a young woman, terrified that they were dying as they had never been told this would happen.
A woman haemmorhaging for years because she was too shy due to her upbringing to speak about her agonizing issue. These are just some of the faces of suffering in Charity work that face the Charity worker.
SIMPLE QUESTIONS - SIMPLE ANSWERS
So; you are in Charity work and are faced with this situation. You will need to know the basic facts in order for you to be able to assist the person in need with grace and dignity.
1. What is the womb (uterus)?
The uterus or womb is a pear shaped organ that is found in the female pelvis at the top of the vagina. It varies in size and shape depending on the hormonal and childbearing status of the woman. When a woman is pregnant, the baby grows inside the uterus (womb) until the time comes for the baby to be born.
2. What is Cervical Screening ?
Cervical screening is a check up to see if there are any changes in the cervix cells (cells at the neck of the womb) which could cause illness.
3. What is a cervical smear test?
A cervical smear test is a sample of cells taken from the neck of the womb (cervix).
It is a quick and simple procedure and is nothing to feel shy or worried about.
It is a great check up to prevent future ill health for women.
4. How often should I have a cervical smear?
The Pap test (cervical smear test) is recommended for all women from the age of 21.
Be guided by your Doctor/Gynaecologist as to how often you personally need the Pap smear (cervical smear test).
5. What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb).
There are several different types of hysterectomy.
6. Why do women have a hysterectomy?
A number of conditions women suffer from may be corrected by the removal of the uterus or womb.
Hysterectomy may be necessary for the following reasons;
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding that is irregular or very painful
- Fibroids which cause pain, bleeding or are very large. A fibroid is a non-cancerous growth of fibrous tissue and muscle
- Prolapse of the uterus, where the womb (uterus) loosens and falls into the vagina
- Endometriosis. This is a condition caused by tissues that normally form inside the uterus forming outside the uterus in the abdominal cavity
- Cancer of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tube/s or cervix
- Pelvic inflammatory disease and or adhesions which cause pain. Adhesions are fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs.
7. What is a total hysterectomy?
A total hysterectomy removes the whole uterus, as well as the cervix. When the cervix has been removed, the top of the vagina is then called a vault.
8. What is a subtotal hysterectomy?
A subtotal hysterectomy removes only the womb (uterus). This leaves the cervix in place. If you have a subtotal hysterectomy operation, you will need to continue to have smear tests.
9. Do women who have had hysterectomies need cervical smears?
Your Doctor/Gynaecologist will guide you on this. A woman who has had a total hysterectomy does not usually need to continue to be screened.
A woman will usually need to continue to have smear tests
- after a subtotal hysterectomy
- if she had abnormal smears before surgery
- if the laboratory found cervical abnormalities (problems with the cervix needing extra care) at the time of surgery
- or if the hysterectomy was for treatment of cancer or precancerous (likely to develop into cancer if not properly treated) conditions
10. What is a vault smear?
When a woman has had removal of the womb (uterus) and cervix (neck of the womb), the cervical smear tests will be taken from the top of the vagina and are called vault smears.
11. I don't know what type of hysterectomy I had, and I'm worried about it?
Women who do not know what type of hysterectomy they had, or the reason for having it, should ask their Doctor to check their records.
If your Doctor does not have this information and on examination finds evidence that you had a total hysterectomy, then it is usually recommended to have two vault smear tests a year apart.
Then if both are normal, screening can usually stop. Again, be guided by your Doctor/ Gynaecologist with your personal need for screenings.
12. I am in a squatter camp and have no money. What do I do?
Try to contact someone who can help you. People such as those in your local Clinic, a goodhearted neighbour nurse, a dedicated GP who is known to help the poor may be able to help.
Also, your local Pastor, Priest, or Spiritual Leaders/group of nuns may be able to help. They are dedicated by their call to helping those in need, and may be able to assist you to afford the care you need.
13. I am in a war torn area, and am desperate. What do I do?
If possible, try to get to a Doctors Without Borders facility. These dedicated Doctors assist those in great need.
14. I am working with poor women in outlying villages, desperately poor situations. What do I do?
Try to contact a reputable group to see if they can assist you with starting a Gyaecological Clinic in your village/outlying area.
Failing that, contact a reputable charitable group to ask for assistance with transport/ bed and board costs/ doctor and treatment costs/ for the ill women in the nearest large city that offers a Gynaecology Clinic.
Gynaecologists - Irreplaceable Vocation
It is an irreplaceable vocation to be a Gynaecologist.
Over the years as I have worked in rural areas, far outlying villages, squatter camps and areas where conflict has left its ravages, I have been asked again and again by women with hopeless eyes and unimaginable suffering to send a Gynaecologist to help them.
Perhaps Divine Providence has led you to read these words; if you are a Gynaecologist
or part of a Gynaecology Specialist Team,
why not consider offering your services
pro deo in some area for a while?
The suffering of many women -
in silence and at times cultural shame -
is beyond bearing.
Desperately need the assistance of dedicated Obstetricians, Gynaecologists
http://www.msf.org.au/join-our-team/who-we-need/obstetricians-gynaecologists.html
IN THE SPIRIT OF LUMIERE, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP?
Understanding Cervical Smear Results
http://www.cancer.ie/sites/default/files/content-attachments/cervical_smear_test_2010.pdf
Web MD; Hysterectomy
http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/hysterectomy
Cervical Check
http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/
Gynaecologic Cancers
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm
How often should you have a Pap smear?
http://cervicalcancer.about.com/od/screening/a/screeningguide.htm
With thanks to Cancer.ie, Webmd, Cervical Check, cdc.gov/cancer, About.com
*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Health Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional care
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