Curious About the Surgery Suggested by My Gynecologist
Background: I am a 28-year-old female (was 20 at the time of this experience), standing at 5'5" and weighing 120 pounds. I do not take any medications, am not on birth control, and only take vitamin D supplements. There are no existing diagnoses or health issues. My location is in the USA. At the age of 20, I visited a gynecologist with the intention of having a copper IUD inserted. Unfortunately, she was unable to proceed with the installation during that visit. Instead, she prescribed some medication aimed at dilating my cervix and asked me to return for additional appointments over the following weeks. Each of these attempts to place the IUD was excruciating, and by the final visit, I experienced significant bleeding. It was disheartening when the doctor concluded that my cervix remained too constricted to accommodate the IUD or allow for vaginal childbirth - she illustrated the size by indicating a tiny opening with her fingers. She proposed scheduling a surgical procedure that would not only help facilitate a future vaginal delivery but would also enable the simultaneous placement of the IUD. However, I turned down the surgery, feeling both physically exhausted and emotionally drained from the entire ordeal. In the time since, I have been left wondering what kind of surgery she had in mind. My searches online yield results primarily focused on surgeries intended for expectant mothers aiming to narrow their cervical opening rather than widen it. Is there a specific name for the surgery she mentioned? Would the procedure have involved making an incision to enlarge my cervix, or could it have been something else entirely?
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 7:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have been through a challenging experience regarding the placement of an IUD, and it's completely understandable to have questions and concerns about the surgical options your gynecologist suggested. Your care and comfort are essential when considering future procedures.
Main Points:
The surgery your gynecologist likely mentioned aims to widen your cervix to facilitate both vaginal delivery and IUD placement. This is often referred to as a cervical dilation procedure or potentially a cervical conization if there were concerns about the cervix's structure.
Explanation:
Cervical dilation procedures involve enlarging the cervical opening, which can help with various reproductive health needs. In your case, the aim would be to allow for the successful placement of an IUD and to prepare your body for potential future childbirth. The procedure does not typically involve making significant incisions; rather, it often utilizes surgical instruments to gently expand the opening or reshape the cervical canal.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Information Gathering: Reflect on and write down your questions and concerns about the surgery. This will help you articulate your thoughts and feelings when you speak with a healthcare provider.
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Seek Clarification: Reach out to your gynecologist or consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with them or another gynecologist. Express your interest in understanding the specific surgical procedure they suggested and how it would benefit you.
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Consider Your Goals: Think about your long-term reproductive goals. If having children in the future is important to you, it might help to discuss how this procedure aligns with those plans.
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Emotional Support: It’s also important to address any emotional or psychological impact your previous experiences had. Consider talking to a counselor or joining support groups for patients with similar experiences.
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Research Alternatives: If surgery still feels daunting, inquire about alternative forms of birth control or other options your gynecologist may recommend, considering your unique history.
Remember, it's perfectly normal to have questions about your health, and advocating for your needs is an important part of your care journey.
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