This is The Manual
For the things you were too embarrassed to ask the group chat or too scared to have Google tell you you’re dying.
Heads Up: This info is here to educate, not diagnose. Talk to a real-life doctor for medical advice - and read our medical disclaimer before diving in!
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Procedures & Treatments
Hysterectomy | Myomectomy | Hysteroscopy | Endometriosis Surgery | Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) | Endometrial Ablation | Prolapse Surgery | Post-Op Recovery | GnRH Meds
Endometrial Biopsy | IUD Insertion | Colposcopy | LEEP | Pelvic Ultrasound | MRI
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Birth Control | Pap Smear | Pelvic Exam | The Gyno Visit
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Post-Op Recovery: What to Expect After Gynecologic Surgery
You’ve had surgery, the hard part is technically “over,” and suddenly you’re home — sore, tired, bloated, emotional, and hyper-aware of every new sensation in your body. Even with good discharge instructions, it’s normal to wonder whether what you’re feeling is expected or something you should worry about.
Healing after gynecologic surgery isn’t linear, identical, or predictable. Having more information — especially about the day-to-day realities of recovery — can go a long way toward settling anxiety and helping you feel more in control. This guide walks through what recovery commonly looks like, what’s normal, what’s not, and how to support your body along the way.
GnRH Medications: Pressing Pause on Your Hormones
Being told you might need a medication that “shuts down your hormones” can sound… intense.
Cold. Permanent. Like something you didn’t sign up for.
But GnRH medications aren’t about taking something away from you. They’re about temporarily pressing pause — often to give your body relief, clarity, or a reset.
Used thoughtfully, these meds can be incredibly effective. Used without explanation, they can feel terrifying. Let’s talk about what they actually do — and when they make sense.
MRI in Gynecology: Taking a Deeper Dive
If you’ve been told you need an MRI, you might be wondering what the point is.
Is something serious going on? Did something get missed?
An MRI doesn’t mean your situation is worse. It usually means your provider wants more detail. MRI is one of the most powerful tools we have in gynecology, especially when ultrasound doesn’t give the full picture.
Think of ultrasound as a real-estate listing — it shows the basics. MRI is the full house tour.
Prolapse Surgery: Fixing the Support System
Hearing the word surgery can make prolapse suddenly feel much scarier than it actually is.
For many people, prolapse never requires surgery at all. But when symptoms are severe, persistent, or interfering with daily life, surgery can be a very effective option. The confusing part is that there isn’t just one prolapse surgery — there are many, and they’re designed to do different things.
This article walks through what prolapse surgery is actually doing, the main surgical options, and to help you decide which approach makes sense for you.
Endometriosis Surgery: Weeding the Garden
Endometriosis surgery can be life-changing - but it’s also complex, nuanced, and often misunderstood. For some people, surgery brings dramatic relief. For others, it’s one step in a longer journey of managing a chronic condition. Understanding what surgery can (and can’t) do, how it’s performed, and how surgeon experience matters can help you decide whether it’s the right option for you.
This article walks through how endometriosis surgery works, the difference between excision and ablation, fertility-sparing and non-fertility-sparing approaches, and what recovery and long-term outcomes realistically look like.
Myomectomy: Removing Fibroids While Preserving the Uterus
A myomectomy is a surgical option for removing uterine fibroids when there is a strong desire to preserve the uterus — whether for fertility, personal identity, or other individual reasons. Instead of removing the uterus itself, the procedure focuses on removing the individual fibroids and leaving the uterus in place.
This article walks through what a myomectomy actually is, when it makes sense, the different ways it can be done, and what recovery and outcomes realistically look like.
IUD Insertion: Tiny Device, Big Feelings
If you’re thinking about getting an intrauterine device (IUD), it’s normal to feel a mix of curiosity and nerves. This is one of the most common procedures in gynecologic care — but “common” doesn’t always mean well explained. Let’s walk through what an IUD is, how insertion works, what’s typical afterward, and what options exist to improve the experience.
Endometrial Ablation: Letting the Lining Go
Endometrial ablation sounds deceptively simple: burn the lining, stop the bleeding, move on with your life.
And for the right person, that can be true.
But ablation is also one of the most misunderstood procedures in gynecology — often oversold, sometimes regretted, and frequently confused with a cure for things it was never meant to treat.
So let’s slow it down and talk about what endometrial ablation actually does, who it’s for, and just as importantly, who it’s not for.
Uterine Artery Embolization: Shutting Off the Supply
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is one of those treatments that often comes up mid-conversation - mentioned quickly, sometimes vaguely, and rarely explained in a way that actually makes sense. It’s not surgery, it doesn’t remove anything, and yet it can dramatically reduce bleeding and symptoms for the right person. This article breaks down what UAE actually does, when it’s used, and what to know before deciding if it belongs in your treatment plan.
Pelvic Ultrasound: A Window Into the Pelvis
A pelvic ultrasound is one of the most common tests ordered in gynecology. If you’ve been having pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, irregular cycles, or fertility questions, this is often one of the first tools your provider reaches for.
Hysteroscopy: A Look Inside the Uterus
Hysteroscopy sounds intimidating, but it’s actually one of the most straightforward and useful tools we have for understanding what’s going on inside the uterus. Think of it this way: you would never buy a house based solely on listing photos. Photos are helpful, but they’re limited. You want to walk through the space, see it from different angles, and understand what’s really there.
Hysterectomy: What It Really Means to “Take Out the Uterus”
Few words in gynecology carry as much weight as hysterectomy. Whether it’s said casually (“they just took everything out”) or whispered in fear, it tends to make people pause. But a hysterectomy isn’t one single procedure—it’s a spectrum of options that look a little different for everyone. Here’s what it really means, what’s actually removed, and what to expect along the way.
Endometrial Biopsy: Why It’s Done and What to Expect
If you’ve just been told you need an endometrial biopsy (EMB), you might be feeling a mix of confusion, anxiety, and curiosity. That’s completely normal. This procedure can sound intimidating, and for some people it’s genuinely uncomfortable. Understanding what’s happening, why it’s being done, and what to expect can help you feel a little more in control when it’s time for your appointment.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Your Guide to a Stronger, Happier Pelvis
Whether you’re leaking when you laugh, feeling pressure where you shouldn’t, or struggling with pain no one seems to understand, pelvic floor therapy offers a path toward healing that too many people still don’t know exists.
LEEP: What Is It, and Why Do I Need One?
So what exactly is a LEEP? And why might you need one?
If your doctor mentioned a LEEP after your Pap smear or colposcopy, you're not alone — and you're not in danger. A LEEP is a simple outpatient procedure that removes abnormal cervical cells before they turn into cancer. That’s right: this little procedure is done to prevent cancer, not treat it.
Colposcopy: What to Expect and How to Prepare
So you’ve been told you need a colposcopy. Now what?
We get it — hearing that can feel overwhelming. You might be panicking, Googling, or just quietly freaking out. But here’s the thing: colposcopies are incredibly common, and you’re not alone. Even though it might feel like you’re suffering in silence, thousands of people have this exact procedure every day — and we’re here to walk you through it, demystify the experience, and help you feel more in control.
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