Women maintaining appropriate body weight and following a good lifestyle would be less vulnerable to diseases and problems, an expert has said.
Dr Padmaja Koya, a popular Specialist Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon said that diabetes, cholesterol, heart problems, cancers and problems related to the uterus are common among women of Indian origin and people from the Indian Sub-Continent region.
She said the incidence of diabetes is high among women of Indian ethnicity.
“Diabetes, obesity, infertility and endometrial cancer are associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Women should therefore maintain a healthy bodyweight and lifestyle,” she said.
Common problems
According to Dr Koya, the benefits include improved fertility, reduced risk of developing diabetes and endometrial cancer in later years.
She said many women suffer such ailments as anaemia from heavy menstrual bleeding and painful menstruation. These are usually due to fibroids in the uterus, which are benign uterine lumps, she said.
“Heart disease is common among people of Indian origin. It is more common among men but Indian women have a higher incidence than their European counterparts,” Dr Koya said.
In view of the susceptibility to which women are exposed, they should undergo regular medical tests. These include cervical smears every three years and mammograms (especially women from the age of 45) every two years.
“However, they should consult their doctor if they have any problems with their periods or other abnormal bleeding or pain,” Dr Koya said.
Extended procedure
She is renowned for her specialisation in Laparoscopy and Complex Laparoscopic surgery, which she performs regularly at various hospitals.
She said Laparoscopy is inspection of the abdominal contents through a key hole with a camera, used traditionally to diagnose problems.
“Keyhole surgery has evolved in recent years, permitting us to perform major operations like removal of uterus, ovarian cysts and endometriosis through key holes, which is complex laparoscopic surgery.
“Sometimes, procedures can take as long as six hours. The pain would be relatively low with this process with faster recovery and quick return to full activities due to the very small size of the cuts,” she said.
Patients and doctors find this procedure appealing from cosmetic point of view.
Most patients would be able to return home within a day or two following this type of surgery, she said.
Women can lead normal lives with a few basic precautions and habits. These include a healthy diet, fitness exercises at least three times a week and regular medical check-up.
“The key to good health is healthy body weight. No one should be either too big or too slim,” Dr Koya said.
General antipathy
Like most men of Indian origin, women from the Sub-Continent are either fatalistic or indifferent to health issues.
Such callous attitude exposes many women to dangers of diseases, disorders and discomfort later in life.
Dr Koya attributes the general apathy to the busy lifestyle followed by women and placing their husbands, children and other members of the family on priority.
“They should realise that they can look after their families only if they are healthy and well. Sometimes, there are misconceptions about treatments, especially surgery. They can be reassured that techniques and technology have made it possible to treat several problems with minimum invasiveness,” she said.
She cited the example of heavy menstrual bleeding, which can sometimes be managed by insertion in the clinic of a ‘mirena’ device, or an endometrial ablation, a day-stay procedure.
“Even a hysterectomy can these days be done laparoscopically (total laparoscopic hysterectomy) with very quick recovery and minimal pain,” she said.
Dr Koya also dispelled the myth that removal of the Uterus would result in weight gain and menopause.
“This will not happen as the ovaries are not usually removed,” she said.
Dr Padmaja Koya is a Gynaecologist Laparoscopic Surgeon, with special interest in Laparoscopy and Complex Laparoscopic surgery for Endometriosis, Uterine fibroids and Ovarian Cysts. She also offers Colposcopy, surgical management of female incontinence and prolapse.
Dr Koya regularly meets patients in her private clinic (on 161 Gilles Avenue in Auckland) and hospitals and performs various kinds of surgery related to her specialisation.
