A Hysterectomy or Not?

A Hysterectomy or Not?

Women all over the world are faced with the dilemma of whether or not to have a hysterectomy (a surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus). They may find themselves suffering from extreme gynecological issues that can only be treated this type of procedure. Of course, there are those who elect for nonsurgical, uterine-sparing treatments.

Either way, deciding whether or not to have a hysterectomy is a very personal decision. It can have a great impact on a woman’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.

The August 2013 edition of the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology published a study that listed hysterectomy surgery as one of the most commonly performed procedures in women. The journal noted that over 600,000 hysterectomies were performed annually in the United States (a high number for medically conservative patients and doctors).

There are a number of reasons why a doctor would recommend 1 of 3 hysterectomy surgeries: total (entire uterus removed), partial or subtotal (part of the uterus) or radical (uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina).

At the top of the list is the onset of fibroid tumors. Female patients who are plagued with severe symptoms – prolonged menstrual periods and pelvic pressure or pain – resort to this gynecology procedure. Other reasons include:

·       A lower risk of uterine, ovarian or cervical cancer (especially helpful for women who are predisposed)

·       Relief from chronic pelvis pain, endometriosis, excessive bleeding, benign ovarian mass, uterine prolapse or placenta percreta

Some women elect to have hysterectomy surgery because they no longer want to have children. Others may be undergoing gender transformation.  Patients give "informed consent,” acknowledging the possible side effects and health risks.

• ·       Fever
• ·       Urinary infections
• ·       Wound infections which prolong hysterectomy recovery
• ·       Blood clots
• ·       Allergic reaction to medications
• ·       Anesthesia complications
• ·       Injury to nearby organs
• ·       Extreme bleeding
• ·       Painful sex, decreased sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm
• ·       Quick onset of menopause (especially if the ovaries are removed)
• ·       Urinary incontinence
• ·       Hormonal changes
• ·       Emotional side effects of not being able to have children again and feeling inadequate as a woman
• ·       Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to prevent osteoporosis, heart disease and menopause

Studies show that complications occur in 11 out of 10,000 women who undergo hysterectomy surgery with qualified personnel. This statistic does not take into account early menopause and a decreased sex drive. The risk of death is less than 1%.  

Hysterectomy recovery time depends on the type of surgery and a woman’s overall health. A patient should plan to recover in the hospital for 2 to 5 days. Once home, hysterectomy recovery will take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks with light activity and a whole lot of rest. Women can typically enjoy sex after 6 weeks and are back to their regular activities after 6 months.

Talk to your doctor to determine whether a hysterectomy is right for you.

Contact us today to learn more about gynecology treatments that will help get you get back to living a full, pain-free life.