A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus of a female body is removed. People have many questions regarding hysterectomies and want to know who must undergo the procedure. But the major concern is, what is a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is the most common non-obstetric surgical operation performed on women in the United States. Apparently, 0.3 percent of women undergo a hysterectomy at some point in their lives. The operation entails the removal of a woman’s uterus, and may also involve detaching the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and other surrounding structures. Your doctor may recommend this type of surgery for varying reasons, namely;
- The presence of painful uterine fibroids that cause bleeding and numerous other challenges
- Prolapsed uterus – a situation where the uterus slides into the vaginal canal, commonly seen in women attaining menopause or with multiple childbirths
- Uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer (or precancer)
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Abnormal thickening of the uterus, popularly known as adenomyosis
It is, however, worth noting that your doctor will recommend a hysterectomy when other treatments have failed as far as the noncancerous reproductive health problems are concerned. Individuals suffering from uterine, ovarian or cervical cancer will most likely undergo a hysterectomy. 10% of the time, hysterectomies are performed on patients with cancer.
There are different types of hysterectomy namely,
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- Total hysterectomy – this type of hysterectomy entails the complete removal of the uterus and the cervix. As per medical data, this is the most common type of hysterectomy operation.
- Subtotal or partial hysterectomy – also known as supracervical hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy involves the removal of the upper part of the uterus with the lower uterus, and the cervix is left intact. Hysterectomy of this nature is only performed abdominally or laparoscopically.
- Radical hysterectomy – It entails the removal of the entire uterus, the cervix and the other structures surrounding the uterus. Radical hysterectomy is only recommended where the presence of cancer is suspected or diagnosed. Radical hysterectomy is the costliest and the most complicated surgery in this list.
- Hysterectomy with prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy – this involves the removal of fallopian tubes along with the uterus. Usually done to prevent early ovarian cancer in the tubes.
This surgical operation is performed in either of three ways – vaginally, abdominally, or through laparoscopy. Your surgeon will determine the best approach depending on the reasons for hysterectomy and numerous other factors including your medical history, resources at the medical institution, and sometimes even considering your preference. In a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is usually removed via the vagina and includes no abdominal incisions. For some women, such as the ones with adhesions from previous surgeries, or those with excessively large uteruses, vaginal hysterectomy may not be appropriate for them.
In general, vaginal hysterectomy causes poses fewer risks compared to laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy. Further, the recovery time is usually shorter compared to the other two approaches and the patient can go back to his normal activities a lot sooner. As long as it is possible, many doctors will recommend vaginal hysterectomy as the first choice.
On the other hand, abdominal hysterectomy entails the removal of the uterus by making an incision in the lower abdomen area of the patient. The opening in the abdomen allows the surgeon to have a clear view of all the pelvic organs of the patient. The good thing with this type of hysterectomy is that it is suitable for women with adhesions from past surgery as well as those with very large uteruses.
However, an abdominal hysterectomy is associated with higher risks of complication such as blood clots, bleeding, wound infection, as well as nerve and tissue damage – compared to vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy. Besides having to endure a prolonged healing time, you may want to prepare yourself for a long stay in the hospital.
When it comes to laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon makes a few incisions in the abdomen of the patient and then inserts a laparoscope to get a view of the pelvic organs. The uterus is then removed in bits via the incisions. He or she may also decide to make a larger incision in your abdomen to remove the uterus, or even remove it vaginally – a procedure known as a laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a lot safer than an abdominal hysterectomy, and one requires a shorter stay at the hospital after the surgery. Nevertheless, it is never without risks. You could suffer from the damaged urinary tract and other organs. Laparoscopic surgery takes a longer time to perform compared to vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy.
It is imperative to understand the physical changes associated with the procedure to help you manage your expectations accordingly. A huge number of women experience no side effects after the surgery. However, a few patients usually have to deal with some of the following risks and injuries:
- Heavy bleeding – it mostly happens to overweight women who undergo abdominal surgical operations for noncancerous conditions. While women with a healthy weight might also experience heavy bleeding, it is more common in overweight or obese women.
- Soreness and pain which can be treated by pain-relieving medicines.
- The nearby organs might get injured, organs like bowel, bladders or uterus itself. This is rarely seen among patients.
- Breathing or heart problems that are attributed to the anesthesia.
- Infections.
- If the ovaries are removed, early menopause sets in. On the brighter side, it drastically reduces the chances of developing ovarian cancer.
- Blood clots may occur in the lungs or legs.
- Allergic reactions.
- Painful intercourse which usually disappears once the woman has recovered fully. Some women report enjoying better sex after hysterectomy and more so because they don’t have to worry about pregnancy anymore.
- Prolonged pain in the pelvic region – usually dissipates over time and with medication.
To summarize, the facts and details of the hysterectomy were discussed in detail. Understanding and learning about hysterectomy can help people make proper decisions before considering the option. These details can help you learn about the process.
One Worst Women’s Sexual Health Myth That Won’t Die
Some women believe that they cannot get pregnant after the age of 35 years.
Women should know that it is not age that determines pregnancy. Some women have conceived at the age of 45 and others even at 50. So it is not true that once you clock 35, which is the end of you with childbearing. Be sexually active, eat well and exercise, let age not limit you to getting your desired number of children.
It is true to some extent that there will be a reduction in the progesterone hormones in the body with age but all these are biological jargons. Some people argue that life starts at forty. We witness marriage ceremonies for couples above the age of 35 on a daily basis. Let us not succumb to unfounded myths about the age of getting a child. A woman can get a child at any age as long as she is sexually active.
Why Would A Woman Need A Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which a woman’s uterus is removed. This may also involve the removal of other reproductive organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. This procedure is considered a major surgery and is typically only recommended when other treatment options have been exhausted. There are several reasons why a woman may need a hysterectomy, and these can range from medical conditions to personal choices. In this paper, we will discuss the various reasons why a woman may need a hysterectomy and the implications of this procedure.
Medical Conditions:
One of the most common reasons for a hysterectomy is to treat medical conditions that affect the reproductive organs. These conditions may include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, and adenomyosis. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus and can cause heavy and painful periods. They can also lead to fertility issues and recurrent miscarriages. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing severe pain and potential damage to other organs. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus slips down into the vagina due to weakened pelvic muscles, causing discomfort and difficulty with bowel movements. Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall, leading to heavy and painful periods. In all of these cases, a hysterectomy may be the most effective treatment option to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Cancer:
Another reason for a hysterectomy is to treat cancer in the reproductive organs. This may include cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer. A hysterectomy may be recommended as a treatment option for these types of cancer, especially if it is caught in the early stages. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be the only treatment necessary, while in others, it may be combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This decision is dependent on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
Chronic Pelvic Pain:
Chronic pelvic pain is a persistent pain in the pelvic region that lasts for more than six months. This pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended as a last resort to alleviate this pain. However, it is important for women to explore other treatment options and consider the potential risks and benefits of a hysterectomy before making a decision.
Personal Choice:
Some women may choose to have a hysterectomy for personal reasons, such as not wanting to have any more children or wanting to alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions. This decision should be made after careful consideration and discussion with a healthcare provider. It is essential to understand the potential physical and emotional impacts of a hysterectomy before undergoing the procedure.
Implications of a Hysterectomy:
A hysterectomy is a major surgery that involves removing a woman’s reproductive organs, which can have significant physical and emotional implications. Physically, a woman may experience some side effects such as pain, bleeding, and infection after the surgery. In some cases, the hormonal changes resulting from the removal of the ovaries may lead to menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings. Emotionally, a hysterectomy can also have an impact on a woman’s self-image and sexuality. It is essential for women to discuss these potential implications with their healthcare provider to better prepare for them.
In conclusion, a hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a woman’s uterus and potentially other reproductive organs. It may be recommended to treat medical conditions, such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis, or to address cancer in the reproductive organs. Some women may also choose to have a hysterectomy for personal reasons. It is important for women to carefully consider all potential risks and benefits, as well as explore other treatment options, before making a decision. A hysterectomy can have significant physical and emotional implications, and it is essential for women to be well-informed and prepared for these potential changes.
