A hysterectomy is a surgical operation where a woman has her uterus or womb removed. A hysterectomy has a few different types of hysterectomy, however, that depends upon the reason for which one is having the surgery. Every woman must know about hysterectomy or uterus removal surgery and in what situations it is performed. Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr. Deepak Rao, Consultant- Laparoscopy & Gynaecological Surgeon at Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar, Bangalore to know more about hysterectomy.
Why Hysterectomy Surgery is Performed?
Here are a few reasons why a woman might have to undergo a hysterectomy:
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign growths in the uterus that can get very big and can end up bleeding that can be very painful for the person. Your doctor might initially suggest a non-invasive or a conservative option, but if it gets too serious then hysterectomy is the only option.
Endometriosis
In this condition what happens is that an inflammatory tissue which is like the endometrium (the inside of the uterus), is somehow implanted outside the uterus, in the pelvis, or even the other tissues in the body. Hysterectomy is suggested to correct a serious problem that is interfering with normal functioning.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding might mean extremely heavy menstrual cycles. These heavy periods or bleeding might be interfering with you and your daily routine, and you might not be able to follow through with everything. If this condition gets too harsh and medication is not working, then a hysterectomy is suggested. This will improve the quality of her life as heavy and painful menstrual cycles will not meddle in her daily work and routine.
Also Read: 10 Causes Of Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods
Chronic pelvic pain
If pelvic pain persists for a prolonged period and if one experiences pain during sexual intercourse and no non-inflammatory drugs work, then in severe cases women do need to get a hysterectomy.
Adenomyosis
This is a condition or a disease that occurs when the endometrium grows in other parts of the organ. It can be seen after in later childbearing years.
Hyperplasia
This is a condition where the lining of the uterus becomes very thick. This happens due to high levels of oestrogen in the bloodstream of the woman. This condition may trigger heavy menstrual cycles and in extreme cases, this condition can even lead to cancer.
Cancer
If a woman is suffering from cancer. There is cancer of the ovaries, the fallopian tube, the uterus, or the cervix. A hysterectomy is an answer to this disease.
Also Read: Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
Points To Consider When Getting Uterus Removal Done
General considerations before having a hysterectomy:
- A hysterectomy does not lead to menopause. That is only when ovaries are NOT removed routinely at all.
- Conservative medications only postpone the surgery. Many patients suffer for years with alternative/conservative treatments, and yet finally need a hysterectomy, and then they feel that they should have got it done earlier, as they suffered through bleeding and ultimately end up going for a surgery.
- Hysterectomy done nowadays, laparoscopically has got so much better than the older method of open hysterectomies. Pain is almost zero and needs only one-day admission. A woman can go back to her routine chores, hence there no need to suffer from symptoms when a simple solution is available. With open surgery, the pain recovery, etc are so much that people hesitate to get operated.
- What must be emphasised is that after a hysterectomy, there are only 2 changes in a woman’s body. She will not get her periods and can’t get pregnant. There are no hormonal changes, no weight gain, no menopausal side effects, no depression etc.
After assessing all the sides to the hysterectomy and after weighing all your options, if you feel that hysterectomy is the only thing that can relieve your pain or can make your condition better then go for it but be sure about what exactly the doctors plan to do, and make sure that you get a laparoscopic hysterectomy. It is much better than open surgery. If you need a hysterectomy, it is better to get it sooner than later, considering that it is no longer a painful surgery with a long recovery period. Your quality of life will be better after the hysterectomy.
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