When does your (Uro)gynecologist suggest Hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is a procedure where the uterus (womb) of woman is removed in different ways. In fact, there exits different types of Hysterectomy surgeries where only upper part of Uterus is removed or entire Uterus and cervix are removed or in extreme cases entire Uterus, Cervix, fallopian tubes, vagina and ovaries are removed.
Under what circumstances your (uro)gynecologist would recommend to go for a hysterectomy? Come on, lets find out.
Heavy Bleeding during Peroids
If your urologist / urogynecologist / gynecologist has put you onto medication and none of them had really made your life better, he/she may suggest you to go for removal of uterus, unless you have plans to conceive.
Pelvis Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Removing the womb (and Fallopian tubes) may be recommended by your gynecologist to contain and treat the infection and remove the damaged organs. This is recommended to women who are not planning for their pregnancy.
Endometriosis
This leads to pain, heavy and irregular periods and may result in infertility if not attended and treated on time.
Your doctor may go for hysterectomy and remove the areas of endometrial tissue that is causing the pain. This is advised as a last resort if other treatment procedures didn’t work and if the woman is not having plans to conceive.
Fibroids
Symptoms of fibroids:
- Heavy and painful periods
- Pelvic Pain
- Frequent Urination or Constipation
- Pain & Discomfort during sex.
When hysterectomy is advised in such a condition:
- If the fibroids are very large
- If they are causing severe bleeding
- If you don’t have plans to conceive a baby.
Prolapse of the Uterus (Fall of Uterus)
Symptoms of Prolapse:
- Back pain
- You can feel that something is dropping through the vagina.
- Urinary Incontinence / Urine leakage without control.
- Difficulty having sex.
Prolapse of Uterus can occur due to child birth or when women become old. With hysterectomy, entire uterus is removed there by resolving the issue once and for all.
Adenomyosis
Though this is not benign (not life threatening), this can hurt the quality of life of the woman and severe pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of adenomyosis include:
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding during periods
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Abdominal pressure and bloating.
Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Cancer of the fallopian tubes
- Uterine Cancer / Cancer of the womb.
Depending on the location where the cancer tumours are found, your gynecologist may recommend you the suitable type of hysterectomy. If the cancer is an advanced stage, hysterectomy may be the only option.
