Generally, hysterectomies are not emergency operations. A woman has enough time to discuss with her family, doctor and time to think about her options. There are many reasons why a woman is recommended to have a hysterectomy by her doctor. When a woman goes to her gynecologist for hysterectomy, there are three reasons:
- Correct a serious problem that is hindering her normal body functioning
- To save her life
- To improve the quality of life
Hysterectomy can have a long-term effect on women’s life expectancy, health and sexuality. Hysterectomies are most likely for women who are done having children, have tried other treatments for their problems and have no major reasons that surgery would be harmful. Most hysterectomies are performed in a minimally invasive way these days which means less pain and faster recovery.
Here are the conditions when women need a hysterectomy
- When you have invasive cancer of uterus, ovaries, cervix or vagina
Hysterectomy becomes necessary and life-saving when a woman is diagnosed with cancer. The procedure may involve removing of fallopian tube and ovaries.
- If you have BRCA gene
The chances of developing ovarian cancer may get reduced if you get a hysterectomy. The reason is ovarian cancer develops in fallopian tubes and travel to the ovaries. In a hysterectomy, the tubes get cut or removed so the risk drops completely. Some people know that they have a BRCA gene which is more likely to develop breast and ovarian cancers at a young age.
- When you have endometriosis or adenomyosis
The endometrial tissues that line the uterus grow into the muscles of the uterus, tries to fix itself by contracting. But with time, it loses its ability to contract. A hysterectomy can help with the condition as the issues are within the muscular area of the uterus. Symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pain during sex or cramping.
- Uterine fibroid
The most common reason for a hysterectomy is because of the fibroid in the uterus. Fibroids are the tumors that grow in the muscles of the uterus. Most women do not even realize they have fibroids.
- Uterine prolapse
This is the condition where the uterus moves from its place down into the vagina. This happens due to weak and stretched pelvic ligaments and tissues. It can lead to urinary problems such as pelvic pressure, difficulty with bowel movements, obesity, childbirth and loss of estrogen.
- Hyperplasia
It is the condition that comes from too much estrogen and occurs when the lining of the uterus becomes too thick causing abnormal bleeding.
- You have an unplanned hysterectomy right after the childbirth
There are certain complications right after the birth of the child during C-section. When other methods do not work to stop the severe bleeding, doctors may have to remove the uterus to save mother’s life. This may happen even in case of normal delivery. Hysterectomy is performed and is lifesaving when bleeding can not be controlled by simple treatments.
- When you have placenta accreta
This is the situation when the placenta grows deeply into the uterine wall. This usually happens when a woman has gone through C-section in past and embryo in later pregnancy implants in the area of the C-section scar. It is normally diagnosed before the delivery during the ultrasound and a hysterectomy can save the life of a mother and prevent blood loss that can happen if there is an attempt to separate the placenta.
Hysterectomies are performed through a cut in the abdomen or the vagina. There are different types of hysterectomies.The process in which both the uterus and the cervix is removed is a total abdominal hysterectomy. The hysterectomy removes the uterus but not the cervix. Radical hysterectomy may be performed, if an individual is diagnosed with cancer. The uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, and a part of the vagina are removed. When the uterus is removed through the vagina it is known as a vaginal hysterectomy.
During uterine prolapse, it is often removed through the vagina by means of a vaginal hysterectomy, which leaves no abdominal scar. Last but the most preferred is a laparoscopic hysterectomy. There is an instrument called laparoscope is used to perform a hysterectomy to help see inside the abdomen during a hysterectomy. Every woman feels differently after the hysterectomy. Therefore you need to be very sure that you know what the operation will mean for you in the long run as you can not become pregnant and you will no longer have menstrual periods.
Conclusion
Fortunately, advanced technology and diagnostic techniques such as sonography, Pap tests, endometrial ablation and laparoscopy make it possible to avoid or delay the hysterectomy. It is important to make good use of these technologies before opting for these surgeries. A woman should discuss the pros and cons of the procedure to have a thorough understanding of what to expect during the procedure and after the surgery.
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