Should I Consider a Hysterectomy?

If you’ve been struggling with the debilitating pain or life-altering problems that an unresolved uterine condition can bring, a hysterectomy might be the solution. This major surgical procedure involves the surgical removal of the uterus and can also include removal of the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Almost 500,000 hysterectomies are performed each year, making it the second-most-common surgery for American women.  

At Progressive Women’s Health in Friendswood, Texas, Asia Mohsin, MD, and our entire team want to help women put their health and well-being first. If you’re struggling with unresolved uterine problems, a hysterectomy may be able to resolve your condition. Read on to learn what the procedure involves and what conditions the procedure can treat.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and potentially other structures. 

Partial hysterectomy

A partial hysterectomy removes the uterus but leaves the cervix in place.

Total hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy removes the cervix and uterus and sometimes the fallopian tubes and ovaries. 

Radical hysterectomy

Radical hysterectomies are usually reserved for treating cervical or uterine cancers. This type of hysterectomy involves removing the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and sometimes part of the vagina, surrounding tissues, and lymph nodes. 

What happens after a hysterectomy?

Having a hysterectomy means major physical and lifestyle changes. When you have a hysterectomy, you’ll no longer get your period, and you won’t be able to have children. Depending on the type of hysterectomy you have, you may still have your ovaries, but you will most likely experience less hormone production. 

If your ovaries are removed, you will no longer produce hormones. This means you can experience menopause and its associated symptoms, including vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and mood swings. Removing your ovaries will also increase your risk of developing bone loss, heart disease, and urinary incontinence. 

When should I consider a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy could be an option for you if you struggle with gynecological issues that cause significant pain and discomfort and make going about your daily routine a struggle. Here are several common problems that might require a hysterectomy to resolve:

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that range from very small to the size of a grapefruit. While they aren’t cancerous, fibroids distort the uterus and can cause severe pain, bladder or bowel issues, and heavy or prolonged periods.

Uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus falls down into the vagina, typically as a result of weak pelvic floor muscles or ligaments that no longer support the uterus. This condition frequently causes pelvic pressure and discomfort, bowel and urinary dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction.

Endometriosis and adenomyosis 

Endometriosis and adenomyosis occur when uterine tissue grows in the wrong place. With endometriosis, it grows outside the uterus, and with adenomyosis, the endometrial cells grow inside the wall of the uterus. These conditions can cause heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, and severe pain.

Gynecological cancers

In patients with abnormal or cancerous cells in or around their uterus, their doctor may recommend a hysterectomy as a way of stopping cancerous cells from spreading.

How do I know if a hysterectomy is right for me?

The best way to learn more about whether a hysterectomy is right for you is to discuss your symptoms and condition with Dr. Mohsin at Progressive Women’s Health.

Even though a hysterectomy can treat many gynecological issues, it permanently changes your reproductive system, so it’s nothing to take lightly. Before recommending a hysterectomy, Dr. Mohsin will give you a thorough evaluation and discuss if other options may be able to help you first.

To learn more about how you may be able to treat your uterine condition, book an appointment online or over the phone with Progressive Women’s Health today. And if you’re sheltering in place, we offer TELEMEDICINE appointments so you can meet with us from the comfort of your own home.