Hysterectomy — removal of the uterus — is a common procedure today. In fact, about 33% of American women have a hysterectomy by age 60.
But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s right for every woman. Here at Virtuosa GYN, we understand that hysterectomy is a big decision, so we provide comprehensive knowledge to help guide you as you choose whether it’s right for you.
Our premier board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Susan Crockett, leads a highly trained team of specialists here in our San Antonio, Texas, office.
We take your reproductive and whole-woman health seriously, and we understand that our patients are curious about what situations might warrant a hysterectomy. Read on to learn what those are.
Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that may develop inside the uterine cavity, within the wall of the uterus, or just outside the uterus. Although some fibroids go away on their own, others may continue growing and cause serious symptoms.
Some common fibroid-related problems are heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. There are nonsurgical treatments for fibroids, including medication to shrink them and minimally invasive procedures that remove or target the fibroids.
But fibroids can grow back after treatment in some cases. If conservative treatments aren’t helping, or you have to keep repeating them, Dr. Crockett might recommend a hysterectomy. Because it removes your uterus, hysterectomy is a permanent way to eliminate fibroids.
Endometriosis
With endometriosis, the uterine lining grows outside its normal place in your uterus. It doesn’t always cause symptoms, but for many women, it’s the source of heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, and long periods.
There are treatments for endometriosis, like hormonal medications. Some minimally invasive procedures, like laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometrial tissue growths, may be effective for endometriosis.
Unfortunately, similar to fibroids, it’s not unusual for endometriosis to return after treatment. If you’re in a continual cycle of symptoms and treatments and are looking for a permanent solution, you might have a good reason to consider hysterectomy.
Cancer or precancer
Cervical cancer, occurring in the neck of the uterus, or uterine cancer, occurring in the body of the uterus, might be a reason to consider hysterectomy. In some cases, precancers (abnormal cell changes that could lead to cancer) could be a reason for hysterectomy as well.
Hysterectomy can eliminate localized cancer. For example, a hysterectomy often involves removing the uterus but leaving the cervix intact (partial hysterectomy) or removing both the uterus and the cervix (total hysterectomy).
If the cancer spreads beyond your uterus, you might need a more extensive hysterectomy to eliminate all the cancerous cells. For example, a radical hysterectomy is removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes, upper vagina, and ovaries.
Uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse means that the uterus and the top part of the vagina descend and push into the opening of the vagina. In severe prolapse, the uterus may bulge out of the vagina.
This can happen because the ligaments and muscles that help hold the uterus in place weaken, typically due to childbirth. The risk of the problem developing increases with each vaginal birth you have.
Uterine prolapse can also be due to extra weight, chronic constipation, and other reasons.
The condition may cause difficulty urinating, discomfort, and other problems. Nonsurgical uterine prolapse solutions include pelvic floor therapy and pessaries (devices inserted into the vagina to help support the uterus and lift it up).
But if those treatments aren’t successful or if you have severe prolapse, Dr. Crockett might recommend hysterectomy.
Thinking about hysterectomy?
When hysterectomy is a treatment option, we make sure that all your questions are answered. Many factors, specific to you, may contribute to your decision. For example, are you finished having babies or would like one more? Do you have time for surgery recovery or do you want to give nonsurgical treatments another go?
We’re here to listen and support you, so don’t wait to call us at 210-878-0090 or book an appointment with our online scheduler.
