Hysterectomies: Reasons and Alternatives
There are several reasons why hysterectomies are performed. Let's take a look at the reasons.
Uterine fibroids: This is one of the most common reasons why a procedure may be performed. The fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. Sometimes uterine fibroids cause few or no problems and require no treatment. There are also other treatments that can be used in some cases. But if the fibroids are very large, or if they cause severe pain, pressure or bleeding, an operation might be necessary.
Endometriosis: This is a condition in which the lining of the uterus, or the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. Symptoms may include chronic pelvic pain, urinary difficulties, infertility, and gastrointestinal problems. This is often treatable with medication or other surgeries.
Adenomyosis: This condition is similar to endometriosis, except that instead of growing outside the uterus, the endometrium grows within the muscles of the uterus itself. It is often treatable with medication or endometrial ablation, a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus.
Uterine prolapse: Sometimes the tissues and ligaments that support the uterus become weak, and the uterus descends into the vagina. This is called uterine prolapse, and it can cause urinary incontinence, pelvic pressure, and difficult bowel movements.
Chronic pelvic pain or heavy vaginal bleeding is a condition that may require a Hysterectomy, but in most cases surgery is a last resort. Medication or more conservative surgery can often bring relief.
Cancer: Hysterectomies have been used to treat several types of gynecologic cancer. These include cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer. It may sometimes be necessary for severe pre-cancerous growths as well.
Alternatives
It is important to consider alternatives to having this type of operation before going through with it. It will make it impossible to have children in the future, and it can have a number of side effects. Less invasive treatments are usually preferable if they will work.
If you have cancer, this procedure is often the only option. But other conditions may be treatable with medication, endometrial ablation, or surgeries that do not involve removal of the uterus. Ask your doctor about your options.
This type of operation is only prescribed when less complex treatment options have failed. This is because with any surgery, there is a certain amount of risk. But while it is most often a last resort, it is usually effective in treating the problems for which it is performed.