The US Department of Health & Human Services reports that around 600,000 hysterectomy procedures are done every year in the US. It is an effective way to treat certain medical conditions in women. These conditions include Uterine Fibroids, Endometriosis, cancers, and other issues. The decision to undergo a hysterectomy is a serious one that you must take considerably. It may have potential risks and long-term implications. Keep the pros and cons of a Hysterectomy beforehand to keep yourself and your loved ones risk-free.
It's an important procedure that also keeps women's health in order. Your Gynecologist may recommend you the procedure for many reasons. Some of the reported advantages of Hysterectomy include:
According to John Hopkins Medicine, 20-50% of women of reproductive age have fibroids. Gynecologists recommend this treatment for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids which cause bleeding, pain, and other health issues. The uterus, surrounding tissues, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, are removed during the surgery. This operation aims to reduce or eliminate symptoms that occur due to these growths in uterine fibroids patients.
According to a report by Cancer Center, hysterectomy may be a safe treatment option for endometrial, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers. You may be recommended a hysterectomy for different types of cancers by your gynecologist.
Total Hysterectomy: The patient’s entire uterus and cervix (lower part) are removed during this surgery. It’s oftentimes performed when cervical or endometrial cancer has progressed to later stages.
Radical Hysterectomy: The uterus and some surrounding tissue, including lymph nodes, fallopian tubes, etc. are removed during this procedure. It is usually done to treat some cases of cervical cancer when it has not spread beyond nearby tissues.
Endometriosis is a common disorder among women caused due to uterine tissue growing outside the uterus wall. This disorder is a major cause of chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and several other complications among women. Hysterectomy may be an effective treatment option for these issues to provide relief from severe symptoms.
By removing the uterus, there are no longer any endometrial tissues that could be affected by hormones and cause abnormal bleeding. The surgery reduces the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and other reproductive system infections associated with menstrual cycles. After undergoing a hysterectomy, women will experience lighter or no periods.
In, hysterectomy uterus is permanently removed from a woman’s body. It is an effective form of birth control as it permanently prevents pregnancy. If you are a working woman or already have kids and don’t want to extend your family, a hysterectomy is a good way to go.
Hysterectomy may be beneficial for some, but it surgery worth considering. Like every medical procedure, it has its own drawbacks. These complications vary from patient to patient depending on current health conditions and age. It’s critical to understand the following cons of hysterectomy and discuss the same with your gynecologist.
There is no doubt, the removal of the uterus means a woman undergoing this procedure will be infertile. It also affects her reproductive hormones, which further reduces fertility in some cases. If you decide to conceive in the future, it won’t be possible after a hysterectomy.
Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings are the most reported issues related to post-hysterectomy. These symptoms can be quite severe and may cause further complications if proper care isn't taken beforehand. Therefore, one should consider their lifestyle before going through the operation so that they can manage these symptoms easily after the surgery.
Infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots in the lungs and legs, etc. are some potential risks women may have to deal with after this procedure. Women should ensure they are in good health before going through the procedure and consult their doctor to know all the risks involved beforehand.
Removing the ovaries during a hysterectomy can lead to surgical menopause. Surgical menopause can result in hot flashes and mood swings. That’s not all, if you want to have sexual pleasure, things may not be as enjoyable as before. Vaginal dryness is a common symptom after Hysterectomy which reduces your sexual arousal.
After the surgical procedure, some women may experience pelvic nerve damage which can lead to several issues. Several issues related to post-hysterectomy stages include bowel blockage, blood clots, and problems with urination.
Conclusion
A hysterectomy can be an effective way to treat certain medical conditions, as per medical professionals. However, there is still a lack of evidence supporting this surgical procedure and whether it’s as effective as being talked about. You should always weigh the pros and cons of a hysterectomy before scheduling your appointment with the gynecologist. Discuss all the death factors and proceed accordingly. Talk about the potential side effects and risks involved in the procedure. Consider how the absence of reproductive organs may affect your future fertility plans. Deciding whether or not to get a hysterectomy is a decision that you should make in consultation with your doctor and other medical professionals.
Hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure that has risks such as complications from anesthesia, blood transfusion, deep venous thrombosis, infection, poor wound healing, and injuries to other organs.
Surgery is an option for relieving bleeding or discomfort caused by fibroids, severe endometriosis, or prolapse of the uterus. However, it is advisable to consider alternative options before undergoing surgery for such issues.
Potential risks are associated with a vaginal hysterectomy, including infection, slow wound healing, and the possibility of prolapse in the future, particularly where the cervix was removed.
Hysterectomy presents several risks such as bladder and bowel dysfunction, prolapse, and incontinence. There is also an increased risk (fourfold) of pelvic organ fistula surgery. Additionally, there is a potential risk for certain cancers such as rectal, thyroid, renal cell, and brain cancers, as well as heart disease.
