Do You Really Need to Have a Hysterectomy?

Have you had, or do you know someone who has had a hysterectomy? It wouldn’t be surprising! Some studies show that a hysterectomy is the second most common operation for women in the United States, only surpassed by cesarean sections. So, what exactly is a hysterectomy and what warrants a woman having one? Are there alternatives to the procedure? And what are the risks? Keep reading for answers to all of those questions and more!

Hysterectomy Basics
The basic explanation of a hysterectomy is to have a woman’s uterus removed surgically.  The operation is fairly direct in nature but is classified as a major surgery and carries definite risks.  The operation eliminates a woman’s ability to bear children, however it does not ensure safety from becoming pregnant.  Birth control methods are still required after a hysterectomy to prevent the patient from becoming pregnant without a uterus to contain the fetus. 

Hysterectomy Risks
The physical risks include the full anesthesia required for the surgery, the risk of infection and possible damage to nearby organs such as the bladder.  These are hazards associated with most major surgeries and many of the surgical procedures are specifically designed to mitigate those risks.  It is fairly uncommon for women to have major difficulties after a hysterectomy.  The recovery period can range from four to 10 weeks depending of the type of operation performed. Other concerns that arise from the surgery usually relate to decreased sexual capacity after the operation. 

The word hysterectomy has many negative connotations for most women, but these are often associated with mental challenges instead of physical challenges.  The idea of removing a vital piece of the reproductive system from the body is frightening at the very least.

Is it Always Necessary?
There is a growing body of evidence that many hysterectomies are recommended and performed simply as the “well known” procedure for conditions like uncontrollable uterine bleeding.  Many other countries outside the U.S. have historically much lower rates for this surgery among women.  And while newer procedures are not yet proven as effective or tested for the long-term, they do offer many alternatives to explore.  Some OB/GYN doctors are now realizing that the hysterectomy should be the last resort considered instead of the first one chosen. 

Alternative Treatments
Many of the alternative treatments depend on what is causing the uterine bleeding or if the cause of the problem is cancerous in nature.  Some types of bleeding can be controlled with hormone therapies such as birth control pills.  Fibroid growths in the uterus are often the causal factor and may be removed by myomectomy (cutting the fibroid tissue out).  This has about the same risks as the hysterectomy, however, and is not popular among most doctors. 

Another cause of bleeding can involve the lining of the uterus or endometrium.  Doctors can do fairly minor surgical procedures using various devices to remove and “seal” the lining of the uterus. This procedure is called endometrial ablations.  The probes use extreme heat, cold, or electricity to remove the lining.  The procedure is often very effective in reducing or stopping the bleeding but does not last forever.  Uterine artery embolization is another procedure to handle fibroid growths.  The blood supply to the uterus is stopped to kill the fibroids and hopefully reduce or eliminate bleeding problems. 

If you are currently a candidate for a hysterectomy, you may want to visit with your doctor or healthcare provider to explore the options available. Even though the risks are few, a major surgery is nothing to mess with.