A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus through an abdominal or vaginal incision. Sometimes surgeons perform the procedure through several tiny incisions in the tummy (laparoscopic hysterectomy). Hysterectomy ends your ability to become pregnant; therefore, if you wish to have babies in the future, you should discuss it with your doctor. In cases like cancer, hysterectomy Orlando may be the only option. However, you can try minimally invasive procedures first for other medical problems such as uterine fibroids and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Here are health problems affecting the female reproductive system that may require a hysterectomy.
Fibroids
Fibroids are benign uterus tumors that often cause heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and bladder pressure. However, most women with fibroids are often not aware since they don’t have any symptoms. Fibroids range in size, from small growths undetectable by the human eye to large ones that bulge and distort the uterus. Most of the time, doctors discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. For women with mild symptoms, physicians recommend watchful waiting. However, hysterectomy may be the option for those with severe symptoms that don’t improve with non-surgical treatments.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful disorder whereby tissue similar to that lining your uterus grows outside the uterus. Although endometrial-like tissue can also be found in other organs beyond your pelvic region, it is common in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Most women with endometriosis experience pain far worse than the usual cramping during their periods. Other signs and symptoms of endometriosis include excessive bleeding, pain with intercourse, and infertility. Specialists often recommend conservative treatments first, such as pain medications and hormone therapy. When your symptoms don’t improve with conventional treatment, your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy.
Uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse is the descent of the uterus into the vagina, which occurs when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments weaken and can’t support the uterus. It often affects postmenopausal women who have had several vaginal deliveries, but it can occur in women of any age. Mild uterine prolapse usually requires no treatment and causes no signs and symptoms. However, moderate to severe prolapse causes bothersome signs and symptoms such as tissue protruding from the vagina, a pulling sensation in your pelvis, looseness in the tone of your vaginal tissue, and urinary incontinence. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the weakened pelvic floor tissues or remove the uterus.
Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain is a complex problem with many causes; it can be a condition on its own or a symptom of another disease. If the pain is due to an underlying problem, treating the problem is often enough to eliminate the pain. Common conditions associated with pelvic pain include irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian remnant. Medication to relieve pain and therapies such as trigger point injections may help. However, in rare cases, patients require a hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that poses several risks and complications. Therefore, you should always discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Consult your doctor at Contemporary Women’s Care to learn more about hysterectomy.