Do I Need A Hysterectomy?

Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 16 September 2017

Thousands of Indian women undergo hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, every year, even though most of these cases can be avoided. Dr Shital Raval enumerates some surgical and non-surgical options available that should be considered before opting for hysterectomy.

Hysterectomy is a surgery that entails partial or complete removal of the uterus in women. In America alone, more than half a million women have a hysterectomy every year. Is it a necessary surgical option? Or are there alternatives that you can condider for various medical conditions?

Some claim that 90% of the hysterectomies are unnecessary and can be avoided. In certain cases, especially cancer, elective hysterectomy is recommended and essential. Hysterectomy can be total (removal of entire uterus and cervix) or partial (ovaries and cervix are left whole). If the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed, it is referred to as Bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy or BSO.

When is hysterectomy necessary?

When is hysterectomy necessary only as a final option?

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine prolapse
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Adenomysosis (abnormal endometrium growth)
  • Uterine polyps

In many of these cases, hysterectomy can be avoided and other alternatives should be offered to the patient. Non-surgical options are available and should be considered before opting for hysterectomy. This also helps preserve fertility and prevents complications related to a hysterectomy like early menopause, difficulty in urinating and weakened pelvic muscles.

Be sure to check with your doctor and get a second opinion as a hysterectomy is a permanent procedure. With advancement of medical research, there are increasing number of options now. So spend time to evaluate the options before making any final decisions.

Alternative treatment options for various conditions:

CONDITION TREATMENT CHOICES

Uterine Fibroids
  1. Medication
  2. Myomectomy(removal of fibroids only)
  3. Uterine artery embolization (shrinking of fibroids by cutting off blood supply)

Endometriosis
  1. Hormonal contraceptives pills
  2. Endoscopic removal of scar tissue followed by medication

Uterine Prolapse
  1. Pessary (device to hold uterus in place)
  2. Surgical suspension of uterus
  3. Pelvic floor exercises
  4. Weight loss
  5. Avoiding heavy lifting

Vaginal bleeding
  1. IUD insertion
  2. Birth control pills
  3. Weight loss in overweight patients
  4. Exercises
  5. Endometrial ablation

Adenomysosis
  1. Pain medication
  2. Birth control pills
  3. IUD insertion
  4. Uterine artery embolization

Polyps
  1. Surgical removal
  2. D&C with hysterectoscopy

 

So take the time to understand the options available to you and seek a second opinion if need be. 

#BeAware #BeEmpowered

 

Community
Women's Health and Pregnancy
Condition
Endometriosis
Menopause
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Tract Infection
Uterine Fibroids
Changed
Sat, 09/16/2017 - 17:43

Stories

  • I am eagerly waiting for menopause!
    Sunrita Mitra, an academician, suffers from chronic Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain, which almost renders her immobile. Here she talks about how she copes with it physically and emotionally. Please tell us a bit about your present condition. At the age of 50 plus, I am eagerly waiting for my menopause but I am having painful periods at regular (28 plus/minus 2 days) intervals that last for 5 to 6 days. Pain starts two-three days prior to menstrual discharge and usually the first two days are…
  • How to Stay Healthy after Menopause
    Post-Menopause is tied to long-term health problems if wholesome food intake and regular physical activity is not practiced. Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju shares tips on what to eat and importance of exercise. Menopause is a natural biological process. It is the time when a woman stops menstruating. The hormones estrogen and progesterone production will be low and the ovaries no longer produce eggs. In women, estrogen is mainly produced in the ovaries. It is also produced in fat cells and…
  • Image shows a women holding a brush with clumps of hair during PCOS
    How Do I Deal With PCOS?
    Could Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) be the cause of your hair loss or excessive facial hair? If it isn't treated or the underlying causes not addressed, over time it can lead to infertility, diabetes and heart disease. Obstetrician & gynaecologist Dr. Chandan Dubey advises on the key treatments for PCOS: What is the first line of treatment for most PCOS patients? PCOS is characterised by and diagnosed when two of the following 3 features are seen in a woman: Menstrual cycles coming at…
  • Diabetes and Menopause: A Twin Challenge
    Menopause can wreak havoc on your diabetes control. But there's plenty you can do to better manage diabetes and menopause, recommends leading diabetologist Dr Pradeep Gadge. What is the link between Diabetes and Menopause? During the transitional years of menopause (when menstrual cycles slow down but haven't stopped), estrogen and progesterone hormones are unstable, and cause problems with diabetes management. Higher levels of estrogen usually improves insulin sensitivity, while higher levels…
  • Is UTI more common during Menopause?
    And other questions on menopause answered by Dr. Usha Saraiya,  Consultant Obstetrician – Gynaecologist at Breach Candy, Cumballa Hill Hospital & Saifee Hospital. She reiterates - Preventive actions helps to prevent Osteoporosis, diabetes & heart disease.  1.   What is the average age of menopause in India? It is between 45 years to 50 years. In India it is said to be earlier say from 42 years to 47 years. But women who are not educated do not tell their age…
  • Asian children are more prone to developing kidney diseases
    Today is World Kidney Day and the theme this year is ‘Kidney Disease & Children – Act Early to Prevent it’. We spoke to Dr Pankaj Deshpande, pediatric nephrologist, to apprise us about kidney disorders in children and how they can be alleviated. What are some of the common kidney diseases/disorders in children? How does it affect them? There are many kidney illnesses in children and that actually evokes surprise in a lot of people as they are quite unaware that kidney…
  • Menopause Management
    Menopause symptoms can often be managed with natural options. Hot Flashes: Acupuncture, which stimulates specific points on the skin with thin needles, heat pressure or laser.  Eating soya, which is rich in proteins and isoflavones, a plant oestrogen (phytoestrogen) Exercise Wear cool cotton clothing Avoid spicy food and caffeine  Non-prescription treatment like Vitamin B & E and Ibuprofen to get relief from the pain caused by hot flashes Trouble sleeping: Difficulty sleeping at…
  • Menopause Treatment
    There is no treatment for Menopause itself. As much as possible symptoms should be managed naturally. If the symptoms are interfering with quality of life, you should see your gynaecologist. In some cases your gynaecologist or your GP may suggest the following treatments: Prescription treatment may include hormone therapy, medication for depression, hypertension (raised blood pressure). Your doctor may suggest drugs like Brisdelle (non hormone capsules) or Duavee (hormone tablets). Hormone…
  • Menopause Prevention
    Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life cycle and cannot be prevented. However, many of the symptoms can be managed and complications prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices.  Here are some steps you can take to prevent menopause symptoms: Eat a wholesome and healthy Diet Exercise regularly: This often reduces menopause symptoms and may even prevent some of the symptoms of menopause. Quit smoking Sleep well and if necessary reduce caffeine to ensure better sleep Build bone…
  • Tests for Menopause
    If you think you are having menopause (you have not had your period for 6 months), consult your doctor for confirmation of menopause diagnosis and to rule out other problems. Your doctor may suggest the following tests: pH tests: During there productive age, the pH of the vagina is 4.5. At menopause it raises to about 6. For this test, a vaginal swab is taken and tested for pH values.. Blood tests: This can check the Follicular Stimulating Hormone(FSH) and oestrogen levels. FSH levels increase…