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

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
    The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters (which connect the kidneys and the bladder), bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. They can also be caused by fungi or viruses. UTIs are the second most common type of infection in humans. The National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that UTIs account for over eight million doctor…
  • 43% of Heart Attack Patients Had Anaemia
    India and South-east Asia has high incidence of anaemia. Family practitioner Dr Gita Mathai tells you all you need to know about this often-silent threat that can pose many complications.  What is anaemia? Anaemia (or Anemia) is a generic term for low haemoglobin in the blood from any cause. It is not a disease by itself. It can occur in different forms and be caused by many factors.  Anaemia is diagnosed when the haemoglobin value checked in the laboratory is…
  • If You Suffer From Endometriosis, Better Help May Be Coming
    New drug combo shows promise in relieving pain, symptoms A recent clinical study, conducted at the University of Bath in England with women of reproductive age, demonstrated great potential of a new drug combination. The two drugs are E2MATE – created in the university’s Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology – and norethindrone acetate, or traditional progesterone. Researchers must test the drug combination further in human trials to confirm that it will be an effective treatment of…
  • Menopause
    Menopause refers to the end of a woman’s monthly periods or menstruation. It correlates with the end of a woman’s reproductive ability. The word ‘menopause’ is derived from the Greek word menopausis. Menos means month and pausis is cessation or stop. A woman is said to have menopause only if she has not had her periods for a year (and there are no other health reasons for this). Women go through different symptoms during peri-menopause and menopause phases of their…