I am deeply saddened by the fact that I have been diagnosed with a gynecologic condition for which a hysterectomy has been recommended. I'm trying to igore the whole situation and trying to escape reality. But it is almost impossible to ignore the fact that I'm not going to be able to conceive a child.
So, what happens during a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. The whole uterus is usually removed, and the fallopian tubes and ovaries. After a hysterectomy, you no longer have menstrual periods and cannot become pregnant. There are several different types of hysterectomy surgery:
- Partial, subtotal, or supracervical removes just the upper part of the uterus. The cervix is left in place.
- Total removes the whole uterus and the cervix.
- Radical removes the whole uterus, the tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina. This is done mostly when there is cancer present.
Why do I need a hysterectomy?
- Uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus. In some women they cause pain or heavy bleeding.
- Heavy or unusual vaginal bleeding. Changes in hormone levels, infection, cancer, or fibroids can cause heavy, prolonged bleeding.
- Uterine prolapse. This is when the uterus slips from its usual place down into the vagina. This is more common in women who had several vaginal births, but it can also happen after menopause or because of obesity. Prolapse can lead to urinary and bowel problems and pelvic pressure.
- Endometriosis. Endometriosis happens when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus on the ovaries where it doesn’t belong. This can cause severe pain and bleeding between periods.
- Adenomyosis. In this condition the tissue that lines the uterus grows inside the walls of the uterus where it doesn’t belong. The uterine walls thicken and cause severe pain and heavy bleeding.
- Cancer (or precancer) of the uterus, ovary, cervix, or endometrium (the lining of the uterus). Hysterectomy may be the best option if you have cancer in one of these areas. Other treatment options may include chemotherapy and radiation.
For more information about hysterectomy, contact the following organizations:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS
Phone Number: 301-427-1364
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Phone Number: 800-422-6237
Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS
Phone Number: 800-323-4636
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Phone Number: 202-638-5577
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Phone Number: 800-621-4111
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