When Is a Hysterectomy a Recommended Procedure?

If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you know has been considering a hysterectomy. This is a major surgical procedure that involves the removal of your uterus, and it's not a decision to be taken lightly. 

Here at Aurora OB/GYN, board-certified OB/GYN Karen Allsup, FACOG, MD, may recommend a hysterectomy in certain situations to improve your physical health and quality of life. In some cases, hysterectomies can even be life-saving!

Read on as our team explores some common scenarios when a hysterectomy may be the right path forward for you.

You have a troublesome underlying condition that isn’t responding to conservative treatment

A hysterectomy isn’t always the first line of defense against conditions like fibroids and endometriosis; however, if conservative treatments don’t provide the relief you need, it may be time to consider surgery. 

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that can cause various symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure. If these symptoms significantly affect your daily life and conservative treatments (such as myomectomy) have proven ineffective, a hysterectomy may be recommended as a solution to provide lasting relief.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines your uterus grows outside of it. This can lead to severe pain, heavy periods, and fertility issues. In cases where conservative treatments like medication or laparoscopic surgery have failed to provide relief, a hysterectomy may be considered a last resort to alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain can have various underlying causes, including conditions like adenomyosis or chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If conservative treatments have failed to provide relief and the pain significantly impacts your quality of life, removing your uterus may be needed to stop the pain, address abscesses, and eliminate painful adhesions for good.

Uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse occurs when your uterus slips down from its normal position. If it slips low enough and enters the vaginal canal, you might experience discomfort, urinary incontinence, and pain during intercourse.

Depending on the severity, it’s characterized by grades and how far your uterus extends into the vagina, and impact on your daily life. A hysterectomy can put an end to these painful and bothersome symptoms without the risks of using mesh.

You have gynecologic cancer

A hysterectomy is often a crucial part of the treatment plan when diagnosed with gynecologic cancers such as uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer. Removing the affected organs (including your ovaries) may be necessary to stop the spread of cancer and improve your chances of recovery. 

You have abnormal uterine bleeding

Persistent and severe abnormal uterine bleeding is nothing short of misery. Removing your uterus ends your menstrual cycles and can effectively stop your abnormal bleeding, prevent complications of heavy bleeding (such as anemia), and improve your overall health and quality of life. 

This also applies to heavy, unstoppable bleeding due to complications during childbirth. If bleeding can’t be stopped or other complications arise, an emergency hysterectomy could potentially save your life.

Your mental health is suffering from these conditions 

Surgery doesn’t just eliminate painful symptoms, but it can also improve your mental wellness. Chronic pain and mental wellness share a connection, and stopping the chronic pain can help support your mental wellness.

Overall considerations of hysterectomy

It’s important to remember that a hysterectomy is a major surgery and should only be considered after a thorough evaluation by Dr. Allsup. If you are facing any of the above-mentioned conditions or have concerns about your reproductive health, don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your options. 

Our team discusses the risks, benefits, and alternatives with you, considering your circumstances, preferences, and goals. We also review the many types of hysterectomy, including ovary-sparing and laparoscopic surgeries. 

Regardless of which condition you have, it’s important to consider surgery only if:

• You’re cleared for surgery
• The pros of surgery outweigh the cons
• You’re aware of the fertility-ending impact of a hysterectomy 

To get the relief you need, call us at 210-547-4700 or use our online form to explore the potential benefits of a hysterectomy.