Women's Health Blog

What is a hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure for removal of uterus. Almost in 33 % percent women have their uterus removed before they reach age of 60 years.

After cesarean operation, hysterectomy is also performed in many cases in the interest of ruling out the growth of a cancer of uterus or cervix.

Hysterectomies are performed on a large scale in cases of fibroids of uterus with symptoms excess menstrual bleeding causing great discomfort all though other non-invasive alternatives are available.

Uterus is a dispensable organ after the child bearing age of the woman. Now a days the medical opinion is to save the uterus because of its role in hormones regulation.

Criticism of Hysterectomy:

There has been lot of criticism about unnecessarily removal of uterus, in conditions, where other alternatives available could have been considered instead of a hysterectomy. Hysterectomy has been resorted to achieve the objective of birth control even without consent of the patients whereas other very safe and effective measures are available.

The most significant drawback of hysterectomy is the loss of fertility of a woman. Some women lose the sexual desire. Women who have been forced to get hysterectomy done have a negative feeling about it.

Indications for Hysterectomy:

With the presence of advanced stage of cancer of uterus, cervix or ovaries, hysterectomy is a life saving measure to prevent metastasis or spread of cancer to other organs of body. Presence of large uterus fibroids is also an indication for performing hysterectomy. Besides in conditions advanced pelvic inflammation, severe complications associated with pregnancy.

A second opinion may be taken, regarding other effective and safe treatments available, before undergoing hysterectomy.

Alternatives to hysterectomy:

During initial stages of cancer of the cervix, ovaries, or uterus, alternative measures can be considered and hysterectomy may be performed, when other measures have failed. Fibroids of uterus also can be first treated with medicines in case of no response hysterectomy is performed as a last resort.

Preoperative Preparation:

Hysterectomy is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia depending on the choice of the doctor considering the health and age of the patient. General anesthesia requires patient to be empty stomach overnight and rectal enema in the morning to avoid vomiting on the operation table.

Post Operative Care:

The patient is kept in the hospital for few days changing the dressing and administration of antibiotics and anti inflammatory agents and analgesics to ensure healthy healing of wound. During the stay in the hospital patient is maintained on IV fluids and urination with the help of a catheter. Patients stool are also managed with a bed pan. Patient is advised bed till the wound has completely healed.

During the recovery period lasting a month patient is advised not to lift heavy objects and abstain from sexual intercourse.

Side Effects of a Hysterectomy:

There is possibility of decrease in libido in few patients. Because of uterus contractions are associated with orgasm; it may be missing in some patients after hysterectomy.

Because nerves to the bladder are located near the uterus a nerve damage is possible during hysterectomy and such women develop stress incontinence i.e. urine getting passed out on sneezing, coughing or abdominal pressure. Pelvic muscular exercises help in improving situation.

SAFETY TIPS FOR LONE WOMEN

Woman alone at a lonely place carries a risk of an attack by vagabonds roaming about either alone or in a company in a drunken state. Because of the high risks the lady should be vigilant and always ready to fight back when in danger. Following are the handy steps to be remembered and practiced ward off a threat boldly:

• The women with long hairs or pony tail are vulnerable targets because the attacker can grab the hair and overpower the woman. Woman with short hair are in an advantageous situation.

• Women who are over busy in a conversation on the mobile phone or searching their hand bag while walking are also easy to attack because mentally they are some where else.

• Early in the morning a lonely lady can be easily attacked.

• The most common place where a woman can be attacked is Parking Lots, Public Rest Rooms from where they are grabbed and taken to a secluded place.

• The rapists never carry a weapon because if one is armed the sentence is for a longer period if convicted.

Escaping the Onslaught:

This is an occasion to challenge the on slaughter in a fight, which discourages his advances, and shall retreat back from the scene, with an apology or excuse me expression. If you are carrying any article to hit back from a safe distance like Umbrella or a stick, he gets scared and runs away realizing you are brave enough to put a challenge. Hitting with small articles is not safe.

The handy Defense Tips:

• On seeing you are followed in a street, on an elevator and you have sufficient suspicion, have a glaring look on the face of the person and ask a question “what is time or comment about bad weather” Having seen his face he shall get scared that he can be recognized and shall refrain from any advances.

• When a person is approaching you fast, keep your hands in front, and shout loudly stop or stay back. When a rapist is confronted he runs away to safety from possible thrashing. They are on the look out for an easy defenseless prey.

• Carrying a Pepper Spray is an additional small handy weapon enough to discourage the person in his attempt. Simply position the Pepper Spray towards his face and shout “See the Pepper Spray How it works”. Slight pressing the trigger shall work wonders.

• In the event a person grabs you, hit hard on his testicles or catch and squeeze till he cries to stop it. Once hit he shall go limping.

• Getting grabbed you need to apply tricks instead of force. When the wrist is captured pull it with jerks the person shall get destabilized and hit him hard on the face, teeth and head.

• Finding grabbed around waist, pinch the attacker hard in the armpit or between the elbow upper inner thighs or in the upper inner thigh.

• Catch hold of his two fingers and bend them backwards with full pressure. He shall feel hard hitting and beg you to leave.

It is advisable to remain fully aware of the surroundings and let not any thing distract your attention. Always try to go in a company of some friends. If you notice any abnormal activity, be alert and use your best sense and act by all means to protect yourself.