Women's Health Blog

Hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove the uterus (womb). Most of the hysterectomies are not emergency operations hence there is time to think and discuss about other options and make decision. Consider the benefits, risks and alternatives to make final decision. After performance of hysterectomy, the woman can not bear Children and menstruation also ceases. The ovaries generally continue to produce hormones and the person remains normal otherwise in relation to its sexuality under the influence of continued hormones secretion.

Normal functions of the uterus and ovaries

Deciding whether to have a hysterectomy

Common reasons for recommending a hysterectomy or alternatives

Benefits and risks of each including common physical and emotional effects

Different types of hysterectomies

Hospitalization and recovery

Functions of Uterus:

The Uterus gets it prepared cyclically to receive fertilized ovum called Zygote, which gets implanted in the Uterus and thereafter the uterus provides nutrition to the fetus for its further development and growth till a full term Embryo is formed. At this stage the foetus is fully formed and ready for birth. Uterus helps in the delivery of the baby. It also produces the monthly menstrual flow, or period in situations, when conception in not in a position to take place.

Function of Ovaries:

The ovaries is responsible for Ovum production and secretion of Estrogen & Progesterone Hormones, Regulation of Menstrual cycle taking care of the health and well being of the Person including sexual well being.. The ovaries after puberty and up to menopause cyclically produce matured ovum cyclically on the 13^th day of the Menstrual Cycle under the influence of Estrogen. Once Ovum is released production of Hormone declines and Progesterone Hormone is produced to sustain the pregnancy if taken place.

To Undergo Hysterectomy or Not:

Hysterectomy forms a treatment for a number of diseases and conditions. If there is cancer of the uterus or ovaries or hemorrhage of the uterus, this operation may save your life.

In many cases hysterectomy is procedure of choice rather a necessity. The operation’s objective is to improve the quality of life and relieve unbearable pain, to stop heavy bleeding or other chronic conditions and discomfort with it.

There are other ways of treating or dealing with these problems the decision should be based on first attempting other available options. If the problem still continues only then a hysterectomy should be attempted.

Reasons for a Hysterectomy:

Reasons why hysterectomies may be recommended fall into three categories:

1. To save a  life;
2. To correct serious problems interfering normal functions;
3. To improve the quality of life.

The following describe the more common reasons for recommending hysterectomies.

Cancer of Uterus or Ovary:

In Cancerous situations organs and in some cases adjoining organs and structures are removed in order to stop the spread of this life-threatening disease.

Fibroids:

These are common non-cancerous tumors of the uterus and are the very common reason for performing a hysterectomy. Fibroids grow from the muscular wall of the uterus and made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. Many women after 35 years age get fibroids are asymptomatic.

In some women fibroids cause heavy bleeding, pelvic discomfort and pain and pressure on other organs. These symptoms require treatment as first priority. Hysterectomy is only to be considered after failure of the treatment.

Another alternative is surgical removal of the fibroid.  It is an abdominal surgery which removes the fibroid without removing the uterus

There are advanced new experimental drugs, which temporarily shrink the tumors. These drugs may have serious side effects and are very costly. These treatments may be sufficient or they may offer temporary relief and enable a woman to postpone having a hysterectomy, especially if she still has to bear children.

Some women choose to do nothing since fibroids will often shrink in size as a woman goes through menopause.

Other conditions requiring a hysterectomy include Endometriosis, prolapse of Uterus, Cancer of Cervix, Precancerous uterus, Pelvic adhesions in them.