Gynecological surgery is sometimes unavoidable. Find out what a hysterectomy is, why it is necessary and what it is you should expect if you do have this procedure.
One of the more common types of gynecological surgery is the hysterectomy. This procedure is often necessary. It is the removal of a woman's uterus,
which is the location in which a baby will grow prior to being born. In some cases, the whole uterus requires removal where as in other situations, only a partial procedure is necessary. Once doctors perform this procedure, women will no longer have periods and will no longer be able to get pregnant. It can be life changing and should have careful consideration.
What Happens During the Procedure?
During this type of gynecological surgery, a woman's body will change significantly. In some situations, the doctor will extract the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. For women not yet in menopause, this will result in significant changes to their body:
• In those procedures where you keep your ovaries, you may enter into the menopause phase earlier than you would have if you did not go through this procedure. Not all women will enter into the process earlier, though.
• If they were removed, this will push you into menopause right away. However, doctors offer treatment options for the symptoms of menopause that you may have.
Discuss with your doctor the need to remove your uterus and other organs. There are several types of procedures available to surgeons to access this area, too. You may wish to discuss the options as well as how each one will affect you in the long term.
Is It Necessary?
In this type of surgical procedure, the removal of the organs is a requirement. For some women, it is necessary to go through this procedure due to the presence or risk of developing cancer. Cancer of the cervix, ovary, uterus or other areas can require the removal of those organs. By removing the organs, doctors can help you to avoid the spreading of the cancer to other areas of your body.
Some women require this treatment because of the development of fibroids. These non-cancerous tumors grow along the wall of the uterus. For those who have severe symptoms, though, it may be incredibly important to have this procedure. Endometriosis is another condition in which the need for removal is necessary. Here, the tissue that lines the uterus can grow outside of the normal area, leading to health complications.
If your doctor has said you need a hysterectomy, chances are good there are no other options. However, this gynecological surgery is one to take seriously. The chances here can lead to hormone imbalances and complications down the road. It is best to know what you are getting into and what your doctors can do to help you through the process. For many women, this is critical.
