Hysterectomy And Other Options: Which Procedure Is Right For You?

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Unfortunately, problems with the uterus and ovaries plague many women, and sometimes the pain and trouble is too difficult to handle through basic medications and lifestyle changes. Depending on what condition you have and what difficulties you face, you might need surgery in order to resolve the problem.

But what types of surgeries are available, and what are their effects? Here are the most common reproductive female surgeries and how they can affect your body.

Total Hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Because the ovaries provide valuable hormones that interact with other body systems, this procedure has the most far-reaching effects. You may have to take hormone replacements to help restore the correct levels of estrogen and testosterone to your body. Hormone replacement helps to prevent osteoporosis, heart trouble, and even dementia. Hormone replacements also help you to maintain your sex drive and support your vaginal health. 

Reasons for getting a total hysterectomy include medical necessity because of cancer, bleeding, or extreme pain. Some women who have fibroids will elect to get a hysterectomy because they also have no desire to have any more children. However, if you have bleeding or other trouble, like ovarian cysts, a total hysterectomy may not be the choice you want to make. There are some less severe surgeries you can consider.

Some of the results you should consider include:

Partial Hysterectomy

This surgery only removes the uterus, leaving the ovaries intact. This can help to preserve the hormone function of the ovaries, which can help with the need for hormone therapies. A partial hysterectomy can be the answer for those women who have periods that are so heavy that they are debilitating, preventing a normal work and social life. It can also be an option for those who have cervical or uterine cancers or infections that have not yet reached the ovaries. Women who have a partial hysterectomy will not be able to get pregnant, so it is not an option for healthy women who still hope to bear children.

Myomectomy

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that remove uterine fibroids. Fibroids can often be the source of bleeding, anemia, and pain during periods. They can also sometimes prevent pregnancy for women who want to get pregnant. This procedure can be done through many different methods. Sometimes, fibroids can be access through the vagina, meaning there is no surgical incision. Other, larger fibroids may need to be access through a small incision around the bikini line. If you have heavy period bleeding that leads to scarring alongside the fibroids, you may also opt for endometrial ablation to help stop the bleeding. However, those who choose endometrial ablation will not be able to get pregnant, as ablation removes the lining that normally thickens to host an egg after fertilization. 

For more information on gynecology surgery, contact a local medical center, such as Van Wert County Hospital, in your area. 


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