Hysterectomy Blog

Side Effects of Hysterectomy

Posted on October 12th, 2009 admin | 3 Comments »

Are you considering undergoing a hysterectomy, but are wondering what the side effects of hysterectomy are? We have all come to expect that medications and medical procedures come with side effects, so it’s important to know the same for a hysterectomy. This will help in better preparing for the procedure.

First of all, you should keep in mind that a total hysterectomy is the removal of both the uterus and the cervix. Aside from the side effects of hysterectomy, undergoing this procedure has permanent consequences, one of which is the inability to bear children.

Many of the side effects of hysterectomy are similar to the side effects caused by other types of surgeries. Some of these side effects are the bruising, swelling, and pain in the area of the surgery. This is natural, though, and these will subside within a few days.

Because of the incision made for the hysterectomy procedure, scars would result on the incised area. These side effects of hysterectomy would depend on the type of hysterectomy performed, the technique used to perform the surgery, and the medical condition being treated. In the case of a total hysterectomy, it would also matter how the incision was made.

Another of the side effects of hysterectomy that you would likely worry about is how your sexual activity will be affected. Experts say that a hysterectomy will not deteriorate your sexual experience. Most women who have undergone a hysterectomy have been able to resume their sexual activity within weeks or a few months. How quickly this will happen for you will depend on several things, including the type of hysterectomy you undergo as well as the technique used in performing your hysterectomy. It is best to consult your doctor on how you can maintain the quality of your sexual experience even after the surgery.

When you undergo this procedure, side effects of hysterectomy would include experiencing menopausal symptoms, especially if your ovaries are removed. Some of these symptoms are vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Take note that you will experience these symptoms even when you were not yet in the menopausal stage prior to the surgery. Ask your doctor how to remedy these side effects of hysterectomy. You may need to undergo treatments such as hormone replacement therapy and the use of lubricants just to name a few.

If you are considering this procedure, the side effects of hysterectomy are some of the things you should discuss with your doctor so that there won’t be any surprises afterward. This way, too, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether to undergo the surgery or not.

Endometriosis Growth after Hysterectomy

Posted on October 9th, 2009 admin | 2 Comments »

Are you suffering from endometriosis and desperately want to be treated? Although endometriosis is one of the most common reasons for hysterectomy in the United States, hysterectomy is usually not the best and definitely not the only option for the treatment of this condition. Endometriosis growth after hysterectomy is a common recurrence among women with this condition. Unfortunately, a lot of these women find out only after they’ve already undergone the hysterectomy procedure. The truth is that a hysterectomy usually only slows down the regrowth of endometriosis but does not completely cure it.

So why aren’t they advised by their doctors that endometriosis regrowth after hysterectomy is possible? Well, it seems that there are still a lot of doctors who go by the belief that endometriosis can be cured by a hysterectomy or a pregnancy. Only doctors that specialize in endometriosis are really aware of the latest developments on this condition and its treatment.

Since the regrowth of endometriosis after hysterectomy is a common result among hysterectomy patients, it would be best for you to consider other options first. Some of these include less invasive procedures such as non-surgical and laparoscopic treatments.

Hysterectomy is a procedure where the uterus is removed. Depending on the patient’s condition, the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed. In addition, different techniques for performing the hysterectomy surgery may be employed, depending on what’s best for handling the patient’s condition. With the risk of endometriosis growth after hysterectomy, it is important for the right type of hysterectomy to be performed.

Studies show that there are less chances of endometriosis regrowth after hysterectomy when the ovaries are removed as opposed to when the ovaries are kept. However, although the removal of the ovaries yield better results, keep in mind that the removal of the ovaries might cause other problems. For one, the procedure for removing the ovaries poses more risks than other types of hysterectomies. Menopause begins after the ovaries are removed, and this will require the woman to undergo hormonal replacement therapy. Hormonal replacement therapy in itself also poses risks.

Hysterectomy may be good for treating endometriosis if it is present only in the reproductive organs. In this case, taking out the damaged organ may cure the disease. However, one reason that the regrowth of endometriosis after hysterectomy occurs is when the endometriosis is in other parts of the body such as in the bladder, bowel, arms, or legs. In these instances, a hysterectomy would obviously not help.

Best Reason for a Hysterectomy

Posted on October 6th, 2009 admin | No Comments »

Are you experiencing problems with your reproductive system such as excessive bleeding or severe pain?

Has your doctor brought up the idea of performing a hysterectomy to treat these conditions? Are these conditions the best reasons for a hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries or a combination of these. Undergoing this procedure has some permanent consequences such as the inability to become pregnant and the onset of menopause for women who are not yet in the menopause stage. Given such irreversible effects of this procedure, make sure that you have the best reason for a hysterectomy.

Most medical conditions can be cured by alternative treatments — treatments that are less invasive than a hysterectomy. Unless you have the best reason for a hysterectomy, it’s best to explore these alternative treatments with your doctor first.

Most doctors perform a hysterectomy as a last resort. The best reasons for a hysterectomy are those conditions that pose a threat to the life of the patient. If it’s a matter of life and death, a hysterectomy procedure would be worth pursuing.

Some specific medical conditions that can be deemed the best reasons for a hysterectomy are cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. These conditions are the reasons for hysterectomy in 10% of hysterectomy cases in the United States.

Other medical conditions that may merit being the best reasons for a hysterectomy include the following:

Fibroids. Fibroids can be the best reason for a hysterectomy if the fibroids are growing so large that they press down on other reproductive organs, which can cause the following: distorted body; pain during sexual intercourse; pelvic pain; and excessive bleeding.

Endometriosis and Endometrial hyperplasia. These conditions involving the uterine lining are some of the best reasons for a hysterectomy. Endometriosis is when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and attaches itself to the other organs. This can cause a lot of pain and excessive bleeding. Endometrial hyperplasia, on the other hand, is when the uterine lining grows larger than normal inside the uterus. This, too, can cause abnormal bleeding.

Prolapse. This is when parts of the reproductive system lose support and sag. Although this condition can often be treated by alternative treatments, it can be the best reason for a hysterectomy if the condition becomes serious.

Irritation of the abdominal lining. This condition can cause scarring and adhesions, which can make organs attach themselves to each other. If it’s not successfully treated by laser therapy then it becomes one of the best reasons for a hysterectomy. Do note, though, that even a hysterectomy can cause adhesions.