A hysterectomy, for the unversed, is a surgery to remove the uterus. Your doctor may decide on a hysterectomy based on your symptoms and underlying conditions. Once the uterus is removed, which is the womb, you won’t have periods anymore but cannot get pregnant either. Obviously, this is a serious surgery, which is often considered as the last resort. If you want to know more about hysterectomy in Edinburg, you can speak to expert doctors like Dr. Rick S Schwartz. Below is an overview of the process.Â
Reasons to consider hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is often considered for conditions that cannot be treated with medications and other treatment options. A good example of that would be uterine fibroids, which can cause considerable pelvic pain and bleeding. Hysterectomy is also considered for uterine and cervical cancers. Other possible reasons include endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and uterine prolapse.
Understanding how hysterectomy is done
Hysterectomy is a critical surgery, and your doctor may decide to remove more than just your uterus. If the doctor performs a subtotal hysterectomy, only the uterus will be removed, not the cervix. On the contrary, a total hysterectomy will remove both the cervix and uterus. Radical hysterectomy is another option, which is reserved for cancer cases. In some cases, if the ovaries must be removed, your doctor may do an oophorectomy. If needed, doctors may remove both uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries in a combined surgery.
Are there any risks?
A hysterectomy is considered a safe and common procedure but isn’t the first choice of doctors. As with any surgery, there are a few inherent risks that cannot be denied. Common hysterectomy risks include infection and bleeding at the site of operation. Most of these risks are rare and can be avoided at the risk of an experienced surgeon.
What to expect after hysterectomy?
If your ovaries were removed along with the uterus, you would be in menopause. Even when the ovaries have not been removed, you may end up in menopause sooner than usual. Right after the hysterectomy surgery, you may need to take a rest for at least six to eight weeks. During this recovery period, your doctor may advise against sex and heavy exercise.
When done for the right reason and by an experienced surgeon, hysterectomy has a high success rate. Hysterectomy is done under general anesthesia, so there is no pain involved. You will be sleeping through the procedure. Patients usually recover sooner than expected. Talk to your doctor to know more.
