Why Would a Hysterectomy Be Necessary?

Do you need a hysterectomy? Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery among women in America. A hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove a woman's womb, or uterus. The uterus is where a fetus develops when a woman is pregnant. Women undergo a hysterectomy for different reasons. Read on to learn about the conditions that may be treated by hysterectomy.

Cancer- You have invasive cancer of the cervix, uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Hysterectomy is often medically necessary and lifesaving when patients are diagnosed with invasive cancer. The procedure may involve removing the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The type of hysterectomy performed depends on your situation.

Uterine Fibroids- Uterine fibroids are treated by a hysterectomy. Uterine fibroids are benign growths in the uterine wall. In some women, they can cause long-term heavy bleeding and pain. Your doctor may try other procedures, like endometrial ablation or myomectomy, before a hysterectomy.

Heavy Periods- Infection, changes in hormone levels, or cancer can cause heavy periods. Some women lose a large amount of blood during their periods. They may also experience other symptoms, such as stomach cramps and pain. For some patients, the symptoms can have a significant impact on their quality of life. In some cases, removing the uterus may be the only way of stopping heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding. 

Uterine Prolapse- Uterine prolapse, which is a sliding of the uterus from its position into the vaginal canal. If uterine prolapse is severe, your OBGYN might recommend a hysterectomy. Talk with your healthcare provider about all your treatment options to be sure you understand the benefits and risks of each so that you can choose what's best for you.

Endometriosis- Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows on other pelvic organs, such as the ovaries. This can cause bleeding between periods and severe pain. While there's no cure for endometriosis, many women undergo a hysterectomy to alleviate intolerable symptoms of the disease.

Today, thanks to advances in technology, a hysterectomy is much less invasive which means a faster recovery time. Talk to your healthcare provider about how a hysterectomy might improve your symptoms. Hysterectomy has improved the lives of millions of people. And it can do the same for you.

If you are having trouble conceiving it’s important to turn to your OBGYN for help.

While it isn’t a topic that a lot of people feel comfortable talking about, at some point, it’s important to acknowledge that you and your partner are having trouble conceiving. Given the significance of the topic, it’s important to know when to see a doctor for an evaluation.

When should I visit an OBGYN?

At some point you may be wondering whether or not you should seek a consultation with a fertility doctor. Here’s when you should,

• If you are under the age of 35, have been trying to conceive, and haven’t used birth control for over 12 months, then it’s time to schedule a consultation
• If you are over 35 and have been trying to actively conceive for six months, you should get evaluated right away

What will happen during my appointment?

Your OBGYN will first want to make sure you are ovulating, which every woman can easily figure out on her own by charting her basal body temperature for a few months. This may provide some answers as to why you are having trouble conceiving.

Fertility testing may also be recommended. During this appointment, we will go through your medical history and talk to you about different tests such as an ultrasound, blood work, and physical exams for both partners, which can provide the information we need to figure out why you are having trouble getting pregnant.

Once testing has been completed we will be able to make a definitive diagnosis as to why you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving. Even if we aren’t able to find anything wrong, you can still receive fertility treatment to improve your chances of getting pregnant.

What are my fertility treatment options?

The most common types of fertility treatments include,

• Medication (to help your body release one or more eggs each month)
• In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Surgery (to fix defects, remove fibroids, treat PCOS, etc.)

If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, it’s best to have these concerns addressed as soon as possible. Many women go on to have healthy, happy babies with the help of their obstetrician. Call your doctor to learn more about the fertility treatment options available to you.