4 Reasons to Consider a Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove your uterus, and sometimes even your ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. After you receive a hysterectomy, you no longer have periods or can get pregnant.

While a hysterectomy can address many different health issues, it’s often an elective surgery since there are many other options available to address the medical concerns that are treated with a hysterectomy.

However, if you’ve tried many different treatment methods and they just aren’t working effectively for your uterine-related health condition, you may want to consider a hysterectomy to give you the relief you need. 

Our expert women’s health team at the Center for Women’s Health Richmond in Sugar Land and Richmond, Texas, has skilled surgeons who perform hysterectomies. We want you to understand some of the reasons a hysterectomy might be the best medical option for you.

1. Endometriosis 

Endometriosis is a condition where cells that are found in your uterus (endometrial cells) start traveling to places they don’t belong. They can attach to various organs and start growing in places in your pelvic cavity, leading to symptoms such as general pelvic pain, irregular periods, pain during sex, heavy bleeding, cramping, and even infertility. 

We often recommend other treatment methods like hormone therapy or surgery to remove extra endometrial cells first. However, if these don’t give you relief, you may want to opt for a hysterectomy. While this surgery isn’t a cure for endometriosis, it should lessen your symptoms.

2. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are one of the top reasons hysterectomies are performed, making up about 33% of them. Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in your uterus and lead to pressure on your uterus and surrounding organs, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and stomach distention. In some cases, they can also cause infertility. 

The first rounds of treatment for fibroids include oral birth control pills and surgery to remove the fibroids (myomectomy). However, if these methods don’t work or the fibroids just keep coming back, a hysterectomy would be the next step.

3. Cancer

When you have certain types of cancer such as ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancer, you may need to get a hysterectomy. Up to 10% of hysterectomies are done to address these types of cancer. 

Whether or not you need a hysterectomy depends on what type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. You may go through chemotherapy and radiation first to see if those can effectively address it. 

4. Uterine prolapse

This condition happens when your uterus slips from its usual place and falls into your vagina. It’s typically more common in those who’ve had multiple vaginal births or people who are obese or have gone through menopause. It can cause pelvic pain and pressure along with urinary and bowel problems.

The first lines of treatment for uterine prolapse include at-home exercises or minimally invasive surgery to repair the prolapse. If these aren’t effective, a hysterectomy might be the treatment of choice. 

If you’d like to be considered for a hysterectomy, our team would love to talk with you about all your treatment options and help you decide if this surgery is best for you. To schedule an appointment with us, call your nearest office location or book online.