As you grow older and explore womanhood, you become susceptible to many reproductive health issues. Although conditions like endometriosis or fibroids can be managed through tailored treatment, in some cases, their symptoms become unbearable and a threat for your wellness, and that’s when doctors recommend hysterectomy. If you’re in Lone Tree or Castle Rock, CO, the providers from Lone Tree OBGYN & Midwives are ready to assist you if you’re considering undergoing this procedure. In this article, you’ll learn about the most common conditions that lead to a hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy: A Solution for Vaginal Health
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where a woman’s uterus is removed. After this surgery, you will no longer experience your period and will most likely become infertile, as the uterus is where a fetus develops during pregnancy. Although the reasons to undergo a hysterectomy vary, most patients choose this option as a solution for conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine prolapse.
How Is the Procedure?
Hysterectomy is performed with multiple approaches depending on your health needs.
Total hysterectomy
In this procedure, the surgeon will remove your uterus and cervix, but will preserve your ovaries, meaning that you won’t enter menopause after the surgery.
Supracervical hysterectomy
During this surgery, only the upper part of your uterus will be removed, leaving your cervix. Depending on what your doctor considers necessary, you may also have your fallopian tubes and ovaries removed.
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy
In a total hysterectomy, your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are removed, triggering your body to start menopause immediately after the surgery.
Radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
A radical hysterectomy involves the removal of your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of your vagina, and the surrounding tissue. Doctors perform this type of surgery on cancer patients.
Hysterectomy: A Solution for Women in Lone Tree & Castle Rock
Hysterectomy is a very prevalent procedure among women in the U.S, including those who reside in Lone Tree or Castle Rock, Colorado. Research shows that 21% of women aged above 20 in the western state have undergone this procedure, in order to find a solution for conditions like uterine fibroids, cancer, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
3 Common Conditions That Lead to a Hysterectomy
When other treatment options for the conditions named below are unsuccessful, hysterectomy is recommended as a solution to prevent your symptoms from worsening.
1. Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that appear in the uterine wall. While in most cases they are not dangerous, fibroid tumors can grow excessively and put pressure on other pelvic organs, causing aching pain, heavy bleeding and discomfort. Doctors recommend hysterectomy as a permanent solution for fibroids, eliminating the need for future surgeries or treatment.
♀️Wanna learn more? Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts: When to Seek Treatment
2. Gynecological Cancer
If you’re experiencing any type of gynecological cancer like uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine lining cancer, a hysterectomy may be the best course of treatment. The scope of the surgery depends on factors like the cancer type, the stage, and your current symptoms. Chemotherapy and radiation are recommended as follow-up treatments after the procedure.
3. Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse is a condition where the uterus loses its support, causing it to slip into the vagina. This issue is most common in postmenopausal women who have given birth before, and usually causes symptoms like urinary incontinence, bowel issues, pelvic pain, and lower back pain. When treatment options like Kegel exercises and pelvic floor therapy fail to manage uterine prolapse, a hysterectomy is recommended as a definitive solution.
FAQ
Do I need to continue getting pap smears after a hysterectomy?
If your cervix was not removed during the surgery, continuing with cervical cancer screening is advised.
What are the risks of having a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is generally considered a safe surgery. However, like any other surgical procedure, there are risks such as:
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Injury to neighboring organs.
- Inability to urinate.
- Blood clots.
Are there alternative treatments to a hysterectomy?
Depending on your condition and symptoms, pelvic floor therapy and Kegel exercises are recommended for women with reproductive health problems.
Book Your Consultation for Hysterectomy in Lone Tree & Castle Rock, CO
Experiencing conditions like uterine fibroids or cervical cancer and not finding relief through non-invasive treatments is difficult, but surgical procedures like hysterectomy offer you a definitive solution for your symptoms. At Lone Tree OB/GYN & Midwives, you can find a compassionate team ready to assess your needs and create a plan for your surgery. Schedule your appointment or visit us in Lone Tree & Castle Rock, CO.
About Lone Tree’s Mission
Lone Tree OB/GYN & Midwives is a full-service obstetrics and gynecology office with a team of highly regarded providers recognized throughout the Castle Rock, Colorado, community for their exceptional care.