Alternatives to a Hysterectomy: What are Your Options?

When faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to have a hysterectomy the first thing you need to do is make sure you can make an informed decision. I realize we all trust our doctors to tell us all the alternatives, not to mention the pros and cons of certain procedures, but they are not perfect, this is not a perfect world and mistakes can be made. If you have all the information you need, then it's easier for you to make the right decision that can affect the rest of your life.

First off, you need to know that there are different types of hysterectomies. A total hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and the cervix, which is the lower "neck" of the uterus that opens into the vagina. A subtotal hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place. It is also known as partial hysterectomy. The other type is a radical hysterectomy which removes the uterus, cervix, ovaries, structures that support the uterus, and in some cases, the lymph nodes. This type is usually performed to treat endometriosis or cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix.

There are many things to consider when faced with this decision that may have to be made in your lifetime. I was faced with the decision at the age of forty because I had developed uterine fibroids. My decision to go ahead with the surgery was based on the fact that I didn't want to face the possibility of future surgeries if the fibroids returned which was one of the main points my doctor made. Unfortunately, after having a total hysterectomy, a few months later I returned to the hospital to have cysts removed from my ovaries. About a year or so later, I returned once again for an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). Three major surgeries and a total of approximately fifteen weeks recovery time seems like a ridiculous process to go through in these days and times. I just couldn't understand how I had to go through all this when they can suck an entire gallbladder out of a hole in your belly button. If you find yourself in a position where you must make a decision about having surgery to remove fibroids or cysts than you need to be familiar with the different types of problems so you can make that informed decision.

A good place to begin is to get a copy of any reports and diagnostics your doctors sends you for and to takes notes when speaking with your doctor about the results. Be sure to write down the type of fibroids or cysts so you can do your own research. Once you know what your looking at it will be easier to read up on your alternatives before making a decision. Again, doctors are not gods and they're not perfect, so we all need to do our own follow up, which has become so easy thanks to this wonderful invention we call the Internet.

Depending upon the location of the fibroid (or fibroids), one alternative to having a hysterectomy is the myomectomy. This procedure can be performed vaginally as long as the fibroid is not located within the uterine wall. If that is the case, then the operation would have to be performed abdominally through an incision along the bikini line. By the way, this is also the way hysterectomies are performed, through a bikini line incision.

Another option is the laparoscopic myomectomy which is performed through a small incision in the navel. My doctor had attempted this procedure when I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts since she didn't want to have to cut me open again after my hysterectomy. However, once she tried this technique and discovered she couldn't remove them this way, she returned to the old incision. I must say though, when I was out of the hospital, I could barely tell where the small incisions where for the laparoscope and certainly had no pain in my navel. That is definitely the way you want to go if it is a viable option for your situation.

There may be a time when someone tells you about a procedure called Myolysis which basically involves small incisions to insert a probe that freezes the fibroids. This however is not a recommended treatment as it can lead to infection and other problems.

The bottom line ladies is to do your research and ask lots of questions of your doctor. I also adamantly recommend getting a second and even a third opinion as each doctor may have a different approach to dealing with problems of the uterus and ovaries as there are also ongoing health concerns no matter what procedure you ultimately choose.