Who Needs a Hysterectomy?

As women, we want our gynecological checkups to always be okay. The word hysterectomy is a sound of doom to our ears, but it's not always a life-threatening cause. There are many factors that lead up to this surgery and not all are cancer. Medically, a hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. In some cases the attached fallopian tubes are taken out and also many women have their ovaries removed as well. Some of the most common indications for hysterectomy include the following.

Fibroid tumors of the uterus

Having myomas, a benign fibroid tumor is one of the most common causes of having the uterus removed. These tumors of the muscle cells develop on or inside the uterus; sometimes attaching to the cervix. Myomas can be found in three general locations in the uterine wall. Submucosal fibroids grow underneath the endometrial tissue lining and protrude into the uterine cavity. Intramural fibroids are located in the middle of the muscular wall of the uterus, whereas, subserosal fibroids grow directly beneath the peritoneum (outer lining of the uterus). Some fibroids even grow outside the uterus and are attached to the uterine wall by a stalk-like growth.

Fibroid tumors usually grow slowly and are rarely cancerous. Some women have one fibroid and others may have multiple tumors. On the most part, they cause no symptoms or require treatment, but on occasion fibroids can grow quite large and cause pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and infertility. These are the extremes where a hysterectomy may be necessary for relief.

Do you suffer from endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where parts of the uterine lining grow outside the uterus. While endometriosis is not a life-threatening condition, if can significantly decrease the quality of life for some women. These growths wax and wane from hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle in the same way that the uterine lining does, by swelling and bleeding. Having endometriosis can cause extreme pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse and even difficulty with defecating. When the endometrial tissues grown on the Fallopian tubes and/or ovaries, they can cause infertility. Doctors today usually do laparoscopic surgery first to see the condition before suggesting hysterectomy to remove the uterus or any other organs that are affected.

Prolapsed organs may become a need for hysterectomy

The prolapse of an organ occurs when the ligaments and tissues supporting the organ weaken and stretch, causing the organ(s) to change their position within the pelvis and in severe cases, even to protrude out of the vagina. Prolapse may cause a variety of symptoms and a feeling of pressure in the vagina where "everything feels like it is falling out." Other symptoms may include urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control), constipation and difficulty with defecation, as well as back pain. There are surgeries today that will help lift the organs with implanted mesh, but when the condition gets too bad, a hysterectomy is considered.

Cancer usually ends up with hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is often necessary and a life-saving procedure for women with ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and invasive cervical cancer where the cancer cells have spread beyond the cervix.

Keep in mind that these common indications for having a hysterectomy, other than a life-threatening situation, is a decision you have to make along with your doctor's guidance. Alternative therapies have grown in popularity and are now available to help alleviate symptoms. Your job is to become as informed as you can about all of your options and decide which method will help your long-term suffering and opt for a better quality of life.

Sources:

Women's Health - Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy - Memorial University Medical Center

Northrup, M.D., Christiane; The Wisdom of Menopause; 2001

More from this contributor:

What's This on My Skin? Women's Dermatological Conditions

Tips on Getting Good Zzzzzs During Menopause

Costochondritis: The Pain That is Not Your Heart