Hysterectomy
Why It Is Done
In most cases, hysterectomy is an elective surgery used to treat noncancerous female reproductive system
(gynecologic) conditions that haven't improved with medical treatment. For women who have no plans for pregnancy and have considered and tried other treatment options without success, a hysterectomy may be a reasonable treatment choice.
Hysterectomy is also a potentially lifesaving measure when used to stop heavy placental bleeding during childbirth or to remove cervical cancer or endometrial (uterine) cancer.
Reasons for hysterectomy include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding and pregnancy-related bleeding.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Uterine prolapse.
- Endometriosis and adenomyosis.
- Chronic pelvic pain (only when caused by a diagnosed condition that can be corrected with hysterectomy).
- Cancer of the cervix, uterus, or ovaries.
Fortunately, as more effective treatment options have become available for fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding, and endometriosis, fewer women are having to resort to hysterectomy, a major surgery. However, for those women who continue to suffer severe symptoms after other treatments, hysterectomy often brings significant relief.3 For example, a study of women with heavy bleeding reports relief both 6 months and 2 years after hysterectomy. Along with getting relief from the bleeding, women tended to feel better emotionally and have improved sleep, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and overall health.4
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: August 25, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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