After a Hysterectomy
February 2, 2010
Taking the decision to have a hysterectomy might not be easy for most women. Your doctor might explain the reasons to undergo this important surgical procedure, in which parts of the reproductive system are removed.
Types of hysterectomy
There are three types of hysterectomy – total hysterectomy, hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and radical hysterectomy. The uterus, cervix and the fallopian tubes are removed in total hysterectomy. In hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, both the ovaries are removed. The uterus, top of the vagina and most tissues inside the pelvic region around the cervix are removed in radical hysterectomy. If the risk of developing cancer is low, the cervix will not be removed.
Reasons for hysterectomy
You might need hysterectomy due to several reasons. Hysterectomy might be the only option available for treating uterine or cervical cancers. Even benign uterine growths that obstruct the bladder or the intestine might require hysterectomy. In the absence of proper medications, hysterectomy might be the only option available for treating fibroid tumors, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine prolapse and chronic pelvic pain. Hysterectomy might be needed to stop uterine bleeding that could not be stopped by other methods.
Life after hysterectomy
After hysterectomy, many women experience certain physical or emotional problems. Often anxiety or depression develops from the fear of loss of sexual drive. However, women do not lose sex drive after hysterectomy. In fact, hysterectomy helps to increase sexual pleasure my removing the conditions that caused painful intercourse before the operation. If hysterectomy required removal of the ovaries, you might require hormone replacement therapy to improve your sexual activities. Fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, osteoporosis, risk of heart disease and urinary incontinence might develop after hysterectomy.
Hormonal replacement therapy could help to treat most physical difficulties experienced after hysterectomy such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Estrogen creams are prescribed for treating vaginal dryness that develops after hysterectomy. Usually older women are able to cope with life after hysterectomy easily. However, coping with life after hysterectomy could be difficult for young women who have not yet started a family. Young women could consider adoption or surrogacy as parenting options after hysterectomy.
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