Treatments: Hysterectomy
Do You Really Need a Hysterectomy?
If you've been diagnosed with fibroids and your doctor has recommended a hysterectomy without discussing less invasive therapies, you owe yourself a second opinion. A hysterectomy (the surgical removal of the uterus) is a major operation. In addition to a lengthy hospital stay and recovery period at home, there's a 30% complication rate and obvious issues regarding a woman's sexuality, fertility and quality of life once the uterus is removed.
40% of All Hysterectomies Are Due to Fibroids.
Most are unnecessary. While a hysterectomy will certainly cure a fibroid problem, many women don't want to lose their uterus. Remember, fibroids are usually not cancerous. You don't have to rush into anything. Research your options.
Types of Hysterectomy.
Removal of the entire uterus is a total hysterectomy. Leaving the cervix but removing the rest of the uterus, is called a sub-total hysterectomy. Removing ovaries ( bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy), is a separate decision which a patient and her doctor make before surgery.
Hysterectomies are performed in one of two ways; either through an incision in the stomach (Abdominal Hysterectomy) or through the vagina (Vaginal Hysterectomy.) Abdominal hysterectomies are the most common form and typically require the longest recovery time.