With today’s advanced medical and technological treatments, women often have options to consider before a hysterectomy. But when your health depends on surgery to remove your uterus, you can be confident in the compassionate care and expertise of the doctors at The Association for Women’s Health Care. We always explore the treatment choices appropriate for each woman. If you have gynecologic symptoms, please schedule an appointment for a thorough evaluation at one of our offices in The Loop in Chicago and Northbrook, Illinois.
Hysterectomy is the name of the surgical procedure performed to remove a uterus. After a hysterectomy, you won’t have menstrual periods and you won’t be able to get pregnant. In some cases, the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries may also be removed at the same time as the uterus.
While the conditions on this list are the most common reasons for performing a hysterectomy, many of them may be treated with other medical or surgical options. Don’t assume that if you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions that a hysterectomy is inevitable.
The most conservative treatment to protect the health of your uterus is always the first option considered. Your doctor at The Association for Women’s Health Care will talk with you about all treatment options.
Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus that may cause severe pain or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Heavy or unusual bleeding: A variety of problems can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, including changes in hormones, fibroids, infection, and cancer.
Uterine prolapse: Prolapse occurs when the uterus drops from its normal place down into the vagina.
Endometriosis: This occurs when tissues that are normally inside the uterus grow outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain and bleeding.
Adenomyosis: A condition in which the uterine walls get too thick due to overgrowth of tissue.
Cancer or precancerous changes: Hysterectomy may be the best option if you have cancer of the uterus, ovary, cervix, or endometrium.
There are three types of hysterectomies. The fallopian tubes and ovaries may or may not be removed during any type of hysterectomy:
Since the ovaries produce hormones, you’ll only enter menopause if both of your both ovaries are removed at the same time as your uterus. If this is necessary due to your medical condition, your doctor will discuss hormone replacement therapy and ways to manage menopause.