The decision to undergo a hysterectomy is a very personal decision for many women. Sometimes it is an elective procedure, while other times it may be medically necessary.
Below are six common reasons why a woman may choose to move forward with having a hysterectomy:
- Heavy menstruation – while most women experience discomfort during their period, others lose a large amount of blood and deal with almost debilitating pain and cramps that can impact their overall quality of life. For some, removing the womb is the only way to stop these heavy and persistent periods. When medication and more conservative options have not been successful in managing the periods, and women no longer desires to have children, a hysterectomy may be performed.
- PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease) – conditions such as PID, a bacterial infection of the reproductive system, can oftentimes be treated early with antibiotics. However, if it worsens or spreads, it can result in long-term pain that can be resolved with a hysterectomy.
- Endometriosis – conditions such as endometriosis can cause a variety of problems with a woman’s reproductive system, including heavy and irregular periods, severe pain, and infertility. During a hysterectomy, the areas of endometrial tissue causing discomfort can be removed and the issue resolved.
- Fibroids – non-cancerous growths that can develop in or around the uterus called fibroids may cause problems with urination, periods, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and overall pelvic pain. Large fibroids or severe bleeding can be addressed with a hysterectomy.
- Prolapse of the uterus – when the tissues and supporting ligaments of the pelvis can no longer support the uterus due to weakness, patients may experience uterine prolapse. By removing the entire uterus, the problems associated with prolapse are eliminated.
- Cancer – patients who have been diagnosed with cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancers may be able to remove the cancer with a hysterectomy. However, some women may still undergo radiation or chemotherapy to ensure they have eradicated the cancer from their body.
Interested in learning more?
At Woodlands OB/GYN Associates, our professional staff understands the choices a woman has when it comes to her reproductive health and wellness. Drs. Kellyn Rielly, Holly Westmoreland, Raj Syal, and Jenna Everson encourage women int eh Woodlands, TX area to seek solutions with our staff. We are located at 17183 I-45, Suite #610, and patients can schedule an evaluation with our team by calling (281) 364-9898.