Hysterectomy -UTERUS & OVARIES Removal

Hysterectomy

UTERUS & OVARIES Removal

A hysterectomy is an operation that results in the removal of the uterus (womb). Most hysterectomies are not emergency procedures so you do have some time to think about your options. This article is designed to help you understand these options and what they mean to you.

FUNCTIONS OF THE UTERUS & OVARIES

The uterus cradles and nourishes a fetus from conception to birth, and aids in the delivery of the baby. It also produces the monthly menstrual flow, or period.

he ovaries are responsible for two major functions. One is the production of eggs or ova, which allows for childbearing. The second is the production of hormones or chemicals which regulate menstruation and other aspects of health and well-being, including a woman's sexual health and well being.

If the egg that is released during a woman's monthly cycle is not fertilized, the uterus sheds its lining by bleeding (known as menstruation).

After a hysterectomy is performed a woman can no longer have any children and monthly menstruation will stop. The ovaries will usually continue to produce hormones although a lot of the time the experience a decrease in activity.

Some hysterectomies can include the removal of the ovaries so the supply of essential female hormones drops greatly. This can have various effects which will be discussed later.

WHETHER OR NOT TO HAVE A HYSTERECTOMY

Hysterectomy is one treatment for a number of diseases and ailments. If you are suffering from uncontrollable bleeding from the uterus or cancer of the uterus or ovaries a Hysterectomy can save your life.

In most instances a hysterectomy is an elective procedure. The operation can greatly improve the quality of life for most women and get rid of a lot of discomfort.

There are many ways of treating these ailments. Discussing all these options and weigh all the alternatives and possible effects of each option with your doctor to decide which option is the best for you.

REASONS FOR A HYSTERECTOMY OR ALTERNATIVES

Reasons why a hysterectomy may be recommended usually fall into three categories: to save a woman's life

to correct serious problems that often interferes with normal daily activities
to improve the overall quality of life
to save a woman's life

The following describe some of the more common reasons for recommending hysterectomies.

CANCER OF THE UTERUS OR OVARY

Organs containing cancerous tissues and in some instances adjoining organs and structures are removed to stop the spread of a life threatening illness.

FIBROIDS

Fibroids are very common non-cancerous tumors found on the uterus and are the most frequent reasons that health care providers suggest a hysterectomy. Fibroids grow from the muscular wall of the uterus and are composed of muscle and tissue. Many women over 35 have fibroids but do not exhibit any symptoms.

In some cases women with fibroids experience heavy bleeding and extreme pain. These issues require treatment but that does not always mean a hysterectomy. There are great new drugs coming on to the market that may shrink the fibroids but also might have serious side effects. There is a surgery myomectomy that can remove fibroids without having to take out the uterus. This is a wonderful option for women wishing to have children.

Some women do not do anything to treat fibroids since they will often shrink after menopause.

ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis is another common reason for a hysterectomy. This is also a non cancerous ailment in which cells from the lining of the uterus grow out like islands on the outside of the uterus. These types of growths occur most commonly on the ovaries, bladder, bowels and other pelvic support structures. Endometriosis can cause severe pain during menstruation and can also cause scarring, adhesions and infertility.

Symptoms can vary greatly and some women may choose to do nothing, or find some type of alternative treatment option. When none of these are effective a hysterectomy may be the treatment of choice.

PROLAPSE

As a woman ages, the vaginal supports begin to lose their muscle tone and begin to drop downward (prolapse). With prolapse, the bladder and/or rectum can be pulled down along with the uterus. This happens to almost all women to some degree. For most women these symptoms are not very severe. If problems with prolapse get worse some women can feel a heaviness in the pelvic area and have issues controlling their bladder and bowel functions. Some women is severe cases of prolapse with gave organs coming through the vaginal opening.

Some women can find relief by doing Kegel exercises, while others use hormone therapy to aid symptoms of prolapse.

A hysterectomy with repair of supporting structures is usually recommended in more serious cases of prolapse.A woman has to decide for herself if the discomfort is great enough to have a hysterectomy.

CANCER OF THE CERVIX

When cells in the cervix turn cancerous there are alternative treatments to a hysterectomy many are outpatient therapies. When detected early enough most of these conditions will not progress into a life threatening case of cancer.

It is only in the case of invasive cancer of the cervix that hysterectomy may be the treatment of choice.