PRE-CANCER OF THE UTERUS

Pre-cancerous cells can begin to appear when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) overgrows. "Hyperplasia of the endometrium" means an overgrowth of the lining of the uterus This ailment can cause excessive bleeding and is normally treated with either hormone therapy or a D and C procedure, sometime both. In severe cases where cancer has formed a hysterectomy would be the treatment of suggested.

PELVIC ADHESIONS

Irritations of the lining of the abdomen can cause scarring which can bind the affected organs to each other. This condition can result from endometriosis, infection or injury. Symptoms can include extreme pain, bladder issues and infertility.

Pain medication or a less drastic surgery such as laser therapy can be very effective in some cases. In the most serious of cases a hysterectomy would be suggested although many times the hysterectomy itself can cause adhesions

UNUSUALLY HEAVY BLEEDING

The normal amount and length of a woman's menstrual flow vary greatly from woman to woman. there are often differences in menstrual flow from one cycle to the next. If bleeding during menstruation is unusually heavy or frequent this can be due to a variety of causes. The most common are fibroids and changes in hormone levels.

Because there are so many different reasons for unusually heavy bleeding it is vital to get an accurate diagnosis before making a decision about a course of treatment. Drug therapies and minor surgery can be quite helpful. In rare cases where hemmoraging is involved have a hysterectomy can be life saving.

PELVIC PAIN

Pelvic pain is a common symptom many women experience. Along with heavy bleeding there can also be a great number of causes for lower belly pain. Some of these causes include fibroids, ovarian cysts, infection or scar tissue. Pain in the pelvic region is not always related to the uterus.

A careful diagnosis by a health care provider is essential before considering the option to have a hysterectomy.

BENEFITS & RISKS

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

A hysterectomy may be life-saving in the case of cancer. It can also relieve the pain and bleeding of and related to fibroids, severe endometriosis or uterine prolapse. On the other hand for these non cancerous issues you may really prefer to seek alternative treatment options.

Issues like pelvic pain and unusually heavy bleeding are not always related to the uterus. An accurate diagnosis from your health care provider will help you determine the risks as well as the benefits of having a hysterectomy.

The risks related to having a hysterectomy.are just about the same as any major operation although the risks are the lowest among major operations.

Hysterectomy patients may develop a high fever during recovery, and some may develop a mild bladder infection or wound infection. If an infection occurs, it can usually be treated with antibiotics. Less often, women may require a blood transfusion before surgery because of anemia or during surgery because of blood loss. If a woman smokes or has heart or lung disease that can also potentially cause complications with having a hysterectomy.

As with any type of surgery to the abdomen serious complications such as blood clots, infections, bowel obstruction and urinary tract infections can happen. In very rare cases death can occur.In addition to the surgical risks there can also be long term physical and psychological effects including depression and loss of enjoyment. If the ovaries are removed prior to the onset of menopause there is an increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

when you are making your decision you should know that having a hysterectomy is not reversible. after you have a hysterectomy you will no longer be able to bear children and you will no longer menstruate. You need to consider what type of impact this will have on you.

Talking with your partner is a great idea before even speaking with your health care provider. You may even decide that you will want your partner to come with you to discuss their concerns with your doctor.

REMOVAL OF TUBES AND OVARIES

Should your ovaries be removed in addition to your uterus when you have a hysterectomy?

If you have a diagnosis of uterine cancer, the ovaries should be removed because the hormones they secrete may encourage the regrowth of cancerous cells . The ovaries should also be removed in severe cases of endometriosis as it is believed that hormones from the ovaries can contribute to endometriosis.

The Fallopian tubes are generally removed when they are found to be attached to the uterus and their sole function is to serve as a passageway between the ovaries and the uterus.

In some cases not relating to cancer or endometriosis there is great discussion between doctors about the advantages and the disadvantages of removing the ovaries as part of a hysterectomy.

Some health care providers believe that healthy ovaries should be removed as part of a hysterectomy in women nearing menopause when their function would normally fade. This is done mainly as a preventative measure to reduce the risks of the onset of ovarian cancer. This is mainly because ovarian cancer is quite hard to detect and if found at an early stage it is very curable.

Other doctors disagree that removing the ovaries have any effect on whether or not a women will develop ovarian cancer. In addition the ovaries produce many hormones that are quite beneficial to women. They can protect against heart disease and do a lot to aid in pleasure.

As a woman advances in age the ovaries will eventually reduce their production of hormones be even after menopause the ovaries with produce a small amount of hormones. Removing the ovaries can cause the onset of premature menopausal symptoms. These include depression, hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

After the ovaries have been removed or when menopause sets in hormone replacement can do wonders. It aids is reducing the risks of osteoporosis and reduces the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes. However there are many women that cannot be placed on hormone replacement therapy. For example those women that have a history with liver disease and hormone related tumors are not very good candidates for hormone replacement therapy.

Life after

Every person reacts differently, and reactions are a combination of emotional and physical responses. There is still alot to learn about the effects of a hysterectomy on pleasure.

There are some women that state that they enjoy more after a hysterectomy. This is most often because of reduced discomfort and not having to worry about pregnancy.

There are however some women who state that their enjoyment has gone down since having a hysterectomy. there are a few reasons for this and some are only partly understood.

For some women uterine contractions and any type of pressure against the cervix add to enjoyment. Others can feel a reduced sense of pleasure due to a drop in hormones. Hormone replacement therapies and gels and vaginal lubricants are often utilized to help increase pleasure. For some women a decreased in pleasure is only temporary while others is continues on. Because feelings are so individual it can be very difficult to determine how a hysterectomy will effect your personal feelings.