A hysterectomy is a surgical surgery that eliminates the uterus of a woman. While it is the second most common surgical operation amongst women of childbearing age in the U.S, the suggestion that you should undergo a hysterectomy from your physician might be terrifying. At Aurora OB/GYN, Dr. Karen Allsup and her staff are experts in hysterectomy and can help you determine if this procedure is appropriate for you. Meanwhile, understanding the common reasons why a San Antonio hysterectomy can be necessary will provide ease of mind in case you are the right candidate for the procedure.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are masses that develop within the uterus. Though benign, uterine fibroids could cause numerous uterine-related complications. These complications include severe cramps, discomfort during sexual activity, and heavy periods.
Though uterine fibroids are common in most women at some point in their lives, the symptoms are generally mild. In these cases, embolization and hormone therapy could be viable treatment choices. Nonetheless, a hysterectomy is necessary if uterine fibroids cause serious difficulties.
Uterine Prolapse
The movement of the uterus into the vaginal canal is referred to as uterine prolapse. Most cases of uterine prolapse are treatable with surgery that does not entail uterine removal. However, for more severe cases of prolapse, particularly when non-invasive treatments fail, you might require a hysterectomy.
Typical symptoms of uterine prolapse include vaginal bleeding, discomfort while seated, and excessive discharge. A timely diagnosis helps keep the issue from aggravating or lasting longer than it should.
Chronic Pelvic Discomfort
Pelvic discomfort might arise from a completely benign condition. It is typical to endure mild to moderate discomfort throughout one’s lifetime.
Nevertheless, prolonged pelvic discomfort that is associated with other symptoms warrants caution. In certain cases, prolonged pelvic pain indicates endometriosis or another uterine problem. If the agony lasts longer than normal, your physician might consider a hysterectomy to alleviate the pain.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs whenever there is a development of uterine lining tissue outside of the uterus. Endometriosis could result in substantial difficulties that challenge women to maintain a normal daily schedule. Endometriosis is characterized by excessive menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, and sometimes infertility. In most cases, a hysterectomy is the most effective therapy for endometriosis, as it provides much-needed pain relief.
Cancer
Uterine cancer patients frequently undergo a hysterectomy because cancer removal is one of the most effective treatments. Although a hysterectomy is often done for uterine cancer, it is also effective for cancer of the ovaries or cervix.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is like endometriosis, characterized by the abnormal development of the uterine lining. However, with adenomyosis, the tissue develops within the uterine walls where it should not, resulting in pain and bleeding.
Typically, adenomyosis resolves by itself after menopause. However, if you experience severe symptoms, you might necessitate therapy sooner, which often entails pain medications and hormone therapy. If these solutions fail, a hysterectomy is the last resort.
A hysterectomy is a standard surgical procedure that could alleviate the symptoms of specific health disorders. Although you cannot become pregnant and will possibly experience early menopause, hysterectomy could be lifesaving in certain instances. Schedule a consultation at Aurora OB/GYN through mobile or book online to determine if you are the right candidate for this procedure.
