5 Reasons to Consider a Hysterectomy

5 Reasons to Consider a Hysterectomy

The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix. In addition to their reproductive duties, these organs and muscles can also be a source of chronic pelvic pain and other serious symptoms.

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove some or all of these organs. It can be an effective treatment option for gynecological conditions that threaten your health. But it’s an irreversible surgery, so weigh your options carefully before choosing this surgery.

At ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries, we can help. We strive to give women the education and options they need when it comes to better health. 

Our experienced team, led by Bola Sogade, MD, specializes in the latest hysterectomy techniques. Here are some of the reasons you might need to consider the procedure.

When to consider a hysterectomy

At ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries, we take a conservative approach to gynecological care. We always start by recommending nonsurgical or minimally invasive treatment, if possible.

But in some cases, hysterectomy may offer the best solution for your health concerns. A hysterectomy could be a good option if you have a severe gynecological condition that hasn’t been relieved with nonsurgical treatments.

Five of the most common reasons we recommend hysterectomy are:

Chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain affects up to 20% of women during their reproductive years, and it can quickly hinder your quality of life. Many common gynecological conditions, like heavy menstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause severe, ongoing pelvic pain.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis develops when the tissue lining the uterus grows elsewhere in the pelvic area. An estimated 10% of women have endometriosis. In severe cases, it can cause significant pelvic pain, irregular vaginal bleeding, and digestive issues.

Gynecological cancers

Gynecological cancers include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. All women are at risk for gynecological cancers. 

Cervical cancer is most common in women under 50, while uterine cancer is most common in women over 50. If left untreated, gynecological cancers can spread to other parts of your body (metastasize).

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are very common noncancerous growths. About 70% of women will get fibroids in their lifetimes. Most fibroids don’t cause problems, but recurrent fibroids or very large fibroids can cause symptoms that include heavy menstrual periods and pelvic pain.

Uterine prolapse

Muscles and other soft tissues in your pelvis support your uterus and other reproductive organs, but over time these tissues can weaken. Uterine prolapse occurs when your uterus begins collapsing into your vaginal canal. It can cause symptoms like pelvic pain and urinary incontinence.

Is hysterectomy right for you?

If you have severe pelvic pain or gynecological cancer, the answer may be yes. Hysterectomy is a customizable surgical procedure to remove part or all of your reproductive organs, and it can be a very effective means of treating painful gynecologic conditions.

To help you find the best treatment plan for your needs, we carefully review your symptoms and medical history. We may perform a physical and pelvic exam. Then we discuss any treatments you’ve already tried and talk about additional options.

Many women find that nonsurgical care, like hormonal birth control or other medication, can effectively relieve their symptoms. But certain conditions may necessitate surgery. We offer a variety of hysterectomy techniques, including:

Hysterectomy ends your ability to get pregnant and carry a baby. Since it’s an irreversible procedure, you must be sure that you don’t want to get pregnant in the future. If you want to get pregnant later, we can discuss other treatment options available to you.

Find compassionate care at ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries in Forsyth, Georgia. Call us at 478-772-3780 or book an appointment online to meet our team.

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