People with a large uterus are often recommended for hysterectomies.A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the uterus.The surgeon may decide to remove part or all of the uterus.Since it's a big decision with lasting consequences, experts advise you to take your time when making a decision.Learning more about the procedure can help you make a decision.
Step 1: You can find a doctor.
A primary care physician or gynecologist who listens to you and pays attention to your concerns is crucial for women with sexual and reproductive health problems.You don't want to be rushed into the operating room by a doctor who does not take the time to hear about all of your symptoms.
Step 2: Ask your doctor if you should wait.
If you are close to menopause, watchful waiting is a good option.As your estrogen levels decrease, some conditions resolve.If you have a condition, ask your doctor if watchful waiting is an option.If you don't have cancer or an emergency hemorrhage, and your symptoms are mild to moderate, you may want to consider a "Wait and see" approach.This is an effective strategy for women who have only mild symptoms and still want to have children.
Step 3: First try less drastic treatments.
You can try other treatments if you have cancer or emergency hemorrhaging.Treatments might include pain medication, hormone therapy, and more targeted surgeries.There is no reason to rush; try other options first.It is likely that you will have to try other treatments before surgery.
Step 4: Get a second opinion.
If less drastic treatments don't relieve your symptoms, you should get a second opinion from your doctor.It is a good idea to make sure that your doctor is not missing anything.If you're worried about offending your doctor, let it go.A good doctor will encourage and understand.You would like to get a second opinion.
Step 5: Discuss your relationship with your spouse or significant other.
If you have a spouse or partner, talk about the consequences of a hysterectomy, especially the loss of fertility, the recovery time, and the abrupt transition to menopause.What would it be like to live with your symptoms for a while longer?It is crucial that your significant other understands the issues involved and agrees to support you either way.
Step 6: If you are distraught, see a therapist.
It is a life-changing decision to have a hysterectomy.You may wish to talk to a therapist about your feelings about the decision.A therapist can help you come to the best decision for you and your family by examining your feelings and concerns.If you decide to have a hysterectomy, a therapist can help you deal with the emotional and sexual impact of the surgery.She can help you develop strategies for dealing with pain and other symptoms if you don't have a hysterectomy.
Step 7: You should make the decision that is best for you.
You may be dissatisfied with all of your options, but at the same time, you may feel unable to cope with your symptoms.You may have to choose which option feels most objectionable.
Step 8: Do you know if a hysterectomy is necessary to remove uterus fibroids?
There are benign growths inside the uterus.There are benign tumors in the wall of the uterus.There can be many tumors.They can be as small as an apple seed.It is possible to remove large fibroids.You may not be able to become pregnant if you have uterus fibroids.excessive bleeding may be caused by uterus fibroids.Excess blood loss during your period can be caused by uterus fibroids.You may have to take iron supplements or have a blood transfusion.
Step 9: Is a hysterectomy a part of cancer treatment?
If you are diagnosed with cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries, your doctor may recommend that you have a hysterectomy.The removal of cancer cells from your reproductive organs may improve the effectiveness of other treatments.
Step 10: Is it necessary to have a hysterectomy to treat endometriosis?
The ovary, fallopian tubes, the area between the vagina and rectum, and the ligaments that support the uterus are all affected by endometriosis.Excess tissue growth can be stopped with a hysterectomy.There are surgical scars on the uterus, vagina, bladder, and bowel.Inflammation, pain, scar tissue, infertility, and bowel problems are possible if left unaddressed.
Step 11: Do you think a hysterectomy is the best option to stop bleeding?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be caused by an underlying medical condition.Changes in hormone levels, Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOS), sexual abuse, and diabetes are some of the causes of abnormal bleeding.If the underlying condition can be controlled with medication or lifestyle changes, your physician may recommend a hysterectomy to prevent excessive blood loss.
Step 12: If you want to treat a uterus problem, compare your options.
The uterus or womb can slip out of its normal position.Your doctor may recommend a surgical option after you have been diagnosed.In a uterus suspension, the uterus is put back in place and suspended with a sling or apparatus.The uterus may fall through the vagina.This can make a lump or bulge.If you think you are at risk, take steps to prevent it.
Step 13: Determine if a hysterectomy is the best option for adenomyosis.
The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus.Heavy periods can be caused by Adenomyosis.The uterus can be affected by the condition.Adenomyosis can have a negative effect on a woman's quality of life.There are options for treating adenomyosis.If you want to have more children, you can delay the procedure if you prefer.
Step 14: Ask your doctor about the procedure.
If the polyps are too large to be removed using curettage, a hysterectomy may be necessary.Polyps can be found in the lining of the uterus.Polyps can be removed through the vagina if they are close to the opening of the cervix.If your doctor wants you to have a hysterectomy to remove polyps, you should ask if it's possible to do a dilation and curettage instead.
Step 15: Find out if you are a candidate for a myomectomy.
Laparoscopic surgery removes fibroids.The surgeon removes fibroids from the uterus through the vagina and cervix.Both approaches are less expensive than a hysterectomy.
Step 16: Discuss the possibility of hormone therapy.
Surgery is still required for treatment of uterine fibroids, but hormones may be a short-term option.In preparation for surgery, your doctor may recommend medications to shrink the uterus.If the fibroids are not removed, they will grow back.It is possible to reduce symptoms by blocking the production of estrogen.Control of pain and other symptoms can be achieved with other medications.
Step 17: Explore the option of endometrial ablation.
The procedure removes the lining of the uterus, but also causes infertility.There are some variations on this method.Abductions cause infertility but are less intrusive and take less time to recover than a hysterectomy.The success rates are between 80 and 90 percent.This procedure is not a substitute for contraception.Pregnancies can't be carried for long.
Step 18: Kegel exercises can be used for uterus issues.
Kegel exercises help strengthen the Pelvic floor if they are not severe.After having their first child, all women should start doing Kegel exercises.The strength of the pelvic floor, as well as the possibility of leaking urine while laughing or sneezing, can be improved with Kegel exercises.
Step 19: Ask about a pessary device.
A pessary device can be useful for a uterus problem.A pessary device is a plastic device that is placed in the vagina to support the uterus and bladder.If you have bladder weakness, your physician may recommend apessary device.You can clean apessary device.A pessary device can cause you to produce more vaginal secretions.Most pessary devices cannot be left in place during intercourse.Discuss your options with your physician.
Step 20: Discuss contraceptives with your doctor.
If birth control pills can improve your condition, ask your doctor.Birth control pills can be used to reduce blood loss during menstruation.They may be used to treat other conditions as well.
Step 21: There are other treatments for bleeding.
If a hysterectomy is suggested to treat abnormal bleeding, you should ask your doctor about other options.Other treatments that can be used to treat abnormal bleeding include a D&C, progestins and oral contraceptives, and the placement of an IUD to decrease the rate of bleeding.It is possible to prevent hysterectomies with a progesterone IUD.
Step 22: If embolization of the uterus would help, then so be it.
There is a reduction in the size and blood supply to the uterus.The fibroids will die if the blood supply is blocked.This procedure has a quicker recovery time than a hysterectomy, but it also causes infertility.It can be very painful for a day or two after the procedure, and there is a chance that it will cause premature menopause.
Step 23: You should be prepared to give yourself time to recover.
It is important to understand the recovery period if you are going to have a hysterectomy.There are several things that you will need to keep in mind as you recover from the surgery: You may experience burning or itching around the incision or a numb feeling down one leg.It could be present for up to two months after surgery.If you are able to tolerate it, you can resume eating your normal diet after the surgery.You should keep the area clean and dry if you want to shower or bathe.There is an area around the incision that can be itchy.You can use creams to relieve itching.If you feel capable and aren't in pain, you should increase your activity level each day.It is important to speak with your doctor about when you will be allowed to drive.Do not drive while taking pain medication.Lift anything over 10 pounds for four weeks after surgery.You should be able to return to work between three and six weeks after surgery.
Step 24: After a hysterectomy, your menstrual periods will stop.
If the ovaries remain, you will continue to experience hormonal changes to your body, which were normal for you when you were menstruating.Light vaginal bleeding is possible for about four to six weeks after surgery.You will experience more symptoms of menopause if the ovaries are removed.You experience hot flashes, emotional ups and downs, vaginal dryness, and increased number of headaches.If your ovaries were left intact, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy to help you ease into menopause more naturally.
Step 25: You can have sex.
Your ability to enjoy sex won't be affected by a hysterectomy.If the ovaries are removed, your sexual desire and drive will not change.The removal of the ovaries will increase vaginal dryness and decrease sexual drive.Some women find that the emotional aspects of undergoing a hysterectomy have an effect on their sex drive.Your physician will advise you to refrain from sex for four to six weeks after surgery or until you are completely healed.
Step 26: Take into account the emotional repercussions.
The emotional effects of this surgery will be different for women and men.You may feel freer and no longer worry about pregnancies, or you may grieve the loss of your period and ability to bear children.Both of these responses are normal.If you have feelings of sadness for more than two weeks after surgery, talk to your doctor.
Step 27: You might have a weight gain after surgery.
Some women gain weight after a hysterectomy.You may have trouble sleeping and be more upset after the surgery.You can lose weight with good nutrition, exercise and stress reduction techniques.