If you do not have cancer or an emergency hemorrhage, and your symptoms are mild to moderate, rather than severe or devastating, consider adopting a “wait and see” approach. This is often an effective strategy for women who have only mild symptoms and may still want to try to have children.
Your insurance and physician will likely require that you try some other treatments prior to considering surgery.
If you are worried about offending your doctor, try to let go of that concern. A good doctor will understand (and even encourage!) your desire to get a second opinion.
Talk openly about the alternatives as well — what might it be like to live with your symptoms for a while longer? It’s vital that your significant other understands the issues involved and agrees to support you either way.
If you decide to have a hysterectomy, a therapist can also help you deal with the emotional and sexual impact of the surgery. If you decide not to have a hysterectomy, she can help you develop coping strategies for any pain or other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Uterine fibroids may have a negative effect on your ability to become pregnant. Uterine fibroids may also cause excessive bleeding. Uterine fibroids may cause anemia due to excess blood loss during your period. As a result, you may require iron supplements or a blood transfusion. [5] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Tissue may also grow on the cervix, vulva, bladder, bowel, and in abdominal surgical scars. If left untreated, endometriosis may cause lesions, inflammation, pain, scar tissue, infertility, and bowel problems.
Depending upon the underlying condition and whether it can be controlled with medication or lifestyle changes, your physician may recommend a hysterectomy to prevent excessive blood loss each month. [7] X Research source
When a prolapse happens, the uterus may even drop partway through the vagina. This creates a lump or bulge. Take steps to prevent uterine prolapse if you think you may be at risk.
Even though adenomyosis not life-threatening, the condition can have a negative effect on a woman’s quality of life. Hysterectomy is one of the options for treating adenomyosis. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Hysterectomy is often the best choice for this condition, but it can be delayed if you wish to have more children.
If your doctor has recommended a hysterectomy to remove polyps, ask if performing a dilation and curettage may be possible instead.
Some hormone medications block the production of estrogen, which can reduce symptoms. Other medications can be included to control pain and other symptoms.
All forms of ablation cause infertility but are much less invasive and have faster recovery time than a hysterectomy. They each have success rates between 80 and 90 percent. [12] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Be aware that this procedure is not a substitution for sterilization or contraception. Pregnancies absolutely occur after ablation, but they cannot be carried for long.
Kegel exercises improve the strength of the pelvic floor, reduce the possibility of leaking urine while laughing or sneezing, and increase the strength of orgasm contractions.
Your physician may also recommend a pessary device if you have urinary incontinence from bladder weakness. [15] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source You can remove and clean a pessary device. A pessary device may cause you to produce more vaginal secretions. Some pessary devices can be left in place during intercourse, but most cannot. Ask your physician about your options.
A progesterone IUD can prevent hysterectomies in many patients.
You may experience burning or itching around the incision or a numb feeling around the incision and down one leg. This may be present for up to two months after surgery. [20] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You will be able to resume eating your normal diet after the surgery as long as you are able to tolerate it. You will be able to shower or bathe but should keep the area clean and dry otherwise. The area around the incision can be itchy. You can use lotions or creams to help relieve the itching. It is important to increase your activity level each day as long as you feel capable and aren’t in pain. Make sure to speak with your doctor about when you’ll be released to drive. Do not drive when taking pain medication. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for four weeks after surgery. Avoid any vigorous exercise for four weeks after surgery You should be able to go back to work between three and six weeks afterward.
If the ovaries were also removed you’ll experience more sudden symptoms of menopause. You experience hot flashes, emotional ups and downs, vaginal dryness, irritability, increased number of headaches or insomnia. Your physician may prescribe hormone replacement therapy initially to help your body ease into menopause more naturally as it would have if your ovaries had been left intact. [22] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Even though a hysterectomy should not affect a woman’s sex drive, some women find that the emotional aspects of undergoing a hysterectomy have an effect on sexual desire and drive. Your physician will advise you to abstain from sexual intercourse, using tampons, or douching for four to six weeks after surgery or until you have fully healed.
If feelings of sadness continue for longer than two weeks after surgery, talk with your surgeon or primary care physician.
