Is a Hysterectomy Right for You?
A hysterectomy is one of the most common major surgeries. You may need to have your uterus removed for life-threatening conditions, such as cancer or massive bleeding. According to Dr. Robert Southwick, Prevea Clinic, OB/GYN, More than half of all hysterectomies are done to treat conditions that are not emergencies, such as fibroid tumors or severe vaginal bleeding.
Other Remedies There are treatments that can maintain the uterus and help conditions that arent emergencies. The bleeding and pain that come with fibroid tumors could be treated with hormone therapy or medications. More minor surgeries can remove just the tumors or control bleeding.
When Its Needed If you have constant gynecological problems, you and your doctor may decide a hysterectomy is the best choice for you. You may want to discuss:
- the surgery and recovery
- the benefits and risks of keeping your ovaries
- whether the operation should be made through the stomach or vagina.
Dr. Southwick suggests, When appropriately chosen, patients undergoing a hysterectomy almost always report significant improvements in quality-of-life measures.
Join us on Tuesday, March 4 for Heavy Periods: Are There Options to Hysterectomy?. See the calendar for more details.
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