Every year, nearly half a million American women undergo a hysterectomy, according to the Office on Women’s Health.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all way to remove your uterus. If your women’s health provider recommends the procedure, you have options. You may benefit from a total, radical or partial hysterectomy.
“Many factors determine what type of hysterectomy is right for you,” says Dr. Tiffany Bersani, a board-certified physician with Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists. “Understanding each helps you make the decision that fits your needs.”
The Need for Total or Partial Hysterectomy
Though it’s the second most common surgery that American women undergo, a hysterectomy may not be in your future. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that fewer than half of women ages 75 and older undergo this gynecological surgery.
That said, you may need a total or partial hysterectomy if you have the following:
Abnormal bleeding. Hysterectomy may help when other treatment options don’t bring relief from ongoing, heavy or otherwise abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Endometriosis. This condition occurs when cells that typically line the uterus grow elsewhere in the body.
Gynecologic cancers. Your care team may include a hysterectomy as part of your cancer care if you have uterine, ovarian or cervical cancer.
Pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain rooted in various sources doesn’t always respond to other treatments.
Uterine fibroids. Tumors develop in the uterus during the childbearing years.
Uterine prolapse. Muscles that hold the uterus in place weaken, allowing the uterus to drop into the vagina.
Read More: Endometriosis – A Silent Epidemic
Understanding Partial Hysterectomy
As the name implies, a partial hysterectomy only removes some of your uterus. Your gynecologist or other specialist uses this surgery to remove the upper part of your uterus. This process leaves your cervix intact and helps treat fibroids, prolapse and other noncancerous conditions.
In some cases, the surgeon removes surrounding organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This comes with pros and cons.
“Removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries during hysterectomy can help prevent ovarian cancer,” Dr. Bersani says. “Unfortunately, removing your ovaries also induces menopause, regardless of a woman’s age, which can be emotionally difficult. You experience hot flashes and mood swings and must let go of your ability to bear children in the future. If the adjustment is overwhelming, you may benefit from mental health services.”
Getting pushed into menopause also causes your body’s estrogen production to drop. This affects your heart and bone health. Regular screening can help detect osteoporosis, heart disease and more.
Read More: Menopause Treatments to Ease One of Life’s Inevitable Transitions
Inside Total and Radical Hysterectomy
Instead of only removing the upper portion of the uterus, a total hysterectomy involves removing the entire uterus and cervix. Also known as a simple hysterectomy, this is the most common type of hysterectomy performed.
While most common, a total hysterectomy isn’t the most comprehensive option – a radical hysterectomy is. Along with removing your uterus and cervix, a radical hysterectomy removes the following:
Tissue surrounding the cervix
Upper portion of the vagina
Your health provider may recommend a total or radical hysterectomy if you have a cancer diagnosis or your care team suspects you have gynecologic cancer. Your surgeon may also remove nearby organs, such as ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Read More: Uterine Prolapse Symptoms: What You Need to Know
What to Expect After Hysterectomy
When your total or partial hysterectomy takes place with minimally invasive techniques, your surgeon works through tiny incisions. Sometimes, your surgeon performs the entire procedure through your vaginal opening, which requires no incisions at all. Following a minimally invasive hysterectomy, you may return home the same day. You can also expect a full recovery from this major surgery in just a few weeks.
Radical hysterectomy, on the other hand, typically requires a traditional, open approach.
“We perform most radical hysterectomies through a single large incision in the abdomen,” Dr. Bersani says. “Afterward, you may need to stay in the hospital a couple days, and recovery from these surgical services can take a little bit longer.”
No matter what technique your surgeon uses, the goal is to provide relief from whatever underlying condition caused you to need surgery. Follow-up appointments allow your care team to inspect the surgical site and ensure your procedure brought the desired results.
Read More: Gynecologic Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know
Is Total or Partial Hysterectomy Needed?
Every type of hysterectomy is a major surgery. Therefore, you should consider your options before signing up for the procedure. Nonsurgical solutions include:
Exercise. If you have uterine prolapse, you may find relief by strengthening your pelvic floor with exercises, such as Kegels.
Medication. Birth control medication, over-the-counter pain pills or prescriptions can help manage abnormal bleeding, endometriosis and other issues.
Patience. Some minor issues, such as uterine fibroids, can resolve on their own with time.
If these fail, a hysterectomy may be the solution you need.
“Choosing to undergo a total, radical or partial hysterectomy can improve or even save your life,” Dr. Bersani says. “Talk with a trusted provider to better understand your options and how they help you meet your health goals.”
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