Menstruation and childbirth are two most painful things every woman goes through in her life. Every female can relate to the gruelling pain before and during periods. She has also wished if she could have been born a boy. The reason for this is very simple. So she does not experience the pain. Many women have found a cure for this via hysterectomy. Presently, hysterectomy is the second most common gynaecologic surgery. After you have the surgery, the easy part is over. The difficult part is dealing with the frustrating parts of hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy and Its Types
Hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus from a woman. The uterus is the part in which a baby grows when she is pregnant. Any gynaecologist and gynaecologic surgeon can perform this surgery. There are different types of hysterectomy.
- Total Hysterectomy
- Partial Hysterectomy
Total hysterectomy is the surgery for the surgical removal of cervix and uterus. Sometimes, the procedure also involves removing ovaries. However, it depends on several different factors.
A partial hysterectomy involved the removal of the uterus only.
There is another class of hysterectomy. It is based on the method of surgery and the location of the incision. There is:
- Abdominal Hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
- Vaginal Hysterectomy
- Robot-assisted Hysterectomy
Why You Should Think Twice Before Getting Hysterectomy
If you are considering getting a hysterectomy surgery, make sure that you know all the risks and alternative treatments available for the symptoms you want to relieve. According to Everydayhealth, many cases of hysterectomy are medically unnecessary.
The leading causes of hysterectomy are:
- Heavy periods and bleeding
- Painful fibroids
- Uterus falling into the vagina
- Endometriosis (thickening of the uterus wall)
- Cancer (Radical hysterectomy removes all reproductive organs)
- No desire for kids
Hysterectomy has long-tern effects that you have to be prepared for. Moreover, often doctors skip out details about hysterectomy. You should know what you are getting into. Aside from that, you should know the risks too.
Frustrating Parts of Hysterectomy
The thought of no more menstruation is very tempting. But there are several frustrating parts about hysterectomy.
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Hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis.
Many people believe that hysterectomy cures endometriosis. However, this is a false notion. Hysterectomy is of course simply a way to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. There are many patients who claim that the surgery did not remove their symptoms. The symptoms related to endometriosis return after surgery. It can cause more distress.
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Hysterectomy can remove your ovaries too.
Ovaries play an important role in the body. They produce hormones (progesterone, esterogen) required for normal functioning. There is a hormonal imbalance when ovaries are no longer present. Other than that, menopause begins immediately. This includes mood swings, loss of appetite etc.
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Hormone therapies in case of ovaries’ removal.
You have to get hormone therapy if you want to maintain the normal hormonal level in your body. However, hormone therapy can be expensive and inconvenient.
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There are less severe alternative treatments available.
If you do not have cancer and have no medical reason to have a hysterectomy, there are several other methods you could have opted. Patients often regret getting a hysterectomy after they face the side-effects. It is due to a late knowledge that they could have avoided a hysterectomy.
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Hysterectomy has psychological damage.
Hysterectomy causes psychological damage. Menstruation and pregnancy are crucial aspects of femininity. When you lose something that had been a part of you for years, you feel its loss naturally. Aside from that, scars can cause psychological discomfort. A female can never get pregnant again after hysterectomy. It is an overwhelming feeling.
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Hysterectomy has many after-effects.
Many people after getting hysterectomy have admitted to feeling constipated, bloated, gas pain and fatigue. Other than this, they have reported problems while urinating. Coughing also causes pain after hysterectomy. A person might take weeks to years to recover completely from the effects of surgery. Many women complain about weak bladder control. They also said they felt the need to pee a lot more.
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Hysterectomy affects sex life one way or the other.
Many people ask if their sex life is going to be influenced after hysterectomy. It is likely that your sex drive and response is disturbed after the surgery. It takes a few weeks to a couple of months before the vaginal tissues and other tissues are completely healed. Doctors often recommend avoiding any sexual intercourse for a while after the surgery. For how long your sex life is affected depends on various factors.
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Hysterectomy has several health risks associated with it.
According to a study at HealthDay, women after hysterectomy are at a greater risk of health diseases. There are more chances of coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure and chronic pain in these females.
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Clot formation and Nerve Damage.
Hysterectomy might cause damage to tissues and nerves. There is a high risk of clotting after hysterectomy. If a blood clot forms, it can lead to many health complications. In severe cases, it can also lead to death.
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There is an increased risk of infections after hysterectomy.
There are many infections that can occur during and after surgery. During surgery, internal tissues and linings are exposed to the environment. Our environment is contaminated with a lot of microorganisms. Surgical site infections can also be caused by organisms within the patient’s body. They are also exposed by surgery.
Of course, the purpose of the article is not to make you call your gynaecologist and cancel your scheduled surgery. However, you should be aware of all the complications involved with hysterectomy. If you are satisfied, absolutely sure of it, or it is medically necessary, go for it.
If you want to consult and talk to the best gynaecologists in Pakistan, you can contact them through marhampk.
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