When Should I Consider a Hysterectomy?

The decision to have a hysterectomy is a big and very personal decision. Experienced OB/GYN physicians, Soudabeh Ahadi, MD and Martin Pakideh, DO, understand the physical and emotional impact a hysterectomy can have on your life. They work with you every step of the way to ensure you understand your options concerning a hysterectomy.

An overview of a hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your uterus and possibly other reproductive organs. Dr. Pakideh and Dr. Ahadi offer several types of hysterectomies, depending on your health needs and specific reason for the hysterectomy. These procedures include:

Radical hysterectomy

A surgical procedure to remove your entire uterus, cervix, top part of the vagina, and surrounding tissue.

Total hysterectomy

A surgery to remove the entire uterus and cervix.

Subtotal hysterectomy

A surgical procedure that involves the removal of only the upper part of your uterus.

For some conditions, it’s also necessary to remove the fallopian tubes and your ovaries.

In many causes, hysterectomies are performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques that reduce your risk for bleeding, infection, and the need for an extended recovery. 

Using specialized surgical tools, Dr. Ahadi and Dr. Pakideh can remove the necessary organs through very small incisions or through the vaginal canal, ensuring you have minimal or no scarring concerns.

While minimally invasive technologies are an option for many women, helping you get you back to your usual schedule quickly, some hysterectomies can’t be completed through minimally invasive techniques. You may need to undergo an open surgical procedure to protect your health and ensure a successful hysterectomy.

Deciding factors for a hysterectomy

Generally, the decision-making process for a hysterectomy is solely based on your health and underlying medical conditions. Surgery is usually a last-resort option for addressing any condition, and Dr. Pakideh and Dr. Ahadi may recommend other treatments before you need to consider a hysterectomy.

Medical conditions that may ultimately require a hysterectomy include:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Endometriosis
• Chronic pelvic pain

You may also need a hysterectomy if you have adenomyosis, a condition that causes your uterus to thicken abnormally.

For women with cancer affecting their reproductive health, a hysterectomy may be the ideal treatment option to eliminate existing cancerous cells. Hysterectomies are common for uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers.

After your hysterectomy

Following a minimally invasive hysterectomy, you can expect to need plenty of rest to aid in your recovery. Dr. Ahadi and Dr. Pakideh discuss how long you need to be off work or limit your activities during your consultation.

While a hysterectomy takes a toll on your physical health for several weeks, the surgery can also have a lasting impact on your emotional health. Once a hysterectomy is complete, you will no longer have a period and you won’t be able to have children.

Depending on the nature of your surgery, you may also begin menopause that triggers a variety of symptoms, like:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Osteoporosis
• Painful sex
• Loss of libido
• Depression and anxiety
• Vaginal irritation and dryness

These issues, when severe, are manageable through lifestyle changes, talk therapy, and hormone replacement therapy.

At Monroe OB/GYN, the staff is highly experienced in hysterectomy procedures and assisting you throughout your recovery, including your quick transition into menopause.

If you’re struggling with chronic pelvic pain or recurrent heavy bleeding, schedule a consultation to learn more about your options for a hysterectomy. You can book an appointment online or by calling the office today.