Did you know that about 600,000 hysterectomies are performed every year in the United States? In fact, hysterectomies are the second most common surgical procedure performed on women in America, after cesarean sections. They involve the removal of part or all of the uterus and are ideal for addressing several uterine conditions. Some women get a hysterectomy Manassas to treat chronic heavy menstrual bleeding, for instance. However, this treatment is persevered for extreme case scenarios where other treatments have failed and the situation is dire. This is because, after a hysterectomy, you cannot get periods or get pregnant. So when might this surgery be necessary?

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a medical condition characterized by uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes or ovaries. This tissue breaks down and bleeds like it would inside the uterus only, when it does so in these other areas, it causes problems. Consequently, women with endometriosis experience heavy and irregular periods, pain, infertility, and other symptoms. Your doctor may recommend less invasive treatments to address endometriosis. However, if these fail and the pain becomes extreme, you may consider a hysterectomy. It is important to understand that you should only get this surgery if you are unable or do not want to have children.

Severe Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a female reproductive system bacterial infection that causes severe pelvic pain. It can usually be treated with antibiotics if detected early. However, if allowed to spread, PID can damage the fallopian tubes and uterus, leading to chronic pain and infertility. It can also increase your risk of an ectopic pregnancy. If you no longer want children and your PID is severe, your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy to remove the infected fallopian tubes and uterus.

Fibroids

Fibroids, or uterine fibroids, and benign growths that form in the womb. They are among the leading reasons women get hysterectomies. This is because, in most cases, fibroids cause stomach distention, pain during sex, heavy bleeding, painful periods, frequent constipation and urination, and pelvic pain, among other symptoms. Doctors recommend a hysterectomy where the fibroids are too large, reoccurring, or causing severe, life-threatening bleeding.

Cancer

10 percent of all hysterectomies are performed to treat cancer. Your provider may recommend this procedure to address cancer of the womb, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, or cancer of the fallopian tubes. Usually, it is the go-to treatment when the cancer is advanced and has spread to other areas of the uterus. Sometimes, doctors perform a hysterectomy as a preemptive measure to lower your risk of developing cancer when you have Lynch syndrome.

Prolapsed Uterus

You have a prolapsed uterus when the ligaments and tissues that support your womb weaken, causing it to drop from its natural position. You may notice this condition through symptoms like urinary incontinence, pain, discomfort during sex, or a sensation like something is about to fall out of your vagina. In this case, and if you do not want children, a hysterectomy can help by removing the entire womb.

Discuss Hysterectomy with Your Doctor

Hysterectomies are sometimes the only treatment option for patients with cancer. In other cases, you need to determine whether the symptoms are severe enough to warrant surgery, whether other treatments may help, or if you still want to have children. If you believe a hysterectomy may be the way to go for you, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss it. Ask as many questions as you can so you can make an informed decision.