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When Is a Hysterectomy the Best Option?
A hysterectomy is a major gynecological surgical procedure that one in three women will have by age 60. Some women have a hysterectomy because of an emergency situation, like issues in childbirth, while others choose hysterectomy in the hopes of eliminating or reducing the symptoms of a chronic health issue.
At Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, with two locations in Houston, Texas, our team of women’s health and reproduction specialists provides women with a hysterectomy when needed or desired. In many cases, we can use the minimally invasive da Vinci® robotic-assisted hysterectomy, reducing trauma to your abdomen and shortening your recovery time.
Hysterectomy basics
A hysterectomy is a major surgery that removes one or more parts of the female reproductive system.
- A partial hysterectomy is the removal of the upper part of the uterus.
- A total hysterectomy is the removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix.
- A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus plus the cervix and ovaries.
A hysterectomy can be done through open abdominal surgery, through the vagina, or through small incisions using tiny tools controlled with robotic assistance.
4 times when a hysterectomy may be the best option
Sometimes a hysterectomy is necessary to save a woman’s life. In other cases, it may be an option when you have to make a decision based on your health. You might want to consider a hysterectomy if you have:
1. Endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus. This tissue tries to swell and bleed like regular endometrial tissue, and can cause scarring inside your abdomen. For some women, a hysterectomy can reduce symptoms of endometriosis like excessive bleeding and cramping during and outside of your period.
2. Adenomyosis
Like endometriosis, adenomyosis is abnormal growth of endometrial tissue. However, in this case the tissue grows into the muscle in the walls of the uterus. This can cause enlargement of the uterus and extremely painful, heavy periods. A hysterectomy can resolve the problem.
3. Uterine prolapse
Some women, especially those who have given birth vaginally multiple times, have a weakened cervix and upper uterus. The uterus can prolapse (turn inside out and fall through the cervix out through the vaginal canal). A hysterectomy takes care of uterine prolapse for a permanent solution.
4. Uterine cancer
Uterine cancer is another reason you may opt for a hysterectomy. Whether or not you have the procedure depends on how early the cancer was caught and whether it has spread beyond the uterus. In some cases, a hysterectomy can remove all signs of uterine cancer and restore health.
To schedule an appointment at Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, call 713-365-2900 or visit our contact page for more information.
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