There are actually a variety of reasons why a hysterectomy might be necessary. For starters, if you have a condition called uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding and pain, a hysterectomy may be the best option to alleviate your symptoms. But fibroids aren’t the only thing that can send your uterus packing. Endometriosis, a condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it, can also be a reason for a hysterectomy. And let’s not forget about adenomyosis, which occurs when the tissue lining the uterus embeds itself into the muscle wall, causing severe pain and heavy bleeding. A hysterectomy can often be used a way to treat some of these issues. Of course, it is not an easy decision to make and must be made with your health care provider. It’s important to review and even exhaust all the possible treatments and options.

Let’s say you have exhausted all treatment options and you are facing a hysterectomy. What exactly can you expect when you sign up for this life-changing experience? First things first, let’s talk about what a hysterectomy actually is.

In simple terms, it’s the surgical removal of your uterus, and sometimes your ovaries as well. And just in case you were wondering, yes, it’s a pretty common procedure. In fact, approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States alone. So you can take solace in the fact that you’re not alone in this journey.

What can you expect during and after a hysterectomy? Well, first of all, it’s important to know that there are different types of hysterectomies. A total hysterectomy involves removing both the uterus and the cervix, while a partial hysterectomy only removes the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you based on your specific needs. During the procedure, you’ll be given either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. The surgery itself can be done in a variety of ways, including laparoscopic surgery, where small incisions are made in the abdomen, or traditional open surgery, which involves a larger incision. Recovery time can vary from person to person, but you can generally expect to spend a few days in the hospital after the surgery.

During this time of your recovery, you may experience some pain and discomfort, but your doctor will provide medication to help manage it. You’ll also need to take it easy for a few weeks after the surgery, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

Now, let’s talk about the effect of a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is not the right choice for you if you are still growing your family. A hysterectomy eliminates your fertility and will make it impossible for you to conceive. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to have a hysterectomy before you done expanding your family, remember there are other resources for you, such as adoption, or surrogacy.

If you are struggling with uterine pain and symptoms that affect the quality of your life, its important to visit your provider and determine the cause of your discomfort. Your provider will help you navigate the best treatment with the best outcome.