Why you may need a Hysterectomy and Alternatives

Why you may need a Hysterectomy and Alternatives

If you have been diagnosed with a condition that requires a hysterectomy, you may have questions about the procedure, recovery, and your long-term health.

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Hysterectomy is a major surgery so in this article we look at the reasons for proceeding with one and some alternatives to having a hysterectomy.

Reason you may need a hysterectomy

Uterine fibroids - are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb). They are more often benign and may cause pain or heavy bleeding for many women.

Heavy or unusual vaginal bleeding - changes in hormone levels, infection, cancer, or fibroids can cause heavy, prolonged bleeding.

Uterine prolapse - the uterus slips from its usual place down into the vagina. This is more common in women who had several vaginal births, but it can also happen after menopause. Prolapse can lead to urinary and bowel incontinence and pelvic pressure.

Endometriosis - when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus on the ovaries where it doesn't belong. This can cause severe pain and bleeding between periods and is common among women in their 30s and 40s making it difficult to get pregnant.

Vagina Coach, Kim Vopni

Adenomyosis - the tissue that lines the uterus grows inside the walls of the uterus where it doesn't belong. The uterine walls thicken and cause severe pain and heavy bleeding.

Cancer (or precancer) of the uterus, ovary, cervix, or the lining of the uterus - if you have cancer in one of these areas a hysterectomy may be the best option. Other treatment options may include chemotherapy and radiation.

Alternative options to a hysterectomy

Observing. Uterine fibroids tend to shrink after menopause, so your doctor may suggest observing the development before surgery.

Exercises. For urinary prolapse, you can try Kegel exercises. Kegels and other pelvic floor exercises help restore tone to the muscles holding the uterus in place.

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Medication. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help with endometriosis or to help with pain and bleeding during your period. Hormonal birth control (pill, shot, vaginal ring, IUD, may help with heavy or irregular bleeding.



Pelvic Surgery Success

This is a one-of-a-kind program that will take you from feeling depressed, anxious and consumed by fear of surgery to informed, confident and calm so you can put your nagging symptoms behind you and get back to living life with spontaneity and joy!


Vagina Coach, Kim Vopni