According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), there are approximately 600,000 hysterectomies performed in the United States every year.
Hysterectomies are performed to treat several gynecological conditions, ranging from endometriosis to cancer. At Memorial Women’s Specialists in Houston, Texas, our OB/GYN surgeons and gynecology team offer a range of women’s health services and treatment.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the uterus, and in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. Depending on the condition and severity of your symptoms, a hysterectomy is usually recommended after more conservative treatments have failed or become less effective in managing pain, bleeding, and other symptoms.
Some of the most common conditions that are treated with a hysterectomy include:
A hysterectomy is generally categorized as an elective procedure, which means that you can decide whether to undergo the procedure or to try other treatment options.
Many women elect to have a hysterectomy to improve their quality of life and find relief when the pain becomes unmanageable. In cases of uterine or other forms of gynecological cancer, a hysterectomy may be the best option to remove cancerous tissue and prevent the tumors from advancing to surrounding tissue and organs.
Removing the uterus (womb) means that you will no longer be able to carry a pregnancy. If the ovaries are also removed, it will trigger menopause (regardless of your age).
Hysterectomies are performed via traditional abdominal surgery, where the uterus is removed through an incision in the abdomen, or through less invasive laparoscopic surgery using small incisions in an outpatient procedure. A vaginal hysterectomy (where the uterus is removed through the vaginal canal) is also considered less invasive than abdominal surgery.
As with any medical treatment and procedure, the decision to get a hysterectomy is a personal one that will depend on many factors, from your medical history and health to your lifestyle and future plans for a family.
Our team of OB/GYN surgeons will work with you to find the treatment plan that works best for your symptoms, health, and well-being.
For more information about when a hysterectomy is necessary and whether it’s the right option for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at our office in Houston.
