Reasons To Have a Hysterectomy and Why Not To

Make no mistake; a hysterectomy is a major surgery that takes time to heal and adjust to. The idea to have a hysterectomy should not be taken lightly, and should be consulted heavily with your doctor. NVSCC shares some reasons why women should get a hysterectomy, and why other reasons should not merit such an invasive surgery.

Reasons to have a hysterectomy

Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is the number one reason to have a hysterectomy. Various cancer strains such as ovarian, uterine, endometrial, cervical and vaginal cancer all warrant a serious conversation with your gynecologic oncologist. A hysterectomy can minimize cancer cells spreading or progressing to a higher stage.

A Genetic Mutation

If you test positive for a genetic mutation like BRCA or Lynch Syndrome, you may want to consider a hysterectomy to minimize your chances of cancer developing.

Uncontrolled Excessive Bleeding

A hemorrhage causing life-threatening bleeding cannot be stopped, such as a complication from pregnancy delivery or other surgery can create the need for an immediate hysterectomy.

Conditions that impede quality of life

This is more of a gray area, which is why consulting with your gynecologist about your symptoms is so important. Abnormal bleeding, severe endometriosis or fibroids, pelvic prolapse and other conditions can disrupt everyday life and require a more permanent treatment like a hysterectomy surgery.

Reasons not to have a hysterectomy

To avoid pregnancy

Not wanting to get pregnant is not an appropriate reason to get a hysterectomy. There are a plethora of other options for birth control, such as the pill, IUD, vaginal ring, etc., that should be considered and tried first.

To eliminate menstruation

Like wanting permanent birth control, a desire just to stop having a period does not merit a hysterectomy. If you’re unsure whether your PMS symptoms or disruptive like those listed above, consult your doctor.

Fibroids

Asymptomatic fibroids, or those that do not cause extreme symptoms should be first treated in other ways before a hysterectomy.

Bladder or bowel issues

For minor prolapses in the pelvic area, a hysterectomy may do nothing to help the situation. There’s a variety of minimally-invasive options for helping bladders and bowels such as strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises. Talk with your doctor to help you make a plan for treatment.

If you have any questions about your health regarding a hysterectomy, contact Dr. Lynn Kowalski’s office at Nevada Surgery and Cancer Care in Las Vegas by calling 702-739-6467.