Considering Hysterectomy Surgery for Removing Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids or uterine leiomyomas should be removed if they are causing more serious health problems and when they start affecting your regular routine. A hysterectomy surgery will help but it is not required. There are other options to remove the tumors without having to take out the entire uterus.
First Things First
Before you even think about surgical treatment for removing your fibroids, you first have to make sure that you have an accurate diagnosis from a specialist. You also have to ensure that you have fully disclosed all your symptoms and discussed your options with your doctor. Your doctor will also take into consideration other pre-existing health conditions you have and medications that you are currently taking.
Then, you also have to consider your own personal and family circumstances and plans. A surgery would entail costs and, depending on your condition, could cause a bit of down time. On the other hand, you need to weigh this versus the loss of income, the expense of pain medications, the physical discomfort you have to endure, and the more serious health problems you expose yourself to over time when you choose not to have your fibroids removed.
The Pros and Cons of a Hysterectomy
The most obvious benefit of a hysterectomy surgery to remove fibroids is permanent removal. Fibroids develop and grow on the uterine walls – logically, the fibroids will not have a ‘home’ when the uterus is taken out. You will never have to worry about having fibroids again. The tumors and the symptoms will be gone forever.
More important than the benefits of a hysterectomy surgery are its possible effects. You do not want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire, so to speak. What you are looking for is a way to be well and able to life your life as you should without being held back by illness and pain.
Know and understand that a hysterectomy surgery can result in the following:
- Inability to bear children – this, again, is an obvious result of a hysterectomy surgery for uterine fibroids. There will no longer be a uterus inside which a fetus could develop and grow.
- Menopausal symptoms – in women who do not have their ovaries taken out during the surgery, menopausal symptoms could manifest earlier than expected. These include hot flashes, insomnia, and night sweat. Those that have an oophorectomy at the same time are likely to experience their menopausal symptoms for a longer period of time.
- Sex Problems – a hysterectomy surgery causes hormonal changes that in turn cause emotional and physical issues that affect a woman’s capacity to have a pleasurable sex life. Some of these side effects are painful intercourse, decreased sex drive, and vaginal dryness.
The Big Yes
It is important that you are absolutely sure when you make the decision to finally go for a hysterectomy surgery to remove your uterine leiomyomas. You cannot bring your uterus back and have it serve the same function as it did prior to your surgery. It is not a required treatment for uterine fibroids, but it’s the only way to ensure that you will not have fibroids ever again. Being fully informed and aware of everything that could happen before, during, and after your surgery will help you prepare for it physically, emotionally, and financially.
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