According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), over 40% of women who have a hysterectomy suffer from uterine fibroids. However, women may also undergo a hysterectomy if they suffer from endometriosis, uterine prolapse, adenomyosis or cancer.
Women Who Have Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are tumors that grow in the uterine wall. According the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women who have fibroids may not necessarily have to undergo a hysterectomy. Many women with fibroids respond successfully to other treatments, including uterine artery embolization (a procedure to block the blood supply to the fibroid) myomectomy (a procedure to remove only the fibroid ). Other women, who suffer only minor symptoms, may not be treated for fibroids at all. However, women who have fibroids that cause prolonged heavy bleeding or pain and who do not respond to other treatments, may require a hysterectomy.
Women Who Have Endometriosis
According to the American College of Surgeons, endometriosis is the second most common reason for women to have a hysterectomy. Endometriosis is a condition in which a woman’s uterine lining grows outside the uterus. According to ACOG, endometriosis may cause pelvic pain, irregular bleeding or infertility. Most doctors will try to first treat the condition through hormonal medications or surgery to remove only the endometriosis. If her symptoms are not relieved, or if they return, the patient may need a hysterectomy.
Women Who Have Uterine Prolapse
A woman whose uterus has slipped below the normal position suffers from a uterine prolapse. According to ACOG, some women do not require treatment for this condition. However, women with more severe conditions may suffer from pelvic pressure and discomfort (particularly if the cervix extends into the vagina). Some women will respond well to simple lifestyle changes, including diet and Kegel exercises. Others may respond to medicines, such as stool softeners or hormone supplements. Women who do not respond to other treatments may need to have a hysterectomy.
Women Who Have Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows into the wall of the uterus. According to the Mayo Clinic, adenomyosis typically disappears after menopause. Patients who are nearing menopause may only need anti-inflammatory medications to relieve the pain of adenomyosis. Some women may also respond to hormone treatments. Women who do not respond to these treatments, who suffer severe pain from the condition, and who are not nearing menopause, may require a hysterectomy.
Women Who Have Cancer
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women who have cancer in the uterus, ovaries, cervix or uterine lining may require a hysterectomy. The patient’s treatment options will depend on the stage of her cancer and her health. She may require a hysterectomy in addition to other treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
According to the American College of Surgeons, 90% of hysterectomy surgeries are elective. Since the surgery dramatically affects the patient’s fertility and may produce other symptoms (including early menopause), a patient should carefully review all of her treatment options with her doctor before making the decision to have a hysterectomy.
Sources:
1. "About Hysterectomy: Surgical Removal of the Uterus, or Womb." The American College of Surgeons. Facs.org. Website accessed March 2010.
2. "ACOG Recommends Vaginal Hysterectomy as Approach of Choice." The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: 2010.
3. "Adenomyosis: Treatments and Drugs." Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research: February 2010.
4. "Cancer of the Uterus." Patient Education Pamphlet. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: September 2008.
5. "Endometriosis." Patient Education Pamphlet. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: September 2008.
6. "Hysterectomy: Frequently Asked Questions." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Womenshealth.gov. Website accessed March 2010.
7. "Pelvic Support Problems." Patient Education Pamphlet. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: April 2004.
Kristen O'Hara - I graduated from college with a B.S. in elementary education. After teaching third grade for two years, I chose to stay home with my ...
