A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that takes the uterus out of the body, either through an incision in the abdomen or through the vagina. Sometimes the surgeon will remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes with the uterus. The decision to have this surgery will be based on the disease process, a chronic condition or the discomfort or pain that is suffered.
Cancer
Removal of the uterus because of cancer will be done to stop the spread of this life-threatening disease. According to Mayo Clinic physicians, cancer of the uterus or cervix may require the removal of the uterus to save the woman's life. Depending upon the type and stage of cancer, other options may also be considered, such as radiation or chemotherapy.
Fibroids
A fibroid is a benign, non-cancerous tumor growth in the uterus. Many women over the age of 35 will have fibroids but may not suffer any symptoms. According to the New York State Department of Health, symptoms can include pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and pressure on other organs in the pelvic cavity. These tumors will often shrink when the woman goes through menopause. However, severe bleeding, anemia or significant pain may cause a woman and her doctor to choose a hysterectomy.
Endometriosis
This condition occurs when the tissue inside the uterus grows outside of the uterus onto the ovaries, fallopian tubes or other organs located in the pelvic region. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this can cause severe pain during menstruation and chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis. Women will often experience pain during or after sex and bleeding between periods. A hysterectomy will be recommended when less invasive treatment protocols, such as medications and lifestyle changes, are not successful.
Prolapse
Uterine prolapse is the medical term for when the uterus slips out of place in the pelvis and moves down the vagina. According to the Mayo Clinic, this happens when the ligaments and tissues that support the uterus weaken. This can lead to incontinence, pelvic pressure and difficulty with bowel movements. A hysterectomy will be recommended when the damage is too much for an object called a vaginal pessary to control inside the vagina.
Bleeding
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, abnormal bleeding can result from infections, hormone level changes, cancer or fibroids. This increased bleeding places the woman at risk for developing anemia. Anemia can decrease her ability to function in recreational and daily activities and may place her at risk for cardiac events. The physician may prescribe medications to control the bleeding or a procedure to remove the contents and lining of the uterus. When these options are not viable, a hysterectomy will be recommended.
Chronic Pain
A hysterectomy will be considered as a last resort when a woman is experiencing chronic pain that clearly arises from the uterus but for which there is no other treatment recommendations, reports the Mayo Clinic.
