During a total vaginal hysterectomy, the doctor removes the uterus through the vagina. The procedure is much less invasive than an abdominal hysterectomy and the recovery time is faster. If the doctor determines that the patient needs to have her cervix, ovaries or fallopian tubes removed at the same time, he can still complete the operation vaginally. If health problems include a swollen uterus, it may not be advisable to perform the operation through the vagina.
Less Invasive Than Abdominal
In a vaginal hysterectomy, the doctor places the patient under general anesthesia and arranges her feet in stirrups. The doctor accesses the uterus through the vagina, making a small incision once inside to remove the uterus. After surgery the patient will remain in the hospital for one to three days. After one week, most women report feeling much better and by the end of two weeks most have resumed normal activities. It is important to wait until your doctor clears you, typically at six weeks, to resume sexual intercourse and tub baths. These activities can introduce infection if the area is not totally healed.
Necessary for Many Women
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year (see References). Vaginal hysterectomies are the most commonly performed. Three key indicators determine if a woman may be a candidate for a hysterectomy. The first is whether there is pain, cancer, uterine prolapsed or abnormal bleeding in the pelvic area. The second is whether the woman's body is unable to control the symptoms of the problem; and the third is whether the woman has used modified natural hormones as a treatment for endometriosis in the past.
May Lead to Sexual Side Effects
If the woman has her ovaries removed during the hysterectomy, she will go into menopause immediately. This can lead to a variety of uncomfortable side effects, including vaginal dryness and loss of desire. Even if the ovaries remain, many women experience emotional effects after a hysterectomy. Once the uterus is gone, she will not have any more periods and there is no chance of pregnancy. This can cause some women to experience mild depression and a lack of interest in sex. Of course, for women who have experienced crippling side effects from fibroids or endometriosis, freedom from the pain may lead to a more enjoyable sex life.
