You may have heard of a friend or family member who has undergone a hysterectomy because they were facing some health problem with their womb or reproductive organs.  But what exactly is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical operation performed by a gynecologist that involves removing the uterus. It may also include removal of the ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes, etc. Without the uterus, a woman is no longer able to carry a child, which can be devastating for some women.

Being diagnosed with fibroids is common, especially in African American women. Almost all fibroids are benign, non-cancerous tumors that are mostly not life-threatening. There may be health issues like excessive bleeding, prolonged bleeding, lower back pain, a constant feeling of abdominal bloating, bad cramps, etc.

It all depends on the woman. Some women have fibroids that are so small they are barely noticeable. Some women have fibroids that are big enough to cause pain during intercourse.

Hysterectomies are performed on patients who suffer from excessive bleeding, pain, or discomfort caused by fibroids. Cancer of the cervix, uterus, or ovaries is another reason for the procedure. Other reasons could be endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, etc.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must talk to your doctor about your options. An ultrasound or a pelvic examination will be done to determine the size and nature of your fibroids. Whether or not you should go for surgery depends on the seriousness of your condition. If you are in extreme pain or your bleeding is so excessive that it might lead to anemia or general discomfort, then perhaps surgery is your best option. However, if you are at the beginning or intermediate stages, hysterectomy may not be your first step. Talk with your doctor about dietary changes or no surgical options.

Until next time #GYNEGirls and #Preggos…

Dr. Drai