Living in an advanced world, we have seen thousands of surgical procedures being performed. Hysterectomy refers to the surgical method of removing a woman’s uterus, along with the fallopian tubes and cervix. In a female reproductive system, the uterus carries the baby throughout pregnancy. As a result, laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery makes them infertile after the medical procedure. Being a life-changing procedure, it offers relief from conditions such as uterine prolapse, endometrial cancer and heavy painful periods. In other cases, gynaecologists don’t always prescribe surgery but look towards topical medication for treatment. They look upon hysterectomy as the last resort to treating female diseases and decide the treatment procedure accordingly.
If you have had a total hysterectomy, the cervix and uterus would be removed. In a partial hysterectomy, the surgeon would leave the cervix. It is performed either laparoscopically or abdominally, the latter of which is performed through incisions in the abdomen. On the other hand, laparoscopic hysterectomy uses thin and long surgical tubes passing through these incisions. Here are some common reasons why women undergo hysterectomy for period pain treatment:
Reasons Why Women Opt hysterectomy for Period Pain Treatment:
-
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy is commonly performed due to uterine fibroid growths, which are benign muscular tumours that expand on the uterine walls. Also called cervical myomas, they form between sixteen to fifty years of age, when the oestrogen levels are at their peak. Though the cause of the same is unknown, research says that rising insulin levels, hormonal changes and genetic alterations cause fibroid growth. Fibroids cause heavy painful periods, which is why myomectomy (removal of the uterine fibroid) and medication is recommended. If both of these procedures don’t work for the treatment for heavy painful periods, hysterectomy remains the next option.
-
Uterine Prolapse
This is a benign condition where the uterus displaces and slips in the vagina, which is common in women who have had multiple births. It also happens to postmenopausal and obese women, and cause pelvic pressure and pain, bowel and urinary issues. Uterine prolapse occurs due to stretched or weak pelvic ligaments, tissues and muscles that don’t support the uterus in its normal position. In extreme cases, the uterus starts protruding out of the vaginal opening.
-
Endometriosis
Endometriosis refers to a condition where the uterine lining starts growing outside the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, pelvic cavity and outer surface of the uterus. The excessive tissue growth causes spotting between periods, which also requires treatment for heavy painful periods. Due to the intense pain and no treatment procedure found, the doctor recommends a hysterectomy. On the other hand, adenomyosis causes the uterine lining to grow inside the uterine walls and cause pain and bleeding.
-
Gynaecological Cancer
Apart from period pain treatment, hysterectomy is also recommended for precancers or cancer. Examples include uterine cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Though chemotherapy and radiation are common treatment procedures, the doctor determines the best according to the cancer’s nature and extent.
-
Abnormal And Prolonged Bleeding
Excessive bleeding is caused by hormonal imbalance, fibroids, cancer and infections, which must be treated. In some cases, the inner uterine lining called the endometrium breaks the uterine muscles called the myometrium. In other cases, the uterine walls become too thick and cause excessive pain and bleeding. If the doctors aren’t certain about the cause, it could be uterine tissue injury, fetal development and inflammation.
-
Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia occurs when the body produces excess oestrogen without progesterone, where the uterine lining grows thicker and cause hyperplasia. This causes abnormally heavy bleeding and potentially cause uterine cancer, which is why hysterectomy is recommended. This is common when a woman’s hormonal levels are changing, such as during perimenopause.
-
Severe Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease refers to a bacterial infection in your pelvic cavity, which causes intense pelvic pain. If diagnosed early, it is treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, the infection spreads and damages the uterus. As a result, the uterus is surgically removed.
What Are The Emotions After Getting A Hysterectomy?
As the female reproductive system is wholly or partially removed, you won’t get menstrual periods anymore. You might experience bloating, dark brown discharge on light bleeding along with menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. Though some women are relieved that their chronic pain has reduced, others mourn the loss of their childbearing ability.
If you’ve been dealing with concerning symptoms regarding your reproductive system, visit a private gynaecologist. If you’re looking for guidance on laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery, please contact us at Well Women Clinic.
