A total hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of your uterus. In a partial hysterectomy, the surgeon removes only the upper part of your uterus, leaving your cervix intact.
Why might you need one of these surgical procedures? Hysterectomy is a common surgery in women’s health care in the United States, and there are several reasons why your doctor may suggest that you consider it.
At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, experienced OB/GYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges ensures that you fully understand your treatment plan. She performs hysterectomies from locations in Odessa and Midland, Texas, as part of her commitment to women’s health and reproductive care.
Here are five reasons why Dr. Bridges might recommend a partial or total hysterectomy.
If you have endometriosis, areas of uterine tissue grow in areas of your pelvis that are outside of your uterus. This causes problems like pain and scarring when, each month, the hormonal changes that trigger uterine tissue to shed in your menstrual period also affect patches of uterine tissue that aren’t located in your uterus.
Mild cases of endometriosis can often be managed with hormonal birth control or surgery to remove stray uterine tissue growth. But, in severe cases, when endometriosis significantly impacts your quality of life, removing all or part of your uterus may be part of your treatment plan to relieve this condition.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths, but they can still cause problems for your health. These tumors form in your uterine wall and are the most commonly occurring type of tumor in female reproductive organs.
Fibroids can cause symptoms like painful periods, painful intercourse, abdominal swelling, and constipation. To treat your fibroids, you may need surgery. Your surgery could be a less-invasive myomectomy to remove a fibroid, endometrial ablation to remove your uterine lining, or full or partial hysterectomy.
Uterine prolapse may mean that you need a total hysterectomy. This condition is most common in postmenopausal people who have given birth vaginally at least once.
Multiple vaginal deliveries increases your risk of uterine prolapse, which occurs when your pelvic floor muscles can no longer provide enough support to hold your uterus in the correct place. You may be able to feel a prolapsed uterus protruding from your vaginal opening.
In addition to a partial or total hysterectomy, you may also benefit from a uterus-sparing surgery to keep your uterus in place if you want to become pregnant again.
Some cancers affecting the female reproductive organs are best dealt with through surgery. If you develop endometrial cancer, Dr. Bridges will likely recommend a total hysterectomy, removing your uterus and cervix to protect you from further cancerous progression.
In some cases, it’s difficult or impossible to determine why you’re experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding. After exploring conservative treatment options with you, Dr. Bridges may ask if you want to consider the more extreme approach of hysterectomy.
While surgical organ removal is an invasive procedure, Dr. Bridges uses a variety of techniques to minimize trauma related to your surgery, including laparoscopy. To learn more about why you may need a partial or total hysterectomy, and what to expect from your procedure, get in touch with Dr. Bridges and the team at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin.
Schedule your consultation online or over the phone today.
