Article Medically Reviewed By:
William Parker, MD
Professor, UCLA School of Medicine Santa Monica, CA
Overview
What Is It?
A hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure that removes a woman's uterus. Hysterectomies are performed to treat various medical conditions including uterine fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic prolapse and several kinds of cancer. A hysterectomy, or surgery to remove the uterus, is the second most common major surgery among women in the United States, second only to cesarean section. About one-third of American women will have a hysterectomy by the time they are 60.
Why Is a Hysterectomy Performed?
Several medical conditions can be treated or cured with a hysterectomy. Of the nearly 600,000 hysterectomies each year in the United States, about one-third are performed to treat uterine fibroids. Hysterectomies are also performed to treat endometriosis and to stop abnormal uterine bleeding. Other reasons to have a hysterectomy include:
- endometrial hyperplasia with atypia, an overgrowth of the uterine lining in which uterine cells contain precancerous changes
- cancer of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes or cervix
- pelvic prolapse, in which the ligaments that support pelvic structures like the uterus weaken and the organs drop colon or bladder cancer that has spread to the uterus
- uncontrollable bleeding after childbirth (rarely)
Pros and Cons of a Hysterectomy
For some women, a hysterectomy is the answer to years of suffering from uterine problems. For others, hysterectomy is a last resort to treat cancer or another life-threatening condition.Unless you have a severe pelvic infection, cancer or uncontrollable bleeding, there is usually no reason to rush into the decision. Because most hysterectomies are elective procedures (as opposed to emergencies), there is usually plenty of time to explore all options.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
A hysterectomy may be recommended as treatment for a variety of gynecologic conditions. However, in most cases, a hysterectomy is the most invasive option and only one of various treatments that may be available to you. Like any major surgery or treatment, it should be considered carefully, and you should understand why it's being recommended and the risks and benefits associated with it.
There has been much concern in recent years that too many unnecessary hysterectomies are performed. To decide if a hysterectomy is the right procedure for you, consider getting a second opinion. Most insurance companies will cover the cost. Seeking the advice of another health care professional could reveal options you may not have considered.
Below is a list of conditions that often are treated with a hysterectomy; benefits and risks of other treatment options are also included.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)
Many women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) have a hysterectomy, but this approach may be more aggressive than necessary. Abnormal uterine bleeding...
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