A Second Look at Hysterectomy

The Emotional Side to a Hysterectomy

There was a time when women of child-bearing age who have been diagnosed for hysterectomy had to make tough decisions. Since hysterectomy removes a part of, or worse, the whole uterus it results in the loss of the ability to ever have children.

Depending on the personal choices they have already made, some women may be just plain thankful to be finally relieved of heavy bleeding and menstrual cramps. But for those who long to have a family of their own, the loss of the ability to bear a child can be very devastating.

Gone are those days. Hysterectomy is no longer the only option for women nowadays.

* For heavy bleeding, medications and the IUD, Marena, solves the problem for most women.
* Uterine fibroids can now be removed by a surgery called myomectomy, which leaves the uterus intact.
* Uterine artery embolization and endometrial ablation reduces heavy bleeding by destroying the lining of the uterus. However, most women have difficulty getting pregnant after endometrial ablation, while it is not yet proven if uterine artery embolization reduces the chances of getting pregnant.

The bottom line is hysterectomy does not have to be the automatic treatment of choice, although some women are just raring to go get one because of promised improvements in their social and sex lives.