-
To Remove the Cervix or Preserve It During Hysterectomy? Your Options Explained.
A hysterectomy refers to the removal of a women’s uterus (womb) and possibly the cervix. Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries in the United States, with approximately 600,000 performed annually . Reasons for performing a hysterectomy include pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, fibroids, pelvic organ prolapse and cancer. There are two main types of hysterectomies: total and supracervical. A total hysterectomy refers to removal of the uterus and the cervix (It is a common misconception that a total hysterectomy includes removal of the ovaries. If the ovaries are to be removed, your surgeon will refer to that as a bilateral salpingoophorectomy or BSO.). A supracervical hysterectomy refers to removal of just the uterus with the cervix being left in place. Your surgeon may give you the option to keep or remove your cervix, but in some circumstances removal of the cervix is medically warranted. Hysterectomies that are performed for treatment of cancer generally will involve removal of both the uterus and cervix. Women having a hysterectomy for any of the first three reasons may elect to have either a total or supracervical hysterectomy (Figure 1). If the hysterectomy is for pelvic organ prolapse, the cervix may or may not need to be removed based on the type of prolapse repair that you need. In the United States in 2003, six percent of all hysterectomies performed were supracervical . ( READ MORE )
-
Dealing With Fibroids
Fibroids are benign, non-cancerous overgrowths arising within the muscle layer of the uterus. Fibroids oftentimes do not cause any troublesome symptoms and, in such instances, do not require treatment. Many women, however, experience abdominal swelling, heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine cramping, pelvic or back pain, discomfort with intercourse, pregnancy loss, or urinary symptoms. Women with symptoms such as these may benefit from therapy to improve their quality of life. ( READ MORE )