A total hysterectomy is rarely your first-line treatment. That’s because this procedure, which involves the surgical removal of your entire uterus and cervix, and potentially your ovaries and fallopian tubes, comes with risks and some very real downsides.
However, it’s often your best bet for addressing serious and disruptive health conditions. Even with the downsides, a total hysterectomy may be right for you.
Board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges and the team at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas, make sure you fully understand all the upsides and downsides of your treatment plan. If you’re considering a hysterectomy, we’re here to support you with expert information and personalized care. In this blog, we take a closer look at the downsides of a hysterectomy so you’re as informed as possible.
A total hysterectomy is an invasive surgery. That comes with risks and means you should plan on extensive post-surgery recovery time.
You’ll need a few days of total rest after your procedure and will need to wait for 4-8 weeks to resume your normal activities. For 6-8 weeks after surgery, you must abstain from having sex.
During your recovery, pain management will be needed. There are also some complications you should watch out for, most notably signs of infection around your incision.
Another aspect of your health that’s impacted by a total hysterectomy is your hormones. If your ovaries are removed as part of your treatment, your hormone production changes, and you begin to enter menopause.
Depending on your age, this can be disruptive. But the physical parts of this downside are also relatively easy to address with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which blocks many of the symptoms of menopause. If you had hoped to become pregnant at some point in your future, you may benefit from counseling to support you through a grieving process after a medically necessary hysterectomy.
You should also know that having your ovaries removed before natural menopause increases your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, and more frequent screenings can help you address this.
Despite these downsides, a hysterectomy may still be the best step for your overall health. If you have specific concerns about risks or side effects, talk to Dr. Bridges about strategies to address and mitigate these issues. With the right support, you can handle the downsides of this procedure.
After your hysterectomy, your original symptoms won’t trouble you again. You may find that depression affects you less. You won’t have periods and can’t get pregnant, removing that potential source of stress from your life.
A hysterectomy has pros and cons, and only you can make the right choice for you. Dr. Bridges is here to inform and support your decision-making process.
If you have questions about whether a total hysterectomy could be the best path forward for you, contact Dr. Bridges at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin today. Schedule your appointment by calling now, or book online.
