A hysterectomy is a surgical removal of the uterus.
This is most frequently performed because of heavy or abnormal periods that do not respond to less invasive approaches. Sometimes the uterus can grow benign tumors called fibroids, which lead to symptoms of fullness and bulk in the lower abdomen, heavy periods, and sometimes pain during sex. Fibroids are often treated by a hysterectomy.
Pain, endometriosis, prolapse, uterine pre-cancer or cancer are other common reasons for surgery. The surgery is a common surgery and relatively safe, but of course we always try to find the safest option for treating your symptoms which means trying less invasive methods first, when possible. If you are having trouble with your uterus, call us today to schedule an appointment to talk with your doctor.
More information from womenshealth.gov:
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb). Another medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or just “myoma”. Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or there can be many of them in the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. In unusual cases they can become very large.
Why should women know about fibroids?
About 20 percent to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. Fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s. Not all women with fibroids have symptoms. Women who do have symptoms often find fibroids hard to live with. Some have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Fibroids also can put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination, or the rectum, causing rectal pressure. Should the fibroids get very large, they can cause the abdomen (stomach area) to enlarge, making a woman look pregnant.
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