A hysterectomy is often recommended for women with problems with their uterus. It is an invasive, surgical operation that removes the uterus, cervix, and sometimes other organs and tissues from the body. Once the procedure is performed, you lose the ability to be a mother and can no longer menstruate.
According to Dr. Elsa, one of the Best Obstetrics and Gynaecology Doctors in Dubai, there are various types of hysterectomy that a woman may require depending on her affected condition. The most common ones are:
Total hysterectomy: A surgical operation in which the entire uterus and cervix are removed.
Supracervical hysterectomy: A surgical operation in which the upper part of the uterus apart from the cervix is removed.
Radical hysterectomy: A surgical operation in which the whole uterus, the tissues on the side, the cervix, and the top part of the vagina are removed.
Hysterectomy is a surgical operation that is performed by healthcare providers to treat women's health conditions like:
Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding.
Severe pain with periods.
Uterine fibroids
Uterine prolapsed
Cervical or uterine cancer, or abnormalities
There are three primary techniques used to perform hysterectomies:
Vaginal hysterectomy: A surgical technique where the uterus is removed via an incision in the vagina with zero visible scars.
Abdominal hysterectomy: A surgical technique where the uterus is removed with an extended cut in the lower abdomen.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy: A surgical technique where four small incisions are made around the abdomen and the upper part of the uterus is removed in pieces.
Once the type of hysterectomy is defined, the healthcare provider selects the best and right medical process to perform the procedure. First, you change into hospital gowns and get hooked up to monitors for a regular check-up. Secondly, they place a vein in the arm for medications and fluids. Thirdly, an anesthesiologist gives you either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. And at the end, the right surgical approach is performed.
Hysterectomy side effects are vaginal drainage and irritation at the incision sites. If your ovaries are also removed, you can experience symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, insomnia, etc.
The complications of hysterectomy are blood clots, infections, bleeding, torn stitches, urinary tract injury, and other problems related to anesthesia.
Recovery from a vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy takes about two to four weeks, and it may take something like six weeks to recover from an abdominal hysterectomy. It is advised to talk to your healthcare provider before you settle for something.
You may experience vaginal bleeding, so use a pantiliner or a sanitary pad to catch the discharge.
For at least 4 weeks, refrain from lifting anything heavy.
Do not insert anything in the vagina for at least 4 weeks.
Do not indulge in sexual intercourse for six weeks after the operation.
Take shower and try to clean the incision with a little soap and water.
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Going for a hysterectomy offers you relief from your problems and pain. Still, it is always advised to be under the guidance of your medical healthcare provider, and understand the procedure of hysterectomy and other important points related to it. To talk in person and better understand everything, you can visit or make an appointment with New Concept Clinic, one of the best Gynaecology Clinics in Dubai.