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Hysterectomy - One in
five women will have had their womb
(uterus) removed. This usually is the
norm for women around the age of 55. A
hysterectomy maybe suggested as a
solution to help women with heaving
bleeding from periods or other health
issues that leaves no alternative but to
have surgery.
A hysterectomy
simply explained evolves round the female
reproductive organs a system which
includes the uterus, vagina, ovaries and
fallopian tubes. The
uterus
is a
pear-shaped, muscular organ about the size
of a clenched fist, positioned in the
middle of the pelvis. Pregnancy develops
in the uterus. The uterus lining (the
endometrium) often sheds to produce
monthly
periods.
The
uterus is divided in to two parts—the
corpus which is the chief organ and the
cervix at the bottom where it meets the
vagina. The fallopian tubes are attached
to the two upper corners of your uterus.
The fallopian tubes end close to the
ovaries. Before making any rash decisions
to finalize removal of the womb
(hysterectomy) consider all other options
available, however if you have no healing
positives with other treatments, then a
hysterectomy maybe
inevitable.
One reason for having
surgery (hysterectomy) is if you suffer
from heavy bleeding; Loss of menstrual
flow, blood clots and pain. Some women
with heavy bleeding have no detectable
pelvic disease, and their heavy bleeding
is normally caused through hormonal
imbalance, fibroids, or thyroid
disease.
The menstrual
cycle is controlled by a complex system of
hormones, the type and amount changing
throughout the cycle. Occasionally these levels
of hormones get disrupted causing irregular
and/or heavy bleeding, study states that stress
can affect hormone levels where periods become
non existent or get heavier. Hormone
irregularities happen more as we get older, you
only have to use the menopause as an example
i.e. your periods, “now you see me now you
don’t”
Hysterectomy
means removal of the uterus by operation,
removal can include the cervix, fallopian
tubes and ovaries; however removing these
through surgery will depend on severity
of the condition and
suffering.
The uterus can be
removed through a cut in the abdomen (abdominal
hysterectomy) or through the vagina (vaginal
hysterectomy). Questions need to be asked
relating to any doubts to clarify
uncertainties.
Women fear this
operation because of the risks involved but
this also goes for any other operation
regardless of it being a female hysterectomy.
Ask your doctor or gynaecologist before surgery
happens to explain what the operation entails
and what kind of care you will receive before
and after going down to theatre. A speedy
recovery can be expected if you eat healthy and
stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery,
however if you kick the habit altogether the
better. Hysterectomy surgery and pelvic floor
repair are usually carried out under a general
anaesthetic, not a common process but has been
done with an epidural injection.
After coming round
from anaesthetic do not be alarmed at finding a
catheter in place. The purpose of the catheter
is to help drain urine flow. Discomfort and
pain can be expected so you may be hooked up to
a drip, the drip provides fluid (medication and
antibiotics) to help ease the pain.
No major exertion
should be exercised after having a
hysterectomy; however it is best to get out of
bed as soon as possible. This helps to improve
the blood circulation in your body and helps
prevent blood clots forming. Pick up a leaflet
from the clinic hospital or make an appointment
with your doctor and ask him/her to explain
matters in fine detail
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