What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where Dr. Odogwu removes your uterus. By and large, you shouldn’t opt for a hysterectomy flippantly since it ends your ability to get pregnant. But it also ends menstruation, which is why many women undergo a hysterectomy. There are several types of hysterectomies, including:
Subtotal, or supracervical, hysterectomy
Dr. Odogwu removes the upper part of your uterus, preserving your cervix.
Total hysterectomy
The doctor removes your entire uterus, including your cervix.
Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Dr. Odogwu removes your uterus, your cervix, your ovaries, and your fallopian tubes. Since the doctor removes your ovaries in this procedure, you will enter menopause, if you haven’t already.
Why would I need a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where Dr. Odogwu removes your uterus. By and large, you shouldn’t opt for a hysterectomy flippantly since it ends your ability to get pregnant. But it also ends menstruation, which is why many women undergo a hysterectomy. There are several types of hysterectomies, including:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Uterine prolapse, which is when your uterus collapses into your vagina
- Cancer
- Abnormal bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Adenomyosis, which is when your endometrial tissue grows inside the walls of your uterus
What can I expect after a hysterectomy?
Your periods will stop, though you might experience light vaginal bleeding or brownish discharge for a few weeks after surgery. You might also experience bruising, pain and numbness around your incision site. But these symptoms usually resolve over the next few weeks after surgery. You might need hormone replacement therapy if your ovaries are removed. And if your ovaries are removed, you might experience vaginal atrophy. But topical vaginal estrogen can help relieve such symptoms. To learn more about a hysterectomy, call Holy Cross OBGYN or use the online form to schedule an appointment.
