Surgery is a frightening prospect. However, women cannot
afford to ignore health issues when they arise. If your gynecologist
recommends a hysterectomy, you need to consider her advice seriously.
Hysterectomies are a common surgery where the uterus is
removed. If you hear your doctor mention an oophorectomy, that is a separate
procedure to remove the ovaries. Both can be completed together but they are
not necessarily a package deal.
While every hysterectomy involves removing the uterus, how
extensive the surgery is can vary widely. Depending on why you need a
hysterectomy, your surgeon may decide to take different
amounts of tissue.
There are three types of hysterectomies.
PARTIAL/SUBTOTAL
HYSTERECTOMY
A partial
or subtotal hysterectomy only removes the upper portion of the uterus. The
cervix is left intact. Women who receive a partial hysterectomy are still at
risk for cervical and ovarian cancer. Decreased blood flow
to the ovaries will impact hormone levels, which can impact bone density and
may result in emotional problems. In some cases, the change in hormone levels
can cause the symptoms of menopause.
TOTAL/COMPLETE
HYSTERECTOMY
A total or complete
hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix entirely. This is the most
common type of hysterectomy. The risk of cervical cancer is removed, but
ovarian cancer is still possible.
RADICAL
HYSTERECTOMY
A radical
hysterectomy, as the name implies, is the most extensive, removing the
uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper vagina, lymph nodes, and some
surrounding tissue. The risk of cervical and ovarian cancer is completely
removed with this procedure.
You may also hear about a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This procedure
is when the surgeon takes the whole uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and
ovaries.
If you are high risk for ovarian cancer, this procedure is
incredibly helpful for avoiding developing this disease.However, if you are not
high risk, an oophorectomy
is not recommended. A hysterectomy obviously impacts your ability to get
pregnant but removing ovaries also removes alterative reproductive options,
like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy. The change in your body’s
hormones without ovaries causes surgical menopause to begin. Women without
ovaries are also at higher risk for heart disease and osteoporosis.
With or without an oophorectomy, a hysterectomy can be
overwhelming, as the changes impact every aspect of a woman’s health and life.
Don’t feel alone! The medical professionals at the Institute
for Women’s Health in San Antonio can help you make informed decisions about
which hysterectomy may be the best option for you.
