What are the mental and physical side effects of hysterectomy. How does hysterectomy impact memory and anxiety levels. What are the alternatives to hysterectomy for fibroid treatment. How does hysterectomy affect urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.

The Hidden Mental Health Consequences of Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is often presented as a solution for various gynecological issues, including fibroids. However, recent studies have shed light on the potential long-term mental health consequences of this procedure.

According to a study published in the journal Menopause, women who undergo hysterectomy face an increased risk of anxiety and depression. The research, which followed 2,094 hysterectomy patients for 22 years, revealed some startling statistics:

• 26% relative increase in the risk of depression after hysterectomy
• 22% increase in the risk of anxiety following the procedure
• For women under 35, the risk of depression increased by 47%
• Anxiety risk in younger women increased by 45%

These findings highlight the importance of considering alternative treatments, especially for younger women. Dr. Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso, lead study author and associate professor at the Mayo Clinic, emphasizes that while hysterectomy may be appropriate for some women, it’s crucial to discuss potential alternatives with healthcare providers.

The Surprising Link Between Hysterectomy and Cognitive Function

Beyond mental health concerns, emerging research suggests that hysterectomy may also impact cognitive function, particularly memory. A pre-human trial conducted at Arizona State University has uncovered a potential connection between the uterus and brain function.

How does hysterectomy affect memory? The study, led by Dr. Heather Bimonte-Nelson, examined rats before and after hysterectomy. The results were concerning:

• Post-hysterectomy rats struggled to navigate mazes they previously completed with ease
• Rats that retained their uterus showed no decline in maze performance
• The findings suggest a direct link between uterus removal and memory impairment

While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, the study raises important questions about the long-term cognitive implications of hysterectomy.

Urinary Incontinence: An Unexpected Consequence of Hysterectomy

Urinary incontinence is another significant side effect that many women experience following hysterectomy. A recent study has revealed that this issue affects a substantial number of women post-surgery, regardless of the type of hysterectomy performed.

What percentage of women experience urinary incontinence after hysterectomy? The study found that 38% of participants reported urinary incontinence problems following surgery, despite having no prior issues with bladder control.

Interestingly, the type of hysterectomy did not appear to influence the likelihood of developing incontinence. Women who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy (SLH), total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), supervical abdominal hysterectomy (SH), or vaginal hysterectomy (VH) all experienced similar rates of incontinence.

The Persistent Problem of Pelvic Pain Post-Hysterectomy

For many women, chronic pelvic pain is a primary reason for considering hysterectomy. However, recent research suggests that the procedure may not always provide the relief they seek. In fact, some women may experience worsened pelvic pain following surgery.

A study has linked hysterectomy to myofascial pelvic pain, a condition that can lead to increased reliance on prescription opioid medications. This finding is particularly concerning given the current opioid crisis and the addictive nature of these drugs.

Women who experience pelvic pain prior to hysterectomy are at higher risk of requiring opioid medications post-surgery. This raises important questions about the effectiveness of hysterectomy in addressing chronic pelvic pain and highlights the need for alternative treatment options.

Exploring Alternatives: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Given the potential side effects of hysterectomy, many women are seeking less invasive alternatives for treating conditions like uterine fibroids. One such option is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure that offers several advantages over hysterectomy.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization? UFE is a procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviating symptoms without removing the uterus. This approach offers several benefits:

• Preservation of the uterus and potential fertility
• Shorter recovery time compared to hysterectomy
• Lower risk of complications associated with major surgery
• Effective symptom relief for many women with fibroids

For women like Gizelle Bryant from Real Housewives of Potomac, who was told she needed a hysterectomy due to large fibroids, exploring options like UFE could provide an alternative path to symptom relief without the potential long-term side effects of hysterectomy.

The Importance of Informed Decision-Making in Women’s Health

The growing body of research on hysterectomy side effects underscores the importance of informed decision-making in women’s health. While hysterectomy may be the best option for some women, particularly in cases of cancer, it’s crucial for patients to be fully aware of the potential long-term consequences.

How can women make informed decisions about hysterectomy? Consider the following steps:

1. Discuss all available treatment options with your healthcare provider
2. Research the potential side effects of hysterectomy and alternative treatments
3. Consider seeking a second opinion, especially for non-cancerous conditions
4. Weigh the potential benefits against the risks of long-term side effects
5. Explore less invasive options like UFE for conditions such as fibroids

By taking a proactive approach to their health care decisions, women can ensure they choose the treatment option that best aligns with their long-term health and wellness goals.

Addressing the Hormonal Impact of Hysterectomy

While many women are aware that hysterectomy leads to infertility, the broader hormonal implications of the surgery are often overlooked. Depending on whether the ovaries are removed along with the uterus (a procedure known as oophorectomy), women may experience significant hormonal changes following hysterectomy.

What hormonal changes can occur after hysterectomy? The effects can vary depending on the type of procedure:

• Hysterectomy with ovary preservation: May lead to earlier onset of menopause
• Hysterectomy with oophorectomy: Immediate surgical menopause
• Potential symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness
• Increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues due to estrogen loss

These hormonal changes can have far-reaching effects on a woman’s overall health and quality of life. For younger women especially, the prospect of early menopause and its associated health risks should be carefully considered when weighing the decision to undergo hysterectomy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Double-Edged Sword

To mitigate the effects of surgical menopause, some women opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While HRT can alleviate many menopause symptoms, it comes with its own set of risks and considerations.

What are the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy?

• Pros:
  • Relief from hot flashes and night sweats
  • Improved mood and energy levels
  • Potential protection against bone loss
• Cons:
  • Increased risk of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer
  • Potential for blood clots and stroke
  • Side effects such as bloating and breast tenderness

The decision to use HRT should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account individual health history and risk factors.

The Impact of Hysterectomy on Sexual Function and Intimacy

While often overlooked in discussions about hysterectomy, the procedure’s impact on sexual function and intimacy is a significant concern for many women. The removal of the uterus can affect sexual experiences in various ways, both physical and psychological.

How does hysterectomy affect sexual function? Several changes may occur:

• Altered sensations during orgasm due to the removal of the uterus
• Potential for vaginal dryness, especially if ovaries are removed
• Shortened vaginal canal, which may cause discomfort during intercourse
• Psychological impacts on body image and sexual confidence

It’s important to note that many women report satisfying sexual experiences after hysterectomy. However, open communication with healthcare providers and partners about potential changes and concerns is crucial for maintaining sexual health and intimacy post-surgery.

Strategies for Maintaining Sexual Health After Hysterectomy

For women experiencing sexual difficulties following hysterectomy, several strategies can help improve comfort and enjoyment:

1. Use of lubricants to address vaginal dryness
2. Pelvic floor exercises to improve muscle tone and sensation
3. Open communication with partners about new sensations or concerns
4. Exploration of new techniques or positions that feel comfortable
5. Consideration of sex therapy or counseling to address psychological impacts

By proactively addressing sexual health concerns, many women can maintain fulfilling intimate relationships following hysterectomy.

Long-Term Health Monitoring Post-Hysterectomy

Given the potential for long-term side effects, women who have undergone hysterectomy require ongoing health monitoring. Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect and address issues early, improving overall health outcomes.

What health aspects should be monitored after hysterectomy?

• Bone density: Regular screenings to detect early signs of osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular health: Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart function
• Mental health: Regular assessments for signs of depression or anxiety
• Pelvic health: Evaluations for issues like prolapse or incontinence
• Sexual health: Addressing any ongoing concerns or difficulties

Healthcare providers should work with patients to develop personalized monitoring plans based on individual risk factors and health histories. This proactive approach can help mitigate long-term health risks associated with hysterectomy.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Post-Hysterectomy Health

In addition to medical monitoring, lifestyle factors play a crucial role in maintaining health after hysterectomy. Women can take several steps to support their overall well-being:

1. Regular exercise, including weight-bearing activities for bone health
2. Balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
3. Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga
4. Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on pelvic organs
5. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption

By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, women can help mitigate some of the potential long-term health risks associated with hysterectomy and improve their overall quality of life.

Hysterectomy Side Effects | Alternate to Hysterectomy for Fibroids

Hysterectomy causes major side effects, and they aren’t just menopause and infertility. Now, many women with fibroids think they need a hysterectomy—a surgical removal of the uterus. That’s the case for Real Housewives of Potomac star Gizelle Bryant, who recently revealed on the show that “My uterus fibroids are so huge that they can’t just remove the fibroids. They’ve got to also remove my uterus, which is just like a full-blown hysterectomy.”

Unfortunately, like Gizelle, some women are told that getting this drastic surgery is the only way to relieve fibroid symptoms. But there are less invasive treatments available, like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This is a problem because, no matter what the reason, women who undergo hysterectomies face major surgery complications. And now, studies show that hysterectomy side effects may include mental and physical health struggles. We’ve already explored how hysterectomy side effects damage your heart health. So, today, we’ll explore this surgery impacts your memory and your anxiety levels.

How a Hysterectomy can Hurt Your Mental Health

Women’s risk for anxiety and depression increase after  hysterectomy, according to a study in the journal Menopause.

To reach this conclusion, researchers reviewed the medical records of 2,094 hysterectomy patients. For this study, none of those women had cancer. Next, they compared the records to those of same-aged women who hadn’t had a hysterectomy. And then they followed both groups for 22 years.

As it turns out, woman’s risk for depression relatively increased by 26 percent with hysterectomy. And the risk for anxiety increased by 22 percent after hysterectomy. Researchers discovered that age matters, too. In young women, who had a hysterectomy before 35, there was a 47 percent increased risk for depression. Also, the anxiety risk increased by 45 percent. Outside of cancer, the reason for the hysterectomy didn’t seem to impact the increased risk of mental health issues.

According to lead study author, Dr. Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Mayo Clinic, “Hysterectomy is right for some women. But there is this 4 to 6 percent of women who will be affected by depression or anxiety. We’re hoping women will talk with their doctors and see if there’s any alternative they could use instead.”

Uterine Surgery May Interfere with Memory

Depression isn’t the only way hysterectomy may affect your brain function. According to a pre-human trial from Arizona State University, a hysterectomy could impact your memory. Now, if that sounds strange, it is. But here’s what we know: your ovaries and brain are connected.  So your estrogen and progesterone levels impact your memory. But we now know that your uterus is tied to your autonomic nervous system. Which means that losing your uterus could affect your cognitive ability.

In order to illustrate this fact, Dr. Heather Bimonte-Nelson studied rats before and after a hysterectomy. Allowing for 6 weeks of recovery time, the study tested their post-hysterectomy working memory. And here’s the bad news: after hysterectomy, rats couldn’t navigate a maze they used to complete. In comparison, rats who kept their uterus had no problem finishing the maze. In other words, losing their uterus directly impacted rat memory. Clearly, this study has troubling implications for human females.

Urinary Incontinence Added to List of Hysterectomy Side Effects

A new study reveals that urinary incontinence becomes a problem for many women after uterine removal surgery. In fact, 38% of women reported this problem after surgery. But they had no incontinence concerns before their hysterectomies.

Researchers for this study thought that the type of hysterectomy might make a difference on women’s bladder control after surgery. But that was not the case. Because, though participants were divided into groups by surgery type (laparoscopic hysterectomy (SLH), total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), supervical abdominal hysterectomy (SH), or vaginal hysterectomy (VH)) they experienced incontinence at similar rates.

Myofascial Pain After Hysterectomy

And wait, there’s more! Research now links myofascial pelvic pain and hysterectomy! In fact, if you have pelvic pain prior to your hysterectomy, you’re more likely to need prescription opioid medications following surgery. And, as we know, these medications are highly addictive, and part of the growing opioid crisis in this country.

Now, this discovery is troubling. After all, many women choose hysterectomy because their fibroids trigger chronic pelvic pain. So, if the surgery actually makes pelvic pain worse, that could be a reason to seek other treatment options.

UFE: The non-surgical fibroid treatment option

Thankfully, many women with fibroids can find a non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy in our Houston-area practice. Using imagine, catheters and an injection, we are able to cut off blood flow to your fibroids, which makes them shrink and, eventually, disappear. It’s a minimally invasive procedure, usually not involving a hospital stay.

If you have fibroids and are concerned about having a hysterectomy, reach out to our doctors. We can help you determine if UFE is the right treatment option for you.

Sources: Menopause, The New York Times, Journal of Endocrinology

Hysterectomy | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. After a hysterectomy, you will not menstruate (have periods) or be able to get pregnant. Uterus removal is a common treatment for a variety of conditions that affect a woman’s reproductive organs.

About half a million hysterectomies are performed each year in the U.S. It is the second most common surgical procedure for women, after cesarean delivery (C-section). Most hysterectomies are performed between the ages of 40 and 50.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy removes the uterus and the attached cervix. The type of hysterectomy you have will depend on the reason for treatment.

Types of Hysterectomies

There are several types of hysterectomies. Your doctor will discuss the risks, benefits and potential side effects of each procedure. It’s important to ask your doctor if removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes during your hysterectomy is recommended. Types of hysterectomies include:

• Total hysterectomy removes the entire uterus and the cervix (most common type).
• Partial hysterectomy (also called supracervical hysterectomy) removes only the uterus, leaving behind the cervix (research is ongoing about the risks and benefits of leaving the cervix intact).
• Radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix and upper part of the vagina (usually for cancer treatment).

How long does hysterectomy surgery take?

Hysterectomy surgery can take between one and four hours. The duration of surgery depends on the type of procedure you have and how it is performed.

Reasons for a Hysterectomy

There are a variety of reasons your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy, including:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Adenomyosis
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menses)
• Endometriosis
• Gynecologic cancers, including cancer of the uterus, ovary, cervix or endometrium
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Fibroids
• Uterine prolapse, which may be combined with bladder repair
• Gender affirmation for males who are transgender and people who are nonbinary

Abdominal Hysterectomy

A surgeon performs an abdominal, or open, hysterectomy through an incision (cut) in your abdomen. The incision can be horizontal and low on your belly, just above your pubic bone, or vertical extending up to or beyond the belly button, depending on the indication for surgery and the size of the pathology.

For an abdominal hysterectomy, you can expect:

• Anesthesia: general
• Hospitalization: two to three days
• Incision size: six to twelve inches for horizontal incisions; longer for vertical incisions
• Procedure time: one to four hours
• Recovery: six to twelve weeks, depending on the incision size and type

Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomy

In many cases, a hysterectomy can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed through several small incisions in your abdomen instead of one large incision.

A surgeon inserts an endoscope (a thin video camera) through one incision. The laparoscope allows the surgeon to view your pelvic organs on a video monitor. The abdomen is distended with gas to create a space to operate in. Small surgical tools are used in the other incisions to remove your uterus intact or in sections.

A robotic hysterectomy is another type of minimally invasive uterus removal. Your surgeon uses the assistance of a robotic device to remove your uterus through small abdominal incisions.

For a laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy, you can expect:

• Anesthesia: general
• Hospitalization: none (outpatient) or one night
• Incision size: 5–12 millimeters
• Procedure time: one to four hours
• Recovery: two to six weeks

Hysteroscopic Hysterectomy

Hysteroscopic (vaginal) hysterectomy is the least invasive approach to uterus removal. The uterus is removed through an incision at the top of the vagina, so you don’t have any abdominal incisions.

Several factors may determine whether you are a candidate for a vaginal hysterectomy, including conditions that could prevent vaginal access to the uterus, such as lack of uterine descent, severe endometriosis, uterine fibroid, need to remove the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes, adhesions (scar tissue) or surgeon preference/experience.

For a vaginal hysterectomy, you can expect:

• Anesthesia: general
• Hospitalization: one or two nights
• Incision size: none
• Procedure time: one to four hours
• Recovery: three to four weeks

Hysterectomy Side Effects and Risks

Hysterectomy is generally a safe procedure with excellent success rates. However, potential risks and side effects of the procedure include:

• Early menopause, with symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings or insomnia if ovaries are removed
• Excessive bleeding and need for blood transfusion
• Potential injury to adjacent organs such as the bladder, intestines, ureters, blood vessels and nerves
• Blood clots to legs or lungs
• Scar tissue formation
• Hernia
• Pain
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Infection

Hysterectomy Recovery

After a hysterectomy, avoid strenuous activity, intercourse and lifting heavy objects. Your doctor will let you know when you can resume normal activities such as work, exercise and sexual intercourse.

Hysterectomy for Gender Affirmation

Males who are transgender and people who are nonbinary may consider hysterectomy, salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes), oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) or a combination of these procedures as part of their gender affirmation surgery plan.

The procedure or procedures you and your doctor decide on may depend on several factors. These may include your general health and your preferences regarding fertility and the ability to carry a pregnancy or to become a biological parent. Reproductive technology experts can explain your options, including egg freezing and other ways to retain fertility.

possible complications, condition in the postoperative period, life after hysterectomy, patient reviews, rehabilitation in Moscow

Updated: January 30, 2020

Liana Nazimovna Aminova — obstetrician-gynecologist, oncologist | Obstetrician-gynecologist, oncologist, candidate of medical sciences

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Contents of the article

• Hysterectomy and its indications
• Consequences of uterine hysterectomy
• Surgical complications of hysterectomy
• Postoperative period
• Life after hysterectomy

Every year in Russia, about a million women undergo surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). At the same time, the average age of women undergoing the procedure is approximately 41 years, and in some cases it was possible to carry out alternative and effective treatment and save this important organ.

Unfortunately, many surgeons underestimate the importance of the uterus and treat it only as an object for carrying a child, believing that the consequences of a hysterectomy are insignificant, but this is an erroneous opinion. After all, it is part of the female reproductive system, fully integrated into all its functions, so its removal cannot pass without a trace.

The monofunctional attitude to the uterus is completely unreasonable. It is quite obvious that in the body there can be no extra organs responsible for the performance of one specific task. In addition to the reproductive function, the uterus is involved in many body processes, some of which have not yet been studied in detail, but definitely, it allows you to maintain physiological balance.

Can a person fully exist without a part of the intestine, kidney or uterus? This is a rather difficult question. In any case, the removal of the organ does not pass without certain consequences, not only in terms of the functioning of the body, but also in the psychological aspect. Therefore, it is worth approaching the operation thoughtfully, learning about all possible alternatives before making a decision, and also getting all the information about possible negative reactions and later life.

Hysterectomy and its indications

Surgery to remove the uterus is called a hysterectomy. It can be radical – removal of the organ along with the ovaries, simple – excision of the uterus and its cervix, partial – removal of only the uterus. This is an extreme method of treating gynecological diseases, used in case of failure of other methods of therapy.

Indications for surgery are multiple giant myomatous nodes (pregnancy size more than 20 weeks), oncological diseases, pathology of the endometrium, ovaries, cervix, injuries (for example, uterine prolapse), emergency situations that threaten life. In most cases, this procedure is performed for diseases in advanced forms, in which women themselves voluntarily brought themselves to such a state and did not pay attention to their health for years. Many patients postpone the treatment of identified diseases until the last moment, although seeking help in the early stages would allow more gentle alternative and no less effective methods aimed at preserving this important organ.

In most cases, a hysterectomy is performed for uterine fibroids, although surgery is not always justified. Previously, it was believed that fibroids are a benign neoplasm, which over time can degenerate into a malignant tumor, and the only radical method of treating such a pathology is the complete excision of the organ. But the nature of the disease has long been revised, it has been proven that the probability of its malignancy is extremely small and, in fact, fibroids are compared in terms of characteristics with a wen on the skin, which made it possible to reduce oncological alertness. Of course, this does not mean that if a pathology is detected, you can forget about it and ignore the proposed treatment, because no one can predict how the formed myomatous nodes will behave: whether they will grow or regress.

This means that it is necessary to consider all possible therapy options that will preserve the uterus and its functionality. The best results can be achieved by using EMA. This is a modern and effective method of treatment that allows you to save not only the organ itself, but also its integrity and functionality, preventing the development of negative phenomena. EMA is a unique technique, about which there are many unfounded myths. You can talk about UAE and its results, dispel all your doubts in clinics for the treatment of fibroids. You can find out more detailed information by making an appointment or by e-mail consultation.

Sequelae of uterine hysterectomy

Hysterectomy of the uterus is an operation performed for many years, so its results and consequences are carefully studied. Many doctors from different countries conducted numerous studies based on the case histories of women who underwent hysterectomy, which made it possible to determine possible changes in the patient’s life, risks and health problems.

After a hysterectomy, there is a possibility of developing the following negative reactions:

• Cardiovascular disease: a large study was conducted in Sweden covering more than thirty years of data. The results revealed that the risk of cardiovascular disease in women under 50 years of age who underwent a hysterectomy is quite high, in particular, they can develop coronary artery disease and stroke. At the same time, many patients and doctors did not associate the complications caused with the consequences of the intervention;
• Increased risk of developing kidney, thyroid and breast cancer;
• Psycho-emotional effects: depression, irritability, sleep disturbances, memory, fatigue;
• Urinary disorders;
• Pain in the joints;
• Osteoporosis and consequently high risk of fractures;
• Changes in sexual life: decreased libido (sex drive), pain, difficulty achieving orgasm, vaginal dryness, etc. ;
• Weight gain due to metabolic and hormonal disorders;
• Loss of hair, etc.

Numerous studies based on the analysis of the results of hysterectomy over a long period of time have revealed that about half of patients develop post-hysterectomy syndrome – a set of symptoms associated with disruption of the endocrine, nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Do not forget about the importance of the psycho-emotional state of a woman after removal of the uterus. On a subconscious level, the uterus symbolizes femininity and is a necessary organ that proves involvement in the female sex. Therefore, the irrevocable removal of an organ necessarily affects the psycho-emotional background of the patient, regardless of the degree of her preparedness.

Hysterectomy is an intervention that causes certain reactions of the body. But this does not mean that when it is appointed, it is worth refusing the operation. After all, any radical operation is performed strictly according to indications, if the doctor has prescribed a surgical method of treatment based on numerous data, and there is no alternative method of therapy, then you should not be afraid of the intervention and refuse treatment, putting your life in danger. You just need to undergo a full examination, clarify the likelihood of replacing the procedure with other methods, study all the necessary information, preparing yourself for possible negative reactions.

Surgical complications of hysterectomy

In addition to affecting the work and functionality of the whole organism and the formation of long-term consequences, hysterectomy is associated with the risk of developing reactions directly related to surgical intervention:

• Effect of anesthesia;
• Damage to nearby organs;
• Profuse bleeding;
• Inflammation;
• Intestinal obstruction;
• Peritonitis;
• Thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery.

Many doctors call a hysterectomy a simple operation, but it really isn’t. Of course, this is a basic procedure, but it requires a highly qualified doctor, certain knowledge and skills, technical training, compliance with norms, standards and rules in order to minimize the risk of complications arising from the intervention of a surgeon. In addition, the rehabilitation period after a hysterectomy is quite long, about 2 months.

On the Internet, you can find various reviews of patients about the consequences of hysterectomy of the uterus: some women are satisfied with the procedure, since significant health problems have been eliminated, some have not noticed any special complications and note an improvement in their condition, not associating many reactions with the operation, others note pronounced negative reactions. It is impossible to predict what consequences will appear after the removal of the uterus, they depend on many factors, ranging from direct indications for the procedure to the individual characteristics of each woman, so reviews about the consequences of hysterectomy are numerous and varied.

A hysterectomy is an operation performed under general anesthesia, which can also cause a number of bodily reactions. Some of the complications develop extremely rarely: injuries during intubation, damage to the eyes and nerves, psychological trauma (caused by the awakening of the patient during the intervention), but do not forget about allergic reactions to drugs, while lethal cases are also not excluded, although they are extremely rare phenomenon.

In the early postoperative period, the patient may experience bleeding, infection in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis), intestinal obstruction, and impaired urination – all of these reactions require urgent medical attention.

Postoperative period

Hysterectomy requires hospitalization of the patient, necessary for careful monitoring of her condition in the postoperative period. Full recovery of the body lasts about 2 months, but the woman is not in the hospital for the entire period, as a rule, hospitalization takes about a week, but everything is considered on an individual basis.

In the postoperative period of hysterectomy, the sensations of patients may be different. In the first hours, women experience severe weakness, nausea, dizziness, trembling, confusion caused by anesthesia. Patients experience pain in the abdomen, in particular in the area of ​​​​sutures, spotting.

To prevent the development of complications after a hysterectomy, women are prescribed various medications: anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, painkillers. To maintain the hormonal background, hormone replacement therapy is selected, which helps to minimize unpleasant reactions and improve the condition of the woman. In the first month after surgery, it is recommended to avoid strong physical exertion and sexual intercourse. It is worth noting that a woman’s sex life should not change dramatically. Although this aspect depends on the further management of the patient and timely seeking help from a doctor.

After any intervention, especially major operations, including hysterectomy, you need to monitor your health and, if negative symptoms occur, immediately inform your doctor so that he can take appropriate measures in a timely manner. You should tell your doctor about the appearance of bleeding, an increase in body temperature, increased pain, the occurrence of unpleasant discharge with a smell, as this can be an alarming sign of the development of complications.

Life after hysterectomy

The uterus is intended not only for bearing and giving birth to a child, it performs many different functions, affecting the general and psycho-emotional state, so it is necessary to fight for its preservation to the end. The development of early and long-term complications invariably affects the life of patients after hysterectomy, in particular, the formation of post-hysterectomy syndrome associated with the cessation or decrease in the production of sex hormones.

This serious condition develops in about 30-80% of women, it is characterized by depression, weakness, hot flashes, decreased performance, increased fatigue and other signs that worsen the quality of life. All these symptoms can appear in the menopause, in fact, a hysterectomy leads to the development of an artificial menopause. At the same time, it causes similar clinical reactions, often more pronounced.

The development of the syndrome is observed not only in women who have had the uterus removed along with the ovaries, but also in patients who have undergone only excision of the uterus. This is due to the fact that the operation negatively affects the blood supply to the ovaries, which causes their irreversible degenerative changes. Approximately a quarter of patients after the intervention develop anxiety, unmotivated fears, especially the fear of family breakup, a feeling of inferiority.

Life after a hysterectomy is associated with a change in sexual activity. At the same time, patients exhausted by a serious illness note an improvement in sexual terms, others indicate a loss of pleasure from sexual intercourse. It is impossible to reliably predict the likelihood of developing a particular reaction, since sexual relations are complex and depend on many positions.

Negative reactions develop in many patients, but it is possible to prevent their occurrence or reduce the negative impact, improving the quality of life, by prescribing certain therapy, drugs, dynamic monitoring, and following the doctor’s recommendations. The benefits of preserving the uterus are undeniable, but if a woman is diagnosed with a serious condition that cannot be eliminated without a hysterectomy, you should not immediately categorically refuse the operation. Many factors should be taken into account, in particular the likelihood of alternative treatment, and in case of its absence, take all necessary measures to prevent complications after removal of the uterus.

Removal of the uterus is an extreme measure that a woman and doctors should take, especially in the treatment of fibroids. To date, there is a more effective and sparing method of treatment – embolization of the uterine arteries. UAE allows you to achieve amazing results and at the same time completely preserve the uterus and its functionality, allowing the patient to remain a full-fledged woman.

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References:

1. Lubnin D. M., Tikhomirov A. L. Selective embolization of uterine arteries in the algorithm of organ-preserving treatment of uterine fibroids: dis. – Moscow: [Moscow. state medical dentist. University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation], 2005.
2. Hysteroscopy // Big Medical Encyclopedia / ed. B. V. Petrovsky. – 3rd ed. – M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1974-1989.
3. Operative gynecology, ed. Kulakova V.I., M. – Medicine, 1990, 390 p.
4. Persianinov V.V. “Operative Gynecology”. – M. – Medicine, 1985, 100 p.
5. Zaporozhan V.V., “Treatment of diseases of the female genital organs”, Odessa, “Folio”, 2001, 456 p.

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Uterus removal. Hysterectomy

Removal of the uterus is one of the most common gynecological surgeries. In Russia, hysterectomy is performed annually on 100,000 women. We talked to hysterectomy survivors about stigma, support from loved ones, and life after surgery.

During my first delivery, the doctor opened my cervix with his fingers [to induce labor]. It was very painful, and my attitude towards gynecologists worsened. Last spring, I was at a medical examination, and when I sat down in a chair, the midwife opened her eyes wide and, without explaining what was happening, called the doctor. He conducted an examination and said: “You know, you have something not very good here, maybe cancer, you will probably have everything removed.” Four fibroids were found on ultrasound (a benign tumor from the muscle and connective tissue of the uterus. – Note ed. ) and one myomatous node. They said that it was necessary to prepare for a planned operation.

We postponed it until autumn, because in summer everything heals worse due to the heat and it is better not to do surgeries. But after my period, I began to bleed, and on my way to work, I stopped by the antenatal clinic. Intuition told me that I needed to check. The doctor examined me, said: “God, what a horror” – and called an ambulance. I was taken to the regional hospital and two days later my uterus, tubes and cervix were removed.

I calmly went [to the operation] out of ignorance of what awaits me after. A week later, a couple of days before discharge, she began to choke on a dropper with vitamins. When it was removed, the temperature rose sharply. It happened on Friday, and on weekends there are only nurses and a doctor on duty in the hospital. The temperature did not drop, the neck was swollen due to inflamed lymph nodes. On Monday, the entire hospital was on edge. The condition worsened, and the doctors could not find the cause of acute lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes. – Note ed. ). An infectious disease specialist flew in from Moscow, took my blood for sterility, checked for all fevers, viruses and strains. Everyone examined me: ENT, dentist, oncologist, mammologist. Four times they did CT scans of the whole body, they took me for ultrasound scans every day.

When the next doctor came, I said: “Please don’t touch it, it hurts me everywhere.” I started having tantrums because of my condition and because everyone tried to feel me and constantly examined me. As a result, the doctors did not identify the source of the inflammation and prescribed an experimental antibiotic. On the second day of taking it, the temperature began to drop. I spent almost a month in the hospital and spent two more weeks recovering at home.

I value certainty in everything, even if it is something unpleasant. But I didn’t know what was happening to me. I didn’t understand what to hope for – what if I die? And what will happen to my health if I stay alive? It was even worse than the physical pain.

Before the operation, I read the stories of other women and came to two conclusions. The first is that you cannot tell men about the removal of the uterus, otherwise they will immediately run away. The second is that I will have problems with urination for the rest of my life.

There is little adequate information on the Internet, which is partly why I wrote a detailed post about the operation on Instagram. The girls began to find me by the hashtag, and I read various obscurities from them. For example, I talked with a woman who is married to a doctor. Everyone told her about the critical situation, they say, “another month and the operation will be impossible”, and her husband forbade the operation. He believes that the uterus is a vital organ. And she is afraid that he will leave. What difference does it make if you break up or not? Your own life and health should come first.

A woman in her 50s, whose husband is eight years younger than her, was worried that after the removal of the uterus, she would not be able to give birth to him. Girls think about anyone but themselves. Another shared that she had her first sex after surgery. I ask: “Well, how?” He says: “He liked it, he didn’t notice anything. ” What’s on him? After all, it is more important how you felt, whether it was painful, uncomfortable or cool. She said, “I endured.” All. A curtain.

Due to the operation and being in bed, I have gained a lot of weight. It can be hard physically, feeling that the bladder is full. Since they left my ovaries, the surgical menopause does not occur. Periodically there are PMS, but the body is still in shock – the egg comes out every month and says: “Where is everyone?” And there is no one, and the body is stressed.

An operation is a filter to help get rid of people who shouldn’t be around. My relationship lasted 14 years, we lived in different cities. I was confident in the man, but when I talked about health problems, he disappeared. After two months of silence, I asked: “Are we separated?” Answered: “Yes.” She didn’t kill herself and didn’t suffer, but her pride was hurt – when he had problems, I stayed by his side. I also had a profile on a dating site. After the operation, I stumbled upon her and conducted an experiment – I told all the guys that my uterus was removed. Some asked how I feel, others wrote: “What are you doing here then?” But in general, relations with men have not changed, adequate ones take this calmly.

Libido returned on the second day after the operation. I was barely lying and walking, when I suddenly realized that I urgently want sex. It was some kind of uncontrollable desire. After the operation, I followed the doctor’s instructions, so now there are no problems with sex. Now I have deeper and brighter orgasms, they have become better. Well, a big plus is that there is no fear of getting pregnant unplanned.

My life has changed dramatically, I feel free from many things. I used to try to be needed by people, men. Wiped everyone’s snot, saved, raked their problems. What did I get in return? Nothing. Only devastation and resentment that grew inside me like fibroids. Now I think about myself first of all. And this is not selfishness, but love.

At the age of 36, they found a large fibroid in my uterus and underwent laparoscopy (an operation with minimal surgical intervention. – Note ed. ). The operation was successful, but after some time, bleeding from endometriosis began (the mucous membrane of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. – Note ed. ). It progressed, and new fibroids appeared. I started taking hormonal pills as prescribed by the doctor, but there was no result, and I switched to [hormonal] injections. They helped, but soon the bleeding resumed. I was offered to stop them by cauterization or remove the uterus. I consulted with my husband and chose the second option, because in six months I was very tired and wanted all this to stop.

We decided a long time ago that we didn’t want more children, especially since we have six of them from different marriages. A big role was played by the fact that the gynecologist reassured me. She said that the uterus is just a muscle, in a healthy state it is about the size of a matchbox, and is needed only for carrying a child. If an organ or part of it is removed from someone, life does not end there.

There was no psychological discomfort. The doctor forbade reading about the operation, since only those who had problems write on the forums. Accordingly, when you see this, you think that the removal of the uterus is the end.

Many women successfully survived the operation, but everyone is silent. When I came across this, I began to ask my friends, and it turned out that everyone has a mother, grandmother or aunt who had a hysterectomy.

The exit from the operation was easier than after the removal of the fibroids, when the uterus was cut and sutured. It was difficult for the first four days, I spent them in the hospital, after a week I did light recovery exercises, after two and a half I got behind the wheel, and after a month I went to the gym, started swimming and having sex. I was not afraid because I studied the structure of the female body. Only for the first time I was a little worried and followed the sensations. If you do not know your anatomy, of course, it will be scary, and this will also cause physical discomfort.

I was greatly inspired by a friend who had her tubes, uterus, cervix and ovaries removed due to cancer. Her tenacity amazed me. Probably, she was still worried, but outwardly she was a fighter. So I decided not to worry. The operation did not affect anything, removal of the uterus, as a rule, does not affect health. I have PMS (chest pain, appetite increases, mood changes) and ovulation, because the ovaries produce sex hormones.

At first I doubted whether to talk about the removal of the uterus publicly – all my friends, colleagues, acquaintances follow me on Instagram. It was scary to open up. But I realized how many women are depressed, suffering and cannot get help because it is not customary to talk about it. It’s considered embarrassing. But to live in suffering and depression, to think that you are inferior, is not normal. I decided: I need someone to start talking.

Now I am studying to become a coach and I want to apply my knowledge in rehabilitation therapy – to support people after operations. Women often write to me that they are in a panic and terrified of the upcoming removal of the uterus. I am shocked by the stories when doctors say: “Don’t tell your husband anything.” What are they doing it for? This is not their area of ​​responsibility, it is better to advise you to contact a psychotherapist. And doctors give a statement that hysterectomy should be ashamed, and lay the groundwork for depression .

I organized the project “I am a woman”. I invite specialists, gynecologists, doctors, coaches there who talk about health. In the chat, everyone shares their positive experience, so that it would not be like on the forums – one gloom about the consequences, that “after the operation, you cease to be a woman.” I don’t know why we associate with the uterus. If you think like that, then the ovaries make a woman a woman – they secrete all the hormones. It is important to know your body and what processes take place in it, to study elementary anatomy.

The mission of the project is education. To show everyone that this is a common problem, that many people go into a terrible depression after the operation and it is not so easy to return them. People around react sharply because they don’t know anything about hysterectomy. If the women themselves are not aware that their loved ones had such an operation, then what can we say about the rest. It is important to stop being ashamed of yourself and your body and start talking with loved ones, especially with a partner. Sincerity and openness, even if initially uncomfortable, will bring happiness and harmony.

At 24, I had one tube removed due to an ectopic pregnancy at 9 weeks. It was deformed, longer than the second one. Usually, the embryo moves along the tube to the uterus for three to four days, but it began to develop on its wall. Three years later, my grandmother died, and on the same day I donated blood for hCG (a hormone that is produced after embryo implantation. – Note ed. ), as the test showed pregnancy. It was confirmed, but due to the experiences after the loss, a miscarriage occurred.

In 2014, I became pregnant again, and due to intestinal colic, which drove me crazy, I went to a private clinic, where they again diagnosed an ectopic pregnancy. I heard my child’s heart beating, and after the doctor’s words: “Urgently go to the hospital, the pipe may burst and you won’t be saved,” my mind went haywire. The soul was torn into small pieces from pain and injustice. They called an ambulance and sent me to the hospital for an operation, and then they said that when I get better, I can try IVF.

It was not difficult to decide on IVF, but it was morally difficult to undergo medical examinations. They dissuaded, told scary stories that children can be born with defects, and women often have strong side effects.

I was driven only by the desire to become a mother, to see the baby and smell it. We visited doctors, took tests, but at the beginning of quarantine, I had spotting after menstruation. As soon as the polyclinics opened, we went to the doctor. It seemed to her that the cervix was not in very good condition, although according to the results of oncocytology, everything was fine. I was diagnosed with dysplasia (structural changes in epithelial cells. – Note ed. ) questioned and sent for a biopsy (collection of cells or tissues from the body. – Note ed. ).

I really want to forget that terrible day. It was sunny and hot, my husband and I came for the results of histology. The doctor was at the operation, I had to wait for him in the yard for two hours. I was very worried and did not find a place for myself, but I believed that everything would be fine. I had to go into the office alone – such diagnoses are communicated to an adult patient in private. There, the doctor, in a sad voice and with incomprehensible medical terms, announced what was happening to me. I had a shock. I didn’t understand anything, interrupted him and asked: “Is this cancer? I’m dying? Do I have a chance? Will I be able to give birth? The doctor lowered his head and said that it would not work anymore and that he needed to be treated. She left the office on bent legs, went up to her husband and said in the forehead: “This is cancer. Divorce me – I will never have children.” I only remember that, as I was leaving the clinic, I was screaming and they offered me a sedative.

Revision of slides (histological, with tissue samples. – ed. ) was required to confirm the diagnosis. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The oncologist immediately said that it was impossible to delay and that an operation was needed, since uterine bleeding could begin at any moment. Even then I was not feeling well: the temperature was 37.5, chills and pains in the lower abdomen, from which I wanted to climb the wall. I constantly slept, ate little and felt apathy. About two months before the biopsy, she began to notice a deterioration in her state of health – her head was spinning, her blood pressure was elevated.

Someone refuses an operation for fear of being left without children. There were girls in the ward with me who blamed themselves for this. They had a choice – remove the uterus or cut out the tumor and continue treatment, which gives about a 60% chance of recovery. They chose the second option, but due to metastasis (the spread of tumor cells. – Note ed. ) there was a relapse. In my case, there was no choice (the type of treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, the type of cancer). My uterus and cervix were removed, and my ovaries were left in order not to expose my body to early menopause.

I was very worried on the day of the operation. I thought that I wanted to live, visit different places, go to the sea. The first day after I spent in intensive care, it was bad and painful, it was especially hard to see the death of people who were in the hospital at the same time as me, to be under tubes and equipment.

If we talk about the psychological state, then it’s still hard for me. A long and extensive hysterectomy does not go unnoticed. These are emotional swings, fatigue, apathy, swelling and pain in the legs, anemia and low blood pressure.

I try to pull myself together, draw, write posts, relax in the fresh air. A very important point – I do not try to get distracted and forget about what happened, but I allow myself to grieve, cry, complain to my husband. These are my emotions, and they need to be lived.

The first feeling after the operation is the realization that I will never be a mother. The second is that friends, acquaintances and relatives say to the husband: “Think about why you need this. She will die anyway, and you are young, promising, you will have more children. Many turned away, but I managed to accept everything. For all the holidays after the illness, I thought of one thing – to live.

I was ready for my husband to leave me. This is his choice, which I would accept and understand. But it opened from the other side. I was very lucky because after the hospital my husband took a vacation and was by my side: he cared for me, did dressings, walked the dogs, cooked, helped to recover from the operation.

As soon as he went to work, I started having psychological kickbacks – again tears, fear and apathy. It especially covers when I go through an examination to make sure that everything is fine with me. Rollbacks last from a few minutes to several days. At such moments, I am afraid of the onset of night, I wake up every half an hour and check if I am alive. It is still scary that I will not see my beloved husband and relatives, that I will die or there will be a relapse.

It seems that the family was even more difficult. Dad, for example, cried. Relatives did not know how to support me, and they themselves found themselves in a psychological trap. In fact, you just need to hug a person, tell how you will go on a trip after an illness, do not devalue emotions and in no case close yourself. Start by asking, “How are you doing?” In Russia, there are not enough psychologists-oncologists who would help the patient and his relatives cope for free. I would not refuse help to work out some points, but the specialists are paid, and we do not have such funds.